‘Sir Yello, it has been quite a long ti—kyaa!’
‘Canaria, I missed you!’
A coach arriving from our neighboring kingdom, pulled by a land drake and not a horse. I was in the middle of contemplating whether that would be a rough ride, but the moment I saw my fiancee descend from it, I couldn’t help but embrace her on the spot. The smell of her perfume lingered, and it made me happy realizing that it was the same perfume I gave her as a birthday gift before.
Canaria who reached the age of 16 was now far from a young girl and had now become a full-fledged noble lady. However, her growth didn’t give me the same anxiousness as it did before. The gap in our heights is now established which now gives me room for complacency.
‘Goodness, highness, would you look at him?’
‘Hahaha. Well, your intimacy as a couple is quite renowned, even within our kingdom.’
The one who responded with a wry smile was his highness, Saphir, the crown prince of Corundum Kingdom. I implored him to attend this year’s Advent Festival. The main purpose is to have him meet Shin, but I can’t reveal that just yet. In the future, I hope to be of use to him as one of the few remaining royalties.
‘I will be greeting his majesty now. What have you in mind, Canaria?’
‘I was thinking of touring her within the royal academy, sir. May I borrow some of her time?’
‘Is that true, sir Keith? Please do tour me!’
‘Classes have been suspended in preparation of the festival though.’
After parting with the crown prince, we went to the academy and took the procedures necessary for an observation tour. I held her hands all the time but my fondness of my fiancee is already well known even throughout the academy; all we got were lukewarm inquisitive gazes.
‘Whoa~! It really is just like how it was in the game! I would have loved to attend this academy too!’
‘You can still attend this semester. I’ve always been envious of my brother in having to attend together with his fiancee.’
Although, my brother didn’t like the idea quite so. For that man, Lady Chloe’s presence was nothing but a chain to bind him. As I fiddled with my necktie, Canaria watched me with a flushed face. I grinned, pulling it out of my coat.
‘Ah, that necktie.’
‘Thank you for this. I really liked it quite well.’
It was a necktie with bird embroidery; the birthday gift that she previously sent me. It was a custom within the royal academy for ladies to give their fiancees a necktie with their own embroidery. In Dai’s route, the heroine will end up ruining his necktie which she would replace with a self-embroidered one, making Dai’s favorability rating grow exponentially. Lady Momo, who was seemingly aiming for the hidden route, only replaced it with a normal one though. (But Dai was still happy nonetheless. Doesn’t that make him much more simple-minded than that of the game’s?)
Apparently, Canaria asked Lady Chloe last festival where the school uniform was sold, where she ordered one to embroider herself
‘You’re also using the perfume. I was quite surprised when you requested something so inexpensive.’
‘What are you saying, sir? Canary Herb Perfume was the present Keith will send during his third year! When I played the game in my past life, I wanted it so badly! Also, this was the only part of the game where the name of his fiancee, “Canaria”, was mentioned. It’s a memorial item for the two of us, sir.’
Canaria insists excitedly. However, wouldn’t the Keith of the game send it to Momo, instead? Although, there is likely no meaning to it any more than either as an appreciation for taking care of his brother, or to be on good terms with the previous student council president. Well, I guess, she must’ve liked it so much; being the item that reveals her name in the game.
‘Speaking of Canary herb, it shares the same name with something from my previous world so I was quite surprised to learn that it was different here. The name was derived for being a bird’s feed in my world, but in here, it looks exactly like a bird. It also makes the same chirping sound when you play the leaves, and has a refreshing smell to it. It doesn’t seem poisonous too. Maybe the Canaria herb of this world is quite edible?’
Canaria who walked a little bit in front was wearing the ribbon and hairpin that I gave her as a birthday present in the past. The earrings that I also gave her were affixed in her ears. The faint smell emanating from her nape made me inadvertently speak my mind.
‘You’re right, I’d love to eat it.’
‘Geez, hahaha, why would you consider eating it, sir. I’m talking about its use as birdseed. Oh right, you mentioned the excess stocks of Baromets robes before, have you not, sir?’
Not good, my desires have been leaking out from my mouth recently. Canaria changed the subject, not noticing me hastily covering my mouth. During the villainess tea party, Shiela explained to me the importance of protecting the kingdom’s domestic industry; I relayed the same thing to Canaria.
‘Actually, in the Corundum Kingdom game, Baromets robe is a rare item, sir. It is no longer in production and there are no longer any who inherited its craftsmanship. It’s a superior version of magic robes and is the best for damage negating fields. With that being said, may we purchase half of the excess, sir?’
‘Really!? That would help a lot. But would that be alright? fifty pieces of them would be quite a huge sum.’
‘Goodness, no matter how cheap they may be, to procure 100 of alternatives from the empire… Duke Moonlight should learn the saying: You get what you pay for.’
Ugh, that’s painfully true… Especially considering that it led to the artisan’s loss of trust and eventually, the craftsmanship being lost entirely. Incidentally, as for how the empire was able to mass-produce it en mass, their manufacturing process is different. The main ingredient they used is wool soaked in hell spider’s essence; not only would that lower durability, but its magic resistance won’t last two years too. It basically became a consumable product. But then again, there’s hardly any opportunity that warrants a long stay in miasma dense lands, and combining that with its affordability makes it adequate for the requirement.
