Now’s her chance. “…Lady Aileen?” However, as she flies out of the room, she’s spotted by Cattleya. No doubt the woman was following Claude. As soon as she sees Aileen’s face, she gives an exasperated sigh. “Don’t tell me you’re running away. Emperor Claude went to explain the situation to you. It certainly wasn’t a bad offer. Just how much embarrassment must you heap on him before— Wait!” Aileen has no time to deal with this woman, so she tries to run again, but Cattleya catches her arm. Cattleya is taller than her, and Aileen is currently wearing low-heeled shoes. The other woman looks down on her coldly. “If you’re going to be this defiant, then I won’t be able to hold back, either. I can be a surprisingly jealous woman, you see.” “Fine by me.” Cattleya’s grip loosens; maybe she wasn’t expecting a response, and Aileen smacks her hand away sharply and makes a run for it. It doesn’t seem like Cattleya is following her. Aileen retraces her path through the corridor and dashes outside. A boy in a raincoat and long boots waves as if he’s been waiting for her. He’s grown taller. “Lady Aileen, you actually came! This way! Over here!” She climbs into the horse-drawn cart the boy gestures toward. While the Valkyries are still bewildered about whether they should chase the empress who’s run out into the rain, the cart sets off. It’s still raining. The cart has no roof, so it won’t be long before she’s soaked all the way through. The driver tosses her a raincoat from the driver’s seat, and as Aileen hastily pulls it on, she shouts to him, being careful not to bite her tongue as the cart bounces and sways. “Make for the wharf, and don’t let the Valkyries catch on! Can you do that?!” “You can count on me. I had everything ready before you showed up!” “I had hoped to let your group focus on trading. You’re still working, aren’t you, Denis?” “Huh? Isaac assumed there’d be trouble, so he started prepping for it before we left Ellmeyer.” For a moment, Aileen feels irked, but the tension drains from her shoulders. Part of it probably was her elder brother’s doing, but efficiency on this level is possible only because plans were laid in advance. They take a slightly circuitous route, then Aileen transfers to a roofed carriage, parting ways with Denis. He’s apparently working at one of Hausel’s construction sites. When she asked him where, he dodged with, “It’s a secret!” Incidentally, Luc and Quartz have infiltrated as part of a medical detail. Their location is also a secret. Jasper is certainly here, as well, gathering information. …True, I did give Isaac permission to explore the possibility of doing business in Hausel, but still… Aileen has left the Oberon Trading Firm to Isaac. Although she’s no longer involved in how it’s run, she does think he could have discussed this with her a little more. If this is how things stand, she can’t laugh at Claude for getting left behind when Cyril takes it upon himself to move the situation along. The carriage pulls up beside a large warehouse a little distance from the wharf. The rain is gradually letting up, but since it isn’t possible to sail today, the area is deserted. Still wearing the raincoat, Aileen quietly disembarks in the shadows of the warehouse. The door is open, and someone beckons to her from inside. “Isaac.” “Over here.” There’s no unnecessary small talk, and as soon as she’s through the door, he shuts it behind her. Inside, stacks of crates form walls; this must be a storehouse the Oberon Trading Firm is using. She follows Isaac, who’s carrying an oil lamp. As they walk, he tosses her a towel, and Aileen pushes back the hood of the raincoat and dries her face. Wordlessly, Isaac makes his way through the mazelike paths between the crates. Aileen knows there must be something here, so she follows him in silence. Her eyes widen when she sees the individual who’s seated on a crate in a cleared space deep inside the warehouse. Depending on how things went down, she imagined that Lilia might barge in on them, but she really didn’t expect him. Or, no, him being here must be why Lilia acted in the first place. “Prince Cedric…” Claude’s younger half brother, who’s supposed to be living in Ellmeyer under house arrest, raises his head. “Your brother sent me over here out of nowhere. He said I was an additional weapon.” “A weapon…? I understand that applying to Lady Lilia; they already know her as the Maid of the Sacred Sword, both from her name and her appearance. Having her infiltrate the Valkyries before they could use her was probably optimal. But…why you?” Although he holds the position of “hero” in the game, Cedric is a prince who can’t do anything. Even in reality, he bears the title of crown prince simply to ward off internal rifts. He’s just a figurehead to display to other nations. “I suggested that your brother