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Published at 4th of April 2024 11:59:20 AM


Chapter 181

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Characters in this chapter:

Sapphiras Perfectio, former 2nd son of the Earl of Aldridge

Percival Belisario, 3rd son of Margrave of Vanderwall on the Eastern Frontier

Aurora Steinfeld, daughter of the Duke of Bloomfield

“Sapphiras-sama? What have you been eating since a moment ago?”

The beautifully dressed Aurora tilts her head.

Today’s Aurora wore a simple white dress made of fine fabric, perhaps with an awareness of her status as a saintess, but with the platinum and diamond tiara with matching earrings and necklace given to her by the Crown Prince, she is filled with the elegance of a Duke’s daughter.

It looks like Aurora’s entire body is emitting a slight glow.

And Percival and I, who are protecting that faintly glowing saintess, were dressed in the formal attire of knights from the ducal family. Percival, the knight, wore a cloak and I, the magician, wore a robe, on which a two-headed eagle is embroidered with gold thread.

When Aurora saw us like that, she complimented us on how nice we looked. I’m no match for Percival, who looks good no matter what he wears, but I think……I’m pretty good looking too.

In addition to us, there are two female knights waiting in Aurora’s waiting room, but they are knights who belong to the kingdom.

The ceremony is about to begin, and the air around us is undeniably tense.

In the midst of all this, I was eating dried apricots that I had hidden inside my jacket.

Breakfast was provided, but I couldn’t eat much due to preparations and meetings, so my stomach couldn’t help but make a fuss that it wasn’t enough. Of course, we, who are the bodyguards, cannot eat during the ceremony or the evening party. So, in order to calm down my hunger, I kept dried apricots in my pocket.

“Mnn, these? Yesterday, when we went on a tour of the town, we got these dried apricots from a lady at a stall.”

I thought anything would be fine as long as it filled my stomach, but these apricots were even more delicious than I expected.

The surface is smooth and pleasant to the touch like a gooseberry, while the inside is moderately moist and has the perfect balance of sourness and sweetness. Before returning to our country, I plan to go to oba-chan’s shop and buy some as souvenirs to take home.

“……Dried apricots, is it?”

“Mm. Actually, I met a strange guy yesterday when I went to town with Percival to have some fun.”

The apricot led me to talk about that troublesome guy from some Duke’s family that I met yesterday.

Naturally, I never received a letter from the man in question accusing me and Percival of disrespect.

“Well, I’m so glad that nothing happened to the two of you…….but if you said the man was a duke, then it is very likely that he will be attending the ceremony and the evening party.”

As Aurora said that, making a slightly thoughtful gesture.

Well, since he was a bit strange, there’s a possibility that he might resent being humiliated in public and try to harass us in some way. It’s natural for Aurora to be worried.

“It’s okay! Don’t worry. I definitely won’t do anything to cause trouble for Aurora-jyou!”

If that were to happen, there would be no point in being an escort at all.

“No, that’s not it. I’m not worried about myself. Rather, I’m worried about Sapphiras-sama.”

“Eh? Me?”

“Yes. Sapphiras-sama will be performing magic at today’s evening party, won’t you?”

“……I see. That’s right.”

For some reason, even Percival had a difficult look on his face.

“Is there something wrong with that?”

“If Sapphiras stands out at the evening party, there’s a chance that he might get provoked.”

“Oh……that’s true. But don’t worry about me.”

After all, it’s unlikely that someone will entangle me head-on at an evening party where there are many guests from other countries, and even if they get entangled with me, it won’t hurt or itch. However, if he takes advantage of his position as a member of a ducal family and makes things difficult, it might become a bit troublesome.

“I’m not sure what sort of person he is, in any case, I ask of you both to be very vigilant.”

“’Yes, that’s right……”

No matter how much the other side gets involved, let’s do our best to not embarrass Aurora or even His Highness the Crown Prince.

While we were talking like that, the guide came to pick up Aurora when it was almost time. I put the bag of Apricots away in my jacket and and focused my mind

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was waiting outside the room, and as soon as he caught a glimpse of Aurora, he clearly looked happy. Well, I understand how he feels. The accessories His Highness gave her suits her well.

But it was only for a moment that he showed such an expression. He immediately changed into an absentminded look that made it hard to tell what he was thinking.

“Both of you, I’ll be counting on you today.”

“Leave it to us.”

Percival and I spoke in unison.

