A few days prior to Anis’s return to the royal capital… “It’s time, Lady Euphyllia.” “Already? Thank you, Lainie,” I answered, glancing up from my desk in my office at the royal palace. My plan had been to continue with my duties up until the meeting with my advisors, but I may perhaps have been focusing too much on my work. If Lainie hadn’t come to remind me, I very well might have missed it. Perhaps she suspected the same thing, as she breathed a long, exasperated sigh. “It’s all well and good to throw yourself into your work, but do remember to take breaks every once in a while,” she cautioned me. “Yes, I understand.” “I hope so…,” she said, peering hard into my face and prompting me to look away in an effort to escape. She had warned me many times about my habit of getting too absorbed in my tasks and losing track of time, but I still tended to get carried away… “Lady Ilia warned me! You are just like Lady Anis in that regard!” “I’ll be more careful from now on…” “Lady Anis seems to think such responses are sufficient, too…” “Come on, Lainie. We’re short on time, so we had better hurry.” I could see this conversation wasn’t going my way, so I set about cleaning up my desk. For a moment, Lainie continued to stare at me as if she had more to say, but it wasn’t long before she breathed a resigned sigh. As if on cue, a knock sounded at the door once I was finished clearing my desk. Lainie went to open it, revealing Lang, Marion, and Miguel. “Pardon me, Your Majesty,” Lang said. “Thank you for coming, everyone. Please, take a seat,” I answered, urging my three visitors to the sofas. Once they were all seated, I sat across from them and gave them my full attention. These three were some of my most reliable advisors, and I regularly sought their thoughts on matters of state. “Let’s get started right away. First, how are things at the Ministry of the Arcane, Lang?” I asked. “We’re carrying out our affairs in an orderly manner. Efficiency has improved, thanks to the introduction of Princess Anisphia’s Thought Boards, and we’ve finished reorganizing our materials and improving our management system. In fact, we now have surplus manpower. I’ll submit a full report later, but we’re considering expanding our operations.” “What specifically do you suggest?” “At Princess Anisphia’s suggestion, the Ministry of the Arcane has been educating non-aristocratic magic users to send to the new magicology city. We would like to further develop this program to continue recruiting talent into the future. To that end, we would like to select and train suitable personnel.” “I see. That does sound like a good idea. Construction at the magicology city is proceeding faster than expected. We could use the lessons everyone has learned to further develop untapped territories. I look forward to reading your full report.” “Yes. I’m also of the opinion it would behoove us to make part of the ministry an independent body.” “Oh? Which part?” “There has been a growing interest in magicology and magical tools within the ministry. We expect the number of students wishing to conduct further research in these areas to continue to increase. With the establishment of the Magicology Laboratory, I believe it would be beneficial to set up a body to address future developments. Specifically, an independent organization centered on highly motivated individuals hailing from the ministry.” I felt my lips curling in a smile at Lang’s suggestion. Yes, I was glad to hear that the Ministry of the Arcane, with its complicated history with Anis, was beginning to change. Our efforts were finally taking shape. “That’s a great suggestion,” I replied. “I had been thinking about something similar myself, but I’m glad to hear the ministry is considering it without any intervention.” “Yes. One of our members has recently married the second-most knowledgeable authority on magicology, after Princess Anisphia herself. He should be more than suitable, I would think.” Marion broke into a deep scowl. “Are you mocking me, Lang…?” he asked, his face turning red with anger. “Whatever do you mean, Marion?” Lang chuckled in response. As a friend of Halphys, I found her husband’s reaction strangely amusing. I did, however, feel somewhat guilty toward her. Given Halphys’s proximity to me and Anis, she had been targeted by individuals hoping to meddle in the kingdom’s political affairs. Her hasty marriage to Marion had been necessary to ensure the two weren’t separated. I felt responsible for their rushed marriage, so I prayed they would find true happiness together. “I’m glad to hear things are well at the ministry. Shall we move on to our next topic, then?” I suggested. “All right,” Miguel began. “Then I’ll go ahead and report on Princess Anisphia’s magicology city.” He always acted so frivolous, which made him difficult to read. And it made Lang’s forehead wrinkle deepen in consternation. With a soft grin at this familiar exchange, I adjusted my position to face him. “What kind of rumors have you caught wind of, Miguel?” I asked. “First, there’s a growing appreciation for magical tools among the common people, who are using them to