The Coronation (2)
Perhaps I misread it.
I went through Benelia's letter again, my heart pounding. The words had not changed. If anything, her postscript looked even more ominous the second time.
Come with your body cleansed…
What kind of wish did she intend to claim?
My brow tightened. Cold sweat prickled along my back, and my heart seemed determined to race on its own.
Roylen looked at me in concern.
“Viscount Theorad? What could be written there to leave you so tense?”
“…Nothing important.”
How was I supposed to answer? Benelia had specifically instructed him to let me read the message privately. I couldn't go boasting about its contents, and in any case this was hardly something I knew how to discuss.
The final sentence was suspicious, but I would have to leave it alone for now. I couldn't refuse the coronation. I would have to speak to Benelia when I saw her there.
“Professor Roylen.”
I held the rolled letter in one hand and changed the subject.
“Since you've come all this way to Deharem Mansion, allow me to entertain you as its head. Would you join us for a meal?”
I was about to ask Havid to arrange refreshments when Roylen raised a hand.
“That's very kind, but I can't. There are several more places I must visit today.”
“Where else are you going?”
“I have a letter to deliver to House Pelgaroin. Her Highness ordered me to visit you first as soon as I reached the county.”
I had assumed he would start at Count Leonberg's castle, which was nearer the warp gate. Instead Benelia had made him come here before attending to the count.
I couldn't help wondering whether she was making life needlessly difficult for a devoted follower.
Roylen laughed at my expression.
“Don't misunderstand. I volunteered for this duty. It makes me happy to put my own feet to work for Her Highness.”
“You could have entrusted the letters to someone else.”
“Someone I could trust? And I wouldn't have had the chance to come to Pelgaroin and see you again.”
He glanced at the time and sighed.
“Ah, I've already stayed longer than I meant to. I'd enjoy a longer conversation, but I have more stops beyond the Pelgaroin estate. Will you excuse me?”
“Of course. I'm sorry to have delayed you. Please, go ahead.”
“Thank you. Then I'll take my leave.”
Roylen bowed and climbed into the carriage.
The coachman urged the horses on. The carriage turned in a broad arc and passed through the mansion gate. Its wheels rattled farther and farther away.
As I watched, the elf approached and blinked curiously.
She must have wondered what Roylen and I had been discussing and what the letter contained. There was no harm in telling her the main point.
“Her Majesty is about to be crowned, and I've been invited to the ceremony.”
I omitted the postscript, naturally. The elf would only worry over it, and I did not wish to upset her.
“Coronation…?” she repeated.
Aware that Havid was standing behind her, she gripped the hem of her skirt, her expression falling slightly.
“You're going back to the capital, then.”
“Yes. A coronation isn't something that can take place here in Pelgaroin.”
“Will Lady Ashley be going too?”
“I expect so. I'm sure she's been invited.”
The elf let go of her skirt. She took a deep breath, then nodded as though coming to a decision.
“Then I'll wait until Master comes home. I'll help the chief chamberlain with the cleaning. I'll keep your office tidy, and…”
For a moment I could only stare.
Did she think I intended to leave her here?
Ordinarily, no one would take a household maid along to such an important ceremony. But Benelia's invitation had explicitly named people of every rank and station. Bringing one more person would hardly offend the spirit of the occasion.
“Don't be silly.”
I laughed softly and gave her a light pat on the head.
“Of course you're coming with me.”
The elf lifted her red eyes in disbelief.
“I… may go to the coronation with Master?”
“Yes. I wouldn't leave behind the person who saved my life. And there's no reason you can't attend.”
“But I…”
“That's enough of that!”
Havid's voice cut in. He frowned, stepped forward, and gave the elf a light rap on the head.
“The head of the household has granted permission. How long will you keep objecting? You ought to say yes and follow him. Isn't that your duty as a maid?”
He clicked his tongue, but his concern for her was plain.
The elf understood that as well. She glanced from Havid to me before finally nodding.
