Vol 2 Chapter 3 (1/2)

Chapter 3: Her Royal Highness’ Gladiator

Part 1

The following day and the day after that, Orba refused all invitations from Ineli and Rogue Saian.

He secluded himself in his room, where the work he did amounted to—nothing.

He loitered alone in his room. The main section of his room was far larger than the quarters he had stayed in when he was a sword-slave. Several times larger. The balcony that extended from his room also served as a garden. But going there would allow himself to be seen and he wanted to avoid raising questions as to why he was not sick. That was why he walked within the room.

On the first day, and the second day as well, Orba paced around as if a beast prowling in search of game. Each pa.s.sing second felt long. Even his meals were carried out in silence. And whenever some faint noise was made, he would immediately direct his eyes at the door, to find that it never opened. By the second day, a shadow of impatience flared across his face. The sky outside the window was already dimming. Just as he had given up hope, a lone messenger came running into the room.

He’s here.

Orba’s feet ground to a halt. As Dinn began to call out to Orba, he caught sight of Orba’s visage and held his breath. Orba's eyes tore straight up, and his lips curled upwards to reveal his canine teeth. It was a terrifying appearance rivalling that of his mask.

With the information he received from the messenger, Orba handed down new orders. They were to be deployed to the entrances of the palace and main buildings, and also throughout town serving as intermediary points, similar to information relay, and provide for two-way transmission of intelligence.

The location was two alleys down from the main road, in a ryotei[1] at the very end of a street lined with brothels.

In short, Noue had not shown up personally. The one Oubary dined with was his messenger. The location was a private room situated on the third floor. Any person in the store wis.h.i.+ng to enter had to, without exception, ring the bell and obtain permission. It was ideal for confidential talks.

Orba first had several sword-slaves infiltrate the store. Naturally, he had handed them money and prepared them in the appropriate attire. After drinking several gla.s.ses of wine, they started an uproar at the set time. They even dragged the people in the store into the fight, though they took care not to create a bigger commotion than necessary, and then immediately vacated the store. In that time, the light-footed gladiator Aeson climbed over the fencings and walls and aligned himself against the balcony of the room Oubary was situated in. Aeson was a pirate born in the northern Zongan seas and experienced in climbing up and down the mast.

He stealthily listened in on the middle of the conversation without making a sound. The meet lasted approximately thirty minutes. What Aeson could make out was no more than the mere five minutes at the end. Still, there was some harvest. About the same time as the two finished their meet, Aeson got off the balcony.

Roughly three hours since the first report from the messenger, Orba heard the report from Aeson.

“—I see. Not a word of this to anyone.”

“I understand.”

Unaccustomed to this manner of address, Orba called out once more to Aeson, about to leave with the compensation money in his hands. “Sir?” he responded, turning around to find a gun pointed at him. Aeson turned stiff.

“I’ll say this one more time, just to be clear. Not a word to anyone.”

“Y-Yes, sir.”

“No drinking during the festival. No leaving Solon. You don’t know where my eyes and my ears lie. In exchange, if you keep to it until the festival ends, I’ll give you the same amount of money as I did now.”

A joyful countenance formed across his pale face, and he responded, “Sir!”

“...What’s this all about?”

Dinn said after Aeson took his leave, his face also drained of colour.

“Nothing is clear right now and anything is still possible.”

“B-But, this doesn’t make any sense. General Oubary is a general long serving Mephius. Besides, he doesn’t want peace with Garbera. The princess…couldn’t have possibly come here from the beginning with this purpose, but then—Mmpphhmmfuu.”

With a plate of grapes stuffed into his mouth, Dinn was for the meantime preoccupied with chewing.

“I said nothing’s clear yet. We only have pieces of information after all.”

Even as...o...b.. calmly said so, his heart raged turbulently.

The contents of the conversation Aeson heard were as followed:

“The incident with Kaiser was truly fortunate. It appears to have spurred on Zaat’s incitement. But I would never have thought this situation would arrive so soon. Rather, because the matter with Kaiser exists, Noue will not have to work for his accomplishments, is that not so?”

“It is as you say,” the messenger replied. “Lord Noue is steadily progressing with his preparations. Zaat Quark, and the setting fire to the slaves’ room as well, all proceedings are coming along.”

