Chapter 157

Final Act The Villainess’s Future “I hereby declare the resolution of the intercontinental conference: The next queen of Hausel will be the royal candidate Aria.” The voice of the conference’s host, Vica, echoes clearly in the assembly hall. Just two days earlier, those who were opposed to the conference’s resolution threatened to sink the islands. The ringleaders were captured, and the nations are currently discussing what should be done with them. Fortunately, the nation didn’t erupt into chaos since the participating nations worked together to send out ships and evacuate the citizens, and the islands hadn’t been submerged. This declaration is a public demonstration of the conference’s refusal to bow to threats. “Accordingly, Princess Aria Jean Ellmeyer will henceforth be removed from the register of Ellmeyer’s imperial family and assume her maternal grandmother’s surname, becoming Aria Dark.” None of the notable figures from the seven participating nations gathered in the conference hall object to this decision. They simply keep their eyes fixed quietly on the future. “Aria Dark will formally assume the throne at the age of sixteen. Until that time, the Queendom of Hausel will be administered by the nations of the intercontinental conference, working in cooperation. Each nation will leave an executor permanently stationed in Hausel, and we will allow the establishment of an executive committee which shall include citizens of the Queendom. The committee will determine their resolutions by majority vote and report them to the member nations. In addition, the island where Hausel’s royal palace was formerly located will be sealed off until the queen’s ascension.” At that point, Vica pauses for a breath. He’s likely nervous. “Aria Dark’s mother and father will continue to raise her. However, they will have no authority with regard to the Queendom of Hausel. As Aria Dark’s country of residence, Imperial Ellmeyer must submit regular reports concerning the queen to the other nations. In addition, once Aria Dark turns six years old, once a year, she must either visit the other six nations or invite them to Ellmeyer and grant them an audience. Imperial Ellmeyer must faithfully provide such opportunities, except in the event that a nation refuses to visit or provide an invitation.” After he’s read that far, Vica looks up. “That concludes the resolution. All in favor, please rise.” Every king gets to their feet. “Very well. I declare the resolution passed and the intercontinental conference adjourned. Until the return of the queen of Hausel, may the world know peace.” It’s impossible to tell from where it begins, but applause soon echoes all around the hall. There are seats on the second floor of the conference hall as well, and ordinary citizens have been allowed to attend. At the moment, Aileen and the other nations’ consorts and guards make up the bulk of the audience, but there are also residents from Hausel among them. It will be well over a decade before the Queendom of Hausel is an independent, functioning nation again. However, everyone will wait for the queen’s return. The loud applause is a celebration of the future in which this infant will grow up to become queen. Vica looks relieved. The other rulers surround him, congratulating him with handshakes and clapping him on the back. The young emperor, once mocked as a puppet, has successfully held a conference that assembled seven nations and bridged two continents. It will be considered a great achievement, and the Kilvas Empire is sure to find its feet again. It will not fall, as it did in the game. Aileen felt convinced of this when a new consort appeared at the royal consorts’ tea party wearing a very stiff smile. “—I-it’s a, a pleasure t-to meet…you. I’m D-Diana Tsar Kilvas.” Reactions were mixed: One of the women went wide-eyed, another was flustered, one frowned, one was careful to maintain her mild smile, and one remained expressionless, as if it had nothing to do with her. However, all were brilliant, so they knew exactly how they should respond. While each woman harbored her own ulterior motives, they all smiled on the surface. Aileen was no exception. “Gracious, Lady Diana. It’s been so long since we last met. How wonderful to see you.” Diana had started to retort, then swallowed the words with some effort. That’s the way, Aileen had cheered her on, smiling on the inside. There’s no knowing what may happen in life. The day may come when Diana is known not as the Revolutionary Bride, but as the Revolutionary Empress. Nor can Aileen claim it’s merely a fantasy that, one day, the emperor of Kilvas’s missing elder sister