That being said, I didn’t want to interfere with any projects already underway. As such, I thought it would be a good idea if I assembled the tournament venue itself. Once my proposal was accepted, I set about fully implementing it. Using magic without a care in the world for what others might think turned out to be surprisingly refreshing. “We’ve removed obstructions, cleared the land, and used magic to lay the foundations. All that’s left is to assemble everything… You could probably build the entire city all by yourself, Euphie,” Anis joked. Indeed, if I could wield my magic without restriction, that might be possible. “If there were others as skilled in magic as I am, you wouldn’t even need me,” I pointed out. “Ha-ha, that’s a good one.” “I wasn’t kidding…” “…I know. Well, let’s talk about something else.” “Oh-ho. Yes, we can do that.” “Um… What about the western region? Are things okay over there?” “Yes. Father and Father-in-law are looking after it.” I had asked them both to oversee the land transfer with the western nobles. As was to be expected, once word of the territory transfer reached them, the western nobles flew into a blind rage. The nobles sent to the capital were subjected to immense criticism on their return, and some had even been denounced and cast out by their own families. “I heard some houses begged to be exempted from the transfer, arguing that their new heads weren’t involved in their predecessors’ wrongdoing,” Anis said. “Indeed.” “Haah… What made them think they’d get away with that? They really are out of their minds…” “The more you shake the tree, the more that comes falling down…” Naturally, there could be no accepting such arguments. Even if the family head was replaced, the crimes committed by their house wouldn’t be undone. The crown couldn’t forgive such acts—and more importantly, the common folk who called the west home wouldn’t, either. The nobles made such a fuss about the territorial transfer that the people who lived under them were fully aware of their transgressions. Inevitably, the common folk were furious. Word had reached me that they were agitating against both the local lords and the merchants as well. Father-in-law even reported that the situation was so volatile, there was a risk of rebellion breaking out. The nobles and merchants were responsible for defrauding the crown and their people. Due to their positions, they were already considered affluent, and they had been abusing their privileges to further enrich themselves. Before I left, Father-in-law told me he was worried about the consequences of the crown’s intervention. And indeed, once the nobles and merchants figured out how to successfully pursue their interests, they started betraying and undermining each other. One noble would sell out the others in the hopes of saving himself, but then the next person did the same, and again and again it went on… Before long, we had a mountain of accusations and corroborating evidence of the western nobles’ corruption. Among them were numerous false claims, so Miguel had his work cut out for him separating fact from fiction. According to him, his workload had tripled. “Do they have no pride?!” he had apparently cried out in indignation, at least according to the report Anis had received from Marion and Lang. I broke into laughter at the time. It was hard to imagine Miguel saying something like that. But we couldn’t leave the situation unresolved. As such, we moved up our plans and publicly announced the territorial exchange. In order to appease the discontent of the commoners, I acknowledged their lords’ wrongdoing and offered the crown’s protection to those who agreed to relocate to the south. They didn’t want to go, of course, but if they stayed where they were, they risked getting caught up in an uprising. If riots broke out, I would have to intervene to maintain order throughout the region. As it happened, the crown had already intervened in several territories. Count Leghorn, the one who had hurled insults at Anis, was one lord who had allowed a revolt to take place. I had no sympathy for the man. When word of his actions in the capital spread, even his own retainers distanced themselves from him. There was no one to stop the furious people of his lands, while some of the count’s followers were said to have actually incited the riot. The crown’s intervention had saved lives. I was certain of that now. The count’s inability to govern had been made clear, and I stripped him of all titles and honors. Now, it was more appropriate to call him the former Count Leghorn. As a result of the riots, the western nobles folded. Dangerous though the south was, they risked falling victim to a popular revolt if they stayed. And of course, should the people rise up, the crown would be forced to intervene, further weakening their situation. In the end, they took the only option available to them. The merchants dabbling in illegal commerce were no better off. Their trafficking in illicit goods had been made possible only by the support of the nobles. Now that their backers had lost everything, the merchants were without protection. And unlike the nobles, the merchants didn’t have the option of transferring their territories and holdings to the south. For those involved in particularly grievous crimes, such as dealing in slaves and contraband, the death penalty was sometimes