“And amongst the proceedings, I should also be accounted for, am I not?”

“For the general’s cooperation…”

“That’s far enough. The thanking will come after everything has ended. It’s fine to leave the handling of the matter regarding Zaat to me, but the situation with the slaves worries me. That man called Pas.h.i.+r. We seem to have gained his cooperation, but he is partic.i.p.ating in the gladiator tournament after all. Were he to lose his life, won’t this be for naught?”

“There is no need to worry. The fire is already smouldering within Mephius. As it were, we are at best no more than ventilation. Even supposing Pas.h.i.+r were to lose his life, the already bursting flames will not be put out so easily.”

“Already in Mephius, hmm. You are exactly right. To this end, the search will also determinedly be met within Mephius. Of course…so this was Noue’s aim. The sword-slaves are an unfortunate bunch. They are the same as children provoked by wicked adults into fruitless opposition.”

Oubary stifled a laugh.

“After this, there will be nothing to trouble the general. Your cooperation in the concealment of the instigator has also left Lord Noue marvelling at your bravery and ability to take action, General Oubary. I pray for a lasting relations.h.i.+p of camaraderie and trust amongst us that can cross beyond our countries.”

“Hmph,” Oubary snorted. Because his figure could not be seen, it was not possible to tell what emotions he held at the time.

“But what will you do with that princess of yours? If you move poorly, her life will be in danger.”

“If only the princess were to escape ahead of time, Garbera’s involvement will be suspected. It is not a matter of moving poorly—that would just be how it ends up.”

”Ho,” Oubary’s voice quivered slightly.

It had been a short while. Then Oubary cleared his throat.

“—The hour is gone. Let us depart. To which banquet has Noue been invited this evening?”

“I believe it was called the Moonlight Palace. A great many envoys from numerous countries have been invited. If I remember correctly, Princess Vileena has also gone. Will the general also go there?”

“No, it’s the opposite. I would rather not meet some strange faces. I shall ascertain Zaat’s situation—”

He stood up from the seat and walked away from the room, barring any more of the speech from being heard.

Orba played back the conversation he heard from Aeson once more in his head.

His chest throbbed.

Oubary and Noue were scheming something outrageous during this festival. And to add, it was something big enough to shake the very core of the Mephius’ foundation—no doubt about it.

Oubary is selling out his country, and Noue who should be promoting peace, is bringing trouble to Mephius.

He did not know what their common goal was. At the current phase, he could not even offer a guess. But two points were made clear in the conversation. The first was,

The princess’ life is in danger—

Of course, the princess in this instance was Garbera’s third princess, Vileena Owell.

And the other point was related to the keyword, Pas.h.i.+r. The Pas.h.i.+r that Orba knew of was the gladiator who was the top contender for the champions.h.i.+p. Oubary had also mentioned he was ‘partic.i.p.ating in the tournament’, so there was no mistaking it.

The names of these two people, at first glance, appeared to have no connection; but, it was clearly evident that these two were caught up in some plan that was, even now, steadily making way.

If it was something that would only simply bring troubles to Mephius, Orba might have even smiled upon it. He hated Mephius. If it meant burning the n.o.bles in flames and causing them suffering agony, he would jump at the chance, even if by himself. However, if Oubary had to do with this, then that was a different matter. He would never go along with that b.a.s.t.a.r.d’s wishes even once.

And also…

The image of platinum hair crossed his mind. And with it, a pure, extremely honest irritation.

Orba folded his arms as usual while deep in thought. Zaat, whom Oubary said he would go see. The Moonlight Palace, where Noue was said to have gone. Which one should he go for now? He wasn’t going to bother with the pretence of directly asking questions. The information he held was too little. That was especially why he had chosen to meet him directly to try and shake him up.

“Dinn, prepare a change of clothes.”

“Are you going out now? Where to?”

“The Moonlight Palace,” Orba replied. He had for some reason said it in an embarra.s.sed tone, having decided to go there.

“That place has a large number of envoys present,” Dinn said, focusing on the task at hand. “Ummm, then formal attire suitable for a party…but if it’s the prince who would do nothing but show off about his first campaign, then donning a military outfit would be—”

“A cuira.s.s, sandals, and bangles.”

