Chapter 177 - 2‐59
The next day, Louis-sama and I bid farewell to the dark spirits. While being urged by Nel-sama to hurry, I stood beside Louis-sama in the Temple, holding Kuro, just as we had when we first arrived. The moment Nel-sama waved his staff, we found ourselves standing in the guest room in the Kingdom of Orta.
“Louis-sama, we’re back.”
“Yeah. The view from the window is definitely Orta.”
Peering out the window, I saw that the blue sky of early morning in the Spirit Land had changed to a cloudy darkness where the moon was hidden.
“We were staying here until just recently, but it feels like a lifetime ago.”
“It does. A lot has happened.”
I nodded at Louis-sama’s wry smile.
“By the way, is today really the day I fell from the cliff? It seems remarkably quiet for that. There are no knights or anyone else around.”
Louis-sama looked around the spacious room, seemingly suspicious that no one else was there.
“At that time, the mages of Orta were doing everything they could, but they thought you might not be saved. So, they left the two of us alone. That was when Nel-sama appeared.”
“...I see.”
With an unreadable expression, Louis-sama stared silently at the empty bed.
A lot of time has passed since that day. I thought I was fine now, but remembering that moment still terrifies me.
Knock, knock.
“Rachel-jou, may I come in?”
“Ah, yes! Please do.”
Theodore-sama’s voice came from the other side of the door. Louis-sama was the first to move.
When Louis-sama opened the door, Theodore-sama stood there in a daze, his eyes wide as if they might fall out of his head.
“You look like you’re seeing a ghost. Look closely. I’m quite alive,” Louis said.
“Louis? What... how... what is going on?”
Ignoring the bewildered Theodore-sama, Louis-sama happily placed his hands on Theodore-sama’s shoulders.
“Ah, we were together until yesterday, but somehow this feels nostalgic. I wonder if you’re different here than you were over there, Theodore. Seeing you makes me feel at ease.”
“...Huh? Did you lose your mind because you almost died? I mean, you were supposed to be at death’s door, right?”
Theodore-sama looked to me for help, unable to grasp the situation, his face a mix of panic and joy.
“Theodore-sama, we will explain everything before the others arrive.”
We invited Theodore-sama into the room and explained the sequence of events while sitting on the sofa. Theodore-sama was stunned and found it hard to believe, but seeing Louis-sama’s completely healed wounds and his energetic state without any aftereffects, he had no choice but to accept it.
“Okay, I see. I have a lot more to ask, but I think I get the gist. In other words, we need to explain to everyone how you went from dying to perfectly healthy in an instant.”
When I nodded, Theodore-sama held his head and let out a long sigh.
“I see. In that case, will you leave this to me?”
“Is that alright?”
“Of course. I’m good at this sort of thing.”
Theodore-sama gave a sharp grin and a wink. True to his word, he proceeded to convince everyone around him with ease.
After consulting with Theodore-sama, we invited Prince Ricardo and Prince Isaac into the room. Prince Ricardo’s face was still pale, and he listened to Theodore-sama’s explanation with a serious expression, never once interrupting. Once the explanation was finished, Prince Ricardo finally relaxed his tense cheeks slightly and blinked several times.
“Ah, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. I am truly glad. To be honest, it still feels like I’m dreaming.”
“I can’t believe it... Did the Dark Spirit King really... truly appear?”
Our visit to the Spirit Land and the existence of the parallel world were, of course, kept secret. Therefore, the story was that Louis-sama had been saved because the Dark Spirit King had answered my prayers.
“Y-yes. It was only for a moment, and it would be a major incident if it became known that the Dark Spirit King appeared, so we would appreciate it if you could keep it as quiet as possible.”
Unlike Theodore-sama and Louis-sama, who were explaining things smoothly according to the cover story, I couldn't quite hide my awkwardness. Louis-sama placed his hand on my shoulder as if to support me.
“I also do not wish to make the incident itself public. I heard that the only ones who know I fell and was on the verge of death are my knights from Dutoit, the doctors of Orta, and the mages of the Magic Tower.”
“Yes. Since there were many witnesses to Your Royal Highness’s accident, I believe word of it has spread. However, not many know that the injuries were life-threatening.”
“Then, I am sorry to ask this, but please ensure those who know are sworn to secrecy. And please spread the word that this incident was an accident where I simply lost my footing.”
Prince Ricardo frowned at Louis-sama’s words.
“While that would be helpful for us, are you sure? I believe we could gather evidence and easily hold my mother, the perpetrator, accountable for her crimes.”
But Louis-sama shook his head at Prince Ricardo’s words. It would certainly be possible to denounce the Queen of Orta for her intentional attack with Prince Ricardo’s cooperation. However, Louis-sama chose a different path.
