“Here’s my proposal for the new city. Please take a look.” At our next meeting, everyone—with the exception of Euphie, who had already perused the documents—turned their attention to the materials we had prepared. As the pages turned quietly, a range of expressions fell over the faces of those attending. Some widened their eyes in surprise, others furrowed their brows as if having difficulty comprehending, while others broke into curious smiles. The second reaction was the most common. “Princess Anisphia… This proposal… It’s…,” Lang began in a quiet voice. “I know it might seem a little eccentric,” I interrupted. “I’ve included an outline with the proposal to illustrate my intentions, and I’m open to questions.” “Questions… Yes, I believe I’ll have a great many of those.” Amid the confusion and unease of those in the room, Lang calmly approached with a bunch of documents in hand. “First, did you take into account the dangers inherent to locating construction along the riverbank?” “I understand your concern. Yes, the Kingdom of Palettia rarely suffers from water shortages, thanks to water magic and water-type spirit stones. Rivers are often visited by all sorts of monsters seeking drinking water, so we’ve tended to avoid them.” “Precisely.” “However, I believe it’s possible to move our society forward by harnessing the power of natural resources such as rivers.” At this explanation, Lang placed the documents down on the table and covered his mouth, closing his eyes as if lost in thought. “The power of natural resources…?” he answered after a short pause. “Couldn’t we simply rely on your magical tools without having to situate the city by the river? Why take the risk?” “As you’ve all noted previously, there’s every likelihood that the widespread use of magical tools could cause the demand for spirit stones—and thereby their prices—to rise. Yes, if all you want is a source of power, magical tools based on spirit stones should be good enough. But I think it would be a waste not to harness other resources available to us.” “…A waste, you say?” Lang murmured, his expression softening. The faint smile around the corners of his eyes betrayed a hint of surprise. “On top of that, if this new city is successful, we could use it as a model to build other riverbank towns. Basically, we could use the river itself to build a distribution network.” Yes, I had other goals in mind for this new settlement beyond simply researching magicology. If this plan proved successful, it would provide the knowledge and experience necessary for future development. In time, more towns would grow along the water’s edge, allowing us to use the river as a means of transportation. Roads and transportation facilitated the free movement of people—and goods. Commerce would flourish, and the people would prosper, ultimately leading to the enrichment of the entire realm. “So you intend not only to open access to the sky, but to rivers, too?” Lang asked. “Yes. In the future, I’d even like to turn my attention to the sea.” “The sea?!” “I’ve always wanted to secure a stable supply of resources from the sea. I figured we’d start by conquering rivers first.” “What…?” The room filled with audible gasps, a potent mix of confusion and astonishment. The seashore likewise belonged to monsters, and though it was an attractive territory for gathering resources, the cost of developing and defending the area was simply too great. In fact, many such attempts had met with failure over the years. There was no telling if developing it would prove successful during my time, but I wanted to dream big. “If it could be realized, that would indeed be a triumph…” “It’s a fascinating proposal…but given the frequency of monster attacks at riverside locations, we would need to devote considerable energy to defense.” “I’m willing to take to the battlefield myself on that count…,” I ventured. “Anis? Shall I pretend I didn’t just hear that?” Euphie said with a taut smile. “I—I know, Euphie! I only meant if it was absolutely necessary! I’d hope knights equipped with magical tools would be able to handle most cases!” I clarified. Euphie forgave me with a nod, then turned to gauge the reactions of the others in a way that somehow reminded me of my mother. A chill ran down my spine… “Ahem. Um, in the future, even commoners who can’t use magic should be able to use magical tools to improve their combat skills. It might take some time, but I think we should be able to build up a force to respond to monster attacks. Even riverside ones.” “The notion may be outlandish, but your response is satisfactory. May we move to my next question?” Lang asked. “Sure,” I answered. “What do you want to know?” “I understand the ideals that you wish to pursue in this new city. But could you share with us what exactly you mean by suggesting the use of traditional magic during the construction process?” Lang asked, prompting the other nobles gathered to turn suddenly tense. Of course, I had anticipated this question. After all, using magic to aid in construction would be seen as forcing members of the aristocracy to engage in manual labor. There would be a backlash. “Let me explain. Just