Chapter 74

Ah, the Esphia Bridge.

Sitting across from my brother in the carriage, I looked outside and saw a stone bridge. Since we always cross it when we go out, it’s a familiar sight.

It’s the main thoroughfare connecting the castle and the town below. It has the most traffic and is quite wide. It’s said that it was rebuilt in its current form during King Usu’s reign. The key point is that it was improved to have moving beams. It’s a grand movable bridge that is also artistic, making it one of Esphia’s famous tourist attractions.

And—once you cross this bridge, the town is right there!

Let’s reconfirm today’s inspection schedule!

Of course, the main goal is to clear Clifford’s name. To do that, I need to conduct the inspection thoroughly!

I placed the ‘Black Fan’ on my lap and took out a folded, handmade notepad from my dress. There’s no such thing as a notebook like in my previous life, so I cut paper into a small size to make it look like a notepad.

It’s essential when I participate in official events!

I write down the flow of the ceremony, key points, and schedule to keep them hidden and avoid making mistakes!

...Should I just memorize it? Hmph.

Even if I memorize it, my mind can go blank! I need auxiliary items...! If it were just a semi-ball, I wouldn’t prepare notes, but today’s inspection is official business. It’s not just a regular inspection. I need to be extra careful!

For that reason, today’s cream-colored dress has a hidden pocket in the fluffy skirt part that no one can see! It’s easy to take out and put away! Being able to keep small things in my dress is quite convenient.

I might even add a large pocket to my everyday dress to store the ‘Black Fan’ or carry a small bag...?

Since I learned that some people hesitate to touch the ‘Black Fan’ made from Rev bird feathers, I thought that might be a good idea.

—Anyway, I opened the notepad and started mental preparation for the inspection.

I scanned the content I had written.

Of course, the text is in Japanese! If I accidentally lose the notepad, even if someone finds it, no one else can read it!

“...”

I can feel my brother’s inquisitive gaze, but I continue with my mental preparation.

First... today’s inspection is originally about experiencing the daily life of the capital’s residents.

Three pillars.

‘Clothing’. Visit a reputable general store, see the products, try them on, and purchase them.

Directly feel the trends and avoid the tragedy of the princess’s fashion being outdated!

While buying high-end items from the royal tailor is easy and generally sufficient, after sixteen years as a princess, I’ve learned that it’s necessary to regularly see things outside myself.

‘Food’. Eat at a restaurant in the capital! Like, the princess tasting what everyone else eats?

...I remember. It was extremely difficult to include this in the inspection. The main issue was the food itself.

Usually, I eat in the castle. The person who prepares the food is fixed, and the ingredients are carefully selected to avoid any accidents. How can we achieve the same in a regular restaurant?

I wanted to try B-grade gourmet food, but my plans were quickly thwarted...! —But, I also felt that in the original story, my brother and Sir Sil ate sweets in the town below while in disguise. Even the ‘little sister’ in the original story did! And I really wanted to know how the food of the royal family differs from that of others.

...I can hear about it, but I really wanted to go and taste it myself! I passionately persuaded and successfully included ‘food’ in the inspection... Victory.

‘Living’. I initially thought of staying overnight in a civilian’s home and interacting with a family in the capital, but it was rejected no matter what.

So, I compromised by taking a walk in the town below. Specifically, the area with the Carlam trees.

This place has been a candidate for inspection several times... and finally, it’s included this time. I usually avoid it...

I close my eyes and think.

Even if I see a scene like a cherry blossom avenue, it should be okay now, right?

I try to imagine the Carlam trees in bloom.

...Why?

What came to mind was a Carlam tree in full bloom at night, like a night cherry blossom. I tried to imagine the Carlam avenue during the day.

Indeed, I have seen Carlam trees at night, and it’s one of my dark memories. Maybe that’s why it came to mind, but it’s not a particularly good memory...

But, it felt warm? Like I wanted to cry... but it also felt reassuring. In reality, that’s not the case...

“?”

Even if I ask myself, I don’t get an answer. The mystery deepens.

I’ve already decided that I won’t cry over small things!

—Ah, I cried when I woke up yesterday morning... Ugh. ...Since it was during sleep, it was uncontrollable, so, it’s a no-count! I won’t cry when I’m fully conscious!

...Anyway, it should be okay to see the Carlam trees, right? Yes!

At least, it won’t be like when I was a child!

I opened my eyes wide.

There’s only a little left to read on the notepad.

Revisiting a store I inspected before.

It’s the store where I bought the ‘Black Fan’. I’m curious if it suffered any reputational damage. When I visited it during the previous inspection, which was when I found Sir Sil’s protective ring, it didn’t seem deserted, but...

As an apology, I’ve already placed another order for goods through Sasha, so I’ll receive those items—.

“What is that?”

I looked up, and my brother was staring at me intently.

That... of course, it’s this notepad.

“This is a record of today’s schedule.”

Come to think of it... I’ve never seen my brother use something like this in public.

The difference in brain capacity...!

“It’s not just a regular inspection, so I’m doing the final check. ...Would you like to see it?”

“...Is it okay?”

My brother seemed surprised.

“Yes.”

I handed the notepad to my brother, who seemed half-doubtful. It’s fine if someone else reads it because they can’t understand it, but the content is in Esphia language, so it’s not a problem for my brother to see it. He knows the inspection schedule anyway. It would be a problem if there were spies among the security during the inspection.

My brother took the notepad and frowned when he saw the Japanese text.

“This is... the writing I saw in your room, right?”

Probably when he came to visit me and picked up my diary.

My brother’s expression changed as he continued to read the text.

‘The concept of this inspection is...?’

The words slipped out.

“!”

No way.