“No, I do not wish to do that right now. However, since things have turned out this way, it would be helpful if I could extend my stay here on the grounds of my recovery.”
“Of course, that is no problem. We will provide everything you need. Please do not hesitate to ask for anything.”
“You have my thanks.”
Prince Isaac, who was listening beside Prince Ricardo, also placed a hand on his chin and frowned.
“But why...?”
“Rachel is also in the middle of learning dark magic from Prince Ricardo. And above all, I do not wish to damage the friendly relations with the Kingdom of Orta. After all, I can finally see a future where I can work together with Prince Ricardo. I do not wish to cause chaos while Prince Ricardo’s foundation is not yet solid.”
Seeing Louis-sama’s faint smile, Prince Ricardo and Prince Isaac must have seen him as a devoted Crown Prince of a neighboring country who only cared for the future of both nations. As proof, they were deeply moved and thanked Louis-sama. However, Theodore-sama, who was turning away to hide his amused grin, seemed to see right through Louis-sama’s acting. I stepped in front of Theodore-sama to hide him as he looked like he was about to burst out laughing.
♦
Theodore-sama, who had been busy dealing with various parties on behalf of His Highness—who couldn't leave the guest room on the pretext of recuperating—finally settled down and came to visit Louis-sama, making no effort to hide his dissatisfaction.
“So, what’s the real reason?”
Theodore-sama asked Louis-sama bluntly, barely offering a greeting to us as we sat across the table drinking tea.
“We haven't seen each other for a few days, and this is the first thing you say?”
“I’ve been run ragged because of you, with no time to rest.”
“My apologies for that.”
“So, tell me the real reason you let the Queen of Orta off the hook. After putting on such a blatant performance.”
Theodore-sama flopped onto the sofa, leaning forward with his elbow on the armrest. Louis-sama gave a wry smile and took a sip from his cup.
“...I want the Queen of Orta to remain free for a little longer.”
“Hah... I figured. I thought it might be something like that.”
Theodore-sama leaned back into the sofa as if the tension had left him and let out a long sigh.
“You seem to have suspicions about your mother, but do you think she’s connected to the Kingdom of Orta?”
When we explained things to Theodore-sama the other day, we told him about the role of the Room of Space-Time and the condition for saving Louis-sama—that Louis-sama had been unable to leave the parallel world. I hadn't spoken about my previous life, but I had explained in detail, as far as I could, about my death in that world and the suspicious points surrounding it. In the parallel world and this world, life can change greatly with a slight difference, but there are also many cases where the same fate is followed. That was why there was no denying the possibility that those involved in the incident where I was assassinated might take suspicious actions in this world as well. And the one Louis-sama was currently most suspicious of was his own mother, the Queen.
“Yeah. With the incident involving Katrina-jou, the Higgins Marquis family has weakened, and since Rachel has become the Dark Saint, there should be no issues obstructing our marriage. However, given the events of the other world, I want to pluck out all the seeds of doubt.”
“In the first place, why was Lady Queen so keen on recommending the engagement with Katrina-sama?”
“That is also a mystery to me. Originally, my engagement to Rachel was a result of His Majesty readily agreeing to my request. It’s true that Katrina Higgins, the other candidate, was a favorite of my mother’s.”
I used to meet the Queen during my bridal training, but unlike Madam Higgins, she never showed a cold reaction. On the contrary, she seemed kind, worrying about my relationship with Louis-sama and inviting me to tea.
In my previous life, once I started attending the academy and my relationship with Louis-sama became irreparable, the invitations from the Queen also decreased. Thinking back, it was around that time that Katrina-sama began to mention the Queen’s name more often.
But why Katrina-sama? If she wanted to solidify the foundation of Louis-sama’s reign in the Kingdom of Dutoit, it would be normal to push for Anna-san, the first Saint of Light to appear in three hundred years. I’m sure the public would have wanted that as well.
“...The most likely reason is to increase the Kingdom of Orta’s influence in the Kingdom of Dutoit, right?”
“Why would the Kingdom of Orta’s influence increase if Katrina-sama became the consort?”
At my question, Theodore-sama spoke up.
“The former Marquis Higgins wanted power more than anything. That type would do anything to make his daughter the future Queen. In fact, he seems to have done quite a few shady things. Although it didn't lead to an indictment, there were suspicions of his involvement in drug trafficking. Also, the reason Madam Higgins and the Queen were close was apparently because a relative of the Madam married into the Kingdom of Orta. ...It’s possible the Queen is involved behind the scenes.”
I was speechless with shock at the words 'drug trafficking.' I knew the former Marquis Higgins had retired, but to think that he might be involved in drug trafficking, a serious crime even for a noble.
“I share Theodore’s view.”
