The Leftover Princess and the Knights of the Round
Story by: Riine Ishida
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
Characters:
Knight of Sixth Rank of the Royal Chivalric Order
The receiving end of Leti's high-handed invitation
“Leftover Princess”
Already knew that she would be the next queen
Leti's younger brother
An eccentric historian
Friedhelm
Leti's eldest half brother
Astrid Gale
Duke’s junior
Second Prince of the Kingdom of Sommevesle
A Prime Minister-type of prince with his detailed
Okobore Hime to Entaku no Kishi
Credits page/Translator’s notes
AQUA Scans
Raws: Icarus Bride
Proofreading: Scylla
Translator’s note:
the characters to show the respect or adoration shown by the characters.
the chapter to explain it.
The titles for this volume are all based on chess terminologies.
CHAPTER II TOUCH AND MOVE
- 7 -
holding a one-on-one lesson in her room.
the Round bears an important meaning. The honorary
knights because they have military powers. Special
he has the authority to give orders as the King’s
are more like the highest ranking general in the country.”
Order and a group of military officers collectively known
responsible for Sommevesle to be recognized as a
no reason for the kingdom to keep the budget-eating
“I get that part, but what about all these books and
languages he didn’t know and the stacks of paper
Leti tapped on the books with her fingers and said in
now. We cannot do anything but wait for the next one.
do some studying. Now that you know what these are all
For the other countries, our knight system is nothing
we call our army and you, as the First Seat Knight, are
knowledge you will need for that position.”
the king. That was one reason why Leti chose Duke for
received the compulsory education as a gentleman so
would be crowned in a few years’ time and that was not
and to instil in him proper etiquette.
Sommevesle. Remember the relationship between the
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map. While you are at it, better learn how to speak at least
Duke nodded in understanding without even letting
that knowledge as the First Seat Knight. Besides, if he, as
generals of other countries properly, then they would
“These books over here are the ones I used for my
for yours. Read them over and over whenever you have
“How many languages can you speak, Your
“I can speak three languages at a native level, enough
to hold casual conversations and a few more to say
“…Amazing.”
- 10 -
during foreign language classes back at the Knight
during the classes but still got perfect marks on their tests
wondering how Friedhelm did it. Now, he seemed to
because he was particularly good in the subject, but rather
royal family; it was expected of him.
being asked to do the final confirmations of terminology
reason why he can do as he pleases – he has a true value
then he would have been long given to the church and
Leonhardt could do whatever he wanted because of
own share of difficulties and gave his best effort to be of
impression of the unique prince.
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but his hands already seem full with his teaching positions
do it myself. Besides, having a lady teach might actually
ego.”
“Yes. Have you forgotten?” Leti asked, but there was
“Ah, no. It’s just that you’re more of my master
“Good, I do not mind at all. I do not see you as a
chaperone.”
with Astrid. Being alone with Duke, her knight, was fine
“A maid…now that you mention it, why don’t you
“I had two before but after I was chosen as the heir,
on her own. I fired the other one from Friedhelm’s after
Searching for someone I can trust is too much work so I
Leti’s comment before that the brutal ones were
Leti’s lady’s maid - a lady of high social rank, of character,
eyes, were probably difficult to satisfy.
birthday of my younger sister. Until then remember at
suggest starting first with the families under the Guido
be comparatively easier.”
know one after the other and cut the day’s lessons at a
“And one last thing. An assignment for you,” Leti
The paper contained a list of the positions in
Commander of the Order. Written on the other side were
Marshall and General.
positions of Sommevesle and our neighboring countries.
details. It will be rude to make any mistakes. Once you
their insignia and shoulder marks.”
meant that she had studied and memorized all of those
people did not even have any idea about Leti’s efforts. If
been branded as a ‘Leftover Princess’.
faces, but take this piece of advice based on my
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from their faces. Women, for example, can use cosmetics
previous lover’s face without any makeup?”
Leti looked like she had something to say but decided
disappointment, pity, or all of the above.
