Since it’s at an awkward spot, this week will also have a Saturday and Sunday update.
I’ve revised it, or rather, I’ve brought back some of the parts I thought were redundant and cut.
Thanks to Elena coming to pick me up and our successful reunion, the battalion supporting Cutlass headed to his location, leaving behind a portion. Along with Elena and Ron… the Calfaan Empire’s Third Prince Lawrence, escorted by a company, we were headed to the Calfaan Empire.
During the journey, I rode in the same carriage as Elena. Originally, I should have been in the carriage with Dolton and the others, but since I was nominally a Baron’s daughter and seen as a close aide to the Princess, I was naturally placed in the carriage for royalty.
“Aria, I’m so glad you returned safely.”
“Yes, Sera-san.”
Sera-san, my foster mother, was also waiting in the carriage as a lady-in-waiting, along with Ron.
It would be problematic to leave a young man and woman alone in the same carriage, so a rather elderly old butler was also present as Ron’s caretaker. However, the rather large carriage still had plenty of room even with five people.
While Ron and the old butler confirmed their upcoming schedule, I reported what had happened so far to Sera-san, as much as I could.
Reporting to Sera-san, who was on the opposite side with Elena between us, wasn’t ideal since it meant talking over Elena’s head, but Elena had insisted that I sit next to her, so I had no choice. It was like the “Spoiled Princess” from when we first met, but this time it wasn’t an act. The fact that she genuinely wanted me by her side made me feel a little awkward.
A friend… that’s what I called her back then. Even if Elena doesn’t say it out loud, she naturally accepts it.
Sera-san also noticed that I had become Rank 5, but since there were people from the Empire present, she only glared at me silently. It was a look that scolded me for being reckless, but her eyes seemed to have the same familial affection as my master, making me realize that I had finally returned.
After finishing my story and touching on the topic of the Evil Race, Ron, who had been waiting for us to finish, interrupted as if he couldn’t hold back any longer.
“Aria, he’s safe, right?”
“…Yes, Your Highness.”
He must be talking about Camille. I had given Ron the letter from Camille that Jesha-san had brought. I don’t know what was written in it, but from his relieved expression, they must know each other’s circumstances.
“Aria… you can speak normally. This old man has been my ally since I was a child, think of him as someone like your Mrs. Leighton.”
“…Understood.”
Ron said that, noticing my formal speech, and the old butler next to him nodded with a gentle smile, so I switched back to my usual way of speaking.
“Thank you for delivering it. Please also thank that former Guild Master. If he intends to serve, I’ll make arrangements. Honestly, a Rank 4 heavy warrior is valuable.”
“I’ll let him know.”
Though I don’t know if he still has that intention.
“Also, I want to talk about the upcoming schedule.”
According to what I heard from Elena and Sera-san, Elena had stayed in the Empire until the very last moment for my sake.
According to Ron, that schedule was truly tight. Preparations for departure were already underway, and even after we returned, they would have to leave for the Kingdom of Claydale in a few days. And during those few days before departure, not only Elena but also I would need to have an audience with His Imperial Majesty.
“Why me?”
“Aria, you’re a Baron’s daughter and a close aide to the Princess, right? In reality, you might be a bodyguard, but the Princess has been moving so much for your sake. Besides, Father and Mother are interested. Either way, Dolton-dono has also been invited, so please give up.”
“…………”
I barely swallowed the word “troublesome.” The old butler wouldn’t allow disrespect towards His Imperial Majesty, even if he allowed me to speak normally with the Prince. Still… I never thought I would meet the Evil Race’s king and the Emperor before my own country’s king.
“Also, since the Princess of a friendly nation is returning from her short-term study abroad, a Soirée will be held the day before her return. The Rainbow Sword members will also be there, but Aria, you must participate.”
“…Understood.”
That’s also troublesome, but judging from Ron’s expression, is there something else? I sent him a look with that meaning, and Elena interrupted, pulling on my sleeve with her finger.
“Your Highness Lawrence, I will explain.”
“…Ah.”
Instead of Ron, who seemed to have difficulty speaking, Elena turned to face me.
“Aria… there’s a possibility that your life might be targeted.”
The Third Prince Lawrence was being targeted by the relatives of his older brother, the Crown Prince.
However, that situation had changed significantly because Ron became involved with Elena and created a favor with the Kingdom of Claydale by “rescuing the Princess of a friendly nation.”
The reason for framing it that way was because it was decided upon by His Imperial Majesty, Ron, and Elena after discussions, as it benefited both sides.
Currently, laying a hand on Ron would harm the Empire’s national interests, and the neutral nobles would also become enemies with the Crown Prince’s relatives.
Ron wasn’t seeking the throne. However, in order to realize his dream with Camille of peace between the Evil Race and humans, obtaining the Emperor’s position was the closest path.
But Ron also realized that even that method was a thorny path. A king prioritizes his own country’s people over others, and the more seriously he tackles it, the further he strays from his childish ideals.
That’s why Ron is wavering between ideals and reality.
That’s where he differs from Elena. If it’s for the sake of the nation and its people, she wouldn’t hesitate to stain her hands with blood.