“If the Higgins Marquis family gains power, the Queen’s influence also increases. That would make it easier for the Kingdom of Orta to intervene, wouldn't it?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
Hearing that, I suddenly remembered Katrina-sama. The expression of hatred she showed toward me, Louis-sama’s fiancée, and her obsession that led her to escape from the monastery. All of it felt like madness. If that wasn't just Katrina-sama’s own feelings, but something she had been led to believe by those around her... that would be a tragic thing.
“Perhaps, originally, Louis-sama’s fiancée was supposed to be Katrina-sama. If so, it makes sense why she was so fixated on the position of his fiancée. Maybe the plan went awry because I became the fiancée instead.”
Madam Higgins, who had been so kind, changed her attitude the moment I became His Highness’s fiancée. Katrina-sama, who had been close enough to be called my best friend when we were young, had tried to attack me with a blade. All of it must have been because I was in the way.
“Rachel, you used to visit the Higgins Marquis house often, didn't you? Was there anything you thought was strange?”
I thought deeply about Louis-sama’s question. It had been several years since I last visited the Higgins house. Still, combining those days with the ones from my previous life, I searched through my many memories. As I wondered if there was anything, the cup on the table caught my eye. The cup, decorated with small yellow flowers, contained reddish-brown tea.
“Come to think of it... the sweet tea.”
Louis-sama tilted his head at my murmur.
“Tea?”
“Yes. Whenever I went to the Higgins house, they would serve a sweet, honey-flavored tea. They would occasionally send it to me even while we were distant, but I stopped drinking it after I lost my magic.”
Since I had visited often since I was young, I had taken that tea for granted. I wondered where those tea leaves were from. The taste reminded me of thick honey with a soft floral scent. It was a flavor I couldn't forget once I’d tasted it, and it was my favorite tea. I remembered asking them to order the same tea leaves for me, but they had refused, saying they were rare. Instead, they would share some with me whenever they ordered them.
“What about that tea?”
“No... it’s not that there’s anything specific. I just wondered what it was.”
“There’s something bothering you, isn't there? Let’s ask Alberic. He’ll likely know more about it.”
If Prince Alberic investigated, I’m sure he would find out soon. I heard he is knowledgeable not only about medicinal herbs but also about tea leaves. But I couldn't just nod easily when he said that. Prince Alberic is a very busy person. It would be presumptuous of me to have him specifically investigate something I just happened to remember.
“But it might not be related to anything.”
“It’s fine. If it’s nothing, then that’s for the best. In fact, that would be much better. ...But I want you to tell me anything you noticed or any inconsistencies you felt, Rachel. I want to eliminate anything that might pose a threat to you.”
His bright gaze made my cheeks turn red. In times like this, the trust Louis-sama placed in me made me very happy.
“Louis-sama...”
Louis-sama’s smile deepened at my murmur. His large hand covered mine as it rested on the table. I felt like I was being drawn into his peaceful eyes and couldn't look away. Just then, a dry cough broke the atmosphere, and I snapped out of it. Theodore-sama was there, resting his chin on his palm with a weary, dry smile.
“Alright, alright, let’s leave the sweet atmosphere at that. Let’s organize what each of us needs to do from here.”
Theodore-sama uncrossed his legs and sat up, looking at us with a serious expression. His usual flighty air had vanished, replaced by his work mode, and Louis-sama and I also straightened our posture.
“First, Louis won’t be able to move from this room for a while, so he’ll take command from here.”
“Yeah, understood.”
“You’re not very familiar with the sibling relationship between the King of Orta and your mother, are you, Louis?”
“That’s right. I’ve never heard anything about the King from my mother. In the first place, she doesn't like talking about the Kingdom of Orta. ...Well, I don’t exactly have the kind of relationship where I have small talk with my mother, and Alberic or my other siblings might know more than I do. Also, while the King of Orta is my uncle, I have no personal relationship with him.”
If the Queen’s goal was to increase the Kingdom of Orta’s influence in the Kingdom of Dutoit, the King of Orta must be behind it. I heard the King of Orta is a difficult man. Prince Ricardo told me that the reason he hasn't decided on a successor even as the struggle between his sons accelerates is because he fears his own power will weaken. If that’s true, it makes me feel unpleasant to think how selfish he is as a King and a father.
“So Louis doesn't know about the sibling relationship between the King of Orta and the Queen. Then, Rachel-jou.”
“Ah, yes!”
“Can you look into the sibling relationship between the King of Orta and Louis’s mother through the nobles of this country? If you have the chance, also look into the rumors surrounding the Queen of Orta.”
“Yes, understood. I’ve been invited to a tea party, so I’ll try to bring it up naturally and ask.”
Theodore-sama narrowed his eyes and smiled when I nodded.
“If they get suspicious, they’ll be on their guard, so please know when to pull back.”
“...Understood. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Haha, don’t be too tense about it.”