Orba picked up the object he hid when guests were present. It was the mask of the Iron Tiger.

Dressed in clothing fit for a gladiator, Orba headed towards the Moonlight Palace alone.

The Moonlight Palace—its original name was ‘The Palace of Moonlight facing the Dragon’s Left Wing’. It neared the Imperial Dragon Eye Shrine, contained one of the most magnificent gardens found in Mephius, and was more than often used to host large parties.

The guard at the gate saw Orba’s mask and bowed. He wasn’t a man with much of a prominent character, but in accordance to the rules, performed an inspection for weapons and then granted permission for Orba to enter.

No sooner than he had entered the garden, all the men and women called out to him. The name and appearance of the gladiator said to have defeated Ryucown had become well-known. The n.o.bles, as guests of the party hosted in this mansion that came second to their own, welcomed him.

It wasn’t that they had never foreseen encountering a savage person until now, but Orba had become the talk of the crowd. For all the hard work he put in as the prince’s body double, it was the least he could be rewarded.

As he headed further in, Orba came across the two princesses, Vileena and Ineli. He stared in wonder. The two were facing each other and chatting happily. And as they appeared to do so, open hostility could be seen within those two pairs of eyes.

Part 2

Vileena Owell burned with ambition. The prince, who she thought would finally rise out of bed on the festival eve, had immediately withdrawn back into his room. She would no longer depend on him.

As if I would depend on him. There’s nothing to depend on!

She stood in front of a mirror fitting on her dress, and while Theresia busily arranged her hair, tightly clenched her fists.

“The prince’s absence is actually convenient. I will a.s.sess the envoys from all the countries by myself, and strengthen connections with Garbera even as I stay here in Mephius. That’s right, and I can also use this opportunity to remember the names and faces of the Mephian n.o.bles. First, I’ll have to find myself a new acquaintance, a close friend. If I don’t establish my own foothold, I won't make any progress.”

“Oh my. Princess, you’re making a scary face,” Theresia said, looking at the mirror. “If you’re like that, then all the effort I put into preparing you as Mephius’ best woman will come to nothing. You’ll scare all the men away. Even that far-off prince would surely quake in fear in his room from seeing such a demonic face.”

Ignoring Theresia’s sarcastic remark, Vileena’s violent emotions flared up even further.

That emperor’s way of doing things...I don’t like it.

Kaiser Islan’s execution was said to be scheduled in a few days. Moreover, it was in the course of the gladiator tournament, where the ma.s.ses could watch as he would be made out as live bait for the dragons. Having heard this, Vileena’s skin crawled in disgust and horror.

Kaiser practically wasn’t even given a chance to defend himself. At best, he had only expressed his opposition to the emperor’s proposal to relocate the shrine and erect a new building in its place. If such things came to pa.s.s, even the country’s management would spiral out of control.

‘These men of high stature who know only to stare at their master’s countenance in fear of incurring his anger are the ones partic.i.p.ating in the country’s politics—I would never think such a country would last this long in a warring society.’ Grandfather would most certainly say such.

Vileena ascertained while in the midst of attending the hosted party held at the Moonlight Palace this evening. No matter how savage a country Mephius was, there should be those that could not ignore their feelings of opposition towards the emperor’s conduct.

I will make sure of each and every one of their positions and views, and so that I may use it to somehow benefit Garbera, I must determine my own standing.

The party began exactly at sunset. In the halls and the garden, mountains of food and people were prepared and readied. And amongst the constant chattering and music being sounded, Vileena revealed herself to the finely dressed people of the party. To the Mephian n.o.bles who called out to her, she started off with an affable smile.

“My, another beauty has joined us this lovely evening.”

“The prided day for all Mephians will not be long to come. I pray with my heart that the wedding with the princess, praised as Garbera’s white flower, will come even one day sooner.”

“Dear me! What a charming princess. A well suited match for our crown prince.”

Just keep smiling.

She struggled to prevent her emotions, which took the form of a venomous spider nested deep within her, from appearing on her face as she politely responded to each and every one of them. However, mention of the issue relating to Kaiser never came up. Vileena had also grown familiar with some of Mephius’ customs, and so knew full well that the women far from preferred to stick their noses into politics.

