The Duke's Daughter Goes Her Own Way
[The Happy Princess]
Translated by: ME
When I was little, I was afraid of my brother.
He was never the type to raise his voice or his hand towards me or my sister. In fact, he was always smiling and would gently pat our heads.
But I was still very afraid of him.
Even through the eyes of his younger sister, my brother was beautiful, but he seemed like someone who had forgotten his ['emotions'] somewhere.
Precisely because his features were so perfect, he only looked like a well-made doll.
***
[I don't have any time to see Ellie.]
I couldn't help but laugh at my elder brother, who made no attempt to hide his displeasure and even furrowed his brow as he spoke.
[I will be visiting the Ducal household tomorrow. Do you have any message for me?]
[...No, it's fine. ...Have a good time.]
My brother said this with a somewhat distant look in his eyes.
I certainly will have a good time.
It's been a while since I've seen Ellie too, after all.
My brother has changed a great deal since meeting Ellie.
It is, of course, a change for the better.
***
We are the royal family.
Our father is the King, and our mother is the Queen.
Our lifestyle is supported by taxes collected from the citizens. Therefore, we cannot be wasteful.
Because we are sustained by the people, we must live for the people.
That is how we were raised.
That said, it was very difficult for me, a young child, to understand such things.
I was a very innocent, carefree girl.
I hated studying. I'd rather play with dolls.
I hated books. I only liked shiny picture books.
I hated etiquette and manners practice. I wanted to run around and play.
I hated vegetables. They were bitter and not tasty.
I hated this, I hated that...
It was probably the selfishness typical of a child. My nursemaids and ladies-in-waiting never strongly scolded me. My parents would caution me but never spoke harshly.
So, I only had a vague understanding that these things were ['somehow not good'].
But my brother was different.
I never saw my elder brother say he ['disliked'] or ['hated'] something.
...Conversely, I never saw him say he ['liked'] something either.
Because we are sustained by the people, we must live for the people.
Even though he was just a child only three years my senior, my brother understood that.
Studying would eventually become part of his own flesh and blood. It should not be neglected.
Books provide knowledge. Through them, one learns things one didn't know, and one's world expands.
Manners are important rules in interpersonal relationships to avoid making others uncomfortable.
Vegetables are necessary for the body to grow. And one must be grateful to those who grow, transport, and prepare them.
Even when told this, it was too difficult for me to understand properly.
However, my brother did not force these things upon me.
When I said, [It's too difficult, I don't understand even if you say that,] he would only say, [I see.]
He didn't blame me. He didn't get angry.
And he didn't seem disappointed either.
At some point, I began to think of my brother, who always maintained the same emotional temperature, as ['scary'].
I wished he would get angry.
Why could he remain so impassive?
***
That brother of mine got engaged.
His partner was a girl one year younger than me.
I felt a little sorry for that girl.
Being my brother's partner must be unstimulating and boring.
No matter what you did, he wouldn't get angry or happy.
I thought that girl, who had to deal with such a person, must have it tough.
Many people flock to my brother for his appearance, his title, and his power. But they don't last long either. Because the brother at the center of it all shows no reaction.
It's as if he's saying ['It's useless to even engage with them'].
No, he probably did think that. ...He probably still does.
That girl is pitiful.
The ['Queen'] position, which some yearn for, is not something to be irresponsibly yearned for so lightly. ...Well, it's precisely because they don't understand that that they yearn for it, I suppose.
She must support and share the heavy burden of the ['country'] that my brother will eventually bear.
I wonder how long that girl will last.
I wonder if things will go even slightly well with my elder brother.
That's what I was thinking.
***
Contrary to my thoughts, my brother and his fiancée's relationship progressed smoothly.
His partner was Lady Elizabeth Macnagan, the Duke's daughter. ...I am ashamed to admit I did not know the Macnagan Ducal household well.
I knew the order of peerage ranks.
I knew that ['Duke'] was the rank next to the royal family.
