“Ngh…” Ever so slowly, my shallowly submerged consciousness began to resurface. I hadn’t fallen completely asleep, but at least I had been able to surrender myself to a state of light drowsiness. I probably had Anis to thank for that. She had woken me up moving around in her sleep, but her presence by my side had unmistakably helped put my mind at ease. “…I made you cry, didn’t I?” I murmured. Noticing that the corners of her eyes were still wet with tears, I reached out to gently wipe them away. Following that quarrel, the two of us had fallen asleep crying in each other’s arms. I remembered watching her doze off, but everything after that was a blur. “…It isn’t easy bringing someone back to their senses, is it?” I felt as though I had taken something important for granted, and it was only natural I had ended up losing it. Attempting to reintroduce it was like taking a foreign substance into your body and trying to keep it down. No matter how hard I tried, I doubted I could swallow this all on my own, but with Anis here, it settled naturally. It was embarrassing to admit, even to myself. I ran my fingers across her cheeks—and at that moment, she flinched, her eyes opening ever so slightly. “…Ngh.” “Did I wake you, Anis?” “…Euphie.” “Yes, it’s me.” “…You haven’t slept.” “I was able to sleep some.” “Liar.” Maybe because she was still sleepy, Anis’s lips came together in a displeased pout—and I leaned in to give her a soft peck. Then, as if pleading for me to go on, she reached out. We kissed again and again, our chests filling with warmth. All I wanted was for her to understand how much I loved her. The next moment, she inserted a hand between us, pushing me back. It felt like a rejection. Her warmth slowly ebbed away. “…Enough already,” she said. “I want to keep going!” “No!” She blushed, burying her face in her pillow. Seriously, that behavior only made her more irresistible. Seeing that her face was hidden, I kissed her hair instead, and the touch filled me to the core with contentment. Ah, yes. I still needed her by my side after all. Anis looked up from her pillow. “…Does that make you feel better?” “Yes. Thank you. What about you, Anis?” “…Mm-hmm.” On hearing my answer, she sat up straight and reached out with both hands, like a child begging to be picked up. It was a strike straight into my heart. Ugh. I had to grit my teeth to keep myself from growling out loud as I settled into her arms. She embraced me in an all-encompassing hug, the two of us so close that we could hear each other’s hearts beating. Like that, we passed the time peacefully to the comforting sound of our breaths intermingling. I wished I could just let go and melt away. It was as if someone had pulled the plug on me, as if my energies were slowly draining away. Ah. Yes, this was the person I had been longing for. My thirst was quenched, and I was deeply satisfied. I didn’t need anything else today… “You must be tired, Euphie…” “…Mm-hmm.” “…Are you going to sleep?” “Not quite…” “…Right.” We leaned into each other, the two of us weak. Even our words seemed to be sapped of energy. If only we could melt together completely. At that moment, however, a sound rang out. Grrrgl. It was Anis’s stomach, growling with hunger. A second later, she jumped to her feet and pried me away. I wasn’t at all happy to lose her warmth so suddenly, but her adorable blush as she averted her gaze was enough to make me forget my annoyance. “…It’s morning,” she pointed out. “You can pretend you didn’t hear it.” “I did, though. Besides, I heard you didn’t eat anything last night.” “Ack…!” Anis glared down at her belly—a sight I couldn’t help but find endearing. “Shall we go and get breakfast?” I asked. “…Has your appetite come back?” She peered into my face with a worried frown. Apologetic, I shook my head. Frankly, the mere thought of food left me feeling queasy. It was probably fair to say I was sick to death of food. Anis quietly deflated. It was such a painful sight that I found myself swallowing a sigh. “But maybe if I go with you, I’ll be able to eat something,” I suggested. “…Really?” “Yes.” “Then let’s go grab a bite to eat! Come on, Euphie!” she cried out, suddenly bursting with energy. I was glad to see that she was feeling better. I knew I wouldn’t be able to stomach much, but the important thing here was to give her a little peace of mind. I was just about to call out to the maid when, with perfect timing, a knock sounded at the door. Anis and I looked at each other. “Lady Anisphia, Lady Euphyllia. Are you awake?” “Ilia? Is something wrong?” Yes, it was Ilia. No sooner had Anis answered her than she stepped into the room with a polite bow. “My apologies for bothering you both, but we’ve received a message from His Former