warranted. With their lives in danger, it was only natural that some of the merchants would try to escape. Thanks to the cooperation of Marquis Sienna and his fellow loyalists, however, they were quickly apprehended and brought to justice. There was some concern among my advisors that trade in the west might be driven to a standstill given the sheer number of merchants detained, but apparently fresh blood had moved in swiftly to fill the void. We would have to keep a close eye on them to ensure that they upheld the kingdom’s laws, but that was only one of many challenges in establishing a new social order in the west. Which brought us to our current situation—the best option for the disgraced nobles now was to make a name for themselves in the tournament before being dispatched to the south. I sensed we still had many busy days ahead of us, but at least a solution was now in sight. Yes. It felt like the clouds were clearing, like a huge weight had been lifted from my chest. “Once the tournament is behind us, everything should settle down,” I said, hoping for the best. “Right… And you’ll be going back to the capital,” Anis said. “…Yes.” I was having the time of my life in the magicology city. Here, I could live in Anis’s mansion not as the queen, but as a normal person called Euphyllia. If there were any political affairs in the capital that absolutely required my attention, I could always hurry back by Airbike—but for the most part, I was able to truly relax and enjoy myself. Thanks to Anis’s best efforts to take care of me, I had already regained much of my sense of humanity. Of course, I knew I couldn’t stay here forever. I did have to fulfill my duties as queen… “What is the point of a monarch…?” I wondered out loud. Monarchs were indispensable as symbols of a united nation. They were the cornerstone of its sense of identity, a necessary element for a peaceful, cohesive society. I understood that well. Despite that, the recent incident had given me cause to question what kind of leader the kingdom really needed. The first king had become a spirit covenantor to ease his people’s plight, but he ultimately became a destructive mirror of his people’s wishes. In the end, human hands brought about his destruction. And so, with the help of magic, the aristocracy had defended the realm up to the present day. We endeavored to preserve magic, to keep it from being used for ill and leading the nation astray. Yet still there came those individuals who hoped to use me to their own ends, to steer the country in an unfavorable direction. Not everyone would understand or appreciate my dream. I knew that. It was only natural that some people would wish to see the kingdom take a different course. When I reflected on that incongruity, a deep sense of unease filled my heart. “The point of monarchs?” Anis repeated. “That’s a tough one. I guess they’re the ones who stand at the top of the country, a symbol of sorts.” Her answer was much the same as my own. I, too, believed a monarch was meant to lead, to serve as inspiration to their people. “But I guess the kind of monarch you need depends on the country itself. That’s especially the case here, what with the Kingdom of Palettia being built on magic,” Anis continued. “Yes, that’s definitely true.” “So I don’t think you can find the right type of leader for us without considering magic.” “Meaning…we have to take magic into consideration?” “Magic has always protected the Kingdom of Palettia. That’s why the people who could use it were so revered and ended up with an elevated status. Basically, it took root as an essential part of the nation. It’s a source of pride and admiration. After a while, people started seeing nobles as superior beings.” “…But that pride has corrupted the aristocracy.” “Yeah… Maybe nobles are esteemed and all, but I don’t think real strength comes so easily. They’re only human after all.” “That they are…” “Maybe you need to be particularly strong at heart to resist the temptations that come from being a noble… Maybe that’s why I ended up running away from my responsibilities. Sure, there are differences between royals and nobles, but on that point, they’re pretty similar. At least it seems that way to me.” “Does that mean you have to be unusually strong to serve as a noble…?” I wondered. There may have been a shred of truth to that idea. An image of Marquis Sienna rose in the back of my mind. The last time I saw him, he looked like a tired old man. He had been unable to stop the corruption among his peers, but maybe we had him to thank for the fact that it hadn’t gotten any worse. When you put it that way, it was difficult to assess his contributions… The marquis had hoped for an ideal king but ultimately gave up when he realized he didn’t have the power to shape events as he might please. I didn’t want to admit it, but maybe the former Count Leghorn had sought salvation in much the same way. Perhaps he had sought to escape the harshness of the world by pursuing what he truly believed in. It made sense. “How do we become stronger, then…?” I asked. “That’s a toughie…but I think I have my own answer.” “What?” “Caring about people—yourself included.” “Valuing people… Yes, that’s certainly true.” It was a very clear answer—looking after yourself and others made you stronger. I watched Anis as she flashed me a shy smile. At that, we both broke into laughter. “What’s