Chapter 151

Aileen no longer has the sacred sword, and she’s never had magic or holy power. All she has is the magic Claude cast on her shadow. However, she’s more than capable of using her wits to protect their daughter. Claude believes the same is true of the mansion’s servants, whom Aileen handpicked and trained. In fact, he’s afraid she may take advantage of the opportunity to go a bit wild. I’ll just have to let Aileen do as she likes to the woman. He lets out a resigned sigh. “Milord. It’s bad manners to just stand there.” At Keith’s prompting, Claude lowers his eyes to the ground for a moment, then lifts them and raises his head. He strides up to Cattleya and gracefully seats himself in the chair Walt has pulled out for him. “Now then, let’s hear what you have to say.” Flanked by his guards, he crosses his legs, resting his elbow on the armrest and his chin in his hand. Cattleya narrows her eyes as if she’s gazing at something dazzling, then adjusts in her seat, sitting up straighter. “You don’t need to steel yourself like that. This is a good thing for Ellmeyer. Really, it makes me think I may still have a soft spot for you.” “That’s good to hear.” “Please give Princess Claire to us.” His fingers twitch on the armrest. Claude rides out a wave of emotion that seems liable to smash all the glass in the windows, then widens his smile. “As a hostage?” “No, perish the thought. I did say it was a good thing. I’m thinking of taking her as my successor, the next queen.” Apparently, she’s serious. Cattleya doesn’t flinch under Claude’s gaze. “As proof that she isn’t a hostage, I will register her as a royal candidate. It isn’t possible to hold a royal exam without a queen, but she can be registered now. That’s something only we can do.” The woman hides her smile behind the veil. A cup of tea is quietly set down in front of her, and the breath she exhales causes the steam to shift. “In exchange, we will raise Princess Claire. If you accept these terms, I promise you Hausel will not view Ellmeyer as an enemy.” The empire or his daughter. In front of him, Claude’s untouched cup of black tea sends up an unsteady column of steam. Aileen’s beloved daughter has polished off the solid food they’ve started introducing into her diet, and Aileen picks her up again. Having given orders for the maids to wipe the child’s mouth and quickly tidy away her spoon and saucer, Rachel seems impressed. “It’s just as her nurse says: Princess Claire really isn’t any trouble, is she. I’ve never raised an infant, and even I can tell.” “It’s a great help. Though it’s a shock when something happens that she doesn’t like…” “Do you suppose it’s magic?” “It may be. However, under normal circumstances, she shouldn’t have any magic whatsoever. Her eyes look purple as well.” Violet eyes are proof that their owner has sacred power. Many of those who possess magic have eyes that are nearly red. “Elefas says it will become clear once she’s a little older. Apparently, it isn’t unusual for magic to disappear during childhood.” It’s hard to believe that the demon king’s daughter could be an ordinary human, but Aileen isn’t very concerned. Whether Claire has magic, sacred power, or nothing at all, Aileen’s duty will be to raise her into a fine princess of Ellmeyer. Aileen would rather relax and enjoy being with her daughter than worry about odd things. She spent time with Claire both during the voyage and yesterday, but Aileen has work to do as the empress. It’s frustrating, but it’s also more efficient to leave Claire’s care to her veteran nurse and maids. Even now, there’s spilled food on Aileen’s clothes. Since Rachel anticipated this and gave the empress an apron, there’s no need for Aileen to change, but it does make her consider the fact that when she takes care of her daughter, she ends up causing more work for those around her. Still, her daughter is satisfied now that her tummy is full, and the mere sight of Claire’s face makes Aileen smile. No matter how often she touches her plump, smooth cheeks, it’s never enough. “Lady Aileen, it’s nearly time for the inspection.” “Oh, already? I’m sure it’s fine to stay a little longer.” “I’m not certain you should say that after you forced Master Claude to go to work when he said the same thing.” Rachel sure is strict. “It looks as if the rain is going to get worse. You should hurry… That prophecy was accurate.” Small drops of rain drum against