Aobara-hime no Yarinaoshi Kakumeiki Chapter 5

Chapter 5: The Blue Rose Princess Thus Awakens (2 - 3)

Alicia stiffened. The man in front of her slowly lifted his handsome fair face as his charming black hair swayed behind. Alicia couldn't help but cast her eyes down before she could meet his arresting eyes.

He's here. To think I'd find him this quickly.

All the sounds from the court orchestra's performance that filled the hall and the murmuring of n.o.bles, who fixed their eyes on the advancing delegates, grew faint. Instead, what randomly caught Alicia's ear was the sound of her heart beating violently in her chest and the footsteps of the man proceeding on the carpet without hesitation.

Slightly raising her eyes, there, she could see the man from the night of the revolution. With flames of hatred burning within his violet eyes and curse words floating on his thin lips, the man walked towards Alicia, tightly grasping a dimly shining sword.

Her whole body trembled with fear, sweat dripping down her back. Every time the man took a step forward, Alicia's heart continued to fill with despair. Death, death itself was closing in on Alicia.

When at last it seemed like she would burst into a scream, a big hand grabbed Alicia's shoulder.

"Cia? You look unwell."

"…Sorry, father."

As soon as King James who was standing beside her whispered that, the daydream instantly vanished and Alicia was brought back to reality. Naturally, the black-haired man was not holding a sword nor was there a look of violent wrath on his face.

Suddenly tired, Alicia let out a breath roughly at the same time the ten people of the observation group lined up before the throne.

"I am Riddhe Sutherland, the eldest son of Lloyd Sutherland. We humbly thank His Majesty the King for preparing such an occasion for us this evening."

Within the group of envoys who kneeled before the King, the man in the centre respectfully spoke on behalf of the others. The Sutherland family was a family of dukes listed on the Privy Council and Lloyd was the current head of the family. Perhaps the result of such pride, Riddhe's conduct and manner of speech were perceived as arrogant in some respects.

"You've all worked for a long period of time and I truly thank you for your hard work. Did you have a worthwhile time in the other country?"

"Certainly. We do not doubt the prestige of Heilland, however, the other country was filled with many surprises."

Some words of acknowledgement and appreciation were exchanged between Riddhe and King James.  During that time, Alicia copied others and secretly stole a glance at the man with jet black hair and his head lowered.

The man before her eyes was much younger than the one in her memory. Of course, his features such as his hair and eye colour, but also his face that was good-looking to the point of being terrifying and his well-proportioned body were the same from her previous life. However his intelligent face profile was younger than in her memory and there was no sharpness like a drawn sword.

"The dispatch of the observation group this time was the long-held desire from the generation of the preceding king, who improved our diplomatic relations with the neighbouring country. I'm expecting you to make use of what you have learnt for the sake of this country."

"We are not worthy of your words. Every one of us shall faithfully serve with our life."

Riddhe spoke in a dramatic tone and bowed very deeply. King James asked all members to stand up and they immediately obeyed.

"Riddhe Sutherland."

"Yes, Sir."

Beginning with Riddhe, the King called out the members' names one by one in order. Those whose names were called briefly responded, as a faint red colour tinged their ears and cheeks to liven themselves up. When all the others had been called out and it had finally become that person's turn, Alicia held her breath so that she would not miss a single sound.

"Clovis Cromwell."

"Yes, Sir."

When he answered in a low voice that was pleasant to the ears and differed from his beautiful appearance, Alicia imprinted his name deep in her chest.

Clovis Cromwell.

That was the name of the man who would take Alicia's life in the near future.

King James, having finished calling out the names of those in the observation group, turned to all the n.o.bles gathered in the hall and addressed them with both arms raised.

"I hereby celebrate your return and look forward to your future activity. Please enjoy yourselves to your hearts' content tonight. May this day today mark the start of a new chapter for the Kingdom!"

"Glory to Heilland!"

Advisor Otto followed on, the repet.i.tion of his words resounding inside the hall. Loud shouts of joy suddenly broke out and the celebration began.

The court orchestra that had been playing a loud fanfare until some time ago suddenly changed and began playing an airy waltz. Snacks were quietly but promptly set up on the tables by the servants as the guests each enjoyed some frothy, amber liquid.

"Your Majesty, it's about time for Alicia to leave…"

"Yes, you're right."

The King nodded at Lady Fourier who had approached and whispered into his ear. The banquet beyond this point that involved dancing and deepening exchanges with other n.o.bles while enjoying snacks was still too early for Alicia, who hadn't yet made her debut into high society.

Besides, it was a good time for Alicia to leave soon. Not only did she come across the man, but she was also able to find out his name—it was a great harvest. However she did not want to be in the same room as the man who took her life any longer than this.

After this, she would try to collect information on Clovis Cromwell while first looking through the directory of n.o.bility. While Alicia thought about such things, she followed etiquette, quietly pinching her dress and curtsying as she tried to leave.

To her surprise, the King's trusted advisor kept her from leaving.

"Your Majesty. Alicia-sama. I hope you're having a good time."

"Oh, Naizel? You've worked hard tonight."

Advisor Otto who was also an organiser of today's ceremony, smiled at Alicia who straightened her posture as she was taking her leave.

This man with grey mixed in his hair in the prime of his life1 was thought highly by the King both in his work and personality. For that reason, Alicia also held a deep adoration for him, and Otto too doted on Alicia who had become attached to him.

"Good evening, Naizel. I'm glad to see you, but I have to leave soon."

"I thought so, hence why I have rushed over here."

Fourier's eyebrows twitched at Otto's words. She was confused by his words just like Alicia. He in other words wanted to prevent Alicia from leaving no matter what.

"You have some kind of reason don't you?  Don't worry, tell me."

"Actually, there are two young men who wish to meet your Majesty and Alicia-sama. They will certainly become key pillars who will support this country not only during your Majesty's reign but also until Alicia-sama's generation."

"I see, I see," repeated King James with seeming interest. His eyes gleamed brightly with the look of delight.

"Hearing you speak of them to this extent, they seem like quite the exceptional individuals. I would very much like to meet them. Have them come here."

"Thank you—the both of you, this way."

Following the line of sight of the advisor who called out behind over his shoulder, Alicia regretted not having left quickly.

T/N

Naizel is in his 30s to early 40s