so funny? I was being serious,” Anis said. “You laughed first. I was only watching you.” “I mean, you were staring at me so intently.” “You know why, don’t you?” “Ngh! Shut up already!” she moaned, covering her face with her hands as the heat rose to her cheeks. It was an adorable gesture, one that filled my heart with warmth. “…You know, Euphie?” “What?” “I’d love to win the tournament myself,” she murmured softly. I startled, staring back wide-eyed. Anis had noted some time ago that she wished to take part in the tournament, mostly as a way to get back at those who doubted her magical tools and to restore her reputation after the recent troubles. From what I heard, Navre, Gark, and Baron Cyan had also signed up. But this was the first time she had said anything about winning. I hadn’t thought she was interested in showing off her abilities and strength… “What’s this all of a sudden?” I asked. “I’ve been thinking… I wonder if I’ve been too modest.” “Huh?” “Not engaging with the nobles, I mean. It’s become a long-ingrained habit, I think…” “…Well, there are times you do seem a little reserved.” I always thought that was her coping strategy as a royal family member unable to use magic. “Yeah, but it makes me look weak. I was okay with them thinking that before, but it can’t go on. I mean, their disregard for me ended up hurting you, Euphie.” “That’s entirely on them, if you ask me.” “Sure, but I wonder if it wouldn’t have happened if I’d demonstrated my strength in a way they couldn’t ignore. They would probably be more wary about me if I did, but that would still be better than their constant mockery.” “I see… No, it won’t do for them to keep underestimating you. But are you sure?” To be perfectly honest, I considered Anis one of the five best fighters in the entire kingdom. In the Kingdom of Palettia, where magic was absolute, Anis’s powers might be seen as heretical. While magical tools were becoming more widespread and people had begun to accept magicology, seeing her abilities in person could still cause anxiety. I understood the argument some might make—that she didn’t need to necessarily exert her strength—but I could see why she wanted to change people’s perceptions of her. My only worry was that she might end up getting hurt in the process. “I do have misgivings, if I’m being entirely honest,” she said as if reading my mind. “Anis…” “I don’t want to do anything that comes across as too forceful. I guess my experience with Allie shaped my thinking. I was afraid that if people thought I was too strong or skilled, it would attract unnecessary attention. That scared me.” It was tragic. Given her heretical research, she couldn’t afford to make too much of a scene, and when she did do something out in public, she had to make sure not to be taken advantage of by others. When I remembered the way she was back then—hiding her face behind a mask, self-deprecatingly assuming she was without merit—it was like a claw tearing into my heart. She flashed me a smile—a gentle and reassuring one, exuding strength and trust. “But there was something even scarier than all that,” she said. “What…?” “Not being able to protect you.” My heart skipped a beat as I took in those words. Now that came as a surprise. While I was busy trying to remain calm, Anis continued, “If my hesitation ever made me fail to protect you, I’d regret it for the rest of my life. But I can’t just run away. Because I want people to believe I’m worthy of standing by your side. I want to be recognized as the only person worthy of it. That my being with you is best for everyone.” “Anis…” “So I’ll make them acknowledge me. Even if some of them are afraid of me afterward. Once they’ve accepted me, I’ll be able to give everyone hope.” Her smile as she said all this was so brilliant that I almost couldn’t bear to look at her. Something had changed in her, but I couldn’t quite pinpoint what. One thing was clear, however—this change was unmistakably for the better. Her smile filled me with reassurance, with so much joy that I felt like breaking out into a dance. “So first of all, I want to win the tournament. I want to be the strongest knight commander in the kingdom’s history. How does that sound?” “…Anis?” “Yeah?” “I’ll start working on a congratulatory speech.” “Yeah.” “Try not to get hurt.” “I won’t.” “Don’t go overboard, and make sure you don’t slip up.” “Yeah.” “I’m here for you.” “I know.” “…And I’ll be waiting. So come back quickly.” I had learned something about myself recently—I didn’t have much patience. Though maybe Anis had already noticed that? The day of the tournament had finally arrived. Organizers had set up makeshift spectator stands around the square I had built, and the participants were starting to gather in the center. I had nothing but gratitude to the carpenters for hastily building inns and accommodations for all the visitors. There was no way we would have been able to host so many people without their kind assistance. Perhaps I should consider giving them some kind of award or commendation once the competition is over? I was seated in a special area set aside for the royal family. Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, my father, and Commander Sprout from the Royal Guard were all present as well. “Ah, it’s an auspicious day!” Commander Sprout exclaimed. “Ha-ha! You’re letting your hair down, I see, Matthew,” the former king responded. “You could say I’m on vacation. Although officially I’m here to observe the tournament.” “You’re getting awfully cunning in your old age. Did you pull some strings to watch your son compete?” “Dear me, Your Majesty! You shouldn’t bandy about accusations like that!” “It’s not Your Majesty anymore. Just call me Orphans, like you did in the old days.” “Ha-ha-ha! Begging your pardon, Orphans!” …Since when had the two of them been such good friends? As I looked on in surprise, Mother-in-law leaned my way with a gentle smile. “Matthew was deeply involved in suppressing the coup, so he and Orphans became quite close. He’s a very serious man, though. He doesn’t like to flaunt their relationship in the open.” “I am the commander of the Royal Guard, so it behooves me to keep public and private separate,” he said. “You always say that when trying to shirk your duties. Did you think I hadn’t noticed?” my father interjected. “Now, now, Grantz. Are you selling me out?” “Whatever do you mean?” Both the former king and my father seemed to be enjoying themselves, at least judging by their mischievous smiles. I found it rather startling… I mean, knowing my father’s personality and all… “I’d rather you not be in such a sightseeing mood, Matthew. You’re technically here for official business,” my father pointed out. “You say that, but you’re referring to me on a first-name basis, Grantz.” “I’m telling you to use some discretion.” “You’re as fastidious as ever. Wouldn’t you agree, Queen Euphyllia?” “Huh? Oh… Ha-ha… Duke Grantz does have a bit of a mean streak.” “Ha-ha-ha! There are no prying eyes here! No one will complain if you treat him like your dad, the way you used to!” Commander Sprout said with a cheerful laugh. As I struggled to respond, Father-in-law flashed me a knowing grin. “No one will chastise you for being yourself in our presence, Euphyllia.” “But still…” “It’s common knowledge that you and Grantz have cut ties and that you often clash when it comes to political matters. It’s all well and good to be cautious, but there’s no need to completely sever your relationship. You just need to keep it under wraps. Even Matthew here loosens up in private.” “Is that a compliment?” Commander Sprout asked. “It’s only a recent development. You used to be so hardheaded and inflexible, Orphans would run away from you.” Mother-in-law chuckled. Commander Sprout let out a laugh as he scratched the back of his head. “Right! I picked up these bad habits from Orphans!” “Don’t be presumptuous! I’ve always been discreet!” “Ah, I miss the good old days. I used to go the marketplaces in disguise while Matthew insisted on accompanying me.” “Yes, Your Majesty used to be a real troublemaker. Now you’re a hard worker through and through…” “Stop it! People are finally saying I’ve started acting my age!” “Well, you’ve definitely filled out and put on a bit of muscle, haven’t you? Yes, you look a lot like you did when we were young! You were never a good fighter, but your stamina and agility were second to none!” “You still hold a grudge against me, Matthew?” “Ha-ha-ha! Not at all! Ever since you became king, life has never been boring… No, it was wonderfully peaceful,” Commander Sprout said with a grin. He certainly seemed to be enjoying himself, but then again, so did the former king. It was nice to see. All of a sudden, I noticed that Father looked unusually relaxed—another new discovery. He must have noticed I was watching him, as he made eye contact with me. “If you can separate public and private, then there’s nothing more for me to say. Do as you please.” “…I can?” “If you’re not confident, you can just keep going as you do in public. I don’t mind.” …Now that got on my nerves. Why did he always have to be like this? “I think our relationship is fine the way it is. I wouldn’t want people to think we’re still close. That could invite unneeded trouble.” “I see. We wouldn’t want that. It makes life easier for me as well, not having to act differently around you because you’re my daughter.” “How long are you planning on treating me like a child?” “Well, let’s see how long we can keep it up.” I clicked my tongue in annoyance. Mother-in-law gawked at this childish reaction, but she quickly let out another laugh. “I can’t believe I just saw you do that, Euphyllia…” “…Excuse me.” “Grantz…,” Father-in-law said disapprovingly. “Oh, would you look at that? The first match is about to begin,” my father said, changing the subject as he stared out over the square. Cheers echoed all around. Many of those in attendance had been involved with the magicology city’s construction. Since the city wasn’t yet completed, there were few sources of entertainment available, so the tournament was warmly received. In addition, there were those like my father and the others who were visiting from far afield. The Kingdom of Palettia had begun seeking out talented individuals regardless of background or social standing, a trend that probably started with Anis’s magicology city. Plenty of individuals had decided to seize the opportunity and were stepping up to take a chance. I hoped this tournament would help further encourage that trend. “It’s quite a crowd,” Commander Sprout remarked. “Yes, it is,” I answered. “…It’s a good thing the kingdom is finally settling down,” he murmured in a voice so soft, it was almost drowned out by the hustle and