“…Come in, Priscilla.” “…Excuse me.” A maid entered the room. Her navy-colored hair was braided and tied back in a bun, while her sharp eyes were a purplish shade of blue. Her conduct was so naturally rehearsed that it was practically impossible to read her emotions. As a maid, she was splendid, picture perfect. Her name was Priscilla Socerror, and she was another maid Ilia had selected to serve me at the detached palace. She was also the other maid I would be taking to the development site along with Charnée. Her work ethic was astounding, and she was so efficient helping me manage my schedule that I couldn’t begin to thank her enough. “This is the inventory for your stay at the planned development site, Your Highness,” she said, calmly handing me a bundle of papers. “Please read it over to make sure there are no issues.” “Thank you. I’ll take a look later.” “Please do. I will endeavor to make sure that life in the countryside doesn’t compromise your dignity or status, Your Highness,” Priscilla declared with a polite bow. Her demeanor alone spoke volumes to her competence, yet Navre and the others seemed to find this strange. I wondered whether they had already guessed what the issue was… “You’re a huge help, Priscilla. Thank you.” “Not at all. If you appreciate my dedication, please convey those thoughts to Her Majesty. It would be an honor to serve by her side one day.” “Huh…? Wha…?!” Garkie blurted out. “Oh? Is something the matter, Master Gark?” Priscilla asked. “No… I mean, I wasn’t expecting you to be so frank about that while serving Lady Anis and all…” “Then let me ask you this. Would you trust a servant who conceals their true intentions behind endless flattery?” “I guess that’s true, but still… Huh…? Am I the one who’s crazy here…?” “This is how I express my loyalty. I already received prior approval,” Priscilla responded. Garkie glanced my way, followed a moment later by Navre and Halphys. “She’s so forthcoming and honest, I guess I thought I could trust her…” I nodded with a soft chuckle. “I’ve sworn allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Euphyllia, so if she orders me to serve Her Highness Princess Anisphia, I’ll do so with all my heart.” “Ah, yeah… Sounds like her loyalty is just for Queen Euphyllia, though…?” Garkie pointed out. “Her Majesty is so wonderful! I, Priscilla Socerror, would like nothing more than to dedicate myself to her, body and soul! As such, I have an ulterior motive to get along well with Princess Anisphia.” “You don’t keep anything to yourself, do you?!” “Oh? Better than to have people doubt me, don’t you think?” In truth, there was also another reason I had taken her on—it would simply cause too many problems to let her stay with Euphie. I wasn’t used to being the target of people’s loyalty, which was why I was relieved to see that Priscilla was so upfront about her dedication to Euphie, promising to serve me to get closer to her. In fact, she was indeed meticulous and competent, and coming from a noble background, she was well versed in every aspect of formal etiquette. She was a valuable asset, compensating for my own shortcomings. Her attitude could have used some work, but that was possible to overlook when need be. “Well, you’re going to be seeing more of each other, so here’s to the future,” I said awkwardly. “Thank you, everyone.” Without so much as a blink, Priscilla offered Navre and the others a respectful bow. “…It’s almost time…,” I murmured to myself as night fell, quietly staring out at the sky from within my room. Each passing day brought me closer to my inevitable departure for the development site. There were so many pending matters that I had to double-check before I left, which had led to a huge increase in documents requiring my attention. I would be going by Airdra, so I could always return to the capital on my days off, but even so… I was in a strange frame of mind, and before I knew it, my feet were carrying me out of my room and off to my workshop. I had been so busy lately that I had hardly had a moment to spare to make use of it. Nonetheless, with Ilia diligently cleaning up every day, everything remained neatly organized, and there wasn’t a speck of dust to be seen. “…Something just doesn’t feel right.” How many all-nighters had I pulled here, scattered documents lying all around, only to be scolded by Ilia in the morning? The sight brought me back to those days I had met with repeated failures in my pursuit of magic. “Back then, Ilia was the only person here at the detached palace with me…” There had never been a great many visitors, but even then, I had kept a strict rule about letting only Ilia and Tilty inside. Most of my memories here were spent alone. How things had changed. Now Euphie was queen, and people of all kinds were constantly coming and going. It was a positive development, but I