Editing Rakuin no Monshou:Volume12 Chapter4 (section)

=== Part 2 ===

Princess Ineli Mephius’ patience had once again exceeded its limits.

The chaos was continuing in Mephius. Gil was still on the way to Dairan, Folker had gone to put down a slave revolt that had occurred in a manor domain south of Nedain, Yuriah’s troops had flown off to suppress a group of mercenaries which was taking advantage of the chaos to pillage villages. In order to guard against the emperor’s faction amassing their forces, Rogue had divided his units and deployed them throughout the capital’s surroundings.

The crown prince had only just left Solon, yet the country’s internal situation was already collapsing.

What Ineli found hardest to bear was the thought that this might be due to her own mistakes. Originally, Odyne had been left in charge of the imperial capital, and, even though she had the title of princess, Ineli had little authority. For her, who was aiming for status even beyond that, this was both a matchless opportunity to increase her fame and a dangerous situation in which an error could block off her entire future.

However, since the incident of the forceful bombardment on the temple, the watch placed on her had grown stricter. Odyne had personally selected some of his trusted subordinates and had appointed them to the princess’ side.

One of their duties was to send away the officers and nobles who came to request a meeting with the princess, which led to malicious gossip – ''That damned Odyne. Plotting to take advantage of this situation so that he’ll be the only one to reap the benefits.'' Odyne Lorgo, however, was absolutely not going to bend his own policy. At this late stage, he was ill-suited to throwing his lot in with those who wished to curry favour with the imperial princess.

Ineli herself finally openly voiced her dissatisfaction with Odyne, and started criticising the general who was keeping her under house arrest in all but name.

At this point, the movements in their surroundings once again showed signs of changing. Although the current chaos did have a side to it which was a confrontation between the “Emperor faction” and “Crown Prince faction”, for a portion of the people involved this was no more than an empty slogan, and their actions were similar to those of looters at the scene of a fire.

While there were quite a few people who judged that this would develop into a large-scale civil war, there were many more who were focused on how they should act so as to ensure their own positions in the aftermath, when the disturbance had died down.

''Would it be better to refuse to cooperate with Odyne?''

''No, if we do that, things might get bad once the crown prince returns. Still, the relationship between Princess Ineli and His Highness is pretty good…''

''So if we’re following the princess’ orders, we shouldn’t be charged with any crimes in the future''.

Amidst the constant chaos within the capital, nobles and some of the military officers held these kinds of inappropriate meetings more than once.

It had not been ten days since Prince Gil had left and the emperor vanished from sight into the temple. In Mephius, where the emperor had formerly and arbitrarly dissolved the Council, there was no clear system in place to indicate where authority should be transferred to and converge. Simon Rodloom had always grieved about how much had been lost during the ten-year war with Garbera, and this had certainly not been needless anxiety on his part.

Then –

That day, Ineli Mephius had a visitor.

She was no longer staying in the inner palace, but had chosen a room reserved for the imperial family’s use in the main palace as her centre of operations, and was lodging there.

With guards following her at all times, Ineli was unable to meet as she pleased with influential nobles and officers, so she spent each day sending out letters to all quarters, or answering requests for audiences from city and neighbourhood representatives. Currently, she was the only representative of the imperial family who could actually be met with.

It was evening.

Informed by the chamberlain of the visitor’s name, Odyne’s soldiers were momentarily perplexed as to how to handle this. They were to thoroughly enforce the policy that – ''unless they have my permission, no one of standing is to be allowed to meet with Her Imperial Highness.''

This person, however, was not just anybody. With no other choice, one of them hurried off to communicate directly with Odyne. For a moment, the general himself looked as though he was hesitating over the decision.

“It’s fine. Permission to pass,” in the end, he gave his authorisation.

Similarly, Ineli Mephius frowned when she heard her visitor’s name. ''How vexing'' – was the thought which flitted through her mind.

