“I’m sorry, he’s sulking.” Not “He’s angry”? Lira almost responds with a bemused “Huh?” but hastily bites it back. This may not be an official audience, but they’re in the presence of the emperor and empress. “There’s no need for you to worry. We’ve heard most of the particulars from Walt and Kyle. It would be best if we could get Count Revanche’s testimony as well, but you saw the state he’s in. We’ll keep him in custody for the time being.” “—If you’ll allow it, I’ll make the antidote.” “Thank you. You do understand that we can’t just take your propositions at face value, though, don’t you?” Viola nods. Lira also accepts the statement in silence. “If I had to say, what’s giving us the most trouble at this point is the question of what to do with you two. We called you here because we wanted to hear your side of the story.” “If you mean the fact that I’m considered dead, it can stay that way. I’ll be able to serve you just as well.” “Sister!” “So please, have mercy on Lira.” Viola bows her head. Hastily, Lira pleads with them. “No, Your Majesty. My sister can be useful to you. Please grant her a new life. Lira Revanche will take responsibility for all of our crimes. That shouldn’t pose a problem.” “Lira.” “Calm down, both of you. We—” “What do Walt and Kyle see in these women?” The cold remark makes Lira and Viola freeze up, and the empress sighs. The emperor recrosses his long legs, narrowing his eyes at them in a mocking look. “You’re both the same, always thinking about yourselves. If you’re so intent on saving just one of you, why don’t we draw lots to decide?” The preposterous idea leaves Lira and Viola speechless. The emperor’s attitude is far closer to “demon king” than “emperor.” Looking troubled, his wife lays a hand on his. “Master Claude. Bringing that up now will confuse them.” “It’s not my problem. Which one of you gave the demon snuff to Walt?” Lira frowns; she hadn’t done that. Next to her, Viola gives a small nod. “…I did.” “Sister, when did you—?” “It was when you had that cold. I thought he’d act if he had definite proof.” “He did. Thanks to you, my guard went against my orders.” Both girls looks shocked. “Wh-why would he do a thing like that?” Lira asks. “Probably because he believed in you two— In ‘Lira Revanche.’ He didn’t think she was a bad person. I have no idea how you conned him.” Ordinarily, Lira would have insisted it was a false accusation, but all she can do is listen in stunned silence. Viola is the one who grows desperate. “I—I got him involved in this. Lira did nothing.” “Right. And then you tried to stab your uncle at the opera. In front of Kyle.” Lira looks startled, and Viola falls silent as if he’s slapped her. “If Count Revanche had died there, as my guard, Kyle would have taken blame he doesn’t deserve for allowing a blade to come so near the emperor. Do you fail to realize the significance of that, even now?” “……” “You didn’t consider how much running around my guards had to do, or how hard they worked. Every time you open your mouths, it’s ‘Save Viola. Save Lira.’ It’s obnoxious.” Viola hangs her head. Lira’s shoulders slump, and she bites her lip. Walt had definitely approached her to investigate their selling of demon snuff. No doubt he’d used the name of Isaac Lombard, a man their uncle had invited to a marriage interview, to get them to let their guard down. Then, during his investigation, Viola handed him demon snuff, at which point he must have been certain that Lira was involved with it somehow. …Yet he didn’t arrest her. From the way the emperor is talking, it’s clear it wasn’t out of negligence. He’d gone to great lengths for her, convinced there had to be some other sort of extenuating circumstances, and tried to bring their uncle’s misdeeds to light, something Lira had given up on. “Master Claude, that’s going too far. I think they merely made the best choices they could, in a situation that gave them very little to work with. Besides, they’re aware that they’ve committed a crime. Don’t you think it’s only natural that they’d worry about each other first and foremost?” the empress admonishes him. The emperor shrugs. “They won’t realize it unless I spell it out for them.” “Even so. Consider their circumstances properly before you speak. If you don’t, a certain new bureaucrat might organize her people and go on strike.” The emperor frowns, his eyes gazing out into the distance. “That sounds like a pain…” “Allow me to apologize for Master Claude, you two,” the empress says, turning toward the twins. Her smile is beautiful, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “However, I will say this: Those who can’t save themselves can’t save anyone else.” “That’s… What