Chapter 2 — Activity in the Capital

Queen Aura was currently holding an informal audience with various dignitaries in the courtyard of the palace. As a general rule, there were long lunch breaks during the hottest period of the year, but every rule had its exceptions.

Considering her schedule and that, aside from today, the next convenient time was quite a ways away, Aura had—albeit reluctantly—surrendered her usual private lunch for diplomatic endeavors. The current heat was far too oppressive to hold such meetings in the palace’s dining hall as they normally would, so the lunch was being held next to the fountain instead, its water spraying high into the air.

The area was covered by a roof and supported by four pillars but had no walls, which allowed the wind to blow freely through. The roof warded off the worst of the sun, and the lack of walls meant that the breeze coming from the direction of the fountain was somewhat cool.

In the courtyard, having done as much as possible to mitigate the effects of the heat, Aura dipped a piece of hard bread into a bowl of spiced soup and looked towards the middle-aged noble to her right.

“I do hope I have your understanding, Count Zamahrd? Our military movements are intended to deal with the expanding population of raptors on our roads, and our forces are being deployed domestically. I would appreciate you relaying that to the Kingdom of Navarra.”

Navarra was an inland country on Capua’s southern border, running along the edge of Gaziel’s territory. It might have been a far weaker nation, but they had managed to maintain their independence throughout the prior war, and Aura preferred to avoid unnecessary conflict.

“I do indeed understand, Your Majesty. I shall convey your message without fail,” Count Nalbia Zamahrd replied with a slight bow.

The count was a middle-aged man with no particularly striking features. He was of medium build with the usual tanned skin that was characteristic of the western regions of Randlion, and his hair and eyes were dark. It was commonly said that the farther south one went on the continent, the darker the skin and hair got, but despite having a north-south border, the people of Navarra and Capua were ethnically much the same.

Of course, they were all there as representatives of their countries and were clad in abbreviated formal dress, so it wasn’t difficult to judge which country each person was from by appearance alone. Zamahrd was wearing yellow, the symbolic color of Navarra. He dipped his spoon into his soup, returning her gaze as he spoke.

“Still, with all due respect, I must say that if the issues on the Salt Road are indeed caused by raptors, my own country will be unable to simply ignore it ourselves. Your Majesty, along with your warning, we will wish to alert our northern territories to be on guard. Is that acceptable?”

Aura forcefully affixed a smile to her face at the foreign noble’s words and nodded. “Of course, that is more than understandable. Raptors hardly comprehend the significance of national borders. While we cannot aid you directly, there is no reason for us to hinder you.”

“My thanks, Your Majesty,” the count replied with a deeper bow from his seated position.

It was a rather obvious request, really. The Gaziel territories did indeed border Navarra, but they were buffered by craggy mountains, so unless a great departure from their normal behaviors was going on, there was no risk of the raptors actually crossing into Capua’s neighboring kingdom. The count and Aura were both aware of this, so it was clear that he was not truly asking her blessing to warn his country about the raptors but rather about the army itself.

Essentially, he was saying, “Just in case you’re lying, let us warn our borders to be on guard for a military invasion.”

It was an unsurprising measure considering Navarra’s position. Not being on alert while your neighbors were performing military maneuvers next door would be a mistake for any country. Aura had expected such an answer from the beginning and had replied already having taken the subtext into account, just as the count himself had done. She could well approve of them being wary.

Still, she thought, lifting the spiced soup to her mouth and blotting the sweat on her forehead, even ignoring such considerations, when you take into account the difference in our countries’ strengths, it is far from likely that they would act foolishly. Yet that is no reason to be negligent.

The Kingdom of Capua was one of the biggest countries on the continent, while Navarra was nothing more than another inland nation. Even if Capua hadn’t bothered with the polite warning, it was unlikely that Navarra would react forcefully, but unexpected issues could arise in international politics everywhere. If such conversations might prevent unfortunate clashes, it was an easy call to make.

Of course, this attitude might also have been due to their relative strengths, since if their positions were reversed, the situation would have been that much more difficult. They would never have been able to reach an agreement after the fact. Instead, they would have first needed to consult with their neighboring country, saying that they were moving troops to the borders but explaining that it was not a move directed towards them. “Understanding” would become more a matter of “permission.”

Considering that, trifles such as this are barely worth mentioning, she told herself, annoyed about having to give up her normal cool breeze and enjoyable lunch with her husband for this unofficial meeting.

Aura wet her throat with some tepid water from a silver cup and consciously reacted with a satisfied expression, giving an exaggerated nod before turning her gaze in the other direction. In her line of sight was a man wearing foreign attire with stripes of purple and white. He was a diplomat from the Twin Kingdoms of Sharou-Gilbelle, Knight Mareno Militello. At her glance, he pointedly cleared his throat in readiness for his own role and spoke slowly.

