Restrain yourself, Ms. Yenika (2)
?The next morning, the hut where Yenika lived was noisy with the sounds of a fight with spirits.
When you wake up, you have to go to the royal residence where Princess Fenia is staying, so make sure you get dressed properly before coming out.
It was definitely me who said that, but I never thought I would spend this much time grooming myself.
As for me, I’m just wearing my usual shirt and a maroon robe. However, since it was a fairly high-end product, it was definitely not at the level where I could hear people complaining that it didn’t fit in their seat.
For Jenika, a commoner, the idea of wearing clothes suitable for a meeting with the royal family seems too burdensome, and she appears to be arguing with the mirror all morning.
Even if I told you in detail that there was no need to think too hard, it didn’t seem to have much meaning.
As I sat near the campfire and absent-mindedly refined my bow, I could hear the sounds of an in-depth discussion with the spirits from inside the hut about what color skirt would be better and which hairpin would be better.
It would have been a burden for me to criticize him, so I waited as long as I could.
After about 15 minutes, Yenika came out wearing a different bluish skirt and amber blouse than usual. She was wearing her trademark cosmos-patterned shawl wrapped around her slender shoulders.
In addition to the persimmon flower hairpin, the beautifully braided hair is impressive. Even without her maid’s help, Yenica knew how to straighten the back of her hair into a half ponytail so that the left and right sides were perfectly symmetrical, and neatly braided the hair on the sides as well.
In fact, Jaejoo is not a girl who can be easily overlooked. The same goes for decoration.
“Uh, what do you think, Ed?! “Check it!”
“… test?”
“If you’re dressed like this, you won’t be turned away even if you go to the royal family’s quarters, right?! Hey, what’s the dress code like there?! Do you think this is too hard? W-should I take off the headgear or something?!”
It’s okay, let’s just dress casually and go.
I know very well that this is the wrong answer.
“It’s a bit strange to say I’m a prosecutor, but… Well, it suits me well anyway. “You look like a noble lady, Jenica.”
“lady!”
How much meaning was attached to those three-character words? Yenika suddenly whimpered, cautiously folded her arms in front of her, and quickly lowered her tone of voice.
“Yeah, yeah. that’s right. If you’re going to a place like the royal family’s lodgings, you shouldn’t sound like you’re jumping around in such a frivolous manner… ”
“Yenika… “The biggest problem is that you act so unnaturally… There’s no need to worry about your voice.”
“no. “What should I say? I will speak calmly and in a lower tone of voice.”
It felt like something was sinking in and it was very different from the usual Yenica.
“Is it right to leave the wand behind?!”
It was a futile task, seeing as the tone quickly rose in just two words…
*The royal family’s accommodation is quite far away from the living or teaching buildings, which have a large floating population. It is a space decorated to look like another world on the cliffs of the west coast of Aken Island, and it is a place surrounded by doubts as it is a place where almost no one is usually allowed to enter.
If you look west from the end of the magic goods trading district in the Living Building, the end of the royal residence building can be glimpsed in the distance, but that is all that regular students can see of this building.
Sometimes, students running around the island to exercise or taking a walk take a wrong turn and approach the royal residence, and they are blocked from going forward. Thanks to this, only rumors abound about this royal residence.
Of course, I have visited this royal residence quite a few times. This is because there are several records of Princess Fenia calling him out privately.
However, from Yenika’s point of view, visiting the rumored royal residence seems to be something she is very nervous about, and she makes a fuss while walking down the path leading to the residence.
“I’m trying to go to a place I normally can’t go to, so what can I say…” “I think it’s very deviant.”
The nervous look is evident as he hesitates and walks down the ramp.
Actually, it might be fun to just leave it alone, but I don’t have the bad taste of flirting with people while watching them get in trouble.
However, I can’t think of a way to relieve the tension… I decided to take advantage of this time and bring up the stories I decided to talk about yesterday.
“Yenika. “If you think about it, there was something I really needed to tell you.”
“huh? me?”
“huh. “That’s why I go to this school.”
As I trudged along the road, I talked as if it was no big deal.
Actually, it’s a very, very important story. However, if you speak with such a clear attitude, it is noticeable that Yenika will listen and act reverently.
Since I didn’t want to make a heavy discussion by attaching too much meaning to it, I planned to talk about it subtly on the way to the royal residence.
In a tone that seemed to throw it away as if it wasn’t that big of a deal… .
“If we stay like this, we’ll all die.”
“… ”
“… ”
… In fact, it is a futile effort.
