Welco back. Arnold-sama.
Yeah, yeah, Im ho.
With such an exchange with the knight on guarding duty, I entered the Amsberg mansion.
Entering inside, the familiar butler was there to greet . He told that Elna and Anna-san are having dinner and started guiding to them without confirming with the two first.
This is usually the case when I visit them.
Are they just that open?
While having that thought, I arrived in front of the two of them.
Ara? If it isnt Al. welco.
Sorry for intruding. Anna-san.
Anna-san wasnt surprised and normally welcod with a smile.
She then stands up and takes Sebas off sowhere. She probably went off to prepare so food for .
I accept her hospitality and sit down opposite of Elna.
Al? Whats wrong? I heard that you are supposed to be at the party today though?
It was boring so I left.
I said so and put the alcohol I brought on the table.
The wine from the castle is quite good. Its taste is perfect.
Its still too early.did you leave before His Majesty?
Its okay. Nobody cares about anyway. The stars tonight are Leo and Lize-aneue after all.
You are saying sothing like that again.
Elna said with a fed-up expression.
Elna is the sa as usual. She doesnt seem depressed at all.
Still, the one that was different from usual here is probably .
When I picked up two glasses from the table, Elna stopped .
You know that I dont drink right?
Even when hanging out with a friend?
Haajust a little okay?
As I got Elna to compromise, I pour a little wine in one glass and pour another one to the brim.
Then, I handed the one with less wine to Elna.
A short mont of silence took over us.
Elna says nothing. Perhaps she already knew what I wanted to say but she doesnt want to rush .
While feeling thankful to her, I lower my head.
Sorry.
What are you apologizing for.
.The scene from Christas future vision can never be changed. No matter how you move, the future was already decided that Christa will be kidnapped. Still, I asked you to be her escort.
Is that so? I managed to save Rita in the end though?
I thought that you could do sothing about it with your power. but.I didnt tell you that the future cant be changed because I dont want you to doubt yourself. Thats why I kept it a secret from you. I.tricked you into it..
.thats insulting.
Elna murmured.
However, her tone wasnt angry.
When I raised my face, Elna was staring straight at .
Your apology is an insult to , Al.
..but.the Order was your.
Yes, it was my dream. I tried hard to get in it. I was raised while being told that joining the Imperial Knight Order and protecting the Imperial family is the Amsbergs duty and responsibility after all. Thats why I was really happy when I managed to join the Order. I even aid for the position of the Captain Commander. Still, I took it all for granted. It seems because of this incident, that dream might be getting far away from now but its all right.
Saying so, Elna smiles.
Her smile was one that shows that she truly doesnt mind about it.
But I know. I know how much effort she put in to beco an imperial knight without relying on the na of the Amsbergs.
Even though I just rendered all her effort aningless, Elna still didnt get angry and just smiled at .
It was painful.
It would be much better if she got angry at .
That look again. I told you already right. My oath is much more important than my honor. So dont worry about it. I will never forsake you, Al. I simply acted according to my oath. It wasnt your fault. I am aware of what could happen and took those risks by myself. So dont just take it all as your responsibility. Moreover, I was helpful right?
.yeah, of course, you are.
Im glad. If thats the case then its all good. Christa and Rita were safe and I was able to be helpful to you. I think thats already my victory. Honestly, it would be better if I can help you more though.
Elna says so while playfully smiling at the wine glass she is holding.
Then.
If you already understand then stop looking so depressed. What did you co here for? If its just apologizing then you are already done, right? So, lets celebrate. To this modest victory of mine.
Elna holds up the glass while bearing a proud smile.
Seeing her like that, I cant just keep brooding over what happened.
Shaking off my hesitation and regret, I hold up my glass. Elna called the chain of events so far her victory. Most people will say that it was her loss, I know for sure that this is her victory.
I have to celebrate with her.
After all, it was the victory of my sword.
To your humble victory.
Yeah, to my humble victory.
Saying so we clink our glasses and make a toast.
Elna gently tilts her glass but I drink its content all at once and pour another.
You will regret it later if you keep drinking it like that you know?
Its alright. If we are having a toast then its better to drink like this.
You said it like you are an adventurer. Well, I dont hate it though.
The mont Elna said that I stopped my hand.
The guilt I felt wanted to confess everything to her.
However, I stopped myself before I could do that and swallowed it all down with the wine.
Right now, there is no benefit in revealing this secret to her. If I do it now, I will just be putting so unnecessary secrets for her to carry.
I will have to tell her soday but today is not that day.
It will only trouble her. Its easy to let her spoil but I cant let myself get spoiled by her any more than this.
Even I have a backbone after all.
Elna.I will definitely make Leo the emperor.
Whats wrong all of a sudden?
I might be a little drunk I guess
Fufu, you are not such a lightweight right?
I get like this once in a whileif Leo becos the emperor, he will surely abolish this ridiculous custom. The succession war certainly was effective in raising competent emperors. Compared to other countries, our empire has considerably less foolish leaders. but to spill so much blood just for that is too ridiculousif its him, he will definitely be able to find another way, thats what I think.