improve their everyday lives. And some of the more astute merchant guilds are trying to leverage their aristocratic connections to gain a foothold in the magicology city.” “I’ve been approached by a number of nobles myself,” I answered. “I don’t want them to try negotiating directly with Anis. Keep an eye on them if you would.” “Sure thing. That’s my job after all.” Miguel’s family, the Graphites, oversaw much of the kingdom’s shadowy business. Few knew their true nature. His information was highly valuable, not the sort of thing I could afford to ignore. It came as a huge relief to have him as an ally. “Next up, the nobility. I’ve got good news and bad. Those based in the east are usually pretty loyal to the crown, so they’re happy.” “That is good news.” “The crown’s support to secure spirit stone deposits has been well received, and Princess Anisphia still has a good reputation there from her adventurer days. And the fact that Queen Emeritus Sylphine is from the east might play a part in that as well.” “I see. When the sun rises over one corner of the world, it sets in another… The bad news, then?” “The nobles from the west.” Broadly speaking, aristocratic power in the Kingdom of Palettia could be divided into three groups. First came the central area. The northern and southern regions were relatively small in terms of power and influence, so they were included within its borders. Second, the eastern regions. This faction had long been instrumental in settling and expanding the kingdom’s territory, but it was also complicit in the coup attempt before Anis’s father became king. The kingdom instituted reforms after putting an end to the coup, and this all led to a generational change. As a result, most members of the ruling class in the eastern regions were relatively young. That did mean, however, that they faced a lot of difficulties. All the same, given my policies to develop the area to extract spirit resources, they were wholehearted in their support for my rule. Besides, I already had a strong connection with them through my father, and they were worthwhile allies for me and Anis. Third came the western regions, comparable in size to the central ones and no less powerful. Not even the royal family could afford to ignore them. The western nobles had protected the kingdom’s borders for generations and played a vital role in the nation’s defense. They were a proud group. And yet… “Corruption was rampant among the nobility before you took the throne, Your Majesty, and it’s safe to say much of it originated in the west.” “Fueled by illicit contraband from beyond our borders…?” I asked. Miguel gave me a firm nod. At this, Lang’s and Marion’s expressions turned grim. “While it’s debatable whether luxury goods should be deemed illegal, the real issue lies in the Kingdom of Palettia’s ban on the ownership of slaves and exotic creatures,” Miguel answered. “Disgusting… That sort of behavior is an outrage. It’s unworthy of our nobility,” Lang spat. A policy with deep roots in the realm’s history, slavery was forbidden in the Kingdom of Palettia. The first king, the founder, had originally belonged to a nomadic people fleeing persecution in western lands. As such, the kingdom’s raison d’être was for his oppressed people to secure their own place in the world. For that reason, the kingdom refused to permit slavery of any kind, and those who trafficked in their fellow human beings were severely punished. In the case of exotic animals, there was a distinct possibility that if they managed to escape from their owners and return to the wild, they could end up becoming monsters. That could have a grave impact on the overall ecosystem and even risked diplomatic trouble if instinct prompted them to return to their original homeland. As such, there were stringent restrictions on the importation of exotic creatures from abroad. According to Miguel, however, it seemed such animals had become a popular luxury among the kingdom’s western nobles. “Being from the west myself, these findings leave me feeling rather conflicted…,” Marion muttered with a hint of bitterness. “The Antti family may hail from the west, but you’ve essentially joined the central forces since entering the Ministry of the Arcane, no?” Lang opined encouragingly. “Our western regions may be crucial for protecting our borders, but at the same time, they serve as a gateway to foreign lands. It’s quite unavoidable. There are boundless opportunities to brush up against foreign cultures, and it isn’t hard to see how one might be tempted and negatively swayed. The ability to exercise adequate self-restraint ought to be a prerequisite for any noble…” “Lang’s right,” Miguel responded. “Plenty of nobles think they won’t get caught for any borderline illegal activities. I mean, we’d be in over our heads if we tried to hold them accountable for every little thing they do wrong.” “…Just how much leverage does your father, Marquis Graphite, have over them?” I asked. “That’s a secret. It’ll only come out if our house is utterly destroyed.” Miguel flashed me a grin—a vaguely intimidating one. As the heir to the House of