Chapter 25
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 25
Chapter Title: Political Friend
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I quietly examine the fabric clutched in my hand.
I don't know exactly what this is, but...
"There must be some meaning to it, right?"
"Probably, yeah."
Clue and I were talking with our heads bent close together.
"...It's just fabric."
"Hmm."
I fiddle with the fabric, lost in thought.
This fabric is clearly high-end—no one could look at it and think otherwise.
Let's see...
I close my eyes and toy with the fabric some more.
It feels familiar, like I've touched something just like it before...
"...Hmm."
Let's think.
Ah. I got it.
"It's like the fabric Mother used."
"Her Majesty?"
Clue mutters as she looks at me.
"Yeah."
"...Hmm. Why...?"
"Beats me."
"...Maybe they want you to take Mother's throne?"
"...Isn't that a bit too insane?"
"It is."
Why on earth did those two give me fabric like the kind Mother used?
What's their angle?
"..."
If I could just ask my two sisters, I'd have no regrets...
Unfortunately, after handing me the fabric at the same time, they exchanged glances, declared a duel, and stormed off.
And that thumping from way over there is...
"They seem even stronger than before, don't they?"
Clue mutters while peering outside, and I nod in agreement.
"They're monsters, that's what."
The thumping assaults my ears.
The clash of magic and steel.
It's a full-on war out there.
But that's not the point right now.
"I noticed both sisters have retainers attached to them."
"Yes."
At some point, advisor-types started sticking by Lily's and Ravire's sides.
And those people seem to be giving them counsel.
Of course, my sisters have never done me any harm, but anyone can see they're locked in a political struggle with each other.
Maybe they're viewing me as a mere side dish now.
Sure, I've got Clue and Isfil by my side, but they're geared for combat and healing, not politics.
"Should I learn it?"
"How?"
"By reading lots of books...?"
"That doesn't sound like a great plan."
Politics is something you pick up through hard knocks, not books.
Just like your political savvy grows automatically with time in the corporate world, life in the palace works the same way.
In the end, the best at palace intrigue are the ones who've clung to it the longest.
So old-timers would be ideal. Or kids who could grow into them.
"..."
I press my temples hard.
Maybe I should've been pickier about who I invited to those tea parties and banquets.
But the issue is, they're all kids my age—who could possibly out-scheme me in politics?
Or maybe, instead...
"..."
No. Even for me, I'm just someone who's sipped from society's cup. I can't rise above that.
One person can't beat a faction.
That's why I have no clue what my sisters' deal was with the fabric.
It doesn't feel malicious, though...
"Master."
"Yes, Clue."
"If I may overstep..."
"Skip the preamble and advise me."
"How about hosting a social gathering in your own name, Master?"
"Huh?"
"The ones where you're the star have always been hosted by Her Majesty."
"..."
She's right.
I'm still a kid, so Mother hosted them for me...
But now I'm twelve.
Sure, that's young by my standards, but this world's common sense is different.
"Got it. I'll do it."
"Sounds like a good idea, Master."
"I'll run it by Mother first."
Clue and Isfil can't handle it for me, so I'll have to step up myself.
Murmurs echo through the hall.
"...More people showed up than I expected."
"It's the first social you've hosted on your own initiative, Master."
Clue murmurs, while Isfil blinks beside me.
"Theo, don't worry. If it comes to it, I can dance too..."
Why's she fretting about dancing?
And I'm still in my growth spurt.
I can feel myself shooting up day by day—which also means I'm still short.
In short, I'm shorter than Isfil.
"It's fine."
Clue would be better for dancing anyway.
She doesn't age beyond her thirteen-year-old form.
When I asked why, she said homunculi aging would be the weird part.
Not wrong there.
I turn my gaze to survey the room.
The goals for this social are straightforward.
First: Scout the crowd.
Spot anyone useful and learn their families.
Second: Recruit them if possible.
That's the real challenge.
I have zero interest in the throne right now.
And everyone knows it.
To be precise, ever since I became a saint, no one's pressured me about the emperorship.
Probably because saint and emperor are worlds apart.
A saint who yields everything versus an emperor who seizes it all.
