kscans

Chapter 7 - His Majesty the King's Little Person

"It can’t be..."

"It is the truth."

In an elegantly appointed room, His Royal Highness Romel, the King’s brother, sat on a sofa. Standing behind him was Harold, the Commander of the Knights. Across the marble table sat His Majesty the King. He had dark blond hair and golden eyes the color of ochre. Every bit the king in appearance, his face was filled with astonishment as he listened to Romel’s story. Romel, correctly predicting that the Little Person would cause another stir soon after the incident in the castle town, had sought an audience with the King, armed with all the information he had gathered so far.

And having heard the whole story, the King’s eyes widened.

"To think a child of the royal family was subjected to such a thing. Whose child is she? We must issue a stern warning."

Please listen to what I’m saying, brother.

Romel inwardly cursed the King, who was muttering in a daze.

"As I said, she was nearly killed. The father will not come forward. In fact, he might try to kill her again to conceal the truth."

The royals living in the palace are in a weak position. Those with the golden luminescence can be granted status and official duties, but the vast majority have looks that don’t even come close to gold, just like Romel. The golden luminescence is rare even among the direct royal line. Besides his older brother, only the sixth brother has blond hair. It’s that uncommon.

That’s why there are some who would not welcome their child possessing the golden luminescence. Among my brother’s current children, only the Second Prince is blond. As a baby, his hair was a light blond, but as he grew, it became a dark blond, much like my brother’s.

Now, imagine introducing Chihiro with her platinum blonde hair into that situation. It could very well lead to a succession dispute that would split the royal family in two. What’s more, she has been acknowledged by the Forest Master. I have kept this from my brother, but it will surely come to light eventually.

It’s understandable that a secluded royal, fearing this, would try to get rid of her. If they were ambitious, they might even consider replacing my brother, but there shouldn’t be any fool among the current royals who would want to start a civil war in this peaceful and prosperous Frontier. Even so, there was no need to kill her. If they had consulted us, we could have arranged for my brother to secretly adopt her, or found some other solution. Whoever it was, they were far too shortsighted.

"We must take her under royal protection immediately. Make the arrangements, Romel."

"I cannot."

"...What?"

The King looked at Romel, whose weary eyes were fixed on him, with a perplexed expression.

"She is currently the official daughter of Baron Giorge. This is a legitimate relationship recognized by the state. Not even Your Majesty the King can overturn it."

"Then, as my adopted child..."

"That is also not possible. He dotes on her very much. Without the Baron’s consent, she cannot be adopted. I doubt he would agree."

As Romel stated the facts calmly, it was not the King who interrupted, but the aide standing beside him.

"That is disrespectful. As a noble serving the country, should he not gladly comply with the King’s wishes?"

The aide, his face pale, glared at Romel.

This guy... was he the chancellor’s son? Dakken, was that his name, I think.

Romel let out an obvious sigh at Dakken, who was smirking defiantly.

"If a king’s tyranny were to prevail in all matters, what purpose would the law serve? It exists to protect the people from such injustice. Status and station are not for showing off. What kind of noble fails to protect the rights of those below them? Shame on you!!"

Shouted at by Romel, Dakken flinched. The King, looking at his brother who was seething with unconcealed rage, gave a small nod.

"You are right. That was a misstatement on my part."

"Our country is a nation of laws. Even Your Majesty the King is equal under them. For us to violate the most basic human right of parent and child is unacceptable. On the contrary, we must protect it."

"Then what should we do? We cannot leave things as they are."

After a moment of thought, Romel looked at his brother.

"How about the King and Queen become her guardians as foster parents?"

Romel’s words prompted an immediate, excessive reaction.

"Foolishness!!"

Once again, that idiot Dakken, who can’t read the room, interjected.

Foster parenthood was a system that also existed in the Middle Ages on Earth. It was a declaration of being a person’s guardian, carrying the same duties and responsibilities as a real parent. Few would take on this role, which involved only duties and no rights. It was all duties and responsibilities. There was no benefit to it, and unless one thought of the child as their own, no one would likely accept. Moreover, one could have any number of foster parents. Having multiple parents would undoubtedly be reassuring.

"What is so foolish? If you wish to be her parent, isn’t this convenient? You can watch over her, and you can exercise the King’s authority. It resolves everything neatly, doesn’t it?"

"That’s true, it’s not a bad idea. Protecting a child of the royal family is the top priority. That fundamental goal is achieved."

Dakken turned to the convinced King and continued, as if deeply offended.

"What are you saying?! I am speaking for Your Majesty’s sake... As a foster parent, you would have no rights whatsoever!"

"Be silent, Dakken. Since when did you become so great as to voice your opinion to His Majesty? You are the one who should know his place. To defy His Majesty’s wishes is outrageous."

Romel sneered with a smug look. His own words turned back on him as revenge, Dakken’s face flushed bright red.

Though a secluded royal, Romel had established his position as the King’s right-hand man through his own talent and effort. In terms of position, he was the head aide, but as a blood relative and the King’s brother, his voice carried more weight than the chancellor’s.

The cunning and craftiness of this man who had climbed to the top of the palace hierarchy on his own were exceptional, and a young upstart like Dakken was no match for him.

And so, in a secret meeting, the Little Person’s fate was decided.

"Foster parents?"

The baron and his daughter heard the results of the meeting.

The Little Person tilted her head, and Drago let out an undisguised sigh of relief.

"Good. Chihiro is mine. I will never let her go. You don’t have to get married, you can live with your papa forever."

The half-crying bear of a father hugged Chihiro tightly.

Well, as a daughter, I’m not sure about that.

Though perplexed, Chihiro found his affection endearing and ticklish, and she snuggled her cheek against Drago’s beard.

Romel watched the doting-parent theater unfold before him with a weary gaze and a wry smile.

"Well, because of that, there will be a formal contract and an audience in a few days. I’m counting on you. ...Also, I will be a foster parent too. Chihiro, you are to call me Papa-sama."

"Heh?"

"What??"

The baron and his daughter’s eyes widened in unison.

It’s strange how they resemble each other despite not being related by blood. Nurture over nature, as they say.

In Romel’s view, as he let out a small chuckle, was the Little Person shouting "No way!" at Drago, who was shouting for her to call him Papa-sama.

With matters heading toward a resolution, the day of the audience arrived.

"My lady, you look adorable."

"Like a fairy. It brings out your golden luminescence."

Chihiro twirled in front of the mirror.

Uwah... I look like an idol from the Showa era.

She wore a white, knee-length dress. The neckline was covered in sheer lace, and the overall shape was fluffy. A sash was tied at her waist, giving her a waistline despite her straight figure. From there, a skirt with many layers of petticoats flared out fluffily. The sash and accent color were powder orange. A golden apple dangled at her neck. An orange ribbon was also tied in her hair, which was still just past her shoulders, adding a touch of color.

"Are you ready?"

"Papa, am I cute?"

Chihiro swayed her body and lightly pinched the skirt, which had a fine orange floral pattern.

Drago was speechless.

Cute doesn’t even begin to describe it. A fairy? No, an angel? Was my child an angel all along???

This took all of 0.5 seconds.

Chihiro looked up at the frozen Drago with a radiant smile.

"You look handsome too, Papa! Just like a real nobleman!"

He is a nobleman, not just like one, my lady.

Naya and Sasha watched with lukewarm gazes.

It should come as no surprise that after this, Drago once again picked up the Little Person and threw a tantrum about not going to the palace.