bustle. “…Commander?” He was staring at the contestants as if witnessing some dazzling sight. Why was he acting like that? And what did he mean by what he said just now? Perhaps sensing my lingering questions, he continued, “When Orphans took the throne, we didn’t have the time or luxury for things like this. If we had tried holding a competition back then, the other lords would have criticized us as wasteful spendthrifts.” “That was after the coup was put down, so frugality was to be expected. Though I do remember being left speechless to see how many people were throwing parties. I always thought if they had that much money, they ought to put it toward something else…” “The people at the Ministry of the Arcane loved to cause us headaches! They were always such a nuisance! They were all like Count Chartreuse back then, always thumbing their noses at the royal family.” “…Was it really that bad?” I asked. “I wouldn’t say bad. They were always very subtle about it. Orphans knew that if he didn’t assert himself strongly, he wouldn’t get any concessions from them. And of course, they didn’t want to be seen as upsetting the crown directly, so they were always very circumspect. Frankly, it was quite impressive how they always managed to stand in the way while maintaining a veneer of plausible deniability.” “Enough, Matthew. You’re making me feel old now,” the former king grumbled. Commander Sprout gave a light shrug. “They publicly supported Orphans’s accession to the throne, but in reality, they weren’t much help… They didn’t contribute much during the civil war, either, for that matter.” “Huh? Really?” “Yeah. Well, they were originally researchers of magic, not battlefield warriors. They fired off magic to keep enemies away during defensive battles, but that’s about it. They did have impressive skills, though, I’ll give them that.” “Even that was something. At least we didn’t have to worry about watching our backs.” “Grantz and Sylphine carried us through entirely on their shoulders. Ah, it brings back memories.” “…It sounds like you didn’t consider the previous Minister of the Arcane a trustworthy partner, either, Father-in-law,” I observed. “Well, he was always complaining and scheming, but as much as I hate to admit it, the government wouldn’t be able to function without the ministry.” “Hmm. They were never as insulting as the western nobles were to you. Even Chartreuse found that lot insufferable. But as much as I couldn’t stand him, he also despised me as an unreliable king.” “Which of us was worse, I wonder…? It would have been nice if the trustworthy nobles could have escaped punishment after the war, though…” “If they had surrendered, they might have. But seeing as they wouldn’t accept me as king, their fate was sealed.” “Many notable families, my own included, have died out…,” Mother-in-law murmured with a distant gaze. I’d looked over the records myself after becoming queen and found that a considerable number of noble houses had been extinguished following the coup attempt. Many families, especially those that carried royal blood, were eliminated during the post-coup purges. Only a few such houses remained. The remaining families had adopted children from blood relatives to lead and serve as their houses’ heads. In exchange, the crown offered them its protection, but it meant that they lacked any real political power. The next hardest hit were those that lost their prestige as punishment for their treachery. Strong houses often had their holdings split into two, effectively reducing the forces under their control by half. Many houses effectively went extinct, leaving behind only their family names. The marquisal House of Maise, Mother-in-law’s family, was one such example. “I couldn’t hold a candle to Grantz or Sylphine in battle. You might say I had an inferiority complex…,” Commander Sprout mused. “An inferiority complex?” “They both possess incredible skills with magic, yes? And with how splendidly they performed on the battlefield, they earned themselves a lot of recognition. We all thought we could make names for ourselves, enough that we could establish our own households. But in reality, Grantz and Sylphine were too powerful, easily eclipsing everyone else.” “…I see.” “Everyone was so desperate back then, ourselves included. We were young, and we couldn’t fully grasp the situation that fate had thrust on us. We didn’t have the luxury of time or patience. It took all we had just to bring stability to the realm… Seeing you now, Your Majesty, I worry we weren’t diligent enough.” “…I wonder if people would consider me a good queen,” I found myself murmuring softly. At this, all eyes turned to me. Uh-oh, I thought—but by then, the words had already escaped my lips. “Sorry. Forget I said that,” I urged. “Hmm… A good queen? I’m afraid I can’t say,” Commander Sprout answered frankly. Taken aback, I glanced up at him. When our eyes met, I noticed he was holding back a smile. “Whether or not you’re a good ruler isn’t something you can decide yourself. Of course, you can strive to be good, but that doesn’t necessarily mean people will think of you that way.” “…That’s true.” “In the end, it depends on the person. If you ask me, people can only decide if a ruler was good or bad after they’ve finished the job.” “…When I’m no longer queen, you mean.” “Even a good king or queen doesn’t know how long they’ll reign. Isn’t