like you said, building by the river means there’s greater risk of monster attacks. For that reason, we would need to build the defensive walls as soon as possible. I think using magic to help with that is the way to go.” “You want nobles to imitate the work of architects?” “No. What I’d like is educational help.” “Educational help…?” Lang blinked a few times. With a small smile, I continued with my explanation: “What I’m looking for isn’t nobles, but rather people who can use magic.” “P-Princess Anisphia… You can’t possibly…?!” “There’s no point sugarcoating this, so I’m just going to say it. I’d like to hire the illegitimate children of nobles, particularly those active as adventurers.” The moment I finished speaking, the room fell into pandemonium. I could understand the nobles’ reactions. They spent most of their time trying to ignore the existence of nonaristocratic magic users… “We can’t afford to keep turning a blind eye to them. I think this plan can help put their talents to greater use.” “I see… You don’t expect nobles to engage in civil engineering work?” “That’s right. I’m only looking to recruit people who are interested in and willing to support the project. Magic users not of noble birth tend to value the practical function of magic, so if given clear purpose and reward, I think they’ll be willing to help.” “I see. So that’s your move…!” “You mean to gather talent scattered throughout the kingdom and put them to work building this settlement! It is a well-thought-out idea, considering they would be a valuable defensive force…!” Judging from the reactions so far, I wasn’t facing as much opposition as I’d feared. I had known from the very beginning that asking nobles to engage in construction work would be a no-go. What had caught the attention of everyone else in the room was the untapped potential of magic users living as commoners. If we could bring them together and provide them with opportunities to play more active roles in society, it would give them every chance to excel. On top of that, in order to maintain the class distinction, I had suggested asking the aristocracy to focus on education. That way, they could maintain their prestige and avoid having to engage in work they considered below their station. At the same time, adventurers would be given the opportunity to learn formal magic techniques from those with training and experience. Seeing as most commoner magic users developed their abilities through self-study, this would be a rare chance for them to experience formal training. I hoped that in the future, those who found success contributing to the new city might be awarded noble titles of their own. Should that be possible, we might finally be able to realize those long-cherished aspirations passed down through the generations. “While certain adventurers may have an aptitude for magic, they never had the opportunity to study it formally. I’d like to ask for your cooperation teaching them. If any are willing, we’d also be happy to recruit noble relatives and children who aren’t expected to inherit their family estates.” “Hmm… That doesn’t sound half bad.” “But for commoners to use magic, even if for construction…” Many of those gathered were responding favorably to this proposal, but some seemed unconvinced. But there wasn’t anything I could do about that. Until just recently, the notion that magic was the exclusive domain of the nobility had been common sense. You couldn’t change that paradigm overnight. “I think it’s a great idea,” said a new voice. “Duke Grantz?” “For a country to prosper, it is essential to prioritize the well-being of its citizens. We must never forget that magic is a means to protect the people. Does Princess Anisphia’s plan not make effective use of that power?” “Th-that’s… You’re right…” Duke Grantz was so bluntly outspoken that I was taken aback. Euphie likewise watched on in disbelief, while the other nobles seemed ill at ease. I appreciated the sentiment, but I wanted to lighten the atmosphere, you know? “I believe that this is the perfect opportunity to clearly define the aristocracy’s ambiguous status,” Duke Grantz continued. “In that respect, Princess Anisphia’s proposal offers an intriguing glimpse into the future.” “Th-thank you…” “Though schools of thought may change, it’s imperative that we pass the gift of magic on to the next generation without compromise. That should be our goal, yes?” “Indeed. I feel the same way.” Euphie nodded in agreement. The nobles had mixed reactions. The ones with warmer expressions were coming around, while others were clearly conflicted even as they offered support. And so my proposal was accepted, albeit with some minor modifications. …The meeting was going well, as far as I was concerned. It was what happened next that summoned a dark cloud. With the meeting over and the nobles leaving, I was about to call out to Euphie when Duke Grantz stopped me. “May I have a moment, Princess Anisphia?” “Duke Grantz? Sure.” “Now that we have a firm plan for the new city, it would be a good idea to give more thought to establishing your own knightly order.” Euphie, approaching from the side, was the first to