‘……That can’t happen. We need to be the ones to go to the desert.’
However, unrelated to my own wishes, my teacher and Empress Frédérique’s conversation proceeded quickly.
“I guess we need to pack. You’re going to head out the day after the Grand Celebration, right?”
“Yeah. We will need to leave early in the morning. It would be best to meet the crown princess before March.”
“Yeah. I hope everything can be resolved this time. And……”
My hand holding a fork was fidgeting as I tried my best to find a time to interject. I could feel the Imperial Crown Prince peeking at me from the side. Christelle, who was finishing a plate of sea bass meunière, also looked at me and tilted her head. I wasn’t letting it show on my face, but they must be able to feel the tension in my ether.
– Clack.
“Your Majesty, Your Eminence.”
I used the quick moment of silence to start talking. Everybody in the room looked toward me. Her sharp cherry-colored eyes looked more overflowing with charisma than ever. I called out to them, but I wasn’t sure about how to say what I wanted to say. If even crown prince Cédric was just sitting there, but I was the first to bring it up……
“That……”
‘No, Jung Yeseo. There’s no need to think about it. I thought you wanted to see the Paten of Wishes in person. Just blurt it out!’
“Wouldn’t it be okay for his Royal Highness and all of us to go in your place?” I cautiously asked.
The moving utensils all stopped in unison. “Oh.” Marquis François, who was seated next to Cardinal Boutier, quietly gasped.
The Empress sipped her green chartreuse in a round glass and silently looked at me for a few seconds. I felt like a herbivore out in the prairie being picked out as a predator’s prey. I got goosebumps up my arm and my hair felt like it was firm despite nobody putting glue or gel in it. I felt like I would soon break at this rate. I decided to be courageous.
“His Royal Highness has never been to the forefronts of diplomatic negotiations before, so I think that this opportunity can be a stepping stone for his political growth. The neutral region should be safer than ever right now during the period of the Grand Celebration of the Advent of the Almighty God.”
I successfully finished my explanation. I made sure to leave out any personal desires like, ‘I wish to see the paten in person.’ I didn’t really know what to say if she asked for my reason either.
The Empress finally blinked slowly before moving the glass away from her lips. “I had no idea that Marquis Sérénité cared so much about the future of our Empire.”
She was toying with me. My teacher looked at me with a warm gaze before scolding her soulmate by calling out to her, ‘Frédérique.’
Duke Florian Mendy on the other side kindly smiled at me. It was to be expected, but he didn’t know too much about the situation or our relationships. He just seemed to think highly of the fact that I was thinking about Riester.
“Is it because you wish to meet the crown princess?”
“……That is indeed a reason as well, your Majesty. I think it would be good for many reasons.” I miraculously did not stutter as I answered.
“Hmph.” The Empress snorted before eating a couple pomme frites out of their bouquet-looking plating.
I was dying inside because I didn’t know what that meant. My teacher looked concerned while the crown prince was sending a questioning gaze. In situations like this, at least this punk was easier to read than his mother. ‘Why are you pushing this so much?’
“I’ll tell you later.” I whispered so he may or may not hear, but the punk scowled.
The Empress watched our interaction and chuckled. “I understand your wishes, but it is not allowed.”
“Ah……” My heart felt suffocated. I bit down on my lips to do my best to maintain my expression. If I didn’t get to do it this time, I didn’t know when I would get another chance to see the paten. That item may be the only clue I could physically approach in this place. A key to go back home. No, it was fine even if it was an old key hole. I’d do what I needed to do to match the shape. It didn’t matter how long it took.
“Your Majesty.”
“I no longer wish to chat with her through an agent. I’m not the type to be patient for a long time when I am frustrated,” She sharply retorted.
I couldn’t say anything to that since it was true. The Empress had been patient for many months in order to not create any unnecessary sacrifices. Everybody here knew about that. The ruler of the Empire loathed beating around the bush or twisting a situation. She was as firm as her holy sword, Durandal, and was like a fire, similar to her son’s ether. Rather than sitting at the Imperial Palace waiting for news, she would use the Vatican’s offer as an excuse to go herself.
“……”
But it would be bad if I stepped back here. Gulp. I drank a big gulp of my milkshake. My mind instantly turned cold. The fear and guilt temporarily disappeared.
“Your Majesty, I know I should not dare to say something like this, but……”
‘I’m sure she will think I am rude and stepping outside my limits. She might even think I am being disrespectful.’ However I was that desperate. I wanted to try everything I could try in my place. I didn’t want to regret it later.