“First, I wish to say how splendid it is to see your countries take such steps to avoid misunderstandings. I can only commend both Her Highness’s consideration and Count Zamahrd’s prudence. I hope that my own country can follow such an example for constructive and worthwhile relations with our neighbors.”

“You honor us, Sir Mareno,” Zamahrd replied, a slight hint of relief showing through his almost perfect poker face.

It went without saying, but a third party in the form of the knight was only present as a concession to Navarra. If one took their relative strengths into account, such verbal, unofficial agreements could well be ignored in the face of sufficient force from Capua.

Of course, Aura had no inclination to go down that road, but she also had no way of conveying that sentiment to her visitor. The queen of Capua had a reputation for being relatively upfront as far as rulers of such large countries went, but if one were to ask if she had ever acted in a way that was worthy of guilt, she would have had to misdirect. Saying that she had never gone back on her word for the sake of her country would be a lie.

Thus, she had offered a seat to Mareno Militello in order to lend credence to her words. The Twin Kingdoms were just as big, if not bigger, than Capua, and they reigned supreme over the center of the continent. With the nobility of their kingdoms being aware of her words, even the Capuan monarch could not easily change her mind. Her aim must have been clear to both of her guests.

“My thanks for your gracious consideration, Your Majesty,” the count said with another deep bow after a glance at Mareno.

The explanation provided to both dignitaries seemed to have been accepted. That had been the main goal of the luncheon, so Aura’s own aims had been accomplished. But that didn’t mean the event itself was over. In spite of it being a paper-thin veneer that no one would truly believe, she was officially hosting a private lunch.

The nobles had already finished eating and were now chatting idly while drinking fruit juices and light liquors. They had replaced the sweat that they’d lost from the spicy soup, and were now sweating once more. It was a common solution for the heat, and it meant that people had to drink sufficient water during the summer months or else they would become dehydrated. Despite the relative lack of advancements in the medical sphere, the people of this world were well aware of the risks of dehydration from personal experience.

As they continued, the Twin Kingdoms’ diplomat casually spoke up with a smile.

“Your Highness. Your country is always so fast when it comes to sending orders, which is quite atypical for such a large nation. Can I assume that you used your magic on this occasion?”

“Hm? Ah, I did. Due to the urgency, I sent the messenger by way of my magic.”

It was nothing worth concealing, so Aura answered honestly. Of course, she readied herself at the same time. The dignitary would have been able to surmise as much without her confirmation, so bringing it up here could only mean that he wanted to use it to lead into another topic.

Whether Mareno was aware of her thoughts or not, he opened his eyes exaggeratedly and answered, “My! I was almost certain. The practical uses for your magic are exceptional even compared to that of other royals. Although, does it not make it all the more inconvenient that you are the only user of such gifts?”

“Well, I suppose it does,” she answered after a long moment. So that’s where he is going with it, she realized, having expected as much already. She relaxed slightly as she nodded. This was precisely what she had thought he would bring up.

“So, what would you say to this, Your Highness? Why not create a magic tool with which to use those powers?” he suggested with a sociable smile.

The magic tool that he was suggesting they create was without a doubt one that incorporated teleportation magic. Of course that is his aim, she thought, her smile wanting to twist slightly, but she held it back through sheer force of will.

It was a suggestion that had been made several times, even before her reign. Capua had always pushed it aside, though. Teleportation magic was one of the advantages that had catapulted their kingdom to the rank of a leading power in the western part of the continent. Such a tool would present a possibility for someone outside of the royal line to employ teleportation magic, albeit in a restricted fashion. In the past, the Twin Kingdoms had even suggested creating two such items and providing each of their countries with one.

Aura could not accept the suggestion of throwing away her kingdom’s prime advantage. “I do appreciate the offer, but I will have to decline. After all, their creation requires the cooperation of the practitioner and creator for years, does it not? As you said, I am currently the only one who qualifies as a practitioner. I find it unlikely that you would suggest I leave the throne empty and move to the Twin Kingdoms’ capital.” She concluded her reply by releasing the somewhat aggressive twist of her lips.

Mareno could read between the lines. Of course the Twin Kingdoms would never think to invite the queen to their capital in that way; they were more likely aiming for Zenjirou. After all, the prince consort was rapidly learning magic. He still lacked perfect control but could now successfully cast a barrier spell three out of five times. Once he gained more control, learning teleportation magic was only a matter of time.

At best, he would be able to practically apply the use of Space-Time Magic within the year, perhaps next year if his progression was slower. Aura was sure that their aim was to extend the invitation to him once he became capable of casting proper teleportation magic.