that the case with Orphans? His reputation still isn’t settled! Some call him gentle, others indecisive!” “Oh, for heaven’s sake, stop it,” Father-in-law muttered. “Orphans also tried juggling a whole host of issues, hence the divided opinion. What do you think, Your Majesty? Would you say Orphans was a good king?” “…He was to me, at least.” “Now that’s an honor, wouldn’t you say, Orphans?” “Why are you asking me that? You’re acting like I made her say it,” Father-in-law grumbled in annoyance. But it wasn’t like that at all, I thought to myself… “I’m happy to hear you regard Orphans as a good king, Queen Euphyllia. But there were those, like Count Chartreuse, who thought otherwise. In the end, who decides whether you’re a good leader or not?” “…I don’t know.” “Indeed. No one can decide. That’s why you have to find the answer within yourself. ‘I believe this person was a good ruler.’ Though if I had to define what exactly makes a good ruler, I would say someone who is chosen by their people.” “How so…?” “Strictly speaking, it doesn’t really matter who does the choosing. It’s fine if it’s only one person who makes the selection. If they trust in you, if they believe in you, if they’re willing to follow you. People who are seen like that tend to make the best rulers.” “…Then what about me? Am I on the path to being a good queen?” “Hmm… Let me ask you a question. Do you see yourself as lonely, Your Majesty?” “What?” I was surprised by this unexpected question. Was I lonely…? “How about it? Are you alone?” “…No, I don’t think so. I have someone who matters the world to me by my side.” “Then that’s your answer. No one wants to follow a fool of a leader. If you aren’t lonely, then you must have someone who loves and admires you.” “…Of course.” Anis’s face was the first to come to mind. Then, one by one, those of so many others flashed before my eyes. Right. I wasn’t alone. “You can’t become a good king or queen simply by wishing for it. Yes, it’s important to strive to be a good ruler, but you’ll always have moments when you doubt yourself, when you ask if you’re really setting foot down the right path. The only way to find the answer is to look at those around you and use them as a mirror.” “Ah, I understand…” Come to think of it, the others had all said something similar at one point or another. Lumi, Lainie, Anis, and Commander Sprout—each of them was conveying an incredibly meaningful lesson to me. “Take care of those who walk with you. They’ll help you one day in ways you can’t even begin to imagine.” “I will. Thank you.” “What do you think, Grantz? That sounded pretty good, if I do say so myself.” “Is that supposed to be a jab at me?” my father said, narrowing his eyes in a squint. Commander Sprout responded with a shrug of his shoulders: “Ha-ha-ha! I have absolutely no idea why you would think that!” “Hmph. If we’re talking about good rulers, you should consider what makes a good vassal.” “Someone who endeavors to work diligently in the service of their liege lord. Naturally.” “…Commander Sprout here seems to be acting more like a father or friend, I’d say.” “Surprising, isn’t it?” “Very.” Given my father’s personality, I had cause to wonder if he had any friends other than Father-in-law and his entourage. Commander Sprout, for his part, nodded his head repeatedly as though he found all this amusing. “Yes, yes. It’s all well and good to keep a firm boundary between personal and professional matters, but that principle can only go so far, wouldn’t you agree?” “I wouldn’t have expected to hear that from you, Matthew.” “I’m simply learning from Grantz’s example. Both good and bad.” “…I’m deeply moved by your assessment of him.” Father-in-law, having been listening on to the pair’s exchange, breathed a deep sigh. The next moment, my father turned his gaze toward him. “Are you laughing at me, Orphans?” “It’s Sylphine who finds this amusing, I’m sure! I’m just worried! But you already know that. You’re goading me!” Father-in-law shouted, but my father simply laughed in response. Mother-in-law, on the other hand, was shaking with so much mirth that tears had welled up in her eyes. As I watched all this unfold, it suddenly clicked—a good ruler was someone who could protect scenes like this. I grew up without knowing this side of my father and the others. Perhaps they had long been trying to keep it private, but it came as such a relief to finally witness it firsthand. Maybe it was because I had become queen myself and taken on so many responsibilities that I could understand them now. Something told me I wouldn’t be able to bear this burden if I was either too carefree or too uptight. Over and over, people came to me wanting to know what to do, and I would no doubt continue to falter under the pressure they all placed on me. That was why, to avoid going down the wrong path, I had to cherish my human connections, the people who truly cared about me. A whole new world was opening up before my eyes. I wished I could laugh like my father and the others were. To do that, I needed to keep my composure. I had to make a country where everyone could afford to laugh with one another. Yes, that was my idea of a good ruler. With that thought, I was struck by an overwhelming urge to see Anis’s face. “Oh, Matthew. Isn’t that Navre?” Mother-in-law asked. “S-so it’s my fool son’s turn? He’s been improving a lot lately… Well, let’s