Chapter 21: Foreshadowing through Companion Choice...

“You’re going on a summer cruise? With the daughter of Duke Greenmoon?”

Upon learning of this, the rest of the student council exchanged worried glances.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay, Mia?” asked Abel, a crease forming across his brow. “Wasn’t one of the Four Dukes in touch with, you know...”

Mia smiled.

“I’m aware, yes. I’m quite sure I’ll be fine though. Esmeralda is no conspirator. It’s not how she works.”

“But the risk still stands, Your Highness. This is much too reckless,” said Sapphias, joining the protest. “The most innocent of appearances can hide the most devilish of intents, and Esmeralda is no exception! She might act friendly to your face, but by the moons, she could easily be plotting against you the whole time.”

The inherent irony of his statement—it could and did apply to himself—was lost on him. It was not lost on Rafina, who favored him with the kind of benign smile a mother might show one of her slower-witted children. Mia caught the expression and, for all its warmth, still shuddered in fear. It was as if she’d developed some sort of spinal reflex that sent chills up her back no matter what Rafina did.

“If you’re so worried, Sapphias, why don’t you join us on the cruise?” asked Mia, figuring it’d be a good way to alleviate his concerns. As a fellow Etoiler, he was certainly qualified to participate.

“Eh? Join you? Well... I’d love to, Your Highness. I mean, as your loyal vassal, you could even argue that it’s my duty to accompany you on such journeys, but my fiancée and I need some quali— Erm, have made plans to be elsewhere.”

He hastily declined her offer. For Sapphias, the princess’s safety was a grave matter. Spending time with his fiancée was just a graver one.

Hm... I see what his priorities are. In a way, he kind of reminds me of Father...

His single-minded infatuation with the person he loved... The way he prioritized a single woman above all else... His unwavering fixation... They were all qualities present in the Emperor.

Well, I suppose it’s nice for his future wife to know that she’ll never be cheated on... But if they ever have a daughter... Oh, she’s going to hate him so much... Poor thing...

She imagined a future Sapphias, curled up despondently in a corner after his daughter called him an annoying old fart, and felt profound pity for the man.

“Hm? What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

It occurred to her that even if he were to come with her, he probably wouldn’t be of much use anyway.

He’s not exactly bodyguard material... she thought, feeling a little sorry for him as she regarded him.

Sapphias looked from Mia to Rafina, then back, shuffling uncomfortably under the double dose of their baffling gazes. It wasn’t long before he claimed to have remembered an urgent matter that needed his attention and slunk out of the room.

“He seems a rather busy fellow, that Sapphias. Anyway, I’ll be bringing some of my guard with me as well. I do think it’ll be fine.”

Despite Mia’s insistence, Abel’s frown did not subside. He leaned toward Sion and whispered in his ear.

“...Hey, can I ask you something?”

“Hm? Sure.”

They conversed softly for a bit before rising from their seats.

“Excuse me? Is there something you two would like to share with us?” asked Mia, who’d been growing increasingly suspicious of the pair’s hushed dialogue.

“Oh, no. Don’t worry about us,” said Abel, holding his palms out as he backed away. “You keep doing your thing.”

“All right, but...”

Before she could question them further, the two of them stepped out of the room.

When they came back in, Abel immediately walked over.

“Mia, I have a request for you.”

“What is it?” she asked, tilting her head quizzically at the solemn expression he wore.

“The Kingdoms of Remno and Sunkland would each like to dispatch a retinue of guards for this occasion.”

“My! To accompany me?”

Sion, looking every bit as serious as Abel, nodded in response.

“I know you insist it’s safe, but she’s a Greenmoon. After their recent meddling, I find myself hard pressed to trust them unreservedly. We’ll select the exact personnel later, but we’d like to have your approval first.”

She regarded the two boys, her lips puckered in thought.

Who might Sion send? He’d have to really trust them to guard me, so probably people like Keithwood. As for Abel... Hm, I’m not sure. I doubt he’d send that fellow with the spear. Maybe some people from that Diamond Legion I keep hearing so much about? I wouldn’t mind that, actually. Sounds sort of interesting. She folded her arms. It’s definitely true that having Keithwood come along would offer some peace of mind. Plus, he’s got a pretty face, so Esmeralda will certainly approve. I honestly don’t know about Remno though...

Her lengthy deliberation was not without cause; the issue of her escort wasn’t as simple as it seemed. Obviously, she hadn’t intended to show up all by herself. With that said, bringing along a small battalion of guards for what was meant to be a fun summer diversion on the open sea would be more than a little awkward. Meddling or not, Esmeralda was a proud Greenmoon and had to be afforded the respect due a house of the Four Dukes. As the organizer, she would doubtlessly provide a suitable escort for her guests. Were Mia to then bring an excessive number of her own guards, it would be taken as an affront—a distrust of Greenmoon’s competence, or even loyalty. Therefore, she couldn’t bring more than one or two people.

It’d be best to have someone like Vanos come along, but he’s probably a little too thuggish for Esmeralda, appearance-wise. Which means...

On paper, Dion was the perfect candidate; he had both the looks and the skills. His only disqualifying attribute was Mia’s personal veto.

Having him come with me? I’d rather not turn the cruise into a waking nightmare, thank you very much.

If she ever fell into the sea, he’d probably just watch her drown out of amusement.

The problem is, if I rule out those two, I’m not sure there’s anyone else I trust enough when it comes to knowing their way around a sword.

A cute face wasn’t much use in a fight. Well, unless it stuck itself between her and an oncoming blade, but that also wasn’t the kind of thing she wanted on her conscience. It’d make for bad dreams down the road.

This was why the suggestion from the two princes was actually quite welcome. She would have had trouble selecting appropriate personnel from her own pool of talent. Keithwood, in particular, was someone she very much looked forward to recruiting. When it came to explaining the appearance of extra travelers, she could simply claim it was Sion and Abel being thoughtful. That probably—no, definitely—would be good enough. After all, Esmeralda had a thing for handsome boys.

Mia thoughtfully examined Keithwood’s face.

“Uh... Can I help you, Princess Mia?”

“Oh, no. Not yet, anyway. Don’t worry about it.”

She turned away, the motion hiding a satisfied grin.

You’re welcome, Esmeralda!

The two princes excused themselves soon after, claiming to have some matters they needed to handle. Keithwood naturally followed them out as well, leaving only girls in the room. That was when Rafina said in a measured tone, “By the way, Mia, I was thinking...”