Chapter 79 · Birthday (2)

“Leo!”

She was carefully cradling a white box.

“It’s not past midnight yet, right? Hehe.”

The moment he heard that, his heart dropped with a thud. Surely she didn’t know? What day tomorrow was.

“Portals are a bit fickle. I’m glad it didn’t open somewhere strange today. If I’d tumbled out somewhere, it would’ve been a disaster.”

When Anastasia cautiously opened the lid of the box, a lumpy cake was revealed.

“Sorry. I made it myself so it’s a mess, but it’s still better than the first one.”

She said quietly, looking a little embarrassed.

“I thought making it myself would mean more.”

His mother’s voice echoed in his head.

“Making it yourself is what gives it meaning, Leo.”

Basileo just stared at her blankly. Anastasia scratched her face awkwardly.

“What’s wrong? Does it look like it’ll taste bad? It may look like this, but it’ll taste fine. If you’re really suspicious, should I eat some first?”

“…That’s not it. I…”

“Aha~ You’re moved, aren’t you?”

It was her characteristic teasing tone. A voice that, no matter when he heard it, never felt annoying—only adorable.

“You can’t be moved by just this much! I brought a present too, you know.”

He took the small box she held out. Opening it with slightly trembling hands, a round silver pocket watch was shining inside.

“This one tells you the date as well as the time. Isn’t it amazing? Usually they only show the time.”

Even though she wasn’t the one receiving the gift, Anastasia was thoroughly excited.

“They say you just need to wind it once every two days.”

I should hate you.

“Ah, it’s almost midnight! Five, four, three, two, one…”

I should loathe and despise you.

“Happy birthday, Leo!”

And yet I…

“Leo?”

When he stood frozen without a word, Anastasia’s face fell immediately.

“You don’t like it? Well, Leo is a prince, so something like this must be too shabby. I’m sorry. I should have gotten you something nicer—”

“No.”

He said hurriedly.

“I… I like it.”

“Really? Thank goodness!”

“I have something to give you too.”

He handed her the small magical tool from his pocket.

“I finished even the final test. There don’t seem to be any major problems with how it works.”

“Wow! Now all that’s left is to test it. Thank you, Leo!”

Anastasia’s face lit up. Seeing the dimples that appeared whenever she smiled made his heart waver strangely. His mind was a complete mess, guilt and joy mixed together.

Watching Anastasia excitedly stick candles into the cake, he fiddled with the pocket watch in his hand. Tick-tock, he could feel the vibration of the second hand. During his time in this tower, his time had only flowed when he was with her.

She was his second hand. The only being that gave meaning in this space where time was meaningless. That was why he simply could not think of her and Santra together. Anastasia, at least, he could not hate.

◇ ◆ ◇

The next day, in the greenhouse garden.

‘If I wait a week like this, it’ll sprout, right?’

I anxiously watched the pot where nothing had changed. The light magical tool I had made with Leo was blinking and emitting light. It was a magical tool that automatically adjusted temperature and light for a day when mana was infused, and since exact values had to be matched, it had been quite a tricky task.

I had done my best, but if it failed… things would get very complicated.

‘Well, honestly, the happiest ending would be the king importing the herb of life from Batias right now.’

There was no way that would happen. Because…

“Princess, I’m here.”

“Cyrus, you’re here? How was it today?”

Cyrus let out a deep sigh and explained the negotiations at Ratio Palace today. It had already been four days since the talks with Batias began over the communication stone.

“Today was the worst. His Majesty shouted at the King of Batias, so… the talks were forcibly ended.”

I pressed my forehead. Of course. In my past lives too, it had always gone like this!

The war two hundred years ago was one thing, but Batias, full of hostility over being continually refused trade since then, was never going to be gentle. They thoroughly pressed their advantage, pushing unreasonable conditions and provoking the king. The proud king, enraged by their attitude, flew into a fury and the negotiations fell apart. And only much later, after the plague had spread beyond anyone’s ability to contain it, did he finally bow to them.

“Did he say he’d talk again tomorrow?”

“No. I think this is the end. He was absolutely furious.”

“Haa…”

I checked that the magical tool was working properly and poured divine power into the herb of life’s pot once more. Maybe I should play music for it as therapy.

“Divine power is amazing no matter when I see it.”

Cyrus, who had been watching me, marveled.

“Doesn’t Brilia have people who use divine power?”

“There are, but they’re rare. Someone of my station would hardly ever see one. In Brilia, if you can use divine power, you’re revered as a saint.”

“But Brilia worships a god who was once human. Do you think that god grants divine power?”

It was something I had wanted to ask someone from another country. Where does divine power come from? Is divine power truly a power given by God?

“Hmm, you mean Taram, the god who was the first human to become a god. Brilia believes that people chosen to help the world are born with divine power. And they believe that if you use that power rightly and die, you become a friend of the god Taram.”