“Yes, but only a little. I am beautiful already so there
anything on my lips today?”
she had any coloring on her lips. He never took notice if
had worn one for the party. He tried to recall her face
“You...don’t?”
- 15 -
using a lighter shade.” Leti took Duke’s thumb and
thumb and there was indeed a pretty shade of light pink
assignment.
to rush and remember everything all at once. You have all
not even try to remember two languages under the same
yourself. And...”
that Leti has a visitor.
wishes to see you.”
Leti thought Eleanor’s business might be important
She asked the maid to clear the desk and gave Duke the
“Do you know Lady Eleanor?”
Duke, though not actively using his affiliation as a
families under the Guido faction. Leti thought of
since he did, there was no need for it and she ended their
Eleanor Aufrecht entered the room when Duke took
marquis under Guido. Leti had previous interactions with
established a good relationship with her since then.
more gentler and softer aura, compared to Leti’s sharp
“Eleanor, how have you been? I last saw you at the
Leti welcomed Eleanor with her perfect princess
immediately looked down.
“Take a seat first. I am all ears.” Leti said with a sweet
situation might indeed be serious.
our...future and then...” Eleanor cried. This surprised Leti.
and asked what was wrong.
wanted to break off the engagement!”
too suspicious.
long been official and the only thing left was for them to
delayed was because of Guido’s mother, the late Sofia,
Eleanor. Leti also remembered hearing her saying
“Has he made an official request to your father?”
It was more of a slip of the tongue, but...”
he even said he was sorry for delaying the marriage for so
Guido’s opinion on marriage was the same as Leti’s.
thought that Guido found the marriage with Eleanor
he kept it ambiguous was his mother. Besides, he did not
...An affair?
the night of the magic circle incident. Even so, she could
something as passionate as an affair. He was a logical man
twice the damage and yet he could not comprehend a
easily form relationships.
Queen Sofia passed away. He might have said it out of
Support him as his fiancée, his future wife.”
now, this was what she could do. Interrogating Guido
later.
me.”
a wonderful lady.”
her that everything will be all right. By the time Eleanor
had already grown longer. Eleanor told Leti she would try
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a smile.
The room, now devoid of visitors, was silent. Leti
pieces while contemplating Eleanor’s story.
probable that he is having a hard time accepting Queen
with the chess pieces.
affect him this much...”
mean. If this indeed happened, then his sadness might be
time to give her brother a visit.
Leti ordered her maid who followed immediately, already
Leti’s maid prepared her outdoor clothes and shoes,
finished, Duke was already standing outside her room,
queen.
then make a call to Prince Guido.”
out of her way to meet Guido out of sisterly affection.
First Princess and simply chided Guido whenever he and
was changing between them as compared to the time
If this continues, I think I can give a positive answer to my
“How much shall we be on good terms?”
Leti understands that it would be impossible for the
three of them to go back the way they used to be. But the
1 See the prologue for details.
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when she thought she’d get the crown at the expense of
Leti was able to accomplish both of her goals at the
visit in the North Cemetery so Leti did not have to look
standing by Queen Sofia’s grave, but she still walked
“Truth be told, I did not expect to see you here.” Leti
brought on the ground and offered a silent prayer for the
“I see you come here quite often. I’ve seen the same
“And that means you come here just as often...There
time?”
“It is a bit difficult to talk about it in front of Queen
Leti walked further into the cemetery and Guido
followed a few steps behind them.
you, after all this time, are being hesitant about your
“...Yes.”
Leti so he had already expected Eleanor to consult with
to give his prepared answer when Leti asked something
“Are you alright?”
blue colour, met but his was evidently filled with
behind Leti’s question.
- 24 -
cancelling off your engagement was because of an affair.
I am certain you do not even have the heart to think
Guido was surprised to hear the word affair. His
the fact that he was silent and did not immediately reply
enough that he did not expect this.
whispered.
mere thought of having an affair did not cross his mind.
passed away. All this time I thought you were all right.
and you were perfectly calm during the funeral services. I
Leti’s beautiful face slowly closed in to Guido’s.
