Queen Raviola is the type of person who would stop at nothing to place Ligares on the throne.
Especially when her target is the protagonist, set up to be despised by the world.
In the original story, Tesilid suffered numerous terrible ordeals at the hands of Queen Raviola.
['The Eye Watching the Chaos of All Things' trembles, recalling the horrors Raviola inflicted on the protagonist in the 25th iteration.]
['The Insider Overseer' muses, savoring the memory of how Queen Raviola framed the protagonist and personally flogged him—truly one of the story's highlights.]
['The Cliché Connoisseur' cheers at the original's dramatic, sensational plot.]
['The Eye Watching the Chaos of All Things' jolts in surprise and asks, "When did you get here, Cliché Connoisseur?"]
['The Word That Builds Worlds' hastily steps forward, bowing respectfully to the 'Cliché Connoisseur.']
['The Cliché Connoisseur' replies casually, mentioning they arrived earlier and acknowledges the greeting with a half-hearted nod.]
Of course—the head of the Transmigration Management Bureau. It seems they have a keen eye for taboos and scandalous themes, and it couldn't be a better time for a visit.
For now, though, it was clear I needed to make my stance known to Queen Raviola.
I had no intention of following her warning, nor did I want to recreate the original story's frustrating developments by directly opposing her.
Thus, my course of action was obvious.
"Your Majesty, the Queen."
"Yes, Your Holiness? What is it?"
"It is customary for clergy members to offer a prayer of blessing upon visiting a place. If it pleases you, I'd like to hold a prayer for the Winchester royal family tomorrow."
Queen Raviola didn't seem particularly religious, but…
"A prayer from His Holiness certainly sounds promising."
She accepted my proposal, as if she were agreeing to watch a jester's performance.
"Then I will prepare for the prayer under the assumption that I have Your Majesty's permission. As for the blessing itself… I think 'peace within the family' would be fitting. After all, a royal family is, in essence, still a household."
"Peace within the family… How pointedly meaningful."
"Yes. I'm sure it'll resonate deeply with Your Majesty."
I spoke with a friendly smile and a bold assurance.
Watching Queen Raviola's suspicious and wary expression, I found myself looking forward to tomorrow.
✠
"So, the Queen warned you, as I suspected," Celestid murmured with downcast eyes.
I was currently seated across from Princess Celestid in the parlor of her quarters, recounting what had taken place in the audience hall.
Soon, the maids had finished preparing refreshments, and Celestid looked around, gesturing for others to join.
"Please, Bianca, take a seat. And if Sir Prince and the bearer of the Sacred Sword would like to join us, please do."
And so, five of us gathered around the tea table.
Celestid continued, "I'm not sure if you're aware, but the Queen… She's a woman of action. Ever since she lost Reminic, the number of opponents she's purged is beyond count. Her methods are swift and ruthless."
"Yes. She certainly gives that impression."
"Although she can't directly target the Holy Vicar, given the protection from the Duchy and the Church, she won't hesitate to act against others. And with methods you might not expect."
As she finished speaking, Celestid's gaze landed on Tesilid.
Her eyes reflected a silent regret too deep to put into words, lingering on him longer than necessary.
Tesilid couldn't have missed her attention, yet he continued to keep his eyes fixed on his tea.
'He's determined not to get involved with Celestid.'
It was an intentional effort.
And understandably so, since throughout the original story, every entanglement Tesilid had with Celestid ended poorly.
He was constantly ensnared in scandalous rumors, even falsely accused of outrageous crimes that nearly led to his execution.
In the 16th iteration, even simply escorting Celestid officially had earned him the ire of two princes, resulting in a flood of unpleasant experiences.
Whenever he extended a hand in goodwill, the world twisted it into malice.
The Winchester royal family seemed to amplify this unfortunate pattern.
Since our arrival, Tesilid's face had remained somber, his gaze icy as he took in the palace around him.
Then—
Oh no, Agnes, please don't.
Even as a joke, it's best not to suggest a romantic rumor now.
As I expected, Tesilid's expression hardened, so I hurried to correct the misunderstanding.
"No, absolutely not."
I succeeded in dispelling Agnes's suspicions, and Tesilid's expression softened.
However, it came at a small price.
"Yes? Your Holiness?"
"Ah, just talking to myself for a moment. Haha."
I covered my embarrassment with a laugh.
