Volume 3 – 03 – Thor – Princess Lulubeth

Volume 3: Chapter 003: Thor – Princess Lulubeth

Author: かっぱ同盟／友麻碧

Link: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n3862be/

Translated by Zzonkedd

Edited by Gumihou

 

A welcome party to celebrate Princess Lulubeth’s return was held.

As Magic Consultants, we were allowed to attend the party and were given the opportunity to greet Princess Lulubeth.

I attended some salons and parties during the Holy Nation Festival. The chandeliers and elegant background music for both parties were the same, but I can’t help but feel that these were just gimmicks to mask the many hidden intentions and schemes harboured by the people.

The fact that we knew this showed just how much we had assimilated into palace life.

“Tooru-kun, Maki-chan!”

“Oh my~ it’s been a week, Ulysses,” said Makia.

“I was a little worried that you may have died from overwork,” I said.”

“Hahahaha, it was a near thing.”

It looked like Ulysses was still involved with palace work even after the announcement of his engagement. In fact, he must have been even busier due to the preparations needed to make as a Holy Nation groom. Right now, Ulysses was like the connection between the Royal Palace and the Church. It was thanks to Ulysses that this connection had become much closer, something which Sir Raymond appeared thankful for. However, he also sounded a bit sad even as he talked about how convenient it was.

“Have you greeted Princess Lulu? She looks like a nice and cheerful child.”

“Are you two related?”

“Of course, she’s my little sister after all. Before she went off to study abroad, we used to play together in secret. The First Prince’s faction as well as the Queen was too busy paying attention to her brother Alfredo, so she was left to the servants.”

“Hm…”

I nodded, thinking that everyone had their own situation. Meanwhile, I grabbed Makia by the arm just as she was about to stagger off to the buffet.

Not until she greeted the princess.

“What?! Parties are about the food!!”

“Normally, ladies are more interested in getting a gentleman to dance with them, not diving straight into the food. Especially at these kinds of parties,” Ulysses pointed out with a reasonable smile.

“I only have bad memories of dancing! Yes, it was here that I had to dance with that!!”

“… …”

That’s right, now that I think about it, Makia ended up dancing with General Kanon during the Holy Church Festival party. She had clearly been disgusted and traumatised by that event.

Princess Lulubeth was the very image of a pure and pretty princess with fine blonde hair in a short bob and pale blue eyes.

She shimmered in her pretty cyan dress and elegant royal tiara made of platinum and diamond. She was a direct contrast to Makia’s bold image.

“She’s a princess, but her hair is cut so short,” Makia muttered to herself. Why would she question that, I wonder?

“Isn’t that a good thing? That’s rather cutting edge of her, isn’t it?”

“Hmm, you’ve always liked that kind of clean, neat look…”

Princess Lulubeth must have noticed us whispering to each other because she was coming over with a warm smile.

“Well, you’re one of the mages who took down the Giant Soldier, right? I’ve always wanted to meet you-”

Perhaps she had been too distracted, but as she made her way towards us, she suddenly stumbled and began to fall forward.

“Careful!”

I quickly caught her.

Well, at least we managed to prevent the princess from injuring herself.

“Are you alright?”

“Uhm, th-that…”

The princess must have been embarrassed by the fall. She was covering her face with her small white-gloved hands. Through her fingers, I could see that her face was bright red. It had been a while since I had seen such a fresh and endearing girl, so I smiled almost reflexively.

“Apologies, I was a little… flustered…”

“No, no…”

I was surprised. I had thought that, as the eldest princess and the daughter of Adalzeza, she would be more arrogant and bossy. To think that she would be so flustered.

What a cute and pretty princess.

“That is, thank you very much. Um, your name is…”

I stepped back, placed a hand on my chest and bowed in greeting. “Thor Sagaram, Magic Advisor and Royal Knight.”

“Well… Sir Thor…”

When I looked up, Princess Lulu was looking at me with sparkling eyes that were almost dewy with moisture.

“Ah, I suppose it is rare to see black hair and eyes? I am from the Eastern Continent, therefore…”

“No, rather… it looks… lovely…” the princess blushed as she covered her mouth with her hands and quickly looked away.

In contrast to the fluffy presence in front of me, I could feel Makia’s sharp, slow gaze behind me. When I looked, her face showed… no particular emotion. It was rather scary.

“Is that right?” Makia’s voice drawled next to me. Then, she stepped up to give her greeting. “I am Makia Odelle. Congratulations to the princess for your return…”

“W-well, so you are Lady Makia. I did hear that one of the ones who defeated those Giant Soldiers was a woman our age…”

Princess Lulu tried to remain calm in front of Makia, but she was obviously intimidated.