use us as a trump card.” Cedric exhales, causing the flame of the candle on top of the wooden crate to flicker. “The Valkyries made contact with Lilia right after you and my brother set sail. Our story is that the prime minister found out about it, and Lilia ran off alone to seek help from the Valkyries.” “What about Princess Aria?” “I’ve left her with someone I can trust. Your brother said the Valkyries were bound to search Ellmeyer, so it would be safer if she was in Hausel. This way, we’ll be able to react as the situation demands.” His quiet voice is calm, but there’s a pain in it that prickles her skin. “Now is the time to use me. I know it’ll cause trouble for Lilia and Aria, but if I don’t do this, my brother won’t ever utilize me. He’ll try to keep me in that cage and protect me, to atone for leaving me behind.” Aileen can’t see Cedric’s expression clearly in the gloom of the warehouse. “Unfortunately, I won’t ever forgive him—just as you won’t ever forgive me.” Clasping his hands in his lap, Cedric looks up at Aileen, a trace of irony in his expression. “I’ll be sacrificed to the demon king again. Serves him right. Do you need more of a reason or an explanation than that?” “…Lady Lilia’s consented to it. Most of all, the real responsibility will fall on your daughter, Aria, not you.” “There’s no reason for you to be concerned for my wife and daughter.” Cedric rebuffs her with a pride that leaves her slightly awestruck. “But Master Claude may not allow—” “He’ll allow it,” Cedric says, cutting Aileen off. “He’s soft on me; he always has been.” He crosses his legs carelessly, and his smile looks triumphant for some reason. “You’d better keep a sharp eye on us, or I’ll have him under my thumb.” Irritated, Aileen’s expression stiffens, and she raises her chin. “I don’t need you to tell me that. If your plot fails and the Valkyries strike off your head, I’ll put it on display and laugh at it.” “They’ll behead you before me. I hear everyone around here hates you, as usual. It’s not as if you have anywhere to go now, either.” “I don’t want to hear that from you!” “So you’re saying you have someone you can count on?” “I do,” Aileen tells him, holding her head high. The thought frustrates her, but thanks to Cedric, she has all the ingredients she needs to win. Now it’s just a question of how to prepare them. “It seems I won’t be returning to my husband tonight.” “So why the hell did you come to us…?!” “I thought it would start at least a few rumors that you and I are romantically involved.” Aileen’s lips curve into a smile. She’s reclining elegantly on a fine couch that’s covered with lovely fabrics and cushions in all the colors of the rainbow. Baal, the room’s owner, turns white. “Don’t even joke about that! What if you start a war?” “Now, now. The war’s already begun, hasn’t it? Don’t pretend you don’t know.” Aileen picks up a piece of dried fruit from the platter in the middle of the low round table and pops it into her mouth. “You’ll never convince me that you weren’t aware you were picking a fight with me.” “…You have every right to be angry. But listen—” “By the way, tomorrow I intend to make sure all the other nations learn that you once kidnapped me, Master Baal. I can’t wait to see their reactions!” “Woman—” “Shall I also add that our relationship has, in fact, remained intimate ever since? I wonder whose child Claire will turn out to be…and as things stand, the same could be said of Princess Estella…” “All right, all right! We’ll hear what you have to say.” Crossing her legs and lounging against the armrest, Aileen gives him an exaggerated scowl. “I can’t believe you’d make a lady say it. You’re as cold as ever, Master Baal.” “Would you quit that?! You’ll make us break out in goose bumps! Look, if you don’t stop this, we’ll tell Claude on you!” “Oh, but Master Baal, all I need is to be at your side…” “We’re begging you—let us help you return to Ellmeyer as quickly as possible. Will that do?!” He should have simply said that in the first place. “How did the conference go?” “Thanks to you, it dragged on. Who even knows what’s happening? Claude was stunned for a while, then he said it was time to go play with his daughter, and he left. We bet he just gave up on thinking. He’s probably planning to leave everything in your hands— What?” Aileen’s smiling, having sensed a certain understanding of Claude in Baal’s exasperated expression. “It’s nothing. I simply thought your anxieties seemed endless as well, Master Baal.” “Then leave right this minute.” “I’ll rid you of one of those anxieties. Won’t I, Lady Roxane?” Roxane has been standing quietly in the doorway for the past several minutes. With a start, Baal turns to look, then rakes his fingers through his hair. “Master Baal, would you tuck Estella in, please?” Roxane asks. “…You will be all