3 — The Repatriation Ceremony

Once Mr. Fisalis recovered from his temporary shock over Stellaria’s sudden appearance and Mimosa’s pregnancy, he turned to Rohtas behind him and said:

“I understand, for now. You can fill me in about her employment status later.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Also, I don’t see a problem with treating Mimosa just as we always have. She can act as more of an advisor to Viola, rather than being completely on leave,” he briskly instructed Rohtas.

“As you wish, Master.”

I can’t believe this! I mean, this is the same Mr. Fisalis who never had anything to do with the hiring of servants before!

Now it was my turn to freeze in disbelief. Unsurprisingly, Rohtas’ own shock did not show on his face.

I think Dahlia behind me might be frozen in place, too. I hadn’t turned around, but I could just feel it.

Seriously, though, what is with Mr. Fisalis all of a sudden? Ever since he got back from his campaign, he’s been acting so weird— No, upright is the better term. But then again, that’s weird for him.

...Ahem, where was I? Oh, yes—the surprises just kept on coming! Mr. Fisalis having a firm grasp on what’s happening in his own manor is a positive development! This is an improvement! But there’s still the question of whether this means he’s gone crazy... I reasoned, as I stared off into space.

“Viola? What is it? We’ve got to get going. We’re out of time.”

“Oh! Yes, let’s go.” My body seemed to suck my soul—once again, trying to make a break for it—back inside at the sound of Mr. Fisalis’ voice, as he gazed intently at me with those beautiful deep brown eyes.

“Nothing to do but get this boring ceremony over with as fast as possible,” he replied in a surprised tone, chuckling at me. At the same time, he took my hand like it was the most natural thing in the world, wrapped my arm around his, and escorted me to the door.

The repatriation ceremony was held in a banquet hall in the Royal Palace, so that’s where we were shown to.

“Presenting the Duke and Duchess Fisalis, the former Minister of War, Lord Fisalis, and Lady Fisalis!” cried the chamberlain, his voice echoing through the spacious hall.

The ballroom was intended to be a multipurpose room and was frequently used to hold large-scale events, so this was my third time setting foot in there. Being here three times isn’t something to brag about! Whew, almost sounded like I was eager to climb the social ladder for a second!

My previous visits had been lavish affairs—a wedding reception and a soiree—whereas this was a state function. The nobles were all assembled in full force, dressed to the nines, and later the brave knights would all sit in a row... it was a grand display of pomp and forma— I mean, it was a serious event.

Naturally, I was super nervous, this being my first time attending a function of this size.

“Wow, this certainly feels different from the soiree... but I guess that’s to be expected from a state function.”

Sensing my jitters, Mr. Fisalis agreed, “Right. But the part where we have to listen to a mind-numbing speech from His Majesty doesn’t change.”

“Pffft! Mr. Fisalis!” His unexpected humor helped me relax a little.

The banquet hall Mr. Fisalis escorted me into was imbued with a dignified and stately atmosphere. There wasn’t a single hint of fanfare in the air—none of the usual brilliant lights or glittering dresses, no orchestra filling the room with cheery music. The closest thing to music was the low hum of hushed conversation throughout the crowd. I figured the reason all the nobles were dressed in such somber colors was to avoid drawing attention away from the many knights standing in the middle of the floor (taking up the majority of it, really) who were all in uniform.

Turning my gaze ahead, I saw that a throne had been installed on a dais at the front of the room, beyond which the knights were gathered.

“There you are. We’re both over here, so let Cercis go and come with us.”

“Why, hello, Vi!”

“Father and Mother Fisalis, hello! Yes, coming!”

“Fare thee well for now, my dearest Vi!”

“Don’t be so dramatic, Mr. Fisalis.”

With the center of the room taken by knights standing in rows, chairs for the nobility had been set up on the floor on either side.

Phew. Looks like we’ll be able to sit down. I’ve heard that sometimes you have to stand for official functions!

Just as I suspected would happen, my in-laws and I were led to the seats closest to the throne. What’s more, we were in the front row. Being a wallflower wasn’t even an option.

I guess this rules out taking a little nap, too, huh? The best place for blending in with the crowd would probably be with my own parents. I wonder where Father is.

Starting from the throne, our seating arrangement went: Father Fisalis, me, and then Mother Fisalis. A perfect Viola sandwich.