respond. “I agree. You’ll need them for the initial inspection of the construction site.” How efficient, tying both issues together, I thought to myself. But what the duke said next took me completely by surprise. “We will select a number of candidates, but as you will be made knight commander of this new order, you will need to meet with them all in person.” “Hmm…? W-wait, whaaat…?!” “Is something the matter, Princess Anisphia?” “Are my ears playing tricks on me? You didn’t just say I’d be commanding it, did you?” “Your ears are perfectly fine.” “But that doesn’t make any sense!” I knew I hadn’t misheard! But why on earth would that responsibility fall on me?! “How can you say that so casually?! Making me a knight commander?!” I demanded, flustered. Duke Grantz, however, remained perfectly composed. No, really, wait. What was the meaning of this?! “Um, I thought you wanted me to focus on my magicology research?” “Indeed. This is to further that agenda.” “No, no, impossible! Can’t you find someone more qualified?!” “If we say it’s possible, then no one can say it is not.” “But—” “Considering the realm’s future trajectory, I can think of no better choice than for you to take on the role yourself, Your Highness.” “B-but…!” “Even as knight commander, it would be entirely appropriate for you to appoint someone to assist in the order’s day-to-day administration.” “Then why not put them in charge for real…?” “Would they be as well versed in magicology and the use of magical tools as you, Your Highness?” It took me a moment to formulate a response to the duke’s question. “U-um… Er… Someone who knows as much as I do about magicology and can command an order of knights…?” “Precisely. If you know of anyone else with such talents, please do put their name forward.” Was there anyone like that…? Of course not. As if reading my mind, the duke continued. “Queen Euphyllia will assist in the city’s management, which is entirely appropriate, seeing as it falls under her direct jurisdiction. However, I have reservations about leaving the task of defense to Her Majesty, even if the knights in question are well versed in magicology and magical tools.” “But does it really have to be me…?” “Queen Euphyllia has already given her consent. If you are unable to choose the order’s members yourself, Princess Anisphia, we will select our own candidates.” That last part made me want to scream! How had it come to this?! Couldn’t he see he was being way too forceful?! And why wasn’t Euphie saying anything?! I glanced toward her, but she quickly averted her gaze. “Um, I still think there’s got to be a better way than making me the group’s commander…,” I murmured weakly. Duke Grantz narrowed his eyes. “Princess Anisphia.” My spine stiffened. “Y-yes…?” “Since the knightly order will be deeply involved in the study of magicology, I believe you should lead it. If you are absolutely opposed to such an arrangement, we may be able to leave leadership to Queen Euphyllia, as per usual. However, your position will suffer.” “U-um… But…” “Queen Euphyllia is working to ensure that you maintain a high degree of freedom, and I have no intention of standing in her way. That being said, you are also a member of the royal family. You realize, I hope, that if something were to happen to Her Majesty, you would be expected to take her place?” “…?! Duke Grantz!” The duke’s suggestion was so unthinkable that I cried out in alarm. “This should not come as news to you, Princess Anisphia,” he continued, watching me indifferently. When his gaze met mine, I had nothing to say. “In the unlikely event that Queen Euphyllia collapses or is unable to lead, that is. You cannot deny that there are occasions when she may need to take time to recover, no?” “Th-that’s true, I guess…” “Or should we fall back on our former sovereign? I should point out there’s no telling how much longer he will remain in good health.” “…I get that!” “Princess Anisphia, your father and I are of an older generation. It’s the natural way of things that parents depart the world before their children, except in tragic circumstances.” My breath caught in my throat, and I bit my lip to stop myself from blurting something out in response. I knew that. I really did. Still, Duke Grantz’s bluntness had shaken me. I wasn’t the smartest person in the world, but even I knew I wouldn’t be able to avoid responsibility if worse came to worst. “Of course, if it comes to that, we, as your subjects, will do our utmost to assist you. That said, what will you do? You can choose to sit back and wait with no real power of your own, but if that doesn’t sit well with you, I suggest you make use of your own royal authority.” “Duke Grantz…” “I am still at an age where I can expect to continue serving. However, I will eventually grow old, and there’s no guarantee that some unexpected fate isn’t lying in store for me.” The duke was earnest and to the point. In his heart of hearts, he was thinking about my best interests. His words struck heavily, leaving me unable to muster a response. “You should take greater heed of your own strengths and potential. That will help you see more clearly how others perceive