Eysir didn't explain these finer details. However, Kalia deduced them on her own.
In the romance comic Kalia remembered from Hana's childhood, the two were not in any special relationship. Although the prince was the most likely candidate for a royal consort, they were not engaged.
After all, if they were engaged, the heroin would have no means to break it, especially considering how much of a doting father the Duke of Animus was. The moment the engagement was broken, a civil war could erupt.
Thinking this far, Kalia felt more at ease. If it wasn't a matter of engagement, then there was no need to worry excessively about the prince.
She didn't want to be dragged around by the 'world of the comic.' For that reason, she was reluctant to form a deep relationship with the prince. Marriage should be with someone she truly desires.
Above all, Kalia didn't want engagements or marriages to interfere with her path. Being a high noble, she couldn't completely avoid involvement with the royal family, but that was as far as it went.
The best solution seemed to be to treat the prince well enough to avoid any talk of engagement and then avoid meeting him in the future.
"Yes, Father."
"Alright."
The Duke of Animus once again stroked Kalia's hair and left the room. After he left, Kalia called Melan to gather necessary information. She needed guidance on how to receive the prince.
* * *
"Welcome, Prince Arleigh."
A week after being informed by Eysir, the prince arrived. Kalia, waiting in the reception room, greeted him with proper etiquette.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Animus, ah, Lady Anima. My apologies."
"It's alright. The culture of the Duchy of Animus is quite unique."
Kalia skillfully covered Arleigh's mistake and offered him a seat. She was surprised at her own proficiency in handling the situation. All her words and actions flowed naturally.
"Thank you."
Arleigh took a seat, with his attendants and knight guards standing behind him. It was then that Kalia took a closer look at Arleigh.
He was a boy with strikingly bright platinum hair. Still prepubescent, he was small and pretty.
His pale skin and clear, transparent eyes combined with his bright, shiny hair made him incredibly cute. His fine features suggested that he would grow into a handsome man, something anyone could predict.
Kalia didn't need to imagine what he would look like all grown up. She already knew his adult appearance.
The leading man she remembers is Arleigh. Many years later, the doll-like boy in front of her grows up to be a handsome young man and falls in love with the heroine.
Faced with such a small and pretty boy, Kalia had only one thought.
'He's too small and thin. If he doesn't start exercising now, he'll have a hard time growing up.
His neck was also very thin. What were his wrists, straws?
Kalia wanted to make him healthy. She wanted to grow him into a solid body.
"Calm down.
She squeezed the thought out of her mind and sealed it away. She wasn't in a position to lecture anyone right now. She couldn't even take care of her own body.
Besides, if she wanted to move on with her life, she needed to distance herself from the comic's main characters. Arleigh, of course, was a key character.
Kalia served tea and snacks properly, adhering to etiquette, and engaged in light conversation to highlight her health. Arleigh participated with a serious demeanor. To an outsider, it might have seemed like a cute playdate.
Despite being an important meeting to entertain royalty, the two were still children, and expectations were naturally low.
"The royal family sends their best wishes for your recovery and has sent a gift."
"I will receive it with gratitude."
The specifics of the gift were not discussed there. It wasn't necessary.
Whatever the gift, it was nothing the Duke of Animus couldn't obtain himself. What mattered was the fact that the royal family had sent Kalia a gift.
'Such a nuisance, these noble formalities.'
Kalia accepted it with a smile, but inside, she found all these rituals bothersome. She was eager to return to her room and continue her calf raises. She had to work on strengthening her calves!
Yet, despite her inner thoughts, her actions were thoroughly polite. It wasn't just an automatic response from her body. Kalia, in any field, possessed a professional mindset.
The formalities were quickly concluded. What remained was to build rapport through light conversation while enjoying the tea and snacks.
Arleigh seemed curious about a girl his age and showed interest in personal conversation. Kalia, responding to him, became curious about a boy standing behind Arleigh.
"Speaking of which, your knight guard seems quite young."
"As you mentioned, Muskel is indeed too young to be a formal knight. However, he is stronger than many knights."
Though young, his body was nearly fully grown. He stood at about 180 centimeters tall with broad shoulders.
This was the first time Kalia had seen such an imposing figure since she had come to this world. There were many tall people, but they were all lanky like bamboo. No one was as 'big' as him.
What was astonishing was that this physique wasn't crafted by exercise but was natural. Kalia, an expert in this field, could tell. There were no signs of isolated muscle growth, typical of dedicated training.
Solid bones and muscles! To an athlete, it was a body blessed for physical endeavors.
"Ahem. I know Muskel's presence here might seem informal. But he is like a brother to me."
"No, not at all. It's wonderful. When he's fully grown, he'll be a great strength to you, Your Highness."
"Yes, really?"
"Absolutely. He has a naturally excellent physique. With just a bit of care, he could have an incredible body."
"That's... uh..."
Arleigh swallowed nervously. Muskel, standing behind, also seemed taken aback, his eyes wide with surprise.
As trained, Muskel quickly regained his composure.
"Your Highness, may I speak?"
"Yes, go ahead. What is it?"
"It seems the Lady pities me for being seen as a burden to you, offering kind words as comfort. I appreciate her gracious spirit, but such comments could bring unwelcome attention to the Lady."
"Oh, I didn't mean it like that. I was just admiring."
'Do knights in this place not train physically? Aren't knights supposed to be soldiers?'
"Just thank you."
Sensing that further clarification might deepen Muskel's misunderstanding, Kalia chose not to add more. Muskel remained stoically expressionless, apparently thinking Kalia was mocking him.
Despite Arleigh's efforts to lighten the mood with various topics, there was no substantial conversation until their departure.
"Take care on your way back."
"Yes. I'll see you again once you're fully recovered, Lady."
After seeing off Arleigh, Kalia went with Melan to report the day's meeting to Eysir. Eysir, having already received updates from his attendants, was well informed.
"I see. Kalia, what did you think of Prince Arleigh?"
"He seemed like a good person. He treated his subordinates well."
"Is that so? Did he impress you?"
"As a ruler, yes. As a romantic interest, not so much."
"My daughter saying such things..."
'Oops. Was that a bit childish? No, children often say stranger things.'
Eysir tapped his fingers on the table, pondering for a moment before speaking again.
"It's a bit early to discuss this, but there's talk that the royal family is seeking a consort for the two princes. They often consider our family, the House of Animus, or the Grand Duchy of Nouram in the north."
"Are you saying I should be prepared in case I'm chosen as a consort?"
"Your heart is what matters most. If you wish to become a consort, I'll pave the way."
"No, thank you."
Kalia wasn't sure what the usual marrying age was in this world, but the idea of discussing such matters with a child her age felt awkward.
Even if they promised to marry when they grew up, at their current age, they'd likely forget such a promise by the time they were in their twenties.
But when nobility and family legacies were involved, things got complicated. Kalia, struggling to keep up with the flood of thoughts swirling in her head, responded to Eysir.
"I think it's too early to talk about that."
"Is it?"
'Why does he look happy? Because he's a doting father? Maybe he wants me to say I won't marry and will stay with him. But isn't ten years old too young for that kind of wish?'
She didn't voice this to avoid upsetting Eysir. After all, he was a 'good father'.
"Yes. You must be tired from handling the meeting, especially since you're not fully recovered. Do you need anything?"
"Actually, there is something I'd like to ask for."
"Of course. Just tell me, what do you want this time?"
Knowing Kalia's penchant for collecting, Eysir didn't need much explanation. But this time, her request was different.
"I need a skilled blacksmith and high-quality steel."
"Oh?"