“We will be right over there. I’m glad we won’t be too far from each other. I’ll come right over as soon as the ceremony ends, so wait here for me, won’t you Vi?” Mr. Fisalis reminded me with an indulgent smile as he let go of my hand after escorting me to my seat.

He’s going for gentle pressure with a smile now, huh?

Just as he’d said, the special ops division was directly in front of us. I hadn’t noticed until he had mentioned it, but I recognized several faces over there—Mr. Fisalis’ subordinates smiled when they caught sight of me.

Oh, Mr. Corydalis and the Bombshell Trio are here, too!

“Sure, I’ll sit and wait here for you.” He’s acting odd again, but I don’t want to question him and cause a scene, so I’ll just wait for him to come get me, I was thinking to myself when, off to my side, Father Fisalis said playfully:

“Just leave protecting the princess up to us!” He completed the statement with a thumbs-up. I wasn’t exactly sure what he meant.

Moments after Mr. Fisalis left the nobles’ seating area to go and stand with his subordinates, the chamberlain’s voice rang through the vast room with a cry of, “Hear ye, announcing the arrival of His Majesty the King!” as a heavy door opened solemnly.

This means that the ceremony is finally about to start. Eeek, I’m nervous again!

The king took his seat on the throne, the queen at his side, followed by the prince and the rest of the royal family making their entrance and settling into their own places. The king was wearing a magnificent cloak that flowed behind him. The king and queen were both wearing their crowns, which were national treasures and only brought out on special occasions. It was my first time seeing them dressed in all their finery, and it seemed very dignified indeed.

The mere arrival of the king and queen brought instant silence to the room that was previously humming with conversation.

Once all the royals had assembled, the king suddenly stood and proclaimed, “Let us begin the repatriation ceremony. Our army fought valiantly in this war and guided us to victory. Therefore...” his sonorous voice marking the start of the ceremony.

But.

Boy, was it a long speech.

Unusually long.

Now that I think of it, his toast at our wedding was really long, too. His Highness must really like to talk! But then again, even if I try to make it more exciting in my head, it’s not going to get any shorter or less boring. Oopsie, did I just say that☆

The king’s remarks, which were supposed to segue into the start of the ceremony, have somehow veered off course to the founding of the kingdom. What do the legendary heroes have to do with this? Oh, I guess they were important, too, okay, yes, sure.

“Our founding fathers gained the upper hand in that difficult and terrible war, and over the many years since the Flür Kingdom was thence founded...”

Erm, am I the only one thinking that he should be praising the heroes sitting right here rather than the heroes from the legends?

“...And thus our noble kingdom has expanded. All, made possible by these modern day legendary heroes...”

Just how long is he going to go on? The nobles outside his line of sight are definitely asleep. Some with their eyes still open, maybe. You know, I sort of wish I had that talent. Sure, I get to sit down, but Mr. Fisalis and the other knights all have to stay standing while they listen. Won’t they get dizzy? Nah, there’s no way a knight would be that weak.

I was inconspicuously surveying the room in an effort to stay awake, but eventually I got curious and my gaze landed on Mr. Fisalis. He was standing perfectly still and listening to the king’s speech with a serious and dignified expression.

Wow, I’ve got to give him points for that! He’s usually smiling cheerily, but it makes sense that he wouldn’t act like that now.

His mouth was wearing not its normal gentle smile, but was pursed tightly as his dark brown eyes stared sharply ahead.

His entire presence is different. Is this what they call being in “work mode?”

What the lady knights said about him being able to do his job well rang true that day.

With all the knights dressed to the nines in their uniforms, their cool factor is sky-high, too. Mr. Fisalis certainly lives up to his reputation among the ladies in high society! And he’s not the only one, either. Both Corydalis to his side and the two subordinates behind them are usually laidback jokesters, but today, at least, they’re standing at attention and listening. How admirable! ...Am I the only one not taking this seriously? Upon reflection, I think I’ll pay more attention, too.

But no sooner had I stopped surveying the crowd than I was overwhelmed by a tidal wave of sleepiness! I took back what I said, realizing right then that paying attention just wasn’t going to happen.

I’ve got to do my best to stay awake!

“We will now acknowledge those who achieved great honor in this war...” Long, long after the ceremony had officially commenced, we finally reached the awards stage.

Jeez Louise, I was beginning to wonder if I’d fall asleep with my eyes open. I wonder if the prime minister or someone will make a script for next time. Gosh, I hope so.