Wow, becoming a friend of God! A story that would make a Santran faint if they heard it. But somehow it sounded romantic to me. As expected, every country has different ideas about divine power.

“So does Cyrus believe in God? You’ve traveled through all these countries and encountered all sorts of religions.”

“Um… Actually, I never had a clear religion. Rather than God, I was closer to an atheist who believed in money, but…”

Mm hm, money rather than God, certainly. This guy really does match me.

“I-I’ve decided to believe in Lord Lux!”

“What?!”

It was one of the most absurd things I’d heard all year, and I couldn’t help crying out loudly. He didn’t seem to be joking—his eyes were sparkling.

“H-how did you come to think that?”

“Princess Anastasia is a ‘child of God,’ after all. Before, I never understood people who had religion, but after witnessing a miracle with my own eyes, I get it now.”

“No, how many times do I have to say I’m not a ‘child of God’!”

“Then how can you use both divine power and mana? And how did you know there was an herb of life in Batias?”

“That’s…”

I couldn’t answer and huffed with frustration.

“Surely you’ve received a blessing from Lord Lux.”

Ugh, I’m telling you I haven’t! How much does that god hate me? He threw me into hell nine times!

“What should I do first if I want to convert? Do I need to swear to the High Priest and receive prayers?”

Leaving Cyrus chattering enthusiastically behind, I shook my head and left the greenhouse. Lord Lux, who was gaining followers for free like this, was just as detestable as Paeon.

◇ ◆ ◇

When I returned to Angelus Palace with Cyrus, welcome guests were waiting for me.

“Princess!”

“Kyaa! I missed you so much!”

Mila threw herself at me, and I nearly toppled over.

“Mila and… Freesia! Ark and Rizen came too!”

“I was so surprised when you suddenly said you’d be taking a month off from the academy. And summer vacation is coming up!”

“I thought you were ill. Things are so unsettled these days.”

“Where’s Melvian?”

“What, you’re looking for that guy first?”

Ark grumbled. No, he was always at these gatherings, so it was strange he wasn’t here!

“I heard Lord Laselles’ mother was very worried, so he decided to stay home for the time being.”

“That guy seems to be showing signs of being a mama’s boy, Princess. As expected, it’s better not to get close to him.”

I was about to open my mouth to scold Ark when Rizen screamed.

“Eeeek!”

“?!”

“Wh-what is this person, Princess?”

He had just noticed Cyrus, who had been hiding his presence in a corner as if he didn’t exist since we entered the tea room.

“Is he a pervert?”

A pervert?! That’s too harsh! Cyrus was currently wearing Brilian clothes. More modest than the first day, but still far too unconventional for Santran eyes. The reason was hives. He said Santran clothes were too scratchy and stifling, and he broke out in hives. It wasn’t a lie or an excuse—his condition was quite severe, so even Paeon had no choice but to give up.

Cyrus, faced with boys and girls who clearly looked noble, could only make a tearful face without retorting.

“This is Cyrus Sohrab. He’s an interpreter from Brilia.”

“Ah… So this is… I-I apologize.”

Rizen still looked deeply flustered. Well, for a holy knight, it was a culture that was hard to accept. Seeing him like this, he really did resemble Paeon.

But everyone except Rizen adapted relatively quickly and bombarded him with questions. Mila in particular seemed thrilled.

“How do they hold balls in Brilia? Is it true they keep ostriches as pets?”

“Ladies and gentlemen, please hold these while you talk.”

Sherry brought a cart full of desserts and tea. Wow, being in the palace means this kind of service! Palace life really is different.

“Seeing the princess inside the royal palace feels strange. This is how it should be, though.”

Ark said as he ate an éclair. He didn’t seem to have any complaints, so the palace food must suit him. And he subtly pushed the plate of fine desserts toward Freesia. My, what a consistent fellow.

We chatted happily. Cyrus got along surprisingly well with the boys and girls. That was because the age difference between them wasn’t that big. Perhaps the tension that had built up since coming to Santra had eased a little, because a smile spread across his face. He looked much more handsome when smiling—this guy must have been quite popular in Brilia.

“Oh! There’s good news from the academy, Princess.”

“What is it?”

“The Magic Ethics Committee’s disciplinary decision came out, and Professor Caesar was dismissed!”

Mila said with a face that couldn’t hide her satisfaction.

“So he finally got fired.”

“Originally it wasn’t supposed to go as far as dismissal, but apparently Marquis Laselles pushed for it.”

Marquis Laselles? Was it all right for him to openly make an enemy of the Caesar family like that? I felt a little worried.

Still, not having to see that man’s face when I returned to the academy was satisfying. Though he still had much karma to pay.

Just then, someone came running frantically from outside the tea room.

“Rizen!”

It was an unexpected person who had come urgently looking for Rizen.