But I did not know this ['Duke Macnagan'].
[That household is... unusual...]
My father said that.
[It is fine for the Macnagan Ducal household to be as it is.]
My mother said that.
I didn't really understand, but it seemed both my father and mother held no negative feelings towards the Macnagan Ducal household.
The reason I didn't know Duke Macnagan was because he rarely showed his face at the royal castle, I was told.
Most people from Ducal families hold key positions in the castle.
Instead of serving at the castle, the Macnagan Ducal household governed a vast territory and paid more taxes to the country than any other Ducal family, I heard.
It seemed that successive Dukes had been like that, and the current Duke was no different.
Therefore, unless they had ['business that absolutely required coming to the castle'], they did not come to the royal castle.
The background to the Macnagan Ducal household's vast lands included circumstances like the royal family continuously granting them difficult-to-manage, royally-owned lands, which that household somehow managed to turn profitable...
It seems the royal family is in a position where it cannot make unreasonable demands of that household. But the Macnagan Ducal family never makes unreasonable demands of us using that as a shield, I'm told.
They are people who simply, impassively, solemnly, and very sincerely carry out the duties assigned to them.
However, because they never participate in politics, not at all, the Macnagan Ducal household is also looked down upon.
[But, if they so wished, that household could probably take over the country.]
My father said that.
It sounded somewhat frightening, but both my father and mother said in unison, laughing, [Well, but that's an impossibility.]
After hearing these stories, the impression of the ['Macnagan Ducal household'] in my mind became a very confusing one.
***
About a year after my brother's engagement was decided, a large presentation banquet was held.
It was there that I met Lady Elizabeth Macnagan for the first time. ...My brother hadn't let me meet her until then. Apparently, it was because the engagement could have fallen through, and also because that Ducal family disliked contact with the royal family...
Lady Elizabeth was a very lovely girl.
I too am called a ['lovely Princess'] by those around me. I admit I had felt a little pleased with myself because of that phrase.
But this girl was many times lovelier than I.
Her fluffy golden hair shimmered, translucent in the light. Her skin was pure white, like a doll's. Her eyes were large and round, a very clear, bright leaf-green color. Her lips were plump and a pale pink.
She was a doll-like, lovely girl, but her eyes sparkled with will and looked full of life.
[Ellie, this is my sister, Linalia.]
[Your Highness Princess Linalia, it is an extreme honor to meet you. I am Elizabeth Macnagan.]
For a girl only one year younger than me, she was quite small. But this small girl performed a very beautiful curtsy and greeted me in a clear voice.
[I am Linalia. ...It's a pleasure to meet you.]
I felt slightly ashamed of my own clumsy greeting.
Lady Elizabeth was escorted by my brother and slowly sat on the sofa.
Even her gestures were incomparably more elegant than mine.
And that was to be expected. After all, I ['hated manners practice'].
Ah, what had my brother said when I said that?
I believe it was, ['Manners are important rules in interpersonal relationships to avoid making others uncomfortable'].
I wonder if Lady Elizabeth is displeased by my completely inadequate gestures and words?
Thinking that, my brother's words struck home.
My brother and Lady Elizabeth sat side-by-side, and I sat opposite them.
It seemed Lady Elizabeth was somewhat nervous. My brother tightly grasped her small hand.
[It's alright, Ellie. There's nothing to worry about.]
Lady Elizabeth also smiled and nodded at my smiling brother.
Oh?
It was the familiar brother. Because ['breakfast with the family'] is our parents' wish, we share the dining table every morning. He was the same brother I saw this very morning.
But.
Only towards her, he wasn't ['the usual elder brother'].
If asked where the difference was, I couldn't quite pinpoint it.
I was also surprised that my brother called her by a nickname. My parents call me ['Lina'] and my younger sister Mary-Rose ['Rose']. But my brother alone always calls us ['Linalia'] and ['Mary-Rose'], never using nicknames.
