kscans

Chapter 18 - The Royal Palace, the Honeybees, and Little One, Part Two

"Vifel, you say."

Here in Romel’s office, in the private space at the back, the Little One nodded as she sipped her tea.

"He seems to think I stole a monster or something. What’s going on?"

Romel touched his lips for a moment and glanced at Chihiro.

"He’s both right and wrong… I suppose."

The Little One blinked her eyes rapidly. Romel began to explain what had happened since Chihiro’s memory returned. Apparently, Pochiko-san had stayed by Fatima’s side until she received her Baptism. Not all the time, but she would occasionally visit, as if on a whim. However, since Fatima had been granted a room in the royal palace instead of the rear palace, the bee hadn't shown up at all. Instead, rumors reached Fatima’s circle that it was following Drago’s children and flying through the sky. She was deeply saddened and cried for a while. The honeybee had only ever shown up occasionally, but it was a monster that had been by her side since she could remember. The palace had no idea why it had stopped visiting. Romel explained that this had likely led to Vifel and the others’ reckless actions.

"Well, for Pochiko-san, she was probably just watching over the child who used to be Chihiro. But from their perspective, a monster that was fond of them suddenly disappeared. It’s a misunderstanding, a difference in perception."

Vifel had been appointed as Fatima’s aide for seven years. He had apparently been serving Fatima for several years before Pochiko-san disappeared and had watched her grieve. After graduating from the academy, he immediately became Fatima’s aide, and there must have been something smoldering in his young heart. He had apparently pleaded with His Majesty the King, but when it came to the Drago family, everyone was hesitant and wouldn’t listen. Vifel, who had been gritting his teeth for a long time, had his anger explode when he saw the Little One at the baptismal ceremony.

"So that’s how it is..... I see."

"They don’t know that you’re Pochiko-san’s real master, and we can’t tell them. There’s nothing we can do."

The previous matter of monster ownership was apparently not an issue, as the king’s decree was still in effect. However, they believed that the honeybee that had originally visited Fatima had been stolen by Chihiro.

"Then, the solution is simple."

The Little One grinned. Romel, who seemed to have guessed her intention, gave a faint smile.

"That commoner has requested an audience?"

Vifel roughly tore open the envelope he was handed and read the letter inside. It stated that the sender wished to have an audience with Lady Fatima, bringing the honeybees with her.

"What a brazen thief. What is she planning?"

Though suspicious, Vifel pictured the princess who sometimes strolled through the garden, searching for the honeybee. She’s searching so desperately..... If only for a glimpse.

With an extremely displeased expression, Vifel wrote a reply. He informed Fatima, who was delighted and said she wanted to see them as soon as tomorrow, so he scheduled the audience for the following afternoon. After receiving the reply, the Little One set off for the royal palace with about five honeybees in tow. As the Little One was always wandering around the royal palace, the gatekeepers gave her a free pass. She stepped inside as usual. There, Vifel, who had apparently come out to meet her, stood dumbfounded with an attendant.

"Why?"

"Yes?"

The Little One tilted her head, not understanding the question. Vifel looked back and forth between the Little One and the gatekeeper several times. Just then, one of Romel’s aides happened to pass by.

"Ah, perfect timing. Countess Georges, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you regarding the settlement with Flowers....."

He held a stack of documents and rustled through them, searching for the one he needed.

"Wait, wait, I have an audience with Lady Fatima right now. I’ll stop by Romel’s place later."

"Oh? Ah, is that so. Well then, I’ll be waiting."

Vifel watched the civil official hurry away with an expression of disbelief, his face stiffening. Calling His Highness the Prince Regent by his name? Consulting on a settlement with Flowers? The gatekeepers let this child pass without question. What is going on? What in the world? I don’t understand. Vifel, who knew nothing, saw the little girl before him as a terrifying monster. Something is going on. Something I don’t understand. Vifel, who had underestimated her as just a commoner who had struck it rich, gave a subtle glance to his attendants and guided the Little One to Fatima’s room.

"So you are Countess Georges? I am Fatima La Ansbach. It’s a pleasure to meet you."

"I am Chihiro La Georges. The pleasure is mine."

"Chihiro?"

"It’s a Kilfan word, so the pronunciation is difficult. Please feel free to call me Chihiro or Hiro, whichever is easier."

"I understand. Then I shall call you Hiro."

As she nodded, Fatima’s eyes were glued to the honeybees surrounding the Little One. Honey-pale blond hair and milk-tea colored eyes. Her slender limbs were well-proportioned, and she was a lovely girl who already showed a glimpse of the beauty she inherited from her mother. She’s grown so much. She used to be me, but it’s still deeply moving.

With a thought like that of a relative’s aunt in her mind, Chihiro had the honeybees she brought line up in front of Fatima.

"I was told to return the honeybee, but I don’t know which one it is. I’ve brought some of a similar size. Is Lady Fatima’s honeybee among them?"

Fatima was flustered. All the honeybees looked the same. As Fatima’s eyes darted about, Vifel pointed to one of the honeybees.

"It’s obviously this honeybee. The one that always came was this one."

