Birthday Trap 10
Liliana, who had teleported from the site of the monster attack to her room, let out a sigh of relief. Though tired, she remained vigilant. After putting the blanket used for the illusion back in the closet, she crawled into bed and dispelled the soundproof barrier, listening for any signs from outside.
It seemed that people had finally realized that the miasma had dissipated. What started as a small commotion quickly turned into cheers. Though the voices were somewhat distant, Liliana propped herself up. Fatigue made it difficult for her to fall asleep, even when lying down.
(With the monster stampede’s impact, I won’t be able to return home for a while. I’ll have to stay in the capital’s residence. It can’t be helped, but it’s quite disheartening.)
A sigh escaped her. With the miasma gone, staying in the palace felt uncomfortable. At the very least, she should return to the capital’s residence. However, the capital’s residence felt strongly associated with her father and was hard for her to feel at home in. The residence in Fortia territory felt much more comforting. Though she would prefer not to stay at either residence if possible, she had no luxury to be picky. At least, the fact that Duke Clark would be too occupied with post-incident matters to return home was a small comfort.
Suddenly, she sensed a presence in the hallway. Listening carefully, she heard Marianne handling something. After waiting for a while, Marianne appeared from the small room.
“Oh, Young Lady. You’re awake.”
Marianne’s face relaxed into a relieved smile. Liliana returned the smile and nodded. Marianne said with relief that Riley and Clyde had arrived. While it was understandable that her brother would come, the reason for the Crown Prince’s visit was unclear. Liliana tilted her head in confusion but had no reason to refuse. She got up from her bed to greet them. Marianne opened the door leading to the hallway and welcomed the two visitors.
Clyde’s face softened in relief, and Riley looked momentarily surprised.
“I’m glad to see you, Lily. You seem to be looking a bit better.”
Indeed, thanks to you.
Liliana expressed her gratitude in response to Clyde’s words. Riley also said, “I’m relieved, but don’t push yourself too hard.” Noticing Liliana’s slight confusion, Riley offered a wry smile.
“I heard you weren’t feeling well, so I was concerned. The monster stampede has been suppressed. It will take time to recover, but for now, the immediate danger has passed. Rest easy.”
<That is good to hear.>
Though she could not admit it openly, Liliana conveyed her thoughts through her telepathic bracelet while maintaining a gentle smile. Riley’s expression remained unchanged, but there was a searching look in his eyes. Liliana tilted her head inwardly, unable to read Riley’s thoughts.
Unaware of the two’s exchange, Clyde spoke up.
“Since you’re feeling better, could you and Marianne return to the capital’s residence? I have to stay here at the palace for a while to assist Father.”
Understood.
Liliana nodded quietly. It was as expected, and she had no reason to refuse. Clyde smiled, saying, “That’s good.” Clyde’s genuine relief showed how much he cared for his sister. However, his demeanor was markedly different from the game’s depiction. In the game, Clyde was a scheming character who kept others at a distance and, even when the heroine successfully pursued him, he showed only a hint of sadness toward his sister before ultimately directing a gaze filled with hatred.
Whether this deviation from the game’s scenario would continue or if Clyde’s character would change in the future, Liliana could not tell.
“Then, I’ll arrange for the carriage and call for you. Please prepare in the meantime.”
Following Clyde’s words, Liliana turned to Marianne. Marianne gave a nod of acknowledgment and entered the adjoining small room, presumably to make preparations for their departure. Since staying was not originally planned, it should not take much time. Liliana remained in place to see off Riley and Clyde, but only Clyde left the room.
Riley, after making sure the door was slightly ajar, approached Liliana. He reached out and touched her cheek, as if checking something. Liliana, puzzled by his actions, tilted her head. Riley then offered a faint smile.
“—Actually, I came once while you were sleeping. Since you seemed to be sleeping soundly, I didn’t wake you.”
Liliana blinked in surprise. Without changing her expression, she replied smoothly.
<Well, I didn’t realize that. My apologies.>
“Yeah— I was worried. Next time, please rely on me. For now, I’m just glad you’re safe.”
Liliana felt a sense of unease at Riley’s use of the word “safe.” If he had seen her lying in bed due to illness, he would have said “I’m glad you’re well.” A possibility occurred to Liliana, making her curse her bad timing.
――Riley might have realized that Liliana could use magic.
