Chapter 13
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Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: The Promise of the Ring
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Philomel's face turned as red as a ripe tomato.
"I'm not a child!"
She was already struggling to show herself as a reliable heir, and here she was, clinging like a little kid!
She worried that all her efforts up to now had gone down the drain.
Two years ago, after he'd first picked her up in the garden, whenever Philomel's steps slowed, Emperor Justis would scoop her up in his arms. It had become a habit, and even now, he lifted her like that.
She should never have let it slide just because it felt nice at the time.
As Philomel fell silent, Justis asked in a low voice.
"Aren't you giving a commemorative speech? If not, say so. I'll put you down."
"...Ah, no! I will!"
If she just went down like this, she'd really end up as a cowardly runaway who fled in fear.
"I can't let that happen."
Philomel leaned toward the amplification stone and recited her prepared speech clearly, word for word.
"Dear citizens of the Belleroph Empire, welcome to this gathering. Today..."
Fortunately, her mind was so flustered with embarrassment that much of her tension had eased.
That day, Philomel delivered a flawless speech to everyone. The attendees went home stunned by two facts.
First, the princess they'd thought was nothing but a problem child had displayed oratory skills far beyond her years.
Second, the emperor had gazed at his daughter with unusually warm eyes.
"The existing picture of succession might change," was their common thought.
The same day, Philomel dined with the emperor. When she suggested they eat together, he asked, "What about Young Duke Averyden?"
She replied that she had no plans with Nassar, and he gave her a strange look before saying,
"Every year on Founding Festival day, you spent time with that boy."
"Did I? Well, except when I was nine, it does seem like that."
But this time, she had something to gain from the emperor. "Today, I want to eat with Your Majesty!" When she said that, Justis said nothing more.
As she swallowed the meat in her mouth, Philomel spoke up.
"Your Majesty. How was my speech today?"
"You did well. It was good."
She thought so herself.
It had been three full years of effort to become a successor worthy of recognition. It felt like now she could finally say it.
Philomel tried her best to make the most innocent face possible.
"Your Majesty, there's actually something I want."
"What is it?"
"The Ring of Crimson Flame!"
Suddenly, Justis's hand paused mid-cut on his steak.
"No."
Philomel couldn't hide her disappointment at the immediate refusal.
"No, but..."
The flustered Justis explained.
"It's not that it's absolutely impossible. It's just too early for you."
"I won't use it carelessly! I can handle it!"
Philomel hurriedly continued.
"That's not the issue. The Ring of Crimson Flame burdens the body if the user is too young. You should wait until you're an adult at least."
"B-but..."
The Belleroph Empire's age of adulthood was eighteen. By the time Philomel reached that, Ellensia would have already appeared.
"That's too far away. I can't wait that long."
Philomel continued in a trembling voice.
Justis rubbed his furrowed brow and said,
"Why do you want the Ring of Crimson Flame so badly?"
"...Because it's the symbol of the rightful heir to the throne."
She couldn't say it was to run away. Philomel gave the answer she'd prepared in advance.
"...I'll give it to you when you're an adult. Name something else this time. Anything you want."
"I want the Ring of Crimson Flame. If not that, I don't need anything."
"..."
"..."
The unbridgeable gap in opinions silenced the conversation.
In the heavy flow of time, Philomel regretted it.
"I was too hasty. Even if he says no, I shouldn't have been so stubborn..."
His words about waiting until adulthood had made her snap in the moment. All the trust she'd built could be ruined by this childish tantrum.
Before leaving the uncomfortable meal, Philomel murmured offhandedly,
"I'm sorry. I won't push like this anymore. Good night."
She bowed her head, so she didn't see the emperor's expression.
"Ah, everything's such a hassle."
Philomel sprawled on the sofa, wasting her free time.
Normally, she'd be scheming some excuse to go stamp her presence on Justis, but after that last dinner, all her motivation had vanished.
If she couldn't get the Ring of Crimson Flame in time, she'd have to overhaul her escape plan entirely.
She couldn't just sit idle forever, but for now, she wanted to do nothing and think nothing.
Then Lady Deless approached, gauging Philomel's mood.
"Um... Your Highness."
"What is it?"
"His Majesty the Emperor summons you to the annex. They say Elita sent a rare tea as a gift."
It was the first time Justis had called for her when she hadn't said a word.
"Well, I always went to him without being called, so there was no chance."
She had no idea what he wanted to say, but if summoned, she had to go.
"But..."
Thud. Philomel's body flopped back down.
"Your Highness?"
"Tell him I'm not feeling well and can't come."
"Oh no, are you unwell?"
"It's not serious. How should I put it... I'm just a bit tired."
"Understood. Rest well, Your Highness."
Even after the countess left, Philomel kept lounging. But Lady Deless returned.
"Your Highness. His Majesty the Emperor has come himself."
"...Pardon?"
Philomel jumped up from the sofa in panic.
"Even so, I don't want to see him right now..."
"Uh, say I'm asleep."
Philomel turned her face toward the sofa backrest as she lay down and pretended to sleep.
Lady Deless hesitated while looking at Philomel, then the sound of her leaving through the door came.
She knew this was pointless stubbornness.
If the emperor visited, she should wake the other party even if they were asleep.
Not waking her and reporting to the emperor might put the countess in an awkward spot.
"Still, I don't wanna..."
A moment later, the door opened.
Thinking the countess had returned to wake her, Philomel held her breath at the voice that followed.
"Philomel."
The emperor said softly.
"I know you're not asleep."
Gasp. What kind of ghost was he?
Philomel flinched.
She thought about getting up, but decided to keep pretending and didn't open her eyes.
"...Now you won't even face me."
His voice was deeper than usual, husky.
This didn't feel good.
"His Majesty must be really angry!"
Maybe it was time to stop rebelling and get up.
"I still don't understand why you want that ring so much. Even without it, you're my rightful heir."
Footsteps drew closer, step by step.
"But... if you want it that badly."
She felt Justis right behind her back. Something tickled her hair.
"In three years. When you turn fifteen, I'll give you the Ring of Crimson Flame."
"Really?"
Philomel shot up.
Justis withdrew his extended hand and nodded.
"Yes. Not an adult, but by then, the burden on your body shouldn't be too much. Still, use it sparingly as much as possible..."
"Thank you! Your Majesty is the best!"
Whoosh. Overcome with emotion, Philomel hugged Justis without thinking.
"..."
"..."
She snapped back to her senses right away.
"...Oh no. What am I doing?"
Before the emperor could say anything, Philomel quickly slipped out of his arms.
He picked her up when needed, but that didn't mean he'd welcome her hugging first. Indeed, Justis looked a bit surprised.
"Wow! I'm so happy!"
As Philomel awkwardly raised both hands high, he didn't question her earlier action.
"That makes you so happy?"
"Yes!"
Three years. A long time if you thought about it, but compared to the initial six, it was halved.
"And before Ellensia appears, too."
Even if she got the ring right away, escaping in a child's body had limits. She'd be lucky not to get reported as an orphan.
Fifteen wasn't adult yet, but old enough to move alone.
Three more years. Just wait three years, and she could go out into the world.
Philomel clenched her fist tight.