When I asked why, he replied in a tone that suggested he found it strange I would even ask, ['Isn't that your name?']
Well, that's true, but...
I remember feeling very lonely because of it.
[Elder Brother, you call her 'Ellie', don't you? May I call her that as well?]
[Please, feel free.]
Next to the smiling Ellie, my brother made a slightly pained expression.
Thinking back now, was that jealousy? Did he want to be the only one to call her Ellie?
How adorable, my little elder brother.
There, I apologized to Ellie for my poor manners. Ellie smiled and said, [I don't mind at all, it's quite alright.]
[Your Highness Linalia, are you not good at manners?]
Asked with a smile, I nodded honestly.
When she asked the reason, I answered, [Because the lessons are boring,] and [Because I don't really understand why they are necessary.]
[I see... For example, let's say you were playing tag. Do you know the rules?]
Tag... that game, right? Where one person is 'it' and the other children run away. When caught, the roles switch...
I sometimes play that game in the garden with my cousin Henny and my sister. So I knew.
[Let's say Your Highness Linalia was playing tag. Suppose you were 'it' and caught a certain child. Normally, that child would become 'it', and Your Highness would join those running away, correct?]
[Yes.]
[But what if that child said this? How would you feel? ['I don't know that rule. Being 'it' isn't fun, so I don't want to do it. So I won't.']]
If they said that after I went through the trouble of catching them...
[I think... the game wouldn't work, and it wouldn't be fun.]
[The rules of tag and the rules of etiquette are the same thing. That is, they are ['the rules necessary to be in that place'].]
I didn't quite understand and tilted my head.
Ellie didn't seem offended by that and smiled gently.
[Manners are the rules necessary for social settings from now on. Saying ['I don't know'] or ['I don't want to'] makes the other people who are following the rules think ['It's not fun']. ['She should have done this here, but that girl didn't'], ['This is supposed to be done this way correctly, but that girl doesn't do it']—wouldn't the people around also find that not fun?]
That was surely words with the same meaning as what my elder brother had said.
But Ellie's words, spoken in a way meant for a child like me to understand, sank in much more easily than my brother's overly concise ones.
[...Thank you, Ellie.]
I smiled at Ellie, who looked puzzled as if to say, ['For what?']
[I feel like... I understand a little now. ...I will try harder with my manners lessons from now on.]
[I am glad to hear that.]
I felt a little happy seeing Ellie smile and nod.
She didn't scoff. She didn't blame me. She explained it in a way a child could understand.
Somehow, I came to like Ellie.
***
After that, whenever I had a question, I started going to ask Ellie.
...When I went during her tea time with my elder brother, he would make a slightly displeased face. But couldn't you spare a little time for me too?
Even though Ellie is supposed to be one year younger than me, she knows a surprising variety of things.
When I asked how she had so much knowledge, she said, [Most things are written in books.]
After that, I began to read various books.
Regarding studying, she said, [Isn't understanding 'why things are the way they are' enjoyable?] and I changed my approach from just memorizing to understanding the theory.
It turned out that method suited me, and it gradually became interesting.
I even found fields I wanted to study more deeply.
I also came to understand the ['reason'] behind the words I'd heard since childhood: ['Because we are sustained by the people, we must live for the people'].
I had a slight feeling of, ['Am I just pushing everything onto my elder brother and only doing what I like? Is this really alright?']
But the most I could do was pursue the studies I was interested in. ...I wonder if there's anything else I can do?
Before I knew it, I was no longer the carefree girl of my childhood but was being called a ['prodigy'].
That title truly belongs to Ellie, though.
***
One day, I asked Ellie something.
It was something I really wanted to ask.
[Ellie, are you dissatisfied with the future of marrying my elder brother?]
I know. It's a very rude question.
He chose and summoned you. No matter how high a Ducal house, they cannot refuse.
Even if she were dissatisfied, she would probably hesitate to voice it.
But, even so.