Graphite, responsible for the kingdom’s most clandestine operations, he understood the weight of his role well. Since I was a person who bore a great deal of responsibility myself, perhaps that was why I liked him. Personality-wise, however, we were at complete odds. “In any case, the western regions have been kept at a distance since His Former Majesty’s reign. It makes sense we don’t have a firm grasp on the situation there,” Miguel noted. “I’m told support from the west was kept to a minimum even during the civil war on the grounds of national defense,” I remarked. “I’m just going to say it—they’re opportunists. They’ll prioritize their own interests before anything else. Not a dumb way to go about it, if you ask me.” “They make up a sizable force, and we can’t simply ignore them. I’ve been working to gather support in the central and eastern regions over the past couple of years, but I feel like our western nobles still doubt me.” “That’s because you could decide their fates with a single word, Your Majesty,” Lang pointed out. “They’re naturally cautious.” “…The title of spirit covenantor is heavier than I thought…” After all, the first king had performed the great feat of a spirit covenant, the ultimate form of magic—yet I had gone down this path simply for Anis’s sake. In my case, I didn’t see it as some extraordinary accomplishment. On top of that, I had encountered foes capable of withstanding my powers, which was why I knew the kingdom would have to change trajectories. The best course of action was to develop Anis’s magicology and keep producing new magical tools. “I don’t know if it’s a good thing or not, but Princess Anisphia doesn’t have such a negative reputation in the west. She doesn’t have a favorable reputation, either, mind you—just a measured one. The west thrives on commerce, and its merchants are eager to start distributing her magical tools.” “We’ll have to maintain tight control over their export to foreign lands, won’t we?” I inquired. “Indeed. The misuse of spirit stones powering them, or of the magical tools themselves, could anger our neighbors unnecessarily.” Spirit stones were used to aid in daily life in the Kingdom of Palettia, but it was said they had been adapted as weapons in other lands. For that reason, we would have to be extremely cautious in introducing magical tools. “It may be a little early, but it would be a good idea to start preparing our distribution system now. I have some leads with a promising trading company, so I’ll start feeling them out.” “Thank you, Miguel.” “No biggie! I’m happy to help you complete your mission!” “…Ahem. Putting the western regions aside, as it stands, we only have several minor hiccups to address,” Lang interrupted, glossing over Miguel’s overly casual tone of voice. “It’s no exaggeration to say that the kingdom has been remarkably stable since your accession to the throne, Your Majesty.” I nodded. “I would be in quite a bind if it wasn’t,” I replied smoothly. “That was the whole point of the spirit covenant.” “…Right. It does mean you’re drawing a whole lot of attention, though,” Miguel murmured. “Ah… Yes, I suppose I am.” I breathed a tired sigh. Yes, spirit covenantors weren’t only feared—they were also the object of immense public interest and symbols of the spiritualist faith. Frankly, I found it all rather troublesome… “Is there still a high level of interest in my spirit covenant?” I asked. “Naturally,” Miguel answered. “I’m not particularly devout, but even I feel a sense of reverence toward you.” “You’re a symbol of the nation,” Marion added. “Unsurprisingly, people are in awe.” Once again, I sighed. I could understand their reactions. They just went to show how deeply rooted my spirit covenant had become in the minds of the kingdom’s nobility. “They’re interested, yes, but more worrisome is the possibility that some may be so dazzled by your achievements that they succumb to unwarranted ambition,” Marion noted. “I suspect many have already forgotten the incident with Count Chartreuse…” “That’s insane… Though I suppose it only seems that way to us because we’re in personal contact with Queen Euphyllia here…,” Miguel murmured. “You can’t have dishonest individuals in positions of trust… On that point, I’m not even sure how reliable Duke Magenta is,” Lang noted. I smiled thinly at the mention of my father. Despite our being publicly estranged, my father continued to serve the kingdom as my devoted subject. We often expressed conflicting opinions, and I went to great lengths to make sure no one realized just how close we were. I still had great respect and admiration for him—and I knew he felt the same way about me. Which was why I wanted our relationship to stay the way it was. At that moment, Miguel came out with a question: “So, Your Majesty—are you and Duke Magenta really on bad terms?” “Hey, Miguel!” Lang blurted out. “It’s all right,” I said. “We haven’t fallen out, if that’s what you’re asking. We’ve simply drawn a line between us. He doesn’t go out of his way to publicly support me—he’s simply doing his duty to protect the kingdom. And I trust him to do that.” “Hmm. Well, I guess