Chapter 73

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Waking up early, it was time to change into my inspection outfit! Fortunately, I didn't have any strange dreams last night—those kinds of bad dreams that make you doubt yourself. No, really, that was a nightmare on a whole different level from just dreaming about those awful memories... I cried when I woke up, but I blamed it on the nightmare. For some reason, that felt off. Hmm...?

"Here you are, Your Highness."

Sasha held out the hair ornament on a decorative tray in front of me. It was the first time I saw the fresh flowers that would adorn my hair along with the tiara. At first, I simply thought about using Reishuran, but considering the inspection in the town below, I asked Sasha to use flowers that were in season and popular in the town. —So, I didn't know what kind of fresh flower hair ornament it would be until this moment.

"Sakura...?"

It had been a while since Japanese slipped out of my mouth. What Sasha had prepared was a hair ornament made of light pink flowers. They looked just like cherry blossoms, but in this world, they were called Carlam, which bloomed in the fall. The main differences were the blooming period and the shape of the petals. Carlam bloomed for about thirty days, and the petals had two splits.

"Your Highness...?"

Sasha's voice sounded worried. Oops, I made a mistake in my reaction.

"Carlam. It's beautiful."

Yes, it really was beautiful. But a few days ago, I might have been more shaken. Carlam held personal significance for me, or rather, it evoked a grudge-like feeling. A black history.

When Carlam was in full bloom, just looking at it made me feel like I was in Japan. I would close my eyes and imagine that when I opened them, I would be there—

I actually did this a few times as a child, embarrassing as it was!

But of course, when I opened my eyes, what I saw was Carlam, not cherry blossoms, and I was Octavia, not my old self. The extra sense of emptiness was overwhelming. I was incredibly disappointed.

So, I started to avoid seeing Carlam as much as possible during its blooming season. Fortunately, there were no Carlam trees in the royal castle. The only places I knew of were the Carlam-lined streets in the town below and the Duke Nightfellow's residence—Uncle's house!

"I'll be using this Carlam during the inspection."

For the official inspection ceremony, the princess always receives a bouquet from a citizen of the capital before the inspection begins. However, the bouquet is actually prepared by the castle and handed over by a citizen in a staged performance.

This time, since I was wearing a fresh flower hair ornament, I decided to use it as a substitute for the bouquet! I would have one of the citizens place the Carlam in my hair!

"Then, I'll escort you to the carriage."

Sasha, holding the decorative tray, bowed gracefully.

"Thank you."

So, the next step was to meet my brother at the castle gate! From there, we would ride the carriage to the town below!

Before leaving, I checked my appearance in the full-length mirror and headed out of the dressing room.

---

Just as I was about to leave, there was a knock on the door. Matilda answered, and through the gap, I saw Hugh. Currently, the dressing room is off-limits to men!

After a brief exchange with Hugh, Matilda turned to me.

"Your Highness, Lord Roberts has brought the guards you requested for today."

"Really? I was waiting for them."

Guy and Erel. The two I requested. I strongly, strongly asked Hugh to arrange a meeting before we left, and it paid off! Of course, my brother's approval was needed, but it seems he agreed?

"Please, come in."

"---Excuse me."

First to enter was Hugh. He was in the perfect uniform of a knight, but he wasn't wearing the decorative tassel that my brother had given him. The shorter one.

"Hugh, where is your gold tassel?"

The tassel on the sword Hugh was currently equipped with was a generic one.

"Today, I am leaving the castle to serve as a guard for Princess Octavia. The gold tassel is a symbol of Prince Serius."

That's going a bit far. I know the tassel episode from the original story, so... Ah, maybe.

"Did my brother order you to do this?"

"No."

It was a miss. ...Did my previous comment have too much of an impact?

"You can switch to the gold tassel if you want."

"I appreciate your consideration, but please don't worry. ...It's my way of drawing a line."

Since he said it to this extent, I can't force him to switch back to the gold tassel.

"..."

Seizing the moment when I fell silent, Hugh signaled to the door.

Guy Pewts and Erel Bane entered.

Both were soldiers, but they were wearing uniforms similar to those of the guards. They were scheduled to protect me alongside Hugh today.

Guy was—clearly very nervous! He kept looking at me and then quickly averting his gaze. ...It's normal. I felt a sense of familiarity and wanted to shake his hand. I can relate! I'm a former high school girl at heart. Normally, I would be more on Guy's side! I just want to call him Guy-kun! But he's older, right? Calling him "kun" would be rude...! But it's okay in my heart, right...?

"Guy Pewts. Thank you for agreeing to guard me. I'll be counting on you today. Having someone Alek trusts will be a great comfort."

Mainly, I'll be counting on you for my mental support!

"Y-You're welcome! I'll dedicate my entire being to this task!"

While I felt a strong sense of familiarity, Guy's nervousness seemed to increase.

Guarding a princess must be a heavy burden... I understand. It was sudden, too. But I can't leave you out...!

Shaking off the guilt, I turned to Erel next.

"Erel Bane. Thank you as well. Do you remember what happened in the training grounds the other day?"

"Y-Yes!"

Erel had dark circles under his eyes. Such a shame, considering his good looks. But he doesn't look like Rust.

"Is my brother doing well?"

Rust information, please!