Canaria giggled and peeked into my face as my shoulder drooped low in dejection. Her upturned eyes were so adorable.
‘Please make this year’s gift a Baromets Robe instead, sir. Lady Missouri will be advertising the Corundum Kingdom branded dress at the Advent Festival party, after all. So perhaps, I should advertise a magic robe instead.’
‘Canaria…’
I feel like I can do everything with her lovableness. I would not be a man if I fail to answer her favor. On the other hand, I feel as though I can surrender everything to her goodwill; including the darkness that burdens me.
(But no. I don’t want Canaria to be burdened by it. I don’t want to show Canaria that side of me either…)
As the silence ensued between us, I opened a nearby door to gloss over my feelings, leading us to the infirmary room.
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆
My cold sweat perspires incessantly. I sat idly in a chair, listening to Canaria’s narration of the game’s details like a machine gun.
‘Sir Sei swore to never treat Lady Momo as a woman until the end of their sales contest in order to show her the earnestness of his feelings. But for a man and a woman’s bond to grow as they pursue the singular goal; it cannot be done without any obstacles. Burdened by lack of sleep after pulling an allnighter, Lady Chloe’s interference had caused her to fall down. Sir Sei carried her unconscious body to the infirmary; now completely alone together!
But Lady Momo already woke up on the way and her heart incessantly pound; struck by the thought that perhaps, Sir Sei, would do something to her while unconscious. In the end, no deed was done to which she wondered whether she lacked the allure to seduce the young lord’s mind into the thought.
The man replied: He was arguing near the limits of his reasons, but if he knew that were he to attempt a folly at her innocence, unconscious; she would never entrust her heart to him no longer. For merchants such as himself; trust is the most important.
However, he continued, once they are through with their current challenge, then perhaps—
We’re talking about that lady killer, Sir Sei, who is very much an infidelity taking form, you know? He’s saying that he does not want to lay his hands on her precisely because she is the one he had set his hearts upon…!’
‘Canaria, you were talking about two people, alone together in the infirmary; aren’t we exactly in the same situation? Am I to take this as an invitation?’
‘Huh? ….N-No, that was not my intentio―’
Canaria’s face flushed at the sudden realization of our situation. I burst out into laughter. If she still doesn’t show even a fragment of consciousness towards me after saying that, I would’ve lost my confidence as a man. While we were previously put in the same situation before, I was still a child back then. Now that we are more grown, there’s also a growing need to refrain from impulsive actions.
‘Don’t worry, I know. But we’ll get suspected if we stay here any longer so let’s leave.’
‘Ah, Sir Keith….’
Ignoring Canaria’s calls, I held the doorknob but it would not bulge. No way. Did Canaria lock it― that’s unexpectedly bold of her. It still wouldn’t be enough to stop me though.
“‘Unsealing Magic: Open.” Huh?’
I tried forcing it open with magic but nothing happened. Inclining my head to the side, puzzled, I tried to cast it numerous times but it did nothing at all. This is― A magic I have never seen was keeping us sealed inside.’
‘It’s futile, sir. “Spatial Magic” is something that would only be developed after fifty years. By creating a large spatial box through magic, I can easily alter the time flow inside and outside the box. It can cause ‘maddening’ when used on the enemy, while it can completely recover stamina when used on allies. It’s a special skill of the Duke Riqum― our descendant hundred years in the future.’
I gave up scuffling with the doorknob and turned my attention to Canaria instead. The flushness she had earlier was as if completely erased from her face. Her probing pair of jewel eyes were staring fixedly at me.
‘Canara, I didn’t know that these kinds of magic are possible.’
‘Although there’s a possibility that Sir Keith’s bloodline’s talent brought it, our country’s magic research was several steps ahead too. Thanks to my previous life’s knowledge, we were able to leap 50 years ahead too. Does sir understand now why the Corundum Kingdom does not want to let me go?’
The current limit of Canaria’s mana is to enclosed people for two days, with only 5 minutes of passing in real-time. While it doesn’t seem to be of any use in our upcoming last boss battle(not like I’d let her participate either way), it can have varied usefulness depending on how it is utilized. It can be used to keep secrecy for two influential people faster than ‘Soundless Magic; Silent’, while also providing a place at the same time. Furthermore, it can also put a stop to villainy.’
‘….So? What is your purpose for keeping me here?’
‘Sir Keith, you are currently wearing a bracelet, are you not? Please take it off.’
I reflexively held back my wrist. I was trying so hard for her not to notice, but she saw through it easily.
‘This ribbon was also a magic tool so I was obliged to put up a request for its use within the academy. There, I happen to see what other magic tools Sir Keith has.
I read that you also have ‘Cognisance Obstruction: Illusion Bracelet’ other than ‘Elf’s Precious Jewel’… It’s also the same item brother-in-law uses in Leddorio Route whenever he goes for an incognito date with Lady Momo. What I’m trying to say is that sir Keith must be currently tampering with his appearance, is he not?’
Good grief, being able to see through the royal family’s treasures so easily; Game knowledge is really troublesome. I leaked out a sigh and grandiosely bowed my head.
‘I do not mean to deceive, Lady Riqum. I am the second prince’s confidant, John Brian. I was tasked to escort her ladyship while acting as his highness’ body substitute.’
‘Sir Keith, I will be really angry if you do not stop.’