that’s fine, then. You’re pretty similar, you know?” Miguel commented. “Not at all,” I answered. “You’re a bit quick to deny it, there…” In what way was I just like my father? Miguel liked to come out with the most ridiculous comments sometimes. We weren’t at all alike. Not in the slightest. As I had said to Anis on many an occasion, I found that comparison incredibly vexing. Lang must have sensed my unease, as he quickly tried to change the subject. “It’s a long-standing attitude on the part of most western nobles, the reluctance to fully submit to the crown. That being said, they must realize it would be unwise to isolate themselves, given your wide-ranging support, Your Majesty. What on earth could they be up to…?” “I’m not really sure, to be honest,” Miguel answered. “Even internally, the western regions have a complicated political situation. The bloc is basically balanced by two opposing forces. You’ve got the hardliners responsible for national defense, and then you’ve got the underhanded, opportunistic ones with strong ties to commercial ventures.” “Neither group has taken the lead over the other, I take it?” I asked. “They know each other’s weaknesses, so they’ve basically counterbalanced each other. They’re tightly bound together, but given their drastically different priorities, it takes them a good while to come to any sort of unified decision. They’re not particularly spontaneous, that’s for sure.” I had deduced as much from my own research. The fact that Miguel had all but confirmed my findings suggested my sources were well informed. Miguel and I certainly weren’t hostile, but at the same time, I hesitated to trust him completely. With that thought, Anis’s face suddenly came to mind. There were very few people I could truly say who definitely had my back, who I could trust would never betray me. She was at the top of that list. I missed her dearly. The longer we were apart, the more I felt her absence. “Well, when it comes to the western regions, you’ve just got to be patient,” Miguel said. “Yes. I suppose those are the most pressing issues. We should be able to focus on the small details from here on,” I answered. “I’m guessing it’d probably take a decade or thereabouts to complete all your reforms. New issues will probably pop up further down the track.” Yes, there was still a long way to go. I let out an exhausted breath. Though given my expected lifetime, perhaps it wouldn’t be so long after all. On the other hand, given my position, it weighed on my mind. “…Speaking of which, Your Majesty,” Lang said, “I’m hesitant to bring this matter up directly, but may I?” “Go ahead.” “Am I correct in assuming you don’t intend to marry…? Or rather, to produce an heir?” Marion’s eyes widened in shock at this question as he spun around in his chair. Miguel, for his part, continued to wear his usual smile—though I didn’t miss the sharp glint in his eyes. I, on the other hand, accepted the question with peace and calm. I suspected Lang had been wanting to ask that for some time now, though he had never brought it up before today. In his own way, I sensed, he was conflicted over it. “I intend to transform the way the country operates, Lang. I may have entered into a spirit covenant, but that doesn’t mean I believe magic is the solution to all our problems.” “Not even with your skills and ability, Your Majesty?” “No.” Magic was simply a form of power, a means to an end. I had always thought of it that way, but after Lilana had defeated me so soundly, I felt it all the more strongly. It was partly because Lilana had such an advantage over me that I considered her the natural enemy of any spirit covenantor, but there were also her own innate talents to consider, and the tenacity inherited through generations of vampires. I certainly didn’t think I had skimped on my training, but I also had to accept the fact that I had lost to a vampire who had spent her entire life honing her abilities. She taught me that no matter how great a power one might wield, it had to be handled with knowledge and wisdom. One could never afford to stop learning. To be perfectly honest, Lilana still haunted my dreams from time to time. However, she also taught me a lesson I ought to always keep close. A truly bitter lesson… “I know my way of thinking won’t always hold true. If someone else wishes to continue with the old ways and truly believes it will contribute to the well-being of the people, I will step aside. Should that happen, there would be no place for me.” “I see…” “No. If someone were to succeed me on the throne, it shouldn’t be my own child. My blood isn’t meant to remain in the royal family.” Lang fell silent at this response, his lips tightening as he sank deep into thought. Miguel, on the other hand, wore a bright grin. “If that’s what you want, Your Majesty, then I’ll be on the lookout for any nobles lurking in the shadows. I know there’s more than a few already chasing after you, and others trying to win Princess Anisphia’s favor as well.” “…Yes, I suppose we should keep a handle on them. They’re such a headache.” It was infuriating how those nobles always defied Anis, how