[Chapter 7] The Oath

A few weeks after the pivotal discussion with her country’s government, Christina stood alone on the balcony of her room in the State Guest House. In the lingering twilight, she could just make out the distant silhouette of the mansion where Rio lived. Her gaze, fixed on that single point in the still nightscape, was distant and hazy, lost in thought.

“…”

Just as her lips parted to murmur something into the quiet, the sound of the balcony window sliding open broke the silence behind her. She had left the curtains open—a silent invitation.

“…Onee-sama?”

There was only one person who called her that.

“Flora,” Christina said, turning to her beloved younger sister with a gentle smile. Flora had been sleeping beside her in the same bed only moments before. “I’m sorry. Did I wake you?”

“No, I just happened to wake up and you weren’t there, Onee-sama. What are you doing out here?”

“…I was just thinking how beautiful the moon is tonight,” Christina replied after a brief pause, her eyes finally lifting to the night sky she hadn’t truly seen until that moment.

“Wow, you’re right. It’s beautiful…” Flora’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at the luminous orb above.

“Isn’t it?” Christina’s smile was full of affection as she reached out, her flawless, snow-white fingers gently touching her sister’s cheek. Her light purple hair swayed softly in the night breeze.

“Hee hee.” Flora smiled, a ticklish warmth spreading from her sister’s touch, and stepped closer to hug Christina’s arm.

“What is it?”

“Well… you’re leaving for Rodania tomorrow, aren’t you, Onee-sama? I’m going to be lonely.”

“You’re such a baby…” Christina murmured, extending her free arm to stroke Flora’s head. “I’ve made you feel lonely, haven’t I? You were separated from our family for so long, and I joined Restoration… You must want to see Father and Mother, don’t you?”

“…It’s alright. It would be a lie to say I wasn’t lonely, but because of that, I get to be with you every day now, Onee-sama,” Flora said, then her voice softened. “…I’m sorry, Onee-sama.”

“…Why the sudden apology?” Christina tilted her head, puzzled by her sister’s abrupt change in tone.

“I’ve thrown all my duties as royalty onto you, Onee-sama. Because I’m so unreliable… I’m of no use at all…” Flora looked down, her voice laced with guilt.

“That’s not true,” Christina declared, her voice firm with conviction. “You have your own strengths.”

“Do you… really think so?”

“I do. I’m strong-willed and tend to keep people at a distance. I’m not good at getting close to others. But you’re different, Flora. You can accept people and become friends with anyone, without prejudice. It’s a wonderful quality I don’t possess. You’ve saved me with it many times, and I know you’ll save me many more times in the future.”

“…You have a very cute side, you know, Onee-sama?”

“What are you talking about?” Christina laughed, a hint of exasperation in her tone.

“That’s exactly what I mean. Hee hee.” Flora’s eyes crinkled with amusement. Then, her expression turned serious. “…Onee-sama, you admire Rio-sama, don’t you?”

She asked the question so suddenly. Alone on the balcony, she used his first name, Rio.

“…Huh?”

Christina’s composure unintentionally cracked.

“I’m sure no one else has noticed, but I did because I know you so well, Onee-sama. I feel like you’ve been watching Rio-sama a lot lately.” Flora’s insight was sharp, cutting through Christina’s careful defenses.

“I don’t think that’s the case…” Christina deflected, looking uncomfortable. “Speaking of which, aren’t you the one who’s fond of Lord Amakawa?”

“Eh? Me… you think?” Flora’s eyes went wide with genuine surprise. After a moment of awkward silence, she confessed, “I wonder? To be honest, I think it’s still too early for me to understand what it means to love someone romantically… But there’s something I do know for sure. For me, Rio-sama is the very image of admiration. Just like you, Onee-sama.”

“Like me? Lord Amakawa is?” Now it was Christina’s turn to be stunned.

“Yes. He’s strong, kind, intelligent, handsome, and he protects me. That’s why… if I had an older brother, I’d want him to be just like him. It’s a very presumptuous thing to think, I know… That’s why I thought you would be a much better match for him than someone like me, Onee-sama.” Flora said it all with a sweet, innocent smile.

“That’s not… true…” Christina’s expression stiffened, her lips moving awkwardly.

“Onee-sama,” Flora said, her voice filled with a newfound resolve.

“…What is it?”

“I’ve said this before, but I want to help you more, Onee-sama. I understand that politics are difficult, and someone like me would only be a burden…”

“Flora…”

“I know you’re protecting me with such great care. I don’t want to go against your feelings, and I do wonder, ‘what can someone like me possibly do?’… but still. If there’s anything at all that I can be useful for, I want to do it.” As Flora spoke, a powerful will ignited in her eyes.

She’s growing up, this child…

Christina’s eyes widened as she stared at her sister.

“…Indeed. Perhaps I have been a little too overprotective.”

“That’s right. You spoil me too much, Onee-sama.”

“That’s because you’re such a baby…” Christina replied, though that wasn’t the whole truth. She had her hands full, and she desperately wanted to keep her pure-hearted sister as far away as possible from the world of politics, a world where pretty words were not enough to survive…

“…Am I really that much of a baby?”

