Last time, I’d ignored everyone else’s opinions and stepped straight into the jaws of death. Personally speaking, I didn’t regret my actions, but as a saint, I was obliged to consider the good of my country. I had to admit I had been careless in that respect.
This time, I needed to get Prince Reichardt’s approval.
I fully respected that as a member of the royal family, he was committed to defending his country. I therefore had no choice but to reason with him.
“Prince Reichardt. May I ask that you leave this decision up to Sir Osvalt?”
“Is that the extent of your logical argument, Miss Philia? If so, it’s a no. I’ve concluded that my brother’s forgiving nature makes him unfit to handle this situation.”
True, that was my argument. I’d laid my cards on the table. However, Prince Reichardt’s response was what I expected.
“I agree we cannot overlook the upheaval Haruya caused. And it’s true that Sir Osvalt is a kind man. However, that doesn’t mean he’s not suited for the task.”
“Are you saying Osvalt can serve this country even better than I can, Miss Philia?”
“Yes! Put your trust in Sir Osvalt, and everything will be fine.”
“Philia…”
I had faith in Sir Osvalt. He could achieve what Prince Reichardt and I couldn’t.
From the day I arrived in Parnacorta, I’d been watching him up close. If anyone knew what he was capable of, it was me.
“I don’t think you’re the type to exaggerate your partner’s strengths out of love, Miss Philia. Your faith in him is genuine, so let me hear you out. Tell me why you feel this way. Tell me why you’re so sure of Osvalt’s capabilities.”
“I think you already know the answer, Prince Reichardt.”
“What do you mean?”
I’d only known Sir Osvalt for a little over a year. Prince Reichardt had been around him from the moment he was born.
“Sir Osvalt has a remarkable ability to get people to open up. Before you even realize it, you find yourself inclined to trust him. I won’t deny that he can be a little too kind at times, but I know he’ll get Haruya to open his heart to him.”
When I first met Sir Osvalt, I was surprised by how comfortable I felt around him. His smile was warm, and I felt at ease when he was nearby. Before I knew it, I was longing to stay by his side.
When I was with him, I wasn’t just a saint anymore. I felt like a real person.
He never made assumptions about people, no matter who they were. He saw them for themselves. Perhaps that was his greatest virtue.
“You’re right. Osvalt does possess a certain human charm. But even if he won Haruya over, what would that accomplish?”
“Haruya could do tremendous good for the kingdom of Parnacorta. If Sir Osvalt succeeds in working with him, they’re sure to further this country’s development.”
Haruya Fuuma was, from my unbiased point of view, a gifted individual. He had a dangerous way of centering his values around profit, but his talents were far too valuable to cast aside.
“You’re saying that Harry—or rather, Haruya Fuuma—is too useful to dispose of? And although I can’t handle him, Osvalt can? Is that the argument you’re making?”
“Yes, it is.”
I didn’t have to say much. Thanks to his shared affinity for reason, the prince grasped my argument almost immediately.
For a few moments, His Highness crossed his arms and mulled things over in silence.
“Haruya Fuuma has his sights set on the Moontear Flower, correct? Not only could he help us deal with other countries, he could be used as a bargaining chip himself. The prospect of obtaining more Moontear Flowers is indeed enticing, but using a foreign national—especially one who’s broken the law—is risky business. Taking all that into consideration, I’d settled on punishing him for his transgressions. Do you think I’d be going against the nation’s interests, Miss Philia?”
“I would say so. Please, Prince Reichardt, have faith in Sir Osvalt’s abilities. He’s your brother, after all. I assure you that it’s the best approach for your country.”
Even when Haruya was reunited with his long-lost sister, part of him saw her as a business prospect. But then, as he was talking to Sir Osvalt, I sensed that he was starting to open up.
“You’re asking me to trust in Osvalt? That sounds like an emotionally driven argument, rather than a logical one.”
“I’m only human—it’s hard for me to exclude all emotion from the thoughts I express. However, that doesn’t mean they’re unsubstantiated. I’ve observed all this in the time I’ve spent with Sir Osvalt. Prince Reichardt, if you truly want this country to prosper, give my husband a chance.”
“If I truly want this country to prosper, hm?”
That concluded my argument. If this wasn’t enough to earn Prince Reichardt’s approval, I was out of options.
Suppressing the urge to keep talking, I waited for him to speak.
“Osvalt,” His Highness said at last, “it seems that people overrate your abilities, as they do mine. I’m sorry to say this, but I can’t bring myself to place that much trust in you.”
“B-but brother, I’m—”
“However, I do trust Miss Philia—far more than I trust you, or even myself.”
Prince Reichardt held his brother with a stern gaze, but his voice was the gentlest it had been since we entered the room.
“Just this once, I’ll entrust everything to you,” he announced. “Osvalt, if your people skills truly have the power to do good for our country, show your older brother what you can do.”
“B-brother?! Y-you’re leaving it to me?”
“Surely you can’t be that slow on the uptake. You’ll embarrass Philia. She’s the one who convinced me. Never mind what is expected of you as a prince. What will you do if you don’t meet her expectations of a husband?”
Prince Reichardt broke into a smile, just as Sir Osvalt’s expression turned solemn. A weighty responsibility had been placed upon his shoulders. If he made the wrong decision, it would derail everything.
I believe in you, Sir Osvalt. I saw no other choice but to place my trust in you. If anyone can grapple with the darkness within Haruya’s heart, it’s you.
At last, Sir Osvalt nodded. “Leave this in my hands. Philia was confident enough to advocate for me. The least I can do is fulfil my responsibility.”
“I don’t doubt it. First things first: apprehend Harry—I mean, Haruya Fuuma. I’ll be watching how you handle things from this point on.”
Prince Reichardt gave his orders in a matter-of-fact tone. How Haruya was to be recaptured was, by the sound of it, up to Sir Osvalt.
“Understood. Haruya made a run for it, didn’t he?” An idea seemed to strike Sir Osvalt. “There’s only one way to track him down. Brother, I’m releasing Himari. Her expertise is needed.”
“Do as you please. For this matter and this matter alone, I’m granting you full authority. I won’t interfere any further.”
Freedom wouldn’t make Himari’s bitter feelings go away, but it would be a step forward.