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The Tale of the Wizrain Kingdom

The People of the Kingdom

Translated by: S3

Treat me to a Ko-Fi to give me more motivation!!!

*****

Learning things you didn't know is supposed to be deeply meaningful. There is plenty to be done, and time feels as if it is flying by, vanishing in the blink of an eye.

And yet, why? A sense of impatience was constantly swirling within Elna’s chest. The more she ran, the closer the finish line should have been getting, yet it felt as if it were only drifting further away.

「...Does that ever happen to you?」

「It does!」

The one who answered instantly was Elna’s friend, Noma. She nodded with such force that her greenish hair, which curled at her shoulders, bounced repeatedly. She stood facing Elna with her fists clenched.

Currently, Elna and Noma were walking outside the castle under the pretext of assisting with the town's reconstruction. Previously, Elna would have been out in the same maid uniform as Noma, but now that she had the role of Cross’s fiancée, she had no choice but to walk in an unfamiliar dress.

As the King’s fiancée, she was visiting to offer encouragement to the townspeople. That, too, was one of the noble responsibilities Elna had to fulfill. Apparently, she was beloved by the people as a hero who had saved the town. To be honest, it felt incredibly ticklish.

Even now, she was sitting in a chair watching the reconstruction work, her feet fidgeting with the urge to jump in and help.

Noma was one of Elna’s attendants.

「It happens, it happens so much! I have a goal—or a dream, or something I absolutely want to do—but then I get anxious wondering if I can really do it... It makes my heart race at night so I can't sleep, and I get all restless and impatient wondering what I should do!」

「Noma's dream... or goal...? I hadn't heard about that.」

When Elna blinked in surprise at the response that was far more voluminous than her question, Noma immediately clapped both hands over her own mouth to shut it. It was likely a sign that she wouldn't say any more, but it was a very characteristic way of expressing herself.

「…………」

「I mean, I'm not trying to force you to tell me...?」

Noma continued to shake her head vigorously from side to side when a voice approached: 「Eeeeeeeeelnaaaaaa!」 Something was coming closer. 「Saaaaaa-maaaaaa!!!!」

With a sliding skid, a man wearing a bandana and sporting a snaggletooth slid into place in front of Elna.

「My dream is! To become Lady Elna’s personal guard!」

「...How much of that were you listening to?」

「From the very beginning! I had my ears pressed for it!」

The brown-haired man laughing off his terrible behavior was the former leader of the self-defense volunteer group. He was a blunderer who had once caused a stir by acting suspiciously under the guise of protecting the town and had even kidnapped Elna. However, he had since had a change of heart and was now contributing to the town's reconstruction.

「It’s not a secret, so it’s fine, but... honestly, it’s startling, so could you please come out normally? Also, even if you say 'guard,' I’m probably stronger than you.」

「I know! I know that, but a man's free to have a dream, isn't he?!」

「Ei-ei, ei-ei!」 The bandana man pumped his fists into the air repeatedly. Noma watched him with an expression of pure disgust. Noma had a bit of a fastidious side when it came to things like that.

「Youuuu! Hey! Kagura! Where do you think you’re going on your own?! Think about me, the one who has to look after you!」

「Gyaa! Captain Jipi! I spotted Lady Elna, so I charged in with all my might!」

「Yeah... I think it’s amazing how you can state something that isn't a reason as a reason with such confidence. If you wanted to take a break, just say so. It’s a shock when you suddenly vanish.」

「I'll do that next time!」

The bandana man—rather, Kagura—stood at attention and gave a spirited salute. Jipi, who was acting as the supervisor for Kagura and his group of former town ruffians, let out a sigh. 「Yes, yes. Please do that.」

「No matter how much Elna—ah.」

Jipi glanced at Elna and then made a face that said "Oops."

「*Ahem*. Even if Lady Elna is here, try to act with a bit more composure.」

「But they were talking about dreams... naturally, I had to go, right? I had to make my claim.」

「Hah? What claim are you making to Elna—ah. *Ahem*. To Lady Elna?」

「Jipi... you don't have to force yourself to use 'Lady.' It’s not like we're in public.」

「Hehehe... my bad.」

Noma delivered a sharp karate chop to the side of Jipi, who was scratching his head and laughing sheepishly. 「What was that for?」「What do you think?」 The two glared at each other, but as usual, they seemed to get along well.