Anyway.

All the same, the key figures who led us to victory have got to be the special ops division led by Mr. Fisalis. It was the regular soldiers who actually did the fighting, but they only went out once Mr. Fisalis and the others had set everything up. So really, we owe our victory to the special ops division for carefully laying all the groundwork! Am I just playing favorites, though? Nah, I can’t be. I’m sure everyone else would agree.

And so it seemed when the king continued to, “The most distinguished of those being the special operations division, whom I ask now to come forward.”

“Yes, Your Highness!” the division members all replied before taking a single flawlessly-synchronized step forward.

The king nodded in satisfaction at this before continuing.

“It is no exaggeration to say that our military’s victory was made possible by the tireless preparations undertaken by this division. Well done. As an award, you shall each be promoted two ranks, and be granted fourteen days’ holiday leave. Take this time to renew your strength. Let us know if there is anything else that you desire. Any request you have we shall fulfill to the best of our ability. Again, thank you for a job well done.”

The end of the king’s praise was met with thunderous applause. Even the seated nobles rose for a standing ovation.

The awards, though, seem a little too generous. Promotions of a single rank are pretty common awards, but two whole ranks is very rare. And then two weeks of vacation on top of that... That means Mr. Fisalis will be at home for a lengthy period of time. I’m just worried about how I’ll fill the time. ...Er, no I’m not! That’s not a problem at all!

And then, on top of that, they can request more things, too! What a lavish reward! But I guess it’s all to recognize their hard work.

Mr. Fisalis stepped forward toward the king to receive what I assumed was a certificate.

What is that?

It was my first time at such an event, so I did not know what the paper was for. As inconspicuous as I tried to be when I tilted my head, Father Fisalis must have noticed, because he whispered in my ear, “That’s a royal decree recording all the awards mentioned.”

Thanks for having my back, Father Fisalis!

I stood up, too, and applauded liberally. Mr. Fisalis went back to where the rest of his division was with the decree, and then all of them returned to where they had been standing before they’d been called. When they were all settled, the ceremony progressed to the next award for another unit. The king took the award from the prime minister and called the unit in a clear voice.

“This award goes to the First Cavalry Company, who put forth the most effort in combat. First Cavalry Company, please come forward.”

“Yes, sir!” they replied when the king called them.

Makes sense that you’d have to give some praise to the people who actually participated in combat.

The ones who came forward were not from Mr. Fisalis’ unit, but knights wearing deep green uniforms.

Is it just my imagination, or are their uniforms wrinkled and worn compared to the special ops unit’s? I mean, they look disheveled. Rather, their uniforms fit just fine, it’s just the overall look... Er, what am I saying? They must be utterly exhausted. After all, combat is a real test of one’s strength and stamina!

And as you would expect from those on the front lines, if you look closely, each and every one of them appears to be injured. None of them seem badly injured, but they’ve got gauze and bandages everywhere. That must be why they look disheveled!

Even their faces, as handsome as they are, are covered in cuts and scratches. That just goes to show what a terrible battle they managed to get through! They really must have worked their butts off!

The king looked at them with an expression of pity and a weak smile for a split second before he expressed his praise.

Hm? What was that look for? Oh well, probably nothing.

“I received word that the highly dangerous mission undertaken by the gentleman leading your charge was successful. I have also heard that the battle was uncommonly difficult. However, I believe it is thanks to your heroic determination that we prevailed. You did well, men. I grant you all promotions of one rank and ten days of time off as an award.”

The crowd broke out into applause after the king had finished this proclamation, too.

I see... they went out on some kind of dangerous, daredevil mission. That certainly does explain why they are that disheveled and beaten up! I hope they use those days off to give their wounds sufficient time to heal.

As I was thinking, eyes glazing over as I stared at nothing in particular, I unexpectedly met eyes with the tall, slim, blond knight taking the decree from the king. He must have noticed because his eyes widened ever so slightly as he looked back at me—and what beautiful blue eyes they were! He had nicely chiseled features as well, but as they were unfortunately covered with a large piece of gauze, I could not help but feel a little sad that such beauty had been ruined. Since he had gotten that injury in war, I bet the husband-hunting ladies wouldn’t want anything to do with him anymore.

I smiled wholeheartedly at him in thanks for fighting for our kingdom, but he flinched and drew back before looking away.

What was that for? Didn’t he like my twenty-dollar smile? Hmph.