Chapter 27
Chapter 27
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 27
Chapter Title: Third Imperial Princess (3)
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We sat down together on the bench as the conversation lapsed for a moment.
The Third Imperial Princess at one end, me at the other.
We were just like a pair of strangers on an awkward first date.
"……."
Adelheit kept stealing glances at me.
Her lips twitched this way and that, but she never quite opened them.
She seemed hesitant, like there was something she wanted to say.
Ah, could it be...?
"Feeling a belated wave of shame, perhaps?"
"……! What kind of nonsense is that? You sure don't hold back with an imperial, do you?"
"Or maybe you're sorry."
"You don't look sorry at all, but you say it anyway."
"How about letting your forgiveness from earlier cover this rudeness?"
"……You're really... such a weirdo."
Adelheit scowled at me, furrowing her brow, but surprisingly, she didn't get up to leave.
She kept saying she hated it, but her actions suggested she was happy to play along.
What was this? Classic tsundere?
"Anyway, back to what I was asking. Are you a mage, Your Highness?"
"And what if I am?"
"What else? I'd ask you to show me some magic."
"Hmph. Guess an imperial learning magic doesn't seem strange to you."
"Whether you learn magic or acting, I couldn't care less."
"Good attitude. I'll give you credit for that. But why bring up acting all of a sudden?"
"You seem pretty two-faced, so I figured you'd be great at theater."
"Want to get arrested for insulting royalty?"
"It's a compliment. Why the fuss?"
"Hmph."
See?
Her eyes glared daggers, her lips puffed out, but she never really scolded me harshly.
It felt like she was pretending to hate it while actually enjoying herself.
"So, are you going to show me some magic or not?"
"What, you think I learned it just to show you?"
"Of course not. But you're not learning it to not show anyone either, right?"
"Can't keep your mouth shut, can you...? Fine. What do you want to see?"
"Is there a spell called Fireball?"
"Yeah, it's basic. Why?"
"I'd love to see that. It's my dream."
"Ha! You're probably the only one who calls basic magic a dream."
Adelheit grumbled as she thrust her hand forward.
Suddenly, a fireball the size of a soccer ball flickered to life above her palm.
Whoa.
That's so damn cool.
This was the Fireball from fantasy games!
"Impressive."
Clap clap clap—
I clapped sincerely, genuinely awed.
Adelheit let out a smug little "hmph," shrugging her shoulders.
"Hmph. At least you have an eye for it. You know my level pretty well."
"Huh? I just reacted that way because it's my first time seeing a fireball."
"……."
No no, don't point that fireball this way. That's scary.
"Ha."
She canceled the spell and unfurled her fan.
She fanned her cheeks with a gentle breeze and sighed.
"I can't believe I'm wasting time like this with some guy I just met."
"I was thinking the same. The knight who showed me around earlier mentioned your tastes, and now it makes sense."
"Unbelievable. Do you actually know my tastes?"
"Princess syndrome?"
"You little... You're really getting on my nerves. This conversation sucks."
"Yet you seem thrilled."
"……."
She immediately shut her mouth and looked away.
She knew it deep down too. No matter how she pretended otherwise, her energy was sky-high.
Adelheit covered her mouth with her fan and changed the subject.
"None of your business. So, is that all you wanted?"
"Pardon?"
"You dare approach the Third Imperial Princess, and that's it? Just one magic trick?"
"Hmm... Should I ask for gold, silver, or jewels then?"
"What are you talking about? Why would I give you that?"
"I thought you might grant more if I asked for something."
"Dream on."
The Third Imperial Princess folded her fan and fell silent.
She quietly gazed at the scenery before her.
Cherry blossoms in full bloom. A large pond in the center with koi swimming.
She stared wordlessly for a bit, then her lips moved.
"Are you joining the Cluster of Stars too?"
"Pardon?"
"Are you participating?"
"If you've come all the way to the palace at this time, what else is there to do?"
"Don't beat around the bush. So you are, right?"
"Yes."
"Hmph... Well, if you can't find a dance partner, come to me."
Huh?
What kind of offer was that?
I blinked at her, and she immediately hid her face behind her fan.
Through the gaps, I could see her pale cheeks faintly flushed.
"I-it's not a big deal, okay? I'm not doing this because I like you or anything. I just need to get through my turn, that's all."
"Is that so? Then I'll pass."
"……Huh? Why?"
"Well, I haven't met the other ladies yet. Deciding now would be premature. I can't base it just on you."
"……Hmph. At least you know your place."
Even as she said it, regret dripped from her words.
Her tone had cooled just a bit when she asked why.
Did she actually like someone like me, who toed the line without crossing it?
Masochist type, maybe?
"Your Highness!"
Someone came running toward us from afar.
More precisely, toward Adelheit.
"Your Highness! What happened?!"
She wore a neatly pressed maid outfit and seemed to be Adelheit's attendant.
Panting heavily, she rushed to Adelheit's side and fussed over her.
"Are you alright? It looked like you were arguing with someone...?"
"Hmph. It was nothing. Sara, I was just humoring this rude guy for a bit."
"You made time for her, Your Highness?"
Sara's—the attendant's—eyes went wide.
