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THE gun salute resounded in the skies above Heilland, signaling the start of the three-day founding festivities at Egdiel Castle.
In addition to the Privy Council, many guests from all over the kingdom were in attendance, including lords and nobles like Jude, the commanders of the knight regiments in the north, south, east, and west, performers such as musicians and painters, and famous merchants.
During the festivities, the pact signed between founding father King Estel and the guardian star was relived in various ways as part of tradition. The most representative of these was the worship ceremony led by the King of Time, a personification of the guardian star.
The ceremony was a modern variation of the one once practiced by the Astromancy Sect in the Marquisate of Chester. Because of this, the prayers and chants were all in a now-lost language, and the rituals were based on mythology, giving it an otherworldly aura.
The first day was mostly taken up by the worship ceremony, while the second was dedicated to the founding parade on the main road leading up to the castle from the town of Egdiel. The parade usually featured plays reenacting how the founding people escaped from pursuers, received guidance from spirits and stars, reached the land of Heilland, and formed a pact with the guardian star.
Finally, on the third day, a large-scale luncheon lasting half a day was held, with the king and guests feasting together. Afterward, the festivities would conclude with a ball.
Naturally, as a royal and potential heir to the throne of Heilland, Alicia had to be present for all the events. Of course, she didn’t have to do much, but the constant need to move from one event to the next still tired her out.
Clovis was present at her side when required. Otherwise, he was busy somewhere fulfilling his duties as an adviser.
The first two days flew by in a blur, and the day of the luncheon arrived. During the event, Alicia approached District Commissioner Dan Dreyfus.
“Excuse me, Lady Dreyfus. If I may speak to Lord Dreyfus for a moment?”
“Oh, Your Highness, and Nigel, too.”
Dreyfus was the one who answered in a gruff voice on behalf of Lady Dreyfus. Before his wife and children could stop him, he gave his mouth a vigorous wipe with his napkin and stood up quickly.
The luncheon was coming to an end, and everyone was idly chatting while waiting for dessert. Alicia, Chief Adviser Nigel Otto, and District Commissioner Dreyfus gathered in the shadow of a pillar, away from the chatter of the other guests.
Daniel Sutherland, acting District Council Branch Chief of Sheraford, joined them.
As Riddhe’s cousin, Daniel was regularly involved in the management of Sheraford. Alicia met him for the first time during the worship ceremony two days prior but could tell he was a strong-hearted young man despite his timid nature.
“A letter from Riddhe…?” Daniel murmured timidly. Despite being older than Riddhe, he stood with his large back hunched, looking up at Alicia like a lost puppy. She nodded.
“Yes. I’d like to let everyone here know that he is well. Now, about the contents of his letter…”
Quickly, Alicia summarized what Clovis had told her a few days ago. Of course, she’d already spoken to Nigel and her father, King James. Feeling that she needed more opinions, she’d decided to confide in Dreyfus and Daniel, too.
“Chancellor Eric Yggdrasil. Isn’t he the empress’s long-time right-hand man? Are you saying he colluded with Loid?” Dreyfus asked, dumbfounded.
“We can’t be certain yet, but looking at this letter, Riddhe is probably already gathering evidence,” Alicia said.
Dreyfus clutched at his head, muttering words like “Pathetic” and “The right-hand man? What a scandal.” He had always been an honest man led by common sense. Such a betrayal was surely hard to accept.
Daniel, on the other hand, looked at Alicia and Nigel. “S-So… What are we to do now?” he asked.
“If I may speak, Your Highness,” Nigel stepped forward, pushing his glasses up his nose.
The fact that the chief adviser was speaking meant his next words had come from King James himself. Daniel, who immediately grasped that, nervously stood a little straighter.
“Dreyfus, please contact the southern knights as soon as possible and raise the security level of the border so they can move quickly in an emergency. If Chancellor Yggdrasil is really the one pulling the strings, he can also easily mobilize the army.”
“Got it. Daniel, I’ll support you, but you have to coordinate the efforts at Sheraford. As for the Duchy of Geras… How much can I tell Fudge?”
“His Grace had expressed concern about Riddhe, and I’m planning to talk to him as well.”
“I see. That’s right; he’s known Riddhe since he was a wee boy,” Dreyfus smiled, showing off a narrow gap between his thumb and index finger.
“Once the founding day festivities are over and things have settled down, I’m thinking of visiting Sheraford for an inspection,” Alicia said. “Daniel, you will probably be very busy, so I’m wondering if that’s okay with you.”
“A-An inspection?!” Daniel stammered, suddenly trembling.
“What are you scared of? It’s an honor to have Her Highness visit your territory in person.” Dreyfus nodded sagely, patting the young man on the back. “Of course, it’s okay, Your Highness. I’ve been planning to visit Sheraford myself as well, so I will escort you. That way, we can do a thorough check of our border defenses.”
“Ehh—? Are you coming too, Your Lordship?!”
“Of course!! Riddhe’s not around; I can’t leave you to do everything on your own!”
Nigel shook his head in resignation at the loud exchange between the two men while Alicia let out a soft chuckle. Once again, she felt grateful to have someone as caring as Dreyfus as the district commissioner.