As the carriage moved southwards, further away from the now familiar ocean breeze and the calming sound of the waves, the uneasiness of Benedikt became more palpable.
It has been a few days on the road already and Yumiko has gotten used to the current means of transportation. She hasn't been in a horse carriage for that long ever before and it was generally a new experience for her anyways. Yumiko enjoyed the feeling of the carriage moving on the bumpy roads, the sound of the horses and the occasional bustling of a city where they stopped for the night. Benedikt had described their surroundings to her in great detail, despite his restlessness and without her asking him to. She had noticed that ever since their wedding he had begun doing that on his own accord. He truly wanted to include her in his life and their shared world.
Yumiko felt deep appreciation for his devotion.
Sometimes Benedikt decided to sit across from her, other times he would be beside her, holding her hand but even when they weren't talking, she knew that he was looking at her.
Her husband's worries were clear and she wasn't oblivious or naive enough to believe that the intentions of the Elector of Sachson were entirely pure. However, she wanted to face the somewhat convoluted challenge with confidence and pride, even though the latter was severely offended by the invitation. Yumiko had decided that the only way to heal the offence and her pride was to play along with grace and flawless dignity.
Her debut might have been forfeited by the Sachsons, but she wouldn't let that be a reason to have her overall entrance into the world of the complicated nobility of Allemania be messed with as well. Yumiko's desire sparked a burning ambition within her to surpass all expectations and to silence all doubts once and for all.
No one shall ever question the capabilities of the Prinzessin von Hohengoldlinden again.
"Are you still pouting?" Yumiko turned to Benedikt who was sitting quietly beside her, caressing her hand once in a while. A motion that he had gotten used to already, like a habit that he developed to implicitly tell her that he was with her, an assurance or confirmation that even if he didn't say it, he was aware of her presence.
"I'm not pouting." His voice and tone told her the opposite.
She smiled at him, warmly and patted the back of his hand now. "I understand your worries."
He sighed, holding her hand tighter. "And I understand your reason. Your reaction to the invitation and everything is of course the only way to respond to that. Nevertheless, I just dislike seeing you in an unfavourable position, that might make you feel uncomfortable."
"My dear Prince. I'm not in an unfavourable position. Nor do I feel uncomfortable. If anything, it is the perfect opportunity to underline the fact that no one shall doubt anyone from the Hohengoldlinden family ever again."
Benedikt didn't respond right away. Instead he raised his other hand and gently caressed her cheek.
"I know. You are right. I shouldn't let my worries take over so easily. More than anything, I am well aware of your capabilities to prove them all wrong. Let us make them regret instead. The Hohengoldlinden family has never been more brilliant." He finally smiled again, leaned over to her and softly kissed her cheek.
"I am looking forward to it." Yumiko grinned. She felt like they had agreed on plotting something mischievous.
Benedikt laughed. "I was pretty sure that between us two, you were the more mature one."
Yumiko gave him a playful smirk. "Certainly I am, that is a very generous remark. Thank you very much."
He laughed even more. His body was shaking beside her.
"I shall voice my observations about you more openly from now on."
"Please do, I would be happy to know all about the things that you see."
"Very well," he kissed her on her forehead.
Yumiko smiled at him, she enjoyed their banter very much. And above that she was glad that his mood lightened up.
At the same time she knew that in actuality her husband didn't have the time to attend this gathering in a far away region. He was already busy as it was ever since they married. Pausing the training of the soldiers and the planning for almost three full weeks would cause a major delay in their schedule. Archduke Leopold stayed behind to cover the most important things, though the on-hand personal combat and strategy training from Benedikt would have to wait.
They decided to give the soldiers a week off to rest, which was good for morale and energy.
However, it was more or less obvious to Yumiko that Benedikt was also busy with so many other things inside of his mind besides the party that they were currently heading towards.
He still insisted on joining her, Archduchess Linda and Baroness Isabella for the event. The other two were in a second carriage, travelling with them.
"What do you think about this part of Allemania?" Yumiko looked outside the small window.
She felt Benedikt leaning forwards, trying to see what was behind the glass.
"We are still in Praußen. It is more hilly, wider and therefore appears more rural than Hohengoldlinden, but I still prefer the sea over this land. Surely, there are far greater possibilities with these extensive lands but for me there is nothing greater than the ocean."
