Editing/Standardisation: Medicine Melancholy
Original Translation: Medicine Melancholy
Iris
When we returned to Rolandia Castle, Lenny-san informed me that Leonhardt-sama had requested my appearance in his office.
So it’s about that person after all… I thought as I strolled through the castle where I already knew every nook and cranny.
Amidst the bustling servants, as I approach the area where the guest rooms are located, the number of people dwindles. However, the tension among those we pass by grows stronger as we proceed.
“…Hey, is it fine for me to come with you?”
“I don’t think they’d mind…”
Reiji-san, who seemed suddenly anxious about the atmosphere within the castle, followed along tentatively.
But I understood his feelings. Thinking about what awaits us ahead, I mentally reviewed the etiquette I’ve learned since coming here, over and over again.
And so, we reached our destination, Leonhardt-sama’s office.
Suppressing the pounding of my heart due to nervousness, I knock on the door…
“Please, come in.”
At the sound of Leonhardt-sama’s voice from inside, I steal a glance at Reiji-san. Confirming his nod, I turned the doorknob and pushed the door open.
“Oh, you’re here at last!”
A booming voice greeted us as soon as we stepped into the room.
Inside the room, a middle-aged man clad in a robe of unmistakable quality welcomed us with a wholly delighted expression.
Behind me, I could hear Reiji-san muttering “Hey, isn’t that…?”.
Hiding the tremor of nervousness within me, I still managed to delicately lift the hem of my skirt and bend my knees slightly, bowing my head. Following suit, Reiji-san attempted to bow as well…
“Haha, there’s no need for that. Please, raise your heads. After all, we aren’t in a formal meeting; I want you to feel relaxed… We’re a long way from that stuffy royal castle, aren’t we?”
He said with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Relieved, I raise my head and smile at his lighthearted remark.
“It’s been a while… Uncle.”
“Mm. I’m truly glad that I’m able to see you again, safe and sound, Irisria.”
“We did meet earlier though, didn’t we?”
“Sorry, could you keep that from Leonhardt?”
We exchanged glances with each other.
His name was Alfgard Nordglacier.
He was our uncle in this world, the younger brother of the previous king, Aureolus… and the reigning king of this country.
This middle-aged man with a sturdy build didn’t quite fit the image of a ruler of a magical kingdom.
And here he was, brimming with joy at my safety by patting my head with his large hand.
While his predecessor, Aureolus, ruled with wisdom and decisiveness, His Majesty Alfgard was well known for his benevolence and dedication to the people, as befitting his name “gard”, meaning “protector”.
“Saulquez, too, has become more expressive indeed. I couldn’t have wished for more.”
As His Majesty happily nodded, Nii-sama, who had seated himself on the sofa earlier, smiled awkwardly.
“We’re really sorry. Although you cared about me and my sister so much back then, we weren’t able to remember it…”
“Considering how you both acted at the time, I could hardly fault you.”
“Is that so?”
I tilted my head upon hearing the king’s sympathetic remark.
“It really was… Seven years ago, you two always seemed absent-minded, to the point where I thought of you as dolls…”
His Majesty suddenly cut off his words.
Clearing his throat, feeling uneasy about what he just said, he once again flashed a warm smile, then resumed speaking.
“But now that both of you have grown up quite splendidly, I’d say we should leave that past behind us… Welcome back, you two.”
Rather than a king, he seems more like a kindhearted uncle.
Feeling somewhat ticklish from this impression of His Majesty, Nii-sama and I exchanged a glance and smiled.
It’s exactly teatime when we were all gathered, so the servants quickly moved out and prepared… soon enough, it became a tea party in here.
His Majesty was seated at the head of the table, with Nii-sama and I on his left and right, and Lenny-san diligently attending to our needs behind us.
Reiji-san, too, was graciously permitted to join, and now sat nervously next to Leonhardt-sama.
“…By the way, why has Your Majesty come here?”
After taking a sip of tea, I finally voiced the question I’d been wondering about.
I had intended to visit him someday, but I thought he would be in the royal capital, so seeing him all the way out here was unexpected…
However, as soon as I asked, everyone gave me a strange look.
“…I did try to inform you about His Majesty’s arrival ahead of time.”
“Eh…?”
“There was a messenger about a month ago, just a few days after the stampede incident… From the looks of it, that must have slipped from your mind.”
“Ah… I’m really sorry, I didn’t pay much attention to it at all…”
It was around the time when I buried myself in work, and Reiji-san went crazy with his training.
We simply didn’t pay attention to it… On the other hand, Nii-sama seemed to be aware of the news all along.
“Then I’m also to blame. I should have made sure to talk to you again after things settled down.”
“That’s not true at all! Leonhardt-sama was already busy as is…”
He had been handling duties far beyond what I could imagine, there’s no way I could fault him for that.
I panicked and tried to reassure him not to worry about it as he bowed his head in apology.
