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CHAPTER 87………………
‘Grandfather! Why didn’t I think of Grandfather?’
If I send Count Epsilard to the Magic Tower instead of going myself, our family’s reputation will surely rise.
“I’ll go write a letter!”
I bowed quickly and left with Jaester to write one. Just before leaving the Emperor’s office, Jaester’s eyes met the Emperor’s.
The Emperor silently chuckled, raising his brows at Jaester.
‘If you want to take the princess, then try persuading her grandfather first.’
“….”
That was exactly what it looked like he was saying, and Jaester’s complexion went pale.
Muttering, “Lirien’s… maternal grandfather… someone I must impress…,” he obediently followed my lead.
That’s how we arrived at my palace.
As if he’d never been gloomy, Jaester’s eyes sparkled the moment he saw my residence.
“This is where you live, Lirien?”
“Yes.”
“It’s huge! Totally different from the Magic Tower!”
He kept looking around with curiosity, reminding me of our first meeting.
‘Back then too, he was excited about everything being so different.’
I had been busy brushing him aside, acting irritated under the gaze of others. But now that he was back, I had resolved not to hurt him again.
‘Originally, I was going to show him around my palace when he turned fifteen.’
Since the time came sooner, I might as well show him now.
“If you’d like, want to look around before heading back?”
“Can I?”
“Of course, you’re my friend.”
At that, Jaester’s eyes shone, and he nodded eagerly.
Just then, Illia and Mulin came rushing out upon hearing news of my return.
The moment they saw me, they sighed in relief and hurried over.
“Your Highness! What happened? They said the Emerald Hall was shaking!”
“Are you hurt? Nowhere injured, right?”
Illia even knelt and carefully checked me over. After confirming not a scratch was on me, she blinked as if only then noticing Jaester beside me.
“And this is…?”
“My friend. Jaester Asa Lodburigor.”
“Lodburigor… that eccentric bunch…! Oops.”
Illia clamped her own mouth, darting nervous glances at Jaester.
Awkward, Mulin sighed, but Jaester only smiled brightly.
‘It’s fine. The Magic Tower being eccentric is true, after all.’
“Ah, I—I deeply apologize. To speak rudely to the Princess’s friend… I will accept any punishment.”
“It’s really fine…”
Jaester looked troubled and turned to me. I shrugged.
“He says it’s fine. Just be careful next time.”
“Th-thank you. By the way, how was the tea party?”
“I’ll explain later. Illia, lend me your ear.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Illia bent close, and I whispered quickly before leaning back.
“Can you do it?”
“Of course. It’ll be done before you return.”
“Good. I’ll take a walk with him.”
At that moment—
“I’ll accompany you.”
Mulin stepped between me and Jaester. I didn’t mind, but Jaester’s expression soured.
“Jaester?”
“N-no, it’s fine. Let’s go.”
“Mm.”
I nodded, then turned to Balen, who was quietly escorting us.
“Sir, you and Mulin follow at a distance.”
“As you command.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Under Mulin’s watchful gaze, I showed Jaester around the palace. His childlike delight brought a warm smile to my face.
By the time we finished, the sun was setting.
After a thought, I said, “Mulin, contact Illia.”
“Yes.”
He pulled out a crystal. With my first earnings, I had bought both him and Illia communication stones.
‘Just in case.’
And now it was proving useful.
Mulin pressed the button, and after a hum, Illia’s voice came through.
[Mulin? Did Her Highness tell you to contact me?]
“Yes.”
[As expected. The task is done. Should I come to you?]
“No, I’ll bring Jaester.”
[Then I’ll be waiting.]
The connection ended.
Jaester, puzzled, asked, “What’s this about?”
I grinned. “You’ll play the role of envoy, won’t you?”
“…?”
Jaester tilted his head in confusion, while I suppressed a laugh and headed for my chambers.
“Goodbye. If you miss me, send a letter. I’ll send you a proper invitation.”
“Mm.”
