Chapter 136

Third Act The Villainess Refuses to Fall for Nothing Grand bells ring out to celebrate the newly wedded couple. Unusually, the sky over Kilvas is clear, and the flock of white doves that’s released into it is more than enough to suggest the beginning of a new era. In the game, a declaration of revolution would have echoed through the imperial capital, but it hasn’t done so in reality. Since this was what Aileen had come to confirm, one could say she had achieved her objective. However… “As if I’d let Master Claude trounce me like that and get away with it…!” “You’re speaking in the presence of your minder, you know. Has the luggage all been loaded, Rachel?” “Yes, Sir Keith. May I ask you to conduct the final check with me? We’re short on both time and people. Luc, would you take care of Lady Aileen?” “Of course. This way, Lady Aileen. Let me take your pulse before we depart.” Luc beckons Aileen into the platform’s deserted waiting room. The train Cattleya has hastily arranged for them is the very latest model, luxurious even for Kilvas. From what Aileen overheard, it’s the imperial family’s exclusive train. The station platform has been temporarily sealed off, with only the bare minimum of people allowed to enter and leave. They’ve probably done it out of consideration for Aileen’s group, who need to depart almost as soon as they arrived, and in the service of keeping the secret. It wouldn’t do for watchful eyes to notice that Master Claude isn’t here. They’ll be traveling back to the port town by train, then returning home on the ship from Ellmeyer, which is still moored there. “I’m sure you’re unhappy about it, Lady Aileen, but I’m personally in favor of going home,” Luc tells her while taking her pulse in the waiting room. Although the bench is made of wood, it’s padded with water-resistant cushions. No doubt each country can obtain different materials, but the infrastructure in Kilvas is more advanced than it is in Ellmeyer. “I would imagine so. Isaac probably shares your opinion.” “He did agree to babysit the demon king, after all. Jasper turned pale, though.” “Doesn’t he think it’s unfair to Rachel?” “Master Isaac? I doubt it. After the wedding, the demon king will keep an eye on the situation for a time, then come home as if nothing’s happened. His greatest objective is keeping you away from danger, Lady Aileen.” “I’m not so certain,” Aileen says wryly. Luc looks up. “Should I get the details on that? I am your physician; confidentiality is part of my job.” “It’s nothing important. The truth is quite simple, really. There’s something Master Claude doesn’t want me to see.” “An affair, you mean?” With a contemptuous laugh, Aileen crosses her legs. “I’m still trying to decide whether I should consider it that. However—do you really suppose Master Claude would take his eyes off me and think, ‘Now I can relax’?” Luc has finished his exam and is putting his instruments back into his bag. She leans down to peek at his face. He’s frowning. There’s her answer. “Unfortunately, I have the most freedom when Master Claude isn’t keeping an eye on me.” “…When you put it that way, I have to admit you’re right…” “And Master Claude has intentionally stopped watching me. It’s almost as if he’s telling me to do as I please.” “I’m positive that isn’t what he meant.” “Since he has, in fact, taken his eyes off me, that is how I choose to interpret it. In any case, Master Claude is plotting something. Isn’t he, Master Keith?” Apparently having finished checking the luggage, Keith has stepped into the waiting room. Behind his glasses, his eyes are twinkling. “Oh, that can’t possibly be true. I’m simply a minder, Lady Aileen.” “A minder meant to stop me or adjust my path if I do anything that diverges from Master Claude’s intentions, correct? In the first place, it was you who called me to the room where they were debating whether to use Master Claude as a substitute… Doesn’t that mean it was really Master Claude who summoned me?” Claude must have already decided to take Vica’s place by then. He might have been angry that Aileen had been willing to sell him off, but only a little; he had her witness that scene for a reason. “If there’s something behind this, I would be very glad if you’d tell me about it soon.” “Please rest assured, I truly know nothing. I can guess at certain things, though.” “Don’t you know Master Claude better than he knows himself?” “Presumptuous as it may be of me, that’s correct. As a result, I believe I know milord’s intentions. —He sold me off to Lady Aileen, blast him. Does he hate being scolded that much?” Apparently, Keith has been sent to her against