Majesty…” “From Father-in-law?” “Yes. If you’re feeling well enough, he would like you to come up to the castle as soon as possible…,” Ilia said, looking my way with worry. Again, I exchanged glances with Anis. It sounded like something had happened if he wanted to see me as soon as possible… “Are you up to it, Euphie?” Anis asked. “Yes, I’m okay. It must be important, so let’s go up to the castle. Ilia, could you tell him we’ll be there once we’ve finished breakfast?” “Very well. I will let him know.” I hoped a new problem hadn’t arisen, but it was hard to tell. Before I knew it, I was breathing heavy sighs all over again. After breakfast, we went up to the castle. Entering my office, I found my parents-in-law waiting for us. I felt guilty for dragging these two back into public service to deputize for me, yet it was Father-in-law who flashed me an apologetic smile as he stood up from his seat. “Euphyllia,” he said, resting a hand on my shoulder sympathetically. “I’m sorry for calling you here while you’re unwell. It was nice of you to come, too, Anis.” “Are you feeling all right, Euphyllia? You aren’t pushing yourself too hard, are you?” Mother-in-law asked. “I am all right. I don’t mind. Was there something I can help you with?” “Hmm. Well, that’s the thing…,” Father-in-law began. “As it happens, Marquis Sienna has requested an audience with you.” “What?” Anis blurted out, her voice filled with rage. The former king glanced across at her with a startled look. Mother-in-law rested a hand on her forehead as if she had a headache, though she didn’t voice any complaints out loud. Meanwhile, Anis’s eyes narrowed into an unsettling squint. “Marquis Sienna—he’s one of the leaders among the western nobles, right? And he wants an audience now? Don’t tell me he wants to apologize?” “That’s within the realm of possibility,” Father-in-law answered. “Don’t tell me he wants a reduced sentence?” “That’s also quite possible.” “Father!” Anis growled. I briefly worried she might bite the former king’s head off. At that moment, my mother-in-law moved to intervene—but just before she could raise her voice, Anis calmed herself and took a deep breath, though she was still scowling in dissatisfaction. Once she had her temper under control, Father-in-law continued, “It seems Marquis Sienna is aware of your return, Anis. He also wishes to discuss the affront made to you.” “He wants my forgiveness now?” she declared menacingly, leaving little doubt she had no intention of accepting any apology. At this, Father-in-law knitted his brow. He was at his wit’s end. “I can accept it to some extent, people talking bad about me,” Anis continued. “Anis.” “But those western morons disrespected Euphie! And because of that, her health has gone downhill!” “Calm down, Anis.” “Mother!” “I told you to calm down!” Mother-in-law admonished her twice, but Anis’s anger wasn’t easily cooled. Mother and daughter glared across at each other, but Anis was the first to relent, lowering her head as guilt washed over her. The former queen stared at her with a pained look, before letting out a heavy sigh. “I understand your feelings all too well. And I’m very familiar with how difficult it is to keep your cool when told to back down.” “…I know.” “You’ve always tried to stifle your feelings when people mistreat you… I’m sorry. I feel so pathetic, burdening you like this.” Anis picked her head up and quickly cut in. “It isn’t your fault, Mother…” Mother-in-law, however, gave her head a quiet shake. “It isn’t so easy, given my position. As former queen and as your mother.” Anis bit her lip and stared down at her feet, unable to respond. Her mother walked over to her, patting her softly on the shoulders. “I didn’t scold you just now with the intention of stopping you. All I’m saying is you need to calm down first, or you’ll end up making mistakes. Do you understand?” “Huh?” “If you’re going to do it, be relentless. You can’t afford any half measures,” Mother-in-law said, holding her by the shoulders and giving a determined nod. If I wasn’t mistaken, the strength emanating from her rivaled Anis’s own fury. I watched as Anis gulped. Yes, there could be no mistaking it—these two really were parent and child. “Orphans and I are both livid at the situation,” Mother-in-law said. “If Marquis Sienna wants to apologize or beg for leniency, I, for one, wouldn’t accept it.” “But he requested this audience in advance of his departure,” Father-in-law added. “That being the case, we also need to agree on a stance toward the western regions. Do you understand, Anis? If you lose your temper with him, it could complicate the situation even further. The marquis is a seasoned and cunning fellow. Be careful.” “Ugh…” “Euphyllia? Shall we proceed with the understanding