She stared blankly at my face, then hopped back in surprise.
"Th-this is Kline Leonhart of the Leonhart Ducal Family!"
"Hello."
"You, shut up. Sara, why are you so shocked?"
"Y-Your Highness, you might not know, but...?"
Sara whispered something into Adelheit's ear.
The Third Imperial Princess's expression shifted subtly, and she whipped around to look at me.
"You're that famous?"
"Pardon?"
"I heard rumors you beat one of our White Wing Knights."
"Whatever Your Highness believes is the truth."
"Your shamelessness just proves it."
Our casual banter flowed without a care from either of us.
Even though we'd just met today, it felt natural, like this was how we always talked.
Sara, on the other hand, was utterly shocked.
"Your Highness! He's the prodigy of the Leonhart Ducal Family! Mind your words!"
"You're the one overreacting, Sara. A guy like this needs to be handled this way."
"Exactly. Don't worry about it. I'm comfortable talking to you like this too, Your Highness."
"Am I the one who can't keep up...?"
Sara blinked in confusion, stepping back unsteadily.
Then she shook her head firmly.
"No, that's not it. Your Highness, it's time to go. The nobles keep sending messages—they want to see you."
"Do I have to? It's such a hassle."
"Y-you have to! It's your duty as royalty."
"Sigh."
Adelheit stood at Sara's urging.
She started to follow her attendant away, but suddenly turned back to me.
"Hey."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Act like you know me next time you see me."
"Is that another case of your two-faced syndrome?"
"Hmph. Don't if you don't want to."
"No, I didn't say I didn't want to."
Adelheit stuck her tongue out like a street kid and left.
I shrugged as I watched her go.
'No reason to turn that down.'
The Cluster of Stars really was the perfect place to build connections.
**
——
The Empire's front lines had advanced another step.
Pried and Aonia's fates were already tipping.
This victory report from the Empire would surely comfort all humanity across the continent.
And the vanguard who achieved it.
Kline Leonhart.
He accepted the Emperor's praise and took his leave.
He seemed unflinching on the surface, but the truth was different.
Drip— drip—
Drops of blood continued to fall behind him.
Yet Kline pressed on without a change in expression.
As he passed through the doors,
a pink-haired woman spoke up.
"Didn't care much for Father's praise?"
The Third Imperial Princess, Adelheit von Valdrion.
Kline's gaze shifted toward her upon recognizing her.
He didn't turn his head.
No way this stone-faced man would show such delicacy.
Adelheit knew that well.
"Scowl like that, and the other ministers will talk."
"Are there any ministers left in this country?"
"Watch your mouth. There are still ears listening."
"……."
Kline stopped walking.
This persistent woman had approached him.
She wouldn't let him go until their conversation ended on her terms.
"What do you want."
"That arm."
Adelheit gestured.
A dark gash ran from his shoulder down.
A wound from the Crimson Blood Cult in the last battle.
"You're blatantly not treating it. Can't ignore that."
"It's none of Your Highness's concern."
"Why not? I gave the orders for the operation. You commanders have to take responsibility."
"……A needless expenditure of effort."
"Who knows. If we're talking needless, you're worse. Why not declare it outright? 'Look at my great deeds!' and show off."
"……."
Kline's brow furrowed.
This was why he disliked Adelheit.
She read his mind too well.
Why show the Emperor the untreated wound?
To make a point.
That Kline Leonhart had worked this hard. That he was this resilient.
To earn the world's acknowledgment.
"Satisfied now?"
"……No."
She knew it all too well.
So Kline admitted it honestly.
The people's admiration didn't touch his heart.
"This isn't enough. I'm still miles from catching Ariel. She wouldn't even get scratched by this."
"Pitiful man. Can't you forgive yourself a little?"
"Your Highness should preserve your health. You rush off every time you hear about the 5th Division Leader."
"Ouch, hitting where it hurts."
Adelheit smiled brightly at Kline's words.
But her mask hid it.
5th Division Leader.
The woman who stole the Third Imperial Princess's face.
Adelheit had worn a mask since, hunting her down.
To make her pay with her own hands.
"……You should let go of those memories. That incident during the Eight Wings at the Cluster of Stars was the court's fault for holding it when the knights were away. You wouldn't have suffered if they'd been there."
"Yes, my fault. I won't poke your wounds if you don't poke mine."
"……."
Kline sighed and resumed walking.
As he tried to distance himself from Adelheit,
the Third Imperial Princess called out casually, as if it just occurred to her.
"Speaking of the Cluster of Stars... Planning to get healed by the Saintess?"
"That would be quickest. Any issue?"
"No. Just jealous. You go to her on your own."
"It's unavoidable for treatment."
"Sure. Well, next time you see me, act like you know me. It's annoying always starting the conversation."
"If that's all, I'll take my leave."
This time, Kline left without looking back.
Adelheit watched him go and let out a heavy sigh.
'Saintess' Elisicia Rosnet.
From the time Adelheit lost her face.
A baron's daughter at the Cluster of Stars.
She was probably waiting for Kline too.
Yet he went to her willingly.
That irked her.
"Seriously. Can't he just say yes once?"
A little 'hey' wouldn't hurt.
Adelheit grumbled as she left.