do you mean?” “I mean that your explanation of the incident will decide how we choose to deal with you…as well as Walt and Kyle.” The blood drains from Viola’s face, and Lira’s mind goes blank. They take each other’s hands, but it isn’t enough to give them comfort. “No…” “Th-those two did their jobs properly! I—” “You’re not in your office! What is this, harassment?!” “Master Claude, you tricked us!” Without warning, the door bursts open, accompanied by angry yells. Lira’s never seen Walt dressed like this, and she blinks. He isn’t in his usual gentleman’s clothes. Instead, he’s wearing a formal uniform that has a military flair to it. “What’s this about?! You said you’d hear our reports in your office, didn’t you?!” “Who gave the audience away? Was it Elefas?” “Sir Keith. He asked us, very helpfully, why we believed you.” “……” For some reason, that shuts the emperor right up. The two guards menacingly stalk up to him. “And?! What’s going on in here?!” “You haven’t said anything inappropriate, have you? I sincerely hope you haven’t made things even more complicated than they already are!” “He’s been talking about deciding which of them to spare via lottery.” “And why is that?! Did you even read my report?!” “Master Claude, I gave you a report as well. Where did you put it?” They’re being far too fearless, and Lira starts to feel very worried. Even the usually imperturbable Viola is visibly alarmed. “They were too thick. Reading them seemed like a pain.” “Then why did you make us write them?! More harassment?!” “Walt’s is one thing, but why would you leave mine unread, too?!” “I read Elefas’s.” ““Fine, I see how it is.”” It’s not clear what they’ve determined exactly, but they say the exact same words in unison, and Kyle kneels. “I’ll deliver mine first, then. Orally! It will take roughly three hours!” “Are you serious…?” “In that case, I’ll be brief and give you just my conclusion. It’ll only take a moment. Master Claude, those girls are—” “W-wait!” The word comes out before she realizes she’s spoken. Walt and Kyle turn back, and the emperor gives her a weary look. She nearly flinches but manages to stand firm. “M-may I speak, Your Majesty?” “Go ahead. If it’s more interesting than Walt and Kyle’s sermons, I’ll listen.” Walt and Kyle exchange hesitant looks. That’s enough to tell her what they were planning to report. Think. You can’t keep letting other people protect you. This won’t end if you just keep being saved. What does the emperor want? If he’s suggested deciding by lottery as if it’s nothing, he can’t have much interest in her sister’s abilities. And she’s probably worth even less to him. What would sway his heart? What is it that angered him the most about this whole incident? She squeezes her sister’s hand firmly, just once, and Viola squeezes back. They’re already aware that it isn’t enough. For that reason, they both let go, swallow hard, and face forward. “We can be useful to you.” “How, exactly?” “First, as you know, my sister is able to make demon snuff. It’s only natural that you would think of it as a toxic substance, Your Majesty. However, she can also make an antidote, proof that, in the right hands, poisons can also serve as medicines.” “I only need the recipe.” “No. The most useful thing here is not the medicine but my sister who created it. You must know that losing her skills would be a grievous loss indeed.” The emperor’s face has turned toward her very slightly, but his eyes are still as cold as ice. Don’t flinch. Negotiations are all about bluffing. Telling herself that just simply catching his interest is already an achievement, Lira holds her head high. “Our uncle exploited us ruthlessly for years. If you’ll promise us new lives, both I and my sister will pledge our loyalty to you. My sister has no higher ambitions: As long as she’s allowed to entertain herself by making medicines, she’ll be happy.” “I see. Then what use are you to me?” Her sister starts to say something, but Lira stops her. The emperor doesn’t value Viola, so both his earlier response and the question just now are perfectly understandable. That’s what makes the rest of this exchange Lira’s battle. “I’ll be useful as well, of course. I’m the one who established my uncle’s demon snuff business. I’ve memorized all the brokers and clients, people who aren’t on the books. Naturally, there are high-ranking aristocrats on that list as well.” The emperor narrows his eyes, and Lira continues, “More than anything, letting me live will simplify the issue of what to do with the Revanche fiefdom.” “What do you mean?” “Both I and my sister had intended to flee to the Revanche domain if to the opportunity ever arose. I have been making