right?” “This is my job. I’d simply like to borrow the room, if you don’t mind.” Even in her nightgown, Roxane’s gestures are perfect and beautiful. As his principal consort points toward the door, the holy king folds his arms and gazes coldly at Aileen. “Should we contact Claude?” “Please don’t trouble yourself. My subordinates are skillfully handling the situation.” Baal draws in a deep breath, then exhales. He turns toward the door. “We leave this to you.” “I shall report the details later.” The fact that a few brief words in passing are all they need to share is proof that they trust each other. After Baal has left, Roxane shuts the door. Aileen straightens up, sitting primly with her knees together, and smiles. “Thank you very much. It was you who told the servants to let me into the mansion if I came, wasn’t it, Lady Roxane?” “I would like to avoid making an enemy of you, Lady Aileen. That said, I never dreamed you would brazenly march into Master Baal’s private chambers.” The woman’s chilly gaze is proof that she loves her husband. Aileen laughs in spite of herself. “I do apologize for that. Threatening Master Baal seemed to be the best way to get you on my side. More than anything, Ashmael is in the same position as Ellmeyer, so I wanted to come up with a countermeasure as soon as possible.” “Our kingdom is guarded by Holy King Baal’s barrier, and it has the divine protection of the Holy Dragon Consort’s water. We have nothing to do with demons.” “Ashmael’s royal family belongs to the bloodline of the Daughter of God. She came from Hausel, just like the Maid of the Sacred Sword.” Aileen rises to her feet and leans in to look her friend in the face. Although Roxane must know, her expression doesn’t so much as waver. “Lady Roxane, you’ve realized what drew the royal candidate’s eye to my daughter, haven’t you.” “…The bloodline of the Maid of the Sacred Sword.” Ashmael’s royal family has inherited the blood of the Daughter of God, a woman who was sent from Hausel. That makes it very likely that they’ve inherited the blood of Hausel’s queen, as has Ellmeyer’s imperial family. Their nations’ origins are so similar that they once severed diplomatic relations due to an argument over which claim was genuine. If Ashmael’s royal family are blood relatives of Queen Amelia, then they also belong to the Maid of the Sacred Sword’s bloodline. Since the holy king’s daughter, Estella, has sacred power, she should be a more suitable queen of Hausel than Claire, the demon king’s daughter. “Don’t you think we should forestall that before the Valkyries notice?” Aileen asks. “Although, of course, I wouldn’t mind making sure they do notice.” “That is unrelated. The topic of this conference is who to crown as Hausel’s queen.” “And I am speaking of how it will impact Ashmael if Lady Cattleya becomes queen. It’s entirely related to the topic at hand.” “The nations are in agreement that she should be the next queen. Do you think you can derail that?” “I am being serious, Lady Roxane. Or should I impose on someone else’s mansion?” Even this provocation doesn’t fluster Roxane. Her gaze is still cold; she holds four fingers up right in front of Aileen’s face. “Preventing Lady Cattleya from becoming queen will require four votes. Between Ellmeyer and Kilvas, you have two. Since the United Kingdom of Olgen is already backing Lady Cattleya, it won’t be possible to persuade them. If Ashmael refuses to help you, you’ll need to make allies of Maiz and Gloss. The vote will take place at the conference session in two days’ time. What makes you think you can win when you’re only starting now?” “That’s where you’re wrong, Lady Roxane. I intend to unite all seven nations in denying Lady Cattleya her crown.” Roxane’s eyes are sharp, but Aileen laughs, undaunted. “Don’t misunderstand me. I am asking you if Ashmael wishes to sink along with the Valkyries.” “—Ashmael has Holy King Baal. We won’t lose to Ellmeyer.” “Oh, was that the wind? I didn’t quite catch what you said. Come to think of it, what is it that provides Ashmael with water…?” Aileen pretends to think hard, deliberately winding a lock of hair around her fingertip. Silence falls. It’s a quiet, windless night. The rain stopped long ago. “…Yes, the wind is strong. I couldn’t hear you clearly, either, Lady Aileen.” “Of course you couldn’t.” “Let us go somewhere else. Glaring at each other endlessly in Master Baal’s room will invite unnecessary misunderstandings.” “Yes, and I would like to continue to be friends with you, Lady Roxane.” Aileen stands up, while Roxane turns away from her and opens the door. Her maids are waiting just outside. Roxane instructs them to provide Aileen with a warm welcome, and they quickly scatter. As Roxane leads the way down the corridor, she gives a weary sigh. “Master Claude is kind, so I thought