At present, however, she was the ruling family’s representative within Solon, the imperial capital. It was unavoidable that she should be the one to receive foreign guests.

“By all means, please come in,” Ineli personally opened her door to the visitor.

The one who entered gracefully – or rather, whose posture had her chest thrown out a little too much – was Vileena Owell.
 


Vileena herself was fully aware that she was a “vexing guest”. And not only for Ineli but for Mephius itself, now that it was being shaken by chaos.

Actually, when she had alighted in Solon, the welcome reception for her had met with some unexpected delays. When they had heard that the princess had been taken into Garbera, most people’s reactions had been along the lines of:

''Doesn’t that make it unlikely that she’ll come back?''

''No, but until Mephius settles down again, you can be sure they’ll come up with some excuse or another to extend her stay over there.''

They certainly had not expected her to return to Solon, her head still wrapped in bandages. Nonetheless, it went without saying that the princess was the crown prince’s fiancée and, even more importantly, she had recently distinguished herself by repulsing Salamand, the scoundrel who had broken across the national border. The populace was inclined to see her as a hero, and neither Odyne nor Ineli had any choice but to welcome her.

Although she could guess what their feelings were, the princess deliberately avoided looking apologetic or making excuses. Still, as a matter of fact, she too had felt some hesitation when arriving in Solon.

She was apprehensive that, given the current state of unrest, her presence might invite more unnecessary trouble; plus there was the fact that very recently, an Imperial Guard had tried to take her life when they were by Garbera’s border, and the mystery of who had been backing him had yet to be elucidated. Going further back in time, the ruffian who had set fire to the western village which had been taking care of her had also unmistakably called her “Princess Vileena” before swinging a blade at her.

Although it was not clear whether those two people were connected, somebody seemed to be after her life.

Would the sound of a gunshot echo the moment she stepped from the ship at Solon’s port, or would someone lurking in the shadows of a building, an assassin’s blade concealed at their breast, come swooping in to attack her? She ''did'' worry about it.

“When is His Highness due to return?”

“Well… since his purpose is to discourage Allion during its earliest manoeuvres, I do not believe that his absence will be particularly prolonged.”

“Really? In that case, let’s quietly await his return,” she replied and, with her lady’s maid, Theresia, in tow, she entered the inner palace.

Whoever it was who was out to assassinate her, she did not expect them to have laid their traps in Solon. And if they had, then –

''I’ll fight.'' Once in bed, she quietly gripped the gun beneath her pillow. Her breathing was uneven, and it was a long time before she was able to fall asleep.

The princess was undeniably “quiet”.

But only for one day.

The very next, she requested a meeting with Ineli Mephius.

After hearing directly from Odyne about the situation in Solon, the princess learned what Ineli had been doing so far, and what her probable intentions were.

''She’s the same as me'' – Vileena thought, and somewhere at the back of her mind, she felt like smiling. She did not want to be a princess used only as a prize for a retainer or a tool for diplomacy, but wanted to be known as someone who was every bit as resourceful as a man, and who acted for the sake of the country.

Vileena herself felt that way. Nor did the royal princess want to consider that her wish to accumulate different experiences was merely a childish fantasy. Nevertheless, everything was subject to the trend of the times, and people themselves were suited or unsuited for different things, and so had to get along with others.

“It has been a long time, Princess.”

“Indeed it has, Your Royal Highness.”

The two of them exchanged greetings with unruffled composure, but, particularly in Ineli’s case, the mood could not be said to be at its best. This princess, who was almost excessively straightforward, whose manner was like a blade that might strike down at any moment, might very well interfere with the present situation in Solon.

Vileena herself was more aware than anyone that – ''the me from before would probably have acted that way.''

“For a time, Solon was humming with talk of how your military achievements are in no way inferior to those of any general, Your Highness.”

“I’m quite ashamed. Putting on armour and departing for the front is hardly ladylike. I truly hope that everyone in Mephius is aware that all Garberan women certainly do not act that way.”