If I can at least get someone from their side to broach the topic…

She understood that it was hard for them to bring mention of this topic with a foreign guest. Vileena bitterly regretted the ambiguous position she found herself in. Were Gil Mephius to have come here together with her, the circ.u.mstances might have been somewhat different. As she thought so, her fury towards the prince, and also towards his incompetence, grew even more.

She decided for a change in location. And if this topic came up somewhere along the way, she would attempt to join in.

Between the Moonlight Palace and Main Palace, a small, but strangely unusual forest stretched out and made the garden view much more enjoyable. In the centre of the garden was a water fountain where a flock of people gathered and were having a friendly chat. And in the corner, a group of musicians took up their positions and produced a melodious symphony as they played their instruments. Couples, young and old, embraced each other and danced.

Oh? Vileena stopped her feet. She spotted Noue Salzantes. In Garbera’s palace, he was a man popular amongst the young ladies and children, and it seemed to be similarly so in Mephius. He was showing a magnificent dance with one of the ladies, as the surrounding groups of women threw glares of jealousy and envy.

Once the dance ended, Noue came to realize Vileena’s presence. He offered his greetings if not one second earlier, and for some reason quickly drew towards the direction of the party.

”Good day to you, elder sister[2].”

The one who flipped up her skirt and did a light curtsy was Ineli Mephius, Gil Mephius’ stepsister and an imperial princess of Mephius.

Vileena remembered her innocent and yet charming appearance. And with it, the extremely rude comment Theresia had made, “I wouldn’t think she was only two years apart from Vileena-sama.”

“Ah, could it be I’ve yet to introduce myself to my elder sister? I hope you bear it no mind, as it is only a difference between fast and slow. I felt it would be better to exchange greetings as early as possible, for the both of us.”

“Yes, I think so—Ow!—Yes, I couldn’t agree more.”

The ‘ow’ was because Theresia had elbowed her. It was a delicate situation in which they determined their relative standings, but right now, it was better to conduct herself with the standing of a guest. And also, Theresia had intuitively grasped that this girl Ineli was someone her mistress would not come to like.

“Just now, I have had the pleasure of entertaining a dance with Lord Salzantes, and as expected, Garbera has such refined characters. His dancing techniques and of course, his ability to escort a lady, are far superior to the likes of Mephius’ men. Elder sister, say….will you not also entertain yourself to a dance? Surely, everyone present here will gladly come to arms.”

“No, I will not. Dancing is one of my more inexperienced areas.” Vileena smiled in modesty. “I have had the pleasure of witnessing this a moment ago, but Princess Ineli is extremely skilled. It is not in my place to partic.i.p.ate.”

“My, is that so. So that’s how it is. Well, it’s best not to fret over it. I have been taught by a dancing instructor since I was three. That instructor is a master dancer of the Arion imperial court. That person has been praised with having talent at the age of three.”

“That’s amaz—an amazing feat.”

Before she knew it, a group of girls—most likely the daughters of distinguished n.o.bles—had gathered around her.

“Really, Ineli-sama has been able to do anything since she was little.”

“I’ve also been scolded by my father and mother, saying ‘Why can’t you be like Ineli-sama?’ And I would think, ‘There’s no helping it! I’m not Ineli-sama!’”

The girls broke into boisterous laughter. Ineli beamed triumphantly at Vileena, who was made to continue her troubled smile. And,

“Oh, it’s not as if even I can do everything. Doesn’t everyone have their own strengths and weaknesses? Take for example...,“ smoothly changing the conversation, she directed her glowing eyes at Vileena, “For example, I can’t ride airs.h.i.+ps.”

“Airs.h.i.+ps?”

“Is not knowing how to ride an airs.h.i.+p really something to be embarra.s.sed about? Isn’t that something used in the military? I’ve never seen one up close.”

Ineli grinned in enjoyment at the other girls’ confusion.

“I suppose you’re right. That is, in a way, something that doesn’t make you happy. I mean, think about it. Riding such a thing, and using it to fly in the sky—and then ending up scared and fainting. Wouldn’t that embara.s.s you?”

“Ah, you’re right. Such a thing is improper for a lady.”