“You can’t deny it, can you?” Christina glanced down at Flora’s arms, which were still clinging to her own.

“Th-This is…”

“…It will be tough.”

“Eh?”

“Can you promise me? That you won’t complain, no matter what happens.” Christina turned her head, her gaze piercing, as if to gauge the depth of her sister’s resolve.

“…Yes.” Flora nodded slowly, her expression firm.

“Then, I think there will be more for you to do from now on.”

“Really?” A small smile played on Christina’s lips at the sight of Flora’s delight.

“Yes. But for now, we should probably go back to sleep. It would be terrible if we caught a cold, especially with the trip to Rodania tomorrow.”

“You’re right. Let’s sleep holding each other tight to stay warm.” Flora tightened her embrace on her sister’s arm.

“See? You are a baby after all,” Christina giggled, amused.

“T-Tonight is special! I won’t be able to see you for a while starting tomorrow, Onee-sama.”

“That’s true. Well then, perhaps I’ll hold you tight tonight as well. I have to spoil you a lot so you don’t get lonely.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

And with that, the two sisters returned to their room.

◇ ◇ ◇

The next morning, Christina stood at the bustling port of the Galarc Kingdom, ready to depart for Rodania. Alfred, her loyal guard, stood by her side. Flora, Hiroaki, Roanna, Rei, and Kouta had all come to see her off.

An agreement had already been signed: Rodania would be returned in exchange for the cancellation of Christina’s coronation and a ban on her re-enthronement. The plan was for the home government’s army to withdraw from Rodania first. Then, an advance team from the Restoration would confirm the city’s safety, after which Christina would travel to the site to formally declare and ratify the cancellation of her coronation by letter.

So, for a little while longer, Christina was technically still a queen.

“Onee-sama, it’s Rio-sama and Celia-sensei!” Flora exclaimed with a smile as innocent as a child’s. A carriage had just arrived, as Rio and Celia emerged from it.

“Lord Amakawa. And Celia-sensei, too.” Christina approached them, a warm smile on her face.

“Good morning. We came to see you off,” Rio said. “We thought it might be a bother if we came in a large group, so it’s just us.”

“Everyone else wanted to come, you know,” Celia added, standing comfortably by his side.

“Thank you, I’m happy you’re here. You two make a lovely couple, hee hee.” Christina’s tone was slightly mischievous, a genuine smile gracing her lips.

“P-Please don’t tease me, Christina-sama,” Celia blushed in embarrassment.

“It’s rare to see you tease someone, Onee-sama. You seem to be in a good mood,” Flora pointed out happily.

“I suppose I am feeling rather cheerful,” Christina agreed with an elegant smile.

“I was wondering what would happen for a while there,” Hiroaki chimed in, his tone slightly affected. “You are amazing. To think you actually got Rodania back.”

“It is super rare for Hiroaki-san to praise someone, is it not?” Rei teased.

“Indeed,” Kouta added with a laugh.

“Huh? That’s not true. I only praise the real deal.”

“So, that means Christina-sama is the real deal too, then.”

“You don’t have to rephrase everything I say!” Embarrassed, Hiroaki put Rei into a playful headlock.

“It is thanks to being supported by such capable people,” Christina said, her gratitude sincere. “Hiroaki-sama’s presence was also a great help. Thank you.”

“Hah, spare me the flattery,” Hiroaki grumbled, releasing Rei.

“That’s not true at all. I cannot tell you how much of a help it has been to have you with us all this time, Hiroaki-sama. We rely on you greatly, and I am sincerely grateful. I am an awkward woman, so I may not have been able to express my gratitude properly.”

“Ah, well, that’s not really true, but…” Hiroaki looked away shyly, scratching his head.

“Wow, you’re really blushing, Hiroaki-san.”

“Your face is getting red.”

“I told you to shut up!” Hiroaki grabbed both Rei and Kouta, pulling them into a double headlock.

“Hee hee, as long as you two are with Hiroaki-sama, I can rest assured,” Christina giggled, looking at the struggling boys.

“Oh my, how embarrassing,” Rei managed to say while still in the headlock.

“Hiroaki-sama,” Christina continued, her gaze shifting to Flora, “if possible, could you also look after Flora while I’m away? As you may know, she’s shy around strangers and gets lonely easily. I would appreciate it if you could give her some attention.”

“Ah, well, leave it to me,” Hiroaki shrugged and nodded, finally releasing his friends.

“I’m counting on you. Roanna, you too, please support Hiroaki-sama and Flora.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Roanna bowed deeply.

“Celia-sensei, if anything comes up, please be there to talk to Flora and the others. My stay might be longer than expected, as I need to confirm the situation on the ground.”

“Of course,” Celia nodded with a warm smile.

“Lord Amakawa,” Christina said, finally turning to Rio. “I’m sorry to have worried you, but thanks to you, I have managed to recover. Thank you.”

“I haven’t done anything.”

“That’s not true. I’ve received a lot of courage from you…”

Give me courage──that was the wish Christina had expressed to Rio that night. To others, it might sound like a casual phrase, but to Rio, it held a special meaning. That is, if he remembered.