we might have a slim margin to negotiate, but there was no chance of that once you came into it. You don’t hesitate to threaten us.” Her daughter alone would have been one thing, but bringing up their treatment of Mana, the Holy Dragon Consort, seems to have hurt. The usual friendliness has crept back into the woman’s voice, so Aileen changes her tone as well. “Did you intend to force Master Claude to accept that Mana belonged to Ashmael, since she is a consort?” “Either that, or abolish the position of Holy Dragon Consort and rely on Hausel’s technology, which the Valkyries now possess. Master Baal dotes on Lady Mana, so he wasn’t happy about the idea, but I’ve been quietly negotiating with Lady Audrey. I said Ashmael wouldn’t side with Olgen without that.” “I’d expect no less of you, Lady Roxane. And what did Lady Audrey say?” “She suggested I ask Lady Cattleya to predict whether or not we will have a good source of water. It was a clever way to evade the question. She hasn’t come through years of war for nothing.” “And did Lady Cattleya predict it for you?” “She said she’d give us unstinting use of Hausel’s technology if we were in need. She must be sounding out the other nations in a similar fashion and securing their cooperation. The benefits of Hausel’s technology are vast.” Roxane stops in front of a door, then opens it to reveal a spacious room. As befits a villa belonging to Ashmael’s royal family, the floor is thickly covered with bright carpets, and floor chairs and armrests have been set out for them. “This is my private chamber. Please stay here.” “Goodness, you don’t mind?” “There’s no time. Tomorrow will be crucial; we must work out all the details tonight. We can leave Estella to take care of Master Baal.” She isn’t leaving the father to take care of his daughter, but the daughter to her father? Aileen bursts out laughing. “I must thank Princess Estella later. What is she fond of?” “…Demons, apparently.” When Aileen blinks, Roxane opens the curtains a crack. “They’re here in Hausel, aren’t they. The crow demons.” “Yes… Have they visited you as well?” “No. We can see them flying if we go to the beach, however. She reaches out and tries to call to them. She’s ordinarily the sort of child who quietly looks at picture books, and while she is sometimes wary of animals, it’s unusual for her to be interested in them… Perhaps in that alone, she takes after Master Baal. It may be that those with strong holy power find demons an object of curiosity instead of fear.” “…If we have a son, I wonder if she might come to marry him.” Claire has only just been born, but naturally, Aileen plans to keep trying. Establishing ties of marriage to Ashmael so that this sort of thing never happens again would be a sound move politically. Not only that, but if the girl has holy power and—most important of all—likes demons, marrying into Ellmeyer would allow her abilities to shine. However, Roxane’s reply is brusque. “In Ashmael, having sacred power means she can be queen. Of course, if you’re suggesting she take a husband from Ellmeyer as her prince consort, we’ll consider it. No doubt Lady Mana will like him if he is Master Claude’s son.” In other words, they both want the same thing, but neither can give in so easily. They quell each other with steady gazes, then burst out laughing. “I suppose this conversation is a bit premature.” “Indeed. Master Baal will start breathing fire if I start discussing who to marry Estella to now. No doubt we’ll need to take her feelings on the matter into account as well. We’ll take our time, prepare, and think about it. To that end as well, we must do something about the present.” Aileen has absolutely no objections. “All seven nations, unanimously? Are you serious?” “Yes. Just leave it to me.” “Who shall I invite to tea tomorrow, then?” “Everyone except for Lady Audrey, one at a time.” Aileen smiles brightly. Roxane nods and doesn’t ask any more questions. The Kilvas Empire will take Diana as its new reigning empress. Imperial Ellmeyer will offer Princess Claire as a royal candidate to become Hausel’s next queen. In doing so, the Queendom of Hausel will eliminate both nations that harbor demons. They have only this one day to think about it. They’ll be required to give their answers tomorrow. Now that Cattleya and Diana have confronted the nations with this proposal, all they have to do is wait. The rulers’ discussion—from which Ellmeyer and Kilvas have been excluded—is peaceful and friendly. They don’t even share information, merely make small talk about what game can be caught this season. Cattleya spends the whole time smiling and nodding, thinking that all of this would only irritate Diana if she were here. The important thing is that Cattleya has been invited before the conference tomorrow. That is everything. In gathering