Snow White with the Red Hair (赤髪の白雪姫)

A messenger is coming from Tanbarun?

Arriving tomorrow. A lot of things happened after Shirayuki's invitation, right?

It's about that.

Did Shirayuki make friends with their foolish prince?

At the very least, Shirayuki does not think of Raj as a fool.

That's good to hear.

She gets along well with princes, doesn't she?

If that is how you feel, why don't you build a better relationship with her, too?

Oh? If I become friends with her, you'll feel uneasy.

Your concern is unnecessary.

Not that I'd do it anyway.

In any case, if Tanbarun isn't done with Shirayuki yet,

then I'm excited to see what's next.

I will go out to meet the messenger.

Sure.

"Last episode: My Story, My Path"

That's the last of it.

All that's left is to pull the weeds in front

and see how the akime herbs are sprouting.

Ouch! Get off!

What, it was you after all?

What do you mean, "after all"?!

Mihaya?

That's right.

Jeez...

I came as a messenger from Tanbarun.

I went out of my way to come see you after greeting Prince Zen and the others, too.

Why were you sneaking around in the shadows if you were coming to see Shirayuki?

Because someone I didn't want to see was probably with her, you stray cat face!

Messenger? Mihaya, you're in Tanbarun now?

When you were kidnapped by the Claw of the Sea,

I gave some real important intel to Tanbarun to help capture them, remember?

After that, thugs associated with the Claw were dragged out one by one,

and I received noble rank as a reward.

What?

I don't really have any power, but for what it's worth,

right now, I'm the head of the Sisk viscount family.

Wow, you've been really active.

So that's why, you came as a messenger from Tanbarun?

No, I was just allowed to come along because I know you.

The official messenger is someone else. He has business with you, Shirayuki.

What? With me?

Shirayuki.

Sorry I'm late!

Zen's inside. Prince Izana is, as well.

I see...

Um, there's a messenger from Tanbarun?

Did something happen to Prince Raj?

That doesn't seem to be the case.

Well, it's not surprising you'd think that.

Shirayuki has arrived!

Excuse me.

Shirayuki, long time no see.

S-Sakaki?

He says has something to give you, Shirayuki.

Prince Izana...

Zen and I thought it would be best to have witnesses, so we asked to be present.

I come as a representative of the prince of Tanbarun.

Shirayuki, this is for you.

This is what Prince Raj said:

"Tanbarun presents the title 'Friend of the Crown' to Shirayuki of Clarines."

Title...

The red-headed girl you've meddled with is the only one in Tanbarun

to have been given the title "Friend of the Crown"!

U-Um... wait...

Wasn't that bluff just part of the plan?

Prince Raj proposed it based on that,

and the king allowed it, saying, "Interesting. Very well."

What?

With this title, you will also be treated a state guest.

Prince Raj wanted to allow you to come to our kingdom whenever you wished.

Yes. Thank you very much.

Shirayuki.

Zen.

He's laughing?!

L-Lord Brother?

Prince Izana?

"Friend of the Crown" huh?

It's a strange title, but that's amazing.

Oh, I'm not making fun. It's just a little strange.

In the past,

I told Shirayuki that Zen would sully his name having a nobody like her by his side.

With this, even if you two call each other friends, there's no worry of that.

Shirayuki,

how would you like things to be between you and Zen?

I have not heard it from you once.

I don't know if there's anything you can say.

Congrats on your title.

I...

Shirayuki...

Oh, sorry. I'm fine.

I was just surprised.

Shirayuki.

You don't have to rush to think about more right now.

Are we just about done cleaning up now?

Yes.

Hey, I'm coming in.

Oh, there you are, Shirayuki.

Go ahead.

Sakaki...

He said he wanted to talk to you, Shirayuki.

Oh, will you help me for a sec, Ryu?

Yeah.

I'm sorry for interrupting your work.

It's fine. We just reached a stopping point.

Um...

I still think of you as a possible match for Prince Raj.

Huh?

I think it would be interesting.

Prince Raj did not seem to be interested, though.

That's a different story. If I keep pushing, the prince might break.

Oh?

Isn't Prince Raj motivated by his own will now?

I wonder.

He's probably sleeping soundly right about now.

Sakaki, how long have you been with the prince?

I have served him ever since he was five, and I was sixteen.

For that long?

Well, I've just stood behind him.

But that is why I have seen the same view as him.

The view with you in it shone brightly, you know.

It was full of firsts for the prince.

Is that right...?

--That Prince Raj entrusted me with this. --Hm?

A personal letter.

To his first friend.

Shirayuki, have you been well since then?

My days have been hectic as I move forward.

I sent Sakaki to Clarines. I'm sure he's been talking about bringing you to me,

but you don't have to listen to him.

I feel like my current relationship with you is not bad.

The next part might not be any of my business, but I'll write it just in case.

About the title--

It might not be much considering you already have ties to us royalty.

I'm giving it to you so it can be a shield for you.

You should hold onto whatever you can if there is nothing to lose by having it.

I will do the same.

Yours, Raj Schenazade.

I...

This is the most comfortable spot after all.

Miss!

Obi, what's the matter?

I'm, you know, nocturnal.