they were constantly trying to oppress her, all so they could amass more power for themselves. Personally, I would have loved to punish the lot of them. No, my anger when it came to such individuals wasn’t easily calmed. At the very least, they should have tried winning her affection sooner. Though I didn’t much like the thought of Anis being saved by someone else. “Whoa, you’re scaring me, Your Majesty. Your aura is getting a little dangerous,” Miguel pointed out. “…My apologies. It seems I let my emotions get the better of me.” “Well, I guess it’s a bit late to go over all this now, huh?” “There was considerable difficulty deciding who to bring in as staff at the detached palace, as I recall…” “That was rough, no doubt about it. Still, it’s probably a good thing we were able to weed out the bad apples as soon as we did.” Miguel let out a hearty laugh, though his eyes weren’t smiling. I was certain there was more going on behind the scenes than I was fully aware of, but I would leave that matter alone for now. “It’s too late for anyone trying to get close to Anis. Really.” “Well, they treated her pretty terribly, so it isn’t surprising they’re changing strategies.” “That hurts a little, you know…?” “There’s no use worrying about it now,” Lang muttered with an unreadable look. Miguel patted him on the shoulder, and Lang responded by flashing him an annoyed glare, though he said nothing more. “You’ve butted horns with Anis yourself, Lang,” I noted. “What concerns me now, though, are those who want to use her to their own ends. I understand people may have ulterior motives, but I find it distasteful. I wish they could at least hide it better…” “Well, I just hope it doesn’t end up adding to my workload,” Miguel said with a light shrug. “That, too,” I responded with a wry chuckle. “It’s beyond frustrating not being able to come up with an easy solution to these issues. I suppose that’s why I don’t want to bother Anis with them.” I wanted her to focus on chasing after the untapped possibilities of magic so she could pave the way for the future, which was why I had to do my best not to distract her. “Our next moves will be clearer after your upcoming meeting with the nobles from the western regions,” Lang said. “Hopefully, we can make some progress there.” “Yes, I hope so.” Indeed. Until that day, that was all I had wanted. Never in my wildest dreams did I suspect that meeting would end up creating more problems… My meeting with the nobles from the western regions was for discussing the development of new highways and trading routes in anticipation of further projects. The most powerful western nobles tended to keep close to home, so it was necessary to arrange these meetings every now and then. There were various reasons they holed themselves up in their own territories, but primarily it was the need to constantly monitor the border. It had taken a good amount of time to schedule this meeting in the royal capital, but it was finally about to get underway… “I understand Your Majesty’s request. We western nobles have no objection. We would like to proceed with this discussion with the intention of accepting your proposal,” said an elderly gentleman with a mane of pure white hair. His name was Marquis Sienna, and at over sixty years old, he was perhaps the most respected and preeminent aristocrat in the west. That being said, he exuded a calm aura like a large, majestic tree; he was old, but he did not seem weak. There was a clear gulf of experience between us, and I had difficulty gauging his thoughts. He was like my father in some ways—namely, that I was reluctant to deal with him. In fact, I found him even more inscrutable than what I was used to. The other western nobles all but lined up behind him, so it was clear who was driving the conversation—a fact that made it only more difficult for me to properly express myself. “Can I take it you agree with our highway development plan?” I asked. “Indeed. It will be wonderful to see the kingdom thriving. Even in the distant west, we’ve heard rumors of Princess Anisphia’s magicology. Many of us are eagerly anticipating its fruits.” “Then I’d like to discuss the plan with you in more detail, if you don’t mind…” “I understand you’re anxious to move ahead, Your Majesty, but I’d like to bring your proposal back to my colleagues in the west for the time being,” Marquis Sienna said in a matter-of-fact voice that expertly concealed his true feelings. I stared back at him, doing my best not to break into a frown. “What do you mean?” “The demand for spirit stones, which are the driving force behind magicology and magical tools, will increase in the future. We understand Your Majesty wishes to establish a suitable trade network for distribution. However, a thorough survey will be required before we can proceed. We believe it would be wise for someone familiar with the west to compile the first draft.” “I was hoping to discuss a working proposal at this meeting,” I pointed out. “With all due respect, the west is a unique region, very different from the central and eastern provinces. Uninformed planning without an adequate understanding