and talking even though it isn’t necessary, the rulers are sounding out each other one final time in regard to crowning her queen. Using roundabout methods to confirm how other people are thinking is a technique frequently used by high-ranking men and women. As a former princess, Cattleya knows that she mustn’t neglect these occasions, no matter what her private feelings on the matter are. She’s also reflected on the debacle in Kilvas. It wasn’t wise to leave discussions like these in Diana’s hands when Cattleya knew she was bad with them. At the time, she hoped that having the fearless Diana participate in conferences as the empress would act as a stimulus to bring about some sort of internal change. However, all she did was repel obstinate people and public opinion, and she ended up being exiled from the empire. It’s ironic that public opinion of Vica, the former puppet, rose by comparison. They may have Hausel’s wisdom and the Valkyries’ military might, but it will be tiresome if other nations begin to view them with hostility. Cattleya and the others are hoping for a peaceful resolution, nothing more. Their objective is to get Hausel under their control, then rebuild it. She’ll endure a little wasted time. Their last resort is exactly that—a last resort. “Things seem to be wrapping up here, don’t they. Lady Cattleya, that long-awaited vote is tomorrow. Is there anything you’d like to say?” The group has been discussing liquor brands, but the king of Olgen redirects the conversation to her, perhaps out of consideration. “No. Simply being able to chat with you like this has set my mind at ease.” “Being in this stuffy place full of men must be wearing for you. I wonder if we should have brought our wives after all.” If Diana had heard that particular solicitous remark, she likely would have been livid. Cattleya, however, puts on a smile. It’s convenient that the veil hides half her face. “I’m sure your consorts are tired from the inspections. I mustn’t take up any more of their time than necessary. There’s another soiree after the conference tomorrow; no doubt they’ll need to prepare for that. Are you certain all of you aren’t busy as well?” “Ah, come to think of it, I’ll need to buy a present for my wife before I leave,” the chief of Gloss says. “Lady Cattleya, do you know of any souvenirs from Hausel that would make her happy?” “Wouldn’t it be better to ask Princess Dana?” “No, no, Dana’s still a child. Since I have this opportunity, I definitely want to hear your opinion.” Chief Gloss always speaks loudly, and he never stands on ceremony. Cattleya forces a smile. “What about a Hausel-made dress of the finest quality, then? They’re quite glamorous, so I think most women would be delighted. You could purchase shoes and hair ornaments as well and gift them to her as a set.” “Hmm. You see, my wife isn’t actually interested in dolling herself up. I’m not sure whether that would go over well or poorly…” That’s not my problem. Even though she feels fed up, Cattleya smiles and reassures him with a note of finality: “I’m sure she’ll love it.” “What are your plans for today, Lady Cattleya?” Grand Duke Hirikka asks abruptly. He always looks out of sorts, and he speaks impatiently. Duchess Nina seems mild-mannered, so his attitude must make her feel quite ashamed. “I’m scheduled to visit Ellmeyer’s mansion and meet with Princess Claire. I’m also concerned about the welfare of Empress Aileen, so I’ll check on her while I’m there.” “Emperor Claude has it rough, too. Or rather, perhaps he’s relieved because you’ve set your sights on Princess Claire. I don’t have a daughter, so I’m terribly jealous.” There’s a hint of cynicism in the king of Olgen’s smile. She sees right through him; he must have been planning to insert a queen under his own influence as Cattleya’s successor. She’ll have to cut him off here. “This, too, is fate.” “I wonder what Emperor Claude is doing now.” “He’s in his mansion; on top of everything else, there’s the matter of Empress Aileen. I’ve posted Valkyries there, so there’s no cause for concern.” “He’s practically under house arrest,” the holy king of Ashmael murmurs shortly. He doesn’t show Cattleya much reverence, likely because the holy king prides himself on his title. She can at least pretend she hasn’t heard, though. “I’d like to discuss border security in more detail. Where is Lady Diana?” Grand Duke Hirikka asserts himself again, sounding irritated. “Oh,” Cattleya responds mildly. “I’m sorry. She’s been working with no time off, so I’ve told her to rest today. It will be all right; once the Valkyries return to Kilvas, the mountain bandits should subside.” “…She’s resting, hmm?” “Please don’t misunderstand. The Valkyries are prepared to move at any moment, and the wisdom of Hausel is everywhere and ever-present.” It isn’t possible