My brother is the ['Crown Prince']. The ['next King'].
If she marries him, Ellie will become the ['Crown Princess'] and then the ['next Queen'].
I think I understand a little of the weight of that responsibility.
Unlike my elder brother, who has been preparing since childhood to bear the ['country'] and has built up various skills for that purpose, Ellie could have chosen a different path.
Because she is not a ['born royal'] like us.
But Ellie smiled very gently and beautifully.
[I am not.]
She said clearly, in a tone that stated the obvious as ['obvious'].
Without any hesitation or uncertainty.
If it's Ellie, she must understand the weight of what must be borne even more than I do.
And yet, she showed no sign of strain.
[Lord Leon said to me. That we would carve the path together, and walk it together. I believe in those words.]
Together.
How wonderful is that?
That ['can-do-anything-by-himself'] brother of mine still wants to ['walk together'] with Ellie.
It seems my asking was just tactless.
When I apologized for the rude question, Ellie smiled and said, [Not at all.]
***
One day, my elder brother called me ['Lina'].
He had stubbornly called me ['Linalia'] until now!
I was so surprised, I told my mother about it.
My mother chuckled happily, looking somewhat pleased.
[I'm sure Ellie said something to him.]
Probably, yes.
Somehow, Mother and I found it amusing and laughed together for a while.
Because, that elder brother of mine.
That brother who seemed to have no likes or dislikes, not even any emotions.
He smiles and listens to Ellie's words.
My younger sister Rose is also a little surprised, saying, ['What's happened to Elder Brother?']
See? You were surprised too, weren't you? *Fufu*.
***
My elder brother changed tremendously, tremendously after meeting Ellie.
And surely, it wasn't just my elder brother; I too changed after meeting Ellie.
Seeing Ellie looking straight ahead next to my elder brother, I wanted to be like that too.
***
Since he was very young, my elder brother studied various things to become the ['future King']. Therefore, he possesses a sense of responsibility and duty towards that position stronger than anyone else's.
Some call him the ['Perfect Crown Prince'].
Of course, my elder brother engages so earnestly, to the point of being called ['perfect'], for the sake of the country and its people. But I know.
If my elder brother were deemed ['unsuitable'], the throne would next pass to me. If I were ['unsuitable'], then it would go to Rose.
My elder brother does not want me or Rose to bear that heavy burden.
Precisely because he understands its weight, he does not place excessive expectations on us, so that we won't break under it.
He bears it all alone and interacts with me and Rose as ['an elder brother'].
If I, however limited my power, could support that elder brother...
Thanks to Ellie, I started thinking that way.
If the burden is to be shared, then even Ellie's small shoulders will bear a crushing weight.
So that I can support my elder brother and Ellie, even if just a little.
Their burden is not something others can shoulder for them, but so that I can lighten its weight even a little.
Until recently, I had thought of pursuing the path of a researcher to delve into the studies that had become interesting to me, but I changed my direction slightly.
If possible, I thought, if what I learn could directly help my elder brother and Ellie.
For the country, for the people, and for my beloved elder brother and Ellie. If I could use the power I possess for that.
I had started to think that way.
***
Currently, my elder brother and Ellie attend Steinford Academy. I wanted to attend too, but it was explained that having two members of the royal family attend would make security arrangements difficult, so I gave up on attending.
Instead, the academy lecturers correct my papers and such for me.
Occasionally, they even come to the royal castle to give lectures.
I heard my brother and Ellie requested this from the academy.
It is a very kind arrangement.
Ellie is specializing in natural sciences at the academy.
She is apparently researching whether long-term climate prediction is possible...
For example, predicting things like ['This winter seems likely to have heavy snowfall'] or ['This spring, temperatures may not rise much'] in advance, and urging the people to prepare for them...
What an incredible thing to consider.
I have no way of knowing even tomorrow's weather...
When I said that, Ellie taught me, [For simple examples, there are sayings like 'Evening red and morning gray, two sure signs of one fine day'...]
