“Yes. Make sure to humor Diana.” After the friendly exchange, Vica turns on his heel. He climbs the stairs to join Ernst, and then both men disappear into the depths of the castle. Claude murmurs quietly, “If I recall, Diana is the name of his bride, isn’t it?” It’s also the name of the heroine. She probably looks exactly like her game art as well. In any case, Aileen realized this from the moment she first planned to attend the wedding, when she heard Diana’s name and how she was involved. Feeling rather resigned, she listens in. “Yes. However, she’s busy preparing for the wedding, so she may not be able to greet you until after the ceremony,” Cattleya explains. “That’s fine. My wife has taught me that preparing for a wedding is a monumental task for women.” Aileen smiles dismissively, ignoring Claude. Cattleya nods diplomatically, then resumes their tour. The imperial castle of Kilvas is more solid than splendid. All the windows are double-glazed to keep out the cold, while the walls are thick and heavily painted to seal any cracks. The carpet that’s spread all the way to the corners of the guest room is thick as well. Since the nights can get quite cold, there’s firewood stacked by the hearths so that the hearths may be used at any time. Since Aileen is expecting, the room has a connecting bedroom just for her. No doubt their hosts considerately assumed that if she begins to feel ill, it will be best for her to have a place where she and her ladies-in-waiting can shut themselves in and have some privacy. When she thanks Cattleya, the other woman responds as if she were a servant: “If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call me.” Aileen seats herself on a couch by the window and watches the servants as they inspect the room to make sure nothing is lacking, then begin to unpack. I wonder if the Valkyries are treated as nobles who’ve been demoted… In basic terms, the story of Valkyrie of the Magic Lance is as follows: Kilvas is a northern country that is under assault by demons. The demons’ invasion is held at bay by a mysterious wall, but on the other side of that barrier is a constant battlefield. The ones who fight there are not men but the Valkyries, who have strong magical power. Since they’ve had divine stones surgically implanted in their bodies, the Valkyries are able to use magic lances to annihilate the demons. Serving as a Valkyrie is an honorable profession, and the empire pays them generously, but it is extraordinarily dangerous. Most spend their whole lives on the far side of the wall and die there. To save their impoverished families or to defend their land from demons, soldiers, who range from young girls to grown women, spend long years fighting beyond the wall. It is the heroine, Diana, who begins to change things. She is the daughter of a minor, rural lord who would have held the rank of baron in Imperial Ellmeyer. One day, a demon who slips through the wall attacks her tiny hometown, leaving it engulfed in flames. In the burning town, Diana spots a demon with red eyes. Swearing to take revenge on the creature, she volunteers to join the Valkyries. Diana loses her smile along with her home. However, she meets the hero, Ernst, a senior officer who refuses to treat the Valkyries as disposable weapons; the great Cattleya, a more experienced warrior who became a Valkyrie for the sake of her nation, in spite of her royal birth; and Vica, the young emperor whose heart is pained by the war. These encounters make Diana’s abilities as a Valkyrie blossom, and she gradually learns to smile again. As the fighting grows fiercer, more and more of her companions fall on the battlefield. One day, Diana is seriously wounded while shielding a fellow Valkyrie, and is taken to a country whose queen is said to have the ability to see the future. While there, she learns that the fighting is a scheme, with roots in the queen’s precognition. The Kilvas Empire is being used to run an experiment. Diana confides the truth to Ernst and Cattleya and begins to plot a revolution. In the process, she finds out that the red-eyed demon she’s sworn revenge on is actually Vica and that he is fated to awaken as king of the demons. When she learns that Vica is frightened of becoming a demon, and of Cattleya’s and Ernst’s agony as they attempt to save him, what choices will Diana make, and where will the revolution lead…? The fan opinion could generally be summed up as “Don’t write this one off as ‘just an otome game.’” There were two major reasons for this. The first was that there was no salvation. With every playthrough, the player’s available choices increased, various mysteries and character backgrounds deepened, and there were several different endings. However, the route was very nearly a straight line, and none of the endings were completely happy. It was what many would call “a downer game.” For example, take the route belonging to Ernst, the classic hero. His mother had been Vica’s wet nurse, and he was also childhood friends with Cattleya. He cooperated with the revolution, and it set him on the path to be a conqueror. He betrayed his childhood friends and became the new ruler of the Kilvas Empire. At the end, he joined Diana in swearing revenge on the Queendom, which had masterminded the whole affair. At least there was still room for hope there. For Vica, the final boss, there was absolutely no hope of salvation under any circumstances. Even though he bonded with Diana