certain preparations in anticipation of that.” She’d even hidden it from her sister, just in case. The emperor recrosses his legs, and Lira gives him her most elegant smile. “Our uncle may have been considered a good-natured count here, but far away in his domain, he was a hated tyrant; he squandered money like water yet all the while kept collecting taxes to supposedly rebuild the domain. His land has been left to wither away, and its people are on the verge of starvation. They’re all convinced it was our uncle who killed our parents. In your wisdom, Your Majesty, you must understand what that means.” “…So the citizens of your domain support you and your sister—or rather, they support you, hmm? If I punish you carelessly, I’ll have a revolt on my hands.” “The people don’t trust the imperial family to begin with. After all, the imperial family believed our uncle six years ago when he claimed an accident killed our parents. While we’re on the subject, it would be a great help if you’d use your imagination to reason out where the sole recipe for my sister’s demon snuff might be.” Her tone is cold, but the emperor doesn’t raise so much as an eyebrow. He simply listens, resting his chin on his hand and his elbow on the sofa armrest. “However, I don’t intend to reveal all my secrets to Your Majesty.” “Oh-ho? And why is that?” “Because I don’t trust the imperial family, either. They’ve been the church’s puppets, and they’ve never spared us a glance.” The emperor blinks. Walt and Kyle turn pale. Seeing that gives Lira a modicum of satisfaction. “You’ve got courage, I’ll give you that. Then what should I do with a dangerous element like you?” The corners of the emperor’s lips curve up, apparently enjoying himself. Next to him, the empress’s elegant smile doesn’t even flicker. That’s what these two are like. Knowing what she has to do, Lira boldly steps up to the negotiation table. “However, Master Walt Lizanis saved me. If it’s to him…” What the emperor actually wants is an achievement for his favored retainers. “…I’ll confess everything. The whereabouts of the demon snuff recipe, the names of the nobles who were involved in the trafficking… Everything.” She’ll give him all the cards she’s been holding, for both her sister’s sake and her own. “…What can you get Kyle, then?” “The fame of a knight who rescued a tragic young noblewoman from her uncle’s wicked clutches.” Kyle looks stunned, then speaks up hurriedly. “M-me, Master Claude? I don’t really—” “Stand down, Kyle. Miss Viola made a public attempt to stab Count Revanche. I really doubt anyone will see her as some tragic heroine.” “I, Lira Revanche, was the one who did that. My name’s already tarnished anyway, so use it in any way you can.” “Admirable. What will your sister say to this, though?” With a gasp, Lira looks at Viola. Although her sister’s face could easily be a reflection of her own, she’s smiling even more gracefully than Lira. She always does. “She really is amazing, isn’t she? Lira is my pride and joy. I’m sure she’ll be useful to you. Yes, far more use than I, who can only make medicines.” “Then you’re telling me to spare your sister?” “By the way, Your Majesty, I am aware that I am a rarity: a female pharmacist. Isn’t Her Majesty likely to need one of those in the future?” The emperor blinks. A wry smile rises to the empress’s lips. “That’s true. At this point, I have neither a female pharmacist nor a female doctor.” “Her health is of the utmost importance, not least because she will be the one to bear your children. Out of your deep love for her, Your Majesty, won’t you overlook a trifle or two?” “I see. That’s a very good point.” Uncrossing his legs, the emperor gets to his feet. “Very well. I’ll work you both hard as a way of settling this affair.” Walt overreacts to this. “Master Claude, wait. They’re just sixteen!” “Exactly, what they need first and foremost is protection!” “That’s fine by me. I signed away any chance of a decent life when I began selling demon snuff.” “As did I. I haven’t had much hope for anything since I first made that substance.” Walt and Kyle fall silent, looking as if they’ve been forced to swallow something bitter. Their faces make the girls’ hearts ache terribly, both with regret and with happiness. It’s important to avoid doing evil. Why? Because it will sadden the people who love you. Even the sight of me humbling myself must wound you. “Thank you very much for sparing us.” “I thank you as well, Your Majesty. If my strength can be of use to you, use it freely.” Viola bows her head as well. Although it seems overdue, Lira is happy that they’re able to do this. She’s sure they’re both seeing the same thing: a person besides