Canaria’s eyes narrowed. She can also tell the difference between her fiancee and his body double too? Well, I did hold her with all my might before, not to mention, I retained my calmness despite her game talks. Most especially of all, I would not allow her to be alone with another man in a room, not even if it is my trusted confidant.
‘The truth is I can also render ineffective any magic within. But I wish for Sir Keith to confess to me himself. Do I prove too unreliable to hold your secrets, sir?’
The descent of her eyebrows and her down-spirited tone had me defeated. I do not want to be hated by her but I do not want to hurt her either. However, I feel like divulging everything would end up hurting her even more.
I tampered with my bracelet and depraved it with a magic supply instantly. My surrounding appearance suddenly blurred and crumbled apart. Canaria’s eyes widened to my, now revealed, true countenance; it brought her to tears. She rushed towards me and held me tight.
‘Why! Why does sir shoulder the burden alone… uggh, ebun tho I wash da wan hwo bwoght it awp!!!’1
‘I can’t understand what you’re saying, Canaria.’
‘Euurgh, Sher Geiss, Yu Igdwottt!!!!!’2
Her pain embraced suffocated my heart more than my body. My countenance reflected in the mirror early morning was too harsh. I haven’t been able to sleep as of lately and the shade under my eyes was severely dark. I can eat but it’s as painful as chewing play itself.
I didn’t know that people can crumble so easily in such a short amount of time. Only my carefree attitude remained as I inadvertently laughed it off, but the smile reflected in the mirror was stiff. I had Sando, who was worried for me, keep mum about it. I was able to deceive my way into using the illusion bracelet under the pretext of testing it for Shin’s eventual use, but I guess people who can notice, WILL notice.
‘Don’t cry… I’m sorry, Canaria. Having to sacrifice either Lady Chloe or Lady Momo… or rather, both of them is a devil’s handiwork. I cannot have you involved in it. I do not want you to grow repulsive of this country’s through its darkness.’
‘Guusu, sacrifice? The two of them are not the only sacrifices in this, Sir Keith too! Hic, am I, not your pwartner, sir?’
‘You are. But this is something that I… and the successive generations of kings have decided upon. It’s the price we have to pay for not having to courage to break the chain at the expense of many, no matter how cruel and savagery it seems. I do not want for you to shoulder it too.’
‘Pwease do not say that, sir.’
Wiping her tears with my handkerchief, the lady’s eyes, still red in crying, now had strength in them. Canaria forcefully swallowed her cries within and with slapping power, she placed both of her hands in my cheeks and peered into my eyes.
‘Sir Keith, a man cannot shoulder the burden of a kingdom alone. Sovereigns are a single lineage of men and women taking each other’s hands and endlessly spun by their kingdom’s history. Am I merely a princess to be ornamented and protected to sir?
…The reason why I was drawn to Keith when I played the game was not that I was enamored by his looks. I always had the same thought every time the heroine offers her warmth to the capture-targets and saves them.
“Why doesn’t she try to save Sir Keith too?”
I mean, wouldn’t that make sense? If Sir Leddorio is burdened by his position, then there is no possible way that Sir Keith is spared from the same thing! If I was her… I would’ve lent him my strength. I was happy when I thought that I could finally do so.’
She clung to my neck tightly and patted my head at the same time. I feel so remorseful that my tears involuntarily spilled. I wanted Canaria, who has been anxious about the countries’ eventual downfall, to believe in me, and yet I didn’t believe in her at all. For her, it must’ve been a stinging betrayal. The deception of a partner faking his smile while hiding his wounds underneath.
‘I’m sorry… I wanted to stay being your dear prince. I’ll cease this pathetic attempt of struggling in the skies alone.’
‘Men do share that side of them, don’t they? Do they think that false bravery makes them cool?
Being called a man by Canaria made my heart throb. As our faces, worn out due to crying, came eye to eye, we burst out into laughter. Our overlapping lips came with a salty aftertaste. Suddenly, the thought of being alone together with her in the infirmary room made me nervous; a sentiment, far too late to feel.
‘Hey, Canaria, shouldn’t you be removing the spatial magic about now? Do we really need to stay here for a whole day?’
‘Ah… about that sir. When I went to the restroom earlier, Miss Chaco suggested to me that perhaps, you are tired and in dire need of a rest. So the release condition of the spatial magic is for the dark shades under Sir Keith’s eyes to disappear.’
‘Wha!?’
Lady Chaco, when did you find the time to do that? And for the shades to clear? That would need―
‘With that being said, please have a sleep, sir.’
‘No no, wait a second.’
Canaria invited me to bed but I stopped her for a moment. There’s no way I could possibly sleep so comfortable with her watching me. Being alone together with her had excited my nerves way too much for me to sleep.
Maybe I should try to scare her a little to become more conscious.
‘Do you really think that a man locked in a room together with the woman he loved, for a whole day would end with just a simple sleep? You may be thinking that I wouldn’t do such a thing but I was already near the limits of reason when you clung to me earlier. I don’t feel like sleeping any time soon.’
‘…’
It was similar to the words of Sei that she spoke of earlier but because of shaking off the lack of sleep and hunger with stress, my body is now honest to its only remaining desire. I ended up using her desire to pamper me as my provocation out of desperation.
‘Or are you telling me that Canaria is fine with sleeping with me?’
‘I am fine, sir.’
