Volume 3, Intermission 01: One Day in a Section of the Royal Castle
Beautiful white clouds are swimming in the blue sky, arent there? Dont you think its boring to be studying at a desk on such a beautiful day? Personally, I think it would be more meaningful to do sword training.
In the quiet room, the person who had said that was Vernoux.
Vernoux had been reading a textbook in the corner of the room before, but he had thrown it onto the desk now. And, that book was fanned by the wind that blew in from the window and the pages were flipping on their own.
The pages became stationary when the wind stopped, but I dont think that was the page that Vernoux needed.
I also wanted to agree with Vernouxs opinion.
When the weather was this nice, I wanted to be grateful for the peaceful day with a cup of tea in the garden. I dont even mind sword training. But, I was hesitant to say those words.
If I was alone with Vernoux, then I am sure I would agree. But we werent alone. There was another person in this room apart from Vernoux and I.
He was disgusted and advised Vernoux in a voice that sounded as it was crawling on the ground.
Vernoux-dono, do you still not understand? This is not study; it is a substitute for you taking His Highness out of the castle.
His name is Clive Leif Eames.
He is Marquis Eamess son and a young man who had studied abroad, until a few days ago. And, after he had returned home, the situation was that he was now working by my side. I have no recollection of seeing his face before he went to study, but now I see it every day.
Honestly, you cant even settle this matter without someone watching over you?
Clive complained with a sour look on his face, but unfortunately, his expression had no effect on Vernoux at all. Vernoux sat shallowly on the sofa and stretched his legs out in a bad manner, as he refuted.
I didnt really take him out. His Highness wanted to ask Earl Hale something, so I granted his wish. We also made a proper report prior to him going out, right?
Proper, you say? Vernoux-dono, dont anger me too much. You left His Highness and pretended to be him. Then, you deceived me until he returned.
And you say you reportedit?!
Isnt it fine? If its needed, even if I substitute for His Highness, it was proven by the people around us that they didnt notice, was it not? This is proof that my substitute technique is skilled.
Wh?!
I think its an important lesson, in many ways, you know?
Vernoux was talking with Clive frankly, but Clive looked really irritated.
Your Highness, why are you laughing?
No, sorry.
Indeed, even Clive wouldnt say, Have you reflected, Your Highness? But, I think the fact that I didnt regret sneaking out has been conveyed to him. The slightly exaggerated sigh that I could hear coming from him was proof.
Ive only known Clive for a short amount of time, but even I know that he is earnest, and recognises himself as our watchdog. And I also thought that he was the opposite of Vernoux.
Vernoux was very flexible with things, and that was why he was acting as an intermediary between Dilly and me. However, in other words, there was a part of him that thought, its okay if we dont get caught. Compared to him, Clive was very serious.
He was faithful to his principles, enough for Vernoux to call him hard-headed.
The way those two treated me was, of course, different because their personalities were complete opposites.
To me, Vernoux was a good friend to GilleandSylvester. Speaking of rash things, he has warned me not to do something in the past, but he was a bad friend who got me caught up in his plots.
On the other side, Clive was by my side at the command of his father. That was probably why he thought of himself as a watchdog I cant say that our relationship is that of friends yet.
By no means do I hate Clive. Instead, I think that he is a reliable person. So, I want to be friends with him; now then, how do I become friends with him?
Your Highness. Please dont go out of the castle whenever you want, until the Founding Festival is over.
I know.
If you really dont understand this, then the castle will seriously be closed off.
Everyone would be troubled if that were to happen, so Ill behave myself.
Clive said gravely, and I answered while smiling wryly. Apparently, he feels as if I am not listening to him. I promised, once again, when I saw him frown.
Dont worry. Ive already stretched my wings, so Ill properly act as His Highnessduring the Founding Festival.
Okay. But, please restrain yourself from going out after that too.
In the first place, I didnt intend to neglect my duties. On that day too, I did as Vernoux said; I finished all my work and went out when I had time However, I didnt inform them when I would return to the castle and had Vernoux change his appearance and go back to the castle first.
The ability to disguise oneself was really reassuring to have on ones side, but I think its an ability that I definitely wouldnt want my enemy to have.
Then, well change places so that you wont find out next time he comes home.
Vernoux-dono.
The voice of Clive, who replied to Vernouxs half-joking words, sounded like the ground had frozen over. I couldnt help but laugh at that, but I knew which one was irate.
Clive, wont you forgive Vernoux? He was only following my selfishness.
It would have been different had Vernoux invited me to go out. But, I had asked him to help me sneak out, and hed just accepted. He hadnt been reluctant to do it, but that probably couldnt be used as an excuse.
If I hadnt asked him to help me, then he probably wouldnt have had to write a reflection like that.
But, Clives tone got deeper at my words.
No matter what Your Highness says, Vernoux-dono needs to reflect. This much is obvious from his current behaviour.
I should have stopped this earlier, I thought, but I also felt that Vernoux would irritate Clive, even if he had said something else.
How rigid, Clay. And, its too early for you to be so obnoxious at this age.
Despite me wondering how I should reply, Vernoux once again threw words out to tease Clive.
This isnt good. Although Vernoux was pouting, he was definitely having fun. They werent words used to convince someone.
If Vernoux is having that much fun, then I dont have to force myself to come up with a reply as I thought that, I felt uncomfortable.
Clay?
Whats with that name?
There was no way the person himself wouldnt notice that.
Well, if I called you Clive, then you would make a face that says, I really dont want to let you call me by my name, right? Clive Leif Eames. If you read the first letters of your name it becomes Clay, right? 1)
Ive never heard of such an abbreviation. Why do I have to be called that in the first place?
Its a pet name, do you have a problem with that?
Ill ask you in return, where is there not a problem with that?