his will. Pushing up his glasses, he smiles. “What does he think a man who can’t even change clothes by himself can do? He should just drink bad tea and reflect on his actions.” As Claude’s adviser curses him, Aileen begins to feel concerned about her husband’s life in Kilvas. Well, Lady Cattleya will probably help him. There’s a small, rough sensation in the depths of her heart, but there’s no helping that now. Emotions are what they are. More than that, though, Aileen has her pride as Claude’s wife. “Now then, Lady Aileen, it’s time for the train to depart,” Keith says; he’s heard the whistle. She looks up at him through her lashes. “Aren’t you worried about Master Claude?” “Unfortunately, not in the slightest. I think a little pain would be good for him.” “Why don’t we stealthily watch from somewhere nearby to see whether he meets with unpleasantness?” “Now there’s a delightful suggestion.” “Isn’t it? On top of that, if we could find Emperor Vica, I imagine it would frustrate Master Claude to no end.” “Shall I tell you the answer in a way that’s easy to understand? You mustn’t.” That smile of his is quite clear. Resigning herself, Aileen rises to her feet. When she looks, Rachel is standing outside the waiting room. There’s no escape. Immediately after boarding the train, Aileen looks to the left and sees a splendid dining car. In front of its door, one of Kilvas’s lady knights—a Valkyrie—bows her head. There are a few guards provided by Kilvas on the train, but she’d prefer not to trouble them too much. “Now that I’ve come this far, I’ll behave. Is there somewhere I could rest by myself?” “The car to your right is divided into private compartments. There are seats that unfold into a bed as well. Rachel, is everything ready?” “Yes, Master Keith. Your room is waiting for you, Lady Aileen. It is a little cramped; you won’t mind?” When Aileen confirms that she won’t, Keith sets off in the lead. Rachel falls in behind Aileen, and Luc walks beside her. She’s completely surrounded. They’re this wary? As she thinks that in exasperation, there’s a clatter, and the train begins to sway. They’ve set off. Outside the window, the station platform streams past. “This way, Lady Aileen.” “I’ll be fine on my own, Rachel. There isn’t much room in here, you know.” Aileen’s response makes Keith, Rachel, and Luc grimace openly. She points out the window. “Even I can’t escape now. I wouldn’t leap from a moving train, not without the sacred sword.” “So if you had the sword, you’d jump,” Luc interprets, and Keith’s and Rachel’s eyes gleam. Aileen presses a finger to the spot between her eyebrows. “I don’t have it, so I can’t. There’s something I’d like to think about alone. If I need anything, I’ll call right away.” “But, Lady Aileen—” “Stay in the next compartment over, please. I won’t even be able to stretch my bare legs if you don’t.” Due to their professions, it isn’t unusual for either Keith or Luc to see women’s bare legs. However, generally speaking, most people would consider that outrageous. What’s more, since Aileen is married to Claude… “I’ll bring you tea later, Lady Aileen. You may sleep if you wish. Just leave the door unlocked.” Aileen nods, accepting Rachel’s compromise. After opening the door on her own, she lowers herself into the compartment’s seat. It’s softer and more comfortable than she expected. This train is even better than the one they arrived in. Kicking out her legs as she claimed she would do, she sinks into the backrest and exhales. Thinking is all she can do right now anyway. At present, she’s confirmed that reality isn’t progressing in accordance with the game’s plot. Revolution has not been declared. However, the attack on Vica doesn’t sit right with her. Of course, skillful maneuvering on Claude’s part should quell any latent hostility toward Ellmeyer, but is it really going to be so easy? What will happen next? Are there any hints? …Even in the game? At the very least, the four principal characters look exactly as they did in the game’s art. Although she’s extremely reluctant to do so, as a thought experiment, Aileen decides to compare what’s currently happening in the Kilvas Empire to the events of the otome game. Of the game’s developments, the one that’s most likely to trouble Ellmeyer is Vica’s transformation into the red-eyed demon. Come to think of it, why does Vica become a demon? In the game, in addition to the same legend that’s passed down in Ellmeyer—those born with black hair and red eyes are the reincarnation of the demon king—it’s explained that males from Kilvas’s imperial family are occasionally born as grotesques. Simply put, the imperial