‘See, I told yo―Huh? You are!?’
A sudden unexpected consent; while I was busy with my nerves, Canaria already started taking off her boots.
‘If that would help you sleep, sir. I do not mind.’
‘Canaria, you really are…’
‘Are you not coming, sir? Then I will be sleeping alone.’
Taking off her hairpin and unfastening her ribbon, her lovely blonde hair was set to flow free. Even with the time being slowed down, the light coming from outside gave her hair a dazzling brilliance; I was already entranced before I realized. However, when she started taking off her socks too, I panicked.
‘Wait, Canaria! Just how far are you going to take off?’
‘I want to be more comfortable sir. Ah, do you feel like sleeping now?’
‘No, but my heart is on the verge of exploding…’
Her bare legs peeking out of her skirt is now an alluring poison to my eyes. However, I know that Canaria is just trying to be considerate. I cannot let her be any more embarrassed than this.
I took off my jacket, threw it above the chair, and climbed to the bed after taking off my shoes. Canaria takes off the tie in her neck to set her loose. Isn’t she a little too manly?
It was frustrating to think that I’m the only one feeling nervous, but when I turned my attention to her hands as she seemingly endless undressing, I noticed that her fingers were trembling. Then I also noticed that the redness of her ears slipped through her hair. Canaria was feeling nervous too.
The bed seemingly creaked as my impulses struggled free. When I placed my lips on the earing that revealed itself, Canaria’s body jolted.
‘I love you, Canaria. I love you just as much as I love this country I was born into.’
‘I love you too, sir. I love you and this country both.’
As my reddened fiancee bravely accepts me, I buried my face into her nape and smelled the aroma of the Canary herb―
but everything ended with the sound of snapping.
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆
Lady Chaco and the adviser of the newspaper club stood at the front of the infirmary room.
‘Brown, what are you doing standing here? Is somebody inside?’
‘Oops, sir. Don’t you know that it’s boorish to be too inquisitive?’
The advisor was about to peek into the room but Lady Chaco was able to stop him in time.
At that exact moment, I and Canaria opened the door and left the infirmary.
‘Hello, Lady Chaco and Sir Verde.’
‘Oh, 2nd Prince… and his well-known fiancee, huh? Just what were you doing there. You look a little haggard.’
Sir Verde’s face frowned slightly after examining my face.
‘Is that so? Do I look pale, sir?’
‘No, not particularly. Rather, your complexion looks quite alive. Don’t tell me you were both doing something that taints the honor of this sacred institution?’
‘Huh? What do you mean, sir? I’m just a child, sir. I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about.’
As I flippantly answered the teacher’s demand for an explanation, Lady Chaco asked Canaria who was scraping off her hips, instead.
‘So, what happened? Were you able to take the step into adulthood?’
‘No, nothing at all… He slept like a log all day.’
‘Really!? Sir Keith is already fifteen, isn’t he? If you compare him to Sir Sei―’
‘You shouldn’t compare him to Sir Sei. Sir Keith is just Sir Keith, after all.’
I feel like the two of them are treating me like a child. It’s not as though I backed out from her advances. It’s just that I was not conscious of my mind and body’s severe exhaustion. The only thing that snapped at that time was not my reason, but my consciousness itself.
Then opening my eyes after a plentiful sleep, I groomed myself with the facial wash set and the new towel readily available in the infirmary. Then, after eating refreshments for snacks and satisfying my stomach, the magic was undone.|
So, I’m still a splendid innocent child, although, that was quite unfortunate.
‘Nothing really happened? I feel like you’ve got a new lease of life during the time I haven’t seen you. Am I just imagining things?’
“Behold a man’s change after 3 days’3, teacher.’
‘Yesterday was the last time I met him though. But you sure speak splendid things, lady. I’m sure Coloflare would be stable and peaceful with you as its future queen.’
‘Speaking of future, sir Verde. I want to use this moment to crush the sales route of the magic drugs. The wolf knows how beasts think, teacher, so I’m thinking of asking the mafia about this. Can you refer me to someone?’
‘I-I don’t know! Like a mere teacher like me could know something about that!’
We laughed as the teacher chased us off with the attendance record.
I can no longer go back to the pure and innocent child I once was. However, even if I become a demon, as long as you’re here with me, I…
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆
When the dance party of the advent festival was over, Canaria and I had a short greeting with the others. Then, I was to escort Lady Chloe after and after that, meet up with my brother and the others. Canaria has to return with the Corundum Prince now. We likely won’t meet each other for long.
‘I’m sure she will be fine, sir.’
Considering her abrupt words, Canaria likely was able to make some conviction after talking to Lady Chloe. If she says that much, then I’ll trust Lady Chloe too. For that, I’ve been clandestinely scurrying over many things, which is the easiest part.
(Now, here comes the start of the new myth. With what kind of role will all of you stand up to the stage, this time around?)
Sorry, for not updating much last week. I was a little busy and it didn’t help that this was very long and quite painful to translate. At any rate, it’s back to Chloe perspective after this, I think.
1Why does sir shoulders the burden alone? Even though I was the one who brought it up!
2Sir Keith, you idiot!
3A Japanese idiomatic expression that basically means that a man who is overcoming some sort of struggle will look different to you if you haven’t seen him for some time. I couldn’t see any english alternatives that I can use so I chose to retain it
‘Sir Yello, it has been quite a long ti—kyaa!’