Vileena turned her face down and Ineli laughed gaily as she sipped her tea. They discussed the matter with Salamand for a while longer.

“By the way, Princess. To what do I owe the honour of your visit today?”

“As a matter of fact, although I am a bit worried about doing so, there are some things that I would like to discuss about Empress Melissa.”

''Here it is'' – when Vileena broached the main topic, Ineli’s thoughts flashed across her face. She made the first move.

“The matter concerning Empress Melissa is…” Ineli’s tone of voice grew soft, but there was a sharp glint in her eyes. “I am sure that you, as a guest from a foreign country, must find it exceedingly foolish. As a member of the imperial family, I am utterly shame-faced about it, but, as I am sure you understand, this is our country’s problem. You could say that at this turning of the seasons, we must wash away the pus from the old era and settle matters with our own abilities. We will absolutely not allow it to disturb you, Princess. Please await my brother’s return here in Solon without worrying about anything.”

She gave her warning.

Opposite her, Vileena, looking as though she were suddenly pondering something, allowed a few seconds to pass.

“Naturally, this is Mephius’ problem. Nevertheless, I believe that I, who came from Garbera to marry into your country, could be of help.”

“What is it that you mean?” Ineli maintained her smile. Inwardly, however, she was cursing her opponent.

''Damned hot-headed show-off''.

This was one time when she absolutely could not borrow the princess’ help. As Ineli herself had previously stated, Vileena had become famous in Solon for repelling Salamand. Add that to Crown Prince Gil’s own reputation, and there were already voices loudly proclaiming that “they both are worthy of carrying Mephius into the next era.”

Ineli wanted a chance to demonstrate her own ability. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and, in a way, she felt like thanking her mother for having so hastily run away.

“It is not hard to imagine that when you look at Mephius in its current state, Princess, it must seem very unreliable. Naturally, it is our responsibility and…”

“I have heard that the empress is sending dispatches from within the temple in which she asserts even now that the crown prince is an impostor, and that the child in her belly is the legitimate successor to the throne.”

Vileena unexpectedly shifted the focus of conversation. Or rather, it gave the impression that she had parried Ineli, who had made a ''straightforward'' thrust.

The imperial princess unintentionally fell silent.

“The people who were formerly said to be part of the emperor’s faction are currently raising soldiers in all corners on the strength of those words in order to protect their own positions and vested interests, but their scale can actually be called very small. Since Mephius itself is falling into chaos, General Odyne Lorgo or General Rogue Saian are worrying about how to cope with the situation, but once His Highness Crown Prince Gil returns, this level of disorder should be settled in no time at all.”

“…”

“However, at that point” Vileena’s words were softly spoken. Her lips were formed into a faint smile, yet the contents of what she said abruptly turned stern. “Being driven into a corner and having lost her escape route, the empress will have no choice but to face ruin. Will she choose to fight until the last soldier, or will she choose suicide?”

“S-Suicide?”

“Or perhaps…” Vileena’s smile vanished. “Or perhaps, she might force His Majesty the emperor to accompany her. In which case…”

“In which case?”

“It would create a breeding ground for future problems. Very much… yes, very much so.”
In a way, her words came across as threatening. Or rather, Royal Princess Vileena was unmistakably threatening Imperial Princess Ineli. Hidden behind her words was intimidation: if your mother is driven into a corner and the emperor, father of the country, is lost because of it, then it is ''your'' ability which will be called into question.

Naturally, Vileena’s expression displayed nothing but the concern of a noble lady for the country’s future.

“The retainers will again have the appearance of being coerced into obeying. Even when His Highness Gil Mephius undergoes coronation, the impression that will take root is that he is a ruler who slayed the previous emperor and empress, his own parents, and who oppresses his subjects with no regard for them. The embers of dissent will continue to smoulder, and as soon as a strong wind blows on them once, they will flare up into an inferno that will once again divide the country in two.”

