Chapter 88

"Welcome! Thank you for coming!"

A well-built man, the shop owner I've become quite familiar with, greeted us.

The shop, which I had feared might have been affected by the 'Black Fan' incident, had, in one word, been upgraded. ...But in a bad way.

The storefront had changed quite a bit, or rather, significantly, compared to when I had visited before.

It was supposed to be a shop mainly dealing in accessories and decorations.

However, the same model of fans as the 'Black Fan' I possessed were displayed in large quantities at the storefront...! It was not just a little, but rather bizarre. Look, even Guy let out a "Hie!"

He was taken aback. He was really taken aback! Even regular customers were fleeing!

"I've arranged the products in a prominent way, in honor of Her Highness Octavia!"

The shop owner, with a rubbing of his hands and a gleam in his eyes, seemed to be saying, "Praise me!"

Well... This is flattery directed at me!

"Shop owner..."

"Yes!"

"I'll ask for your name another time..."

"Yes..."

The well-built shop owner looked dejected. But, it was this merchant who initially refused, right?

It was when I first custom-ordered the 'Black Fan.' Of course, I asked for his name.

The merchant said,

"Your Highness... I am still a young businessman. When I have grown, please remember me."

I was impressed by his big ambition.

I liked the 'Black Fan' too, so I decided to visit during the previous inspection. Indeed, thanks to that, I discovered Sir Sil's jewelry box, the protective ring. But now, thinking back, the merchant's reaction felt like, "What? Another Rev bird? Seriously, no way!"

He couldn't refuse because it was an order from a princess, but he must have thought, "If I get remembered as the maker of the 'Black Fan,' I'm in trouble!"

But, as expected of a merchant.

The current merchant... the shop owner, exudes an unparalleled passion, suggesting that Rev bird merchandise might be a hit. It's a complete turnaround.

"Recently, thanks to Her Highness Octavia using the 'Black Fan' regularly, there's a trend of black fans. Oh, I admire Her Highness's keen eye. Please, come in!"

I only intended to stop by briefly, so I didn't reserve the shop exclusively.

I was worried that the strong presence of the shop might mean there were no customers, but I entered with some anxiety.

Phew.

The inside of the shop was normal! No change from the last time. I think the selection of items has even improved.

There were customers... A black-haired man accompanied by two attendants. They seemed to be shopping, as the two attendants were carrying many items. A wary look appeared in Hugh's eyes.

When he noticed us, the man bowed respectfully.

His left ear was adorned with three circular ear decorations.

"...You're from Kangina, aren't you? Welcome to Esphia. I welcome you."

I must make a good impression on foreigners as they represent the country!

"You recognized me as a Kanginan."

The man, who had been looking down, raised his face to look at me—wait? He was surprised by Hugh?

"You're wearing ear decorations."

In the traditional style of Kangina.

"Heh. I've been criticized in my homeland for being old-fashioned, but thanks to these ear decorations, I have the honor of speaking with Her Highness Octavia. I must be grateful to them."

"By the way, did the knight guarding you surprise you?"

The man shook his head.

"Not at all. As you can see, I'm a timid person. I tend to get nervous when I see knights. Oh well..."

"Are you here for a trip in Esphia?"

"No. I have a shop in the capital."

"Then..."

"I am a merchant. I was born in Kangina but am trying to make a name for myself in Esphia. Of course, my base is still in Kangina."

"Traveling between Kangina and Esphia?"

"Yes. I was invited to a pre-ball, which Her Highness also attended, and have been staying in the capital for about two weeks. Unfortunately, the pre-ball turned into a big mess... I had a terrible experience. Just when I thought things were going well after talking to Sir Burks... Oh, by the way, did Sir Burks invite Her Highness to dance?"

"If you were there, you would know. It wasn't a time for dancing."

"...That's true. It seems I got carried away with the excitement of meeting you, Your Highness."

The man tapped his forehead, as if to say, "I made a mistake."

My brother had also entered the shop. He didn't join the conversation but reacted to the mention of Sir Sil. Still, he didn't join the conversation.

A Kanginan with ear decorations... Hearing that he attended the pre-ball made him seem a bit suspicious. Plus, talking about this in front of my brother. But if he was part of the troublemakers, he would have been caught that day. Maybe I should hear him out a bit more.

"...Are you here to shop today?"

"I'm conducting market research by regularly visiting various shops. Thanks to that, I have this."

The man gestured to the items his attendants were carrying. Oh, a black fan was sticking out...! The one displayed at the storefront!

"Of course, inspired by the 'Black Fan,' I decided to purchase a ready-made one as well."

"How long will you stay in Esphia?"

"---I intended to stay in the capital for a while, but I will return to Kangina immediately after leaving this shop. ...I remembered an urgent matter."

"See... If he's a troublemaker, he wouldn't return to Kangina today. Probably."

After greeting, the man left the shop. Then, my brother moved away. He called a soldier and gave instructions. I couldn't hear the content, but he might be checking if the man's story is true. The soldier ran out.

The shop owner, who had been standing back while I was talking to the man, came closer and tilted his head. His gaze was on the man walking away with his attendants.