you’ll grant him an audience?” “…Very well. I’ll accept.” “Euphie!” “It would be better for all of us to get this over with sooner rather than later.” I appreciated Anis’s concern, but I did want to move this matter along. I didn’t think it was wise to leave the problem of the western regions the way it was, and if we were going to act, the sooner the better. “I’d like to coordinate my response to some extent with Lang and the others before the audience…,” I began. “About that…” Father-in-law trailed off. “There’s no need, Lady Euphyllia!” “…Lainie?” Yes, Lainie had appeared with impeccable timing. I glanced across at Father-in-law, who for some reason looked like he was fighting to hold back laughter. What on earth was going on? “I didn’t expect them to make the first move, but there’s no need to worry,” Lainie continued. “We’ve already put together several plans on how to deal with the western nobles. We’ve listed the details in these documents.” “…You made these, Lainie?” “With Master Lang and the others so that you could have them for reference right away.” I skimmed over the documents she handed me, impressed by just how well they were thought through. Was Lainie really responsible for all this? I had certainly asked her to produce documents and reports in the past, but this was entirely on her own initiative. When did she learn to do all this herself? I could hardly believe my eyes. “The final decision is yours to make, Lady Euphyllia, but we can outline various options available to you. After all, we can’t keep making you do everything by yourself.” “…I’m amazed you compiled so many options in such a short time.” “Masters Lang, Miguel, and Marion did the majority of the work. Master Navre and Priscilla helped a lot, too.” “Navre did?” “He said he simply couldn’t endure that you had been subjected to ridicule.” Anis’s eyes widened in surprise. Lainie, meanwhile, flashed her a mischievous grin. I felt myself swelling with pride. At the same time, however, there was work I had to do. It seemed I had put a lot of pressure on everyone… “Thank you, Lainie. Though this should have been my job under normal circumstances…” “Don’t say that. Didn’t I tell you earlier? We can’t keep relying on you to do everything forever.” “But…” “We want to support you, Lady Euphyllia. Please don’t say anything about troubling us. If anything, please use us more. We would gladly work to lighten your burden.” Her radiant smile as she spoke put my heart at ease. Ah… All that wishful thinking about relying on others more was surprisingly difficult to put into practice. Instead of feeling guilty at my own inaction, I should have been appreciating the fact that they had stepped in to help. “Besides, I’m very upset at those western nobles and that attitude they took with you. Since they caused this commotion, we should move ahead to respond quickly. So please, get back at them for us, too!” “…I see. Thank you, Lainie. You stepped up to the task and did a remarkable job.” At this, Lainie broke into another dazzling smile. Her newfound confidence made me feel as though I really could rely on her. I found myself smiling back at her. “Let’s hammer out the details, then. Seeing as you’ve put in all this effort, I owe it to you to finish it properly,” I declared, my voice filled with greater strength than ever before. After I’d perused the documents Lainie had put together and considered various responses and their expected outcomes, it was time for my audience with Marquis Sienna. With me were Anis, Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, and Lainie. Once again, I was sitting across from Marquis Sienna, but he was not nearly so arrogant this time. In fact, I was a little concerned about his condition. I hoped he hadn’t fallen ill due to being kept in the royal palace for so long… “Marquis Sienna. Please, raise your head,” I called out. The marquis, however, continued to slump forward as he knelt before me. “First, I must apologize to Your Majesty and Princess Anisphia for our disrespect toward you both,” he said. “I’m truly sorry. As a representative of the western nobles, I’m deeply ashamed.” I didn’t sense any ulterior motives in his apology. In fact, he came across as rather sincere. I decided to take a wait-and-see approach. Anis, however, responded in a cold, emotionless voice, “I’ll decide whether or not to accept your apology after this meeting. Raise your head, Marquis Sienna.” When he neither spoke nor moved, Anis pressed harder. “Didn’t you hear me? I said look up, Marquis Sienna. We can’t talk if you won’t even look at us.” “…As you wish.” The marquis relented, slowly doing as she instructed. His expression was remarkably calm. He didn’t seem in the least bit flustered. No—on the