still felt uncomfortable with it all. “I used to have such a twisted mindset, telling myself it was okay to be alone, seeing as no one understood me anyway…” I was simply too different from everyone else, I believed, and no matter how much I wanted to be understood, they wouldn’t accept me. I told myself I should give up on chasing after their acceptance. I would pursue magic alone. Because if I didn’t, I would be forever trapped within fences outside of my control, unable to breathe. “I had Ilia, and Father and Mother gave me my freedom.” Looking back, I was the one who couldn’t accept myself. I yearned for magic, despite being unable to use it myself, and I pursued it desperately. I had to produce results, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself. I was the one who had convinced myself of that, not anyone else—and I hadn’t even realized it. Was I any different now? At the very least, the pain I felt back then seemed like a distant memory. “Everyone gave me reason to keep on going… Thanks to them, I can look back warmly on it.” At the time, I never thought I was fighting an uphill battle. In hindsight, I realized now that I had been deliberately deceiving myself. But those efforts hadn’t been in vain. The memories I had built up over the years were what had shaped me into the person I was today. I could see that now. Just as all those thoughts rattled around in my head, the door to my workshop swung open. Startled, I glanced toward it—and laid eyes on Euphie in her nightgown. “Anis, you were in here?” “Euphie?” “You weren’t in the bedroom. I came looking for you,” she said, entering the workshop and approaching me slowly. Once she was close enough, she took my hand in her own and intertwined her fingers with mine. I squeezed gently back. We remained that way for a long moment, staring into each other’s faces and exchanging awkward grins. “I was feeling a little…sentimental, I suppose,” I admitted. “Because you’ll be setting off to work on the magicology city in earnest soon?” “I’ll be leaving the capital, you know?” “…I know.” Euphie tightened her grip on my fingers. Though she said nothing else, it was clear she didn’t want us to be apart. “Will you miss me?” I asked. “What about you?” “Enough to feel sentimental?” “Don’t beat around the bush, please.” “Couldn’t I say the same to you?” “…Yes, I’ll miss you,” she whispered, leaning against me and resting her head on my shoulder. Our nighttime chats had been a healing balm for us both. Euphie had decided to become queen in my stead, and she had truly succeeded in making it to the top. “…I felt like reminiscing.” “About what?” “I guess I was thinking about the day your engagement got broken off and you first came to the detached palace.” Our fates had been intertwined ever since. Back when I inadvertently crashed into the center of all the commotion, I could never have imagined that our relationship would blossom the way it had, that Euphie and I would stand by each other’s side as we faced a bold new future. Just thinking about it made me smile. “Anis?” “I just feel a little strange is all. I never knew I’d fall so deeply in love with you.” “…You always liked me, didn’t you?” “You sound very confident, asking that.” “You’ve given me confidence,” she answered warmly. I couldn’t deny it. Euphie had a talent for magic that I had only ever dreamed about. From my perspective, the two of us could hardly be any more different in that regard. My admiration of her bordered on envy. I was hopeless, wasn’t I? I couldn’t believe we were so close now. No matter how many times I reflected on the events that had brought her here, it still seemed like such an unlikely coincidence. I was beyond fortunate. “I guess I do love you enough to give you faith in yourself.” Those words were from the heart. When you say it out loud—I love you—your feelings start to rise to the surface and develop clear, unmistakable outlines. I loved the time I had spent with Euphie, so much so that I didn’t want to let it go. I couldn’t stand to be without her. The closer I came to my departure, the more keenly I recognized that. “Anis.” “Hmm? What now, Euphie?” “…What would you do if I asked you not to go?” she murmured weakly. As I leaned in closer, her hair shifted softly, draping over my shoulder. She didn’t have to say how lonely and vulnerable she would be with me gone. Life would be so much easier if I just gave in to these feelings. Hoping to distract myself from such thoughts, I pressed up against her and stole a kiss from her lips. Euphie blinked in surprise, staring back at me. “Sorry. You were just so cute.” “…Are you trying to distract me? Or to comfort me?” “I’m not trying to distract you. I’m no coward. I meant it—really.” “Then you are a coward, playing with my heart like that.” “You started it!” “There’s no evidence for that. Show me the