第１１７４堀：意外な悪癖とタイミング (Part1)
Chapter 1174: An Unexpected Vice and Timing
Side: Agil
"Pardon the intrusion."
With those words, Kirika entered the lounge. As expected, she had brought a cart equipped not only with tea and sweets but with a selection of alcoholic beverages as well.
"I’d love to say 'alcohol,' but that’s a no-go, right?"
"Yeah. No dice, Riel. Tea for me, please."
"Agreed. I’ll have tea as well."
"Same here."
"Oh, I don't mind having the same."
"Understood."
*Tch.* So, no alcohol after all. I can't exactly be the only one to complain, so I’ll just settle for tea like a well-behaved adult.
Incidentally, Orelia and the others have already parted ways to get some sleep. They’ll likely be busy with unfamiliar tasks from tomorrow onward. It’s not as if we’ll be having an easy time of it, either. But more importantly, what’s about to begin isn't some casual tea party; it’s an interview with the woman who is to become Yuki’s new wife. Seraria specifically asked me to gauge her character properly.
Judging by her actions thus far, I can tell she is a sincere and earnest princess. She possesses a certain rigid seriousness that reminds me of Prism. That said, after witnessing her state earlier today, she didn't exactly seem to have much composure. She’s calmed down now that she’s seen the townscape, but if she’s going to fall apart the moment she leaves this city, she’ll be useless to us. We don't have the luxury of taking on such dead weight, and I certainly don't intend to add any unnecessary work to Yuki’s plate.
"So, it seems you snuck out of the castle today. Is that alright? Or did something happen with King Dafaio?"
Once we began sipping our tea, Yuki confirmed whether she was truly alright to be away from the castle. It’s important to clarify these things, or else complications arise. If she had stormed out after a fight with King Dafaio, for instance, we’d need to notify him immediately; otherwise, he might harbor resentment, thinking we were aware of the princess’s movements yet failed to inform him. We need to build a solid, covert cooperative relationship with the Kingdom of Dafaio, so we have to be mindful of these fine details. After all, the King truly treasures Princess Fiora. If he were to think we were treating her "roughly," cooperation would surely become difficult.
As for her answer...
"No. I haven't spoken to my father—to His Majesty—since then. Or rather, I snuck out of the castle before I could speak to him."
"I feel like that in itself is a problem..."
"Ahaha. It’s fine. They’ll just call me a tomboy, as usual."
I see. So there wasn't a fight or anything of the sort. Still, we can't exactly avoid notifying them that we are protecting Princess Fiora here. I gave Kirika a subtle nod, and she bowed and left the room immediately. She’ll handle the communication with the castle properly. Man, she really is a capable subordinate.
"A tomboy, huh? So, coming out to the castle town... was it a sense of nostalgia?"
"Yes. That is correct. Do you have such feelings, Agil-sama?"
"I was a general, you see. Leaving the castle wasn't particularly difficult for me. So, I understand the feeling of being nostalgic for the castle town quite well."
"You were a general, Agil-sama?"
"That’s right. Well, here in Weed, I’m known strictly as a technician. Still, I owe a lot to those days. My life skills were absolutely abysmal, though."
Yes, back when I was a general of Enaria, I spent my days holed up in my laboratory, leaving all domestic matters to my maids. Naturally, I couldn't clean up after myself to save my life.
"However, in that case, couldn't you have just had your maids prepare your meals?"
"Of course, there were times for that. But even back then, I held a position as a technician, so I often went down to the town in search of inspiration. I’d explore the town and grab a meal while I was at it."
"So, you have memories there."
"Exactly. That’s why I understand that feeling of longing. So, Princess, have you calmed down a bit after coming out to the town?"
I decided to ask her directly. Yuki gave me a look that said, *Are you serious?* but it would be troublesome if we beat around the bush and left things ambiguous. It’s best to be straightforward about these things.
"Yes. I am calm now. And I have come to understand why I was so emotionally shaken just by being told to enter into a political marriage, as is expected of royalty."
"And why is that? May I ask?"
"Yes. Please, do ask. And please judge whether I am truly capable of being of service."
Oh? She’s giving me a surprisingly sharp response. Is she the type to be hard on herself? Regardless, I can't make a judgment without hearing the reason.
"...It is pathetic, but it is simply that I did not want to leave this country, this town, and this castle. Fufu, I never even thought of such things when I went to Weed. But the moment I was told to marry, that thought suddenly welled up, and I couldn't bear it."
"I see. You were too busy to have such thoughts until now, but now that you've settled down, you finally had the mental space to feel that way, is that it?"
"Exactly. After going on and on about 'for the sake of the country,' to act so petulant... I suppose I am still just a child."
Princess Fiora smiled bitterly as she said this, but I had a different assessment.
"I don't think so at all. To me, it sounds like you just care that deeply for your country and your home."
"Is that so?"
"Well, that doesn't mean you can defy the orders of the head of state, though."
"Ahaha, how sad."
"That is what it means to serve a country."
Even if she is a princess, she is no different from me in that she is used for the sake of the country. Well, I’ve been used quite conveniently myself. Though, I suppose I’ve had my fair share of good times because of it, too.
"Indeed. I am proud of that, too. Therefore, I have no more hesitation."
Princess Fiora looked straight into Yuki’s eyes as she said this. Yes, she’ll be fine. This princess is a strong girl. She might be a bit too serious, but she’s the type who can properly reflect on herself and get back on her feet. She may not be quite on Seraria’s level, but she is strong enough.
"I see. That said, for the sake of appearances, you will be treated rather roughly for a while..."
"I am prepared for that. After all, I went to ask for this without going through Roschur or Her Majesty the Queen."
"It is good to be prepared, but please don't push yourself too hard. It is only for appearances. Everyone behind the scenes knows the situation, so please don't overexert yourself for the sake of Weed’s reputation."
"Yes. I shall take your words to heart, Yuki-sama, and act accordingly."
"I appreciate it. And please, show your face to King Dafaio tomorrow. He was quite worried about you."
"You are right. I have caused my father worry and trouble. I must apologize before I leave the country."