the windowpanes. “As well as bad weather, there will be whirlpools, so the second inspection should be canceled.” The servants at the soiree on the first night were gossiping about Cattleya’s prophecy, and now it has come true. “Aren’t there whirlpools, too, then? Have they sent word that the inspection is canceled?” “We haven’t received any.” “I suppose I’ll simply have to go, then. Even if no one else comes.” Claude has also departed for a conference where he may end up being the only participant. Aileen can’t choose to stay home. She kisses Claire’s cheek, then pokes it gently. “Father and Mother will do their best, Claire, and they won’t let bullies get the better of them. Your father will give you your bath again tonight— Stop that, don’t grab my hair. Why must you insist on putting everything in your mouth?” “Lady Aileen, Lady Aileen!” a maid cries, rushing in. Rachel swiftly turns to face her. “What is the meaning of this? Lower your voice; Princess Claire is here as well.” “I—I beg your pardon. However, guests have arrived without warning, and we don’t know what to do.” “Guests? There were no visits scheduled. Who on earth is it?” “Everyone who’s attending the inspection.” The consorts and princesses of five other nations have barged in on them all at once. No wonder the maids are flustered. “We tried to show them into the parlor, but they insisted on waiting in the entrance hall. It looks as if they’re planning to leave immediately for somewhere else. There are carriages waiting outside.” “Have they come to fetch me? Or has the inspection been canceled due to the rain?” “Neither. They say they would like to meet Princess Claire.” Rachel’s eyes flit over to her. Claude isn’t here, so Aileen will have to decide. She knocks on the shadow at her feet, which has Claude’s magic cast on it. “Almond, you can hear me, can’t you? Relay a message to the others: I don’t know what’s about to happen, but protect Claire. Don’t take your eyes off her. No matter what, you mustn’t strike a human unless Master Claude gives the order. Rachel, the same goes for you and the others. No matter what happens to me, Claire is your top priority.” Rachel has gone pale. She starts to say something, but Aileen stops her with a look. “That’s an order.” “—As you wish, Your Majesty.” Looking as if she’s holding back everything she wants to say, Rachel bows her head, and everyone else in the room follows suit. Since she was prepared for the inspection, Aileen doesn’t need to fix her makeup or change her dress. Conducting herself as if her friends have purposely come to visit to see her daughter, she peeks into the hall, carrying Claire. “You’ve all come to meet the baby? Isn’t that wonderful, Claire!” As Aileen steps into view, smiling, all eyes focus on her. Roxane gives her an expressionless nod, Nina gives a polite yet slightly troubled-looking smile, and Carol greets her calmly. Dana seems to have lost all her usual energy; she murmurs an inarticulate greeting before a worried expression settles across her face. Audrey greets her very properly, just like always. Aileen has been pretending not to notice the awkward atmosphere, but when she’s partway to the group, she pauses rather dramatically. “Lady Diana is with you…” It isn’t unnatural for her to be frightened of Diana. It seems like the other woman doesn’t suspect anything, because she strides up to Aileen as boldly as ever. “This is your daughter? Her eyes are…purple.” The woman rudely reaches toward her daughter, and Aileen draws back reflexively. Diana looks irked. “I’m not going to eat her; I only checked to see whether she has inherited the blood of the Maid of the Sacred Sword. She doesn’t have magic, though… How strange. You’re sure she’s really the demon king’s child?” Apparently, people become speechless when they get too angry. The other woman looks disappointed when Aileen says nothing. “What’s that face for? I was joking. Don’t tell me that struck a nerve.” “Lady Diana, we’ll run out of time if we stay too long,” Roxane says, looking at the grandfather clock in the hall. “Oh, that’s right. Let’s go. We’re done with the baby, so come with us.” Without waiting for her response, Diana turns on her heel. Audrey looks Aileen up and down. “You’re all ready?” “Y-yes, but…is something the matter?” “Your baby, very cute… Um…” “Lady Dana, let us go.” “But, Nina…” “It’s all right, Lady Dana, Lady Nina.” Carol stops