facts.” “Call it a crime of passion, then?” Staring into each other’s eyes, we both burst out into uncontrollable laughter. It was painful and indescribably lonely—but just being able to share our feelings together like this meant so much. Yes, the heart was an unpredictable thing. “I’m not all right,” I began. “That’s why I’m acting so sentimental and dwelling so much on the past. But knowing that you feel the same way, Euphie—it’s such a relief.” “…Yes, it is.” We were both anxious about the same future. After all, since Euphie first came to the detached palace, we had seldom been separated for long periods of time. But we had made a choice to reshape the country and build the future we both wanted—and we had to fulfill our responsibilities. I knew that, but my heart still ached at having to leave Euphie. No matter how many times I tried reasoning with myself, I just couldn’t ease that sense of regret. “Yes, I’ll really miss you. I don’t want to be apart,” I admitted. “…I know.” “But this is my dream, and it’s what you want, too, so I have to do what I can to make it happen.” “This dream isn’t just yours anymore. I want it, too, as much as anything. Let’s both do our best, okay?” “…Yeah.” “I’ll fulfill my duties as queen, and I’ll be here when you come back. So please, spread your wings and fly freely. Follow your dreams. Whenever you need to take a break, come home. I’ll always be thinking about you, Anis. For you, I’ll do my very best.” …Ah, I felt my cheeks growing hot. Yes, Euphie could be too direct at times… Unable to bear it any longer, I caught her in an embrace and held on tightly, burying my face in her shoulder and letting her presence wash over me. “…No fair, Euphie.” “I don’t understand. What’s not fair?” “You are. I love you—more than anything, Euphie.” “Yes… I love you, too, Anis.” I relaxed my arms to stare into Euphie’s face. Naturally, it wasn’t long before we closed the distance again as I pecked her on the lips. But once wasn’t enough. I kissed her again and again, as if to steal her breath away, while her hand circled around to my back and pulled me flush against her. An eternity passed in the briefest of moments while I hugged her tight, my heart overflowing with affection. “Whenever it gets too hard, send me a message,” I said. “I’ll come at once.” “I will.” “Don’t try to be too perfect. It’s all right to be weak. When things get tough, count on those around you.” “Yes.” “I love you more than anyone else in the whole wide world.” “Me too. I love you, Anis. More than anyone else.” I could hear Euphie’s heartbeat and feel her breath. I never wanted to let go of this warmth. The night wasn’t over yet. There was still time enough to drown in this lovely glow. Time passed, and the day came for me to leave for the site for the new magicology city. As the hour of our departure approached, I found myself staring up into the clear blue sky. “I’ve finished checking your baggage, Your Highness,” Priscilla called out. Charnée was next to her. I had asked them both to see to all the last-minute checks. “Thank you, Priscilla, Charnée,” I said with a grateful smile. “Not at all. I’ll go and finish saying my goodbyes,” Priscilla said. “M-me too!” Charnée added. “Heh-heh. See you soon.” I broke out into a grin at Charnée’s innocent behavior. Watching them both leave, I let out a weak sigh. At that moment, Navre and Garkie strolled toward me. “Navre, Garkie, how did the briefing go with the escort?” I asked. “Everything’s good,” Navre answered. “So long as Navre here takes the lead properly, we’ll be fine!” “…Isn’t it time you started behaving appropriately for your position, Gark?” “Ha-ha-ha… Don’t you have to say bye to anyone?” “I’ve already said my farewells!” “Huh. So we can leave anytime.” “That’s good to hear,” I answered. A set of familiar faces arrived a few seconds later. “It seems you’re all set, Anis.” “Father! And you too, Mother!” While Navre and Garkie were busy ribbing each other, my father and mother approached. Navre and Garkie immediately stood up straight, bowing respectfully to their former king. “Your Majesties,” Navre said in greeting. “There’s no need to be so formal. This isn’t some grand departure ceremony,” my father said, gently raising his hand to urge them both to relax. Navre and Garkie relaxed slightly, and my father turned to me expectantly. “Um, Father…?” I asked, feeling suddenly uncomfortable under the force of his gaze. “…Anis, it means a great deal to me to see you’re leaving the detached palace,” he murmured before staring off into the distance. “Huh?” I was taken aback at first, but my surprise soon gave way to a sheepish grin. “I’ll be back for holidays, but I see why it’s so emotional. I always thought leaving would mean I didn’t belong in the kingdom anymore.” “Don’t say that,” my father scolded me. “You’ve long been indispensable