“The two of you have been very busy stabilizing the state of the Empire. While dealing with the aftermath of the Duke Simon de Sarnez incident, you are also orchestrating the operation and administration of the Sarnez marine transport. I’ve also heard that the Wartime portal restoration is in full scale operation with the Marquis House of Duhem’s support. And……”
‘What else was there again?’ My fingers were counting underneath the table. The important documents that I had observed over the crown prince’s shoulder popped up and then disappeared from my mind. ‘Oh right!’
“There is information related to the effects of sun halo weed that have yet to be announced. We’ve also not announced Dame Christelle’s water attribute ether. Furthermore, you are building an orphanage with the wealth confiscated from the Count’s House of Andresy……”
“Our prince seems to be very interested in our Riester’s national affairs. I’m very happy,” y teacher answered with a warm smile on her face. Her face was full of satisfaction as she looked back and forth at the crown prince and myself.
I’m sure she meant what she was saying, but I could instinctively tell that she was opposed to my opinion. My mind felt even more anxious. ‘Please help me.’
“Your Majesty. Nothing should happen if we go with the Viscount’s House of Rambouillet’s caravan. I heard that over 1,000 camels travel together for their cavaran. Something that size-”
“Jesse. No.’” Flinch. My body visibly shook as I looked toward the head of the table.
Her silver color received the light from the chandelier and shone as if it was blessed. The most noble gaze in the Empire was looking only at me. The Empress had called out my name so clearly and sternly cut me off. She was telling me to give up. That what I wanted would not happen.
“It is not that I think my son’s abilities are lacking. I’m sure Cédric would do a magnificent job dealing with the diplomacy of the Vatican. It is also true that I am very busy. However, that’s not something that ever changes.”
“……”
She was an extremely sturdy adult. She was not someone I could shake.
“Sand Roos will leave tomorrow as scheduled. Aurélie and I plan on leaving early in the morning on the 23rd. As such, you will protect the palace and support the crown prince. I will pretend not to see any of the chaos you cause during that time. The border is a land of evil spirits. It is not a place for the young.” She made that comment before nonchalantly cutting her steak again. Red juice dripped out of the still a bit rare meat.
I happened to make eye contact with young lady Bérénice again. The young lady was looking at me with an extremely pitying gaze. I couldn’t help but sigh wondering if I looked that desperate.
“I will tie the knot this time. I don’t want to repeat it.”
“……”
Her husky proclamation echoed throughout the hall. That was the end. I quietly lowered my gaze. The dishes that I usually enjoyed had no taste at all.
*
It was now the next day.
– Clack, clack..
The sounds of cars or trains were faint in my mind now. I let my ears focus on the now familiar sound of hooves and did my best to not despair that much. I consoled myself, telling myself not to give up as it has only been one year since I transmigrated here. Another opportunity would come in my life. I needed to focus starting from this moment in order to not miss that moment.
“But her Majesty seems to cherish you a lot, your highness.”
I awkwardly smiled. It was true that I received a lot of undeserved affection.
“I mean it. Please look at this. She put so much expensive silk on here. She also piled up a bunch of treasure for you to cheer up. Eureka! This thing over here is a direct item of the Imperial family!” Christelle’s eyes opened wide as she lifted up a sparkling tiara. “It’s so pretty!” She seemed to be acting even brighter than usual to cheer me up. I could tell based on the fact that she entered the palace to see me on a Sunday for no reason.
Benjamin was calm but Ganael also could not hide his excitement while looking at everything. He kept talking about affection and Imperial benevolence. The crown prince, who was seated across from me, looked at me for a moment……
“Dog.”
He suddenly said that word. Sir Johann tilted his head as if he was amused.
‘Did you just talk shit to my face?’
“Hmm?”
“A cat is fine too.”
“……You want me to raise one?”
“Forget it then.”
He turned his head toward the window. I couldn’t help but scoff. He seemed to be saying that he didn’t care if I brought in a dog or cat to console myself. But it wasn’t like I was uncontrollably depressed or sad. I didn’t want to bring another living being into my life for such trivial reasons.
Furthermore, I already had my little soulmates. The little guys had been sticking to me since last night with no intention of moving away. Like right now.
“Thank you for the offer but I must decline, your Royal Highness.”
Ether truly was amazing.
– Screeeech!
– Piiiiiiiiii!