themselves who has been kind enough to want to save them. “You two have never received the protection of an adult. It should have been yours by right, yet you never used its absence as an excuse.” He speaks with the voice of an adult, and Lira looks up. The emperor is smiling, and he looks kinder than any of the grown-ups she’s ever seen. “You’ve done your best. I won’t mistreat you. You are citizens of the empire, and I owe you my protection.” So this is the lord to whom Walt has pledged his loyalty. That fact makes her chest tighten, and she and Viola bow their heads once more. The weather is bright and clear; it’s a good day for departures. There’s still a chill in the air, but the sea and sky are an intense blue all the way to the horizon. The passenger ship that’s transporting the exchange students is a fairly large vessel. Passengers have begun boarding, and farewells and words of encouragement go up all around them. It’s beginning to make Kyle feel as if he were only coming to see someone off. However, he promptly spots the person he’s supposed to be watching; she’s wearing a broad-brimmed hat. Viola is unsteadily lugging a large travel bag, and—not for the first time—her sister is inspecting her belongings. “Good. You haven’t forgotten anything.” “It’s going to be fine. Honestly, Lira, you worry too much.” “Well, this is you, Sister! Will you really be able to carry out research by yourself in a country where you don’t know a soul? Honestly?” “I’ll be fine.” The older sister gives a ladylike smile, and the practical little sister scowls—then, overcome by emotion, Lira throws her arms around Viola. “Don’t get so absorbed in mixing medicines that you forget to eat. Make sure you go to bed and get up at a decent time.” “I wouldn’t be that careless.” “Take care not to trip and fall.” “You’re even worried about little things like that?” “Of course I am. We’ve never been apart for long, not since we were born.” “I’ll be fine. I believe in you. I’m sure it will only be a few years.” Even as Viola soothes her little sister, something glistens in the corners of her eyes. These two really are close. Watching them part is difficult, even for Kyle. This is the path they chose, though. The new lives Claude has given them. For days on end, the newspapers were filled with Lira Revanche’s allegations and the existence of Viola Revanche, who had been presumed dead. Was what the twins said really true? Had Count Revanche’s excuses all been a lie? The general public buzzed with unnecessary conjecture and speculation. In the midst of it all, Viola drew particular notice as a dangerous young girl who’d been held captive by her uncle and spent years making demon snuff. However, to take responsibility for the uproar, she’d returned her right to inherit the Revanche fiefdom to Ellmeyer’s imperial family, then vanished. This would last until her younger sister had safely restored the county, reclaimed her family’s honor, and recovered her twin sister—at least that was the scenario Isaac had written. The truth of the matter is that Viola is bound for the neighboring Kingdom of Ashmael to research pharmaceutical sciences as an exchange student at one of their universities. Ashmael has no knowledge of demon snuff, so on the surface, this is being done to benefit the kingdom; however, it’s actually compensation for the knowledge of sacred items Ellmeyer gained through Elefas’s marriage. Kyle didn’t really understand why this roundabout approach was necessary. Why was she “vanishing from Ellmeyer” instead of simply going on exchange in the usual way? But Isaac told him, “If she disappears on her own, they’re less likely to suspect she’s dangerous when she gets back. Most of all, though, the demon king is hoping you’ll fall out of love with her, which will quiet him down.” At that, Kyle withdrew his objection. It was true that the public’s distrust of Viola was growing worse by the day, and more than anything, it was important not to incur Claude’s anger. After all, Claude had taken to muttering, “Both Elefas and Walt betrayed me. If Kyle does, too, things are going to get very unpleasant around here.” Kyle wants to believe he’s not serious, but there’s no telling what the demon king may decide to pull, so it’s best to tread carefully. “I think I’m actually going to enjoy this. I’ll get to make all sorts of medicines.” “…True. This is you we’re talking about, after all. I imagine you’ll even forget to write.” Viola Revanche will disappear, which means the two of them won’t be able to contact each other directly until they’re reunited. Even their letters will have to go through a third party. “That’s right. Besides, I may return before you come