Chapter 16 - Inspectors
◆ The trial was to be discreet and strict.
"I have brought him."
At the voice of the Chief Lady-in-Waiting of the harem, the heavy doors opened. As I followed her through, the doors closed firmly behind us. I could sense faint flows of mana—this place was clearly protected by a powerful barrier. It was a very... very dark location. Considering the considerable number of steps we climbed, I could tell we were at a significant height. One might even call it the area above the ceiling.
Indeed, as I glanced around, I noticed a gigantic chandelier in the grand hall, nearly at eye level. I realized what kind of place this was. The large windows overlooking the grand hall... it gave an impression less of windows and more of a corridor. The beams supporting the ceiling formed massive arches, their ends sinking into the floor.
As my eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness, I began to make out numerous silhouettes. Sturdy chairs of grandeur, meant for dignitaries, lined the area. Seated there were middle-aged men and women, along with young ladies whom I didn’t recognize. Among them, I spotted one or two familiar faces. One of them, someone with whom I had exchanged words before but never seen up close, was gazing at me. Though I had only glimpsed this person from afar, their presence was so commanding that not a soul at the Magic Academy would fail to recognize them.
"You've come. Thank you. As one of the involved parties, I invited you here."
"Your intention... May I assume this pertains to reviewing the findings of the inspection, Your Grace?"
"Ho-ho-ho... You have sharp eyes. Indeed. Tonight, I’ve invited you to watch the farce that is about to unfold. ...Oh my, you’ve brought company?"
"Yes. A person I call a companion, along with his fiancée."
"I see... Did you speak with him, Minister of War?"
The Grand Duke's daughter addressed the elderly high-ranking noble seated beside her. Her voice was dignified, clear, and carried a bell-like transparency. Yet, within it was an unmistakable tone of reproach, apparent to anyone who heard it. I couldn't help but marvel at her skilled way of speaking. In response to her question, a sullen voice replied. The noble's heavy tone carried a faint tension, something surprising in itself. Indeed, this elderly high-ranking noble seemed overwhelmed by the Grand Duke's daughter.
"Your Grace, I am bound by confidentiality. Even to family, I would not disclose such matters."
"Is that so? Then the fact that your son approached him was his own decision, was it? I see, that is fortunate. Truly, it speaks to the quality of the education you have provided. To accept or fail to embrace the essence of that teaching depends on the individual's character. I understand. Therefore, the responsibility lies not with you, does it? One failed, but another succeeded... That difference stems from their character and the sense of duty and pride as a noble that was nurtured within them. This is good, Minister. Any consequences for your house will be discussed with His Majesty and the Prime Minister."
"Hah... It seems my neck is barely intact. ...Hey, come here and sit. Lady, there are complex matters at hand. Open your eyes wide, carefully observe what happens next, and prepare for the future. The inner workings of our marquisate will rest upon your slender shoulders. Keep this in mind."
That guy... While surprised, he seemed satisfied that his predictions had been accurate. However, realizing the implications of what was unfolding, his face turned pale. The young lady, already on the verge of fainting, was understandably overwhelmed. After all, the Minister's words were tantamount to announcing the change of succession. Hang in there, future Minister of War.
"A seat for you as well..."
"I must decline. I am but the son of a frontier knightly family at the very fringes of nobility. This setting is far beyond my station, and the thought of sitting here would never even occur to me. Please, allow me to remain as I am."
"...In that case, someone, give this man a protection sword. Yes, a guard’s sword will suffice. Oh, even a blade from the Grand Duke's house will do."
"??"
"From this moment on, I appoint you as my personal guard for the duration of this event. Stand behind my seat and protect me."
"As you command, Your Grace. Please allow me a moment."
I followed Her Grace’s command. For someone from a knightly family, being assigned as a guard was not unusual. From behind, a protection sword was handed to me. I drew it about three centimeters from the scabbard to confirm that the blade was real before securing it at my waist. Once armed, I was temporarily recognized as a knight. With this, I could fulfill my duty as Her Grace's guard—at least until my task was complete.
This role was not unfamiliar. I had received thorough training in such matters at the knight department of the Magic Academy. If so, it was only proper to demonstrate the fruits of that training now.
Positioning myself behind Her Grace’s chair, I remained vigilant, scanning the surroundings. As a temporary guard knight, I had to display the appropriate demeanor and dedicate myself to ensuring Her Grace’s safety.
--- A low, resonant laugh suddenly reached my ears.
I directed my gaze toward the source and found a pair of figures seated at a higher level. In the deeper darkness of that elevated space, their faces were obscured. Even so, given the identities of those gathered here, it was not difficult to deduce who they were.
--- The Father and Mother of our nation...
I could hardly believe it, but now that I had been assigned as Her Grace’s guard, I could not show the customary respect to His Majesty. The duty bestowed upon me prevented such an act. Thus, though it felt gravely disrespectful, I stood rigidly in place before these exalted figures, unable to move. My sole responsibility was to remain a knight dedicated to protecting Her Grace. Amused by my predicament, His Majesty regarded me with interest before addressing Her Grace.
"...Young Lady, do you find him to your liking?"
"Your Majesty, this gentleman possesses the heart of a noble. ...He is quite remarkable, indeed."
"Oh, I see. Bold yet honest. Loyal and steadfast—a frontier warrior, so to speak. I see. Long ago... I proclaimed that the kingdom's pride lies in its frontiers. That truth remains unchanged. I see, I see. Ha-ha-ha! Wonderful!"
Am I being praised by His Majesty? I didn’t know how to handle myself. No, wait—why is he here? The highest authority in this kingdom, in a place like this? Isn’t he supposed to reside in the deepest part of the royal castle? And yet, here he is… in a place like this...
Wait. Could this mean... this is a setting where a critical judgment, one that will shape the future of the kingdom, is about to be made?
With His Majesty, Her Majesty the Queen, and the Minister of War present, it was safe to assume that other dignitaries involved in state council meetings were also here. The presence of the Grand Duke’s daughter suggested that those associated with the Second Prince’s circle, including their betrothed, were likely present as well.
These individuals, by their lineage alone, could easily be considered the main guests of any gathering. Yet, they were absent from the gratitude banquet?
I briefly glanced down at the main hall. Glittering groups of people stood scattered about, eagerly waiting for the declaration that would signal the start of the gratitude banquet. Those coming of age, along with their families, proudly hoped for the prosperity of their households as they enjoyed the celebration.
In one such group, I noticed women dressed in dazzling attire. Their clothing matched the status of the exalted figures seated here in this dimly lit space.
Stand-ins?
No, if I were to borrow words from my previous life, they would be something like "body doubles." Naturally, there was a body double for Her Grace as well. She had cleverly concealed her face with a fan to avoid being closely observed... but that person had likely been a daughter of the Minister of War's extended family, from a high-ranking noble house. There had been a distinctiveness to her walk.
When she was young, her family had been traveling when they were attacked by monsters. Her father, a high count, and his wife had passed away, and she, their only child, had also suffered deep wounds. It was said that the scars from that incident had led her to become a maid serving the Grand Duke's daughter, dedicating herself both in her personal and official duties... or so the rumors said.
So that’s who she is...
Her posture and the air about her were nearly identical to Her Grace’s. She must have undergone extensive training to embody her role as a shadow. ...The gait was something even she could not fully correct, but only a keen observer would notice. It seemed everyone here had been assigned specific roles.
Realizing the gravity of what was about to unfold, I felt a renewed sense of tension. Even now, at this very moment, I understood that the princess was in danger. I had to sharpen my focus and be even more vigilant as her guard.
--- And since I was invited to witness a ‘farce’, then ...
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