kscans

Chapter 12 - Farce and Formality

"…Before any greetings, is there not something you must say to me, Tagi?" the King began, his voice heavy.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Tagi bowed his head. The Queen, seated beside the throne, narrowed her eyes as if dazzled.

"My, when did you become so distinguished?" she murmured with a smile. Tagi’s brow furrowed slightly.

"…Mother, your words are off the mark."

"Oh, are they? His Majesty will call me an airhead again, won’t he?" With a light laugh, the Queen hid her mouth behind her Crim.

"Don’t you agree, Raoul?" Raoul, suddenly addressed, didn’t bat an eye.

"I think Mother is being mischievous."

"Oh, my. To speak to your mother in such a way. What a mischievous prince."

"That should be enough of this farce," Raoul declared, clicking his heel sharply.

He turned to face Tagi.

"I ask my younger brother: who is that woman you keep by your side?"

"…This is still very much a farce," Litt muttered under his breath. Jin’s elbow dug into his side. He fell silent.

"She is not your fiancée, the daughter of Duke Philbard, is she?"

Valona, standing on the main floor, snapped her golden Crim shut and clenched it tightly. The fan groaned, mishimishi. The force of her anger made the ends of her coiffed hair tremble.

"…Scary," Touli whispered. Jin gave a silent nod. Litt couldn’t speak from the pain.

"N-No… it can’t be…" Spirld’s lips trembled.

"What is the matter, Spirld? This is proof that the invitation you sent by express rider in Litt’s stead reached her hands, is it not?"

Bald, having regained his composure, caused Spirld to shake his head. His gaze remained fixed on the dais.

"—I shall answer, brother!" Tagi’s voice rang out loud and clear.

"Her name is Lady Sumika of the Viscount Scott family."

Sumika, in a crimson dress with her chestnut hair tied up with gold filigree, gave a demure yet elegant curtsy.

"She is the one I, Tagi Fulmia, wish to be my true fiancée!"

"Ooh!"

The crowd gasped in astonishment. All eyes darted between Sumika on the dais and Valona on the floor. With a sharp CRACK, the golden Crim broke.

"Wait just a moment!"

She threw the broken fan to the floor. As Valona took a step forward, the crowd silently parted to make way for her.

"Lord Tagi’s fiancée is myself, the daughter of Duke Philbard!" Valona pointed an accusatory finger.

"She is merely a Viscount’s daughter! She is not worthy of His Highness, the Second Prince Tagi, who holds a right of succession to the throne!"

"…Impressive stage presence. This is in front of His Majesty and the entire Royal Family, you know." Litt’s unnecessary commentary was silenced by Jin’s left fist to his solar plexus.

"Ah, you went easy on me. Your left hand." Even so, Litt clutched his chest and crumpled to the ground.

"It would be bad if I knocked him out, right, Touli?"

"His consciousness? Or his life?"

"That too."

"…Scary." Despite having asked the question himself, Touli’s face twitched.

"Look, it’s almost the climax. Don’t miss it." Jin grabbed Litt’s braid and pulled.

"Hey, you idiot, stop! My tail will come off!"

"Spoken like a true horse." Jin let go. Litt clutched his hair and stood up, glaring.

"Are you calling me a deer?"

"If anything, wouldn’t I be the horse? I’m a knight, after all," Jin replied. Litt nodded.

"I see. So I’m the deer. I do have a pen made from a horn."

"Kaku kaku," said Litt.

"Shika jika," replied Jin.

"…Could you two please stop fooling around? This is getting out of hand!" Touli cried out.

"Things are getting more out of hand over there."

With a calm expression, Litt gestured to the dais. Valona was arguing heatedly.

"Quite the dramatic scene," Jin observed, as if it had nothing to do with him.

"Think the reckless dreamer will show up?" Jin shrugged at Litt’s excited expression.

"Don’t say that."

"But he’s about to?" Litt’s lips curved upwards.

"—Valona Philbard, daughter of the Duke!" Tagi declared, his cheeks flushed.

"I hereby annul my engagement to you!" A moment of silence, and then—

"Oooooooohhhhh!" The Grand Hall descended into chaos.

This was no longer a party. Screams, confusion, murmurs.

While some young ladies of the lower nobility sneered, serves her right, the three ladies-in-waiting who had been following Valona began whispering amongst themselves about their future prospects.

Valona’s father, Duke Philbard, his face a mask of fury, appeared before the King.

"Why, brother. Your already fearsome face looks even more so," the Queen said with a giggle. Duke Philbard squeezed out a trembling voice.

"…My dear sister. I have no time… to entertain… your airheadedness!"

"Oh, what a wonderful accelerando in your voice. As expected of you, brother, a master of the violin."

"Your Majesty!" Duke Philbard ignored his sister.

"I wish to discuss this matter with you in detail in another room!"

"Very well." The King rose from his throne.

Instantly, the people bowed. Looking out over the bowing guests, the King spoke.

"Everyone. I ask for a moment of your time. Please, relax and enjoy yourselves." He looked at the First Prince, who stood at attention.

"Raoul. Bring those involved to the Hall of Crests."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Raoul bowed his head, accepting the command.