3 bar menu

Paula’s Resolve – Part 01

During the tumultuous events surrounding Princess Kujastria, and Hikaru’s expedition deep into the mountains in search of the mighty serpent, the nobles within the royal palace continued their familiar chirping, speaking words of loyalty and self-preservation.

But now Margrave Grugschilt’s words—his proposal that the king’s duties be carried out by both the prince and the princess—had ignited whispers behind closed doors, suggesting that it might be wiser to support Kujastria instead of Austrin.

Naturally, such murmurs reached the ears of Austrin, the Crown Prince and heir to the throne.

“Has Father still not mentioned abdicating the throne?!”

Austrin hurled a ceramic goblet against the wall, shattering it to pieces. Wine splattered like blood.

“My apologies, Your Highness. I have been attempting to persuade His Majesty,” the grand chamberlain said, seemingly unperturbed.

In his view, ripe fruits would fall even without interference. Any hastening of their harvest would only antagonize others. Therefore, he maintained his composure in this delicate situation.

Besides Austrin and the chamberlain, there were only the prince’s trusted guards in the room. While it was acceptable for him to act foolishly before them, the chamberlain hoped Austrin would not display such emotional outbursts in front of the other nobles.

“Your Highness, this is the moment to display your regal dignity.”

“But Grugschilt told me to cooperate with Kujastria. With that idiot who only knows how to smile!”

“I believe the Margrave desires a puppet ruler he can manipulate to serve his own ambitions.”

“And what about you?! He humiliated you! Aren’t you even the least bit frustrated?!”

Grugschilt called the chamberlain a filthy pig. It was the first time in a long time he had been insulted so publicly. He was furious, of course. But responding verbally in that moment would have been the poorest choice of action. The current king, indebted to Margrave Grugschilt due to the man’s efforts in the war with the Quinbrand Empire, was of no use. The chamberlain instead intended to use Austrin, who was burdened by no such feelings, to exact revenge on the Margrave.

However, if he mentioned his plan, it was unlikely that Austrin would agree, and it would only expose his weakness to the prince, so he concealed his rage.

“My duty is to elevate Your Highness to the throne. As such, I do not let envy and verbal abuse from others affect me.”

“Your abilities are indeed remarkable,” Austrin reluctantly admitted. “But if a serious movement arose to place Kujastria on the throne, what would you do?”

“That is an impossibility. The only way to pass on the throne to her is if His Majesty changes the order of succession through established procedure. I will do everything in my power to prevent such a thing from happening.”

“You yourself mentioned there are other ways. Grugschilt must be aware of them, considering his ludicrous ‘walking legal codex.'”

“It appears Margrave Grugschilt has paid a visit to Duke Jackrune.”

“What?!”

Face flushed with rage, Austrin rose to his feet and kicked the chair. Delicate yet surprisingly sturdy, it bounced and tumbled across the thick carpet.

Austrin and the chamberlain were already aware that the three Dukes held the power to shift the throne.

“Please remain calm, Your Highness. It was within our expectations that Duke Jackrune and Margrave Grugschilt would establish contact, considering they’re old friends. The endorsement of all the Dukes is necessary to affect the throne. Persuading the remaining two Dukes is utterly impossible.”

“How can you be so sure?!”

“Your Highness is aware that Duke Nightblaze’s only son is ill, correct?”

“Hmm? Ah, yes. I’ve heard about it, but what does that have to do with anything? I was told it’s not a serious illness.”

“You’re mistaken, Your Highness. It is not an illness, but a curse.”

“What…?”

“Duke Nightblaze loves his son, Lord Galeicrada, very dearly. Since we know how to lift the curse, he would not do anything that would put us in an unfavorable position.”

“Tell me more.”

Once Austrin regained his composure and settled back into his seat, the chamberlain spoke with a casual smile.

“A contact of mine told me that the one responsible for casting a forbidden spell known as Purgatory Wedge on Sir Galeicrada was a Court Sorcerer. If we were to allude to this information, Duke Nightblaze will remain on your side.”

Even the prince’s face turned pale at this revelation. “You didn’t lay a hand on the Duke’s family, did you?”

