Editing Rakuin no Monshou:Volume11 Chapter3 (section)

=== Part 3 ===

Three hours before he needed to be at the palace’s Great Hall, Noue Salzantes was called to Prince Zenon’s personal chambers.

That night was the eve of the Harvest Festival. Although even though it was called the eve of a festival, it was only a banquet to which nobles were invited. However, since it was being hosted by the king, First Prince Razetta would be attending.

At this point – was there no way to convince both the king and the First Prince at the same time, was what Zenon had been discussing with Noue since earlier.

“If I press them any further by myself, both my father and brother will just become more obstinate. Is there any way for you to lend me your help?”

“Unfortunately, I also went to Zaim Fortress. I’m also in His Majesty’s bad books. A direct attack won’t work.”

According to Noue, it would be better not to attract attention at that evening’s dinner party. He added that, at this point, Prince Zenon should give up on personally leading the troops, and that he should persuade the commanders who seemed like they might cooperate with him to volunteer themselves at some later date.

Zenon showed disapproval of the suggestion.

“It’s a roundabout way of doing things. It’ll take time. Will we even make it before Allion attacks?”

It was one thing to choose commanders and to stir them into action by appealing to their chivalrous spirits, but in order to not arouse the suspicions of the king and the First Prince, Zenon and Noue would have to remain behind the scenes. In other words, neither of them could move too openly and, consequently, everything would take time.

They were forced to be this cautious because, even now, although the matter with Salamand had been settled, the faction at court that was loudly clamouring for ''revenge on Mephius'' was still influential. And tall of them would get in Zenon’s way to ensure that the mood within the country did not turn instead towards Ende and Allion. They were, no doubt, also the ones who had each individually worked on influencing Razetta, causing the originally politically moderate prince to convince the king to keep the Order of the Tiger far from Zenon.

“Even though Vileena risked her life…”

It infuriated Zenon. He had no doubt that his little sister had put herself in danger not only to help Mephius out of a crisis, but also because she was determined to prevent Garbera from suffering war damages for no reason.

Ironically though, it was because of Vileena that the voices supporting war with Mephius had gained strength. Within Garbera, rather than the princess Vileena’s heroic actions, it was what had happened immediately after them which had caused the greatest impact.

''The princess was shot by Mephian soldiers and carried back to Zaim Fortress''.

The voices praising the princess were drowned out by those reviling Mephius.

The only ones, within Garbera, who had actually witnessed the scene of her being shot at were those from the Order of the Tiger. Zenon had, of course, issued a gag order, but, after all, not every mouth could be shut. Was it something that had spread through the ranks at Zaim after the princess had been carried in, or was it something that had drifted in from the Mephian side? Either way, it had swayed public opinion within Garbera considerably.

“That bastard Guhl – using our Princess for such a dangerous job.”

“Shameless!”

“He should have been the one to put on armour and deal with it. He’s nothing but a coward.”

Vileena’s actions had instead given an excuse for war against Mephius, and had caused the argument to become more heated. Which was why Zenon and Noue were worried. Not even the two of them could come up with a solution.

Then, just as the banquet was about to start, Zenon again called for Noue. This was not, contrary to what might have been expected, because he had come up with a good idea; after hurriedly giving greetings and ordering everyone else out of the room, he showed him a letter.

“This arrived for me.”

Noue opened it in silence. And then, that man whose face seldom expressed any emotion opened his almond-shaped eyes in rare and obvious astonishment.

The sender was Gil Mephius.

It had arrived via a messenger from the Haman Firm who had been told to hand it to Prince Zenon.

“The Haman Firm,” Noue murmured the name. “Certainly, that’s the organisation which can freely handle the greatest number of ships within Mephius. In which case, transporting ‘seven hundred soldiers’ from Mephius should not be impossible.”

“Do you think it’s the real thing?” Even as Zenon asked that, his lips curved with what looked like amusement.
“In this situation, more than the letter being real or not, it’s whether the sender is the real thing or not.”