the two of them. “Lady Aileen, your daughter is precious. I’m sure it’s difficult to part from her, but do hurry.” Without waiting for her response, Carol gently pushes Dana and Nina on their backs, and the three of them follow Diana and Audrey. Roxane steps smoothly in front of Aileen, blocking her view. “It was Lady Nina who suggested we all come to meet you. Lady Audrey provided the carriage.” “…Was she being considerate of me?” “Some have caught on to the way you do things, Lady Aileen. It may be time you prepared yourself for what’s to come.” Speaking only of others and making no excuses whatsoever for herself, Roxane turns away from her. Smiling wryly, Aileen turns to Rachel, who’s waiting behind her. “Stay with Claire.” She pauses for a moment, then adds, “…Please. I’m counting on you.” Rachel presses her lips together firmly, then gives a nod. “Rest assured. My husband is your ally, Lady Aileen. He’s sure to do something.” Rachel and everyone else in the mansion can be trusted. So can Rachel’s husband, of course. Even with that knowledge, Aileen feels conflicted about letting go of her daughter. “…Claire.” She calls out softly, and Claire looks straight at her. Aileen moves her face closer, as if those round, clear eyes are drawing her in. Claire’s small hand lightly smacks her mother’s cheek. Aileen looks back at her, wide-eyed. The sound must have been entertaining, because the young girl smiles and hits her face again. It almost feels like she’s telling her mother to show some spirit. Aileen chuckles deep in her throat. Then she looks at her own dauntless smile reflected in the innocent, laughing eyes of her daughter. “Just leave it to Mother. I’ll be back soon.” Aileen plants a kiss on her daughter’s head, then smartly turns on her heel. Everyone in the hall bows their head and wishes her a pleasant journey. When she steps outside, a two-horse carriage is waiting in the drizzling rain. They’ve put her in a separate one again. “You’re alone?” a Valkyrie asks dubiously when she sees Aileen emerge by herself. Aileen gives her a ladylike smile. “You’ll protect me, won’t you?” The woman averts her eyes and gives a vague response. Is there something eating away at her conscience? It’s only when Aileen climbs into the carriage that the reality that she is genuinely alone sinks in. Come to think of it, between one thing and another, she hasn’t had this sort of opportunity recently. And it’s been a long time since she marched alone into a place surrounded by enemies. …Was the last time when Prince Cedric dissolved our engagement? The weather was changeable then, too, and it made her uneasy. However, she felt that it was her duty to keep going forward instead of running away, so that was what she did. The carriage took her directly to the building where the ball was being held. Aileen has no escort whatsoever, but she descends from the carriage elegantly, bracing herself all the way to the toes of her shoes. The group in the other carriage has gone on ahead, and the Valkyrie points down a corridor. “That way, please. Everyone is waiting.” “Thank you. Would you guide me?” The Valkyrie blinks at her, then does as she asks. She must have decided that it would be more troublesome to have Aileen run off at this point. Keeping her unease from her expression, Aileen advances boldly down the hall. They are moving toward the assembly hall, away from the ballroom. Is their destination a meeting room? She finally finds Diana and the others waiting at the top of a flight of stairs, in front of a set of grand double doors at the end of a corridor. “Listen up. They wouldn’t shut up about how we should explain this directly to you, so we went out of our way to summon you.” Diana doesn’t look at her but instead stares at whatever’s beyond the door. “Just so you’re aware, the matter’s already settled. Don’t go bursting into tears or wailing or anything.” The woman glances at a Valkyrie, who opens the door, and the noblewomen from the other nations flow into the room. Each of them quietly goes to sit near their husband or father. Entering last, Aileen silently looks up. The room seems spacious enough to serve as the venue for a dinner party. In the center, several sofas have been set up to form a ring. The king and principal consort of Ashmael are at the very back, and next to them sits Emperor Vica of Kilvas. Across from Vica, the king and queen of Olgen have boldly