Akatsuki Translations

“Ah, what on earth could those two be doing?” Aurelia let out a heavy sigh, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at Farsa and Zenobia in the distance.

It was the day after a dinner party at the Marquis of Ctesiphon’s house, and Farsa and Zenobia had come to the royal palace to report on the current situation. The original plan was for the Marquis of Ctesiphon to broker negotiations with the Duke of Dampierre. But the situation had taken an unexpected turn — Zenobia was now set to marry the Duke.

This arrangement had been made without consulting Aurelia, who naturally felt aggrieved.

“I am truly ashamed,” Farsa said, bowing his head in apology. Although Zenobia had acted independently, Farsa shared some responsibility as well. After all, in a partnership, one person’s mistake is the other’s too.

“Princess Aurelia, I apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused by acting on my own. However, since I have taken this action, I will take responsibility for it and strive to achieve a satisfactory result. Farsa-dono is very busy, and if I can achieve our goal on my own, I believe that would be better.” Zenobia said, her voice devoid of emotion.

As Zenobia had reported, a letter conveying her intentions had already been delivered to the Duke of Dampierre through the Marquis of Ctesiphon. Now all she had to do was discern the Duke’s true intentions while adhering to Aurelia’s wishes. Farsa, for his part, seemed to have no role in this new scenario. Farsa cast a sidelong glance at Zenobia’s expression, but whether she was consciously avoiding having her true feelings scrutinized or not, she maintained a stoic demeanor.

Aurelia, too, seemed to share a similar impression, as she gazed at Zenobia with a puzzled expression.

“I would be troubled if Zenobia were to go somewhere else. Have you considered that?” -Aurelia

“Your concern is understandable, However, no matter where I go, my loyalty remains with you, Princess Aurelia. Although I may not be able to act openly, it is inconceivable that I would become loyal to the Second Prince. As for the Knight Order, Cecilia is available as my successor, so there should be no significant issues.” -Zenobia

“But depending on the circumstances, you might be branded a traitor not only by the Second Prince’s faction but also by my own, you know?” -Aurelia

“I am prepared for that. If it is for your sake, Your Highness.” -Zenobia

Seeing Zenobia bowing her head and kneeling in accordance with the etiquette of a vassal, anyone would think of her as a knight who pledged loyalty to Princess Aurelia.

Zenobia’s responses were, for the most part, as Farsa had anticipated.

The court magicians and the White Lily Knights, two organizations led respectively by Farsa and Zenobia, were among the few entities that Princess Aurelia could move with freedom.

While fragile in terms of support due to their status and scale, these organizations, including Duke Dampierre’s northern noble house, would stand neutrally or supportively through Zenobia, providing significant backing.

In the end, even though they would eventually compete for the throne, at present, Farsa also believed that establishing a cooperative relationship was a prudent approach.

Furthermore, in the event of any contingency, Farsa could obtain internal information through Zenobia.

“If you’re prepared for that, then I don’t mind. Zenobia, you may leave now. Cecilia, there must be some matters to be handed over, so please discuss them with Zenobia.” -Aurelia

“But I have the duty to guard you, Your Highness…” -Cecilia

“Fortunately, we have Lord Speciēs, who has some free time. We can’t afford to have idle staff in these times of shortage. And… tell the knights outside not to enter the room.” -Aurelia

“Understood. Then, if you’ll excuse me.” -Cecilia

“I will take my leave as well.” -Zenobia

Following Aurelia’s instructions, Cecilia and Zenobia bowed and left the room. Leaving just the two maids and Farsa behind.

However, as soon as they witnessed Zenobia and Cecilia’s departure, the maids hurriedly began to move, retreating to the adjacent waiting room.

Whether directly or indirectly, when Aurelia dismissed the guards, it usually meant she had something to discuss confidentially with Farsa.

The relationship between the maids and Aurelia was not shallow, as they couldn’t decipher her intentions in leaving only Farsa behind while conveniently assigning Cecilia as Zenobia’s escort.

Naturally, the fact that Farsa and Aurelia were left alone would not be officially recorded; instead, an appropriate report would be submitted.

On a side note, similar measures were taken when Aurelia frequently slipped out of the palace.

“It’s not uncommon for Farsa-sama to defy my expectations, but I must admit, finding ourselves in this situation is a bit surprising. I have no intention of doubting Zenobia’s loyalty, but I always thought she wasn’t the type to accept a political marriage in the first place… So, Farsa-sama, what do you intend to do?” -Aurelia

As the maids disappeared beyond the door, Aurelia directed her inquiry towards Farsa in her usual manner.

Farsa speculated that perhaps Aura, being familiar with the human Zenobia, sensed something like an unexplainable discomfort beyond mere loyalty. However, despite any objections, given that the marriage proposal had come from the Duke’s side, Zenobia’s decision itself wasn’t mistaken.

Given the current circumstances, it’s precisely because Zenobia’s choice is the best that things get complicated.

While Farsa’s main objective is Roux, in Aurelia’s case, it’s about utilizing Roux to bring ancient technological artifacts from the era of civilization under the control of the kingdom.

This announcement is planned to be made as part of the Valois Kingdom’s policy at the Tripartite Conference where allied nations gather. However, to ensure preparations at home beforehand, the Duke of Dampierre is necessary.

Aurelia, as a ruler, has to make decisions that bring benefits, but speaking candidly, she probably doesn’t want to let Zenobia go.

In Aurelia’s eyes, there’s an indescribable light, a blend of the duty of being a leader and the emotions of the young girl named Aura. Farsa couldn’t help but think this way as he looked at Aurelia.