“…In that case, I’m glad.” It seemed he did.

Rio’s eyes widened slightly, a hint of hesitation in his expression. “I thought perhaps I should accompany you as a guard, if necessary…” he offered.

“Oh no, that’s alright. The advance team has confirmed that it’s safe, and Alfred is with me.” Christina declined with a dazzling smile. Just then, the rhythmic sound of footsteps on the stone pavement approached.

“Christina-sama, my apologies for interrupting. The preparations for departure are complete,” Vanessa reported.

“I see. I’ll be right there. Wait a moment.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Christina’s expression became firm, but in the next moment, it softened again. “And with that, it is time for me to depart.”

She bid farewell to everyone with a gentle smile.

“Please take care,” Flora said, bowing her head. Roanna and Celia followed suit.

“Yes, you all as well.”

With those final words, Christina ascended the ramp to the magical ship. Alfred and Vanessa followed behind her. Once they were all on board, the ramp was removed. The ship, powered by magic, began to move swiftly across the water before lifting into the air and flying away.

The group on the shore watched until it was a speck in the distance.

“Alright. Well then, shall we go have breakfast at Haruto’s place?” Hiroaki said cheerfully, breaking the silence.

“H-Hiroaki-sama, showing up so suddenly would be…” Roanna began hesitantly.

“I was just about to invite you all. Please, come,” Rio welcomed them warmly.

“Ah, thank you very much, Lord Amakawa,” Roanna said, looking relieved.

“Alright, it’s settled then. Let’s go, you guys.” Hiroaki took the lead, heading for the carriage as the others followed.

As he was leaving, however, Rio took one last look at the magical ship carrying Christina, now just a glint in the far-off sky.

◇ ◇ ◇

The next day, the magical ship carrying Christina landed on a lake. The vibrations from the landing reached the cabin where she had been waiting alone.

It seems we have arrived. Christina, who had been sitting perfectly still in her chair with her eyes closed, opened them. A few minutes later, a soft knock echoed through the quiet room.

“…Christina-sama, we are ready to disembark,” Vanessa announced, opening the door.

“I understand.” Christina closed the small box on the desk, took it in her hand, and stood. As she stepped into the hallway, she paused. “Where is Alfred?”

“He is with Baronet Huguenot.”

“I see. Let’s go.” Christina led Vanessa down the hallway.

When they reached the deck, they found themselves surrounded by armed knights of the Restoration. A palpable hostility hung in the air, a stark contrast to their supposed alliance.

“…What is the meaning of this?” Vanessa demanded, her hand on the hilt of her sword, her body protectively shielding her mistress.

“I gave the order.”

Baronet Gustave Huguenot appeared from a passage, his voice flat and cold.

“…What is this about, Baronet Huguenot!?” Vanessa’s voice was filled with rage.

“It is about this.” An irritatingly familiar male voice came from beyond the circle of knights. The soldiers parted, creating a path.

From it emerged Duke Arbor and his son, Charles.

“…Duke Arbor, Charles, what are you bastards doing here!?” Vanessa’s eyes blazed with fury. They were accompanied by a large number of knights in the uniform of the home government’s army.

“…This is not Rodania.” Christina stared blankly at the city spreading out beyond the ship. Her eyes were filled with unmistakable shock.

“Heh.” Duke Arbor grinned, the look of a hunter who had cornered his prey.

“…This ship was supposed to be heading to Rodania,” Christina said, her face contorting with bitterness.

“There must have been a change of destination,” Duke Arbor said, unable to contain his laughter.

“…On whose orders?”

“As I said, on my orders,” Baronet Huguenot repeated grimly.

“Good work, Duke Huguenot,” Duke Arbor praised him, pointedly addressing him by his former title.

“You betrayed us for the sake of the title you lost, Huguenot!” Vanessa shouted.

“Please do not misunderstand,” Duke Huguenot replied with a frown. “The confiscation of a title is the sole prerogative of His Majesty the King. Once Christina-sama cancels the coronation, all decisions made during her reign become retroactively null and void. I would have regained my title regardless.”

“…Why did you betray us?” Christina asked, her gaze stern.

“I grew thoroughly disgusted with being swayed by your naivety, mistaking ideals for resolve. That is all,” Duke Huguenot replied, his expression filled with contempt.

“…So, that is what you truly think.”

“It is not just me. Many on this ship have judged that they can no longer follow you. This situation is entirely a result of your own naivety.”

Duke Arbor watched the exchange with great amusement. They were surrounded, with no way out.

As Vanessa moved to draw her sword, a voice stopped her.

“Stop it, Vanessa.”

Alfred emerged from the ship’s corridor, the tip of his sword pointed at his own sister.

“B-Aniue… you too have betrayed us!?”

“I am sorry, but I am the King’s Sword,” Alfred replied, his face devoid of emotion.

“He cannot offer his sword to Christina-sama, who will no longer be queen. That’s what it is,” Charles interjected with a sneer. “The man is an inflexible stick-in-the-mud. You don’t seem to understand him very well for a sister.”

