Chapter 141
“What nonsense are you talking about? Magicians can’t properly accept our mana, so they’re useless as guardians. Do you think Duke Yelpen couldn’t become big sister’s guardian for no reason?”
Meliana sharply criticized Cirilla. But the child spoke firmly.
“B-but isn’t the meaning of a guardian someone who’s loyal to and protects the royal family? Even if they can’t receive our mana, if they have loyalty…….”
“As if they’d be loyal when they have nothing to gain from us. There’s a reason magicians haven’t been made guardians since the first Evgenia’s time.”
“That’s not true. There was a magician guardian during the first Evgenia’s time.”
“What? Who?”
“……Lublin.”
A brief silence fell. No one had expected the founding dragon’s name to come up.
“My history teacher said before. That Lublin was also the first Evgenia’s guardian.”
“Lublin was an exception.”
“Why? They were a magician, weren’t they?”
“Enough. It was my mistake trying to have a serious conversation with you.”
Meliana let out a dry laugh while rubbing her forehead. This time, I could somewhat understand Meliana’s feelings. After all, Lublin wasn’t just a simple magician.
‘They weren’t even human.’
Actually, I was a bit disappointed too. It seemed better to bring in Killis than a complete stranger as guardian. If Killis became guardian, I could just share mana with Isaac like now.
But just because I felt disappointed didn’t mean I would dismiss Cirilla like Meliana did.
“It’s okay, Cirilla. Like you said, Lublin was indeed a magician, so you’re not wrong.”
“There’s a limit to coddling.”
I heard Meliana’s muttering but ignored it and patted Cirilla’s shoulder.
Just as the child’s gloomy face began to brighten slightly, a maid informed us that our quarters were ready. We then dispersed to be guided by our assigned maids.
The temporary quarters were as spacious as my room in the Princess’s Palace. Though the furniture was somewhat modest, even this kind of room felt luxurious to me. The maid informed me that rooms for the guardians had been prepared right next door. She also mentioned that Evgenia had invited us to dinner.
“Tonight?”
“Yes, Your Highness. Her Highness said to attend comfortably as it’s only for the princesses. She requested that guardians refrain from accompanying if possible.”
I felt relieved, having been thinking about the previous banquet.
‘I thought everyone including the ministers and guardians would gather, but if it’s just the princesses, there will be less unnecessary tension.’
With just the princesses, I only needed to mind Evgenia and Meliana, but with everyone present, I would have had to deal with Morris Futurum, Meliana’s father. Not to mention Cirilla’s father, whose intentions were hard to read.
“I’ll take my leave now. Please rest, Your Highness.”
Following the maid, Reno also moved to withdraw.
“Reno, wait.”
I found myself grabbing his arm without thinking. Looking at his face tinged with puzzlement, I spoke.
“I won’t abandon you. I’ve never thought about abandoning you. So….. don’t mind what Meliana said earlier.”
“Yes, I won’t mind.”
Despite my hesitant words, Reno’s response was immediate. As always, with his bright and clear face, he took my hand that was holding his arm.
“I know well that Your Highness isn’t someone who would abandon me.”
“You’re so caring…….”
I thought I heard such a whisper. It was such a small voice that I couldn’t be sure, but…….
Then Reno gently released my hand and left, telling me to call him anytime if needed.
* * *
Though they were temporary quarters, it seemed they had moved things from the Princess’s Palace. Before dinner, Evgenia’s maids brought my dresses and accessories to help with preparations.
While all the items were familiar, my reflection in the mirror looked slightly different from usual. If before I had a subtle, understated look, now my eyes and lips were emphasized, drawing immediate attention.
It seemed the change in appearance was due to different people doing my hair and makeup. While the base was pretty enough that even the changed atmosphere looked beautiful, I wondered if this much preparation was really necessary.
‘Even though they said it would be a comfortable dinner, this isn’t comfortable at all.’
As I was newly feeling the burdens of being a “princess,” Evgenia appeared not long after I sat down. We all stood up at once to greet her.
“We greet Evgenia. May the light of Lublin be with you.”
“Yes. Everyone, please sit.”
As we sat according to her words, food began to be served quickly. During the meal, Evgenia spoke first.
“Is everyone comfortable with their new quarters?”
“The room was nice. I could feel Your Highness’s consideration.”
“I agree with Meliana. Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Cirilla, what about you?”
“I-I like it too.”
Cirilla, who hadn’t expected to be questioned, flinched before speaking in a small voice.
“I’m sorry for suddenly making you move quarters, but I’m glad you like it. Please bear with it for a few days. I’ll send you back once everything is sorted out.”
“Your Highness, may I ask what you’re trying to sort out? I don’t understand the questioning from earlier today either.”
“Ah, about that.”
When Evgenia glanced at the maids standing by the wall ready to serve, they quickly vacated their positions. After the last maid left the dining room, Evgenia spoke.
“As you might have heard from the guards, I hastily moved your quarters for your safety.”
“Safety……?”
“Yes. There are several impure hands within the palace. To think they would dare touch even the royal family—it’s not even funny. How dare they.”
While Evgenia’s expression appeared neutral on the surface, her voice contained unmistakable anger.
Though her voice was calm, it carried such pressure that even I, who had done nothing wrong, felt like trembling. Feeling like I might get indigestion if I continued eating like this, I quietly lowered my hands beneath the table.
“Then, is your order to arrest all the maids related to this?”
“Yes. I plan to dismiss all the current maids working in the Princess’s Palace and replace them with new ones.”
“Replace all of them?”
Ah, before I knew it.
When I cautiously glanced at Evgenia, fortunately, she didn’t seem particularly angry. Instead, she just looked at me curiously and asked.
“Is there any reason we shouldn’t?”
“No. It’s just that not everyone must have done something wrong, so I feel sorry that they’re all being replaced.”
“Your point has merit, but since we can’t filter out only the wrongdoers, we have no choice. We must replace them all.”
“I agree with Your Highness’s words. We can’t waste time on such a crucial matter. More rats might hide in the meantime, so it would be good to clean house now.”
As if she had been waiting, Meliana defended Evgenia’s decision.
“But even if you change the water, if rotten water remains, won’t it all rot again soon?”
“That’s why we should throw it all out and get new water.”
“Is that what you think?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Meliana answered confidently.
But was it just me? Somehow, rather than being satisfied, Evgenia seemed even more dispirited.
“I see, so that’s what you think.”
At the quiet, almost mumbled words, even Meliana seemed to sense something was off. Just as Meliana’s lips moved as if to say something, Evgenia spoke faster.
“Meliana Via Anesis.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Do you truly have nothing to tell me?”
“What do you mean……?”
“Did you really not know about what House Futurum did?”
“Are you referring to the incident with the Hezica medicine from before? If so, I didn’t know. I only found out after the incident—”
“Not that, I’m talking about the matter concerning Cirilla.”
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