might return as the wife of the prime minister. Although an agreement has been reached, it takes time to hammer out the details. Even after the reading of the resolution, their days are hectic. After an uproar like that one, the fact that the representatives manage to fulfill all of their miscellaneous duties by extending their scheduled stay by a mere ten days is a testament to each nation’s unstinting efforts. When it’s time for the delegations to return to their respective nations and all their ships are gathered in port, the sight is a magnificent one. The designs and forms of the vessels differ from nation to nation, and they’re fascinating even just to look at. Isaac and the Oberon Trading Firm take advantage of the fact that they’ll be staying there a little longer by jumping at one last business opportunity, buying up the ships’ surplus cargo at bargain prices. This is Isaac, after all; he’s probably planning to establish a Hausel branch of the trading firm under cover of the confusion. “Come someday to Islands of Gloss, for visit!” The first to finish preparing to set sail is the Island Republic of Gloss, whose small, maneuverable ships are moored at the wharf. “I shall, Lady Dana. Please come and visit Ellmeyer as well.” “You can count me! I’ll writing letters!” Dana waves enthusiastically from the deck. She says she’s going to pilot a ship back to her nation herself. At the intercontinental conference, the island republic’s culture felt most different to Aileen, so she really would like to visit someday. “I do look forward to your assistance regarding a marriage partner for my son,” Lady Audrey reminds her. The woman is lacking in charm to the very end. “Your son is twenty, correct? Of course, if I come across an eligible young lady, I’ll introduce her to you.” “We would be fine with Princess Claire.” Once they’ve finished keeping each other in check, Audrey turns on her heel with good grace. That’s one of her virtues. Carol seems to have been waiting for them to finish talking, because she promptly approaches. “Lady Aileen. It’s a bit late for this, but we haven’t sent you a present to congratulate you on the birth of your daughter. Might we send a gift for Princess Claire’s first birthday instead?” “Oh goodness, you needn’t trouble yourselves.” “I’m told that she and Princess Aria share a birthday. Please accept it for the both of them.” Ahh. Aileen knows what her game is now. If Carol starts sending presents now, by the time Aria is old enough to be aware of it, the queen will be an elderly woman who’s been giving her presents since she was tiny. One can never be too careful with her. “I’ll discuss it with my husband.” “Heh-heh. Please give Prime Minister Cyril my regards.” So she plans to attack from that angle as well? The queen of Maiz truly is cunning. The neutral power of Maiz and the United Kingdom of Olgen will travel the same route for the first part of their voyage, so they leave port together. Aileen watches with a trace of relief as their ships depart; the courage of veteran consorts is incomparable. After watching the same ships set sail, Nina approaches her. “Thank you for all of your help, Lady Aileen.” Since others have been taking swipes at her, Aileen feels the urge to do the same to someone else. “No, Lady Nina, thank you. Have you already given your regards to Lady Diana?” “Yes. Her face was an absolute picture the entire time she was listening to me. She seems to have taken an interest in horses, however, so I’ve promised to teach her to ride.” Valkyries and horses. The possibility of a military alliance skims Aileen’s mind, but battles fought from horseback belong to the previous era. Actually, no—she has a feeling the Valkyries could ride flying horses, which is terrifying. They’re the sort of fantastical creatures that often show up in games, and Aileen is almost certain they don’t actually exist. Though Diana does have knowledge of the game. “It looks as though we’ll manage to get along well with Kilvas, which is a relief.” Nina gives a polite curtsy, then leaves. She’s also quite wily. If hostilities ever break out between Ellmeyer and Kilvas, the Duchy of Hirikka will become an important presence backing Kilvas. “Lady Aileen, have you seen Master Baal?” “Oh, Lady Roxane. No, I haven’t. I only know he was with Master Claude, who had Claire…” “…They can’t possibly be holding a final contest to determine whose daughter is cuter, can they?” That sounds plausible. Apparently, the two of them didn’t have the time to meet until just a short while ago, and she simply assumed the contest had been postponed. But now…Roxane grimaces, and both women sigh in