‘Canaria, I missed you!’
A coach arriving from our neighboring kingdom, pulled by a land drake and not a horse. I was in the middle of contemplating whether that would be a rough ride, but the moment I saw my fiancee descend from it, I couldn’t help but embrace her on the spot. The smell of her perfume lingered, and it made me happy realizing that it was the same perfume I gave her as a birthday gift before.
Canaria who reached the age of 16 was now far from a young girl and had now become a full-fledged noble lady. However, her growth didn’t give me the same anxiousness as it did before. The gap in our heights is now established which now gives me room for complacency.
‘Goodness, highness, would you look at him?’
‘Hahaha. Well, your intimacy as a couple is quite renowned, even within our kingdom.’
The one who responded with a wry smile was his highness, Saphir, the crown prince of Corundum Kingdom. I implored him to attend this year’s Advent Festival. The main purpose is to have him meet Shin, but I can’t reveal that just yet. In the future, I hope to be of use to him as one of the few remaining royalties.
‘I will be greeting his majesty now. What have you in mind, Canaria?’
‘I was thinking of touring her within the royal academy, sir. May I borrow some of her time?’
‘Is that true, sir Keith? Please do tour me!’
‘Classes have been suspended in preparation of the festival though.’
After parting with the crown prince, we went to the academy and took the procedures necessary for an observation tour. I held her hands all the time but my fondness of my fiancee is already well known even throughout the academy; all we got were lukewarm inquisitive gazes.
‘Whoa~! It really is just like how it was in the game! I would have loved to attend this academy too!’
‘You can still attend this semester. I’ve always been envious of my brother in having to attend together with his fiancee.’
Although, my brother didn’t like the idea quite so. For that man, Lady Chloe’s presence was nothing but a chain to bind him. As I fiddled with my necktie, Canaria watched me with a flushed face. I grinned, pulling it out of my coat.
‘Ah, that necktie.’
‘Thank you for this. I really liked it quite well.’
It was a necktie with bird embroidery; the birthday gift that she previously sent me. It was a custom within the royal academy for ladies to give their fiancees a necktie with their own embroidery. In Dai’s route, the heroine will end up ruining his necktie which she would replace with a self-embroidered one, making Dai’s favorability rating grow exponentially. Lady Momo, who was seemingly aiming for the hidden route, only replaced it with a normal one though. (But Dai was still happy nonetheless. Doesn’t that make him much more simple-minded than that of the game’s?)
Apparently, Canaria asked Lady Chloe last festival where the school uniform was sold, where she ordered one to embroider herself
‘You’re also using the perfume. I was quite surprised when you requested something so inexpensive.’
‘What are you saying, sir? Canary Herb Perfume was the present Keith will send during his third year! When I played the game in my past life, I wanted it so badly! Also, this was the only part of the game where the name of his fiancee, “Canaria”, was mentioned. It’s a memorial item for the two of us, sir.’
Canaria insists excitedly. However, wouldn’t the Keith of the game send it to Momo, instead? Although, there is likely no meaning to it any more than either as an appreciation for taking care of his brother, or to be on good terms with the previous student council president. Well, I guess, she must’ve liked it so much; being the item that reveals her name in the game.
‘Speaking of Canary herb, it shares the same name with something from my previous world so I was quite surprised to learn that it was different here. The name was derived for being a bird’s feed in my world, but in here, it looks exactly like a bird. It also makes the same chirping sound when you play the leaves, and has a refreshing smell to it. It doesn’t seem poisonous too. Maybe the Canaria herb of this world is quite edible?’
Canaria who walked a little bit in front was wearing the ribbon and hairpin that I gave her as a birthday present in the past. The earrings that I also gave her were affixed in her ears. The faint smell emanating from her nape made me inadvertently speak my mind.
‘You’re right, I’d love to eat it.’
‘Geez, hahaha, why would you consider eating it, sir. I’m talking about its use as birdseed. Oh right, you mentioned the excess stocks of Baromets robes before, have you not, sir?’
Not good, my desires have been leaking out from my mouth recently. Canaria changed the subject, not noticing me hastily covering my mouth. During the villainess tea party, Shiela explained to me the importance of protecting the kingdom’s domestic industry; I relayed the same thing to Canaria.
‘Actually, in the Corundum Kingdom game, Baromets robe is a rare item, sir. It is no longer in production and there are no longer any who inherited its craftsmanship. It’s a superior version of magic robes and is the best for damage negating fields. With that being said, may we purchase half of the excess, sir?’
‘Really!? That would help a lot. But would that be alright? fifty pieces of them would be quite a huge sum.’
‘Goodness, no matter how cheap they may be, to procure 100 of alternatives from the empire… Duke Moonlight should learn the saying: You get what you pay for.’
Ugh, that’s painfully true… Especially considering that it led to the artisan’s loss of trust and eventually, the craftsmanship being lost entirely. Incidentally, as for how the empire was able to mass-produce it en mass, their manufacturing process is different. The main ingredient they used is wool soaked in hell spider’s essence; not only would that lower durability, but its magic resistance won’t last two years too. It basically became a consumable product. But then again, there’s hardly any opportunity that warrants a long stay in miasma dense lands, and combining that with its affordability makes it adequate for the requirement.