emotionally, he couldn’t abandon his elder sister and the others, who obeyed Hausel to keep him from transforming into a demon. Thinking that the world would be saved if the demon king died, he chose death and took his sister and the others with him. However, in the final scene of his ending, the Queendom was shown descending from the sky along with the demons in order to rule over the ruined Kilvas Empire. Not only was no one saved, but the core problem wasn’t resolved, and the situation has actually gotten worse. The second major reason fans said this wasn’t “just an otome game” was because there was an ending with Cattleya, the villainess. On every route, in order to save Vica, she pretended to help Diana but tried to stall the revolution. She and Ernst even seemed to have feelings for each other. And yet in her very own ending, she cut off Vica and even Ernst, helped the revolution succeed, and destroyed the Kilvas Empire. Then, as coconspirators who’d destroyed each other’s homelands, she and Diana led the Valkyries, attempted to unite the continent under the banner of peace, and then threw themselves into an unending war to destroy the Queendom. In other words, no matter what happens, the fighting doesn’t end. It actually gets worse! Aileen would like them all to apologize to the common people of Kilvas, whose fate usually involved getting dragged into the mess and being doomed. Of course, that wasn’t to say there was nothing wrong with a country that put the Valkyries on the front lines and exploited them for peace, but… The largest branch point was the upcoming ceremony: Diana and Vica’s wedding. In the game, it happened after Diana was badly injured and taken to Hausel. As a reward for her feats in battle as a Valkyrie—or possibly to keep her from talking—she was forced to marry Vica, the puppet emperor. Diana’s choices at this point will lock in the route she takes. And on every route, at a wedding where a messenger from Hausel was among the guests, Diana declared her revolution. But the Queendom of Hausel is gone. Naturally, they haven’t been invited to the wedding. The Valkyries’ current claims are nearly the same as they were in the game, so the event where Diana was injured and taken to Hausel may have happened in reality as well, but… Either way, Diana no longer has a reason to launch her revolution. Now that Hausel is gone, the Valkyrie surgery can’t be performed. Both the Valkyries and the system surrounding them may die out soon. That means the wedding should end without incident—and Aileen needs to confirm that it will. “Aileen, I’m going to give my regards to everyone. You rest here.” Claude, who’s removed his overcoat, returns in a more relaxed outfit. Rising to her feet, Aileen swiftly inspects him, then reaches for his tie pin and repositions it. He may have said “to give his regards,” but he and the people he’s greeting will be sounding one another out. He must take advantage of his appearance. “This suits you better, Master Claude. Will Master Keith be accompanying you?” “Yes. I’ve asked Lady Cattleya to make the introductions and show us around. It sounds as if we’ll be able to visit the castle town as well.” She steps back, examining Claude’s appearance. He’s perfect. “If you’re visiting the town, I’ll look forward to my souvenir.” “…I doubt it will be easy to find one that will win your favor. I’ll be back.” “Have a good time.” Claude drops a light kiss on her cheek, then turns to go. Keith follows him. She makes eye contact with Cattleya, who’s been waiting a short distance away. Wearing a tranquil expression, the woman acknowledges her with a nod. As she turns to guide Claude and Keith, her back is perfectly straight. As expected of a soldier. Once the door has closed behind them, Rachel approaches to set down a pitcher of water. “It’s unusual for you to coax Master Claude for a present, Lady Aileen.” “There’s nothing strange about it. I’m not able to go outside.” “Coaxing in the first place is unusual. In front of others, at that.” Rachel gazes at her steadily. She seems to suspect something. Deflecting her doubt with a smile, Aileen turns to look out the window. “Tell me when Isaac and Jasper return, if you would.” Jasper’s original reason for coming here was gathering information, so he’s staying in the castle town. Isaac has followed suit. Since Isaac and Jasper are being treated as servants, they’re free to do as they please. Her brothers have given her a certain amount of information, and she’d like to compare it to the reality on the ground. “Very well. Is there anything else—?” A knock at the door interrupts her. When Rachel answers it, the individual who peeks in is a servant wearing castle livery. They exchange a few words, and then Rachel returns. “You’ve received an invitation to tea from Lady Diana.” Aileen frowns. Rachel looks perplexed as well. “Shall I decline it? We haven’t finished unpacking.” “No, I’ll accept. I would imagine she’s far busier than we are.” Diana’s wedding to Emperor Kilvas is approaching. Aileen has lived through a similar event herself. If Diana is asking people over for tea in the middle of all that, she must have an extremely good reason. “Tell her I would love to. We must prepare, Rachel. This is an empress’s duty.” “Of course.” Rachel bows, then searches Aileen’s opened luggage for a suitable outfit for the empress of Ellmeyer to wear for a meeting with the future empress of Kilvas. Sunlight streams into the