Praußen was the kingdom from which the Emperor Wilhelm Friedrich von Schwabing came from. They were currently in the reigning family's territory, travelling through to get to the Electorate of Sachson.
"Is it so much more different from Hohengoldlinden?"
"Praußen isn't that much different from our home, objectively speaking. The things that can't be seen are very much similar, since we all share the same culture and language. However, it is in the fine, more subtle details that differ from each region, making it unique. The houses here are built higher than in Hohengoldlinden, they use different, darker stones as the fundamental structures and the fields stretch far wider than ours." Benedikt sounded contemplative.
"What about the people?"
Yumiko heard him chuckle. "They are the same. We are all the same. Even beyond the borders of Allemania and far beyond the shores of another continent. There is no difference."
She smiled at him. "I like that thought."
Benedikt raised her hand and kissed the back. "And I hope that you don't feel any different as well."
Yumiko felt a shudder of warmth and adoration. This man, her husband, was the kindest and most lovable person that she had ever met.
"Thanks to you, I have never felt more respected on the same eye level as ever before," she raised their hands now and gave the back of Benedikt's hand a kiss.
"I'm glad that I'm doing everything right then."
The sun already hung low in the sky as the horse carriages came to their final stop. The small entourage of the Hohengoldindens and the Baroness from Halstein had arrived at the impressive residential castle of the Elector's of Sachson. The architectural influences from the past decades were visible on both the outside facade and as well as the constructional structure.
The castle with its three round towers stood proudly in the middle of the capital city of the Electorate Sachson.
The employees of the castle were already lining up outside to welcome the illustrious visitors.
Benedikt opened the door of their carriage before Hagen could reach them. As Benedikt saw his aide frown slightly, he smirked at him.
The brunette then proceeded to arrange the luggage with the Sachson employees.
Yumiko grabbed Benedikt's hand and he helped her out of the carriage.
As she stepped out, the Elector's of Sachson approached them.
"Your Royal Highnesses! We welcome you to our humble home! It is our greatest honour to have you here in our wonderful Sachson." It was the Elector Maximilian Witten who spoke up first. The brunette middle aged man was tall, though still smaller than Benedikt. His figure appeared wider too and his fully bearded chin gave his face a roundish look.
The way he carried himself gave an overall unassuming expression. Although, the air around him had something noble about it, making up for his rather modest appearance.
Despite that Benedikt knew that Maximilian Witten was a very calculating and intelligent person. He knew exactly what to do in order to bring wealth and prosperity into the hands of his family. It might've been precisely due to his unassuming nature, that he managed to outsmart most of his competitors regarding business opportunities. At the end of the day the Wittens were also just very skilled in handling economic relationships and development, just as the Hohengoldlindens themselves. Benedikt respected them for that.
"Elector Maximilian Witten, Elector Augusta Witten, thank you very much for your warm welcome! May I introduce my dear wife Yumiko to you." Benedikt gave a firm handshake with Maximilian and kissed the back of Augusta's hand.
Yumiko stepped forward, a lovely smile on her lips and bowed down a little bit. "Elector Maximilian Witten, Elector Augusta Witten, I am honoured to introduce myself personally to you. I am Yumiko Kirishima and for a few months the Princess of Hohengoldlinden. It is a pleasure to meet you."
As expected Yumiko matched the height of their faces almost precisely. Benedikt felt a sense of pride as he watched his wife, confidently yet graciously greeting their hosts.
Both Wittens looked at her in obvious curiosity.
"Oh, no it is our greatest pleasure to welcome you here in Sachson as your first visit after the marriage." Maximilian took Yumiko's hand and kissed the back.
"Princess Yumiko, it is truly an honour that you have decided to take up my invitation," Augusta now took Yumiko's hands and held them, smiling at her earnestly.
Benedikt followed the scene attentively with his eyes, without breaking his friendly expression.
Linda and Isabella joined them now and the greetings were repeated.
As they finished the initial formalities, they were shown around the castle. The interior was as equally adorned with intricate details, decorations and materials as the facade. However it wasn't too overly pompous. Yumiko walked beside Benedikt, gently holding onto his arm, being guided by him. He had learned how to make it as subtle as possible by copying Takane-san who had led Yumiko before.
