The Duke's Daughter Goes Her Own Way
[Until You Call Me 'Friend'... (6)]
Translated by: ME
The building where the first King was said to have secluded himself after officially 'dying' is now apparently used as an inn.
However, as I saw, the third floor where his room was located is sealed off by a door, and entry is forbidden to all but a limited few.
It's true that a building left uninhabited can decay in no time.
This is especially true for a 'home' designed for people to live in.
It seems it was decided to operate it as an inn, both for its preservation and because of a very Macnagan ducal house-like philosophy: "Since we have it, we might as well use it effectively."
The lodging fees were, unsurprisingly, set considerably higher than those of ordinary inns nearby. It's an amount most nobles could pay without much difficulty, but for a commoner, it would require significant resolve.
Elrod laughed about this seemingly bold pricing, saying, 「We're confident we provide service worthy of the price.」
Indeed, the staff were as refined as the castle servants, and the tea and sweets served were beyond reproach.
While it's not uncommon for me to stay at the finest inns in other countries when invited, this inn felt more like a 'high noble's residence' than any luxury accommodation I can remember.
It's not just like a noble's mansion; one could almost live here no differently than in a castle.
The building's maintenance costs and the staff's salaries.
To cover those, the lodging fees would naturally be high. I understand.
According to Elrod, it seems members of our Belkraine family are always free to use the aforementioned third floor whenever we wish.
I visited a few times after that, looking at the books on the shelves, peeking into the desk drawers... doing things akin to exploring the house.
The first King seemed to have been a very meticulous person.
Something like his diary was stored on the bookshelf.
Reading it, I learned that he lived very peacefully in this place 'after his death.'
The diary was filled with small events: how the birds were particularly lively today, how he received a delicious apple when he ventured to the market, how the tree in the garden bloomed, and so on.
And as always, most of the diary was about 'what his brother did today,' 'his brother said this,' 'his brother,' 'his brother was,' 'for his brother.' ...People don't change so easily.
The first King's 'I love my big brother'... I still find it a bit much...
And the first Duke, who didn't mind it at all, is also, in a way, an incredible person...
But, what is this?
Although I previously thought the Macnagan duchy had no connection to me, as I learn various things, I can feel a special feeling for this land steadily growing within me.
Perhaps it's a longing for something like a 'home.'
Maybe I'm starting to think of this place as 'a place to return to someday,' just as Elrod said.
Well, that might just be a convenient assumption on my part.
Before I get swept away by what's easy, I must first do what I have to do.
...Although the current situation is that I have too many 'things I must do' and too many things to think about, and I don't know where to start breaking them down.
***
That day, I had also asked Elrod to show me around the town.
I left the palace early, before the appointed time, and was strolling around the square.
Partly because the public order here is exceptionally good, but even when I wander the streets, I'm almost never accosted by suspicious characters. Apparently, I have people resembling Macnagan ducal house covert agents with me, according to my guard knight.
「They don't seem to be actively hiding their presence. It's as if to show they mean no harm.」
So what does that mean? Is the ducal house providing me with guards?
「That is likely the case. ...But this is merely speculation. It would be best to confirm it properly with the next Duke.」
Yeah, I'll do that.
I walked leisurely near the central square with the large fountain.
While there are many shops catering to tourists, shops for the residents' daily lives are overwhelmingly more numerous. It's a ratio fitting for this land, which doesn't focus its footing on the 'tourism' industry.
That said, the Macnagan duchy is also quite popular as a tourist destination.
Perhaps because they are accustomed to tourists, the residents are very friendly.
Seeing people interact with smiles naturally fosters affection for the land.
I wonder if the people of the royal capital spend their days smiling like this.
When I return, I must observe the common people's state a bit more carefully.
Lately, I find myself naturally thinking 'when I return.'
I still don't know what I can do, and I still lack confidence that I can 'accomplish something.'
But, thoughts of 'I'll do this when I return,' 'I'll try that when I return,' have started popping up one after another.
That is surely thanks to the Macnagan ducal house, which simply continues to maintain this land as a matter of 'course.'
Hearing them say they want to be our 'place to return to' made something feel easier.
That it's okay to run away if things get tough. That was the first time anyone told me that. That I could rely on them if I was in trouble.
