kscans

Chapter 189 - Episode 6: Second Half, The Question of Responsibility

"Now, there is one more important matter. What do you intend to do with Alfina?"

"Wh, what do you mean, even if you put it like that..."

His hunched back straightened instantly. Both his fists reflexively came together on his knees. No, do not lose your composure. In times like these, I must stick to my pre-determined policy...

"I, in order to protect Alfina-sama from the dangers of the Crystal of Prophecy, I am..."

"Though she has no right of succession, Alfina is still royalty. How she conducts herself is inseparable from national policy. You understand that, do you not?"

Euphilia proceeded with the conversation, ignoring me.

"R, regarding that, Alfina-sama has the role of Oracle Princess..."

"Hmm? Ricardo, you are currently thinking of releasing Alfina from that role, are you not? The question is, what then?"

My self-protective and hesitant answer was brushed aside. Or rather, I had invalidated it myself.

"Yes..."

"If she steps down as Oracle Princess, Alfina will be but one princess. For example, what would you do if there was talk of her marrying a prince from the Empire to solidify our agreement with them? As I recall, Ricardo, the proposal regarding our relations with the Empire was yours, was it not?"

"Th, that is..."

I was at a loss for words. Even if she were freed from the cage of being the Oracle Princess, beyond that lay the cage of royalty. I had tried not to think about it. It was nothing short of a contradiction to worry about the crystal burdening Alfina, yet feel relieved that her position as Oracle Princess kept her removed from such things.

No, what do I actually want, her eyes seemed to ask.

"As the Oracle Princess, Alfina's achievements are significant. Significant enough that most of her wishes would be granted. However, as long as she is royalty, it is not like that. It is even more so if her renown grows. If Alfina becomes someone's wife, that person would not only be Alfina's husband, but also a relative of the royal family."

Euphilia looked directly at me and spoke. Her gaze seemed to accuse me of that night. What would have happened then, if the crystal's signal had arrived late, as scheduled? The answer was clear in my mind.

After all, even if it was due to the circumstances of the room, I had made a move on her without even trying to woo her. Moreover, at that time, all thought of what might come after had vanished from my mind. There was even a possibility I had made her pregnant.

That is why, since that night, I cannot trust myself. I can no longer say that my existence is an unconditional positive for Alfina. That is precisely why I am now trying to concentrate on something that is an unconditional positive, protecting Alfina from the crystal and the calamity of the prophecy.

With that act, I lost the reasons I had accumulated over time to believe I could be by her side, and the pretense that she was a dear friend.

I fell silent, unable to answer anything. I could not look Euphilia directly in the eye.

"I will not ask what happened that night. Even if Ricardo had taken Alfina's purity, I would not blame you. In the first place, if it were not so, I would not have allowed you to be with Alfina all night."

"What!"

I was startled by the blunt words from Alfina's guardian. Of course, I had vaguely understood as much from Luiza's words, and others.

Even apart from the purely biological significance of leaving behind descendants, the meaning of marriage here is different from that in Japan, where I used to live. To put it extremely, in Japan, marriage can be based solely on personal feelings. Failure does not directly impact survival there.

Here, however, if a marriage fails, it concerns the survival of oneself and one's clan. To put it extremely, it is the choice of a partner to stand with on the battlefield. It is unthinkable to prioritize feelings when choosing a partner before a life-or-death battlefield. This applies both to the individuals themselves, and to the clan, the team, to which they belong.

"B, but, Alfina-sama's wishes..."

In my agitation, I uttered something I had no right to say.

"It seems Alfina was also anxious with the appearance of the Imperial Princess..."

"Eh?"

To my confusion, Euphilia tapped the desk with her feathered fan.

"Of course, Ricardo would be responsible for anything that might arise between Ricardo and Alfina. However, it seems such a thing did not happen."

"Y, yes."

"...Let us return to the subject. Yes, for example, how about this? We release Alfina from her royal status as well. If she were simply my niece, I, as her guardian, could decide her path."

Euphilia suggested something unexpected. I instinctively looked up. If such a thing were possible, she should do it. Then Alfina's will would be paramount. She must have fulfilled her duties as royalty more than enough already.

"...Haa."

Seeing my face, Euphilia sighed.

"Um..."

"So, for Ricardo, it would be better if Alfina lost her royal status, would it not?"

"Of co... no, that is not such a simple matter..."

I stammered, trying to make an excuse.

"In this case, the only possible explanation would be, 'That is not true.' What Ricardo is saying is tantamount to saying it would be better for her not to be royalty, if there were no difficulties."

Now that I think about it, that is true. For Alfina's charm, her royalty is but a negligible factor, or rather, a negative one.

"Though I knew it, you have absolutely no attachment to Alfina's status as a princess, do you? If that is the case, the possibilities certainly widen... Well, this current idea is too reckless, though. For me, who became the nation's largest and most prominent feudal lord because of someone, to monopolize Alfina, who holds the fame of a saint. That would be impossible."

Euphilia gave a cynical laugh. Her gaze fell upon the paper she had been explaining until just now. I see, with the Grand Duke of the East gone, Euphilia herself, now the sole power, is also a potential source of instability for the kingdom. But that is not my fault, probably...

"Very well. As long as Ricardo tries to protect Alfina, I too will protect you all. This promise is still valid."

We exchanged wry smiles involuntarily. But Euphilia's expression quickly turned serious again.

"However, there is a new concern. The investigation you ordered Luiza to conduct."

Euphilia said. At the meaning of her words, I froze. Could it be...

"How could you even think of investigating something like that?"

If Maytyl's words were true, and a room like that had been prepared, one would naturally consider the possibility of verifying it.

"C, could it be..."

I swallowed. I felt as if ice had been poured down my back.

"Rest assured. For now, there is nothing to substantiate your concerns. Well, given the nature of the matter, it would be difficult even if complete records remained, you see."

"I, I see."

Then I wish you would not say such suggestive things. But as I breathed a sigh of relief, Euphilia continued.

"It was I who was frightened to hear of the possibility. Ricardo's prophecies always come true, you see. ...Ah yes, there is one more thing I wish to ask you."

Euphilia looked at me. When I met her gaze, Euphilia's eyes wavered slightly from side to side.

"If, by some chance, the possibility Ricardo is concerned about cannot be ignored, what will Ricardo do?"

I could see Euphilia was tense. But for me, it was a rather simple question. I could answer it immediately.

"I will spend my entire life taking responsibility for that night."

"What!"

For some reason, Euphilia dropped the feathered fan she had tried to pick up.

It was then that I realized the meaning of what I had just said.

"Of course, that is if Alfina wishes it. Also, I will continue to do my utmost to ensure that it remains an unfounded concern. So, um..."

I hastily added.

"I, I understand. I will do everything I can regarding the royal palace's concerns, and the negotiations with the Empire."

Euphilia looked at me with a face that was both laughing and crying. It was rare to see her so flustered.

"Ah yes, when Alfina returns from the cathedral, speak with her a little. Hmm? Speak of the devil, and she appears, I suppose..."

Euphilia's gaze turned towards the window.

A carriage bearing the cathedral's crest entered the estate. That is right, I really should talk about that time, properly, once... I steeled myself and stood up.

"No, this is strange. According to the schedule..."

But Euphilia tilted her head. Looking closely, Luiza, who had disembarked first, was hurrying towards the entrance. Claudia helped Alfina out of the carriage, as if supporting her. At Luiza's instruction, something like a stretcher was being brought towards the carriage.

That day, the Crystal of Prophecy foretold the next calamity.