“I'll go… with Master.”
Havid and I exchanged quiet smiles.
Three days later.
To reach the coronation in time, I took an early carriage to Count Leonberg's castle. Naturally, the elf accompanied me.
Yet she seemed unusually nervous. She couldn't stop moving her hands in her lap.
“Are you worried about meeting Ashley?” I asked.
“No. Just a little…”
“Is it awkward for you?”
She said nothing and lowered her eyes.
Perhaps that was understandable. Ashley had begun treating her more kindly, but I did not know everything that had passed between them. I could only assume they still felt some awkwardness in each other's company, so I let the matter rest.
The carriage made good time and reached the castle courtyard.
The coachman opened the door. I stepped down with the elf and looked up to find Ashley and Count Leonberg waiting to greet us.
I smiled.
“Your Excellency. Ashley. You've come outside to meet us before the morning's even properly begun.”
“How could I sit inside when my future son-in-law was arriving?”
Leonberg laughed and approached.
He looked much happier than when I had last seen him before my visit to the Mage Tower. The worry that had burdened his face seemed to have lifted.
He leaned toward my ear and lowered his voice.
“By the way, what became of the promise we made before you left for the Mage Tower?”
“Ah. Don't worry. I'm making preparations.”
“Good, good. I trust you. As I've said, if I could see a grandchild before I depart this world…”
He stopped mid-sentence.
Ashley had approached, and she was watching us both suspiciously.
“Theorad? Father? What are you two whispering about?”
We cleared our throats at the same moment.
That only deepened her suspicion. Fortunately, she seemed to realize we had no intention of telling her.
“Ahem!” Leonberg said, regaining his composure. “Anyway, you're on your way to the coronation?”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
“You'll be present for a historic occasion. Every high official and important noble will want to be seen there. They'll all be eager to win favor with the new emperor. You can't arrive in that battered carriage of yours. Take that one instead.”
He inclined his chin toward the far side of the courtyard.
I followed his gaze and froze.
A carriage of absurd proportions stood against the wall.
It was nearly the size of a small house.
The exterior was richly decorated, and six powerful horses stood harnessed to it. One glance was enough to tell me that it must have cost a fortune.
“Y-Your Excellency?”
Leonberg smiled, apparently satisfied with my amazement.
“I'd rather my son-in-law not be overshadowed by other men. I prepared it for you. Use it without hesitation. And don't worry about returning it.”
“Am I really worthy of such a gift…?”
“Too much humility is its own poison. If you keep arguing, I'll take offense. Just say thank you.”
There was no refusing him now.
I bowed deeply.
“Thank you. I'll find some way to repay your kindness.”
“You certainly will. As I was saying earlier…”
He trailed off again when he noticed Ashley beside him.
She gave him a puzzled look but chose not to press the matter.
With a little sigh, Ashley turned toward the elf.
The elf hurriedly looked away. Something about that shy reaction made Ashley want to look after her.
“Are you coming to the coronation too?”
The elf nodded faintly.
“Good. Then come up to my room with me.”
“W-what? Why…?”
“Why? You're attending a coronation. You can't meet the future emperor in a maid's uniform, can you? I have plenty of beautiful dresses. We'll choose one together. We're almost the same size, so I'm certain one will fit.”
Whether she disliked wearing a dress or was nervous about being alone with Ashley, the elf looked to me for help.
Unfortunately, I misunderstood the appeal in her eyes.
“I'll wait here. Go on.”
Ashley took her hand gently.
“Come.”
“Ah… wait…”
The elf followed hesitantly into the castle, looking back at me now and then. All I could do was wave.
Leonberg watched them go, rubbing his chin.
“The head maid told me my daughter and your cherished maid didn't get along. When did they become so close?”
“I don't know the details myself. But…”
The elf walked stiffly while Ashley guided her with care. They looked almost like sisters.
I smiled as I watched them.
“Isn't it good to see them getting along?”