contrary, he was so quiet, he came across as somewhat eerie. But, I told myself, this conversation wouldn’t go anywhere if I didn’t take the lead. “Then may I ask why you requested this audience, Marquis Sienna?” I began. “Indeed. What manner of action are Your Majesty and Princess Anisphia planning to take regarding this matter, if I might be so bold as to inquire? I wished to speak with you both in the hopes of alleviating my concerns.” “My personal view is that we could replace every last one of you western nobles. But I don’t speak for Euphie,” Anis declared in a chilling, indifferent voice. Marquis Sienna didn’t flinch, but I didn’t fail to notice both Lainie and Father-in-law looking visibly nervous. “You’ve gone too far,” Anis continued. “Accusations of illegal trade, insults directed at the royal family, and a general disregard for our laws. Not to mention your failure to respect the crown. And not only do your people air their accusations with no regard to the time or place, they demand an extraordinary response with no appreciation for the consequences. If that isn’t negligence on your part, what is it?” “…” “Can you offer any other explanation, Marquis Sienna?” “…No, I’m afraid not.” “…You can’t?” Anis asked, evidently not having expected this response. I wasn’t about to let it show, but I was equally confused. I had assumed the marquis asked for this meeting in order to beg forgiveness on behalf of his peers… But if that wasn’t it, what on earth was his objective here? “Once investigated, I’m sure the many sins and wrongdoings of my fellow nobles will be brought to light,” he said at last. “I would be more than willing to cooperate and ask only that I be justly judged. I am ready to face whatever punishment you see fit.” “…You aren’t going to plead your case or submit a defense?” Anis asked. “I have no wish to oppose the royal family at this point.” “…You asked to see us just to say that? Why?” “Our crimes are beyond dispute. That being the case, I ask only that they be judged fairly. Some of us may be deserving of death, but others were unaware of their sins, or were coerced to take part against their will. I humbly ask that mercy be shown where it is warranted,” Marquis Sienna declared with another deep bow. With her momentum thrown, Anis’s anger gave way to annoyance and consternation. She wasn’t the only one left confused—the rest of us, I sensed, shared that sentiment. “I’m afraid I don’t understand why you’re acting this way all of a sudden, Marquis Sienna,” I said. “I already intend to judge anyone facing accusations impartially. However, if you’re willing to accept punishment, why didn’t you turn yourself in sooner? Your behavior doesn’t match your words.” At this, the marquis slowly raised his head. He seemed utterly exhausted. After a short moment, he forced a weak smile. “If that is how you feel, then I take it as a sign I did my best despite my limited abilities.” “…What do you mean?” “Your Majesty. If I had tried to turn myself in, I would have been assassinated before I could ever reveal what I know.” “…Assassinated?” “The western provinces have stubbornly rejected any interference from the crown and have united as one against outside threats. This, however, was all an effort to cover up our own sins—and our recent betrayal. Many of us have been willing to go to any lengths necessary to achieve their goals.” “…But that would be treason,” Anis pointed out accusingly. Marquis Sienna shook his head. “Indeed. But it was never our goal to oppose the crown. Nonetheless, it’s also true that some of our members never intended to abide by your laws, so I know this may sound like a weak excuse…” “It sounds ridiculous,” Anis answered. “You don’t want your crimes unmasked, you want to avoid royal interference, and you also don’t want to be branded traitors. Who’s supposed to buy that story?” “It isn’t very plausible, I admit. But we in the west had little choice. It’s all the result of my own incompetence. I’m the most culpable in this matter.” “…You never had any real intention of uncovering the misconduct yourselves?” “At this point, it would be impossible on our own. Everyone is involved to some extent, and everyone understood that if our wrongdoings came to light, it would be fatal to all of us. We all know each other’s weaknesses; this is how we keep one another in check. That’s the reality for us in the west.” Anis was growing more and more displeased by this explanation, her gaze hardening. Still, she didn’t speak up—so I asked the question on all our minds. “You say the truth is deserving of punishment? And that the western nobles are collectively responsible for covering it up?” “Yes.” “…Why come forward now, Marquis Sienna? Why not say something sooner?” Father-in-law