And they actually maintain the power to be able to say that so definitively.
And that 'power' is probably for the people living in the duchy, but it's also for supporting us, the Royal Family.
I wonder if there are any other nobles who could say that so definitively, without any airs, in front of me.
And without asking for anything in return.
They have pursued and protected the ideal that one pair of brothers held in their hearts in the distant, distant past, right up to this very moment.
How grand, foolish, and dazzlingly beautiful it is.
And how strong and reliable Elrod is, who takes it for granted to inherit and protect this, and so are the people of this land.
Do I have anything within me worthy of that trust and affection?
...Currently, I must say 'no.'
「My, Lord Carl. Out for a stroll?」
Having visited the aforementioned inn several times, I've become acquainted with the shopkeepers in this area.
One of them, the proprietress of a diner, called out in her usual friendly voice.
「I have a meeting with Elrod, but I arrived too early.」
「Oh my.」
The proprietress laughed, looking exasperated yet amused.
「Really, it should be El-boy who's out of place if he isn't here first, shouldn't it?」
If Elrod should be here first... does that mean she knows my status?
Or is it simply that it's strange to keep a guest waiting?
I gave my name, but I haven't said anything about my status.
...Well, since I'm not disguised, anyone who knows would probably immediately recognize me as the Crown Prince.
「I'm on vacation right now, so I have all the time in the world. I'm the one imposing on the busy Elrod. Waiting a bit is nothing.」
When I said this, the proprietress laughed cheerfully again.
「It's good to be considerate and understand others' circumstances. But you have to tell El-boy clearly when something is no good, or he won't get it.」
「You sound like Elrod's mother.」
When I said that, the proprietress laughed and shrugged her shoulders.
「Oh, please don't. Comparing me to Her Ladyship... that's terrifying.」
I could only give a wry smile at her words.
The current Duchess Macnagan, though a woman, comes from a martial background.
It's not that her family were warriors; she herself is a self-made former military personnel. Not a well-mannered 'knight,' but a fierce fighter who crossed battlefields relying on her own skills alone.
She was a slender, gentle-looking woman with a calm smile, so I was surprised when she said in a bell-like voice, 「I'd like to spar with the guard knight.」
And watching the spar, I was even more astonished.
A shorter sword of a different shape than a knight's longsword, numerous hidden weapons that made me wonder where she kept them, combined with unique martial arts – she skillfully toyed with the knight.
At the end of the spar, in contrast to the knight breathing heavily, her clothes and hair were perfectly in place, and she performed a beautiful curtsy.
...She is a very 'fitting' wife for the Macnagan ducal house.
Typically, noble marriages involve interests between houses, so they are usually arranged considering status and faction.
But the Macnagan ducal house completely disregards such matters.
It's a house that fundamentally affirms having no involvement in the nation's central affairs. Their status was merely forced upon them by the first King. The benefits and profits from other nobles in the country are almost worthless to this house.
Being such a house, looking at the names of the successive Dukes' spouses only gives the impression of, "Who's that?"
I thought the same when I saw the documents about the current Duchess.
...No one would have guessed she was a famous warrior from another country...
Moreover, the Duchess is not from a noble family of another country or a similar prestigious house.
She is apparently from a slightly poorer-than-average family in a small country located near the center of the continent.
That country is surrounded by five nations, and disputes are constantly occurring somewhere along its borders. Currently, I believe they are at war with one adjacent nation, in conflict with two others, and in ceasefire negotiations with one more.
The only reason they can maintain their national integrity while constantly in such a state is because it's a transportation hub. And for the five surrounding nations, it's a convenient buffer zone.
So, the five nations keep each other in check, and none would approve of any single one taking control of that land.
My prediction is that eventually, that country will become a 'neutral zone,' a land where interference is forbidden.
The Duchess, born in such a country, lost her father when he was taken as a soldier at a young age, and her mother never returned after serving as a military nurse. She herself has a brutal past, saying, 「By an age I could count on my fingers, I had resolved that wielding a sword was my path in life.」
In our country, which has long been free from 'war,' it's unimaginable.
Apparently, she was severely injured, left the front lines, wandered various places not knowing what to do next, and ended up here.
