“Master Navre, Gark, could you look after Priscilla and Charnée? I’ll summon Halphys myself. Lady Ilia, could you prepare the meeting room?” “Very well. Leave it to me, Lainie.” Once everyone had their tasks, I gave my cheeks a light slap with both hands to wake myself up. If someone had told me a year ago that I would be dishing out instructions like this, entirely of my own accord, I would have laughed. But I had to act, so I would push forward without delay. “Well then, I’m counting on you all!” Fortunately, Master Lang and the others recognized the importance of this meeting and answered my call in spite of their busy schedules. Altogether, the participants of the discussion included Lady Ilia and Halphys based here in the capital; Master Navre, Gark, Priscilla, and Charnée—all involved in the construction of the magicology city; Master Lang, Master Marion, and Master Miguel from the Ministry of the Arcane; and of course, Lady Tilty. After checking to make sure everyone was here, I offered them all a deep bow. “Thank you for coming, everyone,” I said. “Not a problem, given the situation… Though it feels strange being summoned by you, Miss Lainie,” Master Lang said, his usual grim expression relaxing slightly. Indeed, he and I often crossed paths in the course of our work, but it was rare for us to exchange words while Lady Euphyllia was absent. “Yes, Lady Euphyllia normally makes most of the arrangements… But she and Lady Anis need time to relax. I decided we need to set the scene so they can act as soon as they’re ready to do so,” I answered. “That’s fair enough… How are they both?” “To be perfectly honest, it was a little touch-and-go for a while.” “I see…” “Lady Anis was one step away from losing control. Can you imagine what might have happened if she went berserk?” I asked. Master Lang furrowed his brow in alarm. “That would be a recipe for disaster, now, wouldn’t it?” Lady Tilty remarked with a shrug. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she slaughtered every last one of the western nobles,” Gark said in a dour murmur. “…I don’t think she’s that incapable of self-control,” Master Navre countered weakly. From his voice, it seemed, however, that he didn’t have the strength to argue his point. No doubt he understood that was probably wishful thinking on his part. “Come on now. Patience is a skill, you know? The real issue is all that deep-seated resentment she’s keeping bottled up. Let’s be clear: Just because Princess Anisphia is showing restraint doesn’t mean it’s out of kindness—it’s more like a warning. Taking that for granted would be a dangerous move,” Master Miguel said in his usual tone. “…That’s true,” Master Marion agreed with a solemn nod. “Right?” Master Miguel continued. “When she can’t hold back anymore, it means all that pent-up frustration and anger might be unleashed. Worst-case scenario—it could even lead to a civil war.” “With the western provinces? I’d like to think that’s overstating things…” Halphys’s eyes opened wide. Master Miguel, however, waved a hand from side to side. “Well, now that the insult has been aired publicly, there’s no choice but to address it, right? The real question is how far to stick your hand into this vipers’ nest. If Princess Anisphia loses her temper and decides to obliterate them, what next?” “…We’d have to stop her,” Master Lang answered. “I see. And how are you going to do that?” Master Miguel continued. “How…? I would warn her, advise her, I suppose…” “And if she doesn’t listen? Just how many people do you think there are in this country who could stop her by force if push came to shove?” Deathly silence fell over the room. The only names that came to mind were Lady Euphyllia, Duke Grantz, Queen Emeritus Sylphine, and Lady Lumi. But according to Lady Lumi, if Lady Anis really went out of control, there might not be anyone capable of stopping her… “The worst part is that Princess Anisphia actually has a good amount of popularity with the people. What if they start sympathizing with her? Especially the common folk, who are still simmering with discontent toward the nobles? Trying to stop them if they go on a rampage after joining sides with her will be quite a challenge—mark my words.” “There’s no denying that. I can feel a migraine coming on…,” Master Lang murmured as he massaged his furrowed brow. Master Miguel, however, wasn’t finished. “And what if there’s another scenario, an even worse potential outcome?” “…What could be worse than all that?” “…Princess Anisphia and Queen Euphyllia could just give up on the kingdom altogether and soar off into the horizon.” Once again, the room was enveloped in silence. This time, an ominous foreboding filled the air. “I’m actually impressed she hasn’t turned her back on the country already,” Lady Tilty said. The others turned increasingly morose at this statement. “Sure, Anis loves the Kingdom of Palettia, but has it ever really loved her back?” Lady Tilty continued. “But she kept on trying, didn’t she? And then Euphyllia went as far as to become a spirit covenantor. Now look what’s happened.” “…You’re saying she’s compassionate.” “Maybe. They’re both hopelessly naive, letting misguided fools take advantage of them. And when they realize what’s happened, they’re understandably angry. There’s nothing any of us can do about it. Frankly, it’s not even funny anymore.” “…Lady Euphyllia must be more exhausted that I thought,” I said aloud. “After all, with Lady Anis absent for so long working on the magicology city, I should have realized she would become unstable…” “…Miss Lainie, do you really think there’s a chance Princess Anisphia could take Queen Euphyllia and flee the realm?” Master Lang asked with a somber look. “There’s every possibility,” I said with a nod. “…I see…” “It wouldn’t surprise me if Lady Anis feels like she’s driven Lady Euphyllia into a corner. If she thought this was all to help realize her own dreams, she might indeed take off with Lady