conservatory. Inside, a profusion of small vivid flowers bloom and songbirds twitter. The weather is reminiscent of the warm days at the beginning of autumn. Some sort of spell or device must be at work. When Aileen steps inside, a woman rises to greet her on the other side of a white table. “I am Diana, Your Majesty.” Her voice is hard as steel, but there’s a translucent quality to it. Setting a hand to her chest, she bows lightly. It’s the same way Cattleya greeted them; that must be the Valkyries’ salute. Between that and the straightforward greeting, there isn’t a scrap of sociability in the woman’s manner. However, the blue-gray hair that reaches her shoulders and her silken, snow-white skin are unspeakably perfect, and they seem to hold a mysterious power that makes her look like a work of art. Responding by spreading her skirts and curtsying in the manner of Ellmeyer, Aileen offers a friendly greeting. “Thank you for your invitation, Lady Diana.” “I thought you’d probably be bored.” Aileen hesitates for a moment, then nods. “I do have outstanding servants accompanying me, so that is true. But you must be quite busy, Lady Diana. Are the wedding preparations going smoothly? It’s the day after tomorrow, isn’t it? I’m looking forward to it.” “I just have to do predetermined things in the proper order. Even a monkey could manage it. Far too much of it is pointless. Oh, I know some women like that sort of thing. I didn’t want to get married in the first place, you see, and I have no dreams or expectations for it.” Aileen decides to think of the other woman as being rather socially awkward. She is supposed to have “forgotten how to smile,” so it makes sense, I guess. Aileen wouldn’t claim that simply lacking in charm is a bad thing in general. Roxane, Aileen’s friend and the principal consort of neighboring Ashmael, is also far from charming. However, she’s able to socially support her diplomacy-loving husband magnificently with her meticulous consideration, insight that allows her to grasp what’s important, and flawless manners. In addition, even if the other woman happens to be lacking in charm, consideration, insight, and manners, Aileen must not be rude to her. It would be a blot on her title as empress of Ellmeyer. “I’m sure your feelings will change once the ceremony’s over.” “Are you glad you married, Lady Aileen?” “Yes, of course.” “—I’d imagine so. It looks like you’re more suited to that sort of thing.” Aileen tilts her head quizzically. Diana sighs, touching the rim of her teacup. “I really wanted to speak with the demon king directly. I wasn’t allowed to, though, so I had to call you instead. Can you talk about the demons?” “…I’m told that a discussion has been arranged between my husband and Emperor Kilvas.” “You know men who have no clue what it’s like on the field won’t be able to have a decent discussion.” She snorts dismissively. “Oh, I’m not blaming you. One could hardly expect otherwise, after all. I’ll ask anyway, though: Is it true that demons and humans live side by side in Ellmeyer, in accordance with the demon king’s wishes?” Under the table, Aileen shifts her feet so that her toes are even with each other. At times like these, things tend to fall apart beginning in places that can’t be seen. She must be careful. Even if she ignores the game’s scenario, the Kilvas Empire has been plagued by demons for long years. The wrong answer on her part could escalate into an international issue. “Yes. Both humans and demons are searching for ways to get along with one another, and—” “Actually, never mind. I see you’ll only give by-the-book answers. In that case, what is Lilia Reinoise doing?” Even though Aileen has just regrouped, she almost frowns. Diana looks at her as if she suspects she hasn’t understood the question and begins to elaborate. “I mean the Maid of the Sacred Sword. I’ve heard she’s alive. Is she really the crown princess? If she possesses the sacred sword, she should have been able to defeat both demons and the demon king, and yet… How on earth did you win her over? A man?” “……” “Or did she avoid battle, even though she’s the Maid of the Sacred Sword? In that case, what’s become of the sword?” Diplomacy is the art of negotiation. Sometimes a snap decision and being quick on your feet can carry the day. Her brother Michael has taught her as much. For that reason, here and now, Aileen sets her future policy. “I’m sorry, Lady Diana. You’re speaking of complicated things, and I’m afraid I don’t really understand. I’m sure Master Claude would know, but…” She feigns bewilderment. At that, Diana stops attempting to hide her disgust. “It’s incredible that you can manage to be empress like that. Unbelievable… Leaving everything to a man.” Carefully, Aileen returns her cup to its saucer. There’s a fragile sound of porcelain on porcelain. “I’m very sorry I can’t be of use to you. However…I would like to be friends with you. After all, you will be the empress of Kilvas. It is my duty to be friends with everyone.” That is the job of an empress. Aileen smiles gently, and Diana sighs. “The way you think is enviably peaceful.” “But Kilvas will also be peaceful now, won’t it? I was told that that is the purpose of this marriage.” “A country where marriage solves everything must be nice. The women of this empire can’t afford to be so easygoing. Excuse me, it’s time I took my leave.” Diana stands, her expression prim. She clearly has no use for Aileen.
Chapter 134
15 min read