you.” “…I understand. Thank you for your advice.” “Consider this a learning opportunity. I know what you’re feeling; I have an indecisive friend, one who isn’t easily swayed but is kind of heart and ever ready to carry others’ burdens,” the duke said with a mischievous chuckle. I knew he was letting me see a little of the man underneath, but I never knew how to react to it. But seeing the way he was acting now, I was finally able to relax. “I’ll give your suggestion serious thought, Duke Grantz.” “Please do. You should also give greater thought to how others regard you, Princess Anisphia.” “How others regard me…?” “Human connections are precious things, not easily come by. I would like you to expand your horizons not only for Queen Euphyllia’s sake, but in the knowledge that your forebears have entrusted you with the dreams they were unable to accomplish. I hope we can continue to count on you.” “…I don’t really know if I’m cut out for it, but I’ll do my best.” “If you have any concerns, consult those around you. Now then, it’s time for me to leave,” Duke Grantz said with an amused grin. As I watched him go, Euphie smiled back at me. “Good luck, Anis.” “Ugh… Why is this happening to me…?!” “Don’t be like that. I want to help you, too. This is necessary, you know…?” “But still…!” I was in a real bind here. All I could do was make a stupid face while Euphie gently patted me on the head. “…So I’m to be a knight commander?” Ever since my surprise conversation with Duke Grantz, I had been mulling over whether to accept leadership of this new knightly order. But I just couldn’t make up my mind. “What should I do…? I suppose if I let someone else manage it for me, I’d just be putting my name on it…” Even speaking my thoughts out loud, I couldn’t convince myself to go along with the idea. I found myself staring up at the ceiling as I breathed a deep sigh. “…I thought I understood everything. I really did.” As Duke Grantz had said, only the gods knew for sure whether Euphie would always remain in perfect shape. We could always turn to my father while he was alive and well, but I couldn’t say with confidence whether relying on him was the best course of action, either… “I’ve depended on others for too long… I like depending on other people… But I know I’ve got to stand up for myself more…” I was fed up with being a member of the royal family, with the weight of my responsibilities. Yet it was a weight that Euphie, my father, Allie, and everyone else had been forced to carry. For the longest time, I had been able to keep my distance, to explore my own ideas—but the situation had changed. And I had to change with it. “Hmm… Duke Grantz suggested I consult the people around me, so maybe I should try asking Navre and the others. They might be able to introduce me to someone who would be a better fit.” With that thought, I wasted no time summoning the three of them and sharing the gist of my conversation with the duke. “Basically, they accepted most parts of our plan for the new city, but then the other issue came up.” “About making you a knight commander, you mean?” Halphys asked. “It’s an honor… But it sounds like you’re taking it as a burden, Princess Anisphia,” Navre said. “Exactly…,” I said with a sigh. “I just don’t feel like I’m up for it. Maybe someone else would be a better fit…” “Really? I think you’d do surprisingly well, Lady Anis,” Garkie responded casually. I had been hoping to have a serious conversation, so I couldn’t help but crease my brow in a frown. “Garkie… You know I haven’t been a proper member of the royal family for years, right? And to begin with, I don’t remember ever becoming a knight. Don’t you think it’s a little weird to make me a knight commander all of a sudden?” “Well, when you put it that way… But a knightly order involved in magicology research would make the most sense. You have the knowledge and experience to lead it, and the status, too. Don’t you think?” “Ugh… B-but this is me we’re talking about, you know?” I understood what Garkie was trying to say, but the weight of this responsibility made me want to shy away. “Um… I have to say, I agree with Gark, Princess Anisphia.” “You too, Halphys?!” “I also think it would run smoothest with you at its head.” “Not you too, Navre?! Come on, I’m not even a knight!” “But you’re well-liked by everyone in the Royal Guard, aren’t you?” “Ugh.” “As for ability, you have subdued a rampaging dragon…” “Ngh.” “You’re of royal blood, and Her Majesty is your adoptive sister. Your position more than warrants the honor.” When they spelled it out so clearly, I had to admit it did make sense. But still I had my doubts. I just couldn’t imagine myself as a knight commander. Not at all. “I—I mean… I don’t know the first thing about being a knight!” I insisted. “There’s nothing stopping you from learning,” Navre pointed out. “Besides, you can rely on an assistant for any practical matters, seeing as you’ll be busy with your magicology research.” “But wouldn’t that basically mean my assistant would be in charge?” “No. Having you as the nominal leader would be incredibly important,” Navre assured me, his tone much stronger than usual. “Navre…?” I