Kiel, the largest capital city in the eastern part of the empire, was unusually bustling as the center of the Knight Hunting Festival. Merchants were racking their brains, and all kinds of stalls had set up in Kiel. Just a casual stroll revealed things I had never seen before.
While eating a few of those things I bought, I was with Leo on the city walls of Kiel.
"What a lively scene."
"Really. It's a good thing. The people in the east have been troubled by monsters for a long time, so I think times like this are necessary."
"You're right. Father also seems to feel bad about the delayed response. He had already distributed money to the people in the east to enjoy the festival."
He must have thought that the festival alone wouldn't resolve their dissatisfaction.
It would be meaningless to have a festival if they didn't loosen their purse strings. The emperor's initial funding was meant to be the trigger.
The people in the east, who have been plagued by monsters, are very cautious. They probably wouldn't open their wallets even for a festival without being given money.
In that sense, he's quite a person.
"Are you here?"
Hearing a voice from behind, we both turned around.
There was Elna.
"Hey, Elna. How are you?"
"Hmm, I'm fine, I guess. How about you?"
"I'm fine, I guess. Just feeling fulfilled."
"Oh? Why is that?"
It's rare for Leo to say something like that.
He usually only says safe things in such situations.
He must have done something troublesome again.
"I visited villages that had been attacked by monsters on the way here. As a member of the royal family, I think it's our duty to encourage them. Plus, there's a prize for the winner, so I plan to donate the money I have along with the prize money."
"...You were doing that...?"
"Yeah... What were you doing during that time, Al?"
"Checking out the stalls."
When I showed her the scorched lizard, a war trophy, Elna sighed and pressed her forehead.
She didn't need to sigh that much.
"If Al had one of Leo's good qualities, I'd feel more at ease as an old friend."
"Brother has plenty of good qualities. People just don't notice them."
"Leo, well said. Here, have a bite as a reward."
"Thanks. Hmm? Not bad."
"Right? I have a talent for finding delicious things at stalls."
"A talent like that isn't necessary for a prince... Come on, let's go. Leo, come back. It's about to start."
Prompted by Elna, I quickly stuffed the scorched lizard into my mouth.
The Knight Hunting Festival was about to begin.
***
"Our empire has had few experiences of being troubled by monsters. Perhaps because of this, our response to monsters has often been slow. This time, due to my incompetence, the people in the east have suffered. I truly feel sorry. Please forgive this foolish emperor."
Father was giving a speech in front of many people.
Our turn would come a bit later.
While we were supposed to be in the lord's mansion, a guest appeared in my room.
I thought it would be Elna or Fienne, but the person there was somewhat unexpected.
"Christa...? What's wrong?"
"Brother..."
There was Christa Reux Ardel, the third princess, who was twelve years old.
She has lustrous blonde hair and purple eyes. She is as beautiful as Fienne, to the point where they might compete in the future, but her beauty is often described as doll-like. This is because Christa rarely shows any expression.
Holding her favorite rabbit plushie, she looked up at me with a blank face, but her eyes were slightly trembling, a sign of her unease.
"Come in. What's wrong? Is something bothering you?"
"No... Christa isn't bothered... The people here are bothered..."
Her explanation was unclear.
Most people would give up at this point. But with Christa, that won't do.
I sat her down in a chair and squatted to meet her eye level.
This child is a very special existence among the royal family.
No one has noticed, or perhaps they are pretending not to notice, but this child has innate magic.
Magic is usually something one acquires through training, but there are a few people in the world who can use it naturally. They are called innate mages and are extremely valuable and powerful. The magic they can use is unique to them and cannot be used by anyone else.
Christa shows signs of this.
It's probably some form of precognition. When the crown prince died, she cried and screamed that her older brother would die right in front of me.
If this were to become widely known, Zandra would be overjoyed to use it, so I've told her not to tell anyone. However, if she sees something, she should come to me. Her coming here means she has seen something.
"What did you see this time?"
"...This city was surrounded by monsters..."
Christa's ability is still unstable.
Occasionally, she sees what seems to be a vision of the future, but these visions are often like nightmares for her.
Moreover, they don't always come true. But sometimes they do.
That's why we can't ignore them.
"You didn't see anyone's clear death, right?"
"Yeah..."
"I see. Thanks for letting me know. It makes things easier."
"...Are you going too, Brother?"
"Yeah, but I can't stay with you."
"..."
Christa showed a dissatisfied expression.
She probably doesn't like being left behind with her worries. However, I can't stay just for Christa.
If the city is surrounded by monsters, it's better to be outside to deal with the situation.
"Excuse me, it's Fienne."
Fienne arrived at the perfect time.
She was holding a bag of sweets.
Nice!
"Christa, let me introduce you. This is my friend, Fienne."
"Ah, nice to meet you, Princess Christa. I'm Fienne von Kleinert."