Opinions in Garbera were divided as to whether the crown prince who was currently causing trouble in Mephius was the real one or an impostor, but Zenon and Noue had arrived at a firm conclusion on the matter.

The reason for that was very simple: “Vileena is with him, so he can’t be an impostor.”

That being the case, there was a high chance that both the letter and its contents were also genuine. Gil’s letter stated that – ''I wish to send seven hundred soldiers to entrust to Garbera''. In addition to this extremely abrupt offer, it continued – ''Please add them to the reinforcements for Ende''.

The contents seem to indicate that he had, from the start, predicted that Zenon would move in reinforcement to Ende. Zenon could not suppress a wry smile. He read through the letter a second time.

“He can’t possibly have even seen through the fact that I’d be lacking soldiers.”

“From our point of view, they are definitely reinforcements. But if I may say something…”

“I know,” Zenon’s smile faded as he grimaced. “Even though the soldiers will be coming from an allied country, given the circumstances, I can’t let them into Garberan territory on my decision alone. To say nothing of the fact that these troops are from Mephius. If I proudly flaunt this in front of the king, he’ll suspect me even more of planning treason.”
[[Image:Rakuin no Monshou v11 153.jpg|thumb]]

“Will this become our trump card or our downfall?” Noue seemed to be deep in thought as he placed a finger to his chin. “In any case, nothing will come of being hasty. We should delay making an official announcement so as to give the impression that Prince Gil’s letter is entirely unrelated to our intentions.”

Zenon could only agree with him.

In the end, having agreed that it was best to refrain from making any conspicuous moves, the two of them went to make their rounds of greetings at the banquet. Zenon was especially attracting attention from all around because of the antagonism with his brother. Whenever he approached any military officers, they would get tense, wondering – ''Is he coming up to me to talk about something in particular?''

“That’s Lord Salzantes for you.”

The surrounding people were admirative.

“Who is he going to have surrender to him tonight?”

“Won’t it be Lady Bonaphalt? Her husband already passed away five years ago. It’s about time for her to regain her reputation as an amorous woman.”

“No, there were rumours involving her before already. The way I see it, his target is Viscount Lynton’s daughter.”

In a way, that might be how Noue got on in life, thought Zenon. As for Garbera’s second prince, however, although he was a man who was far more eloquent and knowledgeable when it came to courtly behaviour than, say, Mephius’ Prince Gil or Ende’s Lord Eric, he was also a man who, when he had a purpose, could not conceal it. He did not have a personality that allowed him to wear a carefree expression and sound things out indirectly, or to plan an approach while pretending to talk about trifles.

A wine cup in his hand, Zenon determinedly approached his father, the king.

“Your Majesty.”

''I have to pick words that aren’t too direct'' – He had intended to be careful, but somehow or another, seeing his son approach him with raised eyebrows and zeal almost rising from his shoulders, the king seemed to sense something.

“Oh, Zenon. I’ve had a bit too much to drink tonight. Let’s save it for later.” Saying which, he showed signs of wanting to immediately move away from him. The king did not wish to get involved in an argument with his son in front of the retainers.

Zenon almost instinctively called out to him to stop, but managed to hold himself back. The retainers’ gazes followed the king’s figure until he had disappeared from their sight.

“Zenon.”

Prince Razetta called out to him from behind. With his current opponent suddenly appearing before him, tension showed on Zenon’s brow.

“Older Brother.”

“What did you say to Father?”

“Nothing. Just gave him my greetings.”

“Lately, His Majesty looks like he is constantly anxious. Don’t bring up needless topics with him.”

''Didn’t I tell you I didn’t say anything…'' Zenon was on the verge of expressing anger, but, noticing the stares fixed on him from all directions, he made an effort to swallow it back.

There was a man close by Razetta’s side.

Dudley Kotjun.

''That bastard''.

Zenon and Noue were aware that this was the man who had been instilling “needless” thoughts into Razetta.

His older brother was the very picture of solemnity, and Dudley had thoroughly riled him up with his words.