startled, taken aback by his solemn mood. Without realizing it, I stood up straighter. “I hope to gain your trust, Your Highness.” “My trust?” “Yes. Please be honest. You don’t see me as an equal partner, do you? In other words, you don’t yet fully trust me.” Navre’s question left me at a loss for words, but I couldn’t quite deny it. I had a favorable opinion of him as a person, but when it came to having him work under me, I wasn’t so certain. Once again, I couldn’t help but acknowledge the truth in his words. “But I understand. It can’t be helped if you don’t fully trust me,” he said. “It can’t?” “You yourself said you don’t know anything about being a knight. That you don’t believe yourself suitable to command. That’s a natural response, if you ask me.” There he went again, pointing out facts I couldn’t possibly deny. “No one can truly know something without learning it. Given your circumstances, it’s only natural that you don’t know how to lead. And any group that can’t fully follow its leaders is doomed to fall apart. That’s why you want to entrust it to someone you think is more suitable, isn’t it?” “I mean, there has to be someone who deserves it more than I do…” “Even so, I hope it will be you.” “…Why?” “Because you’re worthy of respect. Sure, you have a bit of a wild side, and as royalty, your behavior is sometimes hard to watch. But you are royal, and you do have what it takes to be a leader.” I could hardly muster my voice in response to all this. Why did he believe so strongly in me? I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. “The relationship I would like to have with you is one in which you trust me to perform my duties. I don’t think I’m alone in that. A knight of common birth would probably want that even more than I do.” “Navre…” “That’s why I feel like you should lead. If you don’t know what to do, then find someone to assist you, someone who can fill in for what you don’t have. That kind of arrangement is what matters most.” “…I still don’t feel up to it.” “Princess Anisphia, I’m sure there are many individuals who would be honored to serve under you and earn your trust. Please, grant their hopes.” “They would be honored to earn my trust…?” “Honor is just a name we give to a job well done. It may be little more than a title, but it’s certainly not a meaningless one.” “I kind of get that, but still…” “Earning one’s leader’s trust is an honor for any knight. Speaking for myself, I hope to guide you while earning your trust,” Navre said, resting his hand on his chest. His fist was clenched so tight that he was almost sweating. Ah, so he was nervous, too. But he was still fighting to make sure his feelings were put into words. It would be disrespectful to let them go unanswered. “I don’t consider myself a great knight, and I still have much to learn. But if you’ll rely on me, I’ll dedicate myself to serving you wholeheartedly.” “Navre…” “You’re past the point of being chosen by others, Princess Anisphia. You’re the one who should be doing the choosing. Since I’ve started serving under you, I’ve come to understand you a little better, I think. I’d be more than pleased to help if you’ll have me as your assistant, and as I come from a good family, I doubt anyone would complain. It would be best, I think, to seek Baron Cyan’s help organizing the knights from common backgrounds. And Gark might not be suited to a position of authority, but he is adept at ingratiating himself with others.” Navre’s voice dropped a level, his eyes downcast as though in prayer. “Please trust us. We’ll spare no effort in serving you. With you to guide us, we’ll all overcome our fears. As your knights, we’ll do everything in our power to live up to your expectations.” Trust us—those straightforward words were unyielding, which was why they struck so keenly. “You sent us away during your fight with Lilana, saying that we were holding you back. That would be a point of shame for any knight. Yet you’re that strong. With that strength as our standard, with the future you’ve made possible as your beacon, you can unite us all. Because your future is worth it. As a knight, I feel honored to serve someone who deserves my respect as much as you do. Please remember that.” “Join me for a drink tonight, Euphie.” I called out to Euphie as soon as she returned to our private room in the detached palace after completing her official duties. I held out a bottle of alcohol that Ilia had retrieved for me. “Wine?” she repeated, staring back at me strangely. “That isn’t like you. You aren’t usually one to drink.” “I don’t normally like it…” I joined others when necessary, but I wasn’t a heavy drinker, and I didn’t like getting drunk out of my mind. In short, this was a rare occurrence, but I felt like today was worth celebrating. “What’s the occasion?” Euphie asked. “I told Navre and the others that I’m considering the role of knight commander.” “…I see. In that case, I’ll join you.” “Thanks. Here you go,” I said, handing her a glass. “Allow me,” Euphie offered, pouring the wine into each of our glasses. “Hmm. Thanks.” We lifted our glasses into the air and clinked them together in a toast.
Chapter 108
23 min read