With the absence of a viscount, the neighboring territories weren’t able to do anything. You could probably get away with sending envoys, but sending in military power would be seen as an attempt to invade. Even if that military power was there to help deliver relief supplies. While I was busy with the Church, Count Gentoh had asked for an audience with the king in order to request support, but since they could no longer use him as a go-between to get to me, he was being passed from pillar to post. No doubt Prince Albert’s doing. Albert had solidified his faction within the palace. However, while he did have powerful connections, the palace should also consider their connection to the Frontier Alliance...
Just what was the king thinking? While I was suspicious, I realized I was unable to imagine what was going through his head. He was supposed to be my father by blood, but he always kept his distance. When I thought about it, I was closer to Count Gentoh by far, down to even knowing his favorite foods. It’s meat, by the way. Preferably fried.
I finished drinking my herbal tea as I ruminated. “Amin, request a meeting for me with His Majesty. I need to talk with him about the Viscount Yanga replacement.”
“I have already requested one,” Amin responded. I complimented her, and she responded with a small nod, but her expression remained the same. As expected of her, however, I could sense a small amount of pride. She had been with me long enough to know exactly what I wanted to do without having to be asked.
“I am aware that His Excellency Count Sacula has been quite irritated by everything lately. It seemed he was terrified of what his grandchildren would say to him if he were to drag his feet,” Amin added.
“I could sense that. We must first continue the conversation before Sacula storms the palace with their military forces in tow.” Although I did kind of want to see that. If that were to happen, I’d act as a guide on the inside. I’d even open the castle doors for them. While I amused myself, another maid entered and whispered something to Amin. It looked like something terrible had happened. I could tell by the way she furrowed her brows.
“Your Highness Alicia.” I felt nervous like I was about to receive my first real important job. Amin faced toward me. “His Majesty is on his way here.”
My first real important job was here.
“His Majesty? Here?” I repeated. Amin nodded. “Why here all of a sudden? Why not in the meeting room? Or a banquet would’ve been better...”
“I’m not privy to know why.”
“Yeah, okay. That’s...troubling.” I didn’t mind him coming here, I just had no idea how to approach it. Since he was coming all the way here to my personal quarters, I assumed he wanted a place where we could just be father and daughter. In any normal situation, that would have been the case. However, he had never done that before, so I had no idea how to act like a daughter. Suddenly, memories of my time as Arthur came to mind. How I acted warmly to the people in Sacula. Maybe that’ll work. Although he was a person I had only ever interacted with as the king...
“Amin, prepare some herbal tea. Um, my favorite one.” Since he was coming to visit me on a personal basis for the first time, I decided to treat it as such. It was no doubt going to be awkward. I was meeting with him as my father for the first time.
The king looked the same as when I met him for an audience in the meeting room. However, this time, he had hardly any followers—it was plain to see that this was an important meeting.
“Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to visit me.” I greeted him quite stiffly. But I couldn’t help it. I should try to be less nervous. The king—I mean, my father—sat down. I had swapped out my table and chair, which was specially made by the Tallade workshop back in Tolly’s hometown, for more luxurious furniture. This room was originally prepared for when I returned from Sacula and no doubt was set up based on orders from my father. My usual furniture fit my personality better, but for welcoming my father, this would do for now. On the other hand, I had asked Amin to bring herbal tea, which was allowing a little bit of the Sacula in me to show. Count Gentoh would probably say that it seemed like I was trying to send a message.
I stopped Amin who was about to serve the tea and took the teapot from her. “I’ll serve His Majesty.” Anyone would be able to understand the message I was trying to send now. This tea was my response to my father suddenly wanting to meet with me. I started to imagine how the meeting would go. After taking a drink, he’ll no doubt tell me what he thinks. It was, after all, a rare flavor here in the central regions. I’ll start to explain what it is, which will turn into a small chat, then the conversation would go from there naturally...
After I finished serving the tea, I took a seat. My father had not yet reached for the tea. Ahh, yeah, his servants will have to test it for poison. That certainly was important. I wondered if it would be better for me to take a drink first. I picked up the cup and brought it close to my mouth. I could smell the faint warmth of the tea.
“Alicia, about the next Viscount Yanga...”
It felt like the warmth of the tea had turned ice cold. I put the cup back, let out a small chuckle, and raised my head. My laugh didn’t come from Alicia, it came from the princess.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I had planned to speak with you regarding that. What is it?”
“Yes. I thought so. I have come to explain why we have yet to pick his successor.”
“Is that so?” I responded, my voice hinting slightly at my surprise. That just more or less confirmed for me that my place wasn’t here—I belonged in my real home far from here. Never mind that, Viscount Yanga... That was more important than House Sacula right now. I’m not hurt. Why would I be hurt? I felt a burning sensation deep in my eyes. It was a fire that melted any sad feelings I had. I came back to my senses, rubbed my eyes, and took a breath. Taking in the coldness of the atmosphere, I used that to suppress the fire within me. I turned to face the king in a calm manner.
“Every detail regarding Viscount Yanga is important. I am curious as to why you have not yet decided upon a successor.”
“The nobles are restless.” I didn’t understand what he was saying. The king was probably referring to the central nobles. They probably weren’t happy that he was dragging his feet. Weren’t there always nobles who were unhappy about something?
“I heard that Prince Albert was forming his own faction...” I responded.
“That’s what it appears like...however, it would be more accurate to say that he has already formed his own faction,” said the king. I asked what he meant by that and he told me that the faction had grown too big and was causing tension internally. “I didn’t mind him getting involved with the people who were originally behind Marquis Datara, however, there have been conflicts over who will follow in his footsteps. It seems to be problematic.”
“I feel like if you’re going to lead a faction, you should be able to keep some control of it...” That was all I could say. I was embarrassed for my brother. He treated us like enemies, made his own faction, and then it all became too much for him to handle.