Chapter 97: Two Imperial Princesses of the Empire

“Even if a child like you possesses great power, won’t you just be swayed by it? Shouldn’t a child who cannot take responsibility stay behind adults?”

Quite harsh words from the Imperial Princess. Though absolutely correct, I have no reason to be told that much by a stranger with no connection.

“Thank you for your concern. However, this too must be a trial given by the Gods. I am merely doing my utmost with what I can do.” “Hmph… Admirable words indeed. Try your best not to drown in power.”

Without changing her expression, the Fourth Imperial Princess Leticia turned away—fui. This person is beautiful but her words are harsh… If she had a mocking smile, I would undoubtedly think she was being sarcastic, but being expressionless, I can’t judge.

“I am Leticia e Allegretto, the Fourth Imperial Princess of the Allegretto Empire. And this is my younger sister, the Ninth Imperial Princess, Risha.” “Ah, a, umm, n-nice, nice to,”

Ninth Imperial Princess Risha, urged by Leticia, tries to greet me with a curtsy, but perhaps due to nervousness, she stammers and words don’t come out. As I waited leisurely, a strict voice flew from her side.

“…Risha. Learn to at least greet properly. The one shamed by that is not just you, but the entire Imperial Family. If you cannot do it, would you like to return to the Empire immediately?” “S-Sorry, S-Sister…”

Glared at by her sister, Imperial Princess Risha shrinks, intimidated. Ehh…? No need to say it so harshly…

“W-Well, now now… Highness Risha must be tired from the unfamiliar journey. It is a long way from the Empire to the Kingdom after all.”

Perhaps unable to bear the atmosphere, Elliott lines up mediating words with a slightly retreating smile.

“Certainly the distance is long, but unlike knights wary of surrounding dangers, we are merely sitting in a carriage being swayed. Are you suggesting a member of our Imperial Family would utter weak words of fatigue from just that? If so, that is an insult to us.” “N-No, I didn’t mean that…”

Elliott falters, receiving a sharp glare—ki. His gaze saying ‘Help me’ is directed here. Don’t look at me.

“Highness Elliott. I do not know about the Kingdom, but if you do not show a more resolute attitude, you will be taken lightly by opponents and retainers alike.” “T-That is true…”

Elliott is pursued further by Imperial Princess Leticia. No good, our Crown Prince’s life points are reaching zero. Hate that sparks might fly here too, but thought it might be bad if I don’t throw a lifeline? Just then, Imperial Princess Leticia sighed a small sigh.

“…I spoke somewhat harshly to a child. I am not feeling well, so I will excuse myself here. Risha, receive the explanation about the Autumn Cooling Party from Lady Sakuraile.” “Y-Yes, Sister.”

I am hosting the underage ladies at the Autumn Cooling Party. Certainly, there are points to convey but… Shouldn’t Imperial Princess Leticia hear that too? No, she’s not underage, so maybe explanation comes from the Empress… While I held such doubts, Imperial Princess Leticia quickly left the room taking her guard knight and lady-in-waiting. Left behind, Imperial Princess Risha is fidgeting restlessly—odo odo.

“H-Haha… What a strict person…” “S-Sister seeks perfection so… She probably cannot forgive me for always failing.”

Imperial Princess Risha answered Elliott‘s words with a small voice. Perfection, huh… That’s her freedom, but forcing it on her sister is questionable. Being told sarcasms by such a sister all the time, one would wither. Maybe that’s why Highness Risha has a timid personality.

“S-Sister came as if dragged along by me, so she probably has various dissatisfactions. I feel sorry…”

Dragged along, huh… Didn’t want to come, but the Emperor told her to go as a guardian since Highness Risha alone is worrying? Even so, that way of speaking is unwarranted, right?

“Then, Highness Risha. I will explain about the Autumn Cooling Party. Is that alright?” “Ah, y-yes… P-Please, do…”

We sat on the sofa and started explaining about the Autumn Cooling Party. Since manners and customs differ by country, I have to convey ‘This means this’, ‘This implies that’ in advance. Etiquette isn’t that different between Empire and Kingdom, so big misunderstandings are rare, but negotiation with other countries is also the duty of us hosts. For example, I think they know this, but in Minuet Queendom, red outfits are designated for royalty. However, in the Empire, red dresses are avoided as they remind of blood. Not knowing such things can create unnecessary strife. Such cultural gaps fade with understanding through interaction, but the Empire doesn’t actively engage in cultural exchange with other countries… Even though they exert diplomatic pressure.

“…That is all, do you have any questions?” “N-No, I understood well. Thank you very much.”

Highness Risha bowed her head slightly, though with some hesitation. For a sister of that selfish Prince, doesn’t seem like a bad child. Well, maybe the Ore-sama Prince in the game and the Prince in this world have different personalities. Looking at Highness Risha, she is staring at this direction—jiii. No, not looking at me. Looking at Kohaku-san curled up beside me.

“Umm, this child is Kohaku-san, a Divine Beast guarding me.” “Divine Beast…! I-I heard stories but, to think he is such a cute cat…” “Not a cat. Tiger. Please do not mistake.” “Spoke…!”

When Kohaku-san raised a voice of protest, Highness Risha, her guard, and ladies-in-waiting froze in shock—gyo. Is a talking Divine Beast not that well known?

