Chapter 101.5: Interlude: The King and the Princess ~ Father and Daughter

Interlude: The King and the Princess ~ Father and Daughter

(This episode is from the perspective of Princess Flora, when Will explored the southern undeveloped lands and his father, the Margrave, visited His Majesty the King.)

Margrave Fairchild came to visit Father. I just returned to the Royal Capital from the Summer Solstice Festival earlier this month, so I wonder if something happened? Father, having finished speaking with the Margrave, called for me saying he had something to discuss.

“Father, it is me.” I knock on Father‘s office door in Linkstar Castle. “Oh, Flora. Come in.” When I entered the office, Father had an unusually serious look on his face. Usually, he often cracks jokes and has a relaxed atmosphere.

“There was an important discussion from Margrave Fairchild regarding William-kun. This conversation is strictly confidential. I do not think I need to explain the importance of confidentiality to you, Flora, who has received education as a Princess, at this late hour.” “Yes, Father. There are no loose-lipped daughters in our Royal Family.”

The story Father told from there was astonishing. The Elf clan that had protected the World Tree deep in the Sea of Trees fled to the Fairchild territory because the power of darkness strengthened, the World Tree was cut off from the leylines and weakened, and they could no longer withstand the monster offensive. That the weakening of the World Tree is also the cause of the recent abnormal weather. And that William-san has been recognized by the World Tree as the legendary Savior.

“That is an important story. However, hearing it, I now understand the reason why the Elves obeyed William-san’s words.” “Indeed. Generally speaking, Elves shun humans. Hearing Flora‘s report that they seemed to be serving William-kun, I was considering the possibility that he was the Savior.”

“Is that so? We acted together for several days in Northernford, but William-san showed absolutely no signs of being a Savior.” “Umu. An ordinary boy would either get carried away or, conversely, look like he was about to be crushed by the pressure. Actually, it has been passed down in the Royal Family that the Savior is a reincarnated person from another world. His composure, which does not suit his age, makes sense if he is the Savior.”

And there was more to Father‘s story. William-san headed to the southern undeveloped lands to search for the Leyline Crosspoint, and if he can discover it safely, he hopes to become the Lord of that land to protect the Elves and the World Tree. “William-san had a gentle atmosphere the whole time, but he had made such a heavy decision.” “Umu. It is a magnificent decision not bound by self-interest. The Royal Family intends to support William-kun as well.” “In that case, I will strive to fulfill the role of connecting the Royal Family and William-san.”

Father let out a sigh. “Flora, you tend to be a little too conscious of political maneuvering. It is true that politics were involved in your elder sisters’ marriages, but I made sure they met their partners beforehand and confirmed their own feelings.” This is the first I’ve heard of this. I assumed my elder sisters married because they were ordered to by Father. “Of course, there must have been a part of them that wanted to be useful to the Royal Family. But I emphasized that if they disliked the partner, they did not have to marry. I pride myself on not being so incompetent that I cannot run the country without making tools of my daughters.” My, to think he was thinking such things. I have reevaluated Father. “Regarding what kind of relationship you build with William-kun, I intend to respect Flora‘s will.”

That night, I thought about various things in my room. Until now, I didn’t think I could decide my future by my own will, but Father said he would respect my will. William-san is a mysterious person. When we first met, he was more distracted by sweets than by me. Most people say I am beautiful out of calculation or ulterior motives. He was the first person whose eyes sparkled at sweets. Despite seeming spaced out, he was articulate when talking about the merits of the Merchant Skill.

And when we reunited in Northernford, he was already shouldering the role of Savior, wasn’t he? Yet, he still had that calm and gentle atmosphere. The reason those around him, including different races like Elves and Dwarves, trust William-san might be because he has an unwavering strength. Becoming the Lord of the southern undeveloped lands seems like it will involve much hardship, but with William-san’s Production Skill, I feel like he can develop it successfully.

Besides, he is not alone. The faces of the people I met in Northernford come to mind. The Fairchild family will surely continue to support him. The workshop staff like Theodore-san and Oliver-san are the same. Ordinary noble young ladies would flinch at hearing “undeveloped lands,” but surely Scarlett-san wouldn’t even care. As for me…