However, no matter which path he chooses, the paranoid relatives of the Crown Prince feared that Ron would be pushed to become Emperor by the neutral nobles.
So, what should they do? They should eliminate the favor that the Third Prince had created with the Kingdom of Claydale.
Short-sighted… they’re prioritizing their own power over the interests of their country.
But they seem to have enough sense not to directly target Elena’s life. Currently, all they can do is spread rumors to worsen the relationship with Ron, try to win over Elena, or something of that sort.
If something were to happen to Elena, there could be a war between the two countries at worst. The Emperor wouldn’t allow that either, and to avoid war, he might end up settling things with the heads of the Crown Prince and his relatives.
But I’m different. Even if I’m a close aide that the Princess relies on, I’m just a Baron’s daughter after all. Even if I die, the King of Claydale would prioritize the relationship with the Empire. At most, Ron’s achievements would disappear entirely, and trade might become slightly disadvantageous, that’s what they thought.
“I will absolutely not allow it.”
Elena muttered in a chilling voice, and Ron gave a wry smile while sweating.
It’s a short-sighted plan, but it’s effective if you don’t consider Elena’s feelings and competence. However, judging from Elena’s expression, the Crown Prince and his relatives will be in a worse situation than Ron, who has lost his achievements…
In short, it’s better for me not to be alone. With her return approaching, there’s a possibility that the desperate relatives might directly harm Elena as well. So, until she returns, I can’t leave Elena’s side, and I need to participate in the Soirée.
“We don’t think Aria will lose either. But in that case, after making you lay a hand on her, they might fabricate a crime and frame Aria as the perpetrator.”
I nodded at Ron’s words. There’s a possibility that my combat abilities have already been reported to the Empire. Even if Ron’s faction reported it, you never know where information might leak from.
If I’m a bodyguard who rescued the Princess, and a person that the Princess is putting so much effort into, then that possibility certainly exists.
“I think the audience with His Imperial Majesty also has the meaning of granting Aria protection. I don’t know how effective that will be, but Aria, please be discreet.”
“Understood…”
I let out a small sigh on the spot, once again feeling the troublesome nature of nobles.
“So, you are Miss Aria, whom Elena-dono relies on. Your efforts in protecting Elena-dono at the risk of your own life are truly commendable.”
“…You honor me with your words.”
The day after arriving at the Calfaan Empire, I had an audience with His Imperial Majesty without being kept waiting, perhaps because it had been communicated in advance through a long-distance communication magic tool.
His Imperial Majesty was a person with a gentle appearance in his late thirties. He first rejoiced with the Empress over Elena’s return, and then addressed me.
However, his eyes, contrary to his gentle appearance, were sharply scrutinizing me, trying to see through me. I can assume that a certain amount of information has been leaked after all.
Even so, there’s nothing in particular to talk about, and it’s just about receiving His Imperial Majesty’s words and ending it. I can’t possibly speak to him from my side, and since I’m not very good at etiquette in the first place, I’ll end up revealing my flaws if I speak carelessly.
Dolton and Sera, standing next to me, seemed accustomed to the atmosphere, yet their impeccable formal attire spoke volumes of their respect.
“My, you look lovely in that Imperial dress.”
“Thank you very much.”
The Empress, standing beside His Imperial Majesty, addressed me.
For this occasion, I, too, was wearing a dress, a rare occurrence. The refreshing blue dress chosen by the welcoming hall’s maids was well-ventilated to suit the Imperial climate and surprisingly light.
Unlike the heavy dresses of Claydale, which used layers upon layers of silk, this outfit used multiple layers of sheer fabric to create a glamorous effect. Wearing it, I felt it suited me better than the dresses of Claydale.
The Empress looked at me in this Imperial dress… or rather, at my pinkish-blonde hair, and narrowed her eyes with nostalgia.
“A friend of mine also had Claydale Kingdom blood. Her hair wasn’t quite as lovely as yours, but it was a beautiful shade of pink. If you ever find yourself fond of this country, I would be happy to help you marry into a noble family.”
“Please refrain from such jests, Your Majesty.”
“Oh, I forgot your parents were present. My apologies, Lady Leighton.”
When my foster mother, Sera, gently declined, the Empress chuckled.
That friend was likely Camille’s mother. I don’t know if that person is related to me, but perhaps the Empress wanted to keep me close because I reminded her of that friend.
Camille’s mother… it seems that woman’s mother was from Claydale, but she lives in the countryside, and I probably won’t ever meet her.
It would be a different story if I were to marry into this country, but of course, I have no intention of doing so. However, upon hearing such talk, a young man standing next to the Emperor suddenly spoke up with a radiant smile.
“Your Majesty, Your Majesty, if you wish to strengthen relations with the Kingdom of Claydale, how about welcoming Lady Elena as the Crown Princess, as my wife, rather than the Baron’s daughter?”
Next time, Part 2, Chapter 3, Final! (Ta-da!)
Thanks to everyone, the first volume, which went on sale last week, seems to be well-received.
Thank you again.