However, she had no intention of admitting it. Liliana met Riley’s gaze squarely without averting her eyes. Riley also continued to look at her. Sometimes, eyes could speak more than words. Riley seemed to want to say something but eventually, as if resigning, he withdrew his hand from Liliana’s cheek and closed his mouth.
“This is just my selfish wish――but I hope that someday you’ll show a little bit of what’s in your heart.”
<――Your Highness.>
Liliana was momentarily taken aback but quickly responded with a gentle smile.
<The heart of the Fairy Princess Fiondi is said to be straight, beautiful, and untainted.>
Riley’s eyes widened at the unexpected response. Liliana brought up Fiondi because her dress at the birth festival had been compared to that of Fiondi. By indirectly yet boldly stating that there was nothing to hide, Liliana made her point clear. Riley, seemingly entertained, let out a small chuckle.
“If that’s the case, then the depth of that heart must be boundless.”
<I believe that’s how human hearts are.>
“Ah――, that may be so.”
Riley squinted as he looked at Liliana. After placing a kiss on the back of her hand, he said, “Until next time,” and left the room. Once the door closed, Liliana noticed Marianne peeking out from the small room. Marianne’s cheeks were slightly flushed. As Liliana wondered about this, Marianne happily remarked.
“Seeing it like this, it’s almost as if Your Highness and Young Lady are like the Heaven King and Fairy Princess Fiondi.”
Well.
Liliana gave a wry smile. Comparing them to the most beautiful man and woman seemed a bit excessive. However, Marianne genuinely thought so. It wasn’t entirely wrong, either. In the story, the Heaven King and Fiondi were a tragic pair. Fiondi died, and the Heaven King mourned. In the game, Liliana also dies while the Crown Prince survives. The difference is that while the Heaven King and Fiondi loved each other, the Crown Prince and Liliana were never truly reciprocally in love. In the game, Liliana loved the Crown Prince, but he only felt affection for her without loving her.
It was bitter irony to be compared to a tragic pair, despite her efforts to change a fatal fate. Liliana understood that Marianne meant no harm. She probably intended to highlight their close bond rather than their doomed love. Nevertheless, Liliana could not bring herself to be pleased.
――It felt as though she was being mocked for never being able to change her fate.
*****
After parting ways with Liliana, Riley headed not to his own quarters but to the building where the political center was located. To influence the advisory council’s decisions on the “aftermath” of the incident, negotiating with influential nobles beforehand was crucial. Although he had previously voiced his opinions, they had been either inadequately presented or delivered to the wrong audience.
The door Riley knocked on led to a lounge prepared for high-ranking nobles to rest before or after the advisory council meetings. As expected, a familiar voice invited him in. Riley entered, saying, “Excuse me.”
“Are you alone?”
“Yes, fortunately.”
The man who spoke was Bernard Chad Ealdred, head of the Ealdred Duke family. Although his features resembled Austin’s, his extensive beard made him appear very seasoned. His demeanor was flawless and as sharp as a drawn sword. His calm expression concealed a piercing gaze that exuded a sense of severity. His always composed and restrained tone made it difficult to discern his true feelings. It was unclear whether his words were genuine or fabricated to assert control over the situation.
Though he rarely spoke at the advisory council, whenever Ealdred did, other nobles tensed. Even Duke Clark, who always remained unflappable and in control, seemed to show some wariness when Ealdred spoke.
“I’ve heard your son has returned safely.”
As Ealdred motioned for him to sit, Riley took a seat across from him. Ealdred’s expression softened slightly at Riley’s words.
“Austin, I see. Your ears are quite keen.”
“Have you met him?”
Riley asked. Although he had been told that meetings would be permitted from the following day, family members could usually meet sooner. However, Ealdred shook his head.
“I’ve heard there are no life-threatening injuries. Austin has become a knight. No parent checks on their child every time they get injured on duty.”
For a knight, getting injured on a mission was normal. There was a possibility of dying without even being able to retrieve the body. Ealdred’s words hinted that such an outcome was anticipated. Riley’s eyes reddened, and he lowered his gaze.
“――I was too forward.”
“No, no, you should prepare yourself for such realities.”
Though his tone was gentle, a chill seemed to linger beneath it. “So,” he continued, “are you here because you have a matter for me?”
