Can love be green? [Vinsmoke Yonji]

00. How everything started

Since childhood, she had always been watched with a mixture of admiration and fear by the people of the kingdom. They loved and respected their princess, but she had a habit of unsettling even those closest to her. Her behavior was unpredictable, and her marksmanship was nothing short of terrifying. Once she aimed at a target, she never missed.

Most people found that frightening. She never cared. After all, protecting the kingdom was her duty.

She was a good princess but she was stubborn, reckless, and far from the graceful noblewoman everyone expected her to become. She preferred training over embroidery and battlefields over ballrooms. She was willing to get her hands dirty if it meant keeping her people safe.

She was a warrior princess. The kingdom had given her a fitting title. The White Swan.

Her family's kingdom, Aogu, was renowned for creating weapons unlike any other. Their inventions were so destructive that countless kingdoms dreamed of possessing such power. One nation, in particular, had shown a growing interest in their technology: Germa Kingdom.

Knowing that, she could not help but worry.

Political marriages were common among royalty. Her two older sisters were already married with children, while her older brother was expected to find a suitable fiancée before inheriting the throne. She knew she would eventually become another bargaining chip but the simple thought of it irritated her.

Unlike her sisters, she had never intended to obey every command without question.

Unfortunately, her fears proved justified.

[💚]

That afternoon, she was practicing her close-combat techniques in the castle gardens. After finishing another round, she paused to catch her breath and glanced toward the horizon. From the castle's position atop the cliffs, the ocean stretched endlessly below. A massive ship was approaching the shore. At first, she paid it little attention. Then she noticed the large number decorating its bow. She frowned. "Hey."

One of the nearby soldiers immediately stepped forward. "Yes, Y/n-sama?"

She gestured toward the sea. "What number is painted on that ship?"

The soldier narrowed his eyes, staring for several seconds. "I believe... it's 66."

Her eyes widened. "66? As in Germa 66?"

"Don't worry, little sister. Germa 66 isn't here to wage war." She turned toward the familiar voice.

Her older brother, Dante, was walking toward her with his usual calm smile. "Then why are they here?"

His expression faltered. He hesitated. It was only for a brief moment, but she noticed. "It seems Mother and Father haven't told you. They're interested in purchasing our weapons, and—"