No matter how hard you try to avoid being a burden, it is not a story you can listen to without any pressure.
Also, it is not a situation where you can be considerate of the other person by talking about things like emotional burden.
Every day passes by as naturally as water, but even so, I know that only disaster awaits at the end.
Sitting by the fire in a secluded camp, immersed in the scent of the peaceful northern forest, there are times when you almost forget it.
However, it is something that should not be forgotten. We must be aware that the future in which we will all die if we stay still is fast approaching.
I remember the shape of a dragon roaring across the sky.
In particular, Yenika is the girl who helped transport Belbroke’s molar off Aken Island. Together she fought and fought with the Apostle of Telos, and as a result was forced to lie ill for several days, losing her sight for several days.
so that… It wasn’t difficult to convince Yenika by discussing the reason for the fight that day.
A quiet road leading to the royal family’s residence.
The conversation between Jenica and I was quite violent, unlike the seemingly peaceful path.
Discussing death and the future… Even if you try to make it brighter, it doesn’t work.
It was something that could not be helped.
*
“I was waiting. But maybe… “Where are you feeling uncomfortable?”
Guard captain Claire was waiting at the entrance to the royal residence.
The imperial residence where members of the imperial family stay is not as large as the Ofilis Hall. However, the Ofilis Hall is a communal lodging shared by dozens of VIPs, and the royal family’s lodgings are a building built for just one person.
No matter how noble the guest, the only space allowed to him or her is a private room in the Ofilis Hall.
Even Saint Clarice was allowed only one room as a residence, although it was the best room.
This clearly shows how special treatment Princess Fenia is receiving, as she is living in a newly built luxurious building.
“Oh, no… ”
Claire looked at Yenika and tilted her head.
Claire also had a look of embarrassment on her face, which seemed to have a feeling of tears still in her eyes.
“I just came and said some depressing things. it’s okay.”
I stopped Claire and asked her to lead the way. Claire nodded and led us to the princess’s room.
Basically, the royal family’s accommodation consists of two buildings with a garden in the middle. The building on the left is used by the employees, and the building on the right is used by Princess Fenia.
A marble building that stands neatly attached to the side of a cliff. I thought we were going to go through the first floor lobby and head towards the reception room we came from last time, but Claire took us past that door, up the stairs, and up to the large wooden door.
This is the private room used by Princess Fenia. The entrance is splendid and strong.
It is a place where you can visit several times to fulfill Princess Fenia’s favor as an individual event.
Because it is located in a corner of Aken Island and is designated as a secret area, the entry conditions were very complicated.
“however… Even if you think Ed has a lot to do with it… “Why did you call me?”
Jenica asked Claire that before meeting Princess Fenia.
“that… “You can go in and check it yourself.”
After saying that, Claire opened the door and Princess Fenia’s room came into view. And, I saw the owner of this room on the terrace.
It is completely different from when I took classes in the teaching building.
Inside the teaching building, she lives without receiving special treatment as much as possible in accordance with the will of Sylvania, the land of learning… When she comes out of the teaching building, she is treated like a noble princess.
Princess Fenia was sitting quietly in the middle of a dazzling room… She came out and when she saw Yenica’s face she sent a hint of greeting.
“Welcome, Ed. And Yenika.”
Princess Fenia was sitting at a wide wooden table on the terrace, basking in the sun and reading a book.
And as soon as our eyes met, he gently closed and opened his eyes and spoke.
“Sit. I have a story I want to share. “Maybe you two would be interested too.”
“… ”
“The time has come to seriously discuss the competition for imperial power.”
*
“If Sister Selaha comes to power, the Rosstaylor family will not be safe. If you are lucky, you may resign to a border nobility and slowly decline. If you are unlucky, you may be labeled a criminal and be exterminated.”
With her old-fashioned platinum hair flowing down and wearing a comfortable lace dress, Princess Fenia spoke vaguely.
“I’m done talking with student council president Tanya. “I decided to defend the Ross Taylor family.”
“Is that so?”
“yes. I have known Chairman Tanya for quite some time. “Even before she became student council president, she stayed at the royal residence, and I knew from the start that she was a completely different person from Crepin Ross Taylor.”
When the employees brought out the tea, Yenika quickly got up from her seat and hesitantly tried to take it, so I stopped her.
In times like this, it is more convenient for the other person to just stay still.
Yenika, who had rarely received a treat, turned around as if she was uncomfortable, but I calmed her down by pressing her shoulder.
