HSML 30

Chapter 30

That night as well, I was exchanging messages with Prince Siphon through the sending box.

It had already become a nightly routine before going to bed.

In the midst of those usual exchanges, I found myself hesitating slightly over what Prince Siphon had written.

“Even though we can communicate like this, as if we were right beside each other—
I still want to do something like a tea party.
Not being able to do even that until autumn draws near is frustrating.”

For Prince Siphon, it seemed less that he simply wanted a tea party and more that he honestly wanted to touch the “box” itself, but even so, having him say that made me happy.

—Should I be honest and tell Prince Siphon that I’m in the royal capital?

However, if the prince were to come to this house, it would overturn the story my mother deliberately planted—that I am “not in the royal capital.”

At the very least, as long as we’re only exchanging messages through the sending box, there’s virtually no chance that people around us would think I’m in the capital.
But if Prince Siphon were to come to the house, even if only a few people noticed, it would stand out.

…Ah.

But yes, that’s true.
If I explain everything properly and then tell him that I’m in the capital, the prince would probably take all of that into consideration.

More than anything, I myself want to meet the prince directly.

After thinking that far, I put pen to paper.

“Actually, I am staying at the residence in the royal capital.”

I had considered writing a longer explanation, but for now I decided to see how Prince Siphon would react to just those words.

“Amazing. Information manipulation so thorough that even I didn’t notice. As expected of you, Moka.”
“I appreciate the praise, but this is a parting gift left behind by my mother upon returning to the territory.”
“My apologies, then. As expected of the Duchess of Dripps as well.”

The response came immediately.
The handwriting even seemed light somehow, so perhaps he was enjoying himself.

“Since I’m in the capital, holding a tea party would be possible, but I’m worried that if Your Highness is seen coming and going from my house, the story that I’ve returned to my territory would be overturned.”
“That’s true.”

After that brief reply, some time passed in silence.
He was probably thinking things over.

“Moka. If you’re in the capital, I’d like us to meet face-to-face as soon as possible—would that be all right?
I’ll consult with the chancellor and consider a way for you to come to the castle without it being discovered that you’re in the capital.”

At Prince Siphon’s proposal, I found myself frowning.

It’s true that our engagement is currently little more than a verbal promise.
To make it a formal engagement, our parents would need to meet face-to-face and both families would have to agree. At that meeting, the establishment of the engagement and future plans would also be discussed.

That would mean I myself would need to appear before His Majesty together with my father.

…A face-to-face meeting is something I’ll have to face eventually.
If one says it’s only a matter of sooner or later, that’s true—but…

“To be honest, I’m scared.
Since I completely shut myself inside the box, I’ve hardly interacted with anyone outside my family.”
“You were the same when you tried to show me your face.”

After that reply, another stretch of silence followed.
I was also unsure how I should respond.

“How about keeping it to a small, private tea party?
We can inform Father and Mother beforehand, and if it seems too difficult, you won’t need to come out of the box.”

Judging from the wording of Prince Siphon’s message, he likely wants to finalize the engagement as soon as possible.
Whether that’s out of consideration for me or due to political motives, I can’t say.

“Even so, I might not be able to speak properly.”
“I think Mother would be fine with that.
Besides, whether the meeting goes well or not, as long as the engagement is established, there’s no problem.”

…That phrasing could be taken as meaning that the engagement itself matters more than me.
I know that’s a rather uncharitable interpretation, but…

No, that’s not good. I can’t help but take it that way, and it makes me a little sad.

Still, I can understand the prince’s desire to formalize the engagement.
As things stand now, a minor obstruction could easily cause the engagement to be annulled.

And more than anything, tea parties with the queen herself are something I’ll inevitably have more opportunities for if I’m to become a member of the royal family.

I also have a promise with my mother.

I’m terrified—truly terrified—but I can’t run away.

I turn my gaze to the spine of Adventures Inside a Wooden Box sitting on the bookshelf inside the “box.”
Jaba-kun never ran away when it truly mattered. I should do my best too.

“Understood. I’ll steel myself.”
“I respect your courage and resolve. But don’t push yourself.”

Along with those words, the prince’s refreshing smile rose to mind—yet somehow, in my imagination, that smile felt suspicious.

I even find myself doubting whether he’s truly worried about me…

Not exactly brushing those thoughts aside, but lightly shaking my head, I write my reply.

“Yes. Thank you very much. I’ll do my best.”
“I’ll take care of the necessary arrangements and consultations. You just focus on preparing.”
“Yes.”

There’s no escaping this.

The schedule’s just been moved up a bit—there’s no point in being scared.

More than anything, I’ll be appearing in public more often from now on.
I need to start practicing properly, even now.

While I’m quietly sighing, several questions come flying in from Prince Siphon.
As I check them and write my responses, I also jot down matters that need to be discussed with Kachina on a separate sheet of paper from the one addressed to the prince.

About three days later, one night.

It seems Prince Siphon began moving immediately after proposing the meeting, because in no time at all he had finished laying the groundwork.
After finishing work and returning home, my father came to my room to tell me about it.
I listened from inside the “box.”

“The queen entrusted me with a tea party invitation addressed to you.
Taking your and Latte’s positions into account, it will be a discreet, private gathering.
It will also serve as the face-to-face meeting for the engagement, so His Majesty and I will appear partway through.”

That’s largely the same as what Prince Siphon proposed.
Still, preparing something like this in just three days—one really has to say, as expected of Prince Siphon.

“So, um… th-the tea party… when… will it be held…?”

When I asked, my father nodded once and answered.

“In three days.”
“Eh? Th-then… the preparation… time…?”
“They say it’s fine as long as you’re dressed in the minimum attire appropriate for entering the castle.”

There’s barely any time to prepare my heart, let alone a dress…!?

As I stand there in shock, my father calls out to Kachina, who is waiting in the room.

“That’s how it is, Kachina. Make sure everything is prepared properly.”
“Understood.”

After nodding once, Kachina asks:

“By the way, sir.
May I ask how the young lady will be transported to the castle on the day?”
“A reasonable question.”

With a small nod, my father answers.

“We plan to transport her—box and all—in one of the household’s cargo carriages.”
“A cargo carriage?”

Cargo…

“Yes.
Thanks to Latte, Moka is officially considered to be absent from the capital.
If, under those circumstances, a luxurious carriage bearing our family crest were to openly head to the castle during my working hours, wouldn’t that invite suspicion?”
“That is indeed the case.”

No, it’s fine.
I do understand what Father means…

“Therefore, we’ll send out a cargo carriage at the same time as my departure for work.
People will assume it’s a carriage sent to carry something I’m bringing with me.
Of course, we’ll prepare actual goods as well, so even if someone suspects something, there won’t be a problem.”
“And how will things be handled on the return trip?”
“There’s no oversight there either.
This cargo isn’t simply an offering to the royal family—it’s part of a transaction.
We’ll exchange our goods for different cargo at the castle and return with that.”
“And that’s where the ‘box’ young lady will ride?”
“Exactly.”

And of course, the cargo given by the royal family will be delayed due to some mishap, and won’t be ready until it’s time for me to return.

“Anything else?”
“Where will the ‘box’ young lady be taken?”
“They’ve secured several vacant rooms. She’s scheduled to be brought into one of them. As for the detailed arrangements and fine points, I’ll explain them again tomorrow night.”
“Understood.”

Listening to the exchange between my father and Kachina, I think about three days from now.

A tea party—I hope I’ll be able to manage properly…

Even though it’s still a few days away, I already feel like my anxiety and impatience are making me feel unwell.

…Though thanks to the box’s effects, I shouldn’t be able to suffer from poor health while I’m inside it…