She thought she'd rest a bit at the hot springs rumored to be good for injuries...
I wonder what the Duchess thought, finding herself among people who knew nothing of the war and strife she came from.
She later met the previous Duke Macnagan, was lightly asked, 「Won't you come marry into our house?」 agreed, and that's how things are now.
I thought the Duchess, who smiled and declared, 「I have absolutely no regrets about that decision,」 was very beautiful.
Her eyes, held high and straight, looking squarely ahead.
The members of the 'Macnagan ducal house' are all dazzlingly strong.
Even the Duchess, who married in from outside, possesses an unmistakable, dignified strength and an unbreakable core that makes her truly one of that house.
I envy them, but just envying them won't get me started.
I am also in a position where I must strive to be like that.
My determination alone is full-fledged, but the question is, what should I do and how?
I want to avoid being all talk and no action.
Somehow, I'm starting to see which way is 'forward' for me, but I still don't know the path to get there.
It would be pathetic to have Elrod teach me everything from A to Z. But, 'thinking without learning is perilous.'
The words of my instructor in kingship studies about not being overly swayed by others' ideologies pass through my mind.
To avoid being overly swayed by others, I need to establish my own 'core.'
The core is, in other words, what I cannot compromise on. My fundamental self-identity.
...What is 'I'?
...Ah, another troublesome problem has appeared.
My own core is something only I can determine.
This is one thing I cannot ask someone to teach me.
It's something I must find for myself.
I keep running into questions I've never considered before...
Have I really been living my life that vaguely?
I feel a bit down, but surely it's far better to notice these things now than to pass them by unaware.
After that, I exchanged brief greetings with a few acquaintances and returned to the front of the fountain, where Elrod was waiting.
「Sorry. Did I keep you waiting?」
(I got caught by a talkative old man on the way, which took up some time.)
「No, it's still before the appointed time. No problem.」
Elrod took a watch from his pocket and held it out as if to show me the face.
Indeed, there was still time before we had agreed to meet.
「For now, let's grab a quick bite.」
The time was just right for lunch.
I accepted the offer and followed Elrod as he started walking.
We ended up having lunch at a common public diner near the square.
The cost of living in the duchy is low compared to the royal capital. However, that doesn't mean the quality is inferior; thanks to the duchy's abundant produce, some items even surpass those in high-end establishments in the royal capital.
And this is at a 'public diner.'
It's no wonder people are drawn to the Macnagan duchy.
Not just food, but overall prices are low, so costs for building or renting houses are also much cheaper than in the royal capital.
Being relatively close to the royal capital, there's a considerable annual influx of people from the capital to the duchy.
Well, that's understandable.
Those who came to the capital dreaming of something, their dreams shattered, come here seeking a new place to live. This land has diverse and plentiful industries, so workers are always welcome.
Many come here aiming just for a meal and enough money to live on, and end up settling down, or so said the young waiter at this diner, who mentioned he was one such case.
「I didn't have the education or refinement to work in the royal capital, you see.」
He said it laughing, but my only thought upon hearing it was, "This is no laughing matter."
It's true that the royal capital often demands a certain level of education and refinement from job seekers.
Jobs that don't require these usually involve manual labor or dirty work. The polarization is too advanced, and there are few jobs suited for the 'neither high nor low' middle class, like this young waiter.
It's not that there are none, just extremely few.
And because they are extremely few, those lucky enough to get such a position never want to leave it.
If this polarization progresses too far, it will likely breed sharpened, misguided elitism and the discrimination that comes with it.
Before that happens, I must do something.
「You don't look like you're 'enjoying your meal.'」
When Elrod, sitting across from me, said this, I inadvertently let out a small sigh and gave a wry smile.
「...Sorry. I have too much on my mind...」
「No, that's fine, but...」
Elrod paused and glanced towards the kitchen with his eyes only.
「But because you're making such a difficult face, the head chef seems quite worried.」
I glanced over and saw the large-framed head chef hunched over, looking somewhat anxious and peeking at us furtively.
...Ah, I've done something regrettable.
It's not that there was anything wrong with the food... In fact, the food was impeccably delicious.
Putting on a happy face even when not in the mood... that was daily life back at the castle. It seems I had even forgotten that.