“Tch…” Vanessa glared at Charles with utter disgust.

“Hmph, what a rebellious look. Hey,” Charles jutted his chin, and the surrounding knights closed in on Christina and Vanessa.

“Insolent fools!” Christina’s voice was harsh, but it did not stop them. Anti-magic shackles were fastened to her wrists, and she and Vanessa were bound without any means of resistance.

“So, where is the Regalia?” Duke Arbor asked, approaching Duke Huguenot.

“It is in the small box that Christina-sama is holding,” Huguenot replied.

“It seems to be this,” one of the knights reported, opening the box in Christina’s hands. Inside was a single letter and a ring──one of the Regalia of the Beltrum Kingdom, also known as the Royal Seal.

“Indeed… Well, you have truly done well. Your contribution is great,” Duke Arbor said with a wide grin, patting Huguenot’s shoulder. “We have had our misunderstandings, but let us put it all behind us. As promised, I have prepared the post of Minister of Internal Affairs for you, but that alone is not enough of a reward. You have much to look forward to.”

“…”

Christina glared at the two dukes with utter resentment.

Duke Arbor met her gaze coolly. “Now, we shall escort you to the royal capital.”

He spread his arms grandly, ready to lead Christina back to the capital of the Beltrum Kingdom.

◇ ◇ ◇

Christina was separated from Vanessa and taken to a magical ship belonging to the home government, the same one Duke Arbor was on. Shortly after it departed, he came to see her.

“Well now, we can finally talk in peace.” Christina was seated on a sofa in a cabin, facing Duke Arbor. Charles stood beside his father.

“Is this how you treat a queen?” Christina asked with a sarcastic smile, glancing down at the anti-magic shackles binding her wrists.

“This measure was, of course, approved by His Majesty King Philip. He said that if you were to become violent, restraining you would be unavoidable.”

“When have I ever been violent?”

“Hahaha, those on the deck witnessed it,” Duke Arbor laughed, implying that facts could be twisted however he pleased.

“…You do understand, don’t you? I have not yet declared the cancellation of my coronation.”

“There is nothing that violates the agreement. We have already returned Rodania, and we have already received notification by letter, have we not?” Duke Arbor produced a document. It was the letter stating Christina’s intention to cancel her coronation.

“…You mean you confiscated it. Besides, I have not yet affixed the Regalia’s seal.” The letter had been in her possession, ready to be stamped and sent.

“In that case, you can just stamp it here. Oh, but with your hands in that state, it would be difficult. Then, as Prime Minister, I shall do it in your stead…” Duke Arbor took the Royal Seal and, with a mocking sneer, stamped the letter.

“…A seal affixed against the will of the person is invalid. It also constitutes forgery of an official document.”

“That would not be the case if you were to agree to it later. If you refuse, we will consider it a violation of the agreement on your part, and we will simply take back Rodania by force.”

“…You shameless cur.”

“Fuhaha!” Duke Arbor simply laughed at her insult. “Rest assured. If you abide by the agreement, we will abide by it as well. We will not lay a hand on Rodania for the next ten years.”

“…”

“Are you thinking that there’s no guarantee we’ll keep the agreement? That’s what the penalties are for. If we invade Rodania, I’ll have to step down from my positions as Prime Minister and Marshal. The letter proving this is kept by Restoration. Is that not enough for you?”

“No. You are shameless, but you’re also a man who cares more than anyone about appearances and reputation. I don’t think you have the guts to break an agreement witnessed by a third party, the Galarc Kingdom. They’re an opponent that even your precious power cannot silence.”

“…Hmph, you speak as if you understand me quite well,” Duke Arbor’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, displeased by her sharp analysis.

“Then, is there another reason for you to abide by the agreement?”

“We, too, were at a loss as to how to handle the prisoners we captured in Rodania. If a group of malcontents gathers in a remote area and isolates themselves, it is not such a bad proposition.”

“…You look down on them a great deal, don’t you? The force known as the Restoration.”

“Is there any reason not to? You have been captured. The Regalia has been returned. Huguenot has surrendered. What other threats could there possibly be? At best, they are a mere regional power,” Duke Arbor judged bluntly.

“Then, what about that Huguenot? I think he is a malcontent, for sure.”

“Indeed, I cannot trust him completely. However, a man in his position cannot betray his allies without considerable resolve. It is different from some minor figure betraying someone. Above all, I am a man who values results. Since he has shown the great result of handing over you and the Regalia, I will reward him accordingly.”

“So you think you can control even a former enemy, as long as they are motivated by profit?”

“It is a matter of magnanimity as a statesman. Isolating such capable individuals and earning their resentment does more harm than good. It is more profitable to keep them close and win them over.”

“…Then, you traitors should get along well,” Christina said, not hiding her displeasure.

“You are too much of a purist. Betrayal is a part of politics. It is not uncommon for opposing parties to be united by profit. No wonder they say you were soft on Huguenot.”

“It is better than losing sight of myself and becoming hideous, blinded by profit.”

“You cling to your pride in such trivial matters. That is probably why you’re so unpopular. I feel sorry for those who remain in Restoration. Well, I suppose there will be a succession of defectors from now on. That is right. Shall we offer better posts to those who defect sooner?” Duke Arbor provoked her blatantly.