“Forget about getting angry, we might even be disowned.”

They laughed together. As Ineli showed her approval, she intently watched Vileena, whose eyes were screwed up.

Oh? Could this be...

Vileena could take a guess as to what this was. It was evident without needing this to proceed further. The other girls aside, Ineli was no doubt fully aware of it. This was about the immediate princess who had come from another country and her peerless ability to pilot an airs.h.i.+p. And of how, in the battle at Zaim Fortress, she had soared through the battlefield with her own airs.h.i.+p.

So that’s what this is. She’s picking a fight.

She forced herself to continue her smile while her mind boiled over repeatedly.

If she’s going to pick a fight, I’ll show her one. Now…how should I go about it—

“Is something wrong?” Ineli smiled sweetly at her. “Elder sister, have you changed your mind? Will you accept a dance?”

Vileena understood it now. Ineli seemed to have great confidence in that area of expertise. Even Vileena held some knowledge of dance. She was the princess of a country after all, and at the very least had a basic education in the etiquettes of being a lady.

Vileena pulled back the sleeves of her dress in confidence and raised her chin.

“If you insist to that extent, while it may be embarra.s.sing, Vileena Owell shall entertain you a dance.”

Oh really now.

Ineli, facing Vileena, chuckled within. Their surroundings also became heated. Noue, in a last ditch effort to help in this situation spoke up,

“Then I shall be the princess’ partner—”

Ineli stopped him from speaking.

“No, I won’t have that. You said you would continue to accompany Ineli as her partner all night long. You had promised so, did you not?

“Ah. Well, that is, but your imperial highness….”

Noue turned sour. In Garbera, he would instead be the one who led women by the nose; the one rumoured to cause tragic scenes to unfold between men and women. But here in the lands of a foreign country as a standing envoy, as expected, he could not refuse this princess.

At this point, a young n.o.ble quickly extended his hands towards the royal princess.

“Will her highness allow the unworthy me as her partner?”

The name of this man was Baton Cadmus. He was a man of significant stature, and in terms of appearance, was fit to act as the princess’ partner. Vileena would have been fine with anyone as her partner. As this princess took his hand, she failed to catch sight of Baton winking back at Ineli.

It was Ineli’s plan to have him slightly shame this princess from another country on this one occasion. Up to now in such showy events, she was the leading actress. She was sent for not only by tutors within Mephius, but also from those around the world of different varieties of styles, and was confident in her own sense of style. She was greatly knowledgeable in fas.h.i.+on, theme selection, dance, tea, a bit of esprit, painting, and music. All the girls Ineli’s age strived to be like her. And all the more so when her mother, Melissa, had become the empress and her status had been elevated to that of an imperial princess.

And suddenly intruding into her domain was Vileena. The Mephians were somehow rather weak to expressions of ‘cultural’ origin. Even though Garbera was until recently an enemy country, many Mephians could taste the refined flavour of their culture. Particularly, tales of Garbera’s chivalry, of how men would take up arms for their lady and risk their lives fighting for them, had garnered high popularity amongst the women and children.

During tea talks, the subject of their gossip would s.h.i.+ft towards Vileena. And, whilst she stayed in the same country, her situation of being holed up in the women’s chambers was strangely exaggerated. Just today, they pa.s.sed by each other and exchanged glances, and with the slightest of efforts Vileena caught the attention of her surroundings. The very thought of this sickened her.

I’ll knock her down a peg here.

She would put Vileena to shame, enough to overwhelm her, and then compa.s.sionately offer her a hand. If she could also make Garbera’s princess her follower, she could once more grasp the initiative in the women’s chambers as she had until now.

The tune of the Mephian waltz played and the dance began. Ineli and Noue both danced with equally fluid motions. Their breathing gradually synchronized, and sighs leaked out from the observing crowd.

On the other end, the aforementioned Vileena was suddenly swung around full force by Baton. She was perplexed by this dance, which had become one where both her feet were p.r.o.ne to be lifted off the ground. In an attempt to match her partner’s rushed movements, she stepped on Baton’s foot. The two of them both lost their balance.

“Princess, the step here occurs much earlier.”

Hearing the voices from his surroundings, Baton offered some advice. Stealthy giggles sneaked out from the surroundings.

