Akatsuki Translations

The academy’s spring break lasts a month. Three weeks into the new term, after classes, I sat with Mia on a bench in the courtyard.

By Earth’s standards, it’s nearly June. The afternoon sun hints at the start of summer. I’m here, without any plans, merely to observe a classmate who hasn’t shown up once since the new term began.

“Isn’t social status supposed to be absolute?” -Ricardo

I tried to keep my voice from sounding too sharp. In the corner of my eye, I saw the girl with silvery-blue hair sitting alone in a gazebo, with the ponytailed female knight standing angrily at the entrance.

“The students haven’t mentioned the ‘prophecy’ at all since the new term started, have they?” -Ricardo        

Indeed, none of the students had uttered a word about the prophecy. The academy was business as usual, almost disappointingly so. But it seemed the situation was quite different beneath the surface.

“She was always distant from factions. She hosted tea parties maybe once a month. But even those who attended out of obligation, four or five of them, have stopped coming.” -Mia

“Another rejection. But isn’t it strange how cleanly everyone has turned their backs on her?” -Ricardo

Students entered the gazebo, the princess nodded calmly, and the female knight expressed her anger. The messenger-like student quickly left. It reminded me of business partners who suddenly changed their attitude due to Drefano’s interference.

“The princess is required to be a shrine maiden by royal decree, one in each generation, but the position requires the ability to illuminate the Quel crystal and binds her for at least twenty years upon appointment.” -Mia

“That’s tough. She can’t even get married.” -Ricardo

It’s somewhat similar to the Itsuki no Miya[1] of ancient Japan. The marriageable age for women in this world is 16 to 20. Past that, they’re considered late. Over thirty, and it’s not even a conversation. Even in modern Japan, it was said there were risks in childbirth after forty.

“She’s been known as a member of the Crownheight family for only two years.” -Mia

“So she was adopted into the royal family…?” -Ricardo

“More like a foster child, without inheritance rights. Her father was the deceased Archduke of Berthold, the current king’s brother, and her mother came from the Fellbach Duke’s family. Her father died after retiring due to illness. Her mother died three years ago. The current Archduchess of Berthold, her father’s sister, took over, likely influenced by the ties with the Fellbach family.” -Mia

“The Duke who rebelled was a Fellbach. So the princess is of a traitor’s lineage. How did she end up in the royal family… Ah, I see.” -Ricardo

“Yes, she had the necessary qualities, so she was appointed as the shrine maiden, a position nobody wanted.” -Mia

“Effectively, it was a convenient way to send her to a convent.” -Ricardo

In Japanese history, it wasn’t uncommon for the families of traitors to be forced into monastic life. They were confined to temples, and since clergy didn’t marry, their lineage could be cut off.

“Actually, she doesn’t receive any allowances usually given to royal women. Of course, officially, a clergy shouldn’t possess such things.” -Mia

“That’s quite the cold treatment. It’s been twenty years since the rebellion, and she wasn’t even born then. Plus, her mother wasn’t officially punished.” -Ricardo

“What will you do?” -Mia

Mia’s question made me unclench my fist. Given this explanation, the princess has no influence, if not negative influence. My main concern is that the lotus honey becomes famous faster than anticipated. In that sense, it’s somewhat reassuring. As long as I keep my distance as planned, it should resolve.

I just shouldn’t do anything unnecessary. I pushed the paper-wrapped package in my pocket out of my mind.

“Perhaps you should consider approaching her to be dangerous.” -Mia

“…I was just coming to that conclusion.” -Ricardo

I had already informed Mia about my accidental meeting with the princess in the archive. It’s a complete minefield; far from offering protection, getting noticed by the royal family would be disastrous.

But a question lingered, one I found hard to understand as someone who always prioritizes self-preservation.

“Why would she do something so risky…” -Ricardo

In the gazebo, the princess and her female knight were alone, avoided by the noble students and even the commoners who dared not approach. In the seemingly vibrant post-class courtyard, the area around the central gazebo was a void.

The image of the princess under the bright window of the dim archive, her face blooming with joy as she talked about wildflowers, returned to my mind. She seemed happy to be able to attend the academy.

“Senpai?” -Mia

“I had something prepared for her anyway…” -Ricardo

Despite Mia’s puzzled gaze, I stood up, pulling a small paper package from my pocket, and slowly approached the deserted gazebo.

Although it may have been an inconvenience, Alfina had defended my work that day. Having a debt to royalty is the worst thing for my mental health. Now might be the chance to settle it with this “trivial thing.”

“What do you want?” -Claudia

Claudia, her face stiff, stepped forward as I stopped at the entrance. Upon recognizing me, she spoke with barely concealed irritation. However, she restrained herself from outright rejecting me, perhaps due to her duty to her mistress.