Since they had just completed a long journey, they were then shown to their chambers to rest up until dinner.
As the door was closed behind them, the exhausting burden of proper formalities and etiquette fell off from Benedikt's shoulders. He had almost forgotten how much he disliked the strict procedures in front of other noble people.
His eyes wandered to his wife who sat on a chair by the window. Unfazed. Relaxed.
"How are you?" Benedikt approached her from behind and put his hands on her shoulders.
She looked up to him, smiling.
"I'm glad that we have arrived safely."
"Yes, me too," he began gently massaging her shoulders.
"I'm also glad that we came here."
"How so?"
Yumiko looked outside the window. The sky already began changing its colour.
"It feels like my first real challenge that I have to overcome in order to build the foundation of my position here in Allemania."
She spoke calmly, almost factual.
Benedikt's forehead frowned upon hearing her words.
It was a repugnant thought to him that there would be a need for her to build any kind of foundation in his country. Their marriage was foundation enough to justify both her stay and her position. Despite that he knew that as seen from an outsider, a citizen within Allemania, regardless of royal heritage or not, that Yumiko had inherited a burden much greater than anyone else by simply marrying into his family. To them she was a foreigner from a far away country, who happened to marry into a respectable title. Certainly, the unspoken, indirect demand of validation was therefore present towards Yumiko.
Benedikt gently stroked her head. Her dark hair shimmered in the soft light.
"Let me know anytime if there is anything bothering you. I can't fight in your battles, however be assured that I'm always, without a doubt, supporting you." He kissed her on the top of her head.
Yumiko turned around in her seat, facing him. He could tell that she was more than confident and he grinned. His wife was ready to put the Allemanian high society back into their place. Her spirits were awakened and he adored her for the unwavering attitude.
"The same goes for you. Whatever battles you might face, I will be with you."
"Very well, then I will freely assume that this upcoming confrontation will be a piece of cake," Benedikt laughed.
Yumiko smiled back at him. "That goes without question."
The dining hall within the Sachson castle was no less grandiose than the rest of the estate. Hagen had already gotten used to their new residence for the next week. Along with Takane-san and the other employees that had joined them for the visit in the eastern region of Allemania, the preparations for the Hohengoldlindens and Baroness Isabella were completed. The spirits were high, everyone looked forward to presenting their hosts and all of the other noble guests that even outside their duchy, they were more than capable to keep up their high standard and the name of the Hohengoldlindens untarnished.
The participants of tonight's dinner were already in their seats. Neither of the Hohengoldlinden employees were to serve at the dinner, so Takane-san and Hagen stood behind Prince Benedikt and Princess Yumiko respectively. They didn't sit next to each other, so Hagen could look at Yumiko from where he was standing.
The way she was simply sitting by the table, upright, dressed in the latest fashion of Allemania and with a friendly, yet gracious expression gave him a feeling of proud superiority.
An arrogance that naturally came with the name Hohengoldlinden and Yumiko carried that with the right amount of self-esteem.
The Witten family consisted of both Maximilian and Augusta as the reigning heads and three of their children. The oldest was a pale yet tall son named Johann, who would inherit the title and its entirety. The second son was Moritz, followed by a daughter named Margaretha.
Along with Archduchess Linda and Baroness Isabella von Halstein they sat together at the large dining table.
Hagen could tell by the chosen dishes, plates and utensils that the Sachsons had given their best efforts to accommodate the highly regarded guests. He had discreetly glanced around in the hall to check if they had tried their best to meet the standards befitting the Archduchess.
In the entirety of the Electorate of Sachson Archduchess Linda von Hohengoldlinden was right now the person with the highest title. She set the standard for the gathering.
However, the attention was all on Princess Yumiko.
Despite not knowing the dishes beforehand, she did great with handling what was served before her.
"Your Royal Highness, Princess Yumiko, I hope you have gotten used to your life here in Allemania already. It must be a great change to Yashima." Augusta Witten addressed Yumiko first. She sat beside her, looking at her.
Hagen saw the observing motion of her brown eyes, taking in every detail of the young Princess next to her.
"Certainly, the allemanian people are so welcoming. I didn't expect that to be a point of concern at all," Yumiko replied skilfully - politely yet firm.