to remind them too often. That way, they won’t try to meddle in what she does. Grand Duke Hirikka falls silent, looking cross, and tension runs through the others. The king of Olgen looks satisfied, which irritates her a little, but she tells herself it’s a necessary price to pay. “Now then, if you’ll excuse me. If possible, I would like Emperor Claude to vote for me as well, instead of abstaining.” “Shall I escort you?” “There’s no need. The Valkyries will see me there.” Before they can insist on talking to her any longer, Cattleya smoothly rises to her feet. She isn’t like one of their consorts, who need a retinue of guards and ladies-in-waiting to go for a stroll… Not that she would ever say that out loud, of course. No one tries to stop her as she leaves the room, possibly because they’re afraid of incurring her displeasure. However, when she steps into the hall, Cattleya encounters someone she wasn’t expecting: Ernst. “…What are you doing here?” “I heard all the participating heads of state had assembled. I’m waiting in the wings, so to speak.” She looks at the Valkyries who are guarding the door, and they return her gaze, appearing troubled. He can’t have been standing here the whole time, can he? “There’s no point in that. None of the nations will deal with you two now. You won’t be the emperor and prime minister of Kilvas for much longer anyway.” After Cattleya becomes queen, she’s arranged to deliver a prophecy of Hausel, which will require Vica to abdicate in favor of Diana. She’s already secured the agreement of the other countries, so they know there’s no point in listening to Vica or Ernst this late in the game. “If you and Vica voluntarily agree to become Diana’s subjects, I don’t mind mediating for you.” “Vica is the emperor of Kilvas. We can’t leave the country to you two.” “You’ve both changed, haven’t you. I never thought you would cling to power like this—” Cattleya looks in Ernst’s direction, a smile about to form on her lips, but the sharp light in his eyes makes her gulp. She’s seen those eyes on the battlefield. “We have a duty to protect the empire.” It’s the gaze of a man who’s staring down the enemy to protect what’s behind him and refuses to yield even a single step. His eyes pierce right through her, veil and all. “You won’t be able to do it,” Ernst continues. “…Emperor Claude isn’t a kind man. Right now, you’re trying to take the place of a mother in order to win public approval. He may pity you, but he’ll never acknowledge you.” “Wh-what…are you saying…? I’m…” Cattleya almost slips and says something uncalled for, but she hurriedly bites her lip and clenches her fists. Ernst looks away, leans back against the corridor wall, and continues waiting. Completely still, he stares at the door to the room where the rulers are gathered, as if to say that Cattleya no longer interests him. This, when he’s relied on her and the Valkyries from start to finish. When he doesn’t have the strength to fight on his own. When he was a boy who kept shoving the fact that he was brilliant in her face. When he’s pursued her all the way inside the wall. When he’s the sort of man who’d switch to Diana without a blush because of a single choice. “……!” Aggravated by the emotions that threaten to overwhelm her, Cattleya turns on her heel. It may look as if she’s lost an argument with Ernst, but that’s not it: She’s avoided a pointless debate. At least, that’s what she tells herself. The train of this dress just keeps getting in the way. All the unnecessary things that follow her around and cling to her are a nuisance. Back when she knew nothing, she didn’t have as much to weigh her down. She resolved to protect her little brother, to defend her country, to be like that noble individual and stay forever unbroken. And yet… “Lady Cattleya, are you going out?” Before she can climb into the carriage, someone calls out to her. It’s Audrey. Of all the nations participating in the conference, the United Kingdom of Olgen tends to be particularly competitive with Ellmeyer; hence why she decided they would make a perfect ally. She’s been in their care for half a year, yet Audrey is overly serious and difficult to approach, so she can’t claim they’re close. Diana openly detests the woman’s sanctimonious side. “Where are you going?” That probably doesn’t make it okay to ignore her, though. “Did you need me for something? His Majesty is still inside.” Ernst’s words are still smarting, and she conceals her destination by responding with a question of her own. Audrey nods once, then looks at the carriage Cattleya is about to enter. “You see, it appears Lady Roxane is hosting tea at her mansion. She’s inviting each of the women who went on the inspections with her, one by one. She hasn’t called me, however, which I find concerning.” Is that all? Cattleya feels a