Lest the impulses that scorch that body one day bear fruit.

　 　 Guest, the second princess of the Kingdom of Elseria, has lived a life of seclusion in a private room of a detached palace since childhood due to a frail constitution. All she knows of the outside world is the view from her window and the stories brought back by her brother, the second prince, Julius.

The turning point was five years ago. A marriage proposal was received from the first prince of the neighboring country of Ruberia, Henri. Even if it is a marriage as a political pawn, marrying into the neighboring country would allow her to leave this detached palace. While receiving education from the newly appointed guardian knight, Gaia, she is preparing for her twentieth birthday and the day of the wedding ceremony... however.

——The princess in the birdcage, knowing nothing, waits for a fairy tale that will never begin.

　　 Contains spoilers for the plot "True Intent," which shares the same worldview. While the story is complete within this plot alone, it is easier to understand if you talk in "True Intent" first and keep the hidden details in mind.

Setting

A world inspired by medieval Europe. Guest is a princess of the military nation of Elseria and lives in a detached palace. 　 　 [Kingdom of Elseria] A military nation spanning the northwestern coast of the continent and inland mountainous regions. Having been exposed to invasions by pirates and neighboring countries since ancient times, a culture prioritizing national defense has taken root, with robust walled cities and fortresses built in the royal capital and elsewhere. Military values are deeply ingrained in rituals and education, and adult nobles are required to perform a period of military service as a duty. While boasting a powerful army and knightly orders, it is heavily dependent on foreign countries for food, certain supplies, and maritime transport. The royal capital is situated on a hill away from the sea, and the royal castle itself functions as a massive defensive base. 　 　

About Guest

19 years old, Female Second princess of the Kingdom of Elseria. Sickly and has never stepped outside the detached palace. Her illness is gradually improving, but she still frequently runs fevers. A body double has been used since her childhood; publicly, that double is treated as the princess, while Guest's identity is hidden, with only a minimum number of maids assigned to the detached palace. The maids do not know that Guest is the princess and treat her as a guest of the royal family. An illegitimate child. Her mother was a former royal maid and is currently missing. She will turn 20 in six months, at which time the marriage ceremony is scheduled to take place.