「Anyway, what's this about a dream?」

「Well, less of a dream and more of a goal... I was talking to Noma about why I feel so impatient even though things are supposed to be progressing. Jipi, do you ever feel like that?」

「Hmm... I wonder. I... don't really have anything I'm aiming for. If I can just live a steady life every day, that’s enough...」

「Hahaha! A man without a goal won't be popular with the ladies!」

「I-I’m gonna deck you...」

Jipi’s fist trembled silently at Kagura’s innocent, snaggletoothed laugh.

「...So, Elna, what is your goal?」

「I'm technically your superior officer here, you know!?」 Jipi grabbed Kagura’s head in a claw-grip while Kagura bounced up and down shouting 「Hyoeeen!」 Ignoring them, Noma turned back to Elna.

「...My goal is...」

---

Before she knew it, her dress had changed back into the clothes of a town girl. The chair she sat in was now a cute wooden one. On the other side of a round table, a boy who looked very much like Cross was staring intently at her.

「...Are you tired?」

Elna blinked. For a moment, she had hallucinated that Cross was speaking to her, and her reaction was delayed. The boy, who had kind golden eyes like a smaller version of Cross, looked at Elna with concern.

「Eh? Tired? Why?」

「Because you looked like you were spaced out. You’ve been busy with Mrs. Brownie’s lessons, helping with the reconstruction, and doing your visitations, haven't you? I'm sorry for making you accompany me today...」

「That’s not it! There’s no need for you to say that at all, Feliol!」

Perhaps because Elna spoke louder than he expected, Feliol looked startled and clutched his cup with both hands.

「Ah, sorry...」

「No, it's fine.」

The boy immediately gave a gentle smile. Today was an outing with Feliol. Though it was an "outing," for Feliol, it was part of his official duties—quietly patrolling the town to check if the people had any troubles. Since their previous walk together, they had decided to create such opportunities. After all, Elna was the ultimate bodyguard. There were other guard knights around the shop, but she chose to ignore them.

「If that’s the case, then good. Mm, this coffee is excellent.」

Feliol, who had entered a sweets shop for a break during their patrol, was acting like a connoisseur today. Ever since coffee had been served to Kyle, it had gradually become a popular beverage in the capital. That was likely why Feliol had ordered it, though Elna pretended not to notice when he whispered, 「It’s bitter... but the smell is nice...」

In front of Elna sat a cup of fruit tea. Ever since she had tried it on a recommendation, it had become a firm favorite.

「But if you aren't tired, why were you daydreaming? It looked to me like you were deep in thought...」

「Yeah. I was remembering a conversation I had with Noma—my friend—about feeling impatient regarding dreams and goals. I guess I'm just very conscious of time...」

Without realizing it, time was flying by. Studying the country's history, culture, and etiquette. She had to grasp the relationships between the nobility, and in her spare time, she practiced spirit arts and magic. Time spent seeing how the townspeople were doing was also necessary. Two months had passed in a flash.

「Dreams... goals... I heard there’s only a month left until the engagement announcement. It’s quite sudden, but the capital needs bright news right now... Is it because of that?」

「That’s part of it. Yeah.」

She gave a vague response to dodge the subject. Feliol must have picked up on the mood. 「In my case,」 he said, shifting the topic slightly. 「My dream is, after all... to be of help to my brother. I want to spend my life supporting him...」

As he spoke, Elna felt as if she could see an illusion of a tail sprouting from Feliol, wagging furiously like a happy dog.

「Yeah. You've always been very straightforward, Feliol. I think that’s a wonderful thing.」

「Right?」

(Waf!) He looked so much like a small dog responding that she couldn't help but smile.

「...By the way, since you've been so busy... I take it you haven't seen my brother?」

「...What do you mean by 'I take it'?」

「Well... it might just be my imagination, but my brother's atmosphere seems different than usual... I can't say exactly how, but when I told him I was meeting Elna today, he seemed strangely... No, what am I saying, trying to speculate on my brother's feelings!」

「Feliol, you really do love Cross, don't you...」

When she murmured this, Feliol frowned. 「Wh-what?」

「Hmph! Honestly! Don't state the obvious.」

He turned his head away from across the table. (What honesty.)