“Yes. I have concerns about the ‘aftermath’ and the recent monster stampede.”
“――――I’m listening.”
Ealdred narrowed his eyes. Under his piercing gaze, Riley swallowed nervously.
There were two major concerns regarding the aftermath:
First was the potential delay in recovery. The site had suffered unprecedented damage from two monster stampedes within a short period. Given the chaos at the scene, there was concern that plans might arise which could impose a burden on the people in securing reconstruction funds.
The second was the handling of Ben Draco, the Deputy Minister of the Magic Ministry. He had been accused of tampering with the teleportation array and was currently detained with magic-sealing devices. Riley, who knew him to some extent, found it hard to believe. He suspected that Draco might have been set up. The problem was the inability to provide evidence of his innocence. If it was a plot to incriminate Draco, it was likely that incriminating evidence would appear from nowhere.
Ealdred, sitting on the sofa, observed Riley quietly. After a while, he stroked his beard thoughtfully, then nodded while chuckling softly, “I understand your concerns. It’s hard to believe that a ten-year-old could have the skill to obtain concealed information and the ability to scrutinize facts and foresee developments. I’m impressed.”
Though it sounded like praise, it also carried an undertone. Ealdred was renowned as a prodigy and was still reputed for his sharp intellect. Some might interpret it as sarcasm. Seeing Riley remain silent and unable to react properly, Ealdred’s expression softened, revealing a gentle demeanor without a trace of coldness.
“Though it may seem presumptuous, I meant it as a compliment. I would be pleased if you accept it in that spirit.”
“That’s――an honor.”
“Nurturing talented young individuals is both a duty and a pleasure for those who came before.”
The duke, who had spoken cheerfully, quickly erased his smile. Immediately, a stern atmosphere enveloped him, and Riley barely managed to withstand the pressure. He forced himself to remain unshaken, meeting the duke’s gaze directly. The duke spoke in a low tone.
“Your concerns are indeed valid. I share them as well. I’ve requested the attendance of Baron Kennys and Baron Calvert at the upcoming advisory council. Their objectives may not always align perfectly, but it’s advantageous to seek their cooperation when possible.”
However, the duke’s voice grew firmer as he emphasized to Riley.
“Please leave these matters to us. And do make sure that what you’ve mentioned remains confidential. Also, I hope you remain extra vigilant in your surroundings.”
This was a subtle warning of potential danger to Riley. He was always at risk of assassination. Although he had guards and now even ‘shadows’ covertly protecting him, the duke implied that this might not be enough.
Riley stiffened his expression.
“――I understand. I will take your advice to heart.”
He bowed deeply in respect and left the room.
Once the door had closed securely behind the crown prince, the duke let out a deep sigh and leaned back against the sofa.
“Really――this is quite taxing.”
As the duke was alone in the room, a shadow materialized. The duke glanced at it briefly and gave a wry smile.
“It seems I’m not cut out for this. I wish I could return to my domain soon――but there were some gains. I’m sure Austin will appreciate it.”
He murmured fondly, though the words were somewhat irreverent. In response, the shadow in the room swayed gently.
*****
That night――under the moonlight. A lone figure, riding a horse, galloped swiftly through the quiet streets of the capital, heading towards the district where the high-ranking nobles resided. The face hidden beneath a deep hood was obscured by shadow, but a slight smile curved the lips.
“At last, the day has come.”
For this figure, today was a long-awaited day. It was the final preparation to fulfill a long-held desire. They had devoted over a decade of time and a great deal of money to achieve this one aspiration. They had traveled far and wide seeking wisdom, formulated a meticulous plan, and sought out collaborators.
The rider recalled the words of the most significant contributor.
“It takes time for the spell to settle. Of course, there’s a chance of failure, but if successful, the spell will grow on its own and activate when the time comes.”
Having tried and failed numerous times, the most recent attempts had been successful. Therefore, the figure judged that it was safe to proceed with the real thing and prepared the stage. Failure was not an option. It was impossible to wait another decade. Yet, the figure was confident.
Caught up in excitement, the rider was unaware of the gaze watching them. At the tip of the capital's symbolic watchtower perched a lion. The jet-black lion, absorbing all light, had its purple and green eyes gleaming in the moonlight. Eventually, it revealed dragon wings. With a single flap, the lion rose into the air and vanished into the pitch-black darkness.
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