“You should not think that everyone will defect to you because of that,” Christina merely frowned.

“I believe the outcome is as clear as day. Well, history will be the judge. I look forward to seeing what kind of princess you will be remembered as. I suppose it will be something like ‘the wicked woman who threw the country into turmoil in pursuit of her ideals’.”

“You, on the other hand, will at best be a notoriously infamous dictator, I imagine.”

“No. My history will be written by me. For history is written by the victors,” Duke Arbor declared arrogantly.

“…You seem to be suggesting that you will write my history as well.”

“Do you think so?”

“You may want to stir up anxiety, but your threats are meaningless. If you wish to write your subjective history, then you should present your terms.”

“…Well now, you say the strangest things. Terms, all of a sudden?” A look of caution lit up in Duke Arbor’s eyes.

“You are having this pointless conversation because there is something else you want from me besides canceling the coronation, are you not?” Christina pointed out sharply.

“…What a truly cunning vixen you are,” Duke Arbor muttered, his brow furrowing in annoyance. “Even so, do you really think you are in a position to make a deal?” he asked, a confident smile returning to his face.

“I believe I am. I am sure I still have some use to you.” Christina did not lose her dignified demeanor.

“You seem to have a rather high estimation of your own worth.”

“Do you think so? You see yourself as the master of the forest. All other trees are nothing more than decorations or nutrients to adorn yourself. That is why you would not hesitate to cut down any that get in your way.”

“…What is this all of a sudden?”

“I’m the tree in your way, aren’t I?”

“Kuh…” A vein popped on Duke Arbor’s forehead, his anger becoming apparent.

“But you cannot cut me down so easily. You are a petty man who cares about what others think, so you do not want to bear the stigma of a regicide. If you went that far, your ill repute would surely remain in history, and you might lose the justification for the coup you are planning.”

As Christina continued her analysis, Duke Arbor suddenly stood up. He strode over to her sofa.

“Tch…” He slapped her cheek without mercy.

A sharp, dry sound echoed through the room. Christina’s head snapped to the side, her light purple hair flying.

“F-Father…” Even Charles gasped in shock.

“I seem to be quite an eyesore to you,” Christina said, turning her face back to him, a fearless, mocking smile on her lips. It was the first time she had ever been struck, but she did not flinch. On the contrary. “You have been thinking all this time about how you could legally dispose of me, have you not? Assassination is one option, but you might be held responsible by the Royal Guard. It would be troublesome if my father were to have a force he could move independently.”

“Silence!” Enraged, Duke Arbor grabbed her shoulders and roughly pushed her down onto the sofa.

“Tch…” A flicker of fear crossed Christina’s eyes, but she did not let it show.

“F-Father!”

“You stay out of this!”

“What do you intend to do?” Christina asked coolly.

“A woman who is nothing but her royal status. Do you intend to use your own life as a bargaining chip? Who do you think holds your lifeline?”

“I hold my own lifeline. I always have, and I always will.”

“Do not get the wrong idea. I could spare your life and use you as a tool to bear heirs. Your appearance, if not your character, is exceedingly beautiful, after all,” he glared with a lewd gaze.

“That is impossible,” Christina declared, dismissing it outright.

“Why do you think so?”

“There is no suitable partner for me. You want to avoid connecting me with the Hero Rui at all costs, lest the royal family’s authority grows stronger. And the very active Charles already has many wives, so it would be a poor fit.”

“…In that case, shall I make you my concubine?”

“Surely you do not mean your own?” Christina scoffed.

“Such bravado from a maiden.” Duke Arbor’s grip on her shoulders tightened.

“How absurd. From the moment I was born, I have been burdened with the duty of marrying a man I do not love. What does it matter if I am a maiden?”

“Tch…!” Overwhelmed by her calm demeanor, Duke Arbor’s hands loosened.

“If you are going to tear my dress, you had better think carefully about how you will explain it later,” Christina said with a straight face.

“Tch…” Duke Arbor clicked his tongue, the fight taken out of him, and returned to his own sofa.

“…” Christina slowly sat up, as if nothing had happened. Charles stared, astounded by her courage.

I thought she would be easy to handle if I scared her, but I was sorely mistaken. This woman is insane. She really intends to use her own life as a bargaining chip. He had thought she was merely insolent, but she was an extraordinary woman. Even now, she understood where her advantage lay.

What a terrifying woman. If she had been born ten, even twenty years earlier, what would have happened? Duke Arbor revised his assessment of Christina, thoroughly impressed. And perhaps that is why—

…What a waste. A twisted desire began to well up inside him. The male instinct to possess such an unattainable flower.

“Heh, what a princess.” A self-deprecating smile appeared on his lips to think he would feel this way at over sixty years of age.

But, she is too dangerous. This woman is a femme fatale. She cannot be tamed. If I let her live, she will surely become a hindrance

Duke Arbor weighed his fleeting emotions against his ambition and made a calm decision.

“Have you calmed down a little?” Christina asked, her voice composed.

