Chapter 58

"――What is it? Is it strange for me to come here, Octavia?"

Father said it with a heavy and authoritative tone.

Indeed, he is the supreme ruler of Esphia, so he is important!

Just about a minute ago, I was told by my attendant, Sasha, that Father was coming without any prior notice.

At that time, I was sprawled on the princess bed with a canopy, writing in my diary with all seriousness, regardless of my posture.

I hastily rushed out of the bedroom through the connecting door and quickly prepared to receive Father...

There are three people in my room.

Me, Father, and Sasha, who is standing in the corner with her head bowed in respect.

...Yeah. The only thing that feels off is that Father is in my room!

How long has it been since Father was here?

I did say this morning that I wanted to talk to someone about the situation, but I didn't expect Father to come...!

I thought for sure it would be the head lady-in-waiting, Matilda... Ah!

I moved my gaze slightly and was taken aback.

There was an unnatural wrinkle on the skirt of my casual dress! Not on the front, but on the right side, slightly lower! ...From this position, it's just barely out of Father's sight. In that sense, it's safe! Still, ugh...! I want to fix it!

But I can't just straighten it out while Father is watching...

I had just opened my black fan when Father entered the room.

Then, that one line was spoken.

I have to answer, but the wrinkle... The wrinkle is distracting me...!

For that, ...I had an idea! I have a good solution!

"No. Welcome, Father. I have been waiting for you."

I closed the fan and held it in my right hand.

At the same time, to subtly fix the wrinkle, I performed the highest form of greeting in Esphia to Father.

It means that I respect you from the bottom of my heart and have no intention of going against you! It's perfect for flattery!

But it's so grand that it's only used for the king.

In other words, it's okay with Father! In fact, it's normal!

To perform the female version of the greeting, you cross your legs while standing, lower your body significantly, bow your head, and lift the middle part of the dress on both sides.

When you lower your posture this much, you can reach the wrinkle spot precisely and smoothly! Furthermore, by spreading the fabric, I focused all my nerves on my fingertips. I stretched the wrinkle out with all my might, trying not to put too much strain on my left hand, which was bandaged and had medicine applied to it...

Is this good enough! At least the bulge in the dress is gone! Phew. I can breathe a sigh of relief.

With a sense of accomplishment, I straightened my posture and raised my head.

The moment our eyes met, Father let out a deep sigh. Huh?

...Did he see through my attempt to fix the wrinkle under the guise of the highest form of greeting?

"――Octavia"

I wanted to say "Yes, Father," but if my voice wavered, it would be the same as admitting to fixing the wrinkle.

I opened my black fan and maintained a composed expression.

"Yes, Father."

"The crown you sent to Ralf, and yet you greet me with the highest form of respect... I can't read your mind at all."

Father, that's as clear as it gets, isn't it...?

I could only tilt my head in confusion.

"…What do you mean? I can't read your mind either, Father."

The meaning doesn't change even if a princess greets the king, so the highest form of greeting is still the highest form of greeting. And it doesn't seem like Father noticed me fixing the wrinkle.

I understood from Father's words that Uncle delivered the crown to him properly...

"Is it mutual that we can't read each other's minds? ...Then, let's start the effort to bridge that gap, shall we?"

Saying that, Father sat down in a chair with ease.

I also sat down opposite him.

---It had been a day since then.

I had returned safely from the pre-ball, which took place in the 'Sky Room' underground.

I fell asleep while being carried princess-style by Clifford through the tunnel. When I woke up, I was in my room in the castle! It was the next morning! The treatment for my left hand was already complete! Yay.

I wanted to scream and faint, but I managed to pull myself together and decided to first hear what happened after I fell asleep. However, I was told to stay in bed and rest. The reason given was my injury, so I was excused from my official duties.

...The restrictions were thorough. I wasn't allowed to step outside my room! The only places I could go were my bedroom and the living room. All communication and contact with the outside world were prohibited.

I could meet the castle's resident physician who treated my left hand, but the only person I could talk to was my attendant, Sasha.

Naturally, I hadn't seen Clifford, who should have been on duty as my guard knight since the morning.

Despite what happened yesterday, all information was cut off.

It was already past noon, but no one had asked me, the only one who was there in that place... the 'Sky Room.'

How long is this going to last? Tell me what's happening!

In response to my plea, the one who came was King, my Father.

Father, who glanced at my bandaged left hand, started the conversation.

"How is your injury?"

"It's not life-threatening. It's a minor injury."

The doctor I met said that if I applied medicine to the wound three times a day and kept it clean, it would heal in no time and wouldn't interfere with my daily life.

However, I was told that I had a slight fever, for which I was given medicine to suppress it, with a warning that it might cause drowsiness as a side effect.

I took it after lunch, but I'm not sleepy yet. I think the fever is around 37 degrees. In my previous life, I would have gone to school as usual, and my temperature would have returned to normal by noon.

"According to the report, the injury on your left hand was sustained during last night's attack."

"This is a wound I inflicted on myself for a reason."