“Don’t you think that, recently, Lord Zenon has been conspicuous in acting as though he held absolute power? Even though there has only just been that matter with Ryucown. And he only laughs at the disturbances in Mephius. As the older brother, Lord Razetta, you must stand by His Majesty and guide the country in the right direction.”

Razetta was the commander of the Order of the White Heron, which served both to guard the royal family and to police the capital city. He evidently viewed himself as a knight protecting the king and his politics.

Zenon, however, had heard about Dudley’s real intentions from the latter’s daughter, Rinoa Kotjun. ''He’s planning to cut away a part of Mephius for the sake of a vein of dragonstone'' – she had said.

With Mephius currently rocked by the confrontation between the emperor and the crown prince, he believed that he could easily obtain some of its territory. Afterwards, he would pretend to have newly discovered the vein; therefore, in order to obtain the rights to it, he would take the initiative of loudly promoting an attack on Mephius. So as not to stand out too much, however, he would act while standing in Prince Razetta’s shadow.

In Zenon’s eyes, his older brother looked like Dudley’s puppet.

“The country can’t afford to turn its spears in every direction. You should calm down, abide by our father, the king’s, decision, and demonstrate to everyone that there is no retainer more loyal than you. I’m repeating myself, but you mustn’t approach either His Majesty or the other knights with needless topics.”

When that older brother started preaching to him with a know-it-all expression, Zenon’s patience snapped.

“How strange that you call it needless,” he spat out the words and anger that he had swallowed back with so much difficulty. “Brother, you hold the important duty of defending the royal capital, don’t you? You should be joining forces with me to convince His Majesty that we need to remove the threat of Allion.”

“What are you saying? Stirring everyone up by going on about ‘threats, threats’, aren’t you just inciting public opinion for your own convenience?”

“Are you trying to suggest, Brother, that I want to move the army purely for my own interest? That I, I…”

Zenon and Razetta were by no means brothers who got along badly. It was just that they had different personalities. They were not like, say, the two princes of Ende, Jeremie and Eric, who loathed each other and saw the other as an enemy to be defeated in order for themselves to become the future Grand Duke of Ende. Nevertheless, these past few days, they had both accumulated resentment and become entrenched in their positions.

And this chance opportunity led to an eruption.

Because the two of them were not used to quarrelling with each other, once they started, they could not stop the momentum. Carried away by their emotions, each started abusing the other.

''T-They need to be stopped, quickly''.

Witnessing this kind of scene for the first time, the nobles were at a loss.

''Getting involved now will just cause suspicion. Both sides will demand to know which one you’re on''.

''Even so, if it goes on like this…''

“You’ve practically never even held a sword, Brother. And that’s why you can’t imagine the terror that is Allion. You think that the whole world begins and ends with what happens in this tiny capital town.”

“W-What? I killed one of Mephius’ twelve generals during my first campaign. You can’t tell me you don’t know about it.”

“And you’re not even embarrassed to be bringing out that blatantly exaggerated boast now?”

In a corner of the hall, Noue Salzantes wanted to bury his face in his hands. While patting the shoulders of the ladies who were clinging to him as though in fear, he considered his options. ''If I intervene now'' –  Razetta would fix upon the fact that “you’re Zenon’s ally after all,” and it would obviously become increasingly difficult for him to do anything.

No matter how much he racked his brains, the man known as Garbera’s most resourceful general did not know how to deal with this kind of “battle”.

The exchange between Razetta and Zenon was getting increasingly heated. Even stories from their youth were being flung around and, with the likes of “You’ve been like this since way back when,” or “Brother, you’ve been like that since you were a child,” it was taking on the aspect of a mudslinging contest.

Which was when –

“My, it’s very noisy tonight.”

A high-pitched voice came from near the entrance to the hall.

“Even if it ''is'' the eve of the Harvest Festival, don’t you gentlemen think that you are being a bit too rowdy?”