Canaria giggled and peeked into my face as my shoulder drooped low in dejection. Her upturned eyes were so adorable.
‘Please make this year’s gift a Baromets Robe instead, sir. Lady Missouri will be advertising the Corundum Kingdom branded dress at the Advent Festival party, after all. So perhaps, I should advertise a magic robe instead.’
‘Canaria…’
I feel like I can do everything with her lovableness. I would not be a man if I fail to answer her favor. On the other hand, I feel as though I can surrender everything to her goodwill; including the darkness that burdens me.
(But no. I don’t want Canaria to be burdened by it. I don’t want to show Canaria that side of me either…)
As the silence ensued between us, I opened a nearby door to gloss over my feelings, leading us to the infirmary room.
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆
My cold sweat perspires incessantly. I sat idly in a chair, listening to Canaria’s narration of the game’s details like a machine gun.
‘Sir Sei swore to never treat Lady Momo as a woman until the end of their sales contest in order to show her the earnestness of his feelings. But for a man and a woman’s bond to grow as they pursue the singular goal; it cannot be done without any obstacles. Burdened by lack of sleep after pulling an allnighter, Lady Chloe’s interference had caused her to fall down. Sir Sei carried her unconscious body to the infirmary; now completely alone together!
But Lady Momo already woke up on the way and her heart incessantly pound; struck by the thought that perhaps, Sir Sei, would do something to her while unconscious. In the end, no deed was done to which she wondered whether she lacked the allure to seduce the young lord’s mind into the thought.
The man replied: He was arguing near the limits of his reasons, but if he knew that were he to attempt a folly at her innocence, unconscious; she would never entrust her heart to him no longer. For merchants such as himself; trust is the most important.
However, he continued, once they are through with their current challenge, then perhaps—
We’re talking about that lady killer, Sir Sei, who is very much an infidelity taking form, you know? He’s saying that he does not want to lay his hands on her precisely because she is the one he had set his hearts upon…!’
‘Canaria, you were talking about two people, alone together in the infirmary; aren’t we exactly in the same situation? Am I to take this as an invitation?’
‘Huh? ….N-No, that was not my intentio―’
Canaria’s face flushed at the sudden realization of our situation. I burst out into laughter. If she still doesn’t show even a fragment of consciousness towards me after saying that, I would’ve lost my confidence as a man. While we were previously put in the same situation before, I was still a child back then. Now that we are more grown, there’s also a growing need to refrain from impulsive actions.
‘Don’t worry, I know. But we’ll get suspected if we stay here any longer so let’s leave.’
‘Ah, Sir Keith….’
Ignoring Canaria’s calls, I held the doorknob but it would not bulge. No way. Did Canaria lock it― that’s unexpectedly bold of her. It still wouldn’t be enough to stop me though.
“‘Unsealing Magic: Open.” Huh?’
I tried forcing it open with magic but nothing happened. Inclining my head to the side, puzzled, I tried to cast it numerous times but it did nothing at all. This is― A magic I have never seen was keeping us sealed inside.’
‘It’s futile, sir. “Spatial Magic” is something that would only be developed after fifty years. By creating a large spatial box through magic, I can easily alter the time flow inside and outside the box. It can cause ‘maddening’ when used on the enemy, while it can completely recover stamina when used on allies. It’s a special skill of the Duke Riqum― our descendant hundred years in the future.’
I gave up scuffling with the doorknob and turned my attention to Canaria instead. The flushness she had earlier was as if completely erased from her face. Her probing pair of jewel eyes were staring fixedly at me.
‘Canara, I didn’t know that these kinds of magic are possible.’
‘Although there’s a possibility that Sir Keith’s bloodline’s talent brought it, our country’s magic research was several steps ahead too. Thanks to my previous life’s knowledge, we were able to leap 50 years ahead too. Does sir understand now why the Corundum Kingdom does not want to let me go?’
The current limit of Canaria’s mana is to enclosed people for two days, with only 5 minutes of passing in real-time. While it doesn’t seem to be of any use in our upcoming last boss battle(not like I’d let her participate either way), it can have varied usefulness depending on how it is utilized. It can be used to keep secrecy for two influential people faster than ‘Soundless Magic; Silent’, while also providing a place at the same time. Furthermore, it can also put a stop to villainy.’
‘….So? What is your purpose for keeping me here?’
‘Sir Keith, you are currently wearing a bracelet, are you not? Please take it off.’
I reflexively held back my wrist. I was trying so hard for her not to notice, but she saw through it easily.
‘This ribbon was also a magic tool so I was obliged to put up a request for its use within the academy. There, I happen to see what other magic tools Sir Keith has.
I read that you also have ‘Cognisance Obstruction: Illusion Bracelet’ other than ‘Elf’s Precious Jewel’… It’s also the same item brother-in-law uses in Leddorio Route whenever he goes for an incognito date with Lady Momo. What I’m trying to say is that sir Keith must be currently tampering with his appearance, is he not?’
Good grief, being able to see through the royal family’s treasures so easily; Game knowledge is really troublesome. I leaked out a sigh and grandiosely bowed my head.
‘I do not mean to deceive, Lady Riqum. I am the second prince’s confidant, John Brian. I was tasked to escort her ladyship while acting as his highness’ body substitute.’
‘Sir Keith, I will be really angry if you do not stop.’