「Forget about me! Since you're dodging the question, does that mean you really haven't seen him? Even if you're busy, you're fiancé and fiancée, aren't you? If that’s the case... I feel terrible for taking up your time today...」

「Wait, no, that’s not it! I’m telling you, it’s not that!」

Seeing Feliol shrinking into himself with guilt, it was hard not to panic. Elna waved her hands frantically, denying it over and over.

「It’s not that I’m not seeing him... it’s just, how do I put it? Using time for myself feels... painful, or like I should apologize. That’s the kind of state I'm in.」

Having said it out loud, she realized her own feelings for the first time. She stopped moving, surprised, and instinctively placed a finger to her lips.

「For yourself? You mean meeting my brother is 'time for yourself'?」

「...Eh.」

She blinked at Feliol’s question, which he had asked so casually. A moment later, the meaning sank in, and her face flushed a brilliant red.

「No, wait? Um, eh?」

「Hm? Did I say something strange?」

「It's... it's not strange, but wait, just wait a second.」

She didn't even know what she wanted him to wait for, but she covered her red face with one hand, her eyes darting around in agitation. Just then, the Hamster Spirit in her pocket gave a little tap.

『Gonsu-gonsu.』

「Eh, is something wrong...?」

「Ah! It’s Elna!」

Kakami ran over with a bright voice, wearing a cute apron for the shop staff. Elna hurriedly suppressed her agitation and offered a smile.

「Kakami. So today was your day to work at the shop.」

「Yep! I just started my shift. Jeez, if you were coming, you could have told me in advance.」

「Hahaha...」

Since she was undercover while accompanying the King’s brother, Lord Feliol, giving advance notice was difficult. She could only laugh it off.

「Ah, sorry, I shouldn't say that when you're here as a customer.」

「We've already ordered, so as long as it's okay with you, Kakami, it’s fine.」

「I don't mind at all! There aren't many customers today... I wonder why?」

Elna and Feliol exchanged a subtle glance. Based on their experience last time when the knight guards crowded the shop, they had them stay outside this time—but perhaps those thick-muscled knights were intimidating anyone trying to enter...

「L-let's buy lots of souvenirs to take back.」

「Y-yeah, let's do that...」

Feliol and Elna whispered to each other. The Hamster Spirit poked his face out of Elna’s pocket and let out a sigh through his nose in exasperation.

「Well, days like this happen. Elna, you two seemed pretty animated just now. What were you talking about?」

「Ngh...」

「We were talking about dreams. Our dreams and goals.」

「Whoa. That’s nice, a bright topic. I love that kind of stuff!」

Feliol, having immediately feigned ignorance, brought up the previous topic. Elna stared at the boy's profile, feeling as though she had seen a glimpse of his future. Feliol looked perfectly composed.

「My dream is... oh, can I talk about it? I can, right? My dream is! To make tons and tons of things that other people think, 'Eh? You don't need that, do you?'」

「You want to make things people think they don't need...?」

「Exactly! Because you never know where a 'need' is hiding, right? I absolutely love the moment when 'don't need' turns into 'need'!」

Kakami laughed brightly, striking a pose with her order pen and memo pad. There were all kinds of goals. Many kinds of things to love.

「I see... yeah. That’s nice. Really nice.」

「Right?! Lately, I've been busy inventing all sorts of things so that I’m fine no matter where I go or what happens—like a super sturdy water bottle or rope, or a lap blanket that’s thin and folds up small but is really warm! I'm going to make a hugely successful invention someday and strike it rich so the Priest can live comfortably. Oh, I'll give you one of my inventions later, Elna, so you can check how it works!」

「Y-yeah... I'm sure there will be a time to use it...」

「You never know what might happen and when. ...Like what happened to the capital recently.」

The fact that she murmured that last part was surely no coincidence. Feliol also furrowed his brows and clenched the small fist he had resting on the table.

「...I'm really glad the shop was able to reopen.」

「Yeah! This area didn't have the worst damage... but sweets aren't an absolute necessity, so they ended up at the bottom of the priority list for restoration. It couldn't be helped. ...But it’s exactly when you're tired that you need sweets! The cacao cake I made with you, Elna, is super popular!」

「This is exactly a 'don't need' turning into a 'need' moment!」 Kakami laughed, puffing out her chest and blowing away the heavy atmosphere in an instant.

Looking at Kakami naturally made Elna feel gentle. 「I'm glad. I'm happy,」 happy words spilled out. This made Kakami beam even more, and Elna’s heart felt warm and fuzzy.