“M-My apologies.”

She accidentally spoke in male speech. Her face turned red in accordance. But she tripped many more times after that. Even as she made attempts to follow after Baton, there were absolutely no indications of him allowing her to do so. This time, he stumbled completely on his own feet and took a large stagger behind.

This man, he’s doing it on purpose.

She met his eyes. There lay an arrogant smile.

Vileena grinned.

“Ah,” Theresia had raised her voice as a warning, but she was too late. Baton once more stuck his feet to obstruct the princess’ steps, and Vileena having preparedly antic.i.p.ated this kicked his other foot up. And then using the rotation of her hips, she hurled the startled, hopping Baton.

Baton fell face first onto the floor. For a moment, the waltz came to a halt, as people gave out gasps of blameless surprise. Theresia covered her face on reflex.

“Anyone.”

Vileena cast a challenging glare at the men. And she stretched out her right hand into the empty air.

“Is there anyone out there. This benevolent man is not suited to be my partner. Is there anyone out there, willing to show Garbera’s princess a true Mephian waltz?”

“Ahahahahaha,” Ineli laughed in a shrill voice over and over. Noue was also surprised, but with Ineli as his dance partner before him, he was unable to offer any a.s.sistance.

Vileena was surrounded in stares. Everyone cast down their eyes and turned their faces. There were also those who pretended to be actively engaged in idle talk. Even as she cast her eyes through a full turn, there were no signs of reception. As she held back her anger, she could feel the startled reactions.

She had gone too far. With this, she would gain the hostility of the Mephius people. The supporters she had won over were nowhere to be seen. Each and every one of these people offered no response. They were not only afraid of incurring Ineli’s disfavour, but above all, of being the target of Vileena’s burning hostility.

She bit her pink lips. In her chest, she could feel her grandfather reprimand her.

That girl named Ineli. Could she have read my quick temper and predicting such an outcome, provoked me?

If that is so, it is my complete defeat. I acted exactly along her expectations.

But Vileena continued to hold her hand out in spite of that. She could not forgive that girl’s temperament precisely because she had been led by the nose. As more time pa.s.sed and pa.s.sed, the realization of her miserable state dawned on her, and each slowly pa.s.sing second began to feel like an hour. Her shoulder gradually tired, and that very hand that had failed to grasp anything lowered in vain.

Vileena herself lowered her head. From the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Ineli’s triumphant smirk.

“—Princess.”

At that time, the figure of a person emerged from the crowd.

Vileena gasped, and also gasping in a difference sense of the meaning was Ineli.

“Princess, if it is fine with you, will you humble me—no, the unworthy me to a dance?”

With a bow, the one who raised his hands up high and donned a mask was the former gladiator.

Vileena, in her apprehensive state, raised her hand a second time and grasped the gladiator—the Imperial Guard’s hand.

Orba’s hand clumsily wrapped around her waist.

The two, mutually inclined towards the other, like a young boy and girl when they first hold hands, and falteringly tread their steps.

The dance flowed. The princess who had only just come from another country and the former gladiator who had defeated the enemy general at Zaim Fortress; attention focused on the two. Pa.s.sion surrounded them, possibly amplified by the musical performance given by the virtuosos.

Orba paid discreet attention to his feet. He had never experienced this type of dance before. He carved the rhythm of the dance into his mind. A single offbeat, and he feared the whole dance would fall to pieces.

One, two, three….one, two.

Under his mask, a cold sweat firmly suspended itself on his brows. Is this one round? No wait, there’s a delay. Extend your hands, look away—and then again, one, two, three, one…

“Orba.”

“Huh?”

Made even more startled, Orba’s voice rang out. He was really nervous. Vileena slipped out a giggle and said,

“Thank you.”

Orba did not return any words. He himself wasn’t even sure why he had volunteered himself before the princess.

Pa.s.sion coloured the night, and in the midst of the melody of the waltz that flowed into the ears, he took the princess’ hand and danced round and round. The night wind felt refres.h.i.+ng against his skin. The branches of the forest rustled and the fountain bathed in an attractive golden under the fire lights, as gentle smiles spread across the faces of the guests watching the scene unfold before them.

This one night. This one scene. Orba did not dream it.