Chapter 297, As Though Without Reason (1)

Translator: Hedge

Editor: Lizzz

 

The Royal Palace of Secritia was different from that of Cyries.

 

Fortunately, the Queen of Secritia had been, unlike Harts-ara, a person possessed of great reason. Thanks to that, she had not built a Royal Palace of the sort that required carriages simply to move between buildings. Liberen and Tansyll were the same in that regard.

 

So, to put it precisely, one ought to say that it was the Royal Palace of Cyries that differed from every other kingdom, not the other way around. All other Royal Palaces were comprised of one great central palace with annexes, or of three or four buildings including a working palace and a residential palace.

 

That said, this did not mean the palace was small.

 

The Royal Palace of Secritia was not a small place either, as one might expect of a kingdom. In every reasonable sense, it was grand enough to demonstrate the full dignity of the Royal Family.

 

‘My younger brother will find it difficult to move all the way to the annexe.’

 

That being so, the remark that fell from Plants, who had become, rather suddenly, quite arrogant. Whether it was said out of concern for his younger brother or as some great show of magnanimity, was not entirely without basis.

 

A vast rectangular central palace surrounding a water garden at its centre. Beyond the central palace, further still inside, a first annexe. Past that again, a little further on, a second annexe. It was in a place that far removed that the party from Cyries had been lodged.

 

‘I will need to somewhere else to rest.’

 

Plants had added this request on top of everything else.

 

It did not mean that Kalian was incapable of walking to the annexe. It meant that he could not trust the security of the annexe in the deepest reaches of the Royal Palace of Secritia.

 

‘Whether it is that you do not trust us, or that you do not trust your younger brother, I cannot say. But let us accommodate you in the central palace, as you wish.’

 

Whether the threat came from Secritia, which had just attacked them, or from Kalian, who might hold grievances over a Crown Prince position being decided so abruptly, it was true that they needed to stay somewhere safer. And so Debeullan had granted Plants’s request, neatly and without fuss.

 

In truth, Debeullan had intended to keep the party in the annexe under observation. But that plan had been quietly retracted upon word reaching him that Allan Manasil, who had arrived at the Royal Palace without warning, had addressed Prince Plants as Crown Prince.

 

And thus happened.

 

A familiar place made newly accessible.

 

And an unfamiliar step within it.

 

Decorative panels of white marble, carved with intricate patterns, had been laid over black marble beneath. The corridor walls, where white patterns appeared raised against dark stone, like relief carvings, were beautiful beyond words.

 

It was a different beauty entirely from that of Arpia Palace, whose walls were sculpted in gold and platinum. And yet Kalian did not let his gaze be caught by the ornamentation. It was a familiar enough place that there was no particular reason to look.

 

“Your Highness.”

 

“Yes, Master.”

 

But walking this corridor alongside one of only three Archmages on the entire continent was something altogether unfamiliar to Kalian.

 

“If you are struggling, shall I offer you my back again today?”

 

The unfamiliar feeling was, somehow, really comfortable. Kalian shook his head and smiled.

 

“I can walk. I am all right.”

 

“Do tell me when it becomes a burden. I shall offer my back again at any time.”

 

“Yes. I will.”

 

Having already been carried on that back once, after falling asleep over a single cup of Himolika, that was more than enough. He had no intention whatsoever of being carried on Allan’s back, of all people, simply because of his injuries. Not when Kyrie was right there.

 

And so, watching Kalian decline and move slowly onward, Allan clicked his tongue.

 

“In over fifty years, I have not met a Mage who caused me as much worry as Your Highness. Off you go without a care in the world, fluttering about, and come back battered from here to there. How is one to manage such a thing.”

 

“Sorry. I will take great care from now on.”

 

“You must. The moment I let you out of my sight, you return without a whole part of you. This old man cannot know a single moment’s peace. Should anything happen to Your Highness alone, the number of lives that would follow will not be fewer than several thousand. Yet, you seem always to forget this.”

 

Allan clicked his tongue once more.

 

At that sound, the Secritia Knights flanking them squared their shoulders, feeling rather acutely as though their lives were being chipped away one by one.