“There’s nothing I can do but what I can do. I won’t let anyone take Zenobia.” -Farsa

“Oh, what a passionate answer. I might get jealous.” -Aurelia

“If Aura were in the same situation, I wouldn’t mind becoming a villainous sorcerer and kidnapping you, Princess. Now, joking aside, I want to re-examine the surroundings of the Marquis of Ctesiphon and the Duke of Dampierre. Can I have permission to bring out the documents I researched before? It’s too convenient for a marriage proposal to come from the Duke of Dampierre when I’m going to the Marquis of Ctesiphon. Zenobia’s deceased brother, Leonard, and the Duke of Dampierre were close friends since their knight academy days, so there’s a high possibility that’s involved. I’d like to make direct contact if possible… Huh? You seem to be in a daze, what’s the matter?” -Farsa

As Farsa discussed his future actions and current thoughts, Aurelia opened her mouth in surprise, looking at Farsa with a startled expression.

With a start, Aurelia’s face morphed into surprise at the pointed remark, hurriedly concealing her mouth with a fan, a charmingly age-appropriate reaction. A blush tinted her snow-white skin, as if deeply embarrassed by having her unguarded expression seen.

“Hmm, yes, there’s no issue with the permission. However… despite your engagement being broken, you don’t seem too disturbed, Farsa-sama. Even among the masses, your partner is Zenobia. Surely you must have some affection for her?” -Aurelia

“Ah, you’re not wrong there, but it’s not something that can be solved by dwelling on it. There are mountains of things to investigate, like Zenobia’s strange behavior, Duke Dampierre’s intentions, the house of Marquis Ctesiphon. I can’t afford to be depressed over every little thing.” -Farsa

Zenobia may have suggested probing the true intentions of Duke Dampierre, but he is a young hero occupying the seat of a ducal family. There is no doubt that he is a master of cunning, and it is unlikely that Zenobia can handle him alone. However, it is difficult for a third party to intervene in the marriage negotiations between the Dampierre and Ctesiphon families. Farsa must approach from a different direction, and first and foremost, information is necessary. Reflecting on her emotional outburst in the Ctesiphon mansion, Farsa thought it would be a waste of time to regret, instead of taking action.

“That’s just like you, Farsa-sama. However, and pardon my preaching to the choir, remember that there are many in the world who prioritize their emotions and act irrationally.” -Aurelia

“I will take those words to heart, Princess Aurelia.” -Farsa

With a theatrical bow, Farsa respectfully departed from the room. Even though it was unofficial, it was inappropriate to linger in a room alone with a woman of noble birth, due to the concern of damaging her reputation. Even if they were servants in Aurelia’s employ, they couldn’t help but be curious about the happenings in the secluded room.

Farsa, as a court magician capable of using counterintelligence magic, incites the wild imaginations of others, with no sounds leaking from whatever she does. It is inevitable that she should conclude her business in a short time.

“Really, Farsa-sama is an enemy of women.” -Aurelia

Just now, Aurelia murmured softly, staring in the direction of the door through which Farsa had just left. Contrary to her words of being an “enemy of women,” her face was filled with joy.

“But, if Farsa-sama were to unite with Zenobia and inherit the house of Marquis Ctesiphon, the family’s status would be sufficient for a royal marriage. You must lose a fly to catch a trout, it’s really as they say.” -Aurelia

Murmuring this, Aurelia rang the bell on the table, calling back the maids in the next room. Normally, the destination for a princess’s marriage is often a royal family or a ducal house of another country, or at the very least, a house of a marquis.

Even if Farsa is the chief court magician, his rank of viscount means he could not possibly be a marriage partner for Aurelia. Moreover, it is exceptional that he was granted the title of viscount in a single generation, and being of common birth, it is very difficult to attain a higher rank.

Only by doing something that brings enormous benefits to the nation, such as capturing the territory of the demons, he might be able to become a count, but this is a far-fetched story, and even then, the rank is still insufficient. Marrying into the Ctesiphon family, through way of a daughter of the family in a semi-elopement, is the only way for Farsa to legally stand as a marriage partner for Aurelia.

“Even for me, the chances of that happing are rather slim.” -Aurelia

“Is something wrong, Princess?” -Maid

“No, I was just thinking that once the situation has settled down, I’ll need to find suitable marriage partners for all of you too. But it’s a long process, isn’t it?” -Aurelia

“We intend to serve by your side until we see your radiant beauty, Princess Aurelia.” -Maid

“I as well.” -Maid

With a smile, Aurelia took a sip of her prepared tea, in response to the polite bows of her maids.

Though the maids were of an age where they could have been wed to some households, they remained single, treasured by Aurelia for their service. Despite being maids, they served royalty and were daughters of a marquis and a third daughter of a count.

It was common for daughters of nobles to work in the homes of high-ranking nobles or royalty to learn manners. Serving royalty, in particular, was a prestigious and desirable position. The masters would typically take care of their servants’ marital affairs, and occasionally, a maid might catch the eye of her master.

It was rare for someone like the Marquis of Ctesiphon to marry a maid as his official wife, but due to the prevalence of daughters dreaming of a union with a partner of unmatched status, plays about love across social classes were always popular at the capital’s theaters.

In secret, a story about Aurelia and Farsa was being written under Aurelia’s supervision. However, the chief court magician, who was busy wrestling with documents in the storage room, was preoccupied with other matters and would likely not notice it for a while.

“I hope to show you all my resplendent self soon.” -Aurelia

Whether by “resplendent self,” Aurelia meant her appearance as a bride, her ascension as a queen, or her intention towards someone else, only she knew. At the same time, Farsa let out a grand sneeze in the storage room. Whether it was due to the dust or Aurelia’s words, no one could tell.