“About His Majesty’s purpose… He’s to make a guest appearance at the ‘Great Martial Arts Festival’ held on the Isle of Battles, Ares this summer.”
“…Great Martial Arts Festival?”
“Allow me to explain. As much as I’d like to say that this visit to Roland was to see my adorable niece and nephew in person… truthfully, that’s only an afterthought. I only stopped by this area since it’s our westernmost territory, from which we can travel to the isle, which is located near the western continent.”
“Your Highness Irisria, are you familiar with Great Martial Arts Festival?”
“Um…”
To Leonhardt-sama’s question, I try to recall the description that should have been part of my studies about this world.
Taking place once every four years, the Great Martial Arts Festival wasn’t just a big fighting tournament… it also had strong elements of a harvest prayer.
In this world, there are two main deities that people worshipped, Eirene, the Goddess of Peace, and Ares, the God of War.
Eirene presides over spring and autumn, while Ares presides over summer and winter.
In spring, Eirene sows the seeds of life.
In summer, Ares bestows vitality.
In autumn, Eirene harvests the grown crops.
And in winter, Ares guards the resting earth.
Thus, while taking turns in their roles, they watch over the people in this world, as told in the religion practiced here.
Every year, a grand festival corresponding to the four seasons was held in rotation, and this year, it was summer… thus, the Great Martial Arts Festival.
While thinking about it, I suddenly realized that something’s off.
There’re four seasons… which means, in this world, the axis should be slightly tilted toward the sun if it’s another planet like Earth.
But the fact that Nordglacier in the far north and Flamberge in the far south have the same seasons as everywhere else… does put how this world works into question.
“…Irisria?”
“Ah… I’m sorry, I got lost in thought for a moment.”
His Majesty cast a puzzled glance at me as I fell silent. Clearing my throat, I switched gears.
“Well… I did learn about the grand festivals during my studies, so I think I know a thing or two. It’s a custom for all countries to have their important figures attending to the festivals as guests, am I correct?”
It’s not necessary for them to be heads of state or monarchs, but as far as I remember, it’s a Nordglacier tradition for several members of the royal family, including the king, to attend each year.
Similar to us, Flamberge, which was ruled by a monarchy, also had members of the royal family attending. The Western Trade Federation, whose rulers are elected, would send its top political leaders.
As for the Eastern Islands, which don’t have a royal family or an elected leader, their revered “Shrine Maidens”, who usually rarely appear in public, would attend the festival.
“Yes. This year, not only myself but also the queen and my son are scheduled to attend, but I have some business to attend to. I’m stopping here by myself first, and plan to meet up with them later.”
“Thank you for taking your time to come here.”
Even with the magical trains connecting the royal capital to the Central Business District, and then taking ships, it took about a week to get here from the capital.
While appreciating his journey, I considered if there’s any way I can accompany him after hearing his purpose.
…To be honest, I wasn’t particularly fond of a big fighting tournament. It’s something else…
“So… What do you think, Saulquez, Irisria? If you’re both willing, you’re welcome to join…”
““I’m coming as well!””
Nii-sama and I eagerly responded to His Majesty’s proposal.
While Reiji-san had been hanging back due to the atmosphere, it’s evident that he’s been restless since this topic came up.
Surprised by our sudden enthusiasm, His Majesty blinked his eyes.
“It’s settled, then. I’m going to arrange for your participations. If you, especially Irisria, are coming along, it’ll surely motivate our participants…”
Because there’s no other princess in this country right now, His Majesty smiled wryly.
“Also, if there’s anyone else you want to bring, let me know in advance.”
“Is that okay? In that case… I have an acquaintance who is an excellent artisan. I’d like to invite her as well.”
“Oh… certainly. If she’s such a person, the island would undoubtedly be a good learning opportunity. Bring her along, by all means.”
Nii-sama had already begun negotiations regarding who’s accompanying us. He’s always reliable in this regard.
By the way, it’s already confirmed that Reiji-san would join as Leonhardt-sama’s bodyguard, which made me happy that the three of us could go together again.
The reason why we’re so eager was because of the location where the Great Martial Arts Festival will be held.
The Isle of Battles, Ares.
It’s a group of islands located between the northern and western continents, the largest of which was basically a city centered around its main attraction, the grand arena.
During the Great Martial Arts Festival, people express gratitude to Ares for the vitality he bestows during summer… by showcasing their fighting skills in a tournament, with strong competitors from various countries naturally gathering there.
However, disrespectful as it may be, what piqued our interest was something else entirely.
As much as the tournament’s about people’s martial arts, it’s also a way for artisans to showcase their product, namely weapons and armors.
For that reason, during the time of the festival, the venue where it’s held become a bustling trading hub where skilled artisans everywhere, regardless of race, gathered.
Having most of our equipment damaged from the previous battles… for us, it’s logical that it should be our next destination.
(TL’s Note)
I finally did my homework on Greek mythology and changed the goddess’ name from Ailene to Eirene.
APM - Translation 