"――It seems so. However, it was reckless. Even if it was a justified act, the fact remains that your knight, Clifford Alderton, is in a difficult situation because of it."

Clifford...?

"Why? Clifford has done nothing wrong. He protected me, fought the 'Servant,' and won. He is a hero."

"The act itself is commendable. However, as the First Princess, you were injured while he was by your side. This is a failure that cannot be overlooked."

But, that's just how it looks on the surface!

"I ordered Clifford not to interfere."

Even as I pleaded, Father shook his head gently.

"The process doesn't matter. Octavia, you are the First Princess of Esphia. I will say it again. The fact that you were injured while your guard knight was with you is all that matters. There are even suggestions to replace your guard knight."

I gripped the handle of the black fan tightly.

Grr... I understand the logic. I understand, but I can't back down here.

"Is that why Clifford hasn't been seen since this morning? ...Replacing the guard knight? That decision is mine. I have no intention of appointing a new guard knight. In my opinion, Clifford has done nothing wrong."

I gauged Father's reaction.

"――That's what Serius is mainly advocating."

Those were the words that followed.

"Then, what about Father?"

"The failure and the merit of your guard knight last night. It's a matter of which to prioritize."

! If he says it like this...

"Father, you prioritize the merit, don't you?"

"That's right. However, Octavia."

Father's emerald green eyes, darker than Alek's, met mine directly.

"The fact that you were injured hasn't changed. Remember, this is a matter that would normally warrant severe punishment for a guard knight. No excuses are considered. You are a princess."

...

Living as a princess in a country with a class system, I sometimes think in terms of my high school girl mindset. It's not that it's a minor injury... but the dimension is different when a regular high school girl gets the same injury.

Because of that... even a minor injury can lead to consequences for Clifford.

I regret it deeply.

...Even a slight fever, it's not just a slight fever.

Moreover, even if I take the same action, there's a huge difference between doing it knowingly and unknowingly. The weight of the decision is entirely different.

"――I will engrave it in my heart, Father."

I closed the black fan and nodded.

"...I don't think he fears punishment. That man didn't even cooperate with Serius's interrogation."

"Wh-What?"

I widened my eyes.

Interrogation? Why? My brother interrogating Clifford? If Clifford was on the side of the villains, that would be one thing, but he defeated the villains... he saved me and Sir Sil!

Father leaned forward.

"Has the information about last night not been accurately conveyed? Why is there a need to interrogate Clifford?"

"Perhaps I should rephrase. It was supposed to be just a questioning, but the person in question was uncooperative. Octavia, he says he won't speak without your permission."

C-Clifford... But that's what I expected.

He wouldn't spill everything to my brother, no matter what. It's a relief... especially since it involves Sir Sil, but because of that, Clifford's position is getting worse...

"Has he been treated harshly?"

"Unless you decide to dismiss him, it's a different matter."

"Clifford will continue to be my guard knight."

Father chuckled softly.

"...Rest assured. Derek pleaded with Serius on his behalf. Both Ralf and Derek have conveyed the events of last night, including the facts. Your knight is not under suspicion. However—"

Father's tone took on a foreboding quality.

"Serius is not satisfied."

Of course, if Sir Sil is involved, that would be the case...

"What about Sir Sil?"

"He continues to sleep. Since there were no external injuries, Serius is still calm."

"He is under my brother's protection, then."

So, Sir Sil is truly safe.

I leaned back to my original position.

"Serius is not satisfied with Sir Sil being used as bait."

Naturally.

"Or with me bringing Sir Sil to the pre-ball, I suppose."

"Even Derek was angry about that. You are equally at fault?"

Father seemed to be enjoying this... Is it just my paranoia...?

"I understand. I will properly talk to my brother."

"That's a good idea. Regarding this incident, I have entrusted some decisions... about you and your guard knight, to Serius."

...I heard something I couldn't let go.

"Is my current situation due to my brother's orders?"

"Yes. Your guard knight is currently under suspension, but—how long it lasts is up to Serius."

W-What...!

I understand that Clifford is under suspension based on what Father said, but...

"Why my brother, not the king, Father?"

Between Father and my brother, Father is still more approachable now that we've stepped on the landmine of Sir Sil!

"I had an agreement with Serius. He used it this time. I have no way to counter it. If you want to change this situation, Octavia, you must deal with Serius yourself."

"That's why... Father came here personally..."

I felt a heavy weight.

"I am the only one who can openly defy the orders of the First Prince, Serius. This is a minor matter, so Serius won't make a fuss. —Well then."

Father's demeanor, which seemed a bit more relaxed compared to usual, returned to its usual serious state.

I also became more serious.

"Octavia. Is there anything you want to tell me?"

To tell Father...

"Has Duke Knightfellow and Lord Derek already told Father everything about last night?"

I also told Uncle what happened.

"I also want to tell Father about last night."

Being one of the parties involved, it felt strange that I was exempted from being questioned. Uncle wouldn't alter the story, but leaving it entirely to him didn't seem wise!