“Heavens, no. I would never entertain such a dreadful thought. I stumbled upon this information through pure coincidence.”

“You haven’t disclosed this information to House Nightblaze, have you? The Duke believed Galeicrada was merely sick. Not some curse or forbidden spell.”

“I have no intention of relaying information without proof. However, the information I obtained indicates that Lord Galeicrada is in critical condition.”

“…”

“Curses are terrifying.”

“How long have you been preparing for this?” Austrin asked with a sense of unease.

“What sort of preparation would that be? I have been graciously entrusted a position beyond my merits, and I simply wish to wholeheartedly serve the royal family—no, serve you, Your Highness.” The chamberlain gave a deep bow.

“…”

Staring at the chamberlain, Austrin mulled the matter over. He must not trust this man. But as long as he remained an ally, he could prove useful. Revealing this much information was akin to exposing his own cards. The man was asserting that he was capable, and that they were in this together.

Austrin realized that if he didn’t cast aside the chamberlain now, it would be as if he targeted House Nightblaze himself. However, cutting off the chamberlain was impossible at the moment.

Might as well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb, Austrin thought.

“Are you certain the Dukes won’t make a move?”

“Of course not, Your Highness.”

“You have my trust.”

“Thank you.”

Although going with the chamberlain’s plans was frustrating, Austrin nevertheless gave his approval for the man to continue.

Satisfied with Austrin’s response, the chamberlain exited the room.

Early the next morning, a faint mist shrouded the forest. It was summer, yet Hikaru shivered as soon as he stepped out of the house.

“Take good care of Flower Face for me,” he said. “We’ll be back within three days.”

“In exchange for free lodging, I’ll make her do some cleaning and laundry.”

“I see you’re just as bad at household chores as your master.”

“Sh-Shut up. Stay on your toes out there. I know you’re confident you can kill a Ravine Serpent, but even the most skilled person will meet their end if they let their guard down.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Now get a move on. I’ll prepare for the removal of the curse.” Brinkra crossed her arms and turned away.

“G-Good luck, Star Face!”

“I’ll be fine. Silver Face is with me. I’m actually more worried about you.”

“Am I really that unreliable?!” Paula sounded a little hurt.

“We’ll be back soon,” Hikaru said. “Bye.”

“Take care! Come back soon!” Paula waved her hand as she watched Hikaru and Lavia disappear into the depths of the forest. Once they were out of sight, she lowered her hand.

“Are you sure you shouldn’t have gone with them?” Brinkra asked.

“What?! M-Me? I would only slow them down.”

“Is that so? Looks to me like you’re being cautious. Well, I understand why, given their apparent strong bond.”

Paula was silent, hanging her head low.

“But if you keep that up, you’ll never be able to close that distance.” Brinkra observed her for a while. “All righty, then. Let’s start with some cleanup. The storage has been gathering dust.” She headed toward the back of the house.

Paula quickly followed after her. Maybe they don’t trust me.

It was Hikaru who decided to hunt a Ravine Serpent with only him and Lavia.

Hikaru could use Stealth, and he possessed exceptional scouting abilities with his Mana Detection. As for Lavia, she had Imperceptibility, a stat under Stealth, allowing her to hide on her own even if she was separated from Hikaru.

Furthermore, according to Brinkra, the Ravine Serpent was weak against fire elemental magic. Therefore, the simplest way to kill one was to approach it while using Stealth and launch a surprise attack with Lavia’s spell.

Paula understood it perfectly. With Galeicrada G. Nightblaze’s condition worsening, it was a race against time, so it made sense to head out with the minimum number of people to increase mobility.

However, Brinkra’s words struck a chord with Paula, touching something she had been feeling deep within her.

If Lord Hikaru trusted me, would he have brought me with them?

She shook her head. Hikaru, being a pragmatist, wouldn’t change his decision.

Hikaru and Lavia shared a secret of some sorts, and Paula couldn’t help but feel sad for being left out. That was all.

I’m just being selfish, Paula concluded.

She slapped her cheeks lightly with both hands and went after Brinkra, who was standing in front of the storehouse, watching her with a frown.