From the nobles' perspective, I'm not worth backing.
They push candidates to snag the perks when their pick becomes emperor.
In exchange, they risk fallout if it flops.
So to them, I'm a dead end—no gains to be had.
"..."
Maybe holding this social was pointless.
"Prince Theodor, it's an honor. I am..."
"I see. Pleased to meet you."
"Prince! Please look after me! I am..."
Of course, no one's rude or dismissive toward me.
But what they want isn't my political favor—it's my saintly status.
Full-of-desire requests like "Could you bless us sometime?" or "Join me for relief work at the shelter?"
They're polite about it, though.
Proper etiquette, solid offers of compensation.
Maybe they want to advertise "saint has graced our land"?
Regret hits me again.
Should've tried a different approach.
As I scan the room with that thought...
"...?"
My eyes meet a blonde girl's.
Droopy golden hair, a face bored with the world.
Yet even at her young age, her beauty shines through.
I realize once more that someone can look that pretty even seeming utterly fed up.
But...
Why does she feel so familiar?
As I stare at the girl, she stares back and slowly walks over.
A smile blooms on her face like it was always there.
"Prince, long time no see."
"...Ah, yeah. It has."
Long time?
I frantically dredge up memories.
No clue who she is.
"You don't remember, do you?"
The blonde girl smiles at me.
"...Sorry. Memory's fuzzy..."
I trail off, peering at her.
Who is she?
As I lock eyes wondering that...
"Does 'Lucy Rig' ring a bell, Prince?"
She curtsies elegantly, gazing up at me.
"Remember when I asked you to show me the stars?"
"...Ah."
I remember.
Maybe everything truly shifted for me after meeting this girl.
I look at her—the blonde, Lucy.
"Been well? I was just thinking of you the other day..."
"..."
Lucy gazes at me, smile unwavering.
"...Sorry. That was shameless, wasn't it?"
How could I claim to think of someone whose name slipped my mind?
Ridiculous, even to me.
I bow slightly in apology, and Lucy smiles softly.
"No, I actually found it refreshing... Nice."
"...Really?"
Refreshing how?
"Anyway, you're here—have fun, eat what you like... Chat with whoever you want."
I say that and glance around.
For now, I've got three targets marked.
All kids from ducal houses.
First: Duke Bamberg's eldest grandson.
Hot-tempered but loyal, they say. The Bamberg ducal house are politics veterans too.
Next: Duke Regen's youngest son.
Deep into magic—honestly, he'd suit Lily better.
Last: Marquis Raz's second daughter.
She's got pipelines into both finance and politics.
Pure odds? Marquis Raz's second daughter ranks highest.
The first two are too aligned with Ravire and Lily, respectively.
Taking either might piss off my sisters.
Probably not at me, but it'd spark another bloody feud between them.
(Last fight ended mid-way thanks to Mother showing up.)
(Ravire took a soccer kick to the calf—bruised it good; Lily got a lump on her head.)
Anyway, the issue is reeling in one of these three.
As I eye them, I shift back to Lucy.
What am I doing ignoring a kid right in front of me? Better send her off first.
"Anyway, have fun—"
"Are you eyeing Marquis Raz's second daughter?"
"..."
I had to stare at Lucy for a second.
"That one... personally, I wouldn't recommend her."
"...Why?"
"Her history with men is, well... extensive. She's only fifteen, but word is she's already dated and dumped a ton of guys."
"..."
"Sure, she picks matches fitting her status... but she doesn't spare much thought for the dumped ones."
Lucy smiles softly at me.
"Awkward running into resentful exes, right?"
"..."
What is this girl?
I stare at her, and she steps closer slowly.
"Prince Theodor."
"...Yes, Lucy."
Lucy gazes at me with a soft smile.
"Shall I introduce myself properly?"
"..."
"I'm Lucy Rig, only daughter of the House of Count Rig."
She curtsies once more.
Same motion as before, but...
The vibe's different.
"I've always loved the stars."
And her smile.
"Care to talk stars for a bit?"
I look at Lucy and slowly nod.
Maybe I've found her.
The girl to handle my politics.