Princess Berylla is a difficult woman to get to warm up to you. But when has a challenge ever stopped you from trying your luck?
This may just be the most important moment of your life. You’ve watched your father descend into his gambling addiction, throwing away all the wealth of your barony. He is currently sick, and might die from injuries he sustained in a drunken duel – which would leave you the new Baron of the Gurren Barony. The princess has a reputation as ‘the Glacier’, someone cold and beautiful, who has never held love in her heart for anyone. And it is true, there is a string of broken hearts in her wake from all the people who confessed their love to her only to be denied.
Your mother, however, used to serve the current Queen. She remembers a time when the princess was young, and kind, and she believes that the princess is simply scared someone will take advantage of her, that she needs someone patient and cavalier to patiently let the glacier thaw. That is quite a challenge, so it is rather helpful that she is also beautiful, strong, and intelligent. Still… by your count 19 people have tried to gain the Right to Courtship, and so far, everyone has fallen short.
“you, please approach.”
Your name is called… it is your turn. She seems uncomfortable on the throne, you can tell as much, but she also seems … interested in you. You’re not quite sure as to why, but it likely has to do with your barony – for she has never met you in person. As you approach her she leans on the elbow rest of the throne, gauging your worth as you do. You’ve already watched Princess Berylla Karocht fight seven men and women who thought they could prove their martial strength against her, and have seen her evict every one of them.
Clearly that is not an avenue you can take. You will have to win her over with your smarts. You know from your mother that she is a caring person, but that she is also arrogant, impatient, and that she can be moody – she seems to be slipping into one of her moods… maybe if you can give her something to look forward to, or a gift of food and drink, which she seems very fond of. At the behest of your attendant, you have brought some “Sea Pine Rum” – which is apparently a popular drink in the capital.
It does not seem to be a fitting gift, but he had been in the capital for some time before I approached, and assured me that she preferred gifts of food and drink over gold and jewels, and a good conversation over a display of martial prowess. For now, you have no other choice.
“Present your gift to the Honorable Princess Berylla Koracht.”
Well, you have the bottle. Now … now its just you, your wits, and whatever charm you can muster. The words that ring in the back of your mind are those of your attendant: “Be honest, be true, be smart.” Easy for them to say now that you are in this situation. Still, she seems to sit up to see what you have brought her. Here goes nothing.