taken up a position on the largest sofa. The duke and duchess of Hirikka sit to one side of them, the chief and princess of Gloss on the other, while the king and queen of Maiz are at the very front in the place with the easiest access to the door. “Ah, you’re here. Perfect timing.” The king of Olgen, who’s apparently been talking with Vica, turns toward her with a theatrical gesture. Aileen tilts her head. “Good afternoon, all… My husband doesn’t appear to be here. Has something happened?” “No, no. Emperor Claude is in another room conversing with the royal candidate, Lady Cattleya. There’s no need for you to worry.” The corners of Aileen’s lips threaten to rise, but she keeps a straight face and gives them a gentle smile. “Gracious… And what might they be discussing?” “Something good. For Ellmeyer, that is. We’ve given Kilvas an even better proposal. Emperor Vica is young, and we feel the burden of ruling may be too much for him.” When she glances at Vica, he gives her an ambiguous, rather tired-looking smile. He seems to have had a hard time as well. “On a separate note, isn’t it time we departed for the inspection?” she asks. “Haven’t you heard, Empress Aileen? The prophecy came true. Whirlpools have made the ocean impassable. The inspection has been canceled. In a way, it’s all according to schedule.” The ruler of the Duchy of Hirikka—Grand Duke Hirikka, Nina’s husband—answers in a thin, neurotic-sounding voice. Pushing his round glasses up his nose, he looks outside, where the rain is letting up. “Who’d have thought it would actually come true? I wonder what sort of trick they used.” “Prophecies are incredible, aren’t they. I wish she’d tell us things like the best places to fish,” the chief of the Island Republic of Gloss—Dana’s father—says with a hearty laugh. “Empress Aileen, there’s no need to remain standing. Why don’t you take a seat?” The king of Maiz—Carol’s husband—politely gestures toward a chair. Aileen shakes her head. “I’m fine, thank you. Why did you summon me?” “We shall explain,” Baal says. “Aileen, stay calm and listen. This is just a proposal, but—” “‘Just a proposal’? I don’t think you should phrase it as if there’s any room for choice, King Baal. I’d hate to give her the wrong idea, poor thing. Lady Cattleya left this to me; let me explain,” the king of Olgen interrupts, stopping Baal with a smirk. He seems to be in charge here. Baal tsks in irritation. “Do as you please, then. Whatever happens, don’t come crying to us.” “You needn’t sulk just because Lady Cattleya didn’t place her confidence in you. Now then, Empress Aileen. I have wonderful news for you. Lady Cattleya says she intends to make Princess Claire her successor! She plans to register her as the one and only royal candidate. It’s a tremendous honor.” He says all of this brazenly, a huge smile across his face. It takes Aileen a little time to process it. However, it’s likely that the king of Olgen never intended to genuinely explain anything to her, because he goes on without waiting for a response. “Emperor Claude is being told the same thing directly by Lady Cattleya. There is one problem, however; naturally, the future queen of Hausel will require an advanced education. To that end, we’ll have you hand Princess Claire over to Lady Cattleya and the Valkyries. We would feel uneasy if you raised her, you see.” “Dear, you’re being extremely rude.” “Hmph! It’s not as if she understands. As long as the demon king gives his consent, the matter will be settled.” “…In other words, Your Majesty, you intend to take my daughter hostage?” Aileen says, almost as if she’s talking to herself. King Olgen pauses in the act of reaching for his drink. The delegates from other nations look at her as well. The first to respond is Diana. “H-hostage?! Excuse me?! Don’t you dare put it like that! We… Cattleya would never do anything so cowardly! Take that back!” “Well…forgive me, but that’s simply how it sounded to me. I suppose it was rude, wasn’t it. I sincerely apologize to you all.” Aileen apologizes as sweetly as possible, causing Baal to shrink back and Vica to lower his head. “It only sounded that way to you because your family does that sort of thing without blushing. Don’t lump us in with you,” Diana says. Aileen looks in her direction and sees the woman pulling a sour face. “You d’Autriches do all sorts of unscrupulous things, don’t you.” “Oh, no, that’s not true. Both I and