“And you, Ed Rosstaylor.”
“… ”
“I won’t say there is no political intention. In any case, the Rosstaylor family has formed a large power within the imperial family for a long time, so its remaining power cannot be ignored… Also, the image of being an established force still remains.”
Princess Fenia is not that innocent.
We are not so soft-hearted as to make national judgments just because we cannot tolerate injustice.
“As long as Ross Taylor’s name still remains, if we absorb the remaining forces, we can also absorb the officials who still have knowledge of internal affairs. So I… “I am defending the Ross-Taylor family for these political reasons.”
Princess Fenia spoke clearly.
Rather, it was characteristic of her to speak clearly and without any hesitation.
“but… Aside from that, I think you Ross Taylor siblings… I know I’m not a crazy person like Crepin. It’s one of the biggest gains I’ve made since coming to Sylvania. “When you take the helm of the family, it will be very different from when Crepin led it.”
However, Princess Fenia’s greatest characteristic was that she did not act solely for such calculated reasons.
There was a reason why she was nicknamed the Princess of Charity.
“Political gains can be made by sitting at a desk and thinking deeply about documents, but it is difficult to judge people unless you meet them with your own eyes. So, if you want to take on a ‘person,’ you have no choice but to run with your feet.”
This was what created a decisive difference between Princess Selaha and Princess Persica.
Princess Selaha looks at status and authority.
The Princess of Persica sees ability and utility.
And Princess Fenia… see a person
What Princess Fenia wanted to say after summoning us has finally come out.
“Please defeat Dyke Elphelan at the Krestol Grand Festival duel.”
Princess Fenia put down her teacup and spoke calmly.
The name of the person that popped out there was unexpected.
“You mean Senior Dyke? There has already been news that the two will face off. “I’ve met him a few times.”
“The Elphelan family that produced Dyke is the one that believes and follows Sister Selaha the most. In fact, even if Selaha had not tried to appease her, she would have been a force in Selaha’s direction.”
Dyke himself does not seem to have much affection for the Elphelan family.
Still, at least it’s a place that fed and raised him, so he’s just doing the bare minimum.
In any case, King Dyke Elphelan cannot be completely free from his family’s will. This is due to his personality of not forgetting what he received.
“I guess they plan to solidify that relationship by winning the grand festival duel and giving that honor to Selaha. When it’s time for the festival, Abama will come to Aken Island, and I’m not sure about Persica, but… “Selaha never misses a place like this.”
“I never thought it would be such an important event.”
“To begin with, it is a national celebration that only takes place once every four years. “I’ll be visiting many territories, but I can’t help but stop by Sylvania, where the future talents of the empire are gathered.”
Princess Fenia gently brushed down her platinum-blond hair. The knuckles of her fingers that slipped through her gently falling hair were so white that they were almost pale.
“I’m not going to ask you to elevate me by winning the duel. Please at least stop Selaha and the Elphelan family from becoming stronger.”
“Is that a variable that has such a big impact on the competition for imperial power?”
“I have a plan in place. The Elphelan family… “It will be the cornerstone of destroying Sister Selaha.”
Princess Fenia had a somewhat unconfident look on her face.
All kinds of trickery and secret fights that have tormented him since childhood.
Because now, I knew I had to jump into it too.
“We have to tear the relationship between the Elphelan family and Sister Selaha apart. “It starts with… this duel.”
However, it is not forcefully justified. If you can’t avoid it, accept the fact that you have no choice but to get your feet wet.
Apart from Tanya preparing to slit Princess Selaha’s head, Princess Fenia is also preparing to capture Princess Selaha.
“You know something.”
“Please help me. “Selaha’s rise to power is not good at all for the Rosstaylor family.”
“that… If it’s senior Dyke… “You’re the head of the 4th year combat club, right?”
Yenika spoke as if she was worried.
Perhaps because she felt burdened, the girl didn’t even take a bite of the refreshments the employees provided… She raised her voice as if she was anxious.
“I heard a rumor. “It means that all fourth-year seniors recognize and respect senior Dyke.”
“That’s right, Yenica Palover. Even when you were the valedictorian, you were respected by all third-year students, but Dyke Elphelan has a completely different vibe. Not at all… “It feels like a spiritual support.”
Rumors were already rampant.
Dyke Elphelan is a genius who stands alone among geniuses.
Among the students in the combat club, he entered school almost last, and rose to the top through grit and hard work without any talent.
The reason why those who have not seen the light and do not have natural talent have respect for Dyke is simple.