 

A robe that gained in elaborate ornamentation with every Circle its wearer possessed, one that would surely rank among the three most magnificent on the continent, if such things were to be ranked. Was it not quite something, the things that came from the mouth of the Mage wearing that scarlet robe?

 

“I will not forget it, Master.”

 

“From now on you shall always have two Knights accompanying you. I will see to it that you can never send them away. When I must go somewhere distant, I will take Your Highness along with me, so bear that in mind.”

 

Whether he would or he wouldn’t.

 

Kalian, who simply found it pleasant, this unfamiliar feeling of receiving a familiar, father-like scolding in a familiar place, smiled again with a tired face and answered.

 

“Yes. I will.”

 

When all was said and done, it came to one conclusion.

 

Wherever Kalian went within the Royal Palace of Secritia, two Knights of Cyries and Allan would move with him, without exception.

 

It was for no other reason than that Kalian’s Master, who cared for Kalian more than one might have expected, had decided it entirely of his own accord, out of concern solely for Kalian’s welfare. Therefore, nothing more could be said about it.

 

“That aside, are you truly set on meeting the Crown Prince of Secritia in that.”

 

“I heard the Royal Consort has suddenly collapsed. I believe Crown Prince Chase must be worried, so I find it difficult to rest easy.”

 

It was none other than Debeullan who had permitted the party from Cyries entry to the central palace. The one person who might have prevented Kalian and Chase from meeting was also presently occupied with Plants.

 

And so there was no way to stop Kalian, having entered the Royal Palace of Secritia, from immediately seeking out where Chase was. Nor any way to stop Allan and the Escort Knights of Cyries from following along.

 

—The documents Arianneu had are currently in Lord Hertz’s hands. Unless that becomes known, the people here will have no way of understanding why Mother came to be in such a state.

 

—And what do you intend to do about that?

 

—I would ask that you act on my behalf, Master. While I am with Mother, Crown Prince Chase will finish his private meeting with Debeullan and emerge. Please meet with Debeullan after him. There is much to discuss regarding the Arcane Enclave.

 

Beneath the scolding and the worry passing between them in plain sight, more serious matters moved back and forth between their minds.

 

—If I request that Rachel and Lady Seiren be released and use it to draw things out, will that suffice?

 

—Yes. Lord Hertz has agreed to return here in the meantime. While I am with Mother and you are with Debeullan, Crown Prince Chase and Crown Prince Plants will be proceeding with the next steps.

 

—I will see to it.

 

“In any case, Your Highness’s stubbornness is beyond one expects. Once you have seen the Crown Prince of Secritia, I intend to see to it that you do not move so much as an inch until you are fully recovered, I hope you bear that in mind.”

 

“Yes. Understood.”

 

Kalian had been giving suitable answers to Allan’s unceasing stream of scolding when his feet came to a stop.

 

Not the Mage in the scarlet robe at his side, but a former Master standing before him, wearing the dark grey formal uniform of a Knight.

 

“Lord Kastrin.”

 

“His Highness is in a situation where it is difficult to come outside. He says he will meet you within, as there is no other choice. I will show you in.”

 

“Understood.”

 

Kalian took a step forward. Allan moved to follow behind him. At that, Taillan stepped into Allan’s path and spoke.

 

“Prince Kalian only. I will escort him.”

 

“I am afraid I am currently serving as His Highness’s escort. Separating from him would be difficult. So, what are we to do about that?”

 

“It is not a setting in which only His Highness will be present. I ask for your understanding.”

 

Even admitting Kalian, a Prince of a foreign kingdom, to the room where Louise lay would not ordinarily have been granted easily. Kalian, at least, had Chase’s permission to enter. The others did not.

 

Kalian turned his head and looked at Allan.

 

“Please do not worry about me and go to meet the King of Secritia for a moment. There seems to be some matter to discuss regarding Lady Seiren and Lady Rachel.”

 

Allan, hearing Kalian’s words, looked at Taillan with an expression that suggested he was not at all pleased. Then, he pointed to the two female Knights standing at the front and spoke.

 

“His Highness will at least have the escort of two Knights. I cannot fully trust the people of this country.”

 

Taillan considered briefly, then gave his answer with a nod in Kalian’s stead.

 

“Then so be it.”