of its unique background would simply be a waste of effort. We wouldn’t want to trouble you unnecessarily, Your Majesty.” “…So you’re saying you want to go back to your holdings, put together your own plan, then present it to me at a later date?” “It would be more efficient to make revisions after reviewing our own proposal. I say this out of consideration for your busy schedule, Your Majesty.” “In that case, Marquis Sienna, shouldn’t you have prepared a draft proposal before coming to this meeting? I believe you had already been informed of Her Majesty’s plans,” Lang cut in sharply. As a representative of the Ministry of the Arcane, he was thoroughly displeased. Marquis Sienna, however, didn’t so much as flinch. “Hmph! You realize we can’t just cater to every whim of the central provinces!” complained a plump middle-aged noble. His outfit was so gaudy I assumed he wore it primarily to flaunt his wealth. This was Count Ebony. Like Marquis Sienna, he was one of the most powerful nobles in the west. Perhaps it would be accurate to say that Marquis Sienna stood at the forefront of the western nobles defending the kingdom’s border, while Count Ebony oversaw those heavily involved in trade and commerce. Marquis Sienna was so quiet it was almost suspicious, but Count Ebony’s flaccid cheeks broke into a grin. It was an uncanny look, and his hoarse voice, sounding like his throat had been scorched by fire, only added to that impression. “Marquis Sienna is right! The west is a crucial bulwark in the nation’s defense! And don’t forget trade! These decisions can’t be made lightly! I hope you understand our determination to support you, Your Majesty, even if we have to push back a little!” “I understand your point, but that doesn’t change the fact that your position is still unclear.” “Are you questioning our loyalty?!” “Who said anything about loyalty?” Lang challenged. “What we’re concerned about is the lack of transparency regarding the crown’s financial support in the west. We’re told the irregularities are indeed suspicious, yet it seems to take forever for you to properly scrutinize them. If you ask me, moving slowly seems to be a trademark of the western regions.” “We call it prudence and caution! This is why we can’t stand the tyranny of the central provinces! I’d say you don’t have any intention of rewarding our efforts! Am I wrong?!” Count Ebony shouted in response. “We’re all simply trying to fulfill our duties,” Lang said, his expression unchanging. “Hmph! How far are we supposed to trust you?! Count Chartreuse’s rebellion is still fresh in everyone’s minds! I’m forced to wonder how much you lot are supposed to have redeemed yourselves! Maybe it’s because you’re still wet behind the ears that you haven’t made much progress?!” “…Are you insulting the Ministry of the Arcane?” “You think that’s an insult? It’s a plain old fact, isn’t it?” Lang’s expression clouded over. I could feel his frustration, could sense that he was about to respond, unable to let that indignity stand. Fortunately, other western nobles spoke up before I was forced to intervene. Indeed, I was so taken aback that I lost my opportunity to speak up. “Count Ebony! You’ve gone too far! Can’t you see your overweening attitude is what’s tarnishing our reputation!” “Didn’t I say I was just stating the facts? It’s the central nobles and their Ministry of the Arcane that are always looking down on us!” “But the problem is the lack of transparency with your revenues! I must ask you not to paint all the western provinces with the same brush!” “Don’t play dumb! You’re no beacon of purity and innocence! You—you’ve been going on nonstop about national defense, but you’ve been gobbling up funds without any proper planning! I’m sick and tired of your empty talk!” “You’re the one blinded by money! You never shut up about it! It’s clear your head doesn’t have room for anything else!” “How dare you?! In that case, aren’t you all a bunch of traitors, recklessly wasting money under the guise of national defense?! You should be ashamed! You ought to bow down before Her Majesty and beg forgiveness!” “Damn you, Ebony!” All of a sudden, the western nobles began throwing around all manner of vulgar barbs. I was taken aback. Lang, previously fuming with anger, looked on in bewilderment. Could this mean the western nobles were less cohesive than we had thought? Marquis Sienna was the one who broke through both their bickering and our confusion. “Quiet! You’re in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen.” “M-Marquis Sienna…” “…I apologize for that unworthy display, Your Majesty. To you as well, Lord Lang,” the marquis said, rising to his feet and offering a deep bow. “…I accept your apology. Please, raise your head, Marquis Sienna,” I answered, not sure how else to respond. I could have pressed the group further, but something about the situation made me wary, so I held back. While I pondered my next move, Marquis Sienna stood up straight and continued speaking. “As you can see, this meeting is unlikely to lead us to a firm resolution. May I suggest we postpone this for now so we can discuss the matter