I had only thought the crimson sky was beautiful to look at; I didn't know it held such information.
Being with Ellie is still a continuous series of surprises.
My elder brother also places great expectations on this, saying, [If Ellie's research progresses, it could be a great help to the people's lives.]
I am studying to help expand medical care and welfare.
Ellie introduced me to someone who is her classmate at the academy. She is a commoner named Emilia Forsythe, but she, who aims to be a doctor, tells me in detail about the realities on the ground.
She is a very quiet, gentle person, and also intelligent with high aspirations—a truly wonderful person.
Hearing from her about the current situation on the ground and considering what can be supplemented from what is lacking is my role.
I also think about what should be completed, even with national funds, in the areas of medical care and welfare... and propose these to my elder brother.
Before proposing to my elder brother, I have Ellie look at them first, and she finds issues I couldn't see, which is very helpful.
***
I had one big problem.
Marriage proposals.
My parents said they wanted me and my sister to find our own partners. I met many sons of nobles, but I couldn't decide.
My sister had already decided on a fiancé when she was ten. He is the eldest son of a domestic Marquis household. They get along very well, and I occasionally see them strolling in the royal castle gardens.
...It's not like I'm jealous or anything.
............That was a lie. I am jealous. I am deeply envious of my sister, who has already solved the difficult problem of ['marriage prospects'].
My sister has little interest in politics or academics and intends to work for the Marquis household as a Marchioness once she leaves the castle.
That is probably the way of life for many women in this country. I don't deny it. That in itself is a very important role in society.
But I want to accomplish ['things that can be done for the country'] even from that position, more than managing the household affairs of my marital home.
I know I am being greedy. I also know there are probably few partners or families who would accept that.
Therefore, at worst, I was considering not marrying down and just staying put in the castle.
But!
Somehow, a fateful encounter occurred!!
It was Lord Robert Aristoll, the Duke who serves as my brother's aide!
His Grace inherited the Dukedom at a young age, has fine features, and is extremely popular among young, unmarried women. However, he is not married.
He has said that his own marriage should come after my brother's... He is a humble person.
That my brother employs him as an aide speaks volumes about his abilities.
One day, when I went to my brother's office to consult about equipment for a new clinic, His Grace and my brother were talking.
[Fortunately, my younger brother manages the household and territory for me. ...If asked if I need a wife, to be perfectly honest, I do not.]
[You should tell the young ladies that. ...That would cool off even the most ardent love.]
[I do explain it properly to the young ladies who seem like they would understand. There was one young lady who made a frightening misunderstanding, saying, ['You care for Lord Edward that much...!'] but I corrected that too.]
[...There are some incredible young ladies out there...]
No, Elder Brother, that's not it. There's a famous rumor among the young ladies.
They say the reason His Grace refuses so many marriage proposals is that he dislikes anything coming between him and his younger brother, Lord Edward.
Among the young ladies, there is apparently even something like a ['Society to Support and Watch Over the Two'].
...It was a story too advanced for me to understand.
[Ah, Lina, my apologies for making you wait. What is it today?]
[Regarding the clinic equipment we discussed the other day, I wanted to consult with you once more... But before that, um, Your Grace?]
When I called out to him, His Grace looked up from the documents in his hand.
He is a man with very masculine, well-defined features. His younger brother apparently takes after their mother and has a somewhat feminine beauty.
That younger brother also has no fixed partner. That probably fuels the rumors.
[Your Grace, you do not seek the role of a ['wife'] from your own partner?]
[I do not particularly require the elements generally sought in a ['noble wife'], no.]
Clearly. An immediate answer.
[Then, what do you seek?]
[Understanding of my duties. Understanding of the weight of being involved in national politics. And then, well... as an unavoidable issue, I would hope she could bear an heir.]
W h a t !!
I was shocked.
To think there was someone who sought little more than childbirth from the role of a typical ['noble wife']!