to the realm.” “That’s right, Anis!” my mother added in her usual stern tone of voice. “You must realize you’re integral to the kingdom’s future. You should always keep in mind how your behavior is seen by others. You can’t run off recklessly like you used to…!” “U-ugh…! Mother! Please don’t lecture me just before I go…!” “That’s right, Sylphine,” my father said, much to my surprise. “Enough with the sermons today. Let’s just see her off with all sincerity. I understand your concerns, but you’re babying her a little, don’t you think?” “…Ngh! You’re the one who spoils her, Orphans!” Her face turned bright red, and she slapped my father’s hip as hard as she could. “Gah! D-don’t smack me!” She cleared her throat in an effort to regain her composure, though her ears were still scarlet. “…Y-you take care of yourself, Anis. Make sure you come visit us whenever you’re back in the capital.” “I will, Mother! Thank you so much!” I was so overjoyed that I found myself embracing her in a tight hug. “Oh! A-Anis?!” she cried. No matter how old she got, she would always be my adorable mother. “Anis…! L-let go of me…!” “…I’m sorry for always making you worry, Mother. I’ll be all right now.” “…Anis?” “I’ll listen to the people around me and think my decisions through carefully. I won’t rush through life. And I’ll definitely come back. Everyone I care about is here. That includes you, too, Mother.” “Ah… I—I understand…! S-so let me go, please…!” She pushed back weakly. Her face was even redder than it had been before. Ah, she truly was adorable. With one last tight hug, I finally released her. She fell silent, seemingly unsure what to do next, her eyes shimmering with tears. Next I turned to my father, who was watching on with a gentle smile. “There’s nothing left for me to say. Apply yourself, Anis.” “Yes, Father. Stay well. I’m looking forward to reading your research reports, too!” I answered. He rested a hand on my head, which I took as his approval. There was nothing else I wanted to share with them right now. It wasn’t like this was goodbye forever. I would be back before anyone knew it. “Anis.” “Euphie.” Next up was Euphie, accompanied by Lainie and Ilia. Once Euphie was close enough, we reached out to press our fingertips together and pushed our foreheads close. With that, Euphie pulled away. That was all that needed saying, and she seemed perfectly happy. We had already spoken at length before leaving the detached palace, and nothing else needed to be said between us. Except— “Right, Euphie,” I said, stopping her. “Hold out your hand.” “…? Yes?” I gently placed a small object into her palm. Ilia quickly recognized it for what it was and stared back wide-eyed. “Lady Anisphia, is that…?” “Yep. A key to my workshop. Only you and I have copies,” I said to Ilia. “…This is for me?” Euphie whispered. “I want you to have it. Most of my memories are in that workshop, so I want you to look after it until I come back.” Euphie’s gaze seemed to bore into the key as her lips slowly curled into a beaming smile. With a small nod, she folded her hands around it and finally spoke. “I’ll take good care of it,” she said warmly. “Yep. It’s almost time for me to go.” “Yes. Take care,” she said reluctantly, stepping back. Ilia, meanwhile, was standing next to her in a daze. “…Ilia? What’s wrong?” “…Ah. No, it’s nothing.” “It doesn’t look like nothing. What’s the matter? Are you okay?” “…I’m just surprised you gave up the key to your workshop…,” she answered, eyes downcast as she raised a hand to her chest. Right. She usually wore her own key tied to a string around her neck. Maybe she considered it a symbol of the special relationship that existed between us. In that case, it was little wonder it came as a shock that I had handed mine over to Euphie. With that thought, I couldn’t stop myself from saying what came next. “Ilia?” “Yes?” “Be happy. Thank you for sticking with me all this time.” She was my closest ally, my best friend. Practically an older sister. But we had both changed, and we had both found people who meant the world to us. Our roles and duties were taking us to distant places. If someone had told me years ago that this was what the future had in store for me, I wouldn’t have believed them. Ilia, no doubt, would have found it even more preposterous. But here we were—and in my mind, it was an incredibly positive change. At that moment, a tear rolled down Ilia’s cheek. “Huh?!” I cried out. “I-Ilia?! What’s wrong?!” “…Hmm? Oh. I’m crying…” Surprised by her own response, she gently raised a hand to her cheek to wipe away her tears. Then she squeezed her eyes tightly shut, took a deep breath to calm herself, and gave me a gentle smile. “Lady Anisphia. I’m so happy to have shared these past years with you.” “…It’s not like this is goodbye forever, though,” I pointed out.
Chapter 112
18 min read