TTPB 31

Chapter 31

Is That Rumor True?

“Wow, Your Highness, you are truly beautiful.”

Lance held out his hand to help Rose step down from the carriage, his eyes full of admiration. On the day of the opening ceremony, Rose wore the dress Arsen had chosen for her the moment she woke up. Not only that, all her ladies-in-waiting had rushed in to adorn her. Among everyone present, she shone the brightest.

“Do you see all those people packed beyond the square? They’ve all gathered in Eretrea just to see Your Highness.”

Following Lance’s gaze, Rose saw the square and the streets below so tightly packed with people that it was impossible to count. From the variety of foreign attire mixed into the crowd, it seemed many had crossed the now-opened borders to be here.

And I’m supposed to give a speech in front of all of them…

Rose swallowed hard. The ship Pontos, which had traveled a long way along the Kataros River, was slowly dropping anchor in front of Servil Square. As the sun set and darkness began to spread, lanterns were lit throughout the streets. From the square to the riverbank, imperial knights stood in solemn formation.

Rose climbed aboard the large vessel. Distinguished guests had already taken their seats on the deck an hour earlier.

I hope the river isn’t too deep…

She glanced down at the blue waters, which looked deeper than the last time she’d come here to inspect the facilities. Back then, Savas had been so focused on the waterworks that she managed to hide her fear of water.

I mustn’t look down.

Even a single glance might trap her in terror. She couldn’t afford to faint in the middle of her speech from her aquaphobia. She had even practiced at home, filling a basin with water and holding her breath. At first, she could barely last ten seconds before trembling and collapsing, but over time she’d managed to endure a little longer.

Just endure it through the opening ceremony, Rose.

After a minute, the terrifying illusion of being dragged under would always come. She could barely breathe. Taking a deep breath, she resolved to finish her speech quickly. Seeing her pale face, Lance looked at her with concern.

“Are you feeling unwell, Your Highness?”

“No, Lance. I’m just a little nervous.”

Forcing a calm expression, Rose rubbed the obsidian bracelet hidden under her sleeve. To her surprise, a sense of calm slowly spread through her.

It really does soothe me…

She had dismissed Arsen’s words at the time, but the bracelet’s effect was undeniable. Wide-eyed, she thought she should always carry it when nervous. Just then, Lance noticed it and looked startled.

“Oh? How does Your Highness have that bracelet?”

“Why?”

“That’s a bracelet made on our island…”

He showed her the colorful cord hanging from his sword belt, strung with a small obsidian bead.

“You have one too, Lance?”

“All members of the Remigis Order carry one.”

“I see. Arsen gave it to me the other day when I said I was seasick.”

“The Commander gave it to you?”

At that moment, the head maid came to lead Rose to her seat, cutting their conversation short. Lance stared after the departing princess and muttered quietly.

“Don’t tell me… that rumor is true?”

“What rumor?”

Gawain came up behind him, resting an arm on the boy’s shoulder.

“Sir Gawain, you’ve been with the Commander all this time, so surely you know!”

“Know what?”

“Please be honest. What’s going on between the Commander and Her Highness, the Third Princess?”

“…I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Though the image of the pale princess in Arsen’s arms flashed in Gawain’s mind, he quickly erased it. He tried to brush off the question, but Lance’s earnest eyes wouldn’t let go.

“Her Highness is wearing the Commander’s obsidian. That’s not something he’d give to just anyone.”

“…”

“And the way he looks at her… it’s not ordinary. So the two of them really are—”

“Lance.”

“Yes?”

Gawain ruffled the boy’s brown hair roughly.

“Ah! My hair—!” Lance scrambled to fix the bird’s-nest mess.

“Best not to take too much interest.”

Soft music drifted over the deck. After a short concert, the Emperor delivered his opening address. Euclide recounted the meaning of Foundation Day and the history of the Empire to the crowd gathered for the ceremony.

Half-listening, Rose’s gaze drifted to the prow, where a great figurehead loomed as if roaring toward the sea.

It’s higher than I thought.

She quickly averted her eyes from the rippling water below.

“Please wait here, Your Highness.”

Arsen guided her to a place beneath the forecastle. While waiting for the Emperor to finish, her eyes met Heria’s, who was peering down from above. He waved at her cheerfully.

Why is he up there again?

Despite seats prepared for guests on deck, he had found himself a perfect vantage point. ‘The Papal Envoy’ was secretly watching.