Canaria’s eyes narrowed. She can also tell the difference between her fiancee and his body double too? Well, I did hold her with all my might before, not to mention, I retained my calmness despite her game talks. Most especially of all, I would not allow her to be alone with another man in a room, not even if it is my trusted confidant.
‘The truth is I can also render ineffective any magic within. But I wish for Sir Keith to confess to me himself. Do I prove too unreliable to hold your secrets, sir?’
The descent of her eyebrows and her down-spirited tone had me defeated. I do not want to be hated by her but I do not want to hurt her either. However, I feel like divulging everything would end up hurting her even more.
I tampered with my bracelet and depraved it with a magic supply instantly. My surrounding appearance suddenly blurred and crumbled apart. Canaria’s eyes widened to my, now revealed, true countenance; it brought her to tears. She rushed towards me and held me tight.
‘Why! Why does sir shoulder the burden alone… uggh, ebun tho I wash da wan hwo bwoght it awp!!!’1
‘I can’t understand what you’re saying, Canaria.’
‘Euurgh, Sher Geiss, Yu Igdwottt!!!!!’2
Her pain embraced suffocated my heart more than my body. My countenance reflected in the mirror early morning was too harsh. I haven’t been able to sleep as of lately and the shade under my eyes was severely dark. I can eat but it’s as painful as chewing play itself.
I didn’t know that people can crumble so easily in such a short amount of time. Only my carefree attitude remained as I inadvertently laughed it off, but the smile reflected in the mirror was stiff. I had Sando, who was worried for me, keep mum about it. I was able to deceive my way into using the illusion bracelet under the pretext of testing it for Shin’s eventual use, but I guess people who can notice, WILL notice.
‘Don’t cry… I’m sorry, Canaria. Having to sacrifice either Lady Chloe or Lady Momo… or rather, both of them is a devil’s handiwork. I cannot have you involved in it. I do not want you to grow repulsive of this country’s through its darkness.’
‘Guusu, sacrifice? The two of them are not the only sacrifices in this, Sir Keith too! Hic, am I, not your pwartner, sir?’
‘You are. But this is something that I… and the successive generations of kings have decided upon. It’s the price we have to pay for not having to courage to break the chain at the expense of many, no matter how cruel and savagery it seems. I do not want for you to shoulder it too.’
‘Pwease do not say that, sir.’
Wiping her tears with my handkerchief, the lady’s eyes, still red in crying, now had strength in them. Canaria forcefully swallowed her cries within and with slapping power, she placed both of her hands in my cheeks and peered into my eyes.
‘Sir Keith, a man cannot shoulder the burden of a kingdom alone. Sovereigns are a single lineage of men and women taking each other’s hands and endlessly spun by their kingdom’s history. Am I merely a princess to be ornamented and protected to sir?
…The reason why I was drawn to Keith when I played the game was not that I was enamored by his looks. I always had the same thought every time the heroine offers her warmth to the capture-targets and saves them.
“Why doesn’t she try to save Sir Keith too?”
I mean, wouldn’t that make sense? If Sir Leddorio is burdened by his position, then there is no possible way that Sir Keith is spared from the same thing! If I was her… I would’ve lent him my strength. I was happy when I thought that I could finally do so.’
She clung to my neck tightly and patted my head at the same time. I feel so remorseful that my tears involuntarily spilled. I wanted Canaria, who has been anxious about the countries’ eventual downfall, to believe in me, and yet I didn’t believe in her at all. For her, it must’ve been a stinging betrayal. The deception of a partner faking his smile while hiding his wounds underneath.
‘I’m sorry… I wanted to stay being your dear prince. I’ll cease this pathetic attempt of struggling in the skies alone.’
‘Men do share that side of them, don’t they? Do they think that false bravery makes them cool?
Being called a man by Canaria made my heart throb. As our faces, worn out due to crying, came eye to eye, we burst out into laughter. Our overlapping lips came with a salty aftertaste. Suddenly, the thought of being alone together with her in the infirmary room made me nervous; a sentiment, far too late to feel.
‘Hey, Canaria, shouldn’t you be removing the spatial magic about now? Do we really need to stay here for a whole day?’
‘Ah… about that sir. When I went to the restroom earlier, Miss Chaco suggested to me that perhaps, you are tired and in dire need of a rest. So the release condition of the spatial magic is for the dark shades under Sir Keith’s eyes to disappear.’
‘Wha!?’
Lady Chaco, when did you find the time to do that? And for the shades to clear? That would need―
‘With that being said, please have a sleep, sir.’
‘No no, wait a second.’
Canaria invited me to bed but I stopped her for a moment. There’s no way I could possibly sleep so comfortable with her watching me. Being alone together with her had excited my nerves way too much for me to sleep.
Maybe I should try to scare her a little to become more conscious.
‘Do you really think that a man locked in a room together with the woman he loved, for a whole day would end with just a simple sleep? You may be thinking that I wouldn’t do such a thing but I was already near the limits of reason when you clung to me earlier. I don’t feel like sleeping any time soon.’
‘…’
It was similar to the words of Sei that she spoke of earlier but because of shaking off the lack of sleep and hunger with stress, my body is now honest to its only remaining desire. I ended up using her desire to pamper me as my provocation out of desperation.
‘Or are you telling me that Canaria is fine with sleeping with me?’
‘I am fine, sir.’