unison. “If you happen to see them, would you inform Master Baal that it’s time to depart?” “Of course. Please do the same if you see Master Claude, Lady Roxane.” They have talks scheduled with Ashmael soon after their return. No doubt detailed impressions and small talk can wait until then. However, as Roxane is at the point of leaving, she hesitates. “Come to think of it, I saw Lady Diana and Lady Lilia in conversation. And your bureaucrat…Lady Serena, wasn’t it? She was there as well.” “What?!” “Sahra had joined them, so I pulled her away. I just thought I should let you know.” Roxane has never shown any interest in the topic of heroines, past lives, or games, but apparently, the peculiar connection between the heroines has made her wary. As the host, the Kilvas Empire is in charge of cleaning up and seeing the others off, so they are departing tomorrow. As Aileen is wondering whether she should go search for them even though her turn to leave port is drawing near, Lilia arrives, carrying Aria. Serena is with her as well, and incredibly, so is Diana. “Lady Aileen, sorry to keep you waiting!” “No one has been waiting. What on earth were you talking about?!” “Oh, we’re not telling a villainess about thaaaat,” Lilia says. “Say, Aria. Where do you suppose Big Sister Claire is?” “As I have told you many, many times by now, Claire is not her big sister. Simply her cousin!” “Let’s board the ship first and wait for her, okay, Aria? See you later, Diana.” Slipping past Aileen, who’s drawn herself up to her full height, Lilia walks up the gangway on light feet. When Aileen glances at Serena, the woman looks cross. “You know I don’t understand the stuff she says. The only part I got was that there are more of your kind around now.” “Stop that! Don’t lump me in with her.” Her adamant denial is met with contempt, and then Serena follows Lilia. That leaves Aileen alone with Diana. “…Some of the facilities behind the wall in Kilvas are still there. Simple ones, for emergency use. They don’t work now. If we can use them, though, we may be able to change the Valkyries back.” Aileen has leaned forward, ready to tell her that’s dangerous, but the unexpected remark makes her fall silent. Looking down and away, Diana goes on quietly, “That woman said she thought a woman with the blood of the Maid of the Sacred Sword might be able to activate them…you know. There’s that thing. The spell.” “Oh…I see. Yes, it’s possible. Still, even if we manage that, there’s no guarantee that we’ll be able to use them…” “Even if that doesn’t work, she was saying that between the Daughter of God and further developments in magic, sacred, or divine stone technology, we’d have a chance. They use sacred stones to keep the demonborn from transforming when they don’t want to, you know? So…I’ll be in touch.” “Do you intend to stop being a Valkyrie?” “It’s not the sort of thing you can quit just because you want to. I’m the empress now, though, so…I thought being able to have a child might be better than not.” Diana sighs a bit as she says it; she doesn’t sound entirely convinced yet. Still, this seems like a big step forward. Aileen nods. “True. The more options one has, the better. Talk it over thoroughly with Master Vica and Sir Ernst before you settle on a plan of action. If there’s any way I can help, I will.” “Mm-hmm. It would be all kinds of convenient for you if there were no more Valkyries, wouldn’t it?” “Yes, you’re not wrong.” Aileen confirms the other woman’s sarcastic comment, and Diana’s eyes widen. Then she smiles very slightly. “The Valkyrie system will continue. Since I’m empress, I won’t let it end as a mistake. Besides, the Queendom of Hausel doesn’t allow men, so they’ll make for the perfect security.” This time it’s Aileen’s turn to stare. Diana doesn’t seem to expect a response, though, because she promptly turns on her heel. Oh, I see. They can use them if they’re reformed… If they improve the inhumane aspects of their treatment, such as being rendered sterile, the Valkyries will definitely be a great military force. Not only that, but if they become guards for the Queendom of Hausel… Aileen can’t help but give an appreciative murmur. They’ll regain their authority and trust that way as well. It’s a good plan. All sorts of people with all sorts of intentions make the world turn. That is how it’s always been, and no doubt how it always will be. Rachel calls her, and Aileen climbs the gangway to the deck. Once they’ve confirmed that all are aboard, the ramp is raised, and the steam whistle blows. The only person not present is their emperor. “Where is Master Claude? Don’t tell me he’s planning to depart on Ashmael’s