It was best to change the topic quickly.
In times like these, turning to someone who easily attracts positive attention is a good tactic to shift the focus.
"Brother."
"Yes, Your Holiness?"
"Oh, I told you not to call me that. It's been ages since we've had a proper conversation, so it feels strange when you keep calling me formally."
"Oh, really? Alright, I won't do it."
"Thanks. Anyway, I have a question for you."
"What is it?"
"Are you officially assigned as Princess Celestid's bodyguard? I heard the two other princes fought to keep you by their side, but you managed to slip away?"
Prince scratched his head awkwardly and nodded at my playful question about outsmarting the princes.
"I'll be assigned soon. Once it was revealed that I'm the Grand Duke's grandson, people stopped watching me so closely. Now that I have a choice, I decided to serve where I feel is right."
As he finished, Prince cast a quick glance toward Bianca.
Such a straightforward brother.
But would he realize…?
Ever since Bianca learned we were the Grand Duke's grandchildren a decade ago, she'd mentally disqualified my brother as a potential spouse.
Bianca, sipping her tea, looked over at Prince.
"Thank you very much for your decision to support the Princess, Sir Prince."
"Your words are too generous, my lady."
"Given your position, it's hardly appropriate to call me 'my lady' anymore. Please use the title Baroness Gillette, or just call me Bianca."
"Yes, Lady Bianca."
"And drop the 'Lady.'"
"B-B-Bianca…"
Finally given permission to use her name, Prince pronounced it with reverence, as though he were savoring a piece of candy.
But his blissful moment was short-lived.
Bianca soon delivered some unexpected news.
"I apologize, but I'll need to rely on your position a bit, Sir Prince. With the grandson of Grand Duke Hispenril watching over the Princess, I can feel assured even in my absence."
"What? You'll be leaving?"
"I made a promise to a friend long ago. I believe it's time to fulfill it."
As Prince stammered in shock, Bianca turned to me with a knowing smile.
"Ai, I figured it was about time you came to get me, wasn't it?"
"My goodness. You knew and were just waiting?"
"Yes."
"That's so like you, Bia. You're the best."
My precious friend hadn't forgotten her promise to manage the expedition team if I ever formed one. Not only that, she'd sensed the timing when I'd need her.
She'd even settled things with Celestid in advance.
I'd thought there might be some resistance to taking such a capable talent, but Celestid seemed ready to let Bianca go without complaint.
Only Prince appeared devastated, caught up in his own shock.
"This can't be… Just when I was about to start…"
"Sorry, brother. But I called dibs on Bianca first, so I win."
"…"
"Anyway, I really appreciate you deciding to stay with the Princess. You can help protect peace in Winchester from here."
"But I…"
"You wouldn't go back on your word, would you? I trust you, okay?"
"Kuh…"
['The Eye Watching the Chaos of All Things' seems utterly delighted.]
Tesilid, too, seemed mildly surprised by the turn of events.
"So the talented administrative aide you planned to recruit… was your friend."
"I look forward to working together, Sir Tesilid."
"The pleasure is mine."
['The Eye Watching the Chaos of All Things' glances between them with a piercing gaze.]
['The Insider Overseer' quickly pacifies 'The Eye Watching the Chaos of All Things.']
['The Cliché Connoisseur' excitedly wonders when they'll get to witness some romantic rivalry.]
And thus, it was decided that Bianca would return with me to the Church after our business in the kingdom was complete.
"It was a pleasure. Please enjoy your rest."
After tea, we were each shown to our accommodations.
My quarters were particularly spacious and lavish, though they were set slightly apart from the others.
Upon entering, I found myself in an antechamber.
Six ladies-in-waiting and twelve maids awaited me, bowing as if they'd been standing ready.
But it appeared there was one more person awaiting my arrival.
The eldest of the ladies-in-waiting stepped forward cautiously and addressed me.
"Your Holiness?"
"Yes?"
"Prince Hadeil is waiting for you… inside."
"Inside?"
But I was already in my chambers.
Sensing my confusion, the lady offered a hesitant explanation.
"…Inside, as in, the inner room."
The inner room—that would mean the bedroom.
Incredible. I hadn't even set foot in my bedroom yet, and the prince had already made himself comfortable in there, waiting for me.
Sure, this was his palace, and this was just a guest room, but still…