“I have something I brought for Alfina-sama as thanks for the other day. Could you deliver it to her?” -Ricardo

“For the other day…you brought something…” -Claudia

“Is that you, Ricardo-kun?” -Alfina

“Alfina-sama. You shouldn’t let commoners approach you so casually at times like these.” -Claudia

Claudia, recalling her usual self, spread her arms to block the entrance. It made sense. Inviting a commoner student now, in a time of decline, would only emphasize the fall. The phrase ‘friends in need are friends indeed’ exists, but the world isn’t that simple.

“Let him in. There’s extra tea and sweets anyway.” -Alfina

“No, it’s not appropriate for a man to intrude on a ladies’ tea party. I just want to leave this for you to accept.” -Ricardo

I had no intention of getting involved further. I just didn’t want the thing I had prepared to go to waste.

I handed the paper package to Alfina, who had come to the entrance. Claudia grabbed it and inspected the contents, frowning but reluctantly handing it to her mistress.

Alfina’s face brightened upon realizing what it was.

“The gradient from white to red is lovely. Is this a lotus flower?” -Alfina

“Yes.” -Ricardo

“A field of these flowers must be a magnificent sight.” -Alfina

Holding the bookmark to her heart, Alfina smiled genuinely, softening my own expression. But Claudia’s face grew even more severe.

“A piece of paper with wildflowers pasted on it? You’re not mocking the princess, are you?” -Claudia

“Claud. It was I who wanted to see the lotus flowers.” -Alfina

“But for the royal family, it’s customary to use roses…” -Claudia

“I belong to the cathedral now. And isn’t it lovely?” -Alfina

“But for someone to approach you like this at such a time… Besides, when did you even have such a conversation…” -Claudia

Claudia’s suspicion grew. It wasn’t just her. Looking around, I noticed more people observing us from a distance.

“I’m glad it pleased you. Then, I’ll take my leave.” -Ricardo

“Yes, thank you, Ricardo… kun…” -Alfina

As I expressed my intention to leave, Alfina seemed ready to let me go. But then she looked down at the bookmark again, her expression turning to surprise.

“Is something wrong? Is there an issue…?” -Ricardo

“Ricardo-kun. You said that these red flowers bloom all over the fields in the west, right?” -Alfina

“Yes, particularly near Rubel Wald in the southwest. But what about it…?” -Ricardo

Her previously joyful face clouded with concern. Did I say something wrong?

“…No. Ricardo-kun. I truly thank you. I’ll start using this right away.” -Alfina

Alfina smiled again.

“I’m honored.” -Ricardo

Claudia seemed to be at her limit. I bowed again and turned away. Mia, who had been waiting a short distance away, stood up, probably with a sigh.

“Claud. We won’t achieve anything by staying here today. Since we have the time, let’s visit Professor Fuglsig.” -Alfina

“Understood.” -Claudia

As I moved to join Mia, I overheard the conversation between the princess and her lady-in-waiting. My steps almost faltered. Concerned, Mia looked at me, but I managed to maintain my composure and walked away from the courtyard.

◇◇

“The library? But your schedule today…” -Mia

“Ah… No, it’s probably a misunderstanding, but I want to check something.” -Ricardo

Entering the library, there were two students in the reading room. One of them noticed Mia and waved slightly. I nodded, and Mia, looking like she wanted to say something, went towards them.

My gaze turned towards the back of the bookshelves, to the archive entrance.

Being called out by a girl to a deserted place after school. Such a situation had never occurred in my previous world. No, am I being too self-conscious? It’s probably just a misunderstanding. She’s a princess, after all; she wouldn’t be easily swayed by such a simple gift.

But those eyes staring at the bookmark. The words about using it from today. It intrigued me.

“There’s always ‘what if’. And it’s most dangerous to earn bad blood unnecessarily…” -Ricardo

Muttering to myself, I slowly opened the archive door. Inside the dim archive, heading towards the light, a girl stood in the same place as before.

“You came.” -Alfina

It wasn’t a misunderstanding or overthinking. But what could she possibly want? In her current situation, aligning with me would be negligible, if not counterproductive.

“I wanted to ask you about this flower.” -Alfina

Alfina held the bookmark I had just given her. I tilted my head. Sure, Alfina showed interest in the lotus, but I thought it was more of a vague longing for the outside world.

I shook my head, dismissing the possibility that the flower had some bizarre meaning like a love vow. Alfina’s serious expression didn’t seem to carry such undertones. The fleeting glimpse of that expression I had seen earlier was now clearly veiling her beauty. It was like she was contemplating a serious crisis.

“I saw it. People trampling on these flowers in panic and fleeing.” -Alfina

Alfina’s words stopped me in my tracks, increasing my confusion. Fleeing people? What on earth was she talking about?

TL Note(s)

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sai%C5%8D