“Yes. It seems it was I who lacked resolve. I would like to negotiate with you as an equal. First, may I ask you to clarify what you can offer as payment?”

“The justification for beheading me,” Christina declared resolutely.

The moment she said it, Duke Arbor’s mouth twisted into a wide, crooked grin. “Very well. In exchange for that, what do you want?”

“It is not that I want you to do something right now. There are two conditions I want you to comply with, acknowledged in a secret letter.”

“Let us hear them.”

“First, if any defectors or prisoners of war emerge from Restoration in the future, they are to be promptly reinstated into the home government if they so desire. I want you to swear that you will not hold them accountable or treat them unfavorably.”

“You want me to show mercy to rebels?”

“It is a matter of magnanimity as a statesman. Is that not what you were saying just now?”

“Indeed,” Duke Arbor shrugged.

“To begin with, you are far too merciless towards those who defy you and you favor those who pander to you too much. It is why Restoration came into being. I am giving you advice. You can think of it as my last will and testament. It is part of the first condition.”

“…I suppose so,” Duke Arbor agreed with a wry smile, perhaps acknowledging her point.

“You probably had no choice but to do whatever it took for your ambition. But now, you have power close to that of the king. If you continue to crush your opponents, they will resist to the bitter end, and the country will decline. What you should do next is not to continue internal strife, but to unite the country.”

“…So we are entering the stage where we must think about what comes after?”

“Yes. What the king must think about is the future of the entire country and its people. A petty person who only cares about their own interests cannot serve as king.”

“Fu, hahaha. You truly speak as if you see through everything. Just how far ahead are you seeing… it is frightening.” Duke Arbor let out a dry, empty laugh.

“What I see is the future of the country. I am always thinking about what is the best I can do for it. That is all,” Christina answered without hesitation. “That is why I am now advising you on the treatment of those from the Restoration. There are many excellent people among them. I want you to give them opportunities, not punishment. That is the general outline of my first condition.”

Can you comply? Christina looked straight at Duke Arbor.

“…I do not think it will be that simple. However, I will keep it in mind. I will strive to take lenient measures.” Duke Arbor nodded reluctantly.

“Then that is fine.”

“So, what is the second condition?”

“…Before that, let us confirm how we will create the justification for beheading me. Depending on that, this negotiation could fall apart.”

“Indeed. May I ask what plan you have in mind?”

“What would happen if, after I declare the cancellation of my coronation, I were to re-declare my enthronement within ten years? You remember the penalty, do you not?”

—I will stake my neck on it. If I were to break the terms and be re-enthroned within ten years, I will bet my life.

It was what Christina herself had declared.

“Surely not…” Duke Arbor’s expression changed.

“It seems you understand.”

“…You could not possibly have foreseen this far ahead, could you?”

“Of course not. I just thought of it now. In fact, were you not the one who thought you could use the contents of that agreement?” Christina denied it flatly. But Duke Arbor gasped in astonishment, a glimpse of awe in his eyes.

“I will tell you the second condition. If you can swear to that as well, then hand over the Regalia to me,” Christina calmly continued.

◇ ◇ ◇

Around noon the next day, the magical ship carrying Christina arrived at the military port in the royal capital. Before it could dock, a commotion broke out.

“Tch!”

Christina, who should have been confined to her cabin, burst out onto the deck. Her anti-magic shackles were gone. A moment later, Charles appeared with several knights in tow.

“Seize her! Princess Christina has stolen the Regalia!” he shouted.

“!?”

The knights and crew on deck were thrown into confusion.

“Kuh…” Christina ran for the gangway, but the ramp had not yet been lowered. She faltered for a moment as the knights closed in.

“!”

She took a leap of faith and jumped off the ship.

“Wh-…!?” The people on deck were left agape at her bold action.

“I-I was not told about this! W-Wait, no…” Charles shouted, then made a face as if he had misspoken. No one questioned him in the chaos.

“Ugh…” Christina fell hard, tumbling to the ground. She scrambled to her feet, desperate to escape.

“…”

The knights waiting at the port were stunned by the sight of a high-ranking lady jumping from a ship.

“What are you doing!? Seize her! It is the fugitive, Princess Christina!” Duke Arbor leaned over the deck and ordered.

“Tch!” The knights snapped to their senses and closed in.

“Insolent fools, stop!” Christina shouted.

“…Kuh!” They hesitated for a moment, but continued their approach.

“《Photon Bullet》” Christina fired at them.

“Whoa!?” “Eek!?”

The attack hit several knights, and stray bullets slammed into nearby buildings and crates with a loud roar. The uninjured knights flinched back, and dockworkers screamed. In that gap—

“Listen! I am Christina, the first princess of the Beltrum Kingdom!” Her voice rose, loud and clear. “At this very moment, with the Regalia here as proof, I declare my ascension to the throne of the Beltrum Kingdom!”

She shouted proudly, so that all present would be her witnesses.

“I am the queen!”

And thus, Christina’s re-enthronement was complete.

“…What a woman,” Duke Arbor watched, speechless, as he burned the moment of the jester queen’s birth into his memory.