to fetch me, Lira.” Claude has set down one other condition under which Viola is allowed to return: She must bring back a notable discovery that will benefit Ellmeyer. Viola may be able to return home under her own power, without waiting for her sister. “The race is on, then.” “Yes, it’s a contest.” Will Lira be able to restore the Revanche fiefdom according to Claude’s wishes, or will Viola bring back a discovery that will benefit the empire? If either one of them achieves her goal, the twins will be able to live together again. As if on some sort of signal, the sisters lean together, forehead to forehead, and close their eyes. With each believing in their shared future, they’re sure to be able to move forward. Before Kyle can mention that it’s time for the ship to set sail, they step away from one another. “I’ll be back, Lira.” “Safe travels, Sister.” “I’ll carry your bag for you.” It’s hard to watch her try to lug that travel bag around with those slim arms of hers. When Kyle picks it up, Viola gives him a wry, rather troubled smile. It’s the expression she wears whenever she looks at him. “Thank you very much. I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.” “Don’t worry about it; it’s my job. It seems as if most people have trouble telling you and Miss Lira apart.” That’s why Kyle is the one who’s been sent to make sure Viola boards the ship instead of making a break for it. When she hears him speak so matter-of-factly, the wry edge to her smile grows more pronounced. Lira looks as if she’s fighting a headache. “Your first proper conversation, and that’s it? Isn’t there anything else you want to say?” “Lira.” “I mean, this is the magician you said you met in that garden, isn’t it?” “If you can spare a moment, may I talk to you about what comes next?” Kyle asks abruptly. He’s been waiting because he didn’t want to get in the way of Lira and Viola’s farewells. Lira blinks at the interruption, and Viola’s face tenses. “Of course. What is it? Is it a message from His Majesty?” “No, it’s from me.” Reaching into his breast pocket, Kyle holds a small, square box out to her. Viola blinks once, and then her lovely fingers gently reach for it. “Would you marry me?” Her fingers stop in midair. Viola’s frozen up. Beside her, Lira stares, wide-eyed. Their faces may be identical, but Kyle has no idea why no one can tell them apart when their expressions are so different. “The first time I met you, I thought you were a fairy.” “……” “The next time we met, you were human.” “…I’m sorry, I don’t really…understand…” “It made me regret not trying to learn more about you simply because you were a fairy, a being forever out of reach. I regretted being unable to save you. —It was Walt who saved you this time.” Viola’s eyes shift from the box to Kyle. “Next time, would you let me protect you?” Her fingers don’t move. Even so, he doesn’t feel anxious. She gives a soft, troubled smile, but for some reason, he doesn’t feel disappointed. “…Even though we’ve never introduced ourselves?” “Oh.” Kyle accepts this meekly. Come to think of it, he meant to ask her name the next time they met. “I got ahead of myself. Please excuse me. My name is Kyle Elford. And you are?” “I am Viola Revanche.” She proudly introduces herself using the name she’s reclaimed, then gives a graceful, perfect curtsy. She accepts the box wearing the same sweet smile he saw that night in the garden, with the same fingers she used to tie that handkerchief. “I’ll gladly be your wife, Master Kyle.” Two years later, Viola Revanche, daughter of Count Revanche, will return to Imperial Ellmeyer. The girl, who at one time soiled her hands with demon snuff, will become a saint whose skill in healing rivals Ashmael’s Daughter of God, and she’ll have been successfully courted by one of the emperor’s closest retainers, who’ll win permission for her to come home. When she returns, she will bring that romance with her. “How did this happen…?” the demon king mutters, sounding stunned. It’s a question everyone in his office shares. Only the man they’re talking about doesn’t seem to understand their confusion. He cocks his head, a serious expression across his face. “I cannot say myself. However, that is how the situation stands, so please allow me to marry.” “Well, I did say I wanted someone to ask me that, but…” Still half in shock, Claude seems to make up his mind. “Have you proposed?” “Yes. She accepted the ring.” “And this isn’t some sort of scam?” “She isn’t the sort of women who’d do a thing like that. I wouldn’t, either.” “How many times have you spoken with Miss Viola to date?” “That was the second time.” The demon king leans back in his chair weakly, his face pale. Understandably