- 25 -
also worried about you. You should take a rest.
are not.”
to answer, but rather words of sympathy coming from a
“If you have any complaints, try talking about those
heart. I am certain she will be your support.”
normally cold facade softened a little.
the furthest she could go as his sister. Anywhere further
“We will go back now. But you should take your
her signal to Duke who was standing a few paces away.
Leti turned back again to face Guido, her expression
what Guido said.
to feign weakness and choose a poor move when you are
She turned her back again and continued on walking
“Hey, I also remember you saying Bishop something
back to the castle. He decided to ask something different
talked about.
game of chess once everything had calmed down. So we
Guido did not mind playing a game and accepted
could take months to finish.
- 27 -
Friedhelm taught Guido. The three of them used to play
teaming up to conspire a plan on how to defeat the
“The one who loses the game will have to expose one
“Is that promise alright? Isn’t that dangerous?”
this is just a simple game. If I win, I would just ask him to
They were walking on the path covered with ivy-lined
they saw upon their arrival was far from peaceful.
them and cried, “Your Highness! Thank goodness you’re
Leti asked her maid what had happened. After
the site of the case with speed unbelievable for a woman.
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place where the First and Second Queen Consorts took
Leti stood from a distance to observe the scene.
some passers-by gathered to see the commotion. She
between the people in the crowd.
filled with white flowers swaying in the wind was now a
magic circle drawn on it and in the centre of the circle
“Mother and Queen Sofia’s lilies! Who could do such
was readily behind her and supported her as she nearly
the delicate princess was deeply hurt at the savagery done
see because Duke knew for a fact that behind this act, his
himself doing anything necessary to pacify a raging Leti
“Your Highness, let’s leave this matter to The Order
Leti nodded and followed Duke as he led her away
Leti continued on her frail and meek princess act for
moment they were out of the Royal Palace and near her
to her room and let her anger explode the second Duke
“This is unheard of! You sure have the guts to fight
with everything this kingdom has! Charging you with
Leti revealed her true self. She punched the wall with
so natural and fluid, from the flow to the exertion of
Her actions spoke of it. The supposedly meek and
for a long time.
we’re going to base it on this latest attack, the only clear
“But I, the heir to the throne, is the face of the royal
“Well, you have point.”
Leti silently swore as the cruel sight played back in
“I must say this came as a surprise. I thought that the
many people gathered. Just like the tournament.” Duke
The second circle was drawn in blood on a bed of
around it were plucked petals of white lilies and beside it
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blood.
that I am targeted as an individual. It is not a secret that those lilies
For Leti, this incident showed how much she was
bother suppressing her anger about it.
incident as well. It’s the same as the last one, a daring act
Duke asked for information from a knight of The
he got nothing of importance, and just a confirmation of
finding him, or her, or them would be difficult.
and was able to observe the scene properly and found a
“There is a clue in this second circle. There are two
were plucked in two different ways. Some of the petals
This means that one of them may be the brain behind
Leti might have put on an exaggerated act when she
dramatic, she was also keenly observing every detail,
one of Leti’s strongest weapons, a woman’s eyes
Men would normally focus on the gruesome things, such
to see the minute detail in the difference of the petals.
mastermind and an accomplice. The mastermind has to
maybe her, to do something they do not want to do. My
knight. If we are going to go with this, then I think it is
present during the tournament can be ticked off our list
The people in attendance during the first incident
the tournament, and unaffiliated knights of The Order
to be removed from the list, it would greatly reduce the
them left. Leti and Duke were already wishing for more
the room.
! I’m back. Would you like some details on
the room in his blood stained coat. The Order had once
“You also went to check on it, right? There’s no need
somehow came as a surprise. Well, we did expect seeing
the number ‘II’, nothing unexpected about that.
2 Ane'ue: A Japanese honorific for calling one’s older sister. (More
Ahahahaha.” Leonhardt said with his usual bouncy
The number ‘I’ was written on the first circle and the
and the second was a cat. Anyone with scant knowledge
the circles.