“Will you be alright?”

Arsen had spotted him too, his eyes dark with concern, remembering his rejection of the Pope’s proposal not long ago.

“You’re the one who told me to keep away from the paladins. Why worry now?”

“Aren’t you afraid of their retaliation? You could have put them off by saying you would consider it.”

“Like His Majesty did?”

Rose looked up at the Emperor still giving his speech. His vague, noncommittal stance wasn’t her style.

“I can’t stand half-answers. If it’s no, I have to say no. Otherwise it feels suffocating. I can’t let Tebere think it can manipulate the Empire any longer.”

Even after her refusal, Heria didn’t look disappointed. He only shrugged, as if he had just come for the fun of the festival. For a moment, she wondered if she had been too cautious.

“To be honest, it’s a pity. My position isn’t exactly secure, you know.”

“Who would dare lay a hand on the Saint of Calon?”

“And yet you turned down those who could have supported her. There’s no better image than paladins guarding a saint, don’t you think?”

Rose leaned lightly against his arm. He stiffened immediately.

“The Remigis Knights will protect me instead, right?”

“…Of course.”

His stiff reply made her smile teasingly. But then—he suddenly brushed his hand over her hair, letting the silky strands slide between his rough fingers. The touch trailed past her ear, along her cheek, down to her collarbone. Rose’s eyes widened. He had never initiated such tender contact before.

“So trust me, and give your speech without fear.”

His black eyes shone, deep and unfathomable, pulling her in. Even the Emperor’s voice faded into nothing.

Thump, thump. She wasn’t sure if it was his heartbeat or hers. In the silence, she could only feel the warmth he left behind.

“It’s time to prepare.”

Snapped from her daze by his words, Rose looked up. Thunderous applause had erupted—the Emperor’s speech was done. Now it was her turn.

As she stepped up, Servil Square’s countless lights greeted her. Every eye turned toward her, and she swallowed hard. Clearing her throat, she raised her voice to shake off her fear.

“My beloved people, you have endured the hardships of this summer, and now, under these fine skies, we celebrate our festival together!”

Her clear, ringing voice carried across the Pontos.

“Your roaring cheers and burning spirit make me proud and full of joy!”

Rose then spoke of rest and renewal for the people. To her, Foundation Day had to be a festival of joy, a sabbath for all.

“On this beautiful night, let the sacred flame burn bright! For twelve days, may you revel in delight!”

Lifting the torch, Rose walked step by step toward the brazier at the prow. Carefully, she lit it.

Whoosh—! Flames leapt high, blazing brightly enough to be seen from far away. The flame would not go out for the entire twelve days of the festival.

“Long live Her Highness the Princess!”
“Long live the Saint!”

The people roared.

Then—BOOM! The ship shuddered violently. Rose grabbed the railing in alarm as the Pontos began to move, slicing through the river current.

What?! No one said anything about the ship setting sail!

The unexpected departure left her reeling. The flaming ship drifted gracefully along the Kataros, illuminating Servil Square.

“What’s going on?! Who raised the anchor?”
“I—I swear, we dropped it!”
“Are you saying it lifted on its own? Don’t be ridiculous!”

Knights and sailors rushed about the deck, while nobles murmured anxiously.

“Calm yourselves.”

Thanasis’s stern voice cut through the noise. The commotion stilled somewhat.

“Sometimes, such a sight is not unwelcome.”

Closing his eyes, he savored the cheers of the people. Many assumed the ship’s movement was part of the ceremony and applauded even louder.

“Though unplanned, it makes quite a fitting finale for the festival, don’t you think?”

“The prince speaks true. As the Third Princess said in her speech, the people’s joy is the very purpose of this year’s Foundation Day.”

Even Emperor Euclide agreed. Relieved that they would not be blamed, the knights turned their focus to maintaining the voyage.

Rose squeezed her eyes shut. The ship’s movements over the river were all too vivid. Hastily, she thrust the torch into a knight’s hands and fled below deck, collapsing against a wall, gasping for air.

“Haa… haa…”

Visions of the black depths swam before her eyes. A little longer, and she might have fainted. Her trembling hand clutched the wall. Then—footsteps came from above.

Rose held her breath, listening. They grew nearer. She had only just begun to win recognition—she couldn’t let anyone see her weakness now.

No! I can’t be found like this!

But just then, someone suddenly grabbed her from behind.