There, where everyone turned to look, was a woman. The dress she was wearing truly looked as though it had been prepared for the occasion but, actually, she had not been planning to attend this party. As soon as she alighted in Phozon, she had to have whatever clothes were available prepared for her.
[[Image:Rakuin no Monshou v11 161.jpg|thumb]]

Dudley Kotjun frowned.

Walking towards the middle of the hall, her high heels clacking loudly, was his daughter, Rinoa Kotjun.

“Hello to you, Miss Rinoa.”

With the king being nowhere to be seen, Razetta, as the one in charge, gave her a half-hearted greeting. He was still wound up however, so when Rinoa took a haughty tone with him, he was unable to stay quiet.

“How could you be crying and squawking in front of the retainers? What would happen if His Majesty heard about it? It is the host’s duty to create an atmosphere in which everyone can laugh and drink without a care.”

“This is a discussion concerning the future of the country. Pardon my impoliteness, but it is not something that a woman such as yourself should be intervening in.”

“Is that so? Than I do not know if here is the right place for me to pass on the message that I received for you gentlemen.”

“A message?” Zenon knit his eyebrows. “…Oh, now that you mention it, I heard that you went to Zaim, Miss Rinoa. If I’m not mistaken, our previous king, His Former Majesty Jeorg, was also going there at around the same time. Did he say something to you?”

“Certainly, I spoke with His Excellency. The message that I was entrusted with, however, was not from him. It was from Her Highness, Princess Vileena.”

“What!?”

That was not only Zenon and Razetta’s voices. The entire hall had the same reaction, before being engulfed in commotion.

“The message, it c-can’t be,” Zenon’s voice unintentionally went hollow, “has Vileena’s condition gotten worse? Is my little sister’s health…”

“Please be at ease, Your Highness,” Rinoa seemed to be amused at how shaken Zenon was, “she is as healthy as can be. When I went to Zaim, she was enjoying a pleasant chat with His Majesty, Former King Jeorg.”

“Oh, i-is that right?” Zenon heaved a sigh of relief.

The people within the hall also broke into smiles. Given that only moments before, the quarrel between brothers had seemed to suddenly engulf Garbera in dark clouds, their reaction now was proof of how much the little princess was loved in her home country.

Rinoa, though, still had another trick up her sleeve.

“…It’s just that the princess has left Zaim. We travelled together by air carrier and have just alighted in Phozon.”

“What, in Phozon?”

Once again, everyone burst into noise.

''Oh!''

As they exchanged glances, more than surprise, it was unexpected joy that showed on their faces.

''The princess has returned?''

''Princess Vileena?''

Just from knowing that fact, it was as though the dark black clouds had parted and the sun was suddenly shining brightly within the hall.

Ainn Owell, who had, for a moment, been returning to his own chambers, had also heard the ruckus and had been notified by a page.

“What, Vileena? You say she’s back in the royal capital?” Ainn hurriedly returned to the hall.

Paying no attention to the retainers, who were thrown into confusion by the king’s return, he fixed his eyes on Rinoa’s face.

“Vileena… Where is she right now?” He asked breathlessly.

Rinoa smiled.

“She is in the air carrier. However, she has stated that she cannot move from there for now.”

“Why, why is that? Even though she’s come back to her own home, why can’t she move?”

“The princess has taken a firm oath. On the other hand, she has graciously entrusted me with her words. However, as His Highness, Prince Razetta, has said that he does not wish to hear the words of a mere woman, I am in a quandary about what to do.”

“T-That wasn’t what I meant.” Razetta shook his head.

Ainn tilted his head, apparently not quite sure what was going on. “That pesky girl, what is she up to this time? Anyway, Rinoa, what did Vileena ask you to say?”

“Yes. Well then, although I worry about doing so, I, Rinoa, will speak in her place.”

Rinoa gave a slight bow then swept her gaze over King Ainn and Prince Razetta, then, lastly, looked at Zenon.

“First, to my brother – the commander of the Order of the Tiger, Sir Zenon Owell – I wish to express my deepest gratitude.”