And from such a high-ranking noble at that!
In that instant, I began calculations in my head.
The conditions His Grace sought in a partner were ones even I could meet. The doctors have given my physical health their full approval. There should be no problem with bearing children.
And, I wouldn't have to manage the household.
His Grace is my brother's aide, and when my brother ascends the throne, it's decided he will hold a key national position. That means I could convey requests to my brother through His Grace.
[Your Grace, this may surprise you, coming so suddenly, but... would you consider choosing me as your partner?]
Not only His Grace, but even my elder brother looked surprised.
...Elder Brother, your expressions have truly become rich. It's hard to believe you were the way you were as a child.
[Lina...? What's come over you...?]
[Just now, hearing Your Grace's words, I thought he is my fated person! If it were me, I understand the responsibility of being involved in national politics. I could also be of assistance to Your Grace. And above all, rather than managing the household as a ['noble wife'], I want to use my abilities to help make this country a better place!]
I looked at His Grace and told him my feelings.
His Grace seemed to be thinking something, covering his mouth with his hand and slightly lowering his gaze.
Truly, every single gesture he makes is like a painting; he is such a beautiful person. I can see why he's popular among the young ladies.
[The improvements in medical care and welfare I'm working on now cannot be achieved overnight. They require a very long time. And to spread them throughout the entire country requires a certain amount of power and status as well. When I thought about that, the position of being Your Grace's wife seemed extremely attractive!]
[...Your Highness Linalia.]
I answered ['Yes'] to His Grace, who had raised his face and stood up.
[I beg of you. ...Would you please become my wife?]
[With pleasure!!]
How wonderful!
For the problem that had troubled me so much to be resolved so neatly!
[The reforms Your Highness is working on are something I too very much wish to see through to completion. I will also assist with that. Therefore, I would like Your Highness to consider the problems I will likely face from now on, together with me. If we become husband and wife, we can spend a long time together. It is an offer I could not hope for better.]
[If it's decided, then I shall go immediately to seek Their Majesties' permission, right now!]
[If it pleases you, I shall accompany you. ...Your Highness Linalia, I look forward to our relationship from now on.]
[Are we not to be husband and wife? Please, call me Lina.]
[Yes, Lina.]
My elder brother watched us, holding hands, with a distant look in his eyes.
...What emotion is that? I am so very happy right now.
***
[Was the Macnagan Ducal household enjoyable?]
My brother asked that at the dinner table.
[Yes! It was a very fun household. All the servants were such cheerful people, weren't they?]
[I see... That's good...]
Elder Brother, you're getting that distant look again.
What kind of place is the Macnagan Ducal household for you, Elder Brother?
The pretext was teaching Ellie's friend to dance, and while Marie-san was so nervous her body was stiff, she was actually quite good at dancing itself. There were a few parts where her steps were a bit unsure, but she seemed to have learned them perfectly after being taught a few times.
I hope her nervousness eases a bit more before the actual day.
While I was teaching Marie-san to dance, I could see Ellie dancing with a servant in the corner of the hall.
She seems capable of anything, but Ellie is not good at physical activities. She is not good at dancing... or rather, it seems she's bad at it.
Where Ellie put her foot out, the servant pulled his foot back to avoid being kicked. He stepped back to avoid being stepped on.
It was a somewhat comical, yet cute dance.
Marie-san also watched and laughed, saying, ['How cute'].
It was a very endearing sight, seeing Ellie pout after being teased about that dance by the servants.
***
Today again, my elder brother is enjoying tea time with Ellie, just the two of them.
They are both smiling so cheerfully and happily that it makes me happy too.
I will also help, so that the two of them can enjoy their tea peacefully forever.
So, Ellie, I leave my elder brother in your care.
Please, make sure my elder brother can always wear the gentle, kind smile he has now.
I'm sure that is something only you can do, Ellie.
I will walk the path I have chosen, together with the person I have chosen.
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