Erel, who had stiffened for a moment, hesitated before answering.

"A-Actually, my brother said he would meet you again soon."

Hmm. Rust asked Erel to pass on a message... "Soon" again... When is that? When? Today? No?

But pressing Erel further here would be suspicious.

"I see. Thank you."

I smiled. A full princess smile!

But both Guy and Erel flinched. ...I don't get it!

"Erel, I'm counting on you as well."

Mainly for Rust information!

"Your Highness, it's time..."

Matilda spoke up gently.

"We'll be late for the inspection."

We can't miss the meeting time!

As we stepped into the corridor, a familiar face approached.

"Sir Sil!"

It was Sir Sil and his new supervisor, Nathan. My brother had a hard time deciding who to assign as Sil's supervisor. Hugh would have been the obvious choice, but he was guarding me, so Nathan, who volunteered, took the role.

"Princess Octavia."

Sir Sil, who had rushed over, smiled.

"I'm glad I made it. I wanted to see you before the inspection..."

"Such a fuss."

I ignored the shocked looks from Guy and Erel! Is it that strange for Sil and me to have a friendly conversation?

"Shouldn't you be more concerned about my brother?"

"---I've already spoken with Serius."

His face was somewhat clouded.

"Did you have a fight?"

"More like... a fundamental difference of opinion."

Sil sighed.

He exuded a wild aura, as if to say, "What is he really up to?" It was impressive. But in the original story, when he went too far, he sometimes had this vibe with Serius.

"Princess Octavia."

Suddenly, Sil looked at me seriously.

"I love Serius."

Huh? If you confess to me... My brother would be overjoyed if I told him.

"I know, but..."

"Even though I love him, I can't fully endorse everything he does. Serius makes mistakes, and I might as well. So..."

I looked up at Sil. I often forget, but he is taller than me.

"Princess Octavia, please stand by what you believe is right."

His words could be interpreted as support for me. If my brother heard this... It would definitely be a problem!

Or, he's saying this on purpose.

He's probably referring to the false accusation against Clifford... But it also seems to hint at the issue of succession.

"I wish you success in your inspection."

Sil knows this isn't just a regular inspection, and with his words earlier—may the truth be revealed and the real culprit caught! Understood, Sil!

"Yes, I will make it a success."

We smiled at each other.

---

At the castle gate, my brother was waiting in front of a six-horse carriage. The sunlight made his handsome appearance even more dazzling, which was frustrating. His outfit was still primarily white but was a more luxurious version for the inspection. The design was somewhat military, and he was equipped with a sword.

I guess he's accompanying me to protect me as I resume my public duties.

Around the carriage, a bit away from my brother, were his guards.

Among them was Clifford. When our eyes met, he slightly bowed his head.

He was in the uniform of a guard, with the gold tassel on his sword, as he was participating in the inspection as one of my brother's guards.

Like Hugh, it was a prop for his role.

But only for today.

I walked slowly to the carriage where my brother was waiting.

I opened my black fan with a flourish.

"Good morning, brother. Your outfit today is very handsome."

Up close, his handsomeness was overwhelming, even though it wasn't the time for that.

"Today, I want you to think of yourself as one of the knights protecting me. You are the main character."

"Really...? I hope my outfit is fitting for the main character. What do you think?"

I asked for his opinion.

Of course, I was being modest! Everyone worked hard on my makeup, dressing, and finishing touches, so I was confident it was perfect!

My brother blinked as if surprised by the question. His long lashes fluttered, and he stared at me intently.

"..."

A few seconds passed. No need to think so hard.

"Very—"

Very?

"Very fitting. ...I think colors like these suit you better."

He was seriously complimenting me! I blushed a bit. And he said it while looking at me!

"---I'm glad you like it, brother."

I raised my fan to hide my embarrassment.

A brief silence fell between us.

We were both gauging each other's moves?

"Octavia."

But my brother made the first move.

"---Your hand."

He held out his hand to me.

To escort me to the carriage. I looked at his large hand.

At that moment, a shiver ran through my body.

Because, taking his hand would mark the beginning.

This was different from the ball. This time, I was willingly becoming a decoy to catch the culprit. But there was another purpose.

For me, it was a battle to clear Clifford's name.

---My brother was an ally in the sense of catching the culprit, but not in the case of Clifford. He was almost an enemy.

I had to be prepared.

I looked up, with determination, at my brother's composed face. He looked back at me silently, but the intensity in his blue eyes conveyed that he still believed Clifford was the culprit.

I closed my fan and switched the handle to my left hand, which still hurt a bit when I moved it, even though it was improving daily.

Hiding the pain with a smile, I placed my right hand on his outstretched one.

"This is the first time we're inspecting the town together. I'm looking forward to it."

My brother gently took my right hand.

"Me too. I've been looking forward to this day."

"I will make sure it's a good day."

I will prove Clifford's innocence!

I hope my message got through.

"---Yes."

My brother's face took on a challenging expression.

"I intend to do the same."

We both meant "a good day," but in different ways.

But even as we exchanged these words, my brother's escort was impeccable.

We boarded the carriage together.

Preparations were complete, and soon, the command was given.

"Depart!"

The six-horse carriage, clearly belonging to the royal family, set off for the town below, carrying my brother and me as decoys.