In that case, I cannot answer too bluntly, she considered, frowning. After all, Zenjirou himself had indicated that he wanted to use that magic once he was capable of doing so in order to bring a healer to their own capital if the worst came to pass during her next birth. That was currently his primary goal. Just thinking back on how much he thought of her was enough to put a smile on her face. So, considering that potential, it would be best to not strongly deny it.

Her thoughts had been whirling in order to rapidly reach that conclusion, but it was made moot on this occasion for the simple reason that Mareno’s next words were entirely different from what she had expected.

“Oh, not at all, Your Highness. You need not worry about that. Truthfully, Prince Francesco and Princess Bona showed a great deal of interest in those transparent jewels and diamond rings. With your permission, they would gladly welcome the chance to visit Capua.”

The unexpected statement caused Aura to lose control of her expression, laying her surprise bare. It was inevitable, though. Prince Francesco and Princess Bona were royals from the Sharou family. While the healers from the Gilbelle papacy might venture out now and then, the Sharou family’s enchanters had not left their own country in at least a hundred years.

Given that, containing her shock to the extent that she managed was rather impressive; there were other nobles at the table who had sprayed their drinks onto their clothes and the tablecloth. But Aura couldn’t even blame them; that was how shocking Mareno’s statement was. Paired with the suggestion of making magic tools with her royal line’s powers, it could remain a shock for quite some time.

“This is certainly not a decision that has yet been made; however, I would be grateful if you would consider it a topic of casual conversation. I do swear that my words are nothing but the truth,” the knight said with a fixed smile as if pleased with the impact he had made.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

That night, Zenjirou and Aura were spending their time after their evening meal and bath alone, sitting on the sofas in the living room. They were not sitting next to each other but across from each other.

Over the last year it had become somewhat of an unwritten rule that they would sit next to each other for casual discussions and across from each other when the topic was a little more serious. The trend meant that when Aura sat across from him, he knew how the conversation was going to go, so tonight he had yet to put his iced whiskey to his lips, instead placing the glass on a coaster atop the table.

It appeared that his assumption had been correct, as Aura spoke with a serious countenance that was at odds with her casual clothing.

“Zenjirou, do you have a moment? I apologize for bringing up such topics at this hour, but it is information that you need to hear. There was a conversation at the luncheon this afternoon where...”

Zenjirou leaned forward in his blue-striped pajamas, listening to his wife under the light of the lamps.

“Uh, I’m not sure I totally understand, but it’s that rare for the Sharous to leave the country?” he asked once she had finished her explanation.

He understood that their visit would be important but also felt like Aura’s surprise was excessive. After all, it had been less than a year since a princess from the same country (Isabella) had visited them. Besides, their marriage had been so rushed that only locals and diplomats had attended, but he had learned from Octavia that royals from other countries generally attended such events.

Aura smiled slightly at the question and answered with a nod. “Indeed, royal visits in general are not so rare, but a visit from the Sharou family is. The Twin Kingdoms have two royal families, after all, and most international matters are left to the Gilbelle papacy. They have not maintained the two-family system for centuries on a mere whim; they distribute their roles rather carefully. Of course, there are limits on their respective levels of influence, and I have heard that much of it is a tug-of-war between each family’s interests.”

Zenjirou nodded in understanding. “So, if such an introverted family is going out of their way to come here, they must have an important goal, right?” he asked, assuming that it went without saying.

Aura, as expected, nodded. “Most likely. I presume their main aim is to acquire your marbles. Isabella intimated that they would be interested in buying the remainder of them. It would seem they are of great use to their enchanting work.”

“Right, the marbles.” The glass orbs were something he’d bought an entire bag of for a few hundred yen, but they could completely upset the balance of power in this world. He knew that, but it still hadn’t sunk in. “Well, I’ll let you deal with that kind of thing. Just tell me what you decide and do what you like with them. There’s no chance they’re after my bloodline? They were rather fixated on it before, weren’t they?”

The sudden suggestion had Aura rest her chin in her hand and think before shaking her head. “I would not go so far as to say it is impossible, but it is a fairly remote possibility. Princess Bona is young and unmarried, so they may think she can ensnare you. However, they are unlikely to be so tactless within our own domain. If you are going to worry about that, you should do so while in their kingdom. You intend to go there once you have learned teleportation magic, do you not? Even if you have the surplus mana, it is far from a day trip. There will undoubtedly be a grand welcome awaiting you. If the Sharou family have not forsaken their designs on your bloodline or you yourself, that will most certainly be when they act,” she said with a slight leer.

“Oh, right,” he answered with a shudder. “I guess that’s a risk if I go there.”

It was to be expected. While he could, in theory, simply be teleported to the residence of Capua’s ambassador, a round trip to the country without the royal family’s permission would be unforgivable. Aura was right; he would be unable to refuse their “welcome.”

