CH 135

Characters in this chapter:

Sapphiras Perfectio, 2nd son of the Earl of Aldridge

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

Marquess of Giddings, Adeline’s younger brother

Matteo, Percival’s horse

With the evening party just around the corner, seamstresses from the famous maisons1This is not the ‘house’ maison, in the fashion industry, maison refers to a company or store and includes haute couture boutiques and companies run by designers. It is different from brand as brand refers to the product or trademark itself. in the royal capital have come to the academy’s dormitory with outfits.

I hear they’re going to do some minor alterations today.

Why and at what point were the outfits prepared? I was wondering why the costumes were made before we received the invitations, when I heard that His Highness the Crown Prince had told Vanderwall that he was going to send us an invitation in His Majesty’s name.

Certainly, it takes time to make outfits. Naturally, the invitations were sent not only to us but also to Margrave, but they politely declined to participate in the evening party, saying they couldn’t leave the territory now because of the outbreak of magical beasts last year.

The Vanderwall now is completely a normal Vanderwall, but if there is another outbreak of magical beasts while Margrave is here, it would be a big problem. After all, the culprit who threw in the scales has yet to be revealed, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he planned to cause a ruckus during the big evening party in the royal capital. If the cause of the magical beast outbreak is the scales, the culprit would naturally be limited, but until the evidence is suppressed and the culprit is caught properly, it is certain that we cannot rest easy.

But if you use my transference, you can move in an instant. When I told Percival that I would pick him up and take him home, he told me that I was free to use it to go wherever I wanted to go, but that I should not use it to help others.

Truly, in my previous life, there were people who mistook me for a convenient handyman or something. By the way, I let those people know their place. I am not soft at all. Of course, the Belisario family is different from them. That’s why I’m willing to use this magic as much as it’s useful. However, since both the Margrave and the Margravine said they were of the same opinion as Percival, I gave up on the idea of transferring. No matter how useful it is, it’s not good to push magic around.

That aside, it’s about Madam Adeline. The seamstresses opened the box in front of me, I’m sure that they must have prepared gorgeous outfits this time as well.

……Huh?

“Is this, a military uniform……?”

There was a familiar outfit in there.

“Ah, the ceremonial dress of the Vanderwall Army.”

It’s a bit more valiant than the glittering outfits I’ve seen before. On top of that, it’s ornately decorated for ceremonies, which would look great on Percival.

“Is this one the same?”

The seamstress opened another box, which was the uniform of a Vanderwall magician. The short cloak, which is usually black or brown, is crimson, and the Vanderwall crest, a dragon, is embroidered in gold thread, so this is probably for ceremonial use too.

Uwah, that’s amazing. If Percival and I stand together wearing this, we’ll be representing Vanderwall no matter how you look at it.

If that’s the case, we have to stand firm as the sword and shield of this country. But I’m still very socially shy. I glanced at Percival next to me.

……Well, but Percival is by my side, so I should be fine. Besides, I’ve gotten used to this situation by now. I won’t be intimidated by most things now. Whether it is tea parties or evening parties, anything goes!

Ignoring me who was taking the offensive, the seamstresses, who were excited by Percival’s appearance when he tried it on, began to fix it up. Yes yes, I know, I know. It’s true, Percival sure is cool, isn’t he?

As I admire what a person he is, soon after, I was caught up in the enthusiasm of the seamstresses.

***

Then came the day of the evening party.

Percival and I got on the Belisario family carriage and headed for the royal castle.

I had learned by now to go by carriage, not by transference, so I didn’t say that we should go by transference. At first, the ducal family was going to prepare a carriage, but this time I was invited as Percival’s fiancée, so I had to ride in the Belisario family’s carriage.

The Belisario family doesn’t have a mansion in the royal capital, but they do have a place to manage horses and carriages. I guess that’s where Matteo is being kept.

Marquess of Giddings and his wife were waiting for us in the large hall where the evening party was held.