Looking reluctant, Jaester nodded, shoulders drooping. Afraid he’d linger, I gave him a push.
At last, Jaester, letter in hand, vanished with teleportation.
Turning to Illia, I asked, “You sent the other letter too?”
“Of course! Who am I? The Princess’s loyal servant!”
She thumped her chest, while Mulin shook his head.
Ignoring them, I collapsed onto the sofa. My mind felt weary from the day.
Sensing it, Mulin cautiously asked, “How was the tea party? Did Lady Calypso not attack?”
“She and Yevgeni teamed up to corner me.”
“As expected…”
“Yeah, but I got through it.”
“So it’s resolved?” Illia asked.
I frowned. “Not really. They won’t give up that easily. Today they retreated because of the circumstances, but they’ll try again.”
“Shall we dig into Lady Calypso’s weaknesses?”
“Hmm.”
I tapped the desk, deep in thought.
‘That’s Jeron’s specialty, though.’
But I didn’t want to reach out right away after what happened today.
“For now, hold off.”
I flopped onto the sofa again. Mulin handed me iced tea, Illia draped a blanket over me.
Then they said, “Her Highness Queen Ayla’s tea party has ended. Do you want to hear the report?”
Ah! Mother!
I sat bolt upright. Illia began carefully, “All guests attended. Some were on the Empress’s side.”
“And? Was she alright?”
Since I couldn’t attend, I had ordered Illia and Mulin to observe her palace in turns.
Mulin answered, “She seemed fine. Surprisingly well in harmony with the noble ladies.”
“Indeed. Most seemed to look favorably on her. At first the mood was sharp, but Marchioness Iolin helped a lot. When some tried to corner the Queen with rude questions…”
Illia recalled it:
A brown-haired noblewoman, clearly on the Empress’s side, sneered, ‘There’s been much talk of the First Princess. Surely, Your Majesty, you returned to society emboldened by your daughter’s glory?’
Other ladies, eager to mock timid Queen Ayla, waited for her to crumble.
But contrary to expectation, Ayla lifted her chin and stepped forward.
‘There are many ears here. Before speaking, it would be wise to think carefully before you let words escape your lips.’
A thinly veiled threat.
The woman flushed, others grew uneasy. Finally, Marchioness Iolin smoothed over the tense atmosphere.
I gaped hearing this. “Mother really said that?”
“Yes! I heard it clearly!” Illia insisted.
“Incredible…”
I had feared she’d be cowed, but instead her response was perfect, even admirable. I wanted to boast about it to Grandfather.
―That was what Lirien thought.
But back at her palace, Ayla sat slumped over the table, groaning.
“It was terrifying…”
Unable to watch, her maid Rina smiled gently.
“But the result was good. You showed them they must not underestimate you.”
“Still… wasn’t I too rash?”
She recalled her own words and cringed.
To flare up openly could make many enemies. And she feared it might affect her daughter’s future.
Then Rina reminded her, “Did His Majesty not say so? If anything unpleasant happened, tell him right away.”
Ayla hesitated.
“Even if you think you don’t need him, isn’t it better if the Emperor pays attention? It helps the Princess too.”
“…True.”
If both mother and daughter gained the Emperor’s favor, it would strengthen their position—and protect Lirien from hardship.
“If it’s for Lirien, then… using him might be fine.”
She no longer loved him, but if it meant paving her daughter’s path, she could endure it.
Her expression calmed, and Rina happily brought tea and sweets.
Just then—
“And what of Lirien? Did her party end well?”
Rina froze, eyes darting nervously.
Ayla’s face paled. “Something happened?!”
“N-no! She’s not hurt—”
“So something did happen?!”
Panicking, Rina confessed, “There was… an earthquake in the hall where the princesses’ tea party was held. But don’t worry! She’s safe, completely safe! The cause was actually—”
Before she could finish, something whooshed past her.
“My precious angel…!”
It was Ayla, already rushing out.