“Gratitude?” The one whose name was called out opened his eyes round.

“Yes. Since Brother was quick to notice Salamand’s schemes and to deal him a blow at Zaim, that wicked traitor was prevented from the start from acting on too large a scale. Thanks to that, it was possible to capture him in Mephius. There is no denying that, if it had not been for my brother’s valour, there is a very high chance that Salamand would have trampled through Mephius without restraint, and, in doing so, would have caused our two countries to revert back to a dark and bloodstained future. Had that of happened, I, Vileena Owell, would have lost both a land to return to and my home, and would have found myself all but thrown into the wilderness.”

“…”

''This is…'' Zenon exchanged a glance with Noue, who was drawing up to him.

Her face expressionless, Rinoa continued –

“After ten unhappy years of war, and after exchanging vows to live as good neighbours, His Excellency Emperor Guhl Mephius naturally does not wish for any further quarrels with Garbera. As proof of that, when I, Vileena Owell, asked to be sent to Salamand as a messenger, he willingly listened to my appeal. Not only did he provide me with armour made to my size, he also sent a hundred hand-picked Imperial Guards with me with which to punish that vicious rebel.”

Within the hall, the commotion had died out and the whispers had dwindled to nothing; instead, stillness and quiet reigned.

Noue believed that by emphasising from the start that Salamand had been stopped by the princess herself, her words were probably intended to soften the signs of the anti-Mephius feelings that were still smouldering within Garbera.

Although Vileena had avoided statements that portrayed her as being herself Mephian, there was no denying that she was including herself in the “Mephius” that she talked about, and that she was painting an image that was very far removed from the one that many people in Garbera still held of an enemy country that had once shed their people’s blood.

''That’s true''.

''Princess Vileena is in Mephius now''.

That very obvious fact was something that they realised anew, now that they had been made to think about it.

''As expected from our gallant princess''.

''She borrowed a hundred soldiers from that Guhl!''

''Isn’t it exciting? I wonder what kind of expressions Guhl and those obstinate Mephian officials were wearing?''

The impish girl who had flown all around Garbera, who had taken part in the airship race, and whose somewhat troubling actions they had watched over with affection, had reappeared in Mephius. With that realisation, at least among the retainers in the hall, the desire to attack Mephius visibly started to fade.

It was unclear whether Rinoa was aware of the feelings of the people there, but, after clearing her throat –

“There is one more thing that Her Highness, the princess, would like to tell everyone.”

“Speak,” Ainn urged her. His expression was somewhat subdued.

“I have heard that a rumour has spread throughout Garbera that I was shot and wounded by Mephian soldiers. Every time I hear it, my heart aches more than if it had truly been injured. It is nothing more than a completely unfounded rumour. All that happened was that I foolishly got carried away, allowed my horse to go too fast, fell, and was injured. To prove the truth of that, after having set you all my greetings and my thanks, I will be returning to Mephius.”

“What?”

Perhaps Rinoa did not notice Ainn’s unintentional exclamation, as she did not shut her ripe red lips.

“I believe that there is no longer any cause for misunderstanding or strife between Mephius and Garbera. I look forward to seeing the close relationship between those of Garbera and Mephius once the marriage ceremony has been celebrated. Moreover, in the Nouzen Mountains, His Highness, Gil Mephius, met directly with General Zenon and with Prince Eric, the future Grand Duke of Ende. His Highness Gil is fond of saying that when we get married, he hopes that my brother and Lord Eric will be present at the ceremony, so that they may renew their promise of a prosperous future for Mephius, Garbera and Ende. I too eagerly await that day.”

Having arrived at that point, Rinoa finally stopped talking.

For a while, nobody said anything.

While King Ainn Owell also preserved the same silence, he fixed his gaze on one particular point. Aware of where the king was looking, all of the retainers turned their eyes in the same direction.

The landing place for air carriers.

Although they could not see her, Vileena was definitely there. Her presence seemed to be carried with the warm wind that was blowing.

Finally, King Ainn gave a short sigh.