As for Makia, she was wearing a business smile on her face.

“What a lovely princess, eh? From the way Sir Raymond described her, I thought she would be more like the Queen.”

“Goodness, that’s a surprisingly high evaluation from you.”

“Why is it surprising?” asked Makia as she sipped at her after-dinner non-alcoholic cocktail. We’re at the corner of a terrace, observing the venue.

“It’s just… your business smile…”

“It’s unpleasant to see her put all her attention on you.”

“Ah, that?”

”The way she looked at you… Well, I believe you’ve just conquered another heart.”

“It’s not my fault. It’s not like I did anything special. Anyone would reach out to help a princess if she stumbles.”

“Yes, yes, you handsome man,” Makia laughed as she handed the cocktail glass to the waiter next to us.

“I’ve eaten enough, it’s about time to go home…”

“Are you really a ‘lady’? What do you think this party is for?”

Food over sex appeal, is it?

Still, no one asked her to dance… although I guess that’s partly my fault.

“Dance?” I asked, casting a sideways glance at Makia.

Makia gave me a puzzled look before putting a hand over her mouth and snickering. “Fufun~ what a tasteless invitation. Can’t you at least put some effort into it?”

Still, when I respectfully offered up my hand as a gentleman should, she took my hand. Even though she did narrow her eyes and laugh again. She must find it amusing to see me trying to behave like a gentleman. What a terrible witch.

Back in Delia Fields, we practised dancing with each other. However, dancing at such a prestigious place felt different.

 

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There was a serious matter.

Princess Lulubeth had wanted me to become her personal knight. Sir Raymond called me in, all grins as he scratched his head.

“Goodness me~ it’s a sin to be such a lady-killer~”

“Why are you grinning like that? This is a serious life and death situation for me, you know?”

“Because of Lady Makia?”

“Of course. I was, I am Lady Makia’s servant, and I still think of myself as one. To become the princess’s personal knight… To Makia I… Makia would…”

I feel sorry for Makia?

Makia would feel angry?

Well, there are many Makia-related reasons, let’s just say.

“Sir Raymon, I was Makia’s birthday present?”

“…What?”

“On her 7th birthday, I was picked up by the master in Karted and gifted to Makia. I know this may sound unbelievable, but it’s true.”

“You are Lady Makia’s property? How interesting, to think that the former Black Demon King is the former Crimson Witch’s…”

“Even so, we consider each other equals. When the Duke of Beigrates tried to recruit me, that’s what Makia told him. Furthermore, the Lord had entrusted Makia to me. If I were to become the princess’s personal knight, I would not be able to fully support her anymore. I do not… want that to happen.”

“Well, I suppose. Still, Princess Lulu wants a personal knight who would protect her and her alone.”

“… …?”

Even if that was the case, what does that have to do with me?

The princess I met at the party the other day did not look like the kind of person who would want a ‘special’ personal knight.

To be honest, I was a little curious about Princess Lulu’s position. If she were part of the First Prince’s faction, surely it was odd for her to make this request with Sir Raymond?

After all, the Magic Advisors were on the Viceroy’s ‘side’.

“Princess Lulu is nothing more than a ‘sacrificial pawn’ to those people.”

“… …?”

“It’s always been that way.”

The way Sir Raymond answered… it was as though he could read my mind.

“I wish to make a request. Do keep an eye on Princess Lulu. Even if the princess is ignorant of what is happening, the Queen and Prime Minister will most likely try to use her in some ways. Do look into that for me, please?”

“If it’s an order, just call it an order.”

“No, no, absolutely not. This is purely a personal request from me.”

And, there was that high-pressure wink again.

“Speaking of which, do keep the fact that we are keeping an eye on Princess Lulu a secret from Prince Ulysses and Lady Makia. Haha, I would be scolded by them if they find out~☆”

“So, you do know that what you’re doing will get us into trouble. Hahh…”

What the heck?

What about my own safety?

Even if you told me to be quiet, you haven’t given me any excuses to give to Makia! Just what is Sir Raymond thinking? Was this related to the matter he talked to us about the other day?

Was this all part of some long-term strategy?

“For now, could you please wait until I ask for Makia’s approval tomorrow?”

“…Sure.”

“……”

It would be Makia’s birthday soon. Just look at the state of her old birthday present.

She’s going to be angry, I just knew it.

 

[Gumihou: Ah, here it is. Unnecessary drama and misunderstanding arc. Joy. I so look forward to it. So not forced or unfunny at all. Ugh.]

 

 

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