mixture of disgust and relief. “No doubt it’s a simple oversight. I wouldn’t let it trouble you. If it really bothers you that much, why not call on her uninvited?” “Would that be all right?” “It isn’t a question of whether it’s ‘all right’ or not. You are a queen consort, Lady Audrey. Surely you can decide something like that for yourself.” She’s the only one who hasn’t been invited to a tea party? The woman isn’t a child, and she really can’t expect Cattleya to sympathize. The rejection in her words has come through rather too clearly, but Audrey is older than Cattleya, and she doesn’t let her displeasure show. “…In that case, I will go once I’ve discussed it with my husband.” Apparently, she can’t decide for herself. Technically, that is quite like a queen consort, but Cattleya nearly tsks in irritation. “Lady Cattleya,” Audrey says. “As I believe you are aware, I have no children. I’m told I am physically incapable of bearing a child. I’ve adopted the son of my husband’s mistress, and am raising him as the heir.” The woman has abruptly started going on about herself. Cattleya feels the veil may not be enough to hide her dubious expression for much longer. “At this point, I do think of him as my own son, and I have a good relationship with his birth mother. However, getting to that stage was far from easy. I made so very many pathetic requests for advice from Lady Carol, the queen of Maiz. I had all sorts of twisted thoughts: ‘Why is this happening to me?’ ‘I haven’t done anything wrong.’ I am the queen of a nation, but I was also a child. I couldn’t show understanding toward others, all the while lamenting over the fact that no one understood me.” “…What are you trying to say?” “That maturing means learning how to come to terms with the world and other people when things don’t go your way.” That’s an excuse. It’s a compromise. Things Diana would probably say surface in Cattleya’s mind, one after another. Ordinarily, it’s her job to calm Diana down. “A person can’t have everything,” Audrey continues. “Not even if that person is the queen of Hausel.” “I’ll be sure to remember that,” Cattleya replies with a smile, but the other woman says nothing. First Ernst, now Audrey. What’s wrong with them? Things are going well for Cattleya and Diana. No matter how many trite words the others may prattle on about, Cattleya controls Hausel’s undersea facility. They can’t defy her. So why are they admonishing her? Oh, I see. Once she’s sitting in the carriage, head bowed and fists clenched, it occurs to her. The others are accepting their demands because they fear Hausel’s knowledge. It isn’t because they understand us. …That’s fine. She simply has to make a country populated only by people who do understand, like Diana and the Valkyries. Then they’ll get more people to understand. Tomorrow, she will become the queen of Hausel. She’ll finally take the first step toward the future they desire. There are no dark clouds in sight; even the carriage is headed toward a perfectly clear sky. I will hand over my daughter. Claude’s job today was telling the royal candidate that when she came to see how things stood. He didn’t try to hide his frustration about it. That probably made it seem more believable when he told her he wanted to be alone with his daughter until he surrendered her before the conference tomorrow. Since then, he’s done nothing but wait for news. The Valkyries would probably catch on if he used the demons, so he’s relying on the mansion’s servants, whom Cattleya’s group won’t pay any attention to. His wife has trained them, and they have close ties to the members of a certain trading firm. Unruffled, they let Claude know that he doesn’t need to do a thing. In all likelihood, everything is proceeding smoothly. However, when he looks at the spacious bed, he sighs. Keith has straightened the sheets until there isn’t a single wrinkle in them, and he turns to look at Claude. “How many times have you sighed since yesterday? Claire may not like you anymore if those wrinkles between your eyebrows become permanent.” “Can’t you just let that go for the moment…?” “Oh my, even Claire can’t get you back on your feet?” “What on earth is there about this situation that would warrant me ‘getting back on my feet’?” Even with Claude giving him a cold glare, Keith doesn’t stop talking or preparing for bedtime. “Princess Claire and Lady Aileen will return very soon.” “I know that. Claire and Aileen are my treasures. I’ll protect them at all costs. But that isn’t the only important thing.” Stepping away from the bed, Claude approaches the cradle. The child in it is sleeping peacefully; she must have gotten her mother’s courage. “…I’m making Cedric clean up after me again.” He can sense that Keith has stopped moving. Cyril had suggested three plans: Vote for a queen with the