Since we are still underage, Madam Adeline asked the couple to take care of us.

“First of all, congratulations on your engagement, you two. I didn’t expect Percival to get engaged so soon. If anything, I thought you’d be single all your life.”

“……Oji-ue2叔父 (oji): uncle, 上 (ue) respectful honorific.”

Percival is a little troubled by his relatives making fun of him. Percival’s troubled appearance is also rare.

Giddings-kyou, who smiles cheerfully, is a beautiful person, as one would expect of Madam Adeline’s younger brother. The lady who sits next to him has a gentle demeanour, smiling at him.

“Take good care of Percival, Sapphiras. He’s a good, serious man, if I do say so myself.”

“Yes, you can count on me.”

I nod firmly. Rest assured, I will protect Percival to the best of my ability. No one can beat me with magic.

In the midst of this conversation, people came one after the other to talk to the Marquess of Giddings and his wife. We responded with smiles as Giddings-kyou introduced us. Although their faces are smiling, they don’t forget to casually ask about their surroundings. It’s hard to believe that they would make any overly suspicious movements, but it’s important to pick up on any sense of incongruity.

Today, my role and Percival’s role is to protect Clawis. Of course he has a formal escort, but even if something unforeseen should happen, we can move freely.

As I was being affable next to Percival, someone who didn’t read the mood appeared.

Even though he has a clear face, he turns his mousy gaze on me. I pretend I didn’t notice his gaze, even though it makes my back crawl.

“But, Sapphiras-dono is truly beautiful. On top of that, you’re an excellent magician……It’s a shame that someone as beautiful and talented as you is going to such a remote place.”

Oi oi, what are you insinuating?

It’s true that the Marquess of Giddings is a central noble family, but the Margravine Vanderwall Giddings-kyou’s older sister.

He was just introduced as Earl what’s-his-name just a few minutes ago, but I’ve already forgotten his name. Anyway, this Earl has ulterior motives and looks down on Vanderwall. How can he not see the importance of that land?

It’s been peaceful for a long time, and if you stay in the royal capital, you’re hardly ever threatened by demonic beasts. Maybe it’s no wonder he feels less threatened. You can’t get peace and tranquillity by doing nothing.

“I don’t know, if it’s me, I’ll find a suitable place for you in this royal capital.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

I interrupt the Earl as he is speaking, not wanting him to say any more.

“Vanderwall is one of the cornerstones in maintaining peace in the kingdom. I think that for the sake of the kingdom and His Majesty the King, I believe that an outstanding magician like myself must go to Vanderwall. Rather, if I, an outstanding magician, don’t go there, who will? I take pride in my mission to become Percival’s companion and go to Vanderwall. The thought of the day when I can use my magic to its fullest in his lands, I can no longer contain the excitement in my heart!”

I clench my fists and make an impassioned speech with a snort.

Even if he’s rotten, the other party is a nobleman who has a relationship with Giddings-kyou, even if he’s rotten. It would be troublesome if I said something bad and spoil my relationship with the Marquis of Giddings family.

Earl what’s-his-name’s face is cramped by my momentum. He thought I was a quiet child from my appearance, but it was a shame. I’m not a quiet magician. I’ll be troubled if you underestimate me.

“I-I see. Please do your best……”

“Yes! Of course!”

Fufun, he doesn’t have what it takes if he’s flinching from just this much. Even though you said you were engaged in the first place, what were you planning to do with me?

“Hahahaha! No, that surprised me!”

Giddings-kyou raises his voice and laughs.

“Sapphiras-kun has nerves of steel, which I’m sure Ane-ue will be pleased with. Percival seems to have found a hard-to-find companion. Take good care of Sapphiras-kun.”

“Of course.”

Percival replied with a serious face, but the Belisario family has already taken good care of me.

There were some minor incidents, but finally, His Majesty the King and the guest of honour were announced to enter.

No matter what Marquess of Fargerson is planning, I will stop it all.