---

"Unnecessary. If you have something to say, tell Serius."

Father rejected me.

"If that's all, we're done here."

He even started to get up.

But, wait! This is a rare opportunity to talk face-to-face with Father. And it's in my territory! I can't let him go!

"Please wait, Father. If not to talk, I have a question. I have many questions about last night's pre-ball that I want to ask Father."

"Hmm?"

Father sat back down in his chair. ...Phew.

"However, whether I will answer your questions is a different matter."

What...!

"Do you intend not to answer?"

"I want to... but at the same time, I'm curious to see which of your many questions you will ask me, if limited to one."

"If it's one, will you answer?"

"Only one."

I nodded.

"Understood. But I have a request for Father. I want you to answer that question without lying or deceiving me."

Father chuckled.

"Very well. I will answer one question. In return, I will not lie or deceive."

Great! But just one...

The crown... seems to have reached Father, so that's fine.

The 'Sky Room,' the 'Servant' Uncle and the others captured, King Us and Queen Idearia...

There are many things I want to ask, but the one thing I can only ask Father is—

"――Then, shouldn't you ask that person directly?"

"King, Your Majesty?"

The image of Rust, who looked exactly like that young man, with his face hidden under a mask, and our conversation in the pavilion of 'Paradise of the Sky,' flashed through my mind and disappeared.

Whether Rust's words were true or not.

—Does Father know Rust?

But I only have one question. This would yield too little information.

Then, I'll change the content a bit.

I asked my question.

"Who does Rust Barne resemble?"

This is it!

What I most want to know is who Rust resembles. If Father doesn't know Rust, he'll say so, but if he does—

"Lord Rufus Kilgren."

I flinched. I had opened my black fan to its limit without realizing it. The uncontainable emotion was seeping through from the Father in front of me. ...Father is not an emotional person. He's not emotionless, but I've always seen him control his emotions as a king.

But what I saw was the complete opposite.

"A dead man. My uncle and your great-uncle. He resembles the man in his youth. A perfect replica. —As if the man himself had returned to his youth."

The emotion seeping through was dark.

It felt like Father had a grudge that he had been avoiding and couldn't resolve, much like I had with a certain unpleasant memory.

...Lord Kilgren is the name Alek asked if he had met on the day he set out. According to Father, he was the great-grandfather of the current Duke Knightfellow.

I remember Father mentioning Kilgren to Alek...

What does that mean?

But when Father says something, he doesn't lie. Even if it's a verbal agreement, he values contracts.

Rust resembles the late Lord Kilgren. That means Lord Kilgren also looked exactly like that young man.

"――I have answered your question, Octavia. Make good use of it."

Father stood up quietly. In response, Sasha moved towards the door, and it opened from the corridor side in sync with Father's movements.

The guard knights waiting outside bowed their heads in unison.

"..."

I dove onto the bed with a thud.

After Father left, I first asked Sasha to inform the appropriate person that I wanted to visit Clifford, who was under suspension.

Matilda apparently tried her best, but it was rejected. The power of a princess has its limits.

I felt my brother's resolve.

So, this time, I asked her to convey that I wanted to meet my brother, and I decided to spend the time in the bedroom until I received a response.

By my pillow were my half-written diary and a pencil.

This was the fifth generation of my diary. It was a thick book made of plant bark, with a bundle of paper bound together, and the pencil was a long piece of wood with a graphite core. Both were brand new, my favorites, obtained through Cissy's connections.

I gripped the pencil with my right hand and resumed writing.

I was in the middle of summarizing important things I saw and heard at the pre-ball.

Of course, I was writing in Japanese. A simple cipher that only I could read!

No worries about information leaks!

Where did I leave off...

Hmm, in order, the runaway carriage incident with Sir Sil, the information about my brother's memory from Derek, and the fact that I hadn't received a letter from Cissy.

Of course, I would continue writing this part.

I flipped through a few pages and made a new entry on a blank page.

I wrote down the names of Rust and Lord Kilgren and connected them with an equals sign. I also added the young man's name. ...After some thought, I added Father and Alek's names at the bottom.

And near Lord Kilgren, I wrote the name of the Duke Knightfellow family.

A kind of relationship diagram?

—If I want to investigate Lord Kilgren, visiting the Duke Knightfellow family would be the quickest way. Contacting Uncle... would require lifting the ban on external communication. I can't even leave my room.

I also need to do something about Clifford's suspension.

Without clearing these two, finding a fake lover would be a dream within a dream! I want to re-examine the history of Esphia, but I can't even go to the library. The day of the debut is approaching quickly.

So, the biggest obstacle is my brother...

I should write down some guidelines for the future as well.

Hmm, hmm, as I wrote in my diary, I noticed my eyelids getting heavy.

Did the side effects of the medicine start?

I wanted to stay awake with determination.

But I remembered what the doctor told me.

"If you feel sleepy, don't force yourself to stay awake. It will help your fever go down faster."

I can't afford to have the 'this much' feeling from my previous life here.

I closed