further among ourselves?” “…Well…” As far as I was concerned, ending the meeting at this point was far from desirable. Something told me if we didn’t finalize our plans here and now, we never would. But how was I supposed to proceed? Would it be better to cut to the chase and accuse them of incompetence, or worse? Or should I approach it a different way? Just as I was pondering these questions, another figure spoke up, a young western noble. “Hold on a moment, Marquis Sienna. Now that we’ve made fools of ourselves in front of Her Majesty, shouldn’t we inform her of the reality of our situation?” “I thought I said we would hold off on that, Count Leghorn?” “I’m afraid I cannot! It’s for the good of the kingdom! Please, Queen Euphyllia, hear me out!” the young Count Leghorn cried, failing to heed Marquis Sienna’s warning. He stared across at me, his eyes filled with an unusual degree of passion. “We western nobles have been striving day in, day out to shield this country from external threats! But being directly adjacent to the border, we have to deal with all sorts of unexpected circumstances! Because of that, we aren’t unified in ideology or objectives! There are even a fair few law-breaking tramps among us! Something must be done! I pray you’ll use your power and authority to unify us, Your Majesty!” “Y-you scoundrel! What are you saying?!” “The impudence, bringing this to Her Majesty!” “Shut up! You’re supposed to be the twin pillars of the west?! Everyone can see you’re always at each other’s throats!” “So you’re asking the crown to intervene?! Have you forgotten our long-held beliefs?!” “You mean the notion the west needs to be independent to maintain the purity of the royal bloodline and to shield the nation?! And how many in our midst are exploiting those principles to line their own pockets?!” “Damn it! Where’s your evidence? Show us! Without that, you’re committing slander!” Like that, the western nobles were in an uproar again, now focused entirely on Count Leghorn. More than a few were glancing about left and right, unable to hide their confusion. Really, the situation had become so chaotic, it was giving me a headache. How on earth had the meeting come to this…? “Queen Euphyllia! Please, bring your great authority to the west!” “Enough! Don’t listen to this man, Your Majesty! Someone, get him out of here!” “Quiet, everyone.” I spoke in a much firmer tone than usual in an effort to bring the angry outbursts ringing in my ears under control. Almost instantly, the din quieted down to nothing, and I could finally catch my breath. I had to find some way to get our meeting back on track… “I’ve heard your request, Count Leghorn. However, I cannot punish anyone without proper evidence. Let’s conduct an investigation first before passing judgment.” “Y-Your Majesty! Do you really trust this man’s words?!” “No, but where there’s smoke, there’s fire. It will all be brought to the light of day…” “This is all a scheme to drive a wedge between Your Majesty and the west!” protested Count Ebony. “Don’t err in judgment, Your Majesty!” “I don’t consider anyone guilty at present. Not until I see the results of a thorough investigation.” The nobles continued to complain, but Count Leghorn, not to be outdone, roared, “Queen Euphyllia! If you give them time, some might try to cover up their tracks! I suggest you detain us western nobles until you’ve learned the truth—myself included!” “Y-you fool! Shut that blighted mouth of yours!” “You’re the one who should shut up! Why do you always have to go against Her Majesty’s wishes?! She’s a spirit covenantor! The reincarnation of our founding king! Where’s your faith if you refuse to obey her?!” Count Leghorn shouted. At this, the nobles fell silent. Their expressions varied. Some pouted sullenly, others looked on as if trying to gauge my mood, while others had turned pale, their faces downcast. Examining them all, I felt disheartened. In some respects, those with strong religious beliefs, like Count Leghorn, would be the most difficult to bring around in the long run. It was because of their piety and faith that they were willing to go so far with their remarks. If I wasn’t careful with my words when pointing out their mistakes, I could end up causing even more trouble. My headache was swiftly evolving into a migraine, but just before I could open my mouth to speak up, Count Leghorn beat me to the punch: “Queen Euphyllia! It’s your mission to bring peace to the land! We’ve heard stories about your mercy! But your compassion should be reserved for your truly faithful subjects! Please, we await your decision!” “Count Leghorn,” I answered slowly. “It’s true that I’ve completed a spirit covenant and that, as such, I was able to take the throne. However, I am not the law itself. Criminal punishment must be decided according to our laws, not according to my whims.” “A lenient hand won’t bring a stop to their wrongdoing!” …What in the world was he trying to accomplish with all this? I was missing something. I leaned back in my chair to consider my next words. “…Are you saying the queen’s will takes precedence over the laws of the land?” I