He is the savior of all who have experienced falling behind after hitting a wall. His presence is a consolation that supports the spirit from despair.
Some say that reaching the top position is itself a symbol of natural talent.
However, those who can say such things are those who have never seen Dyke Elphelan practice.
“One thing I can assure you of is… ”
Nonetheless, I told the story.
“… “I win.”
It is taken for granted beyond certainty.
Fenia’s eyes widened for a moment at my words as if she were asserting them, but then calmed down.
“If you want, you can win by an overwhelming margin.”
No matter what, he was the top student in his grade. It is also the highest grade.
Is it really that easy to say?
Looking at Princess Fenia, who was looking at me intently with such thoughts in mind, I hinted.
“Please tell me what you are planning.”
*There are too many geniuses on this tiny Aken Island.
Sitting quietly in the sparring room of the Obel Hall, Dyke Elphelan smiled and gave such a monologue.
I also attended this academy for almost 4 years.
Even though I’m fast approaching graduation age, I don’t feel like I’ve reached the right level.
If you walk the path of a warrior like a turtle, you will see many geniuses who beat you on your back and overtake you.
Even though I am barely walking along the straight path, sweating profusely, I feel the irrationality of their natural ability to stretch forward without breaking a single drop of sweat.
Everyone sends it first. There are many times when I feel defeated by the speed of those going ahead… Nevertheless, Dyke Elphelan just looks at them and walks away.
If you keep moving forward like a turtle, you will see geniuses lying on the side of the road from exhaustion.
There are many people who meet a wall, crash into it, fall down, and lament that this is the end of their abilities, and then find another way to escape.
By following the footsteps of such geniuses, Dyke Elphelan rose to the position of chief.
Even though he was later than others, he broke through all the blocking walls and sat on the throne.
The basic ability to perceive magical power is also poor. I am not born with strong muscles or bones. Although he came from a famous family, due to his incompetence, he did not receive proper support until he reached the top position.
I received very little education, so I learned to read when I was over ten years old. He learned the characters on his own all night long by reading the books of his retainers one by one.
When I came to Sylvania, I stayed up all night training my magic sensitivity, which was almost non-existent. Although she endured many hardships and trained her magical powers until she entered her fourth year, even at this point, she could not obtain even a tenth of the sensitivity ability of a typical Ministry of Magic student.
At least, I was able to handle the magic power that could be used in physical combat, so that was enough.
However, this does not mean that he was born with physical abilities.
His massive body is full of sturdy muscles, but all of this is the result of training his body by overworking it to the limit.
The knuckles he used were abused until they were soaked in blood every time.
Over the past four years, the number of knuckles and gauntlets that have broken and had to be replaced exceeds 200. Except for sleeping and eating times, it would have been a life of continuous effort and discipline.
In the end, this body is not something given innately, but rather an acquired body. Although he had strong strength and a huge body, he was unable to acquire his natural fighting sense through effort.
Ziggs Eiffelstein, who systematically learned combat for just one year, has a much sharper sense of practical combat than Dyke, who trained for several years.
Slow, dull, and heavy.
That was the growth story of a man named Dyke Elphelan.
“I will learn something. Senior Dyke.”
The hard work was recognized by the bachelor’s degree.
And, it was also recognized by students.
Even Wade Calamore, the arrogant head of the first-year combat club, bowed his head once.
An exchange meeting for students belonging to the Sylvanian Combat Department.
It was a small event where the top combatants of each grade gathered together and had a light sparring session in front of the students.
Dyke stood up and looked at the senior students in the sparring hall.
Wade Calamore, a first-year senior in the Combat Department.
He received a lot of support and training from the Calamore family, a renowned swordsman, and his skills were already far beyond the level of a first-year student.
Think about what it was like when you were a freshman. She hadn’t even learned how to throw her fist properly, let alone raise her head.
Sophomore senior Clevious Nortondale.
That boy is already much stronger than Dyke at this point.
It can be said that natural talent is already a blessing from God. Clevious himself thinks it is a curse, though.
Senior Drake Ragers.
He is also a genius born with amazing talent. The bow he wields never misses. The level of sophistication in handling the longsword was so amazing that one could not even imagine that he was an archer.
Although he freely uses various weapons, his skill in ensuring accurate hits more than anyone else when it comes to throwing and firing weapons… It’s not surprising that he is nicknamed the Hunter of the Ragus family.
every… By the time they reached fourth grade, Dyke and others had a talent for witty jokes.
I found it funny that I was being treated as a senior by them just because I was in a higher grade.