see how he does.” Turning back toward the field, I found it was indeed Navre’s turn. His foe, judging by the staff clutched in his hands, appeared to be a noble. Once the signal was given to begin, Navre dashed forward. His opponent, meanwhile, stepped back to maintain his distance as he prepared to cast a magic spell. Within moments, however, Navre cut through the magic, closed the distance, and brought his Mana Blade up to his foe’s neck. The match was over in seconds, and his noble opponent was left completely dumbfounded. “That was no good. He was just your typical noble, relying too heavily on magic. Navre is still wet behind the ears, but that man was a cakewalk even for him,” Commander Sprout said. “Hmm. The only way that noble would be able to contribute on the battlefield would be by staying in the back,” Father-in-law added. “Why did he enter? Did he think he could win just by using magic?” Mother-in-law wondered out loud. “He’s probably a western noble, one who doesn’t want to be sent to the south,” my father answered. All four of them made scathing comments. It was certainly true, however, that no one would relish the idea of being banished to such a remote location. Some might even end up abandoning their posts and fleeing the kingdom altogether. Unperturbed, Navre bowed to the audience before leaving the ground. “I had hoped to see the fruit of Navre’s training today, but he’s going to need a better opponent than that,” Commander Sprout continued. “He’s wielding a Mana Blade, but if he brought out the Vent that Anis made for him, he would be a force to be reckoned with,” I noted. “You mean the new magical sword? I’d like to try it in my own hands. What do you say, Queen Euphyllia? Do you think the Royal Guard could get ahold of one?” “I’ll consider it.” While we were busy talking, the next round was getting underway. I was particularly interested in seeing how the knights of the Magicology Guard would perform. There were many local participants, and it seemed quite a few of them had advanced to the next stage. Gark, I couldn’t help but notice, was among them, having won his first match without so much as a hitch. Most of the nobles that my father and the others looked on unfavorably, on the other hand, were eliminated in the first round. I felt like breathing a disappointed sigh at the thought that most were from the western regions, but a few of their members had managed to secure victory—mostly former members of one knightly order or another. They were clearly determined to carve out a future for themselves in this tournament. Numerous concerns continued to linger in my mind, but the biggest one of all had to do with Anis. I wasn’t worried about her per se. Her first opponent was a knight, but she easily claimed victory with a single strike, the audience erupting in cheers at her brilliant display of skill. Mother-in-law, I noticed, was watching with a proud look, while I felt my heart warming as well. “I’m just worried she’ll hurt her opponent…,” I heard Father-in-law murmur under his breath. Seriously, his concerns were in the opposite direction. Before I knew it, the first rounds were complete—and having watched them all, I was convinced that Anis really would emerge victorious. That wasn’t to say the other entrants weren’t skilled or capable—only that they paled in comparison to Anis as she was now. Aside from her, the next standout fighter would have to be Baron Cyan, a former commoner renowned for his rise despite being unable to use magic. I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Lainie sitting on the edge of her seat and of Ilia anxiously waiting beside her. And so the second rounds got underway, and yet— “Hmm? Anis’s next opponent…,” Father-in-law muttered. “Um…” “…Is that him?” “Ah. The former Count Leghorn. It is, isn’t it, Euphie?” “Yes. I didn’t realize he had entered the tournament…” He was indeed the former Count Leghorn—with his titles revoked, he could no longer be considered a nobleman. He was due to be sent to the south as a criminal to serve a sentence of hard labor. His only hope for redemption was to put in a strong showing here. All things considered, I had to commend him for rising to the occasion. And yet… “He’s finished, isn’t he?” Commander Sprout remarked. “What rotten luck, running into Anis like this,” Mother-in-law added. “Please don’t kill him, Anis…,” Father-in-law murmured under his breath. Leghorn was holding a staff. Somehow, I must have missed his first match. Maybe it had taken place while I was busy talking with Commander Sprout? In any event, he wouldn’t stand a chance against Anis if he relied on magic. Anis’s abilities made her a natural foe to traditional magic wielders. The two faced one another, and the referee gave the signal to begin. I had hoped I could watch them free of worry, and yet— “…O Spirits! Hear me at my time of crisis! Grant me a spirit covenant to bestow a true awakening upon this realm! Give me the power to make miracles come alive!” …Did I just hear what I thought I did? Puzzled, I turned toward Father-in-law, our eyes locking. He seemed as confused as I was. Was this really happening? But it looked like it was. The two of us breathed exhausted sighs. My father, I noticed, was as expressionless as ever, while Mother-in-law wore a broad grin. There was, however, an unmistakable tension in the air. Then came Commander