bloodline can produce demons. The scene where Vica turns into a demon is one of the so-called “true self revealed” episodes. Emotional agitation—his anger and sadness—destabilizes his magic, and this is depicted as the direct trigger of his transformation. The biggest issue is that we don’t know how to reverse the transformation. In the game, Vica believed the legend that he would become a demon if he left the imperial capital. However, once he was a demon, he ultimately attacked the capital. This meant that even if there was some sort of mechanism in the city, it wasn’t directly preventing his transformation. Naturally, it wouldn’t be able to reverse the transformation, either. In any case, there is no ending in the game where Vica reverts from the red-eyed demon to his human form. If I had the sacred sword, at least… Aileen is still lying down when a light wind from behind her stirs her disheveled hair. With a start, she sits up. The window was closed, but now it’s open. The clackety-clack of the train’s wheels on the rails has grown louder. More than anything, there’s a shadow on the floor that is not hers. Before she can fill her lungs with air to scream, a dagger gleams at her throat. “Don’t shout. I mean you no harm. I just want you to hide me for a while.” “Y-you’re…” Her eyes dart to the left, then right, until she finds the mirror on the wall. The glass is meant to allow guests to check their appearance before they leave the compartment. Now it’s reflecting Aileen and the youth standing behind her. “…Master Vica.” Meeting Aileen’s eyes in the mirror, the young man offers a troubled smile on a face that looks just like her husband’s. “Emperor Vica has been attacked, and Master Claude is going to act as his body double, so I’d like the two of you to stay here. Thank you in advance for your help.” That bare-bones explanation was all Aileen had given Isaac and Jasper before foisting all the troublesome work onto them. Was that trust or just laziness? Scratching the back of his neck, Isaac heaves a deep sigh. Some say that every sigh lets a little happiness escape, but he doesn’t care. “This sucks…” “Did you say something?” The woman with good posture who’s walking ahead of him looks back. The demon king turns his way, too. His black hair is done up for a change, and he’s wearing a grand white Kilvas-style cloak. “You aren’t used to the cold yet, are you? I’m sure you’d prefer to hurry back to Ellmeyer, but put up with it for a little while.” The dangerous red eyes that are focusing a mountain of hostility on Isaac are exactly the same, though. Shut up and obey me. That order comes through loud and clear. “Your palace is warm, Master Clau— Er, Vica.” The woman leading the way quickly corrects herself. “Divine stones are used to adjust the temperature inside. This way, please.” After they step into the palace, the air grows warmer. It feels weird, though. It isn’t the sort of heat one would feel from basking in spring sunlight. Beside Isaac, Jasper is also looking around uncomfortably. This is a waiting room for attendants; this is a reception room; this is the bedroom. As they’re shown around, Isaac rapidly memorizes the layout. While Jasper isn’t allowed to take notes or photos, he’s still taking this chance to stroll around the rooms, acting as if he’s admiring art objects and things. It doesn’t look as if there are any listening devices or what have you. The defense industry is a high priority in Kilvas, and their technology is very advanced. People call Ellmeyer a military power as well, but since the previous emperor got rid of magic and demon-stone technology after Demon King Claude was born, they’ve stagnated for twenty years or so. At this point, Claude and Aileen are scrambling to do something about it before they run through all their banked technology. On top of that, Kilvas once enjoyed support from Hausel. The fact that they’ve incorporated something as sophisticated as the Valkyrie system in their defense policy shows the progress they’ve made. Well, there are pros and cons, I guess. Overreliance on another country for technology and resources can destabilize your nation. This was what made diplomacy such a pain. Commerce was better. “This is the office.” The room is the last stop on their tour, and Isaac guesses it’s probably the one Claude wanted to see. The office of Emperor Vica of Kilvas—a room completely filled with the emperor’s work. However, the individual who’s boldly sitting at the ebony work desk is a bride who’s just come from her wedding. When Isaac glances at Jasper, the man silently mouths the words for him. Her name is Diana Nelasov—or Diana