ship.” Ellmeyer and Ashmael will be traveling the same route for part of the voyage, so even if Aileen and Claude are separated, there’s no need to worry. However, her husband has Claire with him. Aileen scowls. “He’ll be here soon,” Keith tells her, having just finished checking their luggage on deck. “He told us to leave port on schedule.” “Really? Wouldn’t it be better to send Walt or Kyle to call him? Or Elefas?” “Aileen.” The demon king’s adviser knows him well. Claude’s returned. He descends from the sky holding Claire in his arms. Just as the soles of his shoes touch the deck, the ship begins to move. He’s right on time. However, an emperor who cuts things that close is a problem. Aileen glares at her husband. “Do try to be ready five minutes early, won’t you.” “Are you really considering engaging our son to Princess Estella?” Aileen blinks. Claude looks a little pale, and his eyes are earnest. “Baal just told me a moment ago. He said you and his principal consort had been talking about it. Is it true?” “…Now that you mention it, we did discuss something of the sort.” “What’s this about? I hadn’t heard a thing.” “It isn’t a bad idea, though. Is it, Claire?” Claude has moved a couple of steps toward Aileen, pressing her for an answer, and she takes Claire from him. The child energetically reaches out with her tiny hands, smiling. She seems to be in a fine mood. “Did Big Sister Estella play with you? You had fun? I’m so glad… So? What did you think, Master Claude? You met Princess Estella, didn’t you?” “She was certainly cute, but not cuter than Claire, of course. Wait, never mind that. We’re talking about my son, who isn’t even born yet.” “He isn’t born yet, so how could it matter?” “It does. Baal’s saying he’ll never allow it. I’ll never allow it, either. Just look how cute Claire is; our son’s bound to be cute as well…! I don’t want to send either of them off to be married. What am I supposed to do?” He’s worried about this to the point of anguish. As she coddles Claire, a sense of exasperation overcomes Aileen. “That’s still far in the future. Rest assured; neither Lady Roxane nor I was speaking seriously.” “Really?” “Yes.” For now anyway. She gives Claude a cheerful smile. He gazes at her face steadily, unblinking, then heaves a long sigh. “…It’s rather late to say this, but your father truly is a great man, allowing you to marry me.” “I’ve heard that fathers must one day pay the price for having taken someone else’s daughter. Isn’t that right, Claire?” “Aaaah.” Claire raises her voice as if she’s agreeing, and Aileen hears lightning strike somewhere. They’re out on the ocean, so hopefully no damage has been done. Claude staggers, and Keith immediately moves to support him. “Milord, snap out of it.” “R-right…” “Master Keith, prepare a change of clothing for my husband. Master Claude, we’re about to embark on a pleasant sea voyage with Claire. At least remove your cloak.” “A… All—all right… Yes, we’re talking about my son, who doesn’t exist yet. That’s right, he doesn’t even exist yet.” “I would ask you to take it a bit more seriously. Talking as if he doesn’t exist yet…” Claude whips around. Since this is the second time, naturally his instincts are sharper. He looks at Aileen’s lower abdomen, then at her face. “You don’t mean… A son?” “Someday, at any rate.” Aileen can’t be certain; the doctor won’t examine her until after she returns to Ellmeyer. It’s still just the faintest wisp of a feeling that something is different. Still, she thinks her instincts are likely to be correct. After all, this is the second time. She does think it’s a son, as well. But of course, that, too, is no more than a vague hunch. “—Doesn’t that mean that discussion will start in earnest?!” “Someday.” “No, wait, Aileen. Is this really true? If it is, we’ll need to wrap you in something soft.” “You’re still saying that?” Laughing, Aileen steps out on deck. The world is nothing but ocean and sky. The ship speeds up, sailing through the glitter of the bright ocean and the blue sky streaked with flowing clouds. “It’s a lovely world, isn’t it, Claire.” There’s no telling what may lie beyond the horizon. It’s a wonderful thing. “No matter what, it can’t be good for you to catch a chill,” Claude says behind her, then unfurls his cloak and wraps it around both her and Claire. “Have you recovered?” “Yes. I’m a father already. If it’s a son, we’ll have the issue of the crown prince to contend with.” “That’s true. He may actually end up being called the demon king.” “We mustn’t just spoil him. We’ll have to make sure he grows up wise. As you taught me when we first met, I’m not able to protect everything on my own.”