Those words were both ones that Vileena had prepared in advance with premeditated intent, and, at the same time, the reflection of her true feelings, and entirely free of lies.
 


''A simmering storm''.

''Garbera had Ryucown and Salamand. In Ende, there was Lord Jeremie, who lost the struggle for succession. And in Mephius…''

''Quarrels and strife are constantly lying, lurking, within a country''.

Vileena believed that it was a policymaker’s duty to prevent an opponent from fanning those sparks.

When Vileena Owell had arrived in Solon and had been informed of the situation there by Odyne, she had spent time at a loss in the room which had been allocated to her. It had not taken her a day to request a face-to-face meeting with Ineli, but that had been no snap decision, and during that day, she was plenty hesitant.

''Since the crown prince is currently absent…''

''Those who are left behind, who are left in charge, have a duty to keep things safe.''

“Theresia.”

The princess, who for some reason had been standing in front of a mirror since early in the morning, called out to the lady’s maid who had known her since she was born.

“Yes?”

“Am I a meddling princess?”

“I would not think it particularly strange if there were people who called you that behind your back.”

“Am I unsuitable for Mephius?”

“Not only Mephius but also our own Garbera and the neighbouring country of Ende. There isn’t a single land in which Princess Vileena would be called a model daughter of the royal family.”

Standing behind the princess, Theresia speech was perfectly blunt. Vileena didn’t even let slip a smile.

“Then I’m a heretic. If I’m not the product of Garbera’s history or Mephius’ culture, then neither needs to be ashamed of me, no matter what I do.”

“It sounds as though you are forcing a theory onto something, Princess. What is it that you are plotting now?”

“For the last times,” Vileena had closed her eyes for a moment, but then stared fixedly at Theresia’s face in the mirror. “This will be the last time. So… please forgive me, Theresia. As a princess of Garbera, as the fiancée to the crown prince of Mephius… this is the last time I’ll do something shameful.”

“I see.”

Even as she spoke – ''that’s a lie'' – was written all over Theresia’s face.

“Indeed, the princess is getting on in years. You have become slightly more mature. By telling me beforehand, you are ensuring that Theresia will not be scolding you later.”

“Theresia…”

“Do as you will, Princess.”

Theresia lowered her head, with its hair streaked with grey, just a little. Surprised, the young girl caught her breath.

“Princess Vileena is no longer simply the princess whom I serve. However words are played with, those who see you unmistakably see you as the one who bears the position of princess of Garbera, and fiancée to the crown prince of Mephius. It is because you know that better than anyone that you speak of ‘shame’, Princess.”

“…”

“However, Princess… Although the things you do and say have sometimes left me dumbfounded, and have sometimes made me feel like fainting from shock, not once have I thought of you as ‘shameful’. Princess, you are my pride. Even if some point fingers at you or talk behind your back, whether it is of you as a member of the royal family of Garbera or in the palace of Mephius that you marry into, that alone will never change in all of this lifetime. Therefore, do as you will, Princess. Follow your heart with honesty.”

“Thank you, Theresia.”

As Vileena expressed her gratitude, her throat was a little clogged up, and there was a glimmer at the corner of her eyes. Standing in front of the mirror, the princess stretched out a finger to wipe those tears away. For some reason, however, she allowed her shimmering tears to spill onto her cheek as her white finger pulled down the corner of her eye.

“Beeh!”

She stuck out her tongue.
 


Ineli was lost for words with which to retort.

“Surely the empress cannot want to lead Mephius to its complete destruction.”

Vileena’s manner remained perfectly calm.

“The key question is whether the empress’ actions stem from a righteous cause that can guide Mephius’ future. That point is essential. Now that, as I mentioned earlier, she had declared that His Highness the Crown Prince is an impostor and that the child in her belly is the legitimate heir to the throne, the empress is effectively saying that she is expecting to shoulder the burden of governing Mephius. In other words, her cause is her right to bear responsibility for the country. And, in that case…”
[[Image:Rakuin no Monshou v12 165.jpg|thumb]]
Vileena Owell lowered her eyes for a moment. She was fully aware of her own personality. A critical moment needed the ‘critical’ expression. Which was why she deliberately hid her face.

