第５１９堀：王子の苦悩 (Part1)
**Chapter 519: The Prince’s Anguish**
**Side: George Findall, Second Prince of the Findall Empire**
It has been several days since the meeting with Yuki and his companions.
We have already entered imperial territory and are pushing our horses hard.
Fortunately, we haven't encountered any bandits or trouble, allowing for a smooth journey.
We should be reaching the Imperial Capital soon, but…
"Your Highness, we see an army ahead!"
"As I expected, they have already begun to move."
I had hoped to stop my sister before she deployed, but things are never that simple.
"We will make contact with the army as we are. They are likely the reinforcements I requested."
"Understood!"
The last thing I want is for them to attack Weed. There is no chance of victory, and it would only shatter any hope for future diplomatic relations.
...Sigh. How am I supposed to explain this?
Even if I tell them exactly what happened, they are unlikely to believe me. I have no choice but to show them the magic tools I was given and hope for the best.
Actually, I’ve always been bad at dealing with my sister.
We used to talk normally before *that* incident, but ever since then, she has been difficult to approach.
Well, everyone understands why, so no one says anything. It doesn't interfere with her duties, after all.
Honestly, I wonder what our younger sister, Age, would say if she saw her now.
...It’s useless to dwell on a sister who is no longer here.
I have no intention of forgiving or forgetting that incident either.
"Your Highness, the army has stopped. Several riders are approaching."
As I was lost in thought, they came to meet us.
"George. Why is the commander-in-chief in a place like this? What happened to the Haiden subjugation force?"
"Yes. A major issue has arisen. I apologize, but I must ask you to halt the advance. Something has occurred that requires the Emperor's judgment."
"The Emperor? ...Understood. I will accompany you, if that is acceptable."
"...Yes, of course."
"Then, wait a moment."
With that, my sister immediately turned her horse around and returned to the main force.
"Inform the entire army: prepare to camp."
"Understood!"
"We are returning to the Imperial Capital immediately. The advance is temporarily suspended; until we return, treat this as part of a military exercise..."
There is no fluctuation of emotion in her voice.
She has been like this ever since that incident.
"As cold-hearted as ever, the Princess of Ice. ...She may be the ideal general to lead an army, but I wonder if that is something to be happy about."
"...Will the day ever come when my sister’s emotions return, when she can express them again?"
Her heart has been hardened just like the armor she wears. No, perhaps it has frozen over.
Even though she is a princess standing on the battlefield, she wears a heavy full-face helmet, making it impossible to even see her face properly.
While it is the correct attire for a battlefield, it feels wrong to me that a princess—who should be the flower of the empire—is constantly hidden behind a visor.
And to be like that all the time…
*'Sister. Why do you wear a full-face helmet even inside the castle?'*
*'Such negligence is what invited that tragedy. I have cast aside my complacency. It was my negligence that caused Age to die.'*
*'That was... the enemy's atrocity was the problem.'*
*'One cannot simply dismiss it as "unavoidable." It is a fact that I failed to protect my sister. The lives of royalty are always targeted. You must not forget that either, George.'*
*'...But no one blames you, Sister.'*
*'...I understand that the Emperor has his way of facing that incident, and you have yours. This is my own answer to that event.'*
*'Age would not have wanted such mourning. I am sure of it...'*
*'...This conversation is over. I am returning to my duties.'*
*'Sister!!'*
A literal iron mask.
She covers her face, and all I get in return are sharp glares and a dry, emotionless voice.
"Regardless, I must explain this properly to the Emperor. You all are important witnesses. I’m counting on you."
"Understood!"
Yes, the real challenge starts now.
If I don't explain this well and convince them, I won't be able to face Yuki and the others who let us leave in good faith.
This is a good opportunity. I will talk to my sister properly during this journey and try to overcome my discomfort.
It’s not my sister’s fault.
If I’m lucky, maybe she’ll show me that beautiful smile of hers again, like in the old days.
I feel like I’ve made this resolution before, though I can’t quite recall.
"Your Highness, please stay strong."
"You have been working very hard, Your Highness."
"The Princess's guards were praising you, saying how much you care for your sister."
"Indeed, they were."
And so, I am being comforted by those around me.
I tried talking to my sister throughout the journey, but...
*'Sister. Have you had anything fun happen lately?'*
*'The army's movements were smooth this time. It is thanks to our daily training.'*
*'...'*
*'Sister. Isn't that the field where we used to make flower crowns together? Why don't we step down and take a look?'*
*'We are currently in the middle of a military operation. Returning to the Imperial Capital as quickly as possible should be our priority.'*
*'...'*
*'Sister. About that...'*
*'George. If you have time for idle chatter, you should be riding in a way that minimizes the horses' fatigue so we can return to the capital faster.'*
*'...'*
And just like that, I was even forbidden from speaking.
What am I supposed to do?
While I was struggling with that, the Emperor—my father—entered the room.
"George. I heard you were speaking to Stasia quite boldly. You worked hard."
"It is only because I care for my sister. But it did not go well."
"...I suppose we have no choice but to take it slow."
Father also seems to have his own thoughts on my sister’s condition, as he offered a bitter smile.
Come to think of it, where did my sister go?
She was supposed to listen to the report with us.
As I thought that, my sister entered the room.
"Excuse me. ...Father, you were already here? I was delayed because I was preparing the report on the suspension of the advance. Please check this."
"Ah, yes. A detailed report, as expected of you, Stasia."
"No, this is my duty, so it is only natural."
Since we were just talking about her, Father’s expression is a bit stiff. No, I suppose mine is too.
"Ahem. Now, let us get to the main point. George, why have you, the commander-in-chief, returned?"
"Yes. I will explain that now. But first, please look at this."
I placed the magic lamp and the staff provided by Shera on the desk.
"What is this?"
"This is..."
I proceeded to demonstrate the versatile magic tools. Naturally, I went to the training grounds to demonstrate the staff, having Father and my sister use it themselves, and then I explained the absurd events that took place in Baide.
I told them how, just when I thought we could take Baide by tomorrow despite their unexpected resistance, a group calling themselves "Weed" appeared and overturned everything.
And that after the subsequent meeting, the princess and the duke’s daughter who were in Baide performed a Hero Summoning, and the people of Weed came here.