Euphyllia, never to return.” It was a hypothetical situation, but if that were to happen, Lady Ilia and I intended to follow them all the way. In that respect, I had no particular sense of attachment to the Kingdom of Palettia. Without Lady Anis and the others, there was nothing tying me to it. I was supporting them because they were both doing their utmost, but if the country itself didn’t want them, then I wouldn’t stay, either. “If Queen Euphyllia and Princess Anisphia disappeared, the kingdom would be doomed,” Master Miguel remarked. “Don’t scare me like that…,” Master Lang answered. “You’ve gotta admit, it’s definitely possible. It’s already strange that Princess Anisphia hasn’t cut ties, don’t you think? And yet here we are, with fools still insisting her accomplishments are all fictional, and others saying Queen Euphyllia should be nothing more than a symbol of faith. And now Her Majesty has fallen ill. Yes, things could still get worse, but the situation is bad—no doubt about it.” “…Yeah.” “And Queen Euphyllia will step back if the country wants a different future than what she’s envisioning. She said so herself. That idiot who ran his mouth this time was a bit too reckless, of course, but you can bet there are others thinking the same way. Give ’em a slap on the wrist, and you’ll just have another fool in time. Trust me on that.” “But if we impose too severe a punishment, it might unsettle other members of the nobility…” Gark spoke up. “…Um, can I ask something?” “Go ahead.” “What would happen to the nobles who are against Lady Anis if she and Queen Euphyllia gave up their reforms and simply left the country?” “…Wh-what would happen to them…?” “I mean, if you said we’d be going back to the days when commoners and even noble families without much skill for magic were always being held back, I’d feel like abandoning the place, too. How many people would actually accept that, though? Wouldn’t it just spark another rebellion?” “…There’s no denying that possibility, either,” Master Lang said with a sullen nod. “For better or for worse, Princess Anisphia’s changes have already had a significant impact on society. The common folk are particularly grateful for them.” “And don’t underestimate how many noble families have her back.” “I know,” I agreed. “So why would anyone be so senseless as to pick a fight with her out in the open? And to anger Lady Euphyllia at the same time? I can’t begin to understand what they were thinking.” “You mean what the western nobles’ game is…? This is just a shot in the dark, but I’m guessing they think we’re at an impasse,” Master Miguel said. “An impasse?” I repeated. He nodded. “Even if the western nobles wanted to upset the balance, they’ve got their own internal problems keeping them in check. All these different factions and rivalries, everyone trying to maintain the status quo…well, that puts a damper on any plans for change. The second you try to take action, you’ll find yourself silenced by all the power struggles and infighting. Trust me, they aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. They may look like they’re at odds with each other, but when it comes to protecting their own interests, they don’t hold back. Frankly, it’s a real pain in the ass. Then you’ve got the serious ones, like you, Lang, always harping on about matters of faith.” “You think you can make a fool out of me?” Master Lang challenged. “Ooh, scary, scary,” Master Miguel teased. “Well, I guess it makes sense that those who don’t fit in there would end up aiming for a lofty position in the Ministry of the Arcane or some other escape. Don’t you think so, Marion?” “Yes. I suppose you could say my own family is like that.” While Master Marion’s family, the House of Antti, had land in the west, it identified most strongly with the Ministry of the Arcane. Master Miguel continued, “Seems like they’re tying themselves in knots trying to cover up their corruption, and it’s left them unable to commit to anything. Then again, they’re so hell-bent on protecting their own hides, they probably won’t object too loudly to the new technologies Princess Anisphia is bringing in. They’ll pretend to go along with the crown’s policies, and when they finally realize the value magical tools bring, they’ll be clamoring to make full use of them.” “But didn’t that idiot say Lady Anis’s achievements were all fake?” Master Lang asked. “Well, there’s no defending idiocy. The problem is more where and when he said it.” The next moment, Master Miguel’s carefree attitude sharpened noticeably. “The corruption in the western provinces may run deeper than we thought. This could be the result of legitimate grievances getting squashed underfoot before they could properly take root. After all, despite their inner conflicts, the nobility will close ranks and fight as one to resist any outside intervention. They’re not the kind of people you want to mess with.” “Wouldn’t it be easier just to blow the whole thing up and get rid of them all?” Gark muttered in annoyance. “It isn’t that simple,” Charnée answered with a forced smile. At this, Gark’s lips came together in a dissatisfied pout. “But what’s so complicated? Can’t we keep the good and get rid of the bad? The guy who picked this fight in the first place is the one at fault.” “That’s true enough. But here’s the problem—if the punishment goes too far, we risk spreading unrest among the other western nobles. Ultimately, it could feed into their distrust of the royal family. If that happened, it’d be hard to steer the kingdom’s policies in the west. There’s always the option of trying to rule by force instead…” “Neither Lady Anis nor Lady Euphyllia wants to go that far,” I pointed out. “If they were going to rule by diktat, there would already have been uprisings,” Lady Tilty added. The others nodded along in tacit agreement. “I mean, those western nobles do realize they’re hurting themselves, right?” Gark said. “So why are they trying to provoke a