"I know. The Blue Heron Princess. The most beautiful person in the empire."
"You know a lot."
I patted her head, but Christa didn't change her expression. However, she didn't show any signs of disliking it either.
Christa only warms up to me, Leo, and the eldest princess who is at the border. She doesn't even let her real father relax his guard, so people find it very difficult to deal with her.
Of course, she will stay here this time, but I can't just leave her in this state.
"Fienne, can you stay with Christa? I'm sorry, but can you?"
"Brother is better..."
"Fienne is trustworthy. Much more than me. And the sweets are excellent. You like them, right?"
I took a sweet from the bag Fienne was holding and showed it to Christa.
It was a rabbit-shaped cookie.
Christa tentatively put it in her mouth and then stared at Fienne.
I smiled wryly at this.
"Congratulations. She's warming up to you."
"Huh? Is she warming up to me...?"
"This child doesn't stare at anyone she doesn't warm up to. She has no interest in them. Christa, Fienne will be with you until I and Leo come back. Is that okay?"
"Okay..."
"That's the deal. I'm sorry, but can you stay with Christa as much as possible?"
"Of course. If that's what you want, I'll be happy to."
Fienne smiled and started giving Christa more sweets.
I momentarily thought of the word "bribe," but it was too rude to say, so I swallowed it.
Then, a loud cheer rose from outside.
Father's speech must have ended.
From now on, it's our turn to be the main characters.
"Alright, let's go. Christa, we'll show our faces to the people."
"...Don't make that face. We can't help it. We are the royal family."
"...You always skip out."
"Not this time. Come on, let's go."
I pulled Christa's hand and left the room, with Fienne following behind.
We ran into a troublesome person who was leaving the room at the same time.
"Oh? Babysitting is easy for you, isn't it, Arnold? Is it because you got the prodigy of the Amsberg family?"
It was Zandra, the second princess.
Christa immediately hid behind me, and Zandra's face twisted in displeasure.
"Sister, that's harsh. Taking care of my sister is a duty as a brother."
"How annoying. You seem so relaxed in your responses."
"You seem irritated. Did something go wrong?"
Zandra's face momentarily showed extreme anger at my response, but she quickly regained her composure. She must have realized that losing her temper here would only give away a weakness.
Well, I know her assassins are under her command, but there's no need to say that.
"Be prepared. No matter how powerful a sword you have, it's meaningless if you can't use it."
"Hmph! What can you teach me, you?"
Gordon appeared, having heard our conversation.
These two seem to enjoy their rivalry.
However, Gordon's sharp gaze caught me. For a moment, it felt like my heart was being gripped.
He has certainly earned his reputation on the battlefield. His killing intent is quite strong. Without using magic, I would definitely be killed instantly.
"So, Arnold, are you willing to hand over your sword to me? It's not too late. Beg Father that it's not suitable for you. Cry and plead. Then recommend me as the one who is worthy."
"Unfortunately, I don't have the courage. It would be like saying Father's judgment was wrong. Father is more intimidating, after all."
"Hmph, you lack the magnanimity to share your treasure. You're a miser. Well, it doesn't matter. I'll crush you and the girl together."
"That's my line."
Zandra and Gordon glared at each other.
We took the opportunity to slip away.
Getting involved in their fight would be a loss.
"Brother... It's still scary..."
"Don't worry. Fienne is with you. And if anything happens, I'll come to help. I promise."
"Really...?"
"Of course."
I squeezed Christa's small hand.
She seemed to relax and showed a slight smile.
After all the royal children gathered on the balcony and showed their faces, the emperor declared loudly.
"During this festival! The royal guards will swear loyalty to the children they protect! The children will respect the knights, and the knights will show respect to the children! Act together like a pair of wings, and face the powerful monsters! We are the royal family! It is our duty to destroy all enemies of the empire! Go! My children! My knights! From now on, the Knight Hunting Festival begins!!"
"Yay!!!"
"Good luck, Prince Eric!"
"No, this time it's Prince Gordon's show!"
"Princess Zandra will surely show a unique strategy!"
"I support Prince Leonard! He's the kindest person I've ever met!"
The royal children, each leading a group of knights, set out from the mansion.
This time, only Christa will stay at the mansion. The rest will go with the knights to hunt monsters.
Each of them was holding a banner that represented them, made specifically for this day.
My banner was a white cross on a black background. Leo's was a black cross on a white background. It was so simple, it was almost lazy. It was clearly the opposite of Leo's, and it showed how I was treated.
However, I don't dislike the design.
"Are you ready?"
"Of course. Let's go."
I spurred my horse.
Behind me, the Third Knight Squad, led by Elna, followed.
Only Elna received the cheers. But that's fine.
My job is to work in the shadows.
If there's someone plotting behind the scenes, that's fine. I'll just outsmart them.