“Don’t you find it interesting that the offering got
The cat was bigger than the bird. Why use a bigger
“Well, you see this is a staple in the world of horror
and bigger and bigger and at the final ceremony...”
“Yes, you’re right. Therefore, The Order is now
hurt. They are planning to solve this before the third one
“Your Highness, we should increase your guards.
you at all times. Let them handle the investigation for this.
focus on protecting their masters.”
and shared with them her thoughts.
Family, my next opportunity will be on Cornelia’s
would be best if we can forestall him on that event.”
Princess of Sommevesle, which Leti had kindly taken
cause an uproar. Many of the princes and princesses and
attendance. It was truly the best time to make an attack if
“Leon, did you notice anything else? Anything you
“Hmmm...Well, I did meet Guido Ani’ue 3
scene. He was unusually persistent in asking me if I knew
stay put with Queen Sofia’s favourite white lilies sullied
for her birthday.”
he lost his cool in that situation. The situation would
drawn on a place dear to him.
uncharacteristic display of emotion while Duke was trying
the eldest royal siblings. He had always thought that they
conversation he had heard, what he knew might be
wrong.
3 Ani’ue. A Japanese honorific referring to one’s older brother (More
Two days after the discovery of the second circle,
in mind since he heard Leti and Leon’s conversation
the three eldest royal siblings but was hesitant to ask
decided to ask another person not involved in it but knew
payment in advance.
are too much for my flimsy arms, ahahaha. By the way, is
“Please, Your Highness, I honestly do not know how
currently in a meeting so I have some free time before I
Duke, carrying a stack of books, was walking towards
asked Leonhardt the question that had been bugging him
“How was her highness’ relationship with her older
“Their relationship? I think they are close with each
forced them to act otherwise.”
until now?”
Ane’ue’s intention in hosting the previous tea party was
Duke knew that Friedhelm truly cared for Leti but he
always thought they were really on bad terms, just as the
acted more like strangers to each other in public.
‘bloodline-of-the-three-Grand-Marquises’. They have no
now. Well, it’s not like I do not understand the reason
royal family. I guess that is just how religion works. No
state, they will always find those two entangled with each
Ahahaha.”
was founded by her first king, the god Christian, also
the royal family are descendants from the gods. This is
wanted back. They wanted to restore the “Noble Pride”
“I somehow feel bad for Friedhelm ani’ue and Guido
I sure am glad I was born from parents of royal blood.
my elder brothers...”
opened his mouth again.
each other. It is more like I am not within their field of
- 41 -
anyway. If I were, I’d be dead now. Murdered and it
Leonhardt was a prince mothered by the First Queen
inheritance was followed, he was the next in line to the
happened now, Leti took Leonhardt’s position and
now and decided to be a better support for his master.
me whether I hate or like you, I would say I like you... I
are very professional with your duties.”
“But recently, I do not know why, but I feel annoyed
I wonder why.... ahahaha”
completely at a loss with what Leonhardt was thinking.
- 42 -
look. Yes, yes, that is exactly it. Ahahaha Now that
Duke let out a deep, deep sigh. He should have
disease similar to lovesickness.
you perhaps afflicted by a certain illness that makes one
“Stop the jokes. I am already sixteen years old.”
when Leonhardt continued speaking.
already incurable, right?”
“Anyway, I now know I hate you but let us be cordial
adults, are we not? ahaha”
- 43 -
not think he was qualified as an adult and wanted to say
instead. He had learned his lesson that rebutting just
“Her highness’ brothers, younger or older, are all a
books to their shelves.
also shared the same sickness as Leonhardt, and that he
royal brother was the serious Guido.
and were already going out of the archives when they saw
Leonhardt swiftly hid behind Duke and bid him
“Well, I shall go now. Talking to Guido Ani’ue taxes
Isn’t it the other way around? Duke thought but did not
watched Leonhardt, who was already a few paces away,
to The Archives. Then, he stood up properly, gave the
head.
already finished and he had to fetch Leti. He was about to
“Can I talk to you for a while?”
