Chapter 131 - 2-13
The festival opened with great splendor and excitement. On this first day, the town had been bustling since noon, and even now that night had fallen, the lights remained bright, and the air was filled with the joyful laughter of the people.
At the royal palace, a magnificent ball was underway for the royalty and nobility invited from Orta and neighboring countries. The brilliance was dazzling, a physical manifestation of the passion behind this celebration.
When Louis-sama and I greeted the royal couple, the King nodded with a satisfied, pleasant air. Beside him, the Queen smiled, looking so beautiful it was hard to believe she had three grown sons.
"Ever since the rumors of the Dark Saint reached us, this country has talked of nothing else. You are very popular here. So, how is the Kingdom of Orta? Have you experienced any inconveniences?"
"Thank you, Lady Queen. Everyone has been very kind, and I am most grateful."
Standing alongside the King and Queen were the three princes: Faust, Ricardo, and Isaac. Prince Isaac looked bored, while Prince Ricardo maintained his unwavering smile. At my words, the Queen's eyes twitched almost imperceptibly before her smile deepened.
"I am glad to hear it. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to call upon Faust. After His Majesty, Faust knows this country best."
"Indeed, Saint. I shall be your strength at any time."
Prince Faust stepped forward, offering a friendly smile that differed from our encounter this morning. However, the glance he shot toward Prince Ricardo was laced with a thinly veiled sense of superiority, making it impossible to take his kindness at face value.
Beside me, Louis-sama spoke up as I offered a noncommittal smile.
"Orta has such reliable princes; the future seems bright. Prince Isaac's swordsmanship is famous even in our country. And above all, Prince Ricardo is exceptionally knowledgeable. He is surely an indispensable figure for this nation's development."
"Eh? What are you..."
Ah. Louis-sama is intentionally praising Prince Ricardo and Prince Isaac right now.
Despite noticing the Queen's slight frown at his words, Louis-sama added, "And, of course, for our future friendship between our nations."
Hearing such high praise from a neighboring Crown Prince, the surrounding nobles began whispering among themselves. Many would likely conclude that Louis-sama held Prince Ricardo in high regard based on this interaction alone.
"We are the ones who are grateful for your friendship with the Crown Prince and the daughter of Marquis Marcel."
Prince Ricardo stepped in to diffuse the mounting tension. His voice was clear and resonant, and his gentle demeanor stood out as an anomaly in the prickly atmosphere. However, the Queen did not seem to appreciate his intervention. Her expression, previously warm toward Prince Faust, turned icy as she glared at Prince Ricardo.
"Ricardo, you are being rude. Step back."
"My apologies, Mother."
Though her fan obscured her face, it was impossible to claim their relationship was good. Prince Ricardo maintained his smile, but his swift apology suggested a hidden exasperation.
Louis-sama's eyes were definitely not smiling. This was hardly the behavior one expected when facing a neighboring Crown Prince. For a Queen to air family grievances so openly... and for the King to remain a silent observer...
Prince Isaac closed his eyes and shook his head slightly. The Queen, oblivious or indifferent, turned back to me.
"Ah, Lady Rachel. You will be attending tomorrow's tea party, won't you? Everyone is looking forward to speaking with you."
"Yes, of course."
Despite my answer, the thought of tomorrow's tea party already gave me a headache.
On the second day, a hunt was scheduled in the forest adjacent to the palace. Regardless of whether they intended to hunt, both men and women were expected to attend in riding attire. Since many noblewomen disliked the hunt, they would hold a tea party under a tent until the participants returned. The Queen was the host.
Thinking that this atmosphere would continue tomorrow made me let out a heavy internal sigh. And as it turned out, my premonition was correct, leaving me feeling even more depressed the next day.
♢
"We couldn't talk much yesterday, could we? I wanted to have a proper chat with you."
As expected, after some general socializing with the ladies the next day, the Queen invited me for a stroll through the garden. Walking half a step behind her as she moved gracefully under her parasol, I struggled to hide my weariness at the disjointed conversation.
"I heard you've become close with my son, Ricardo, so I thought I should ask you about that."
"Prince Ricardo has been very mindful of me on my first visit, for which I am truly grateful. He has been very kind in teaching me about this country."
"My, well, that doesn't necessarily have to be Ricardo, does it? I would be happy if you became close with Faust from now on. He has been raised since birth to stand above others, so I'm sure he can tell you much more about this land."
It had been like this the whole time. Even at the tea party, the ladies—likely taking their cue from the Queen—talked of nothing but Prince Faust. They droned on about how excellent he was and how suited he was to be Crown Prince. The Queen listened with a satisfied expression. Unnaturally, no one mentioned Prince Ricardo, as if doing so would sour the Queen's mood.
"It's troublesome... the fact that you, the Dark Saint, are close with Ricardo."
"I wonder why. From my perspective, Prince Ricardo is an exceptionally talented and wonderful person. My fiancé, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, also believes that Prince Ricardo's character ensures a bright future for the relationship between Dutoit and Orta."
"...What did you say?"
She looked as if she couldn't believe I had dared to disagree.
The Queen turned around, her face hardening as her hands began to tremble. She took a step toward me.
But just before she could speak, the sound of brisk footsteps approached from ahead.
"Louis-sama..."
At my voice, Louis-sama offered a soft, gentle smile. He stepped between the Queen and me, shielding me, and gave the Queen a polite greeting. The Queen looked conflicted, unsure where to direct her anger now that a third party had appeared.
"Lady Queen, may I take my fiancée with me?"
"...Yes, go ahead. Our talk was finished anyway."
Louis-sama's tone was soft yet firm, leaving no room for argument. The Queen lost her momentum and turned away, heading back toward the tents with her maid.
Once she was out of earshot, I finally let out a breath of relief. Louis-sama watched me gently, and as if sensing what had happened, he lightly patted my head. "Good work."
"Louis-sama, what is it? The hunt?"
"Ah, it's mostly finished. So, I came to invite Rachel."
"Invite me? Where?"
"Would you like to go for a ride? I was lent a very fine horse. She's gentle and clever. I found a place with a beautiful view, and I wanted to see it with you."
Louis-sama's expression, as refreshing as today's clear blue sky, instantly brightened my mood. The gloomy feelings from moments ago evaporated, and a smile tugged at my lips. "Yes," I replied, my voice brighter and louder than I expected. Louis-sama blinked in surprise before his shoulders shook with a chuckle. "Well then, shall we?" he said, holding out his hand.
I took his hand without hesitation and walked forward with him, never once looking back.
That was why I didn't notice.
I didn't notice the suspicious aura emanating from behind us.
"...That girl is a nuisance. I must take action before she becomes a problem."
I heard neither the whispered words nor felt the sharp, glaring gaze following us from afar.