“In that case, if I, Vileena Owell, a princess from an allied country, go to the temple in the capacity of ‘negotiator’, it will be impossible for her to either turn a blade against me, or to take me hostage while she makes her demands.”

“…”

“How about it, Your Imperial Highness, Princess Ineli? Would you agree to let me go to the temple?”

“W-What are you saying?” Ineli was trembling in agitation, but she still firmly shook her head. “We could not possibly allow a princess, who has been left in our care by an allied country, to do anything so dangerous. If anyone should take the initiative of going, it is only right that I, Ineli, should do so.”

“No, Your Highness. At present, you are the imperial family’s representative in Solon. If anything should happen to you, Lady Ineli, the people would be thrown into even greater confusion, and only the lawless would rejoice.”

Her tone held a note of sharpness. Faster than Ineli could reply to the implied criticism, Vileena continued her train of argument.

“Naturally, I am not suggesting that I should make a great show of visiting the shrine. That would agitate the populace and the other nobles, and would probably cause an unnecessary disturbance. Even if it may be necessary to send a messenger beforehand to inform the empress of my visit, we can use disguises in front of the people… right, for example, Princess Ineli, concerned for the emperor and empress’ state of health might send someone with meals for them, or dispatch a doctor to them, and when we send people in on that kind of pretext, I can pretend to be a lady’s maid and slip in among them.”

Her saying ‘when’ made it sound as though the whole thing was already settled, but her next words were even more startling.

“I will, without fail, communicate your words to the empress. For that, Lady Ineli, I would like you to support me in this.”

She even added ‘for that’… The way she was talking made it sound as though Vileena was responding to a request from the imperial princess.

Ineli Mephius looked as though she had suddenly been dumped into a rough and stormy night sea. As though she did not have time to gasp for breath before huge waves bore down on her one after another, and tossed her up and down.

Then, having come to that point, Princess Vileena added another outrageous suggestion.
“How about holding a council, tomorrow morning, to which all the commanders and people of influence currently residing in Solon will be summoned? At that point, we will reproduce the conversation that you and I have just had.”

“…”

In other words –

The two of them would repeat their current exchange in front of the assembled grandees, pretending to say and hear those things for the first time.

Realising the intention behind it, Ineli’s ears turned red. It wasn’t only to ensure that her request would be accepted – the princess was worried about Ineli.

If the details of their conversation was broadcast, Ineli would avoid the accusation of being a coward who had sent the royal princess into danger while she shut herself away. Not only that, but if any results were obtained, the merit would surely be seen as being partly hers.

''T-This, this brat!''

Ineli Mephius chewed on the edge of her lips.

Once, in far-off Apta, she had certainly cornered this ‘brat’. That girl had nothing but war and airships on the brain, and wasn’t even familiar with the culture of her own country, nor could even recite a single line of poetry. In front of that barbarian of a girl, Ineli had skilfully demonstrated her diplomatic finesse, and had magnificently entertained their foreign visitors. 
Vileena herself had been nothing but nervous throughout, but in the end, she had looked at Ineli in admiration and had requested to shake her hand.

And that worthless ‘brat’ was worrying about her and was trying to break a deadlocked situation that Ineli herself had only been watching with her arms folded. On top of that, she was saying that – ''we’ll do it together, the two of us''.

Emotions welled up within her like a raging fire – or not. Their eyes happened to meet, and, contrary to what might have been expected, it was Vileena’s that were sparkling brightly. And it was Vileena who started in surprise. Although she had been planning to conceal her emotions and to talk with perfect detachment, in the end, here she was excitedly leaning forward and gazing ''straightforwardly'' at Ineli.

For a moment, the imperial princess of Mephius stared, dumbfounded, at the princess who was averting her gaze from her in embarrassment.

