Chapter 3: Princess Mia...Presents What Seem to be Reasonable Arguments

“I guarantee that the key to victory lies in a bowl of exquisite mushroom stew!”

The sheer confidence of her tone proved compelling, and the council members found themselves persuaded in spite of themselves. All except Keithwood who, horrified by what seemed to be a simultaneous relinquishing of good sense by everyone present, immediately spoke up.

“H-Hold on a minute.”

As attendant to Sion, it was his job to stop his master from acting on lapses in judgment even if he’d incur Sion’s temporary displeasure. He had a duty, and the time to do it was now! Driven by his concern for Sion and the instinctive knowledge that this was a very bad idea, he boldly stepped in front of the speeding wagon of momentum that was Mia.

“There are many types of mushrooms—some poisonous, some not—and telling them apart is, to my knowledge, exceedingly difficult. Attempting to do so ourselves seems rather inadvisable.”

“Aha, I knew you’d say that, Keithwood. You’ve always been careful around mushrooms. And wisely so. But have no fear, for what you speak of is already a solved problem.”

“Huh? A solved problem? H-How, exactly...if you don’t mind my asking?”

Mia grinned slyly at his question.

“Consider, please, the nature of the island you currently stand upon. Is it not an island blessed by God? If so, then nothing poisonous could grow here, nor could it be brought in, correct?”

“Ah...”

Keithwood found himself at a loss for words.

The safest place in the continent... Paradise on Earth... These were descriptors often applied to Saint-Noel Island, for it was a land blessed by God. The pristine holiness of Noelige Lake’s water ensured that nothing possessed of toxins, whether flora or fauna, could thrive on the island. It was a belief so prevalent as to be common sense.

“But, that’s...”

He mounted a rebuttal, but faltered before her quiet smile.

“I know what you want to say, and I completely understand. In the unlikely event that a poisonous mushroom somehow slipped past the island’s divine protection and ended up on our plates, we’d be in terrible trouble. That’s your concern, yes?”

She spoke in a slow, pedagogical manner, as if she were speaking to a small child. It was, frankly, a little irritating.

“To that end, we can simply ask for an expert to accompany us, and as a matter of fact, I recently happened to come across such a person.”

“An expert in mushrooms? Who might that be?”

“It’s none other than the daughter of one of the Empire’s Four Dukes, Citrina Yellowmoon. She appears to be very knowledgeable about them.”

“...The young Yellowmoon?” Keithwood pensively furrowed his brows at this unexpected name. “But...isn’t the House of Yellowmoon under suspicion for collaborating with the Chaos Serpents? Can we trust them?”

The question failed to shake Mia’s composure.

“The House is under suspicion, yes, but I believe Citrina is unrelated. Suppose, however, that my trust is misplaced and she is indeed a Serpent. In that case, do you think she would do something so obviously suspect?”

“That’s...”

It was actually a reasonable argument. Duke Yellowmoon was undoubtedly aware of the suspicions surrounding him. Surely, he’d know that his daughter Citrina was under scrutiny as well.

He could potentially sacrifice Citrina for an attempt to wipe out the student council in one go...but we already suspect him, so it’s very unlikely that we’d all have a taste of the stew at the same time, and he must be aware of that...

If the first person to try the stew fell ill, the others obviously wouldn’t eat it anymore. It was possible to employ some form of slow-acting poison, but the chances of finding mushrooms with such a convenient type of toxin on the island were, again, slim. In Keithwood’s eyes, it wouldn’t function as a plan; too much of it was left to luck.

“Also,” continued Mia, “I believe that we as members of the student council need to foster more than just a working relationship with each other. We need to foster friendship, and the lack of opportunities to do so thus far is a personal failing of mine. I would therefore like to make up for it by taking advantage of a large-scale event like the Holy Eve Festival to organize a private celebration for the council to enjoy and deepen our friendship.”

“That’s...certainly very kind of you...”

Her arguments were sound, but for some reason, they grated on Keithwood’s nerves. The problem with them, perhaps, was that they were too sound, resembling the kind of logic Sion tended to arm himself with when preparing to charge into danger.

“Besides, Bel is very good friends with Citrina, and they said they both wanted to come along if we were going mushroom hunting,” Mia added before shifting her gaze. “Miss Rafina, I do believe there’s a forest on the island that’s perfect for this kind of thing?”

Rafina put a finger to her chin and frowned.

“It’s...true that there’s a small forest on the east side of the island. I’m not sure if any mushrooms grow there though...”

Mia brushed away this concern with a casual wave of her hand.

“Oh, it’ll be fine. Citrina will be with us. Besides, I’ve also done a bit of reading into the matter myself. Right, Chloe?”

“Uh, yes. That’s right. Lately, in preparation for the mushroom stew party, Princess Mia has been consulting books to figure out how to make it a success.”

Ah, so this is premeditated. A plan rather than a whim.

Keithwood’s interpretation was perhaps a tad generous. Regardless, he kept listening as Mia blithely continued her spiel.

“You’ll be on the serene island of Saint-Noel, a blessed place where divine protection ensures nothing poisonous can grow, and you’ll be led by Citrina and me, a pair of veteran mushroom guides. What can possibly go wrong?”