my elder brothers serve Master Claude every single day with the country’s best interests at heart.” “Even if you know nothing, being empress makes you just as guilty. Your daughter hasn’t done anything yet, though. That’s why we’re giving her a chance. Don’t you get it?” Diana folds her arms and stands up straight. “Leave your daughter to us and step down as empress.” “Are you telling me to divorce Master Claude?” “Yes, I am. If you do, we won’t attack Ellmeyer. Is that too complicated for you? Do you understand?” Diana says boldly. She doesn’t seem to feel any guilt whatsoever. It’s actually refreshing. “You can’t mean—so Lady Cattleya can marry Master Claude…?!” This is getting more and more entertaining, so she blanches for them. “Give me a break! You’ve got romance on the brain. That isn’t it. We know the two of you are doing awful things, so all we want is to make you stop!” “That’s right, Lady Aileen.” The voice that abruptly cuts into the conversation blows all thought of amusement out of Aileen’s mind. Her face stiffens. Diana is flustered as well. “I told you not to move around without permission. What are you doing here?!” “I’m sorry, Lady Diana. I just couldn’t sit still. After all, my daughter’s and husband’s lives are on the line.” The woman’s eyes sparkle as she pleads her case. She’s the spitting image of the heroine of an otome game. Even though she already has a husband and child, it’s audacious. Aileen actually respects her for it— No, now isn’t the time. “Y-you… Why…? How are you here…?!” “You’ve gone pale.” Aileen’s confusion seems to have helped Diana regain her momentum. She smiles. “The Maid of the Sacred Sword came to the Valkyries for help. Could there be any better proof that you two are twisting the empire out of shape?” “I have no intention of blaming Lady Aileen or anyone else. I simply want to free Cedric and Aria from Prime Minister Cyril…!” I see. So this was my brother’s doing? The confusion threw her mind into high gear, but she calms down all at once. Wait. For her to be here now, she must have left port at nearly the same time we did. Was this discussed with Master Claude…? No. There was no way Cyril would’ve done that. Aileen feels as if she might fade away into nothingness. The strength has gone out of her body, and Lilia softly squeezes her limp hand. “Lady Aileen. The Valkyries are strong. They haven’t publicly announced it yet, but they say they’ve found the sacred sword, too.” She looks at Lilia, startled. The woman’s head droops sorrowfully, and her fingertip brushes the back of Aileen’s hand. She’s rapidly tracing letters on it. “Even Master Claude wants to divorce you. Surely you have some idea of the reason.” Go. Wharf. “You lose. At least admit it yourself.” Even so, hearing these things from this woman is infuriating. “Aileen!” Claude dashes into the room, uncharacteristically out of breath. Lilia releases her hand, as if to say, I know you know the rest. Aileen draws a deep breath. If Cattleya has let Claude come here, her guard is still down. Lilia hasn’t told the Valkyries anything. In that case, first things first: Aileen needs to get out of here, and she needs to do it in a way that Claude can’t stop her— Of course. Diana just gave her the perfect excuse. “You’re safe? You haven’t done anything. They haven’t told you anything yet, then?” “Master Claude…” Claude seems to have picked up on something from Aileen’s sorrowful gaze. He comes closer. “No, wait, Aileen. Don’t be rash. Claire is our precious daughter. I—” “Enough! I understand. That’s enough… You suspect me, too, don’t you, Master Claude. You think Claire isn’t your child!” Aileen’s made-up reason sends something like an electric shock through everyone in the room. Diana’s frozen up as well, even though she said something similar. Lilia, who fanned the flames, manages not to burst out laughing, but Aileen really can’t work up any gratitude toward her. Poor Claude. His face has gone completely blank. Considering the ideas Cattleya may have put into his head, though, she probably doesn’t need to hold back. She’ll likely never get this opportunity again, so she decides to try a line she’s always wanted to say: “I’m going back to my parents!” Aileen bursts into tears and runs off. No one follows her. The sudden turn of events seems to have stunned them all. Claude, the most problematic one, stands stock-still. The light in his eyes has vanished.