「The King’s engagement ceremony is coming up soon, too! Bright news is a blessing for the citizens! And that means heartstrings—and purse strings—will loosen. We owe it all to the King!」

In contrast to Kakami’s bright talk, Feliol had a somber expression.

「...I apologize that the reconstruction of this area was delayed. I know we shouldn't set priorities, but it was unavoidable... Are you troubled by anything? I wish to hear the words of as many people as possible.」

「Eh, what? Troubled? Well, sugar is harder to get than before, I guess?」

「I see, sugar. Very well, I cannot make a promise, but I will remember this. I shall carve it into my heart.」

「............Who is this kid?」

Elna kept her mouth shut regarding the fact that he was the King’s brother. Feliol, having been raised surrounded only by adults, didn't seem to have the slightest inkling that he was being viewed as suspicious. He was still quite green.

「Hmm, I thought so before, but Elna, your little brother is pretty cheeky... I don't have any siblings, but isn't the hierarchy between an older sister and younger brother important? I think you should tighten the reins a bit, Elna.」

「T-tighten...!?」

Elna could only watch with a weak smile as Feliol’s eyes darted around in confusion. Since she had previously explained to Kakami that Feliol was her brother, Kakami was still under that impression and she couldn't correct her. (Well, I'll just finish my tea...) The moment she tilted her cup.

「Come to think of it, Elna... your name is the same as the King’s fiancée.」

「*Guh-cough!*」

She had swallowed her tea so forcefully to avoid spraying it that it got stuck in her throat.

「Cough... hack, cough...! Wh-why so suddenly...?」

「Not really sudden, I’ve thought so for a while... but seeing you today, your little brother has blonde hair, the same color as the King... well, I've only seen him from a distance, so I only have a vague idea of the King’s hair color.」

「Bl-blonde hair!」

Now the fire had spread to Feliol. He quickly covered his head with both hands.

「That’s, well...」

Kakami didn't know that Elna was the reincarnation of a dragon. Elna couldn't decide right here and now whether she should say it—or if it was something she should hide. But if she told her about herself, it would inevitably lead to Feliol being revealed as the King’s brother.

She didn't want to trample on the boy's wish to hear the people's words in an easygoing relationship. Just as she was about to open her mouth to dodge the question.

「Um.」

「Elna is!」

Feliol was the one to speak first.

「...Elna is a common name!」

That was certainly true. The origin of Elna’s name was, of course, from Elnalfia. Taking a name from the guardian dragon of this country was a common enough occurrence. Though it didn't change the fact that it made her feel a bit complicated.

「True... I guess that’s right?」

「Exactly! So there’s no problem with Elna being Elna!」

「Wait, that.」

「Eh?」

「Elna is your older sister, right? Back to what I was saying—keep the hierarchy firm, Elna. Don't let your little brother call you without an honorific.」

「Ah...」

He wasn't her real brother, and if she made the hierarchy *too* firm, it would become "Lady Elnalfia," so that was a bit much. But Kakami thought they were siblings... Elna let out a noncommittal sound and looked at Feliol. Unexpectedly, she saw the boy with slightly reddened cheeks, looking down at his hands and fidgeting. Why?

「T-true... Elna *will*... become my sister-in-law. Um, um.」

「What do you mean 'will become'? She’s already your sister, right?」 Kakami interjected, but Feliol likely didn't hear her.

「U-u... ah, uu... E-Elna!」

「Yes?」

「Um... Elna... sister.」

「...Yeah.」

With a face even redder than Elna’s earlier blush, Feliol squeezed his eyes shut and hung his head. Adorably, even his ears peeking out from his hair were bright red.

「What on earth happened?」 Kakami looked completely lost, but Feliol suddenly looked up with intensity.

「...I thank you. I have wanted to say that for a long time. I am grateful to you for giving me the chance.」

「...Why? She’s your own sister, isn't she?」 (What is with this atmosphere?) Kakami was falling into a whirlpool of confusion.

「A lot of things, you know? There are a lot of things.」

Elna narrowed her eyes, savoring the gentle feeling.

*—I am looking forward to the day I can call you my sister-in-law.*

How much time had passed since the boy had told her that? It hadn't even been a year yet. But it felt like a long time. And again, the days would likely fly by, like a dragon soaring through the sky, before she knew it.

To the point where there was no turning back.