''This girl…''

She relaxed the strength on the teeth with which she had been biting her lip. She truly wasn’t a girl who was any good at wiles.

At that moment, if Ineli’s mental state had to be defined, it was that she recognised the Garberan princess as – ''a rival''.

Forced to compete directly with what should have been a worthless brat, she had been made to recognise her own lack of ability.

''One day, I’ll defeat you'' – she firmly decided.

Right, one day.
 


The next day, the royal princess of Garbera and the imperial princess of Mephius reproduced their exchange. Using the atmosphere there as a guide, they brushed over the inconvenient bits and padded some other parts, but the general idea remained the same.

They also emphasised the threat that if the empress was driven into a corner, she might choose to kill herself and to take the emperor with her, as well the supposition that Empress Melissa would not lightly harm a princess from a foreign country.

Before Odyne and the influential nobles assembled there could catch their breath –

“I am truly grateful for the princess of Garbera’s solicitude. Everyone agrees that in this situation, we cannot simply stand idly by and watch. I have also heard that there is an alarming rumour out on the streets that Empress Melissa’s claim that she has the Emperor is untrue. If that is true… indeed, I feel that as Empress Melissa claims to have righteousness on her side, we must verify whether there is any truth to that claim.”

Ineli put on an air of innocence. The royal princess bowed her head, pretending to be deeply moved.

With the atmosphere becoming that of everything having been decided, General Odyne Lorgo hurriedly started to stand.

“Naturally, we cannot possibly allow the princess of Garbera to undertake such a dangerous task all alone. Odyne, I order you to accompany her.”

“A-Aye,” the imperial princess had perfectly chosen her timing, and Odyne found himself replying unintentionally. His face immediately flushed red, however. “Y-Your Imperial Highness. This is simply… this is simply too dangerous. If you would give me an order, please tell me to wear my sword and armour, and march alone into the temple,” he said.

He was, of course, completely opposed to Vileena visiting the temple. However, with a gesture that was half a sneer, half a rebuke, Ineli replied –

“General Odyne, do you really think that if you go like that, Empress Melissa will unfasten the tightly shut gates and let you in?”

Odyne could find no words of retort. Ineli’s words were the equivalent of stating that, other than the Garberan princess, no one present there would be able to get the empress’ attention. And in the first place, if Odyne could have solved things by himself, the situation would not have evolved into the current deadlock.

“However, I commend your spirit. Protect the princess even at the cost of your own life.”

The two girls had arranged things to perfection. When Ineli stood up, it was in exactly the same manner as the emperor, his cloak flapping.

“We will send a messenger to the temple this very day. With that in mind, please lend me two hundred of the Imperial Guards who answer directly to the emperor. In accordance with the laws of Mephius, I, who have the right to exercise authority as the highest-ranking member of the imperial family currently in Solon, hereby take command.”

A certain sort of misgiving appeared on every face there, but the atmosphere was not one that encouraged anyone to speak. Ineli’s claim that she had “the right to exercise authority as the highest-ranking member of the imperial family” was patently untrue. Even if the blood had somewhat thinned over the course of history, there were, in Mephius, several boys who were distantly related to the imperial family. Moreover, since Ineli was Empress Melissa’s child from her previous marriage, she was not of imperial lineage.

However, no one, Odyne included, pointed this out. That was because they all recognised that at this point in time, with the entire country – starting with Solon – in chaos, somebody needed to clearly take on the role of leader. Although Imperial Princess Ineli had certainly been led to error because of her quick-temper, it was a fact that she was the only one attending to tasks as a representative of the imperial family. Ineli had been one of the causes of the disturbance, but she had also, so to speak, worked to extinguish the fire by preventing it from spreading further.

“If, by some unlikely chance, the ‘enemy’ was to take violent action,” Ineli Mephius’ expression turned grim, like that of a guardian deity to the country, “we will destroy that ‘enemy’,” she declared.