I have no intention to die.
I want to live on my own terms, be an adventurer on my own terms, and die on my own terms. That is my life plan.
Thats why the best way for that to happen is for Leo to beco the emperor. It was one of the reasons I pushed for Leo to beco the emperor.
However, as long as this ridiculous custom continues, I will never be able to achieve that.
Even if we survive, our children will be involved in the next generations succession war.
When I got involved in the succession war, I was reluctant but I still have the power to participate in it. But that was not the case for Christa. It might not be the case for most of the imperial family who will be born in the future as well.
It is just too unreasonable to get caught up and push around even though they dont have any wish for the throne.
I wonder about that. It has continued for so long you know? It is the duty of the imperial family to produce a good leader. If there is a stupid emperor who cant control this vast empire then blood will flow even more than in this succession war. And that will be the blood of the citizens you know.
I know. I do think that what I wish for is selfish. As long as you are born in the imperial family, you cant escape its duty. I know that it was our price to paybut if I was satisfied with that, nothing would change. There should have been others in my family who thought like . Still, no one did anything. Nothing will change if we just leave it up to the future.
Then why dont you just beco the emperor yourself?
Dont be stupid..even if I think that it is an unreasonable custom, it still has its own rit. If I have to make a realistic judgnt call then Im sure that I wouldnt choose to abolish it. Thats why I chose to support Leo to beco the emperor.
And what if Leo arrives at the sa conclusion as you?
He wont. Hes not like . Rather than a realistic and effective thod, he would find another way that suits his ideal.
Hearing my words, Elna smiles.
She then holds up her glass toward .
Thats right. I think so too. Leo has sothing that makes people want to place their hopes on him. Thats why people are supporting him right
So you get it?
You are happy now because I just praised your brother?
Well, yeah.
While having such a conversation, I and Elna emptied the bottle.
While thinking about opening a new one, Anna-san and Sebas returned.
Bringing along a large number of guests.
Elna.!
El-nee!
Christa and Rita who were guided here by Anna-san rushed to hug Elna.
Your Highness Christa, Rita too..why are you here?
I brought her.
Saying so, Lize-aneue head over to Elnas side.
Elna who was surprised by the appearance of Aneue stands up in haste.
Your Highness Lizelotte!? Its, its been a long ti!
Yeah, long ti no see. You dont have to be so stiff. I ca to thank you today. You have my gratitude for protecting Christa and her friend.
No, your words are wasted on ..
Dont be so modest. It seems you have been taking good care of Al and Leo right. I cant thank you enough for that.
Aneue, I dont bother Elna that much you know.
While I was saying that, Leo showed up holding a lot of wines and snacks in both hands.
Did you really have to carry all that on your own? Isnt he kinda pitiful even though he is supposed to be the star tonight?
Alright..will this be enough I wonder?
Both of you have the leading roles tonight right?..you will get scolded by Father later you know?
Father already headed back and the one who wanted to do this was Aneue you know. I cant go against her, right.
Aneue was.
I noticed that you were gone. A celebration should be held with the people who did sothing to deserve it, dont you think so?
For such a reason?..but you did well knowing that I am here?
I asked Leo since I thought that Leo was naturally the one who would know but he shakes his head.
Leo turns his sight to the back.
Finne is standing there in her blue dress.
Finne-san said that she was sure that you would be at Elnas place so we decided to co here. Aneue said that she wanted to thank Elna too so I think that its a good opportunity.
Finne did?
Yes, I thought for sure that Al-sama would go to Elna-samas place.
To think that there would be soone else who could read other than Sebas.
Even Leo didnt know where I went. As expected of Finne huh. Or perhaps, the today is that easy to read?
While I was thinking about that, everyone sits down.
Finne is sitting next to while Leo is sitting next to Christa and Rita.
Perhaps he wanted to take care of them.
Lize-aneue sits beside Elna and starts having a heated talk about sword techniques.
Pleased to et you, Madam Amsberg. I am called Jurgen von Reinfeld.
Ara, nice to et you. Ive heard rumors about you, Duke Reinfeld. You were moving around quite a lot werent you?
Thats embarrassing of . Actually, a good mineral was recently mined in my territory and it was a perfect mineral for making armor you see.
Ara, isnt that interesting. My husband is currently away right now so can I speak to you about it in his stead?
Of course.
Jurgen who also ca over is now having a business talk with Anna-san.
This person is suitable to be a rchant. His habit of never abandoning an opportunity will really be a waste if he chooses to be a warrior after all.
Um, Al-sama..were we perhaps interrupted sothing?
..no, Im glad you ca.
Is that so! Then Im glad!
Saying so, Finne makes a wide smile.
I dont know if it was because of the alcohol or the loneliness sowhere in my heart but.
She looked really attractive to right now.
Thats why I decided to honestly tell her the words that ca up in my mind.
I couldnt say this at the party butthat dress looks great on you. Its beautiful.
R, Really!? Thank you very much!
Saying so, Finne happily smiles while her cheeks were dyed red.
After that, the fun ti continued for a while.
I thought that parties are boring in general but the modest party here is a lot of fun.
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