Well, it's not that I'm 'not in the mood' at this moment.
「...It seems I mustn't let my guard down too much.」
I'm glad it wasn't a blunder in front of nobles. I'll apologize to the head chef later.
「I believe I told you it's okay to let your guard down.」
「I also feel bad causing the head chef unnecessary stress.」
「Hahaha. I see.」
Elrod, who was laughing, noticed something and lightly raised one hand.
His gaze was fixed on somewhere behind me.
Wondering what it was... I turned to follow his gaze and saw two girls there.
Acquaintances of Elrod?
Both were girls with good figures and lovely appearances.
They wore well-maintained, high-quality clothes.
Perhaps daughters of a wealthy merchant family, or noble daughters incognito?
In any case, they didn't seem to be from the Macnagan territory.
The children of merchant families here who possess more wealth than the few local nobles or lower nobles of the royal capital are, astonishingly, indistinguishable from commoners at a glance.
They all dress similarly to the numerous commoners around here, saying that fancy clothes get in the way.
And their parents and grandparents are the same... It's a phenomenon unthinkable in the royal capital.
Although upon closer inspection, one can tell they are from respectable backgrounds from their demeanor and speech. Otherwise, you can only guess from minor details like their hair and skin being well-groomed.
Wondering who those girls were... I watched as one of them raised her hand lightly in response to Elrod.
Then, as she approached our table, she smiled and bowed slightly towards me.
It was a soft, very gentle smile. Her features were neat, and her slightly downturned outer eye corners gave a friendly impression.
When I looked at the other girl hiding behind her, I unintentionally glanced down once, then stared at her intently a second time.
Later, Elrod and the others burst out laughing, saying it was 「A textbook-perfect, model double-take.」
No, seriously...
Why is *she* here, of all places...?
As I looked on in disbelief, the girl at the front giggled and pushed the girl using her as a shield forward.
「Oh, Ashley. Don't hide, at least say hello~」
「Hey... Faral! Don't push me!」
The one pushed forward was, unbelievably, my fiancée, Miss Ashley Orchard.
I mean, it *is* Miss Ashley, right...?
We are engaged, but we aren't exactly 'close.'
That's to be expected.
She was selected based on various political strategies and factional power balances. I want to build a friendly relationship, but I simply don't know how to start.
It doesn't seem she dislikes me, so for now, I've accepted the situation 'as is.'
...I'm aware I'm postponing the problem. But while I'm used to dealing with nobles who might have ulterior motives, I'm not used to dealing with young ladies.
...I know. That's also an excuse.
But Miss Ashley seems different from usual...
When we meet at the castle, she always wears her long, beautiful hair down her back, with the sides neatly braided and adorned with lovely hair accessories.
Her clothing, considering the season and weather, is always something 'high-quality but not flashy' suitable for the castle, which she wears effortlessly.
But the Ashley before me now has her hair tied up high in a single bunch, a hairstyle common among commoner girls.
The fact that not a single strand is out of place makes her seem both strict and lively.
Her clothes are a simple shirt, skirt, and jacket, more like what a female clerk or office worker would wear than a noble.
And on her feet are very practical-looking, soft leather boots.
It's too different from the ladylike 'her' I usually see.
As I stared somewhat dumbfounded, Elrod offered them seats.
「Carl, let me introduce you. This is my fiancée, Faralda.」
At his words, the girl who sat next to Elrod smiled sweetly and bowed again.
「My name is Faralda~. I'm an uncouth person who knows nothing of manners or etiquette, so if I commit any rudeness, please do tell me~」
She said in a unique, drawn-out, languid tone, bowing her head a third time with a 'peko' motion.
But the name 'Faralda' isn't familiar.
Was there a noble young lady by that name?
Perhaps she's simply not from this country.
...Wait. This is the Macnagan ducal house. It's possible she isn't a noble young lady at all. In fact, that possibility is more likely.
「Miss Faralda, your family name is...?」
When I asked, Miss Faralda let out a merry, tinkling laugh.
「There's no need for honorifics like 'Lady'~. I have no family name; I'm just a traveling performer~」
…………What!?
A traveling performer!?
I thought she might not be a noble, but that's an unexpectedly humble profession...