concerned, Keith adjusts his cushion. “Milord. Pull yourself together.” “…It’s no good, Keith, I don’t understand this. I can’t seem to accept reality.” “Who would have thought Kyle would be the one to go off on such a peculiar tangent?” Elefas murmurs. He looks impressed and appalled at the same time. Walt shrugs. “He’s an extreme guy.” “Why do you put it like that? All I did was propose properly and receive a proper answer.” “Yes, it’s what came before that that’s weird. And it seriously went well?” “Well…erm. Miss Lira was fiercely opposed to the idea.” Apparently, she’d said, “I don’t believe this. Even political marriages are given a bit more thought than that. All else aside, no, you can’t, I won’t allow it, don’t play these games with me,” et cetera, et cetera. It did sound like the sort of thing she’d say. “I’m taking Miss Lira’s side,” Claude murmurs, the color returning to his face. When Walt hears that, he decides to clear out. At a time like this, one should take advantage of the confusion to escape. After all, Claude’s assumption that Kyle’s romance would fade out naturally is why he’s overlooked Walt’s so far. “I’ve got work. This is your fault; fix it,” he whispers in his partner’s ear. “R-right.” Kyle nods in response, honest to the point of stupidity. This is probably the only time we’ll manage to outwit Master Claude. Even he thought Kyle might let the girl go without saying anything, so he can’t laugh at the others for being stunned. Slipping out of the office, Walt makes for the old castle’s small reception room; since this is an unofficial meeting, he’d named the old castle as the venue. Having demons loitering around hasn’t scared her, has it? No, better watch that. You can’t go easy on her right from the start. It’s his job to keep an eye on the twin who’s staying in Ellmeyer until she’s managed to restore the Revanche county. Straightening his collar, he knocks on the reception room door and hears a slightly stiff response from inside. Even that strong-willed young lady gets nervous, apparently. When Walt peeks in, she looks relieved, then tries to camouflage it with anger. “Listen, what’s wrong with that partner of yours?! He proposed to my sister out of nowhere! Who does he think he is?!” “Oh well, Viola did accept and all.” “Yes, there’s something wrong with her, too! She gets that way sometimes!” Her face takes on a look of despair as she criticizes her sister, then Lira puts a hand to her forehead and starts agonizing. “Oh, honestly… I really wonder whether she’ll be all right. She won’t fall overboard because she’s gazing at the ring, will she?” “You’re really that worried?” “My sister just might do it! After all, it’s her first voyage, and she’s traveling by herself,” she says, sounding agitated. Then Lira falls silent, as if she’s struggling to hold something in. She can’t have her big sister depending on her forever. Quietly, Walt tells her, “Your sister’s fine now. They may be technically holding her as a hostage, but as far as Ashmael is concerned, she’s the demon king’s guest. The holy king’s generally a good person. If Kyle’s serious, she won’t even pick up any undesirable suitors.” “That’s…true. I should worry about myself first, shouldn’t I.” Lira squeezes her hands into fists. Then she looks straight at Walt. “So? Where is he? Introduce me quickly, please.” “To whom?” “The person they’ve assigned to guard me and my fiancé-in-name-only.” “Oh, that would be me.” He can’t wait to see her reaction, and the thought alone brings a smile to his face. Lira looks stunned. Then her gaze wanders as if she’s flustered, and she turns bright red and shouts. “Wh-what’s this about?! Don’t talk nonsense!” “You’re the one who said you wouldn’t talk to anyone but me. In terms of efficiency, this is the best approach.” “Th-that’s… But, I mean, f-fiancé?” “Sorry, but unlike Kyle, I’m the type who prefers to get everything squared away beforehand.” A little while ago, Aileen had taught him something: Catch them first. Romance comes later. That’s what love is. Clever as she is, Lira must have realized that there’s nowhere to run. Her mouth opens and shuts wordlessly, and her eyes tear up a bit. He feels a bit bad for her. It’s such a normal reaction that Walt smiles. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Walt Lizanis.” Laying a hand over his heart, he makes the most chivalrous bow he ever has. “Lira Revanche, daughter of Count Revanche. Would you give me time to be sure of these feelings?” All right: We’ll have a normal, proper romance: No giving up. No running away. Then we’ll have a wedding ceremony that’s overflowing with love and invite the demon king.
Chapter 129
25 min read