Sprout. He was normally soft-spoken and gentle, but right now he wore a rare smirk. “…Hmm. Actually seeing him firsthand, I don’t know what to say. He’s every bit as impudent as the rumors tell,” Father-in-law said. “What crisis is he talking about? His own disgrace? It seems he’s the one who needs to wake up,” Mother-in-law added. “If he needs a miracle to beat her, I suppose that speaks to Commander Anisphia’s prowess?” Commander Sprout joked. “He certainly seems to lack to the ability to learn from his mistakes…,” my father muttered. None of them held back with their harsh opinions—and I couldn’t disagree with any of them. I never would have expected him to come out with such nonsense while confronting Anis directly. “…Anis, you won’t kill him, I hope?” I whispered. If she did intentionally injure or kill him, she would be disqualified on the spot. Was that his goal? Was he prepared to sacrifice his own life in order to bring Anis down? Before I knew it, I felt like my mind had waded into quicksand. It was too much. And no one could say anything to ease my concerns. I stared at her worriedly, but she showed no sign of moving. A heavy silence filled the air for the longest moment. Even the spectators in the audience had fallen silent, anxiously waiting to see how this situation would unfold. Leghorn didn’t move. He continued to stand there, his staff raised high, eyes squeezed shut as though deep in prayer. What in the world was he playing at…? The next moment, Anis started speaking to him. Unable to hear what they were saying from this distance, I used a little wind magic to pick up their voices. “I said, what do you want? Can we resume now?” Anis demanded. “Wh-why won’t the spirits answer me…?! Why won’t they give me a spirit covenant?!” “Hey. Did you even hear what I said?” “But why?! Why…?! Why do they look on you, a princess who can’t even use magic, so favorably?! Your position! Your power! Everything about you—you’re blessed! Why does someone the spirits aren’t supposed to have chosen get everything she wants?! It isn’t right!” …Uh-oh. I could feel myself losing my temper with him all over again. There was simply no helping this man. Even after everything that had happened, he was still possessed by his own delusions. After a moment, Anis spoke up in response: “What isn’t right about it? If your wish for a spirit covenant truly came from the bottom of your heart, the spirits would answer you. That’s all there is to it.” “H-how can you know that, when you can’t even use magic?!” “Who exactly do you think I’m closest to?” “Ugh… Why, why, why, why, why?! Why won’t anyone save me?! No one will! No one! I’m a noble, descended from a venerable lineage…!” “If you want to appeal to your blood, you have to behave accordingly. Otherwise no one will acknowledge you.” “Ugh! Ughhh! Uggghhh!” “If you’re not willing to fight, then surrender! This is no place for prayers! If you don’t have what it takes, you should get out of here!” “Auuuggghhh!” Leghorn screamed as he unleashed a magic attack. Arrows of flame appeared in the air, shooting straight for Anis. Any ordinary person would have been killed on the spot. I even noticed the knight serving as referee hurriedly retreat to a safe distance. Screams sounded from the audience. Leghorn may have been an idiot, but his magic prowess wasn’t half bad. Well, it was unfortunate for him that he was going up against Anis here. With a swing of her Mana Blade, she brushed the fire arrows aside. In the end, not even a single one managed to reach her. Leghorn continued to shout at the top of his voice, casting spell after spell. Anis stared back with pity in her eyes, standing firm against each oncoming barrage, knocking the blasts down one after the next. Even the spectators who had given in to panic fell silent. A moment later, as if his strength had left him, Leghorn fell to his knees. Anis, still standing across from him, looked down coolly. “Do you surrender?” she asked. “Haah… Haah… Haah…” “If you can’t stand up, then forfeit.” “…!” “If you still have the strength to glare at me, get up. If you really want a spirit covenant, you won’t get one kneeling on the ground,” she said, returning his glare. Leghorn shook even more violently at this. He couldn’t stand to maintain eye contact anymore. “You want a spirit covenant? They’re not to be entered into lightly. You seem to think it would be a convenient way to get what you want,” Anis admonished him in a matter-of-fact voice. “Do you really understand the cost…? Do you even realize just how determined Euphie had to be to complete her own covenant? Have some shame! Don’t you dare underestimate her resolve!” Silence reigned as Anis’s cry sounded all around, loud enough to be heard by everyone watching her. I, on the other hand, had to raise a hand to keep my heart from leaping out of my chest. Anis’s words pierced my soul. “Ugh… Ugh…!” “If you can’t even speak, we can let the referee decide,” Anis continued. “Ngh…! Ngh…!” Leghorn was in no state to be answering questions. Anis continued to watch him for a short while, then breathed a bored sigh. “…You’ll have to go all out to survive in the south. If you work hard, with the determination to pull through, maybe the spirits will answer your wish next time,” she said, motioning to the judge. The next moment, Leghorn fell to the ground, apparently unconscious.
Chapter 135
38 min read