other nations, conquer the world, or put a queen on the throne himself and prepare to make sacrifices. “You shouldn’t feel guilty about something like that. There, that will do.” Keith claps his hands together. Drawn by the noise, Claude looks back at him, and his adviser gives him a rather theatrical smile. “Instead, you should be saying, ‘Thank you. I’d expect nothing less from my little brother.’” “…Do you think so?” “I was impressed. It’s going to be a brilliant takeover. He certainly is the younger brother of the demon king.” It makes Claude fairly happy to hear his adviser compliment his precious half brother. I see, he repeats to himself silently, savoring the words. He looks into the cradle one more time. “…Your uncle thinks you’re precious as well.” It must have been fate that his niece and his daughter were born on the same day. He wants both girls to be happy. If that’s what it’ll take to make that happen, he’ll tough it out for a day or two. After all, even though Cedric is always rebellious, he’s left his daughter with Claude, saying he’s “someone I can trust.” Claude is the demon king, emperor, husband, father, and elder brother. Since he’s acquired more titles, he has that much more trust to live up to. The demon king appears in the conference room with his daughter at exactly the appointed time before the final session of the intercontinental conference. As stipulated, he hasn’t brought her nurse or any servants—only his guards and his adviser. Nor does he have a single piece of luggage that he could claim his daughter would need. The girl has been dressed in an outfit that looks as if it’s easy to put on and take off, and that’s it. To show that they have no hostile intentions, Cattleya’s party is also small. There are only four of them: Cattleya, Diana, Lilia—who insisted on being present—and one Valkyrie guard. “Who should I give her to?” Claude asks directly, without even greeting them. He really doesn’t seem happy. So even the demon king has a human side, not wanting anyone to take his daughter, Diana thinks to herself. The man holding the baby doesn’t match the image of the demon king in the game. Either way, it’s obvious who should take her. “Cattleya,” Diana prompts. “R-right.” Cattleya steps forward stiffly. She seems nervous. When she takes the baby from the demon king, she looks like a young mother who isn’t yet used to handling an infant. The moment the child is in Cattleya’s arms, she starts wailing loudly. Since there aren’t many people in the large room, her voice echoes all around them. Cattleya finds herself flustered, and Diana grimaces. The baby looked as if she was sleeping, but apparently, she was awake. “Oh, you mustn’t hold her like that. Here, Lady Cattleya, allow me.” Darting forward, Lilia whisks the baby out of Cattleya’s arms, then shifts her into another position. “There, there. What’s the matter? Are you sleepy? Or maybe you’re hungry?” She moves in a way that’s clearly maternal, as if she’s used to soothing a child. Diana has heard that Lilia also has a daughter, born on the same day as the demon king’s child. That must seem very ironic to the defeated Maid of the Sacred Sword. The game hinted at an ending where Lilia Reinoise became the queen of Hausel. If she’d defeated the demon king and stayed on the proper route, her daughter could have become Hausel’s future queen. However, she’s not about to sympathize with the sort of heroine who’d lose in an easy game like that, which is all flowers and butterflies. Even so, as the child’s crying grows softer, her opinion of the woman improves a little. “Shall I carry her?” Lilia asks. “You two have a conference to go to, don’t you, Lady Cattleya?” It’s irritating that the woman is making such an arrogant suggestion when all she’s done is quiet a crying baby, but it would be a problem if the child were handed to her, so Diana doesn’t complain. More than anything, Cattleya seems relieved. “…Yes, please do. Take her straight to the registration, if you would.” “Is that all right?” the demon king says to no one in particular. He’s been watching the crying baby silently and steadily. “It’s fine. After all, the child is innocent,” Lilia responds with a smile. Diana glares at her. It seems a bit late to realize this, but as far as Lilia’s concerned, that baby is the child of the enemy who defeated her in war. She can’t have come here with them because she means to do something bad to the demon king’s daughter, can she? If she does, the child will be an actual hostage. The same thought seems to have occurred to Cattleya, who signals Diana with a glance. Diana nods. “Since she is a royal candidate, the Valkyries will guard her. We’ll get her registered before the conference.” “Please do. That’s all right with you as well, isn’t it, Emperor Claude?”
Chapter 152
35 min read