interrupted. I heard pain in his voice. Marquis Sienna looked up, his eyes narrowing. There was no hostility in them, but rather a sense of calm. I suspected Father-in-law was the most bewildered of all by what we had heard today. “King Orphans, by the time you took control of the country after your coronation, the western provinces had already reached a point of no return. Back then, the country was still in disarray. It could be argued that Your Majesty’s peaceful, non-authoritarian rule allowed corruption to thrive.” “Are you blaming my father for your own dishonesty?” Anis demanded. “No. We were without shame, that’s all. And of course, King Orphans didn’t have the time or the resources to spare on us back then. If he had realized what was happening among our lords, he might have pushed us further. We don’t want to see the realm any more divided. On top of that, if we sought help, the west’s punishment might have been less severe than was warranted. That would not be justifiable.” Marquis Sienna sighed, shaking his head. “But the situation changed when Queen Euphyllia acceded to the throne.” “How so?” I asked. “Your and Princess Anisphia’s achievements have been so spectacular, it’s little wonder those who have high expectations for you both have been dazzled by their brilliance…” “Expectations? I thought your people looked down on me as a worthless fraud?” Anis fired back. “Not everyone feels the same way. Count Leghorn, for one, is far too fervent in his spiritualist devotion. I can understand how he feels, to some extent, but the more you chase after purity and righteousness in our lands, the more you end up poisoning yourself as a result…” “…And so?” Anis demanded, her anger bubbling to the surface. Her eyes were deadly sharp as she glared at Marquis Sienna. “Poisoning yourself? Is that what you call it, being unable to do anything? Because you were born into that mess of yours? Is that the conclusion you’ve drawn from it all? It isn’t even funny. And that’s the kind of person making fun of me? No, this isn’t amusing in the slightest.” “…I can offer no excuse,” Marquis Sienna answered, lowering his head in the face of Anis’s anger. Anis did not appreciate this response. “Don’t be stupid!” she snarled. “Do you know how much I’ve suffered?! You nobles are all the same! Always looking down your noses at people just because they can’t use magic! What have you lot accomplished with all your powers?! You mock me, you deny my achievements—but what do you all have to show for yourselves?! Nothing!” I didn’t fail to notice both Father-in-law and Mother-in-law watching this with visible apprehension. After that outburst, Anis paused to catch her breath in an effort to calm her emotions. Silence filled the air, except for her heavy breathing. “…Why are you all such a disappointment? Why did I let Euphie take on the responsibility of managing this country? Maybe I should have wiped out every noble and magic user instead?” “Anis…” “Do you know how much my parents suffered to protect this country?! Or Allie?! All because you’re so obsessed with faith, you can’t even see the people themselves! Why can’t you just strip away the miracle of magic and see people for who they are?! How much do you have to mock me to feel good about yourselves?!” “Anis! That’s enough!” I called out, grabbing her by the shoulders. “…!” I pulled her close, patting her on the back to calm her down. Anis bit her lip and all but fell into my arms with a shudder. …I sensed she had been holding this in for a long time. It was a cry of heartbreaking sorrow. And I wasn’t the only one who felt that way—no one here would fail to recognize the extent of her pain and suffering. I broke the silence to speak in her defense. “Marquis Sienna, I understand your feelings and the situation in the west. However, as a lord of the Kingdom of Palettia, your past weakness is itself a sin. I cannot overlook it.” “…I’m deserving of whatever punishment you see fit.” “…What do you seek from this audience? Judgment?” I couldn’t understand the motives behind his actions. At that moment, Marquis Sienna glanced over at me. Something about his gaze seemed almost pleading, and I frowned. He was visibly unwell. He must have known he couldn’t hide it, as he quickly averted his gaze. “I had to see for myself to be sure,” he murmured. “See what?” I asked. “Whether you’re the lord we’ve been waiting for. Someone capable of carrying out righteous governance.” There was a desperate plea in his voice, a cry for help that I couldn’t ignore. “I’m a fool. Despite my status, I allowed the western nobility to succumb to corruption. But I’m still a noble of the Kingdom of Palettia. Though I had to yield to the situation I found myself in, I never abandoned