“Is there something I can learn? “I’m sparring to learn, too.”
Dyke raised his heavy body and let out a low, majestic voice.
“… “It’s time for me to warm up, too.”
“… Come to think of it, you were caught sparring with Ed Rosstaylor.”
“Yes, the third-year high-ranking noble of the Ministry of Magic.”
Dyke Elphelan closed his eyes and remembered the old-fashioned blonde nobleman he had seen at the practice range. A grumpy expression. He had a face that seemed to see through everything in the world.
Dressed neatly in school uniform and wearing a wizard’s robe… He had seen the man stand tall in battle many times.
It wasn’t difficult to find out.
“I’ll probably lose.”
He is a genius who stands out more among geniuses.
You may think of yourself as a hard worker, but those who have lived their lives as true hard workers can tell.
Clevious lowered his eyes and spoke hesitantly.
“Senior Dyke… You’re dying… ?”
“okay. “He has already reached a point where you cannot see him.”
Dyke closed his eyes and smiled.
Only after he took up the position of head of Sylvania, he seemed to hear the laughter of his vassals who had poured out all kinds of support, saying that he was a proud member of the Elphelan family.
Nevertheless, he was loyal to his family, which provided a place for him to eat and sleep when he was young.
However, the reason why I couldn’t laugh at the letter from the family telling me to honor Princess Selaha’s name by winning this sparring competition was not because I was displeased with that family.
Dike also understands well that vassals who have a lot to worry about politically have no choice but to make calculated moves.
It’s just that I wasn’t sure I could beat Ed Rothtaylor.
“If you lose… In the family… ”
“Why do you care about that, Clevious Nortondale?”
Since Clevius was well aware of the circumstances of the prestigious samurai family, he expressed his concern to Dyke. However, Dyke responded with a grin.
“Was the reason you attacked Lucy Mayril because you thought you would win?”
When Dyke said that, Clevius was speechless.
“You would understand.”
Wade and Drake did not understand their conversation.
However, Clevius seemed to know to some extent what Dyke was talking about.
Rainy Day. Entrance to Ofilis Hall.
I remember the scene when I rushed at Lucy Mayril with a sword, covered in blood.
Dyke Elphelan is someone who understands that speculation.
“If you are born a man, there are times when you have to rush in even if you know you will lose. Of course, you have to do everything in your power.”
Dyke grinned and stood straight in the sparring room. There is no sign of running away or fear.
He was clenching his knuckles and straightening his body as if he was going to deal with three students at once.
It was a novelty to now have that name known to the students of the combat club.
As the scholars say, the king of dunjaes.
This is King Dyke Elphelan.
*
“Well, but… Princess Fenia… It’s a presumptuous thing to say, but… ”
As we were in the middle of a conversation about the competition for imperial power and Princess Selaha, Yenika, who was sitting next to us, joined in.
She was not used to this kind of atmosphere, so she sat quietly for a while.
“I… In the end I… Why did you call me… ?”
It is difficult to just sit still and listen. In the end, Yenica couldn’t hold back and asked first.
Yes. This duel event has nothing to do with Yenika.
Nevertheless, Princess Fenia personally invited Jenica to the royal residence.
This is to tell a different story from this case.
No, it may not be possible to say that there is no connection at all.
“… Selaha is a person who values status, dignity, authority, and elegance the most. With me… “There are many different opinions.”
“Is that so… ”
“Of course, since he is connected to many people from noble families, there are many people who can be appointed as representatives of his faction. “Just saying her name will make people of such great status that their mouths will drop, and they will come out in support of Sister Selaha.”
In that direction, Princess Selaha works diligently.
“but… “Even from my position as the opposite of that, I need someone who can be the face of my power.”
“Ed… I mean… ?”
“Ed Rothtaylor is a great person, but as I said, it is clear that he comes from an established power and a high-ranking noble family. I can’t help it. Because that’s where he’s from.”
Princess Fenia looked down at her teacup and said.
“We need someone who came from a commoner background, came up from the bottom, and has reached the top solely through skill. The ‘capable person’ I want and employ is… “Those are the people.”
Yenica just nodded, looking blankly at Princess Fenia’s face.
… Have you not yet realized that this is your story?
“Yenica Failover.”
Princess Fenia also seemed to think so, and this time she spoke clearly and directly.
“… “You need to become more successful.”
“… ”
It was a while later that Yenika’s answer came back.
“… yes?”
In fact, it was difficult to even call it an answer.