Duke did not have any idea as to what Guido would
the Guido faction, but his family was near the tail end of
conversation with each other before. Duke decided to
requested to the prince to keep it short.
- 45 -
conversation, Leti, clueless as to why her knight was
“Oh, is Duke late?”
do not mind if he is late for a while.”
Commander of the Royal Chivalric Order and one of the
with a stately air but amiable and approachable
hardened by experience and it is no joke that the black
by the blood shed by his enemies.
“No, I was certainly bored.”
eyes keenly observed the expressions of all those in
Leti’s expression of boredom and found her denial
Leti and Johannes had long been chess rivals because
needed protection. This was quite peculiar, as most
because they have their own honorary knights.
magic circle incident?”
circle incidents or else it would have been discussed in
circle was growing in scale since the second circle used a
Order was already beside her, she might as well ask if
“I am truly sorry Your Highness but we have not
But please, rest assured that we are doing our best for this
safety. Please be patient with us.” Johannes bowed deeply,
- 47 -
reprimand.
know the status of the Order. In case you are short on
have enough to act as guards for Cornelia’s birthday, I
Round and maybe ask some more from Prince Guido’s
“I am grateful for your kind consideration, Your
already lowered the priority for the investigation on the
getting statements from people inside the castle.”
message that the Order is adequate and able to handle the
The relationship between the knights of the Royal
“Oh, Prince Guido has also asked me again about this
“...Again?”
He has asked me several times about the previous
Cornelia’s birthday party.”
with the reason Johannes gave her.
involved Queen Sofia’s flower bed but for the first one...why? He
circles. And he does not even believe in curses.
Guido, he was not there because of a secret love affair,
If he went back to the scene just as a criminal would, too many
his beloved mother’s lilies and it is completely out of his character to
assassin to finish off anyone he wants to.
- 49 -
well thinking too much about the magic circle. She
Johannes for giving her a truthful report.
Duke shall be transferred to handle a minor post in the
as well to use the free time he will gain to protect you.”
Originally, Duke should have quit the Order the
circumstances in the Order and Leti’s ulterior motive, he
lesser post because there is an implicit rule in the Order
unaffiliated. Now that Duke has a master, he was now
“He shall be in charge of training the new members
more challenging that it has been in the previous years
- 50 -
Anyway, it is the young one’s role to bear such pains.”
when Johannes mentioned ‘troublesome rookie’.
then I am certain he has probably figured out the truth.
Duke handle him and suffer doing so even after knowing
is not someone to mess with.
alright for you to let Duke stay with us?”
but his lateral connections within the noble world are
Order to build that up more and of course, he could
Instead of warning off Leti on her plans to use the
generosity and happily welcomed her to use it as she
“Thank you. But I do feel a little bit sorry for taking
“No, don’t be Your Highness. The Order will not at
him. It is rather my pleasure to let him go if he would be
Duke’s noble birth, clear mind, superior abilities and
perfect next commander of the Order. But because Leti
meant that the Order would have to go back to the
Despite all of that, Johannes gladly gave his blessing to
“If you say so, then just let me thank you for that. He
“Hahaha... to that I can totally agree.”
- 52 -
Johannes whether he also wanted Duke as his next
because he had no plans on praising Duke openly.
of becoming the commander and I took away that chance
“No, Your Highness. Don’t be sorry. Becoming the
of.” Johannes clearly refuted Leti’s words.
leftovers, those who were not chosen or wanted. On the
serving the country and our king, but deep inside, we are
another name to call someone with broken dreams.”
other knights respected. But Johannes said it was
“He and I are already enough to represent the supply
said this was heavy. Leti wanted to ask him more about
“Your Highness, please excuse my tardiness.”
“Well then, Your Highness, I shall leave the
upcoming birthday party, I hope you would consider
additional protection. A good day, Your Highness.” He
encouragement.
commander and afterwards walked towards his master.