Demy and Percy, as representatives of the little troublemakers, charged toward the crown prince. ‘You dare to stick other animals next to our servant?!’ They seemed to be angrily saying something like that. A chubby baguette and a fluffy mocha bread started to attack the man’s muscular body. They were moving so viciously that they weren’t even making any noises. The crown prince let out a deep sigh.
“Good job, Demy! Teach him a lesson!” Miss Ga-in raised her voice.
Gerrit, who had been laying down on Sir Johann’s lap, jumped up with excitement as well. We instantly got a show.
“Hahaha.” I ended up laughing out loud. The large carriage with warmth magic was extremely comfortable as well. We were currently heading out to see Sand off as he headed out to the desert.
This morning…
Empress Frédérique had sent dozens of staff out of the blue to Juliette Palace. The procession of carriages outside the window seemed to never end. I came out in my pajamas and a gown to see what was going on to find that they were all full of gold, silver, and jewels. My Juliette family as well as everybody passing by gathered to whisper to one another.
“These are imperial gifts from her Majesty, Prince Jesse.”
“You’re working very hard, Laura. But why did she bestow these imperial gifts all of a sudden……”
“We were concerned that you were feeling hurt, your highness. These are the results of her sincerity.” The middle-aged woman gently smiled before handing me a card.
A short statement was on the paper.
‘If things go well, I will invite the crown princess and the second princess. Keep the carriage. I have so many that it is cumbersome.
– F. R.’
A lot of details had been left out. My jaws dropped at this unexpected gift. I was feeling flustered as well as thankful that she was thinking of me. I was sure that my teacher played a part in making this happen, but such extravagance was definitely the Empress’s will.
It wasn’t like I could send an imperial gift back saying it was too much.
‘The gifts from the nobles last time are still piled up in the first floor guest room!’
“……Thank you very much. I”ll use them for good reasons.”
“You should use a lot for yourself as well, your highness.” Laura spoke with a slightly stern look on her face.
Once she and the attendants of the Empress Palace left, only the luxurious carriages and piles of boxes remained. For reference, the premium carriage with air conditioning and heating ended up mine in the end. She seemed to be telling me that I could go anywhere else and play to my hearts content even though she couldn’t let me go to the border.
‘I mean, if you think about it, I was just being a brat and whining. I was pleading despite knowing the Empress’s situation. I didn’t think she would console me like this.’
“Demy, don’t go too overboard and come back. You too, Percy.”
– Squee
– Pii!
I called out to them and the two little troublemakers who had been rolling on the crown prince’s lap quickly returned to me. Tithé, who was being hugged by Christelle, looked at his generals returning victoriously from war and aarfed at them. I watched this warm sight and consoled my heart.
‘The adults are being so kind to me. I should act like an adult as well. Let’s look for an even better reason next time. I won’t be as stubborn as I was this time. ……If there is a next time.’
“We are here, your highness. Shall we get off?”
“Yes. Let’s go.”
I immediately snapped out of my thoughts. Sir Johann was smiling at me but I had no idea what he was thinking. We were at the entrance of the Imperial Palace already. It was a busy place during the Grand Celebration time. I handed Perry and Demy to the punk of a crown prince and his teacher before grabbing the others and alighting from the carriage. Rhea had gotten a bit heavier, potentially from eating so much ether these days. Christelle said that Rhea would end up as a pig like this. The way Rhea’s jaw dropped when Christelle messed with her like that was so cute.
“Your Royal Highness and your highness. Welcome!”
“Mmph. Hello Sand.”
I fixed my hold on the divine beasts and greeted him back. The priest who was holding a bundle with his belongings looked flushed. I could see the imperial family’s carriage behind him, ready to leave at any moment. Sand would get on that to head to an area around the border before meeting up with the Rambouillet caravan. It was my teacher being considerate.
“You didn’t have to come all the way out here like this…… Thank you very much, your highness. I am full of gratitude for your benevolence.”
He became flustered and bowed a few times before promising to bring some souvenirs back with him.
Christelle asked if it was duty-free before cracking up with laughter. I snickered while looking at Sand crouching down to chat with Gerrit.
“Huh?”
I saw something truly weird. My head subconsciously tilted to one side. It looked like someone was hiding behind Sand’s carriage. Based on the outfit, it was not the coachman or an attendant. I saw a blue robe and a luxurious outfit.
‘Is it a woman he is secretly seeing? Wait, hold on. Is it possible?’
“Little Bacary?”
– Plop!
I mumbled and the robed figure dropped something by his foot. It was a full bag of bread. There was also an envelope!
—
Translator’s Comments
Bacary being salacious?!!!! I’m DOWN FOR THIS!