Damn, I might have taken this a bit lightly.

While it was still quite a ways in the future, he could now see how naive he had been and groaned slightly in regret. Regardless, it didn’t alter his goal of learning teleportation magic so that he could easily move between the kingdoms. It was almost certain that Aura would have a second and third child, and he absolutely refused to face the birth of their future children in the same way he had done with their first, Carlos Zenkichi, where he had been forced to sit and hope that his wife’s luck and stamina would prevail.

If it came down to it and he was eventually capable of such a trip, he would immediately be able to fetch help from a healer. He could allow himself some measure of risk for that. Resolving himself once again, he adjusted his position and met Aura’s eyes.

“Got it. When the time comes, I’ll be as careful as possible and will make sure that I don’t get caught up.”

“I see,” she answered shortly, a gentle look in her eyes.

His answer showed that he hadn’t changed his plan in the slightest, and understanding that such a plan was born of love for her, she couldn’t help but smile even as she worried about him.

“Very well. There is some time until that day comes, but I shall rely on you when it arrives,” she replied quietly.

“Anyway, going back to what we were talking about before, when are the prince and princess going to be coming?” Zenjirou asked, stirring the partially melted ice cubes in his drink and bringing the faceted glass to his mouth.

Aura sipped her brandy and leaned back into the sofa thoughtfully before answering. “I wonder. At present, it is nothing more than ‘an unofficial rumor.’ It is unlikely to happen immediately—it is unprecedented, after all. Honestly, I cannot read their actions.”

“Hmm, right. Then we’ll just have to be ready. What kind of people are they? Do you know them?”

Aura shook her head. “I do not. As I said, they are not particularly involved with foreign affairs; there is much less information on them than other royal families. I know their lineage and ages, along with broad rumors,” she answered, returning the partly-emptied glass to its coaster.

“What kind of rumors?” Zenjirou asked, prompting her to lightly fold her hands over her stomach and continue.

“First, their ages. Prince Francesco is twenty-four, and Princess Bona is sixteen, as I recall. Prince Francesco is of direct lineage, the current king’s grandson, son of the first prince, who will most likely be the next king.”

Zenjirou’s eyes opened wide in surprise upon hearing that the man was closer to the throne than he had expected. “So, he’s the king after next?”

Her explanation seemed to imply that. Succession didn’t necessarily pass to the eldest son in this world, but there was a strong tendency for it to do so.

Aura, however, shook her head. “No, he is not. At least, he currently has no claim to the throne.”

Zenjirou was even more surprised by that. “What?! But he’s, like, twenty-four, isn’t he? That can’t be normal, can it?”

“It is not. Ordinarily, at least. There are those of legitimate bloodlines who are not accepted as true royals due to a lack of lineal magic, but Prince Francesco is one of its top five practitioners,” she stated flatly.

Zenjirou couldn’t help but feel that something was wrong here. If this prince was the king’s grandson, and he was already twenty-four years old and able to use their magic well, why did he have no right to ascend the throne? The only explanation he could think of was that, despite his lineage, age, and skill, there was an issue with his personality that meant he was being pushed out.

“Just hearing about him makes me depressed.”

“I quite agree,” Aura said with a slight nod as her husband frowned, “although breaking many years of silence to send him here means that there isn’t likely to be an international incident... I hope.”

She gave a slight shrug before centering herself and continuing. “The other visitor would be Princess Bona. She is the polar opposite of Prince Francesco. Her parents are not royalty, merely an older noble family who inherited royal blood, and she consequently inherited the lineal magic. I believe she is twenty-fifth or twenty-sixth in line to the throne? As far away as a royal can be, really.”

“Oh, so even if she’s not actually from the royal family, she’s seen as royalty because she can use the family magic,” Zenjirou muttered, impressed.

“Indeed. It varies from country to country, but that is how the Twin Kingdoms do things. In truth, such extended royals can barely use their lineal magic and are not directly descended from the reigning family, so it causes no problems for matters of succession. Their only real value is in being additional users of the kingdom’s unique magic. It is a rather weak position within the country.”

“I get it. I feel kind of bad for saying it, but she’s like a cut-price princess in name only, then, huh?”

“Yes, which makes things more complicated. Their aim is as clear as day,” Aura replied with a meaningful look, prompting an inarticulate deluge from him.

“Oh...right, I get it. So maybe, they—perhaps—haven’t quite given up on me? Possibly?”

“Well, as I said earlier, I doubt they will be overly aggressive in our own palace. They likely wish to make your acquaintance and establish a rapport with you, presumably because there is no real risk in doing so,” she admitted with a shrug.

“Ugh... This is gonna get annoying, isn’t it?” he muttered, draining the remnants of his drink to swallow a heavy sigh.