Keithwood regarded the confident posture of the self-proclaimed “veteran mushroom guide.” For some reason, he could not recall a time when he felt less reassured.

“Okay, Rina, I brought a map.”

After successfully inveigling a map from Rafina, Mia promptly paid Citrina a visit in her room. This was, of course, so they could draft plans for their big mushroom hunting trip.

“Oh my, Your Highness. Greetings.”

Citrina’s attendant opened the door. She was an older woman, maybe fifty to sixty years old, whose face was devoid of expression save for a striking sharpness to her gaze. Her image was that of a longtime servant who was competent but also stubborn about the way things should be done.

“Yes, greetings, um...Ms. Barbara, was it?” asked Mia with a frown.

The old attendant curtsied respectfully.

“I am most honored to know that Your Highness remembers my name.”

“That’s, uh...good. It’s really not that big of a deal though...”

In truth, Mia was not particularly comfortable around stern-looking people like Barbara.

I’m getting a whiff of Ludwig from this lady! She seems like the type to give people two earfuls when she catches them slacking off!

Having perceived the danger of the old lady’s presence, Mia hastily walked past her and entered the room. Inside, Citrina was helping Miabel with her studies. Lynsha sat nearby.

“Hello, Rina. Thank you for being so good to Bel.”

“Oh, Your Highness is too kind. It’s hardly worthy of thanks. Bel is a dear friend to Rina, after all,” Citrina replied with a sweet smile.

Bel scratched her head with a bashful giggle and said, “That’s so nice of you to say, Rina. Thank you.”

The scene really drew out Mia’s inner grandmother. She watched the pair of younger girls with a placid smile, pleased to know that her granddaughter was getting along well with her friend. A quick glance toward Lynsha elicited a small nod.

Hm, it looks like everything’s fine here... It’s good to know that Lynsha is keeping an eye on them.

She let out a sigh of relief before changing the topic.

“Okay, so, about the student council mushroom hunting trip we were talking about. I brought us a map.”

This was the main purpose of her visit. Well versed in edible wild plants and herbs, Citrina’s knowledge of flora extended even to mushrooms, and Mia had figured she’d be the perfect person to consult for drafting up some mushroom hunting plans.

“Ah, thank you very much. In that case, let’s start figuring out the route,” Citrina said, taking the map.

On a tangential note, the layout of Citrina’s room was identical to Mia’s. The only furniture present was a writing desk and a bed, both mundane in design. Even Mia with her penny-pinching tendencies had afforded her room a less austere atmosphere.

“I must say, Citrina, you uh...didn’t bring much from home, did you?”

“That’s true... As I’m sure you’re aware, though I was born to one of the Four Dukes, our house is known to be the weakest, notable only for its age. Our ability to afford luxuries is limited, unfortunately. I do apologize for the drabness of my room,” said Citrina with an apologetic grimace.

Mia shifted uncomfortably in place, feeling like she’d just said something insensitive.

“Oh, um, don’t worry about it. My room doesn’t look all that different, to be honest. Are you...having any difficulties? I’m not exactly bursting with spending money either, but I can buy your school books or some...”

“The thought is enough, Your Highness. I’m doing fine. The library is always available to Rina when there’s something I want to know.”

After assuaging Mia’s concerns, Citrina pursed her lips in thought.

“We can’t possibly spread the map on the floor, so... It seems a tad crass, but...” She stuck out a playful tongue and spread the map on her bed. “How about here?”

“My, that looks fun!”

Mia’s eyes glittered at the suggestion. There was a sense of mischief to discussing plans while huddled on a bed that she found appealing. It felt like secret girl talk, and she loved that kind of thing! Her enthusiasm, however, was tempered by concern.

Won’t that Barbara lady tell us off?

She glanced toward the door to find Barbara watching them silently. The old lady made no attempt to approach.

Huh, that’s surprising. I figured she’d have at least a stern word or two...

She spared the thought a quick lift of her eyebrow before turning around and hopping eagerly onto the bed.

The forest they were going to hunt in was located on the east side of Saint-Noel Island.

“So there’s a forest over there, huh? I’ve never been,” said Mia.

“It’s not a very big forest, but lots of mushrooms grow there, so it should be fun. We’ll start finding them as soon as we enter, so everyone should be able to have a good time without going too far in.”

“That sounds wonderful!”

The fact that the mushrooms were easily accessible delighted her. As you all know, Mia was fundamentally a slacker, so the less legwork she had to do, the better.

“Also, we’d have to go deeper in, but I know there’s a place in the forest where a lot of Belluga mushrooms grow,” said Citrina.

“My, Belluga mushrooms! They grow here too? I read about them in Chloe’s books. They’re supposed to be perfect for stews.”

“I’m impressed. Your Highness is certainly well-read. They’re white mushrooms with a very rich flavor, but...”

Citrina frowned as she trailed off.

“Is there a problem with them?”

“There’s actually another species called False Belluga Mushrooms that look very similar, but those are poisonous.”

“My, poisonous, you say...”