‘See, I told yo―Huh? You are!?’
A sudden unexpected consent; while I was busy with my nerves, Canaria already started taking off her boots.
‘If that would help you sleep, sir. I do not mind.’
‘Canaria, you really are…’
‘Are you not coming, sir? Then I will be sleeping alone.’
Taking off her hairpin and unfastening her ribbon, her lovely blonde hair was set to flow free. Even with the time being slowed down, the light coming from outside gave her hair a dazzling brilliance; I was already entranced before I realized. However, when she started taking off her socks too, I panicked.
‘Wait, Canaria! Just how far are you going to take off?’
‘I want to be more comfortable sir. Ah, do you feel like sleeping now?’
‘No, but my heart is on the verge of exploding…’
Her bare legs peeking out of her skirt is now an alluring poison to my eyes. However, I know that Canaria is just trying to be considerate. I cannot let her be any more embarrassed than this.
I took off my jacket, threw it above the chair, and climbed to the bed after taking off my shoes. Canaria takes off the tie in her neck to set her loose. Isn’t she a little too manly?
It was frustrating to think that I’m the only one feeling nervous, but when I turned my attention to her hands as she seemingly endless undressing, I noticed that her fingers were trembling. Then I also noticed that the redness of her ears slipped through her hair. Canaria was feeling nervous too.
The bed seemingly creaked as my impulses struggled free. When I placed my lips on the earing that revealed itself, Canaria’s body jolted.
‘I love you, Canaria. I love you just as much as I love this country I was born into.’
‘I love you too, sir. I love you and this country both.’
As my reddened fiancee bravely accepts me, I buried my face into her nape and smelled the aroma of the Canary herb―
but everything ended with the sound of snapping.
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆
Lady Chaco and the adviser of the newspaper club stood at the front of the infirmary room.
‘Brown, what are you doing standing here? Is somebody inside?’
‘Oops, sir. Don’t you know that it’s boorish to be too inquisitive?’
The advisor was about to peek into the room but Lady Chaco was able to stop him in time.
At that exact moment, I and Canaria opened the door and left the infirmary.
‘Hello, Lady Chaco and Sir Verde.’
‘Oh, 2nd Prince… and his well-known fiancee, huh? Just what were you doing there. You look a little haggard.’
Sir Verde’s face frowned slightly after examining my face.
‘Is that so? Do I look pale, sir?’
‘No, not particularly. Rather, your complexion looks quite alive. Don’t tell me you were both doing something that taints the honor of this sacred institution?’
‘Huh? What do you mean, sir? I’m just a child, sir. I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about.’
As I flippantly answered the teacher’s demand for an explanation, Lady Chaco asked Canaria who was scraping off her hips, instead.
‘So, what happened? Were you able to take the step into adulthood?’
‘No, nothing at all… He slept like a log all day.’
‘Really!? Sir Keith is already fifteen, isn’t he? If you compare him to Sir Sei―’
‘You shouldn’t compare him to Sir Sei. Sir Keith is just Sir Keith, after all.’
I feel like the two of them are treating me like a child. It’s not as though I backed out from her advances. It’s just that I was not conscious of my mind and body’s severe exhaustion. The only thing that snapped at that time was not my reason, but my consciousness itself.
Then opening my eyes after a plentiful sleep, I groomed myself with the facial wash set and the new towel readily available in the infirmary. Then, after eating refreshments for snacks and satisfying my stomach, the magic was undone.|
So, I’m still a splendid innocent child, although, that was quite unfortunate.
‘Nothing really happened? I feel like you’ve got a new lease of life during the time I haven’t seen you. Am I just imagining things?’
“Behold a man’s change after 3 days’3, teacher.’
‘Yesterday was the last time I met him though. But you sure speak splendid things, lady. I’m sure Coloflare would be stable and peaceful with you as its future queen.’
‘Speaking of future, sir Verde. I want to use this moment to crush the sales route of the magic drugs. The wolf knows how beasts think, teacher, so I’m thinking of asking the mafia about this. Can you refer me to someone?’
‘I-I don’t know! Like a mere teacher like me could know something about that!’
We laughed as the teacher chased us off with the attendance record.
I can no longer go back to the pure and innocent child I once was. However, even if I become a demon, as long as you’re here with me, I…
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆
When the dance party of the advent festival was over, Canaria and I had a short greeting with the others. Then, I was to escort Lady Chloe after and after that, meet up with my brother and the others. Canaria has to return with the Corundum Prince now. We likely won’t meet each other for long.
‘I’m sure she will be fine, sir.’
Considering her abrupt words, Canaria likely was able to make some conviction after talking to Lady Chloe. If she says that much, then I’ll trust Lady Chloe too. For that, I’ve been clandestinely scurrying over many things, which is the easiest part.
(Now, here comes the start of the new myth. With what kind of role will all of you stand up to the stage, this time around?)
Sorry, for not updating much last week. I was a little busy and it didn’t help that this was very long and quite painful to translate. At any rate, it’s back to Chloe perspective after this, I think.
1Why does sir shoulders the burden alone? Even though I was the one who brought it up!
2Sir Keith, you idiot!
3A Japanese idiomatic expression that basically means that a man who is overcoming some sort of struggle will look different to you if you haven’t seen him for some time. I couldn’t see any english alternatives that I can use so I chose to retain it