asked at last, my tone flat. “If we set that precedent, future kings or queens could use it to punish their subjects unjustly. Are you saying the west has fallen into such depravity that we should take that level of risk?” My words were as cold as ice, but deep inside, I was positively fuming. “What do you say, Count Leghorn?” I pressed again. “…Yes! What the west needs is Your Majesty’s divine authority! We need you to save the righteous among us! We aren’t all wicked, so I humbly beg you to show mercy on your righteous subjects!” “…Yet you won’t try to fix the issues yourselves?” “No one listens to me! They’re corrupt, and they’ve poisoned the system to protect themselves! No matter how righteous we are, our institutions and rules are rotting from the inside, leading only to oppression! There’s no happiness to be found for those of us who remain true and loyal! We need action, swift and decisive! Please, I beg you to intervene…!” …Ah. I could feel the anger in the pit of my stomach growing out of control. He had conveyed his passion, his fervent wish for me to do what he saw as the right thing. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that he was a good person, with a spirit of making sacrifices and of serving others. But that was just it. His plea left me unmoved. I breathed a deep sigh. “I understand your request, Count Leghorn. But I must order you to leave the room.” “Queen Euphyllia…?! Why?!” “This meeting is to discuss the future of the royal family’s involvement in the western regions. It isn’t a venue for individual petitions, especially not from western nobles. Take a moment to step back, cool your head, and reflect on your actions.” “Why won’t you understand?! Our current laws are imperfect! They can’t correct injustice! That’s why we need you to step in!” “If we were to change something, it mustn’t be solely at my own discretion.” “You’re mistaken! You can shape the realm however you want! Why are you so eager to let others take the credit for your achievements?! If you wield your true power for all to see, everyone will bow before you! There’s no need to keep making a display of Princess Anisphia, for instance!” “…What is that supposed to mean?” I asked in a low voice, unable to trust what I had just heard. Then, acting as if he had my approval to keep going, Count Leghorn continued, “Yes, her idea of magicology should be promulgated through the realm! But granting her the title of knight commander—well, it’s excessive! Nobles should be the ones to stand at the top! How can someone like her, without any magical skills of her own, occupy such a position?! It’s undeserved!” “…I don’t follow. What makes you say she doesn’t deserve it?” “…Everything! She may have a reputation as a famous adventurer, but I wonder just how many of the stories are actually true! Her slaying of the dragon, for instance—that was Your Majesty’s doing, wasn’t it?! Nothing else makes sense! Who would honestly believe she could pull off such a feat without the power of magic?!” For a long moment, time seemed to come to a standstill. When I came to, I had leaped to my feet with such force that my chair was sent flying backward. My hand had reached for the Arc-en-Ciel at my waist—and only then did I realize I hadn’t equipped it because of this meeting. The murderous rage that had taken hold of me was filling the room with suffocating pressure. Several nobles were clearly quivering in fear, while others had fallen out of their chairs. Count Leghorn—the one responsible—was one of them. There was a shudder in his breath, a bestial whine wheezing from his throat again. My senses, my consciousness—everything felt distant, as if I were separated from myself by a thin wall. Even the voices of those around me seemed far away, leaving me unable to make out what they were saying. All I wanted was to give in to my impulses, so why couldn’t I move? A barely contained part of me wanted to do something about this ingrate before me. “…Your Majesty! Please, show restraint! It won’t go any further!” At long last, the voice that finally reached my ears was Lang’s. As if a film were being peeled away from me, the world came back into focus. My body was shaking, and I still felt like lashing out. Just trying to hold that urge in was unbearable. “Lang…” “Please calm yourself!” he shouted desperately. With that, I finally regained a modicum of composure. All the same, my head still felt numb, and I could barely think. It took everything I had just to endure the torrent of emotion inside me. “This meeting is over! Her Majesty is leaving!” Lang hastily announced, pulling my hand to lead me from the council room. Lainie, who had been waiting outside, rushed toward me. “Lady Euphyllia?! What happened?!” “Miss Lainie, please look after Her Majesty! I’ll handle the situation here! We can’t allow her to stay. Please, take her to the detached palace immediately!” Lang directed. “I—I understand!” Lainie nodded with a grim look. “Let’s go, Lady Euphyllia.” I said nothing. “Lady Euphyllia! Please, pull yourself together!” she called again. My feet seemed rooted to the ground.
Chapter 127
36 min read