“The poison isn’t too strong though. At worst, it might give you the runs for three days along with an unpleasant stomachache, but it’s said that even master mushroom pickers have trouble telling them apart...”

“Hm... Masters...” mumbled Mia, arms crossed in thought.

“That’s why it’s probably best for us to avoid picking any Belluga mushrooms,” said Citrina as she pointed to the map, drawing out a course that entered the forest from the south and stayed near the edge. “I recommend a route like this where we don’t go too far in. There shouldn’t be much danger this way.”

“I see...”

Mia studied the map for a while before straightening with a contemplative hmm.

Their discussion concluded shortly before dinner.

“We sure talked for a while, didn’t we? Thank you for your time. You were most helpful. I’ll be sure to repay you later,” said Mia.

Citrina smiled her sweet smile in response.

“Please, don’t worry about it, Your Highness. I’m just glad I get to go mushroom hunting with the student council. It really is an honor for Rina.”

Saint-Noel Academy’s student council was no mere school club. It had significant influence and real power, bolstered further by the roster of heavyweights that comprised its members. Just becoming acquainted with the Prince of Sunkland or the Holy Lady of Belluga would be worthy of celebration for the average noble. Therefore, though Citrina offered her help, she did not ask Mia for anything in return, because that was how people were supposed to behave. It was the natural thing to do...

“Well, by that logic, Bel should be in the same position, and you don’t see her being so modest! Besides, you’re accompanying us as our official mushroom safety expert, and you deserve to be rewarded for your efforts,” Mia declared.

A princess with a heart of gold, huh? The rumors are true then...

Citrina presented another blossoming smile.

“Thank you very much, Your Highness.”

Just then, Bel chimed in.

“You didn’t bring anything as a thank-you gift, Miss Mia? That was rather careless of you,” she said with a giggle before smugly tilting her head back. “Good thing I brought one then.”

Citrina did not expect this. She floundered a little for a response. Bel studied her for a second before proudly holding out her hands.

“Here you go, Rina. This is for you.”

In them was a small fluffy item. Closer inspection revealed it to be a stuffed...animal. A horse, maybe, but it was hard to say for sure.

“Um, Bel? What...is this?”

Bel grinned.

“It’s a stuffed horse! I got Malong to teach me in secret, and I made it myself. It uses horse hair, and it’s considered to be a good-luck charm in the Equestrian Kingdom.”

A troya... She’s right. This is a traditional Equestrian Kingdom charm.

Citrina knew about them. An Equestri had shown her one before. Made by carefully weaving strands of hair into the desired shape, they were no easy feat to make. As a result, Bel’s attempt, owing to her inexperience, did not much resemble a horse. It could just as easily have been a dog, and that was being generous. Frankly, it looked a little creepy, like some sort of misshapen creature from an unpleasant dream. It was decidedly not a gift one would be happy to receive.

But it was still a gift, and the unexpected nature of its presentation caused something to stir ever so faintly in Citrina.

“Thank you, Bel. This is a wonderful gift, and I really appreciate it,” she said with her usual head tilt and lip curl. It was a sweet smile—a perfect one—neither too emotive nor blatantly perfunctory. With all the loveliness of a blossoming flower, it melted the hearts of all who beheld it.

“Hehe, I’m glad you like it, Rina. Thanks for helping me study today.”

Bel beamed, all innocence and warmth. Citrina beamed back, tensing each muscle in her face just the right amount to match her friend’s exuberance.

After seeing them off, Citrina shifted her attention to the charm in her hand. She regarded it for some time before tossing it into the corner of the room with a dismissive flick of her wrist. Barbara wordlessly walked over and picked it up from the ground.

“So? What do you think, Barbara? Was that enough of a nudge?” asked Citrina.

The old attendant nodded in response, her humorless expression unchanged.

“Yes, milady. I do believe you’ve convinced them to avoid exploring the forest’s depths.”

“Good. This way, they shouldn’t see anything they’re not supposed to.”

Citrina laughed softly. It brought to mind the image of a charming little flower waving in the breeze. Then, her tone changed, gaining a touch of concern.

“Tell me, Barbara. Will father praise Rina now? Will he tell Rina that I’m a good girl?”

“Yes, I’m sure he will. Milord thinks very highly of milady. So long as the plan is brought to fruition, he will doubtlessly have many words of praise for you.”

“He will, won’t he? Yes... I’ll see this plan through. It’s going to work. And once it does, father will tell Rina how proud of Rina he is. Oh, I can hardly wait.”

Citrina giggled as she twirled in circles around her room. Barbara watched the impromptu dance in silence until a thought occurred to her.

“By the way, milady...” She held out the troya Bel had brought. “What would you have me do with this? Shall I dispose of it?”

“You mean throw it away? Hmm...” Citrina gave her head a cute little tilt. “That seems like a waste.”

“A waste, milady?”

She kept smiling at her puzzled attendant.

“I don’t believe in good-luck charms, but this will be a useful tool for getting to know Her Highness through Bel. Keep it here for now.”

“...As you wish.”

Barbara regarded Citrina for a long second before walking over to the desk and depositing the charm in a drawer.