"Indeed, I'm glad to hear that." Augusta Witten nodded, still looking at Yumiko. "Would you mind telling us more about Yashima? I haven't had the honour to visit there yet."
Yumiko looked up, facing Elector Augusta perfectly, smiling.
"It would be my honour to tell you about my home country."
Augusta couldn't hide her surprised expression when Yumiko looked at her. She probably didn't expect a blind person to consider facing the other party during a conversation.
Hagen and all of the Hohengoldlinden employees have already gotten used to her skills in blending in. It was truly admirable.
Yumiko didn't miss out on looking around at the table, in order to include all the other participants in their conversation. It made it seem like she was actually able to see them all and she chose to keep her eyes closed.
"That would be lovely." Margaretha encouraged Yumiko and returned the smile shyly.
Princess Yumiko then proceeded to divulge about all the wonders and the beauty of Yashima. Everyone present, including all the employees were captivated by her telling. It was fascinating to hear about this country that she herself had never seen. Yet, it might be precisely because her impressions and perceptions are detached from all shallow concepts that made her narrative so enthralling. The way she chose her words and the descriptions made it clear that she is capable of seeing and knowing beauty and that she might be in a way superior to everyone else present.
Since her impressions are founded on a deeper level, far beyond the superficial images, her understanding of the world was indeed more sensible. Something that most people usually have to figure out in a long period of time.
Hagen swiftly glanced around at the dining table.
Archduchess Linda and Baroness Isabella were smiling proudly, knowing that Yumiko just showed off her competence in the most elegant way.
The Witten family members were all baffled, fascination reflecting in their expressions. They all looked at the slender figure who managed to engage them in such a natural and authentic manner.
Hagen couldn't see Benedikt's face in front of him, but he instinctively knew that he probably had the brightest, most triumphant grin on his lips. It wouldn't surprise him if Benedikt didn't even try to hide it behind a mask of discretion.
Though, he himself felt the same at the moment. His eyes wandered to the other side of the table, passing Yumiko in the limelight. Takane-san stood behind her, as serious and diligent as always. She was the epitome of genuine loyalty.
He couldn't quite read her sober expression, but Hagen knew that she must feel the same amount of pride and satisfaction.
Takane-san noticed his eyes on her and she looked back at him.
The corners of his lips slightly, very briefly, formed a smile. He knew that she wouldn't break away from her rational, calm demeanour to return his expression of shared comradeship.
She instead kept her eyes on him for a little while longer, not showing any emotions.
This moment of silent exchange was then interrupted by Elector Maximilian's sudden exclamation. "How wondrous! Your Royal Highness, Princess Yumiko, I must say that I'm truly fascinated. Yashima is such a marvellous country!"
Elector Augusta put down her cutlery and cleared her throat, slightly embarrassed by her husband's outcry. "What the Elector means to say is, that we are very impressed by your brilliant presentation of your home country. Thank you very much for your generous effort to tell us about your heritage." She spoke politely and calmly. "It would be my pleasure to be able to see Yashima for myself."
"No, it would be my pleasure to welcome you to Yashima," Princess Yumiko gave the older woman beside her an earnest smile.
Augusta returned her smile and Hagen interpreted the outcome of this situation as favourable. It seemed like that Yumiko managed to give such a deeply genuine impression that would also underline her definite capabilities to fill the role of the Princess von Hohengoldlinden. She secured herself the support and approval of the Witten family. From now on Yumiko had to deepen that connection in order to gain the favour of the other guests that will join for this gathering here in Sachson. Hagen was relieved that the first encounter with a different noble family as the new Princess was successful. At the same time there was no other option either. He didn't consider any other way, but having her captivate the hearts of the people around her so graciously and dignifiedly. Princess Yumiko was without a doubt the epitome of nobility. She would certainly manage to easily solidify her position within the Allemanian high society.
The evening then proceeded in a noticeably lighter atmosphere.
While the men conversed about the current economic developments and possible leisure activities they could do together within the framework of this great social gathering, the women talked about other noteworthy events in Allemania.
It was indeed a success and Hagen checked that point off from his mental list of things he had to worry about. The main event could now come up and he was ready to give his best to have his Princess and Prince consolidate their positions in the cunning society of the nobility.