“Do not worry. Johannes kept me company and I am
“Well...actually, I was called on by Prince Guido on
expression showed that he was unsure whether he should
“You do not have to force yourself. If it is sensitive,
faction and I understand you have your own
who would get jealous because of your previous men.”
misunderstanding.”
behind her and started telling her about his conversation
“Prince Guido asked me to...to teach him how to
“An affair? He asked you?...Oh. I see.”
“Your face. You see, your looks are very likable to
wanted, having an affair or two would be a piece of cake
infidelity from you. Do you understand?”
choose Duke as his teacher on this particular subject but
have an affair was a complete mystery. She tilted her head
with was this might be one of those.
jokes.”
I don’t see where the joke is.”
either. Let me share with you a childhood story.
tea and Leon said that I would only be marrying someone
- 56 -
Friedhelm replied, ‘That means she’ll be marrying Guido.’”
Friedhelm saying those words and Leonhardt’s disgusted
“And you know what Prince Guido said after that?
other.’ He said that with a serious look on his face. It was
“...Ah.”
your clueless junior. I find their cluelessness annoying.
irritatingly beautiful face that makes everyone take him
joke when he was in fact just being a dork and did not
comments against that cold-hearted Guido. Just as
“I wonder though. Where is the joke? He might have
“Ulterior motives?”
Or he was trying to get some information from our side.”
I really don’t get what runs inside the heads of intelligent people.
The Commander of the Order, Johannes, paid a visit
security plan for Cornelia’s birthday party. There were
“Oh, you changed the plans drastically.”
Princess Cornelia’s birthday has the highest possibility of
only chance we can get the upper hand in this case.”
- 58 -
clear that they want the circle to be discovered and cause
chances of it being discovered in the morning of the next
supposedly the best time for them.”
Well even a girl like me was able to think of this. Certainly,
have also simulated all the possible scenarios of catching the culprit
Leti thanked Johannes without saying how grateful
“I understand that we have limited resources, but
Cattleya Palace? I agree that the next most likely target is
there is a possibility that their next target is the nearly
“That is correct, Your Highness. I shall prepare men
Leti, now satisfied with the security plan, gave her
The most they can do now was to have tighter
carry out the party safely.
not the one to do it. Do your best, Duke.
ongoing in another part of the Villla and Leti could easily
The youth should learn how to face crises. Leti whispered,
Commander Johannes’ present to Leti might be a
filled with hidden motives.
- 60 -
it, right?” Duke sighed upon seeing what the present was.
The additional knight Johannes lent to Leti, as her
amazing rookie, Astrid Gale. Duke was deep in thought
from his commander.
total waste to just assign Astrid as a runner but giving him
knight.
one of his responsibilities to assign tasks that would
with Astrid. However, Duke was the one bearing the
bodyguard to someone used to killing. He could easily see
I got your message. You transferred me to a leisure post but you
The Royal Chivalric Order is composed of men
royal and noble descent while some are simple
their manners of speaking are somehow levelled off and
lowest rank of the nobility, was still a noble and grew up
his current predicament, ungentlemanly words were
Duke took a deep breath and accepted his fate.
protection. I’ll try to find time everyday so you’d better
end of each day and make sure to remember it the next
Duke has been quite busy lately with his own studies.
Sommevesle’s social hierarchy so he had been spending
- 62 -
Add to that the foreign languages she asked him to
of the First Seat of the Knights of the Round. Now, he
during his free time from his duty at the Order and a few
advantage of their day off, he asked Astrid to come to
“Listen well; there are two things you have to
important thing, just as the name of the role suggests, is
important thing is to be able to send signals to any
something strange. “
Duke wanted Astrid to at least try these things once
Duke could only trust in Astrid’s inborn instincts.
- 63 -
around your charge and you could not coordinate with
check if he has weapons on him. To do this, you have to
too obvious and openly touch him. Be covert. The target
“I should only check? Why not get the weapon?”
weapon and