The reason I’d been disparaged as the Doll Princess was because I was unable to summon the Sacred Swords, the five greatest treasures of our nation. When a reigning monarch died, their ability to wield the swords passed down to their heir. However, I was unable to wield them after the death of my father—or so everyone thought. In truth, I had broken my mana veins attempting to save Alicia during the kidnapping fiasco earlier in my life. I had to cease using magic until I grew older in order to heal my veins.
Thus, I played the role of a powerless puppet. When I revealed I could summon the Sacred Swords during my coronation, it completely shocked the members of the Great Five. Terror gripped their hearts when it appeared I had murdered my betrothed, Wilhelm—but it hadn’t frightened the Weston heir.
“Was the fact you were hiding your magic powers somehow discovered?” Tommy wondered aloud.
“That isn’t possible. He was certainly surprised in his own way, but instead of cowering in fear…he smiled at me.”
Tommy was taken aback learning of Oscar’s reaction. “He did what?”
“I haven’t a clue as to why, but I figured it was worth mentioning.”
“Good to know,” Tommy said. “So, uh, up next is House Alcott. They haven’t really done much of note lately besides increasing their region’s security.”
“Increased their security? Is there no other motive?”
“The agents we sent to spy on them have said they’re reforming local security. But regardless of whatever goal they claim to have, the fact remains that they’re amassing a larger army. We’ll keep an eye on them.”
“Please do,” I implored him.
“And finally, House Beckford. Or, rather, Étoile.”
“Ah, yes, the show tent with close ties to the Beckfords.”
The circus called Étoile was popular in the royal capital; Alicia had mentioned them to me before. Despite their status as a traveling circus, they settled down permanently in the capital after my coronation. We’d been keeping an eye on them since then, sensing something was amiss with their desire to remain in one place. This led us to learn they had ties to House Beckford.
“Right. We’ve hit a bit of a snag in our investigation of them. Any ideas?” Tommy asked.
“You’ve mentioned reports of Beckford servants meeting with members of the circus, yes?”
“Yes. But we have yet to figure out the reason behind their meetings.”
“Did the Beckfords’ servants not leave a paper trail?”
“Not in the slightest. I doubt they’d be foolish enough to leave physical evidence of their machinations out in the capital.”
“Oddly careful of Lord Beckford, for sure,” I remarked.
“Indeed. Pretty unusual for that lecher to be careful about anything.”
“Yes, he’s always with his favorite mistress, and he spends money like water.”
“Uh-huh. He even parades around in public with that woman rather than his actual wife. He’s so vile that even the other nobles look at him sideways.”
“And yet with Étoile, he is acting with such measured care,” I mused. “Either someone else is involved, or his vile behavior is merely an act.”
“He’d be quite the star if his acting was that good.”
“Agreed.”
“Now, Your Majesty, back to what I originally wanted to ask—should I infiltrate House Beckford?”
“Do as you wish.”
“Then I’ll make preparations right away.”
“You wish to infiltrate them personally? Why not just send one of your servants?”
“If I want the job done right, I’ve got to do it myself.”
“Understandable. May I borrow some of your subordinates while you’re away?”
“Sure. They’re wrapping up their research operation regarding the treatment of mages within the kingdom.”
“Ahh, that. When will their report be ready?”
“My agents will report soon after they return. Do you have another assignment in mind for them?” Tommy asked me.
“I want them to look into the other places where Étoile has performed.”
“Your Majesty, we already investigated the traces they left behind.”
“Look into any incidents that occurred in locations where they’ve performed, no matter how minuscule or seemingly unrelated. I doubt any organization that is allied with House Beckford would travel the kingdom aimlessly.”
“So, you want me to try to understand their plans for the future by tracking down their past. Guess my scope’s been a bit narrow in approaching this. I’ll get my men on it right away.”
“Thank you, Tommy.”
Our conversation concluded, he bowed and left the room. Afterward, I had my guards escort me back to my private quarters.
“Welcome back, Queen Luxeria!”
A familiar face greeted me when I returned. It was my dear friend Alicia, the very friend I spent so much time with in the tower all those years ago. Unfortunately—perhaps due to the near-death experience she once endured—her memories of that time had vanished long ago, along with her magic. Not that she needs magic to be my personal attendant, of course.
“Alicia, could you please get me something to drink?”
“Certainly. As a matter of fact, we just got in some tea that’s been said to help with sleep! I’ll go get some right now!”
“And I shall assist you in changing clothes while she takes care of that, Queen Luxeria,” said Freesia. She’d been quiet and nearly invisible before suddenly appearing at my side.
“Thank you. Please do.”
We went behind the partitioning screen and Freesia assisted me in changing my clothes. Being freed from the somewhat suffocating dress I wore today made me sigh in relief. Afterward, I relaxed into my sofa as I watched Alicia prepare the tea.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, my queen.”
“Thank you, Alicia.”
It was rather slovenly of me, but I slumped into the cushions and enjoyed the tea.
“I’ll see myself out,” Freesia said, taking her leave.
“Ahh. The tea you prepare truly is wonderful, Alicia.”
“You flatter me, Your Majesty! You said as much when I first learned how to make it, so I stuck with it.”
When she “first” learned of how to make it… I understood why she worded it that way, but it hurt to hear all the same. Once again, I was faced with the reality that she never remembered our days together in the tower.
“I’m pleased, Alicia. Especially since I get to enjoy your tea.” I swallowed the phrase “once again” along with the tea in my cup.
“Is something wrong?” Alicia asked. She could tell something was amiss with me; it was written all over her face.
Ahh, this isn’t good, I thought. Seeing her always made me sentimental. Perhaps some of the light in my heart from back then still existed.
I shook my head and hurriedly schooled my expression. “Nothing. I’m tired, that’s all.”
“I’m sorry. Perhaps it’d be best if you retired early tonight.”
“I agree. Good night, Alicia.”
After she left the room, I stood and stretched. Sitting in a chair all day long certainly made one’s muscles incredibly stiff. With a deep breath, I relaxed my body. Suddenly, my vision became incredibly blurry.
“Agh!”
Using what little energy I had, I tried not to make any noise as I collapsed to the floor. Phew. Had I caused a ruckus, the guards would’ve rushed in and seen me like this. I had used magic today, and my body wasn’t happy about it. Even holding back my magic until adulthood hasn’t saved my feeble body. It was weak enough that it cried out in pain every time I used my magic.
Nobody could ever know of this. I had only just begun reforming the kingdom and exacting my revenge. If anyone knew of my frailty, it would all be for naught. I had to keep this to myself.
I took deep breaths in and out, trying to flush out my unease. As I repeated the cycle of breath, my vision slowly returned to normal. My body—which had been twitching and useless—regained its function, allowing me to roll onto my back. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a lantern flickering in the dark and chuckled to myself. It was funny to imagine the sight of a royal queen flopping on the ground of her own bedroom.
“Just how long will my body be able to last?”
Naturally, I was not given an answer to my impossible question. If there was anyone who could answer, they’d certainly lack the means to reply. After taking another deep breath, I dragged myself to my bed and fell into a deep slumber.