Knowing when to pull back. It was true that investigating this matter could, if handled poorly, create a rift between the Kingdom of Orta and the Kingdom of Dutoit, potentially leading the two neighbors back into a cold war. With other nearby countries gaining power, it would be a loss for both nations if they were to become antagonistic now.
“And I’ll look into Madam Higgins’s relatives in the Kingdom of Orta. How does that sound?”
Theodore-sama looked up at Louis-sama for agreement. Louis-sama crossed his arms and looked as if he was thinking with a sharp gaze before nodding.
“Yeah, no problem. Sorry for the burden, since I can’t move personally.”
“It can’t be helped. Besides, there’s a high possibility that the problems in the parallel world you mentioned exist in this world as well. As long as the safety of both countries and Rachel-jou isn't guaranteed, we have no choice but to act just in case.”
“Well, as long as I’m here, I won’t let Rachel get so much as a scratch.”
Theodore-sama let out a deep sigh as I felt my heart throb at Louis-sama’s reliable words.
“Yes, yes. More importantly, don’t go rushing off recklessly again. You two make me worry too much.”
“That’s... true. I’ve learned that nothing can be done if I’m not alive. I won’t try to handle everything alone anymore.”
“...I’m glad to hear that.”
Theodore-sama smiled like a kind older brother at Louis-sama, who scratched his cheek while awkwardly looking away. When Louis-sama was on the brink of death, Theodore-sama’s sadness and indignation had left a strong impression on me. I’m sure Theodore-sama is always watching over us, sometimes from nearby and sometimes from afar. We tend to think that acting in silence to avoid causing worry is for the other person’s sake. But Louis-sama himself learned that because someone worries about you, it’s also important to rely on them, sometimes reveal your weaknesses, and face problems together. I was truly glad that the days when Theodore-sama and Louis-sama could share peaceful smiles were not lost. I felt that from the bottom of my heart. But it was Theodore-sama who changed the atmosphere by shouting “Ah!” as if he had remembered something.
“Crap, I forgot.”
“What is it all of a sudden?”
“...Here. Something for you, Louis.”
With that, Theodore-sama took out what looked like a letter from his chest pocket. Louis-sama looked puzzled as he took it and checked the sender.
“What’s this? It’s from Cyril.”
“It apparently arrived by express messenger today, so maybe it’s urgent?”
“...If it’s such an important letter, give it to me sooner.”
“Haha, my bad, my bad. Come on, read what’s in it.”
Louis-sama hurriedly opened the seal with a paper knife from the desk and scanned the letter with a serious expression. But as his expression grew increasingly grim, I began to worry that it might be something serious.
“What?!”
“Is something wrong?”
The moment he turned the first page and looked at the second sheet of stationery, Louis-sama’s eyes widened in shock.
“Hey, Louis. What’s written in there?”
Theodore-sama rushed to Louis-sama’s side and put his arm around Louis-sama’s shoulder as he sat in the chair.
“Yeah. It seems... my mother is heading to the Kingdom of Orta.”
At Louis-sama’s words, Theodore-sama and I both caught our breath.
“Lady Queen is... why?”
“It seems an investigation team is being dispatched from the Kingdom of Dutoit regarding my accident, and my mother... apparently volunteered to accompany them.”
It made sense that an investigation team would be dispatched if the Crown Prince of a country had an accident during a foreign visit. But for the Queen herself to come with the team—both Louis-sama and Theodore-sama must have thought it was an extraordinary situation. In the silent room, Theodore-sama was the first to move.
“...I’ll go look into it.”
“Yeah, please.”
The two of them nodded at each other with few words. Then, without saying anything more, Theodore-sama turned on his heel and left the room.
A heavy silence once again filled the room after Theodore-sama left. Louis-sama, his brow furrowed and his face grim, pressed the bridge of his nose with his eyes closed.
Why is the Queen...?
I didn't have the answer to that question. However, there was only one thing I could think of.
“Could it be... because she’s worried about you, Louis-sama?”
“Worried? My mother? About me? No way. She’s the kind of person who wouldn't even visit me if I had a fever.”
Louis-sama shook his head with a scoff at my murmur.
“My mother is from the Kingdom of Orta, but she has only returned here for official visits since she married into Dutoit. And only twice at that. Those two times were for the deaths of the previous King and the Queen Dowager. We’ve informed the Kingdom of Dutoit that I was injured but that it would take about three weeks for a full recovery and that my life is not in danger. ...It’s hardly a situation where my mother would come.”
“Then why?”
“If it’s just a whim, that’s fine. But if... it means something has started moving.”
I don’t know what Louis-sama saw in the world I was originally from. But he seemed to have a suspicion bordering on certainty that the Queen was involved in the cause of my death, and now she was appearing at this timing.
A cold sweat broke out at the bad premonition.
“...I hope it’s nothing.”