Chapter 18: Imperial Capital – Martial Arts Tournament – 10
As I stepped out of the bath, the other members were just about to enter, having been encouraged to cleanse themselves before dinner.
Returning to my room, I drank some cold water and let my mind wander until dinner was announced, and we were all guided to the dining hall.
The dining hall of the Imperial Castle was vast enough to dazzle the eyes, with a magical device resembling a fireplace set at the back, in front of which a long table capable of seating fifty was arranged.
Naturally, the pure white table and chairs were exquisite pieces crafted by master artisans, and the candlesticks were made of mithril, as one would expect.
Seated before the fireplace was the young Emperor Aeneas Borealis, with a beautiful woman sitting regally at his right. Without a doubt, she was Princess Marishielle, the Emperor’s sister.
We each took our designated seats, and mine was right next to His Imperial Majesty, directly across from Princess Marishielle.
While His Imperial Majesty’s expression remained unchanged from our earlier encounter in the bath, the intricate gold embroidery on his purple noble attire exuded an aura befitting an emperor.
In contrast, Princess Marishielle, seated before me, was openly gazing at me. Her lightly purplish silver hair cascaded down her back in gentle waves, and her surprisingly gentle gaze bore a resemblance to Freinir. Her well-defined nose and moist-looking lips were so perfectly shaped that they could be mistaken for a work of art, embodying the essence of a noblewoman.
Though she appeared tall for a woman, her stature was likely enhanced by her reputation as a renowned adventurer. She wore a white noble outfit adorned with silver embroidery.
Once everyone was seated, His Imperial Majesty spoke.
“To the members of ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ I extend my gratitude for traveling all the way to this Imperial Capital. I am Aeneas Borealis, the leader of this nation. Beside me is Marishielle, my sister, who is also an adventurer like yourselves, so please treat her kindly. The formal audience will take place the day after tomorrow, but I wish to foster a personal connection with all of you from ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ which is why I arranged this gathering in advance. It would be wonderful to hear your stories and deepen our bonds here today.”
At that moment, the attendants began pouring aperitifs into our wine glasses.
“Then, let us toast to the prosperity of the Empire and the further success of ‘Soul’s Guidance.’ Cheers!”
With the Emperor’s lead, we raised our glasses, and the banquet finally commenced.
As for table manners, I had anticipated such an occasion and had received some lessons from Freinir during our camping trips. Naturally, all the members had acquired a certain level of etiquette, so I expected no one to embarrass themselves at this gathering.
A quick glance revealed that Larni and Karma appeared a bit stiff, but they were at least adhering to the manners expected of them. Freinir, Sfenia, Shizuna, and Lady Dorozitte, on the other hand, were handling themselves with grace.
Now, as for the main focus—Princess Marishielle—she quietly enjoyed her meal, glancing at me from time to time. She looked every bit the young noble adventurer, yet there was something oddly endearing about her eating style, reminiscent of a small animal.
As the appetizer concluded, I decided to strike up a conversation with her.
“Um, I have heard much about your esteemed reputation, Princess. It is said you have explored dungeons throughout the Empire. Do you have a party you adventure with?”
I thought I had approached her casually, but Princess Marishielle’s face turned surprised, and she began to fidget with her gaze.
“Y-yes, I have formed a party of five. We call ourselves ‘Water Lily Lion.'”
Her voice trembled slightly, and her cheeks flushed. Had I inadvertently caused her discomfort?
Stealing a glance at His Imperial Majesty, I noticed him sigh softly and shake his head slightly while looking at me. It seemed to convey a message of “Oh dear.” So, she must be nervous around me.
“Your party must be quite strong. How many dungeons have you explored?”
“I-I have explored nearly all the dungeons within the Empire. There are about forty in total. How about you, Count Okuno?”
“I believe I have explored over forty as well. I have ventured into the ‘Foundation of the Royal Family’ and the ‘Wandering Dungeon.'”
At this, Princess Marishielle leaned forward slightly, and His Imperial Majesty cast an intrigued glance in our direction.
“I would love to explore both the ‘Foundation of the Royal Family’ and the ‘Wandering Dungeon.’ I envy you. Here in the Imperial Castle, we also have a dungeon called the ‘Dragon’s Cradle,’ which rivals the ‘Foundation of the Royal Family.'”
“I must admit, I was unaware of that. Have you had the chance to enter it, Princess?”
“Y-yes, please call me Marishielle. The title of ‘Princess’ is unnecessary.”
“Understood, Marishielle. You may call me Soushi.”
“I-I shall do so, Soushi. I have entered the ‘Dragon’s Cradle’ several times and brought back some national treasures in the form of weapons.”
“That is quite an impressive achievement. I acquired a shield in the ‘Foundation of the Royal Family,’ which has since become my treasured possession.”
His Imperial Majesty responded to my words.
“Ah, the shield known as the ‘Immovable Fortress Wall.’ It is said to be a magnificent item that ordinary people cannot even hope to wield. I would love to see it someday.”
“If you arrange an opportunity, I would be happy to show it to you.”
“I was thinking of showcasing the dragon at the castle’s training grounds tomorrow. Would that work for you?”
“Certainly.”
At my response, Princess Marishielle’s eyes suddenly sparkled. Though her manner of speaking was that of a noble lady, it was clear she was still an adventurer at heart.
However, given her reputation as the Empire’s strongest adventurer, I had expected her to possess a more masculine or androgynous demeanor, but instead, she exuded a distinctly princess-like aura, which surprised me.
We continued our conversation between courses, but Princess Marishielle remained tense throughout.
As the meal concluded and the chatter began to wind down, we prepared to leave. Just as we were about to exit the dining hall, His Imperial Majesty approached me and whispered, “She usually carries herself with more poise. She’s always like that with new people. So, please don’t take it to heart. Though it seems she was particularly nervous today.”
It appeared that Princess Marishielle was shy around strangers. So, even royalty is still human, after all.
The distance between the imperial family and a count from the kingdom was something I could hardly grasp. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of familiarity with her, even if just a little.