“Yeah, I’ll do it. It’ll no doubt be hard and it’ll take time. But I think it’s best if I do it.” After all, Ash knew why. “I’m good at persevering through tough times.”
“When it comes to persevering, I think you’re probably the best in the world at it, Alicia,” Ash said with a serious expression. Maika nodded in agreement beside him, wearing a similarly serious face.
Itsuki kept his word and had begun to assemble an elite unit of knights and soldiers. Since it was the heir to the count asking, they had seen it as an opportunity for a promotion and had all rushed to apply to help keep the peace. There were so many applicants that they held a tournament to narrow them down. I couldn’t really offer any help when Itsuki was being scolded by the maids for going too far, but I did secretly thank him for it. He seemed most pleased by it.
“You’re so cute, Alicia! If you need anything, feel free to ask your big brother! You know, a long time ago, even Yae used to depend on me and call me her ‘big brother,’ but now that she’s gotten older, she doesn’t really depend on me as much... So, Alicia, you can rely on me for as long as you need, okay?” He seemed so pleased by my asking for help that I decided if I ever needed something next time, I’d ask Itsuki, as he’d be sure to do his best.
The advice Maika gave me on how to deal with Itsuki really came in handy. It seemed if his youngest sibling had to rely on him, it was no problem for Itsuki, however, as for the Viscountess Yanga Escort Invitational Tournament, it didn’t increase his workload at all. It was instead organized by those in the Territory Reform Promotion Office who were also members of the Disaster Response Office.
“As this is a military escort to aid with the restoration of the Yanga territory, it falls under the Disaster Response Office’s line of work,” Ash said. Ash had more or less predicted that his team would be left to clean up the aftermath of Itsuki’s impulsive actions.
“I’m sorry that you’ve got more work, Ash... Is everything going to be all right?” I asked. I felt somewhat bad that even more work was being loaded onto Sacula’s busiest department, but Ash returned a reassuring smile.
“I realized this back at the Royal Sword Fighting Tournament, but people sure do love a good tournament. The people of Yanga and Sacula both have a lot of stress pent up, so it’s probably a good idea to let them get it all out,” Ash continued.
“Ah, so that’s why you’re happy to use an invitational tournament?” I had never thought of that. He was right—sword fighting tournaments were often held for that exact reason. For civilians, it was a fun day out, and for noblemen, it was a way for them to settle the score in front of an audience. Ash made a point to mention that it wouldn’t solve all issues.
“The selection tournament may lead to more arguments, but I would rather this than a huge refugee-led boycott. It’ll be good to let them vent their frustrations.”
“Sounds good. Having a place where they can yell at each other and get it out of their system will probably make a difference.” I can learn a lot from this. I’ll no doubt need to employ similar methods while I’m tackling the restoration of the Yanga territory. Maybe a festival... It could be a frequent affair. As I mulled over it, Ash crouched forward a tiny bit so he could look me directly in the eyes. My old roommate—who had gotten significantly taller than me—smiled.
“Plus, we’ll also be using it to announce that you’ll be taking your first steps into the Yanga region. We’ll surely get some people who want to go after seeing the selection tournament and yourself, Alicia.”
“R-Really?”
“Of course. When they look at you, everyone sees a cute princess.”
“Thank you, Ash.” Your words are always so warm, but they always make me feel so embarrassed. “I’d be happy if even one person found me sweet, you know?” I looked up at Ash in an effort to seem more sweet and cute. He looked down at me with a bittersweet smile.
“It’d be hard to make it so that there was only one person in the world that thought that. I mean, Maika always says you’re sweet too.”
“Ah, it’s too much. I know I just said I was happy with you being the only person who thinks that, I’m still super happy that Maika thinks so too. She really is enchanting.” Back at the military academy, Maika was the one who had grabbed my hand and led me on to brighter days. I was often quite reserved and kept my distance back then. There was no mistake that her innocent nature and kindness had led me all the way here.
“She sure is great. She is one of many people who think of you as enchanting.” Ash patted my back as he continued, “I’d like to ask you to help out with the preparations for the tournament. Doing the opening speech as well as giving out the rewards to the winners is a fitting job for such a beloved princess. I’d also like you to mention that we are accepting those who wish to accompany you to the Yanga territory.” Aah, he’s already thought that far ahead. Originally, I thought that he would announce it after I had left with my servants and protection, however, Ash planned to use the tournament as a stage, igniting a flame within the civilians to get involved. What would you do if I fell even more in love with you?
“All right. I need to speak with Amin...and Suiren too, I think. She might be busy, though.”
“Lady Suiren would know the most about the refugees as she has been working very closely with them.” She would be the one who would know who to avoid and who to bring on board. She was working in the wards almost daily. Hats off to her and her hard work. I need to think of a place where we can talk about it.