Tsar Kilvas, at this point. The woman who guided them here looks surprised. “…Why are you here? What about the preparations for the banquet?” “The court ladies like soirees; I can leave it to them. Governing is more important. Cattleya, these are the documents I’ve approved.” “You used the state seal? Without the emperor’s permission?” Claude asks Diana, looking at the tray of documents. Diana gives him a weary look. “The emperor isn’t here, is he? I’m supposed to do it. That’s why I got married. It’s my job.” “I see. However, isn’t the upcoming banquet also your job as empress?” “I’m not the sort of woman who can get by with just smiling at soirees, like your wife.” I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. Isaac averts his eyes, and then a man with light hair hurries in. When Isaac glances at Jasper again, Jasper gives him the answer. Ernst Helken Dolf, prime minister of Kilvas. “Diana and Cattleya, what are you doing?! There’s practically no time left until the banquet. Hurry and get ready. It’s right after the wedding. Not attending isn’t an option!” “…In that case, pass those documents at tomorrow’s council, Ernst.” In response to the man’s threatening look, Diana reluctantly rises to her feet. “Make sure to take Cattleya wherever you go, please. Empresses don’t wander around on their own. I’ll take charge of Master Claude.” “This when you’ve always ordered me to charge at demons alone.” That comment from Diana shuts Ernst up. The guy’s stupidly honest, Isaac thinks. Cattleya sighs and pushes Diana’s back, steering her through the door. Ernst turns to face Claude. “I’m very sorry. We asked you to substitute for Vica, and yet we’re being so careless.” “You’re the one who’s been making all the arrangements, right? You’ve been a great help.” Ernst blinks, then smiles. “I really should be saying that to you. You’ve even handled our various blunders so calmly… Your retainers in Ellmeyer are fortunate. I would imagine their lives are quite untroubled.” There’s a moment’s pause, and then Claude assumes a competent, serious expression. “I do my best to ensure that is the case.” When lies are that bold, commenting on them doesn’t even feel worth it. Beside Isaac, Jasper wears a faint smile. “Now then, I was supposed to prepare for the banquet, wasn’t I? Leave the clothes over there. I’ll be changing with magic. Do we need anything else, Isaac?” Claude has called on him out of nowhere, and Isaac frowns. “I’m just a liaison. So’s Jasper.” “You can’t mean you don’t want to go back to Ellmeyer, can you?” Claude pulls a deliberately startled expression, and Isaac’s face tenses. “Let me introduce you again, Ernst. These are Isaac and Jasper. They’re my wife’s subordinates, but they’re very reliable. However, please refrain from informing others about this.” “Y-yes, Your Majesty. That’s fine, but why…? It will restrict their movements in the castle.” “In exchange, let me look over the contents of those approved documents.” Ernst’s expression turns sober. The speed with which Claude responds betrays his brilliance. Claude is saying he won’t let that nasty woman do as she pleases with the empire. Even before the prime minister answers, Claude seats himself at the ebony work desk. Then he bends down. Apparently, he’s discovered a wastebasket. He unfolds a wrinkled document, then gives a smile that doesn’t go past his lips. He glances at Isaac, and an ugly premonition races down Isaac’s spine. “What do you think of this?” Ernst makes no move to stop him. There’s an appraising look in Claude’s eyes. For crying out loud… Feeling a little desperate, Isaac looks at the document Claude is holding out to him. Jasper leans in from the side to peek. “A budget, huh? From the past few years? Tax revenue… I-is it okay for us to look at this?!” Jasper can’t believe what he’s seeing. “It’s fine; it was just tossed carelessly in the trash. And here we have the document the empress approved.” Taking a piece of paper out of the box, Claude sets it on the desk. The sight of the figures on it makes Isaac feel like tearing out his hair. “Hide it a little better, wouldja?! Increasing the military budget like this is just asking to be investigated! Fudge the numbers a little or, you know, at least try to make it look right…!” “Ohhh, even your uncle Jasper can tell this is funny… Haven’t the demons’ attacks settled down?” “Diana doesn’t think she’s doing anything bad, so she probably never intended to hide it.” “Where’s that increase supposed to come from?! The budget is just going to balloon; the numbers won’t match up. Is she planning to increase taxes or issue government bonds or something?”