“S-Sorry…” “No, can’t be helped with this appearance. Actually has a larger tiger form, but asked to be small since it would cause uproar inside the castle.”

When I explained to the apologetic Highness Risha, Kohaku-san curled up again as if snorting ‘Hmph’.

“Do you like cats?” “Therefore, I said not a cat… mugugu”

Blocking the mouth of Kohaku-san trying to protest. Just be quiet for a bit.

“Cats, or rather, I like small animals…” “Ah, Sakuraile. Then how about giving Highness Risha those small animal ornaments you gave me for my birthday?”

Elliott says such things. For Elliott’s birthday? Did I give something…? Ah! Capsule toy animal figures! Forgot since I chose randomly! I took out several capsule toys from the four-dimensional pochette and opened one—paka. From inside came a slightly deformed rabbit nibbling a carrot held in both hands.

“…Cute!” “There are others too.”

I open the rest too—paka paka. Out came a cat beckoning cutely, a dog giving paw, a panda lying down, a squirrel holding a walnut dearly, a polar bear lazing around, etc.

“There are animals I haven’t seen, but all are cute!” “If you like them, I will give them to you as a token of friendship.” “Really! Thank you very much!”

Seeing Highness Risha frolicking over the animal figures, Elliott and I were feeling warm and fuzzy, but there was a person pouring cold water on it.

“Lady Risha. You must not accept such things lightly. What if there are poisons or curses? Too careless.” “Eh…?”

The lady-in-waiting with triangular glasses standing behind the sofa where Highness Risha sits. Around thirty, dark brown hair tied up.

“Lady Vanessa. Isn’t that somewhat rude? Are you suggesting Sakuraile intends to harm Highness Risha?”

As expected, Elliott glares at the lady-in-waiting for the rude manner of speaking. Ooh, a bit cool, Elliott.

“I am strictly speaking of possibilities. I apologize if I offended you. However, in such cases, the Imperial rule is to exchange through attendants in advance; is it different there?” “Th-That is…”

Elliott stammers. Ooh… a bit unreliable, Elliott. Certainly, higher status people don’t accept such gifts directly from first-time acquaintances. If something happened, it would be a disaster. No problem if relatives, friends, or close acquaintances though. The Empire and Kingdom cannot be said to be on good terms even as flattery. So what this lady-in-waiting Vanessa says isn’t wrong. It is true we were careless. Failed. Should have said I’ll send later without taking them out.

“We will examine them thoroughly. If no problems, we will hand them to Your Highness.” “Ah…”

Saying so, Vanessa wrapped the animal figures with a handkerchief she took out and handed them to the waiting knight. Seeing that, a sad expression floats on Highness Risha‘s face. An expression like giving up on something. On the other hand, Vanessa wears a triumphant smile. Is it due to defeating us in argument, or… Somehow don’t feel like those animal figures will reach Highness Risha’s hands.

“…Then I will take my leave now. Lady Sakuraile, I look forward to the Autumn Cooling Party.” “Yes. I will do my best.”

Standing up from the sofa, I grasp Highness Risha‘s offered hand. Well, with this child, probably won’t fight with Luca or Tifa. Glad she wasn’t a haughty princess. The sister is a bit ‘that’ but… well, she’s not my charge.

“Thank you for coming all the way, Highness Elliott. Glad to meet you.” “No, likewise. Highness Risha, please enjoy yourself.”

Elliott grasps Highness Risha‘s offered hand. In that moment, I saw the rabbit animal figure inside the hand about to open. Eh!? When!? Highness Risha must have seen it too. But the mean-eyed glasses head lady-in-waiting standing behind didn’t see it. Highness Risha‘s face brightens—paa. In Elliott‘s hand pulled back after shaking, the rabbit was gone. Highness Risha immediately fixed her expression perhaps to hide from the lady-in-waiting, and left the room with a composed face. Clasping both hands to her chest. The room door closes with a patan.

“…Not bad, Elliott.” “It was vexing to be beaten like that. As it was, likely wouldn’t have reached Highness Risha‘s hands.” “Ah, you thought so too?”

Seems the unease I felt wasn’t wrong. In other words, that head lady-in-waiting was being mean to the Highness. But doing such things to an Imperial Princess, is that head lady-in-waiting a daughter of a very high-ranking noble?

“The deceased mother of Highness Risha was of commoner origin, and her succession rank seems to be the lowest. Probably looked down upon even by ladies-in-waiting.” “Stupid…”

Ah, hate it, hate it. Value of person isn’t determined by birth. Elitism or whatever, type often found in Imperial nobles. No, Kingdom had that Kaiser mustache old man too though… Such fellows exist in any country… Feeling a bit sympathetic to Highness Risha. Does she have anyone to support her in the Empire…

“Sakuraile, watch over her casually. So she isn’t treated weirdly.” “With Luca and Tifa, can’t stick to Highness Risha all the time, but I’ll keep an eye out.” “Please do.”

Hee, rare for Elliott to worry about a girl. Since Elliott is constantly pursued by noble daughters, he takes a step back stance towards anyone besides us. Well, the opponent is an Imperial Princess, different from overly aggressive young ladies always clinging to Elliott. A child one somehow wants to protect. Protective instinct, maybe? Hope nothing happens… Really troublesome~.