response? Are they really that stupid?” “Maybe because they can’t let go of past glory?” Priscilla suggested. “Perhaps they don’t have anything else to be proud of? That would explain their obsession with faith, no?” “…Hey, Priscilla…?” “Hmm? Why the glum look, Master Navre?” “Could you try being a bit more diplomatic for once?” “I don’t believe I’m mistaken. Magicology and magical tools are going to drastically change the way magic is practiced from here on out. When that happens, it’s inevitable that traditional mages will decline in value. I’d say that’s a foregone conclusion.” The room responded to Priscilla’s remarks with forced smiles and awkward looks. Master Lang was wearing a noticeable grimace. Priscilla was right, and we all knew it—although she could have found a more tactful phrasing. “Wouldn’t they be better off befriending Princess Anisphia and using her to their own advantage? Why make an enemy out of her unnecessarily? They had to have considered that, right?” she added. “…I see your point,” Master Navre murmured. I had pondered that question myself, but it wasn’t the sort of conundrum that could be solved alone. I caught myself breathing a tired sigh. “Now that I’m so much closer to political affairs, I’ve come to understand just how difficult His Former Majesty’s life must have been,” I observed. “…You mean King Emeritus Orphans?” “His Former Majesty ascended to the throne in the midst of a coup attempt. I’ve heard that he prioritized rebuilding the kingdom in order to maintain its military strength and that he struggled to balance the interests of the different noble factions. There were so many challenges just in the western provinces alone. It must have been difficult for him…” Even now, there were those who disparaged the former king as an unremarkable ruler devoid of elegance or charm. I, however, was convinced—if he hadn’t laid the groundwork for its current relative stability, the realm would have fallen into chaos long ago. “Lady Euphyllia and Lady Anis are striving to follow in His Former Majesty’s footsteps. However they choose to go about it, they’re capable of uniting the kingdom,” I said. Neither of them, however, was interested in pushing their reforms through by force. I considered that an admirable sentiment—but at the same time, they were holding themselves back a little too much, if you asked me. They could afford to be a little more selfish. “I don’t want them to have to carry the kingdom on their shoulders like human pillars. One day, they will leave it. They’ve already agreed they have to.” “…Miss Lainie, you’re saying they’ll leave the Kingdom of Palettia? Even if their reforms are a success?” Master Lang asked. “Yes, that’s right. Once they decide they don’t need to take charge themselves, I suspect. This country is a place for humans to live, they said. It isn’t meant for beings who have strayed from their humanity.” “…So it will be the end of the royal line?” he murmured, his voice betraying a tangled mix of emotions. “Human pillars… That is a troubling way of putting it. The aristocracy has a responsibility to protect and lead. The same goes for our royal family. That’s why they’re expected to fulfill their duties as a matter of course. I still don’t think it’s wrong for those with the right skills and abilities to take on greater responsibilities, but if they aren’t blessed with the aptitudes required to fulfill the duties they already have…well, maybe it wouldn’t be surprising if they decided to abandon it all.” “Lady Anis isn’t planning on abandoning anyone. Though she does want to step back when the time comes,” I said. “I guess that’s what makes me so nervous. It’s a lot to carry, the burden of changing an entire nation. I can see what Princess Anisphia is trying to nurture. By bestowing magic on everyone, she wants to make sure no one’s life is decided for them merely by their social standing. It’s a lofty ideal. But there’s no guarantee she’ll be successful, so it’s natural to be concerned…” “But Lady Anis and Lady Euphyllia are doing everything in their power to make it a reality.” “I know… I know… It is a challenge keeping up, however.” “What’s that, Lang? Not up to the challenge?” Master Miguel quipped. “How dare you, Miguel? If I was scared, I might as well resign my position here and now. Do you think I’d run away from an opportunity to etch my name into history? That would be an act of cowardice,” Master Lang rebuffed him with a stern frown. “I’m not going to let my run end in disappointment. I won’t allow it. If our two leaders want to leave us in the future, then it’s my duty as their subject to fulfill their wishes.” “I also want to make sure they can both leave one day feeling they’ve accomplished their tasks. If I’m to help them, I can’t keep relying on them forever,” I added, speaking up with determination. The others all nodded along in firm agreement. “For now, let’s put together a basic plan about how we could handle the western nobles,” I suggested. “We need to ensure that we can support Lady Euphyllia and Lady Anis no matter what decision they make.” “Yes, I agree. Let’s consider a range of responses that would both align with their wishes and benefit the realm as a whole. That’s our duty,” Master Lang added with a firm nod. Again, the others nodded in agreement. Given their powers and skills, I understood the temptation to rely on Lady Euphyllia’s and Lady Anis’s personal judgment. But I knew also that they didn’t want us to force them to take the reins. What they really wanted was to enable others to stand up and push forward by themselves. So I would do precisely that, in order to fulfill my dream. I prayed the two of them would take some time off, even if just a little. After all, we were here to help them now. This was our moment to give everything we had for the cause. And so I took a deep breath and lightly patted my cheeks to reenergize myself. Yes, it was time to go all out!
Chapter 132
16 min read