[Interlude] Sunny Hill - 2

Two days later, a sub-beast deer captured alive was brought in.

The ceremony begins.

Though really, I just recite the hymn and touch the traditional sacred sword—nothing more. I don't actually strike it down.

This sacred sword is said to be made with magical stones, allowing it to perform magic.

I, however, cannot do that.

Craftsmen live beyond the mountain to the west, it is said they made this sword.

The ceremony progressed smoothly, and finally, the moment arrived when I had to strike the sacred sword against the beast. I raised the sword and stood before the deer-like creature.

The deer-like beast darted its gaze in all directions, repeatedly charging at the fence in distress. How pitiful it looks. I'm sorry. I'll do my best to make it as painless as possible.

That was when I tried to swing down my sword.

"Beast!—!"

Suddenly, a beast-shaped boar burst out from the nearby woods.

Startled, I dropped my sword and fell to my knees.

The guard near me quickly surrounded me, taking up defensive positions.

As expected, the beast never made it to the ceremony site.

I was blocked by the adventurers deployed ahead of the guards surrounding me.

One of the adventurers— wielding a large axe— split the boar-like creature in two with astonishing speed.

I couldn’t quite grasp what they did, but it felt somehow beautiful, like a graceful sword stroke.

"We're in trouble! Since we're paying a high reward, you must properly guard against these dangerous sub-beasts!"

One of the several ministers accompanying me shouted angrily. I stood in stunned silence, watching the scene unfold.

"Princess Veronica, are you unharmed?"

The butler hurried over and asked me. I don’t remember what I had said. The ceremony was temporarily suspended, and I returned to the villa.

The ceremony was scheduled to take place at a later date.

Still, it was breathtaking. The swordsmanship was exceptionally graceful. It stirred within me the same sharp impression I’d felt when witnessing the military minister’s demonstration of martial skill.

Now that I think about it, he was the one who cleared the dungeon, wasn't he? Given his skill with the sword, that makes perfect sense.

The next day, I asked the butler about him. It seems there's another unusual mage around as well. I believe we met at the get-together party. That mage must be quite powerful, too.

Can I really accomplish something meaningful like them? Their brilliance makes my own insignificance all the more apparent. I can't help but sigh.

"Constant sighing will make happiness slip away, you know."

Unusually, the guard knight speaks up.

"Then, entertain me for a while. Be my conversation partner."

"Sure, I can do that for a little while."

"What?!"

It's unusual for her to pay attention at all, but today she's different. Did she show kindness because she witnessed something extraordinary?

"I was thinking about the person who was defeated by a Bestial yesterday... "

"Are you in love with them?"

"I'm not in love! I just felt self-loathing after hearing about their strength."

"Still, you don't need to worry. Veronica-sama and adventurers have different jobs."

"It's good that there are results that are easy to see."

"Are you wanting to be admired, Veronica-sama? I suppose that's possible..."

You suddenly start talking, and you're quite bold about it.

But honestly, what was I even longing for? The more I think about it, the more confused I get.

Ah yes, that's right. It was whether I could leave something behind with my own strength.

"I've been worried about whether I can leave anything behind."

"Amazing, isn't it. But Lady Veronica has already left her mark. This country. As long as this nation endures, that is Lady Veronica's legacy."

"It's not me. It's the achievements of my father and ancestors. What I'm referring to is what I will accomplish from now on."

"...The future is uncertain. Still, I'm proud of this work. I haven't done anything particularly outstanding. But that's fine. Because the best outcome is when nothing at all happens."

"Fufu, that's true. I really did feel a bit lighter just talking. Thank you... Will you continue speaking with me after we return to the castle?"

"Depending on the time and place, I gladly accept."

Let's try talking more.

Perhaps overthinking lately has just been making me tense.

Then again, why not go all out and swing the sacred sword tomorrow?

With that thought, I set off for tomorrow's ceremony.

According to later records, Empress Veronica, during the hunting ceremony, swung the sacred sword with astonishing force—uncharacteristic of her age and usual demeanor—leaving ministers so shocked they nearly lost their composure.