 

Thus, that Allan, who had been guarding Kalian so closely, had no choice but to be apart from him for a short while. And that two Knights would stand before Louise alongside Kalian.

 

“I will see you shortly, Master.”

 

“Do be careful, as always.”

 

“Understood.”

 

Having finished his farewell to Allan, Kalian followed Taillan inside.

 

Having entrusted Kalian to his former Master, who had once taught him the sword, Allan lingered briefly in front of the door with an expression of reluctant resignation, then exhaled. He left Kyrie alone outside the door and departed with the other Knights.

 

While Kalian did what he needed to do, Allan had Debeullan to meet.

 

* * *

 

“There have been many surprising things today. I was wondering whether I ought to worry that something had gone amiss in Cyries.”

 

“Worry…”

 

Plants, sensing that Debeullan’s manner of speaking had shifted somewhat, received those words with a nod, betraying nothing. He paused, as though selecting what to say, pursed his lips, and lifted his teacup. Then, as if something had just occurred to him, he stopped mid-motion and set it back down.

 

“I am glad you seem to have the leisure for worry.”

 

“I see no reason why I should lack it.”

 

“There was equally no reason for the King of Secritia to worry about Cyries. You need not be overly concerned, Your Majesty. It is not a matter of some trouble befalling the kingdom, nor a Crown Princeship seized by the sword.”

 

“I see. If it is an untroubled investiture, then I may offer my congratulations in good conscience.”

 

“I would have preferred you first say that I may drink my tea in good conscience.”

 

Louise, mother of Crown Prince Chase, was hovering between life and death.

 

However much this had been a private audience that Plants had requested himself, Debeullan’s composure was excessive. That was why he had shown his caution through action, and confirmed it through words: ‘you seem to have the leisure for it’. And yet Debeullan, setting aside the matter of Louise entirely, was occupied with taking stock of Plants’s situation.

 

“Ah… yes. I neglected to mention that.”

 

“You did.”

 

“I had not realised you were troubled by such things.”

 

[‘Do not touch the tea. Bring up Mother’s matter first. Say that you know. Do not be led by Debeullan’s words, and continue to lead the conversation, Crown Prince Plants.’]

 

“It has become a situation that requires caution in many respects.”

 

“Yes. I suppose it has. I understand.”

 

Debeullan nodded and gestured toward the teacup before Plants, smiling.

 

“I have not tampered with that tea, so do be at ease.”

 

Debeullan said nothing about Louise.

 

And so, Plants did not let his gaze move toward the teacup. He closed his eyes slowly, then opened them again.

 

“What of everything else.”

 

“Everything else… well. Is there anything that could put you fully at ease, whatever I might do? Even so, you are a rare guest, and one never knows when you might come again. I intend to take care in various ways to ensure you stay more comfortably.”

 

“I believe you are looking in the wrong place.”

 

Plants raised his arm slightly and indicated the area near his own waist.

 

“There ought first to be an explanation for why you set this in motion.”

 

“It sounds as though you believe my hand reached the sword that was aimed at you last night.”

 

In short: ‘It does not matter if you reveal your injuries. You may demand accountability. You may show your displeasure.’

 

“Is there anything in Secritia beyond the reach of Your Majesty’s hand?”

 

“Well. I am not one to extend my hand to just anyone.”

 

“It is precisely because of that that I believe Your Majesty’s hand reached me.”

 

In short: ‘I am not so remarkable a person that I would take particular trouble to harm you.’ This was met with ‘I am precisely that remarkable a person, the sort you would take particular trouble to harm.’

 

Debeullan produced a laugh threaded with a small cough.

 

He laughed for some time, the way a person laughs upon hearing something that genuinely amuses him. He then fixed his gaze on Plants. Plants continued.

 

“To be honest, I have been greatly disappointed in Your Majesty.”

 

“In what way have I disappointed you?”

 

“To see that you could not handle a single younger brother of mine, and were instead made use of by people whose identities you do not even know, and then to witness the narrowness of a magnanimity that would offer a poisoned cup to the Royal Consort. How could I not have been disappointed?”

 

Debeullan did not explain that the poisoned tea for Louise had been arranged by Louise herself. Instead, his composure still unmoved, he spoke again.