"...He didn't mention any urgent matters when we were chatting. I don't understand him..."

"Have you known him for a long time?"

"He's a merchant who has grown rapidly in recent years. His methods are rather ruthless... He keeps his contracts and pays well, so he's harmless if you keep a moderate distance. Yes."

I nodded.

The world of merchants is so dry... No, the noble society is also quite harsh.

"Right! Her Highness, please don't remember his name! I'm first!"

I nodded and started.

The reason I visited this shop was partly because I was concerned that the 'Black Fan' might be affecting business negatively...

"More importantly, shop owner, is the item I ordered ready?"

I left the shop with a satisfied smile.

I wanted to keep it myself, so I put the item, wrapped in paper, in the inner pocket of my inspection dress.

The long-desired, Rev bird feather tassel for a sword!

Usually, they are made of strings or threads, so I had some doubts about the outcome, but the shop owner's—merchant's—development skills, proven by the 'Black Fan,' were fully demonstrated in the tassel.

Looks good! Practicality good!

If you're not allergic to Rev bird feathers, it should be perfect!

The inspection isn't over, and as a decoy, I haven't gained much, but this sense of accomplishment.

So, next is...

I got into the carriage and took a deep breath.

A walk in the Carlam Avenue, inspecting the city as a resident of the capital.

"...Are you nervous?"

Sitting across from me in the carriage, my brother was something I had gotten used to.

I think he's talking about the possibility of an attack by the troublemakers.

That's normal, right.

But, I have other reasons to be nervous. Even though I passed the mental training, I'm worried about making a mistake in Carlam Avenue.

Not a slip-up, but something that could trip me up.

Seeing something like cherry blossoms, will I revert to my old self?

I postponed visiting Carlam Avenue because I had a desire to delay it.

"Is the suspicion about Clifford cleared?"

But I can't say that to my brother. I asked a different question.

My brother thinks Clifford tampered with Sir Sil's carriage and is one of the troublemakers.

Has that changed? ...At least, from what I can see, there's nothing suspicious about today's Clifford.

"...No."

"Then, it will be overturned soon, won't it?"

Because, if this continues, nothing will happen, right?

"You're free to think that. ---Carlam Avenue, right?"

My brother, looking out the carriage window, announced it. A bit later, the carriage stopped.

But I didn't look outside.

I tried to block my view with the 'Black Fan' as much as possible and stepped out.

I received an explanation about walking in Carlam Avenue.

Hugh would guard me, and Clifford would guard my brother closely. Behind them would be Guy, Erel, and the other knights. Additionally, soldiers would be stationed at key points along the avenue from end to end.

Clifford was chosen to guard my brother closely at his request, but it's not because he trusts Clifford enough to entrust his safety to him, but rather the opposite.

---The autumn wind messed up my hair. Light pink petals had fallen on the ground. When the wind blew, they danced up from the ground.

The scene easily awakened the nostalgic memories sleeping inside me.

"Big sister, look! Look, cherry blossom snow. It's beautiful!"

"Let's take a photo!"

"Agreed!"

It was supposed to be a normal day in spring, nothing special.

"......"

"Her Highness Octavia?"

I was standing there blankly, and Hugh looked puzzled.

No, no, I can't do that.

"It's been a while since I walked through the city like this. ...Shall we go?"

Actually, I walk around the castle for movement, but it's been months since I walked through the capital.

The movement of the people in the capital is not restricted. Some people were walking the avenue as usual, while others gathered to see the royal family on inspection.

Among them, before we had moved much,

"---What a coincidence."

A person approached. He had broken through the security perimeter, which was supposed to prevent anyone from getting too close, and was smiling brightly, exuding the charm of a well-mannered young man.

Derek Knightfellow.

"I was in the city on business and learned that both Your Highnesses were on inspection, so I came to greet you."

Derek bowed politely, with the grace characteristic of high nobility.

The contrast to this grace was the long sword on his waist.

He had been hiding his identity in the square by wearing a hood, but now he was standing openly...?

When I cast a questioning glance, Derek smiled softly. Ugh. Handsome...! I don't believe in the idea that handsome men are innocent, but I do think that a bit of charm can be effective. Even I, who should be used to handsome men, am affected!

"Please don't reprimand the soldiers who let me through. They couldn't refuse when someone from the Knightfellow family said to let me through."

It's a bold claim, using his power to push through.

And. One thing is bothering me. My brother hasn't said a word since we met Derek! And Derek's conversation can be interpreted as directed at me, my brother, or both.

It's supposed to be a coincidence, but it can't be.

Derek came to Carlam Avenue on purpose. Not just to greet us.

This appearance is irregular in the inspection plan. But in my view, Derek is an ally.

"Since we're here..."

I decided to involve Derek! If it comes to a fight, Derek is capable of fighting and won't be at the mercy of the situation.

"Would you like to walk with us, Sir Derek?"

He didn't expect to be invited by me. His brown eyes widened for a moment. But then Derek's lips curved into a smile.

"---I would be delighted."