Rest assured. Vernoux isnt that stupid, and she isnt interested in me in the slightest, since before.
What do you?
I have met Cordelia before at the Flantheim mansion. However, we only exchanged greetings, and she had fun talking with other ladies her age.
I wanted to talk with her more if possible. She would converse withGille, but one of my worries was that it was hard to talk with her as Sylvester. I regretted it a little that I didnt say it, while confessing that to myself, and smiled wryly.
However, Clive didnt frown even though he heard words from me that sounded as if I was inflicting damage to myself.
It would be fine if that were true
I dont think he doubted my words. As far as Clive was concerned, Dilly and I have never interacted with each other, so that was only natural. But there probably was a reason why he still wasnt convinced.
Do you not have a good impression of her?
Clive didnt deny my words. However, he did stop looking a little unpleasant. I have never seen Clive have that reaction before. Judging from his appearance, he didnt seem to have a clear basis for his remark.
However, I dont think Clive was the type of person to think badly of someone without reason.
Im not criticising you. I just asked because I was curious. I wont force you to answer if you cant.
I thought that you werent used to woman, Your Highness.
Huh? Perhaps, are you worried that I would be seduced by someone?
I dont know what to make of those words being used by you But, yes.
Is that really something he should worry about when Dilly is only 12? I thought for a moment and thought that things like that did happen in this world while listening to Clives next claim.
The Pameradia House has a strong influence. And Ive heard that the Earl, who has this strong influence, has had strong ambitions since long ago. And Ive heard that his daughter is beautiful.
Clive spoke earnestly until the end. But that thing Instead, I couldnt deny that with the present condition, when it was something I desired.
Indeed, if I get a proposal like that from the Pameradia House, then its true I must consider it a bit. Its hard to completely ignore it.
Yes.
But, the Earl doesnt want power that much. I dont know about the past, but right now he doesnt. Father said so. Also The Earl loves Cordelia a lot, so he wouldnt even let her marry into the Royal family if the man isnt good enough.
Again, my words pierced at my heart as I calmly stated those reasons. However, Clive didnt seem convinced, even with those reasons. But it was a bit difficult for me to state any more reasons calmly.
However, of course, Cordelia didnt think like that, and the Earl probably didnt as well. The Earl already completely controls the critical parts of the political world, and there may be rumours that he could easily restrain the other nobles.
But even so, the Earl would be careful not to mess up the current state of affairs, even if he were to cause a boycott , or so father said. And, I already remembered what he said at the same time, Elvis had the tendency to be too impatient ten years ago, but he has become very calm.
Is the existence of his daughter that big?
At any rate, the older brothers of Dilly, Cyrus and Isma, had never recommended their younger sister to me, either. I wanted them to tell me.. But, it was too bad.
However, please think about it. If the Earl loves his daughter that much, then you wont know what he would do for her. And it wouldnt be odd if he raised a thoughtless daughter.
Clive had said that because he was anxious. But, I would be offended if he kept talking bad about Dilly.
Many people are blinded by power around Your Highness. Youll have the opportunity to talk to a lot of ladies at the Founding Festival, regardless of whether or not theyre from this kingdom, and there may be those who consider Your Highness as theirs.
I know that even without you telling me. I have been His Highnessfor more than 10 years after all.
I am not joking.
Im also not joking.
However, I finally realised it once I countered him. Oh, Clive has been saying too much because of the Founding Festival. Indeed, it is the season where a lot of ladies come But, Dilly, the person whom Clive is worried about, probably wouldnt come to the festival this year either.
When the heck can, I finally talk to her in this appearance?
Your Highness?
Ah, sorry. I was thinking.
I see.
However, dont worry. There are certainly people who want to approach me with wicked desires. However, they are not the only ones to approach me. You understand that when you look at yourself and Vernoux, dont you?
Even if I look like this, I can judge people.
Clives expression became very hard to read when I said that jokingly. Is this because he doesnt agree with my words? Or is he rejecting the fact that I brought up Vernouxs name? In any case, it seems like I cant get him to agree with me right now.
Im not saying it has to be right now, but Ill appreciate it if you can understand it.
Clive didnt reply to my wish. However, I decided that he was interpreting the meaning since he didnt deny it. So I requested him to do one thing to deepen his understanding of this.
Lets see For that reason, first of all, could you call me Sylvester?
Excuse me?
Names are important, arent they? His Highnessfeels a little distant. If you like, I dont mind if you use an abbreviation like Clay.
Clive looked like he had a hard time replying to my words, and then he cleared his throat quietly before long.
Understood, Sylvester-sama. I would like to call you this, but you can call me whatever you want, Sylvester-sama. As long as its not Vernoux-dono, you can call me Clay.
Thanks.
It was just a compromise, but he had said my name. I felt a little closer to him, and my mood improved. It would be nice if Dilly could also call me Sylvester.
We got close to the training hall while we were talking, and the Earl had already arrived.
It would be nice if I could get a blow in today.
Although I had said that, I couldnt endure half the time. Although I thought that I would do it today, the only image that springs to my mind is of me being overwhelmed by him.
Your Highness. If you imagine yourself losing, then youll only lose.
Yeah, thanks.
Im sure Clive cant see me winning, but Im glad that hes supporting me and cheering for me.
Ill do my best. I also need to be diligent so that Im not being rude to the Earl, who is giving me his precious time.
Those are my true feelings, but I also had a lot of hidden feelings that I couldnt say out loud, like: I wont look good if I keep losing forever and I dont know if Dilly can use swords. However, I would probably never get a blow on the Earl no matter how much time passes if I think like that.
I thought that as I braced myself.
References
1. This works in Japanese because the first letters of his name becomes , which is Clay but not so much in English and I tried to get the English ones But it just looks weird.
Translator: Blushy
Editor: SenjiQ