Just because the countries are on good terms doesn’t mean that all the nobles in this country are good people. There might be some unscrupulous people who are targeting the saintess. There are also people like the man from yesterday.

However, no matter what kind of people they are, I won’t let them lay a finger on Aurora.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince probably thinks so too. After all, the number of bodyguards is impressive. In addition to Percival and I, there are four bodyguards, including the female knights who were in the waiting room earlier.

But, well, with such strict protection, even if it’s not officially communicated, it can be emphasised that Aurora is a woman in an important position for Solmontana.

As expected of His Highness the Crown Prince, he has thought this through.

The ceremony, which began solemnly, was attended by a considerable number of distinguished guests from various countries.

As I scanned my surroundings, keeping an eye so that I could quickly erect a barrier in case something happened, I spotted the man from yesterday among the Tornx nobles attending. A woman with similar features is standing next to the man. She seems like an older sister or younger sister, but it would be the worst if they had the same personality on the inside.

Percival seems to have noticed too, and we nod at each other with our eyes. It seems that he hasn’t noticed us yet. Or maybe he has already forgotten what we look like. Well, I would appreciate it that way.

The ceremony proceeded solemnly, and I managed to get through it even though I had to cover up a yawn that I accidentally let out during the endless speeches.

After this, it was time for the feast. Aurora and the Crown Prince returned to the waiting room for a break and to prepare for the evening party. We can’t go in while they’re changing, so we wait in front of the waiting room.

During the wait, we took turns with the escort knights to have refreshments and tea.

“Sapphiras, are you tired?”

“Not at all! I was even able to fill my stomach!”

I was just standing there, I’m not tired at all. Besides, my stomach was completely settled after eating the sandwiches and sweets that had been prepared for me. I was prepared to not be able to eat anything until the evening party was over, but Aurora had arranged for refreshments. That’s a really nice gesture.

“Anyway, Sapphiras seems quite calm considering you’re about to appear on a big stage.”

Well, I normally stood in front of the Kings of other countries, it’s not surprising that I won’t get so nervous that I can’t even say anything. Unfortunately, I’m not a very sensitive person.

“It’s not like my life is in danger, I’m just going to show some magic. Besides, magic is what I do best.”

Percival gave me some ideas, and it’s the best magical performance that I’ve put a lot of thought into. I showed it to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and he was very impressed with it. There should be no problem with the performance.

“……That’s certainly true. I’m looking forward to Sapphiras’ magical performance.”

“Yeah! Leave it to me!”

When I patted my thin chest, Percival’s expression suddenly relaxed and he touched my hair.

Bzz……! Ah, sweet! His face and atmosphere are sweet! Percival!

But I guess I’m the only one who can see Percival, who’s fair and kind to everyone, smiling like this. W-well, we’re party mates, aren’t we? And we’re engaged? And he’s my future companion?

We’re companions……

“Sapphiras, what’s wrong?”

“N-Nothing!”

I panicked as my face suddenly became hot, and I drank the remaining tea in my cup in one gulp.

***

Having had enough rest, Percival and I entered the hall following Aurora, who had changed into her gorgeous dress, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, who was escorting her.

Guests and aristocrats invited from all over the world gathered, and the hall is so lavishly decorated that I feel like my eyes are going to be crushed by the dazzle.

In addition to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, other royalty from other countries have been invited, but Solmontana is the largest country on this continent, and His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince of that country, is of course the guest of honour. He is the first of all the invited guests to convey his congratulations to His Majesty the King of Tornx.

“……May the Kingdom of Tornx continue to live in peace and prosperity. On this auspicious occasion, I wish to add flowers with special magic.”

After finishing his greeting, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince turned his gaze to me. Taking this as a cue, I stepped out into the centre of the hall and bowed deeply to King Tornx.

Well, the time has finally come for me to perform my magic act.

My arms are tingling! No, in this case, is it the wand that tingles?

melon: Update from the author! This novel is getting a manga adaption! The first chapter is already out and you can read it for free here. It’s being illustrated by a different artist from the novel so you get to see Sapphiras and Percival in a different art style. Even if you don’t read Japanese, you can just look at the pictures

In another announcement, the 2nd volume of the novel will be released in April.

Last but not least, a tweet from the author:

“Last month marked the 2nd anniversary of the serialisation of Magical Power (I just realised this) I am truly grateful to all of you who have continued to support me! Thank you very much However, even though two years have passed, the two of them still haven’t moved beyond kissing, so it’s time to move on! When it’s time to move forward, let’s move forward! ”




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