Vifel pointed to Pochiko-san. The Little One’s eyes widened in surprise as she stared intently at Vifel. Vifel looked down at the Little One with a displeased expression.

"What is it?"

"No..... Then, Lady Fatima, will this honeybee do?"

In Chihiro’s smiling view, Fatima was hugging a different honeybee. The princess’s eyes were wide with joy, and even Vifel showed a faint smile.

"No, I’ll take this one. The old honeybee never let me touch it, but this one let me hold it. It’s amazing, I’m so happy!"

"Is that so. Then please take good care of it."

With a gentle smile, the Little One curtsied and met the gaze of the honeybee in Fatima’s arms. I’m counting on you. As if to say, ‘Understood,’ the honeybee’s compound eyes glittered.

"Well then, if you’ll excuse me."

As the Little One, having finished her business, curtsied and tried to leave, Fatima invited her to stay for tea. But when she mentioned she had an appointment with His Highness the Prince Regent, Fatima readily backed down.

"You’re quite friendly with monsters. I’m glad. There were quite a few who looked down on my honeybee. Please come and visit again."

Fatima smiled softly. It was a gentle smile, much like Habilus’s. I’m glad she seems happy. She doesn’t seem to remember me. It was a memory from when she was two years old. It must have faded and disappeared over the course of ten years. That was for the best.

"Then, I will take my leave."

The Little One exited through the door. For some reason, Vifel followed her. He stared at Chihiro with an resentful gaze, but still offered words of appreciation.

"I don’t know the circumstances, but it seems you didn’t steal it after all. Thank you for your trouble. Lady Fatima was also very pleased."

At that, the Little One voiced a question.

"Lord Vifel, you can tell the honeybees apart."

Vifel raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Of course. Horses also have different faces. They may look similar, but there are differences."

No, that’s not something everyone can do. This person, despite his nervous appearance, must be an animal lover. Though his face was similar, he was completely different from Dacken on the inside. Most importantly, that smile from before. He truly seemed to care for Fatima.

The Little One grinned. Vifel cleared his throat lightly and asked her to visit Lady Fatima with the honeybees again.

"Lady Fatima has some complicated circumstances. She is avoided by the other princesses. And by the nobles of her own age as well. You have the title of Countess, so I shall act as a go-between for you."

Vifel’s eyes held a hint of sadness. Hmm? I heard the family was on good terms, but is something different? A voice called out from behind the two as they stood talking in the corridor.

"Oh, Vifel. Is Fatima here? I received some delicious sweets."

There stood a stunningly beautiful woman with rich golden hair tied up neatly, and a boy with a similar face. In contrast to the bowing Vifel, the Little One gasped. Consort Habilus.....? And Theodore? He’s gotten so big. Fatima had also grown into a lovely girl, but he was quite the handsome boy. He seemed a bit more delicate than others his age, but that was likely from Habilus’s blood. Her fleeting, gentle image seemed to have been passed down to her children.

"Lady Fatima is here. She is overjoyed that the honeybee has returned."

"Oh, the honeybee?"

"Pochiko-san?"

Three different faces. Only Theodore showed a complex surprise. He then turned his gaze to the Little One with her honeybees.

"And you are?"

"Oh, Chihiro. It’s been a while."

Theodore asked, while Consort Habilus smiled.

Vifel’s eyes widened in surprise.

"Your Majesty Consort Habilus, you know the Countess? She has only just received her Baptism and should have only recently started coming to the palace."

At Vifel’s words, Habilus tilted her head gracefully and placed a hand on her cheek.

"Of course I know her. We are old acquaintances. She is the child who brought Fatima back to me on the silver bed. Her eye color is different from then, though."

What is she talking about? Vifel and Theodore furrowed their brows, not understanding. Only the Little One stood frozen, her face pale.

She remembers? No way, this is bad! At that time, Chihiro had fused with Fatima and transformed into a girl with black hair and golden eyes. That appearance was exactly like the Little One’s now. Consort Habilus’s eyes curved into a gentle smile as she stroked Chihiro’s head.

"You delivered Fatima to me. I’ve wanted to thank you for so long."

Habilus beamed, while Vifel and Theodore directed suspicious gazes at her. Inwardly, the Little One was sweating bullets, but she smiled gracefully.

"You are too kind. However, I have been summoned by His Highness the Prince Regent. If you will excuse me."

Habilus nodded with a disappointed expression at the little girl who performed a perfect curtsy.

"Well then, let’s meet again soon."

With that, Habilus entered Fatima’s room with Theodore. For a moment as he entered the room, Theodore gave the Little One a strange look, but Chihiro, who had her head bowed, did not notice.

"Who in the world are you?"

"A young daughter of the Georges family. I am keeping His Highness the Prince Regent waiting. So, if you’ll excuse me."

The Little One beat a hasty retreat. Aware of Vifel’s piercing gaze on her back, she made a beeline for Romel’s office at full speed. This is bad, bad, bad, bad! Romel! Unconsciously weaving in some parkour, the Little One raced through the corridors and up the stairs at top speed. Romel caught the Little One as she burst in crying, a massive chill running down his spine. It seemed that peace was not to be found on the Little One’s path. One trouble after another. But still, the Little One is doing great♪