Chapter 92: Trends in Neighboring Countries

“Therefore, two Imperial Princesses from the Allegretto Imperial Family will be coming. I would like you, Sakuraile, to attend to one of them, the Ninth Imperial Princess, Her Highness Risha.” “What a drag!” “Don’t voice your true feelings…”

My true feelings slipped out involuntarily. No good, no good. Even if he’s my uncle, I behaved in an unladylike manner in front of His Majesty the Emperor. However, His Majesty the Emperor in front of me is also munching on fried rice inside the ramen chain ‘Horakuen’, so there isn’t a shred of imperial dignity either. Same difference.

“The Empire is on bad terms with our Kingdom, right? It smells strongly of trouble though…” “They wouldn’t try to oppose us from the front either. Besides, their objective is Sakuraile, the ‘Princess of the Holy Sword’. I don’t think they would do anything to displease that person.”

That too… Are they mistaking me for a rare beast or something? No need to come see me specifically.

“What, you just need to escort her like you did with the Princesses of Prelude and Minuet. It shouldn’t be that difficult.”

No, Luca and Tifa are friends so I don’t have to be careful, but it won’t be like that with the Empire’s Imperial Princess, will it? What if she’s a princess with a terrible personality?

“What if Luca and Tifa start fighting with that Imperial Princess?” “Stop them no matter what. It could develop into an international problem. If such a thing happens at our Kingdom’s party, Empress Richel‘s reputation would be ruined.”

Right… But the Empire’s Ninth Imperial Princess, huh. She didn’t appear in the game. So I have no idea what kind of person she is. Six years old but royalty… won’t be straightforward… Ah, really a drag.

“Ignoring status, everyone should just enjoy as they like. Maybe make it a masquerade ball.” “Masquerade ball?” “Everyone participates wearing masks. Revealing identity is taboo at that party. Even if you know who the other person is, you interact as unknown persons without touching on it. Attire is free too, cross-dressing allowed. Kings in shabby clothes are allowed too, enjoying conversation without being bound by status…”

Speaking up to there, hah, I came to myself. Wait, this might be bad. In the spin-offs of ‘Starlight Symphony’, there is a game titled ‘Starlight Symphony Spin-off: Masquerade’. That His Majesty the Emperor doesn’t know about masquerade balls means it’s not held for the first time within ten years from the game start…?

“Fumu, masquerade ball, huh. Sounds interesting. Shall I consult the Prime Minister if we can hold one?” “Ahhhhh, but but status is important, and maybe the King should look splendid after all!” “What is it suddenly. Saying the exact opposite of before?”

Shoot!? Might have caused an event to occur ahead of time again! Careless! Truly careless! Most causes for things not going according to the game are me… I realize I am a foreign element in this world. No, if it goes according to the game, I’ll be ruined so that’s trouble too though…

“Well, fine. Anyway, I leave Princess Risha to you. For this, I can only rely on you who have imperial blood. Please manage somehow.”

His Majesty the Emperor said what he wanted, ate the fried rice he wanted, and went back.

“Fetters between countries, is it. Humans are troublesome.” “Really…”

At the seat next to me, Kohaku-san who finished eating fried rice just like His Majesty licks around his mouth—perorin. Really… If they hate the country, they shouldn’t come. Was there anything related to the game regarding the Empire…? Ah, in ‘Spin-off: Masquerade’, he appeared. The Imperial Prince. Positioned as a senior character one year older than the protagonist. By the way, the protagonist of ‘Masquerade’ is not Estelle. A spin-off-only protagonist. For this protagonist, the player can name her, and decide birth status, birthday, parameter balance freely. And this Prince, technically a capture target, but this guy… didn’t suit my taste at all. So-called ‘Ore-sama character’? Arrogant, selfish, self-conscious. Speaks down to everyone. A character like ‘Just shut up and follow me’. I hate this type, so I didn’t clear that Imperial Prince route. But I know the general story flow from strategy sites and such. He entered the academy full of confidence being flattered as excellent in the Empire, but was beaten down realizing he wasn’t that special, became desperate and behaved badly. While interacting with the junior protagonist he met, he becomes ashamed of his rotten self and reforms his nature… seemingly the flow, but apparently even after reforming, his attitude remains arrogant Ore-sama, so I remember losing all will to capture him cleanly. Probably this Prince is the younger brother of the Fourth Imperial Princess coming this time, and the older brother of the Ninth Imperial Princess. I don’t think he would come along with the two, but… he won’t, right? This ‘Autumn Cooling Party’ is a women-only party. No need for the Prince to come at all. Even if he doesn’t come, the Ninth Imperial Princess I have to deal with is his sister. Hope no weird flags rise… In ‘Spin-off: Masquerade’, Sakuraile doesn’t appear… shouldn’t. At least as far as I read on strategy sites, she doesn’t appear as a character in the Imperial Prince’s route. But, there’s a possibility she’s reflected in a still (CG) like a hidden character… I think there was a scenario where the Imperial Prince and protagonist go to visit a hospital, maybe she’s casually there among patients… Like wrapped in bandages. Didn’t play that route so don’t know what kind of stills there are… Should I have played it without prejudice…?