 

“I am not so perfect a person either, so it cannot be helped. Though, to see you say you are already disappointed in me over a matter of such degree suggests you held me in rather high regard from the beginning… it seems my standing has fallen quite considerably in your eyes.”

 

“It has.”

 

“A thing at once welcome and regrettable to hear. It is welcoming that you held me in such regard and regrettable that you are disappointed I did not reach out to you. I find it difficult to put into a single word. Perhaps it is because there have been so few lately who look at me with such estimation, I ought to have paid rather more attention to more things. Had I known your words would be so welcome and so regrettable. What is one to do…”

 

“I do not believe what has been twisted can be straightened again. I shall remain disappointed in Your Majesty, and Your Majesty shall remain without expectation of me. I will only stay for a short while before returning, so I do not think there is any need to trouble yourself further.”

 

Debeullan readily began to nod, then fell briefly into thought. And with a small smile, he looked at Plants and offered him a question.

 

“You came here alone, so it would seem natural that the way back ought to be the same. What do you think of me attending to that?”

 

“Sure.”

 

One corner of Plants’s mouth rose slightly.

 

He reached out his hand. And lifted again the teacup he had set down untouched a moment before, drawing one long sip.

 

“But whether you will be able to attend to it…”

 

Without a sound, Plants returned the cup to its place and rose from his seat.

 

“I am weary. I shall take my leave.”

 

The conversation ended here.

 

Just as before without asking permission to take his leave, he offered his farewell, turned, and walked out with steady unhurried steps.

 

[I know the method of wagering my own life to take yours… as did your other son, Your Majesty.]

 

Debeullan, who had been watching the door to his study close slowly, let his gaze drop slightly. A long smile settled across his face as he turned over Louise’s words in his mind.

 

* * *

 

Louise’s colour was poor.

 

She lay on the bed with a pale face. However, the curtain that might have shielded her from Kalian’s sight had not been drawn.

 

Kalian moved slowly forward and came to stand before Louise.

 

“I told you to go back. Kalian.”

 

Chase, who had been sitting at Louise’s side with her hand in his and his head bowed, spoke in a dry voice. Without another word, Kalian looked down at Louise’s face for a brief moment then turned his head.

 

“Hina.”

 

One of the two Escort Knights who had followed Kalian inside gave a nod and stepped forward.

 

With the first step, she shrank by about a hand’s span in height. With the second, her long dark brown hair turned silver. With the third, her frame diminished, and with the fourth, her sun-darkened skin turned pale. Before long, Hina had returned to her usual appearance. Those large, dark eyes returned and came to stand at Kalian’s side.

 

Hina, standing beside Kalian and looking at Louise, reached out her arm. But the direction was not toward Louise, it was toward Kalian.

 

Hina quietly took hold of Kalian’s wrist.

 

Kalian, who knew precisely what she was doing, did not pull away. Shortly after, Hina did the same to Louise, then withdrew her hands.

 

‘The kind Prince is worse.’

 

Those were words Chase and Taillan would not understand.

 

Kalian raised his hand and, very slowly, formed clumsy sign language.

 

‘I am fine.’

 

‘I want to heal the kind Prince first.’

 

‘I will rest and, recover.’

 

‘Is this person important? The Prince’s condition is much, much worse. How are you walking around when this injured?’

 

He was scolded.

 

Kalian thought for a brief moment, then opened his mouth.

 

“Hina. I know it will be difficult to understand right away, but she is… someone like a mother to me. So.”

 

Hina looked at Kalian.

 

Without the least surprise at the notion that a Royal Consort of a foreign kingdom was someone like his mother, her large eyes were filled instead with a quiet stubbornness entirely her own. Hina moved her hands again.

 

‘You came here, injured. Yet with someone like that, waiting? If this person finds out, she will feel even worse than being treated in your place.’

 

Scolded again, and more thoroughly this time.

 

Hina reached out once more and took hold of Kalian again. Then she sat him down in the chair Taillan had brought over.

 

‘Don’t move.’

 

Words he could understand.

 

‘Else, I really will beat you.’

 

And words he still could not.

 

Asking nothing more, Hina finished speaking and her two small hands came to rest, one each, on Louise and on Kalian.

 

Soon, the warmth of a spring afternoon settled into those two small hands.