my pride.” The marquis’s voice gradually regained its strength as the force of his emotions shone through. What I sensed welling up inside him was intense anger, maybe even resentment. But it gave way quickly, like a doused flame. It had flared for a brief moment, but it didn’t last. Within seconds, he was a tired old man again. “I believed my only option was to wait for the day when a worthy ruler, one who truly cared for the realm, rose up to lead… I mean no offense, but when I heard that Princess Anisphia couldn’t use magic and that Lord Algard was far from outstanding in ability, I despaired. There was no hope, I thought…” “Marquis Sienna…” His voice was filled with regret, a sincere expression of apology. To be honest, his words struck me as selfish. Yet I wasn’t angry with him. What I felt was closer to pity. “I hoped someone would be able to judge me fairly before the end of my days. And then you took the throne, Queen Euphyllia…but it seemed you weren’t the ruler I had long been hoping for…” “She wasn’t…?” Anis asked, puzzled. “What I wanted was the wise old leadership that the Kingdom of Palettia had enjoyed in ages past. Over these past few years, I’ve realized that dream is beyond my reach.” Marquis Sienna breathed a deep sigh, then slowly shook his head. “Without a doubt, you are both right. It’s natural to seek a new future rather than to cling to the past. You may not be the ruler I wanted, but you are the queen the people wanted. If I can’t accept that, I am nothing more than an old malcontent.” “…” “I’ve often wondered—why didn’t King Orphans have the same talents Queen Sylphine and Duke Magenta did? Why wasn’t Prince Algard born with greater abilities? Why couldn’t Queen Euphyllia and Princess Anisphia be one and the same…?” the marquis said, lamenting circumstances he had no control over. I couldn’t bring myself to feel angry at him, only sorry for him. Unable to change his own unfortunate circumstances, he had waited for someone else to appear to save him. Now, he mourned the fact those who rose to power lacked the ability to do so. “If you had found a king just like you wanted, do you think he would have created an ideal kingdom?” I asked. “…Is there a difference between that and the one you envision, Your Majesty?” “Yes,” I answered firmly. What Marquis Sienna wanted, or so it seemed to me, was the sort of country ruled over by the Kingdom of Palettia’s first king. Lumi had rejected his vision and had entered into her spirit covenant to put an end to it. Magic was a precious gift bestowed on us by the spirits. But if the country itself became dependent on that power, it would soon lead to a warped society. Could one use magic or not? Were they high- or lowborn? Such a system created difference, and that led to division. My beloved Anis would end up suffering in that kind of world. That realization was where my own wish came from and why I couldn’t give it up. “What I hope for isn’t a world where people wait to be saved, but one where we can reach out to save those who need it. Magic is a precious gift given to us by the spirits, but it can only help us so much. What you’re describing is the old Kingdom of Palettia.” “…Yes. I see that now.” “I want to empower people, be they aristocrats or commoners, to reach for their dreams. This may render some things obsolete. And there will be times when change is inevitable.” I paused there, glancing toward Anis. She continued to watch the marquis with an expression that could have been either angry or sad. Marquis Sienna’s wish was selfish, as I was sure even he recognized. Still, he refused to change; he didn’t have the strength to change. For that reason, he could perhaps be described as a tragic figure. “I want to create a country where people can choose their own path,” I continued. Just as Anis had gritted her teeth despite all adversity and continued to forge ahead—so that if others reached out, they, too, could grasp at hope. So that people didn’t have to be defined by their birth. Marquis Sienna looked up at the ceiling, then closed his eyes and let out a slow breath. After a long moment, he lowered his gaze to face me. Now, his eyes were gentle, as if a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. “I realize now just how much I lack both talent and spirit. Yes, you aren’t the ruler I dreamed of.” “Marquis Sienna…” “…But I’m glad you’re the one who will give us justice.” Then he whispered, “Now it can finally end.” His was a selfish wish to the end. But instead of anger, a hollow sadness filled my heart. He hadn’t found the salvation he had always hoped for, but he may have been saved anyway by letting go of his former dream. Yes. If anything had redeemed this situation, that was it.
Chapter 133
26 min read