◇ ◇ ◇

‘Autumn Cooling Party’ is a garden party using the castle garden. Therefore, garden maintenance is done carefully. From a few days ago, many gardeners entered, pruning shrubs and flowers. Gazebos were built everywhere, and small bridges were built over large ponds. I was impressed and truly surprised at the garden completely transformed to the extent I couldn’t believe it was the place where the Dark Dragon rampaged.

“Completely different thing… His Majesty really splurged…” “Rather than Father, it was Mother though…”

Elliott answers my impression with a slightly wry smile. Apparently, taking advantage of the destruction by the Dark Dragon, the Empress started saying she would improve it to her taste. Being able to modify the garden, venue for ‘Autumn Cooling Party’ and ‘Spring Sun Party’, from scratch seemed to have motivated the Empress. Well, it’s a tea party where women are main. I think a stage made with female sensibilities would fit better.

“The Guest House seems busy too.” “Because guests are coming from many countries like Prelude, Minuet, Allegretto, Gospel. They are fired up not to cut corners at all.” “East Allegretto Empire, West Prelude Kingdom, South Minuet Queendom, North Gospel (Fukuin) Kingdom. Thanks for coming all the way from north, south, east, and west.” “You say it like it’s someone else’s business, but most are aiming for Sakuraile, you know?” “Ha?”

At Elliott‘s words, I involuntarily directed eyes saying ‘What is this young master saying…?’.

“Look, Sakuraile is being watched by Allegretto for defeating the Dark Dragon, right? Being a [Holy Sword] wielder, noticed by Gospel Kingdom too. Prelude and Minuet have their Princesses as your friends. See, mostly aiming for you, right?”

When said like that… Eh…? Am I completely a customer-attracting panda…?

“Somehow seriously started not wanting to attend…” “Now now. Think of this as the duty of one connected to the Imperial Family.” “You guys have it easy. Since you don’t have to attend.”

Saying that, I glare at Elliott with resentful eyes. ‘Autumn Cooling Party’ is a women-only tea party. Men are prohibited from entering.

“It’s tough here too, you know? Not only women are coming from other countries. Guard knights on the way, civil officials, diplomats are also coming. During ‘Autumn Cooling Party’, we have to deal with them.”

Well, they won’t come with only women, so that happens. Not just Symphonia, it’s a good opportunity for countries wanting to interact with other invited countries. Behind ‘Autumn Cooling Party’, men hold a party where men talk. Still, unlike here, Elliott doesn’t have to participate in that party, right? Since only adults talk.

“No well, that’s true but…”

Tch. As expected.

“Elliott… You, cross-dress and participate in ‘Autumn Cooling Party’.” “No way! Why do I have to do such a thing!?” “To lighten my burden! This is also the duty of one connected to the Imperial Family!” “There is no such duty!?”

Elliott ten years later in the game is a handsome man typically Prince-like, but now still has cuteness peculiar to a boy. I judge that with a little makeup and cross-dressing, it’s possible to tailor him into a noble daughter. Let’s open a new door for him. Realizing I was serious, Elliott ran away at full speed. Curse it, let him escape. However, rumors of ‘Princess of the Holy Sword’ reached other countries… Allegretto Empire is disquieting, but I should be a little wary of Gospel Kingdom too. Gospel Kingdom located beyond the northern sea where the headquarters of the ‘Church’ is said to be. Though a small island nation, people serving God live there, accepting no invasion, and favoring no nation, a nation claiming fairness, equality, and neutrality. Simply put, a permanent neutral country. Well, details are different in various ways though. After all, Gods are backing it, so no country can attack. If they do such a thing, there is a possibility ‘Gifts’ might be taken away from all citizens. Of course, Gospel Kingdom itself has strict precepts, and if one acts for self-interest, even a heavyweight of Gospel Kingdom would receive divine punishment. A country protected by Gods, and also monitored by Gods. It would be strange if such a country wasn’t interested in me, a [Holy Sword] wielder accompanied by a ‘Divine Beast’. Undoubtedly, they will come to incorporate me. Ostensibly, unlikely to solicit recklessly, but I want to be spared from persistence. According to rumors, there are several saints called [Saint of Gospel] at the headquarters of Gospel Kingdom, and those people can seemingly hear God’s voice. So-called people who received ‘Oracles’ and God’s favor. Scouted in each country, and then serve Gospel Kingdom, apparently. Only women are ‘Saints’ because apparently women receive oracles easier. Well, otome game world after all… If I say ‘Met Nine Goddesses’ instead of just voice, I would undoubtedly be invited. They probably have ‘Gift’ holders who can see through truth or lies too. I have absolutely no intention of going to Gospel Kingdom, nor do I want my peaceful life destroyed. I am grateful to the Goddesses, but that and this are different stories. Ah, if the so-called [Shrine Maiden of Gospel] can hear God’s voice, maybe I’ll ask the Goddesses to say ‘Don’t get involved with Sakuraile’? Should I propose it if I meet the Goddesses in a dream next time.