◇ ◇ ◇

Several tens of minutes later, an emergency audience was held in the castle. King Philip Beltrum sat on the throne, with Queen Beatrice beside him. Nobles stood as observers. Christina stood in the center of the hall, her hands bound, her face composed.

When Duke Arbor reported what had happened at the port—

“…What is the meaning of this?” King Philip asked, dazed.

“It is as I have reported. Christina-sama attempted to escape and caused a disturbance by declaring her enthronement. To make matters worse, she committed the atrocious act of taking a commoner dockworker hostage… Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but several knights were injured.”

“No…” Queen Beatrice looked faint.

“…Is this true, Christina?” Philip III asked.

“It was because I felt my life was in danger,” she answered nonchalantly. “There were many people at the port. Nobles and commoners alike. All of them are witnesses.

I imagine the rumors are spreading that the troublesome first princess who abandoned the country has gone mad upon her return.”

“Tch…” Philip gritted his teeth. It was Duke Arbor who manipulated rumors, but there was no proof.

“Please tell me it is a lie, Christina…” Beatrice pleaded.

“…” Christina remained silent.

“The problem is complex,” Duke Arbor continued. “Christina-sama had declared she would not be re-enthroned. And that she would stake her own life if she broke that vow.”

“Wait, this is some kind of mistake. She is not a girl who would do something so foolish,” Philip said, half-rising from his throne.

“Of course, I think so too. However, with the current discontent against the royal family, if such a disturbance is caused…” Duke Arbor shook his head mournfully. “Also, during her capture, I mentioned the agreement as a warning. I asked her if she did not mind being executed. If there is an uproar that Christina-sama should be executed as per the arrangement, the dissatisfaction with the royal family may explode if we defend her.” He skillfully paved the way for the conclusion he desired.

…How forceful. There are too many suspicious points. And Christina’s demeanor… was there some sort of deal between her and Arbor? Philip bit his lower lip. In Duke Arbor’s mind, Christina’s execution was already a done deal.

“So you are saying you will kill her!? Christina!?” Beatrice shouted, having reached the end of her patience.

“We are not killing her. We are executing her in accordance with the rules. It is truly regrettable, but we cannot give her special treatment. For the sake of the kingdom and the royal house, it is my duty as Prime Minister to say that it is only right for her to take responsibility,” Duke Arbor advised, looking truly mournful.

“What…! You talk of trust and dissatisfaction, yet you try to make us take responsibility. Then kill me! She is the child I bore in pain! I will die in her place!”

“Stop it, Beatrice,” Philip said, stopping her.

“Your Majesty…!”

“Christina. This is the last time. Do you have anything to say for yourself?”

To her father’s question, Christina answered resolutely, “I do not believe I have done anything wrong. If you say that it is a mistake, then please, execute me.”

“I see… However, the formal judgment will be made in three days. We will need to gauge the reaction of the court and the city,” Philip said, his face pained, perhaps creating a slight delay to give his daughter a few more days to live.

“…As you wish. However, if the rumors spread and the commotion grows…”

“I know.”

“Then, we will make arrangements so that the sentence can be carried out promptly after the decision has been made,” Duke Arbor said, as if to say it was a futile struggle.

◇ ◇ ◇

Beltrum Kingdom Castle.

…I was supposed to return to this room after I had dragged Arbor down, and yet here I am.

After the audience, Christina was moved to her own room, the one she had lived in until she was sixteen. Nothing seemed to have changed. Several maids-in-waiting were in the room, supposedly as caretakers. The only difference was the anti-magic shackle around her neck, which replaced the ones on her wrists.

“…” The heavy metal was annoying. Christina sighed as she gazed out the window. But the reason for her sigh felt deeper.

It is like I am forgetting something important…

She couldn’t recall what it was, and it was incredibly frustrating.

Is it a lingering regret? Am I afraid of dying? She placed a hand on her chest, thinking deeply. But no reason felt right. She had already made up her mind. She had decided that the best way to change the situation was to use her own life. There should be no regrets, no fear.

…It must be my imagination.

To gain something, you must pay a price. Christina had offered the greatest price she could.

So, I have nothing left. She had no regrets. That should have been the case.

And yet—

Why…? Why was she still searching for something? She felt an unbearable longing for human warmth. But it was not for just anyone, yet no specific person came to mind. Her hand wandered, as if searching for someone who was not there.

…Who do I want to be held by?

She clenched her fist in frustration.

◇ ◇ ◇

Morning, three days later.

Duke Arbor was in his office, meeting with Duke Huguenot.

“So, have you learned of Restoration’s situation since then?” Duke Arbor asked.

“According to our comrades who remained there, there has been no uproar yet. They are likely keeping the information at the upper echelons to avoid confusion, which is what we expected.”

“I see.”

“Recapture, negotiation, observation, or surrender. They must be hastily devising countermeasures. The greater the confusion, the longer it should take.”

“…Do you think there is any room for negotiation?”