I don't mean to look down on the profession of 'traveling performer,' but it's still unexpected... Wait. The current Duchess's background as a 'war orphan and former military personnel' is a rarer circumstance for a woman...
「Being a traveling performer, you're probably not from this country?」
Thank you, Duchess. Your astonishing origins helped me regain my composure.
「Yes~. I've been with a troupe of traveling performers since I can remember~. According to the troupe leader, who was like a parent to me, he found me as a baby who couldn't even speak yet, in the Edial Principality, far from here~」
She added in her perpetually carefree tone that she didn't know if it was true.
It doesn't sound like a particularly carefree situation, though...
According to Faralda, the troupe that took her in is a group that travels and performs plays. The troupe's name was one I'd heard of, a very famous one.
Her proper speech and demeanor, she said, were things she picked up for playing roles like 'noble young ladies' or 'princesses' in plays.
It's true that such roles are almost essential in theatrical repertoires.
In fact, plays where a town girl is the main character are probably fewer.
While I'm curious about how she and Elrod met, I'm even more curious about Miss Ashley.
She could easily find out my whereabouts, but still, why is she here, dressed like that...?
The Ashley I know always has a dignified expression, her face raised, looking straight at me with seemingly strong-willed eyes...
But the Ashley before me now wears a slightly guilty expression, her eyes cast down, her gaze wandering around as if a scolded child searching for an excuse.
The impression is so different I'm starting to doubt if it's really Miss Ashley.
「U-um...」
Miss Ashley raised her face as if steeling herself.
I braced myself slightly for what she, taking a small deep breath, would say next—
「I-I am Ashley Orchard!」
She said it with a tone suggesting a matter of great importance, her gaze serious.
「Ah, yeah... I figured...」
I inadvertently gave a foolish reply.
I could see Elrod and Faralda across the table trying to hold back their laughter.
Yeah. I get how they feel.
It's been nine years since she and I became engaged.
So why is she greeting me now as if we're meeting for the first time?
What is this?
As for Miss Ashley, she looked down again, seemingly searching for words.
This is the first time I've seen her so lost for words.
She usually speaks clearly, articulately, and without hesitation.
With her gaze lightly lowered, she kept repeating meaningless murmurs like "Um... well..."
As the future Queen, she has been thoroughly educated in demeanor, speech, vocal projection, even how to move her eyes.
The Ashley I knew had absorbed all that education and behaved in a manner befitting the 'most noble woman in the country.'
But the one here now is 'just a girl' desperately searching for her next words.
Was she, like me, desperately trying to 'be what she must be'?
*In front of your subjects, no matter how you feel inside, act as if you have composure.*
Just as I was taught that, she must have been taught the same.
Thinking that, I felt a sense of kinship towards Miss Ashley, who was still searching for words with her "Um...", that I had never felt before.
Well, but, thinking about it, it makes sense.
Unlike me, born into the royal family and destined 'to become king' from a young age, she was suddenly chosen one day and placed in that position.
Since we chose someone without ambition for the 'throne,' she probably had to try desperately to acquire 'royal-like behavior.'
Especially since her Orchard Marquess family tends to be indifferent to power and authority.
It's completely unthinkable for someone from such a family to act arrogantly, wielding power...
Making a young lady raised in such a family learn 'dignified behavior' is quite unreasonable.
...And I'm only realizing this now... What does that say about me...?
「Miss Ashley.」
When I called her name, Miss Ashley, who had been looking down, quickly raised her face.
I couldn't help but let out a small laugh at the unladylike motion.
「Why are you here today?」
「U-um...」
Stumbling over her words is also quite unlike the Ashley I know.
「I heard that Your Highness was convalescing here...」
I was about to ask 'From whom?' but stopped.
It doesn't really matter who told her. My parents would probably tell her the circumstances, especially since my position is at stake.
「I was worried... about whether you were well...」
Her voice grew smaller towards the end.
And Miss Ashley looked down again.
「...I apologize for my presumptuous behavior...」
No, there's no need to apologize...
It seems I've found another thing I 'hadn't seen' until now.
This is a good opportunity. Perhaps I can get to know Miss Ashley a little bit too.
As I thought this, Elrod and Faralda were watching me with looks in their eyes as if they were seeing something endearing.
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