“That tomboy,” he muttered, his smile really quite pained. “Did you hear, all of you? With a hundred Mephian soldiers following behind her, my daughter Vileena apparently donned armour and went to the front. A glorious first campaign for a princess. I shall have the court painter summoned at once to draw this historic scene.”

Everyone there smiled. Keenly aware of the changes within the atmosphere at the Royal Court, Dudley called out loudly in a greasy voice.

“P-Please wait, Your Majesty! While Princess Vileena has always been dauntless and brave, she is in no way a soldier, yet the emperor of Mephius allowed her to experience such danger without batting an eye. He sent the precious princess, given into his care by another country, to quell those savages whose blood had rushed to their brains – it’s unheard of! A strong protest needs to be…”

“Those savages whose blood had rushed to their brains were Garberan, Sir Dudley.” Noue Salzantes stepped forward. Maybe blood was now rushing to Dudley’s brain, since steam seemed to be rising from the top of his head. Noue’s expression, however, was as cool as ever. “This is not an issue that can be settled with having Mephius take sole responsibility.”

“Don’t barge your way in, Noue.”

When the king admonished him, Noue respectfully stood back with an “Aye.”

“I was at fault for not seeing through Salamand,” King Ainn said quietly. “The ones who cleaned up after my mess were my son, Zenon, and my daughter, Vileena. However… although he is a prince, Zenon is also no more than a retainer. Razetta,” he called out to his oldest son.

Razetta looked up as though he had just been hit. “A-Aye.”

“What you said before is also reasonable. Zenon needs to be punished for having moved troops on only his own judgement.”

“Aye…” Razetta raised his voice in bewilderment.

“In order to prove his loyalty both to myself and to Garbera, Zenon must, this time, carry out his military duties on my orders. Zenon Owell, Commander of the Chivalric Order of the Tiger!”

“Aye!”

Zenon stepped forward and clicked his heels. the king looked straight into his son’s tense face.

“Gather your soldiers immediately and head to Ende in reinforcement. I will send a letter to Lord Eric, the future Grand Duke. I will not listen to any complaints that you have only just subjugated Salamand. You are to achieve military victory without fail.”

“Without fail!”

At the prince’s reply, the hall shook with cheers. Noticing the prince’s gaze, the young lady of the Kotjun House smiled a little bashfully, but also a little proudly.

Dudley Kotjun’s expression, on the other hand, was sour. His own daughter had gotten in the way of his golden opportunity, leaving him with complicated feelings. Although he had been advancing things according to his own hopes, he had also, from the start, set Razetta in front of him so as to avoid standing out too much. The way had he unthinkingly called out to King Ainn was an unforeseen incident, and it would not do to expose his intentions any further.

With that said, he was an old fox of a merchant. He immediately adjusted himself to the surrounding atmosphere, smiling and clapping his hands, while working out his next plan in his head.

“You have His Majesty’s orders,” said Razetta as he clapped Zenon on the shoulder. “We may have had a difference of opinion earlier, but since you’ve been granted a chance to prove your loyalty to His Majesty, there’s nothing more to be said. Give it your all.”

“I agree, I said too much earlier.”

Watching as the two brothers shook hands, King Ainn secretly heaved a sigh of relief. His greatest worry in this matter must have been that the confrontation between the two of them might come to a head or be prolonged. His attitude had invited the quarrel that had broken out in the great hall but it seemed that things had now been settled, and that both brothers had been able to preserve their honour.

''You saved me again''.

His little sister’s face appeared in Zenon’s mind.  Still, doing things this way – not showing herself directly and entrusting her words to Rinoa – did not seem like Vileena. Even the contents of the message had not reflected the straightforward way of talking that she preferred.

''Since it’ll soon be the Autumn Harvest Festival… it’ll soon be Vileena’s birthday too'' – Zenon suddenly realised.

''She’ll be fifteen soon.''

''Fifteen, is it?''

Zenon turned his gaze towards the direction that the king had been looking at earlier.



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