“The home government with the Restoration? If we were to negotiate, we would have to postpone the execution… If we are to use the people’s anger over the incident at the port, would it not be better to act sooner?” Duke Huguenot’s eyes widened. Duke Arbor wanted to eliminate Christina to fulfill his own ambitions. He was plotting to diminish the royal family’s trust by making a spectacle of her execution. Now was the golden opportunity.

“…Perhaps we should hurry with the execution, after all,” Duke Arbor concluded.

“In that case, the execution can be carried out in two days at the earliest. All that is left is to announce it to the people and set up the execution platform in the city’s main square.”

“We do not have much time. Then, please make arrangements to send Vanessa by magical ship so that she arrives in the royal capital of the Galarc Kingdom on the day of the execution.”

“…Are you sure?” Duke Huguenot asked, surprised. He must have thought Arbor had no reason to keep her alive.

“It does not matter. I will have her deliver Princess Christina’s last will.”

“…I see. Then, I will make the arrangements immediately.” Intrigued by the words ‘last will’, Duke Huguenot paused, but did not press for details and nodded solemnly.

◇ ◇ ◇

Two days later, the day of Christina’s execution.

In the large square of the castle, a huge wooden platform had been erected. On top of it sat a guillotine. Knights were stationed around it in perfect order. Royalty and nobility, including King Philip, had come to watch. Queen Beatrice was absent.

In the square before the platform, a massive crowd had gathered, easily exceeding ten thousand people. All had gathered to witness Christina’s execution.

“She’s here!”

A murmur ran through the crowd. Christina, led by the executioner and several knights, appeared. Her hands were bound behind her back, and she was barefoot, dressed in a ragged one-piece dress for public humiliation, her white shoulders exposed.

“Halt!”

At the executioner’s command, she stopped beside the guillotine. Her legs were chained and fixed to the base.

“Kill her!”

“Look over here!”

“Coming back now after abandoning the country!”

“Taking the people hostage!”

“Who would recognize you as queen?!”

“Die!”

Roars of anger echoed through the square. The incident at the port was certainly bad, but it was also clear that people were venting their pent-up resentment toward the privileged class. It was a pleasure for them to voice their anger towards a class they could never normally challenge. Everyone here wanted the death of a member of the royal family.

As Christina was secured, several stones came flying from the crowd. One hit her shoulder.

“Tch…” Christina let out a small groan of pain.

“Stop that!” one of the knights on the platform shouted, firing a photon bullet into the air as a warning.

Then, Duke Arbor appeared on the platform. He walked to the edge. “Hereby, the execution of First Princess, Christina Beltrum, shall be carried out!” he declared loudly.

“““Ooooooh!””” the crowd roared.

“Christina Beltrum! You took the national treasure, the Regalia, and declared your enthronement, dividing the kingdom. To make matters worse, you broke the agreement not to declare your re-enthronement, and in your selfish desire to save your own skin, you took the very people you should protect as hostages. This is a barbaric act that cannot be forgiven. Therefore, you shall be executed for the crime of high treason!”

Duke Arbor shouted her crimes. “Do you have any last words?” he asked.

“…” Christina said nothing, simply shaking her head.

Displeased by her attitude, the crowd’s angry shouts grew louder.

“Don’t mock us!”

“Apologize!”

“Do it,” Duke Arbor jutted his chin.

“Tch…!?” The executioner grabbed the back of Christina’s head and roughly forced her to lie face down, fitting her neck into the hollow of the guillotine. He then firmly secured her to the platform.

…So this is the last thing I’ll see. Christina stared at the wooden floor. An all too empty final sight.

“Hurry up and kill her!”

“Kill her!”

“This wicked woman!”

She was bathed in the voices of those who wished for her death.

They can say whatever they want… No, I brought this upon myself. They knew nothing and were just being incited. A part of the responsibility lay with her. A self-deprecating smile touched her lips as she accepted the insults.

Then—. She heard the sound of a sword being drawn from its scabbard. The executioner’s sword.

It’s finally time. Her life had at most ten seconds left.

Christina felt an unpleasant palpitation.

…Am I trembling? Her body was trembling slightly.

I see, I’m scared… Of course. No matter how prepared she was, she didn’t know when the sword would fall.

That time came mercilessly.

An infinitely long, yet short, time passed—

“…”

A dull sound of metal clashing against metal echoed.

“…?” Christina’s body trembled with a start. She couldn’t move her neck to check the situation.

“Wh-…” She could hear the speechless voices of the executioner and Duke Arbor. The crowd was in an uproar. Something unexpected was happening.

And then—

“Thank goodness!”

The voice of a young boy reached her ears.

In that instant—

“Tch…!”

Christina’s heart was violently stirred, as if seized and shaken.

Why? In a situation where everyone wanted her dead, she couldn’t think of anyone who would come to save her… She felt like she knew the owner of that voice so well. But she thought that person must never come. It was someone whose arrival would be a problem. That’s why she had taken such thorough measures…

He had come.

This was not good. The situation had become dire.

And yet—

“I made it in time…”

The owner of the voice was relieved, as if from the bottom of his heart. In a situation where everyone wanted her dead, he alone wanted her to live.

That made her so happy—

“…”

Christina let her tears fall, drop by drop, onto the dry wooden floor of the execution platform.

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