episode_0266

“…Father, what brings you here?”

“Didn’t I tell you? The entire castle was in an uproar. Should I have asked for your permission first?”

“That…”

Prue, who had tumbled from her chair and rolled across the floor, hung her head. Her eyes, hidden behind her eyelids, darted around, unable to find purchase. She chose her words carefully, then finally fell silent.

Grk-

I gathered the Aether, then pulled the table back from where it had been shoved aside. I sat on the sofa, relaxing my body as I had done before.

“Please, sit down.”

“Very well. I need to hear what this is about.”

He clicked his fingers, raising the overturned chair. He used a small amount of Aether as if it were an arm. Father dismissed the soldiers and sat before the table.

Prue, after fixing her disheveled hair, also sat down, creating an unexpected three-way standoff.

“So, what caused this commotion?”

“It’s nothing.”

“‘Nothing’? You even used ‘that power.’”

My eyes widened at the unexpected question.

I never thought Father could sense the Aether. Perhaps it’s only natural. He knew my mother, who had manipulated Aether before me. And not just knowing her – as her husband, it wasn’t strange for him to know to some degree.

“I made a small mistake, Father. I didn’t consider my sister’s feelings and said hurtful things.”

“Is that really true?”

Prue’s eyes began to dart around again. It was an incredibly irritating action, but I simply nodded silently, not wanting to make things worse.

“She said I don’t suit Yuri. She told her to leave the castle immediately, and I couldn’t control my anger.”

“Indeed. Disregarding your feelings, the difference in your statuses could be a problem for others. Especially if one is a noble or royalty.”

“You’re against it too, Father?”

When I asked with a slightly sullen expression, Father chuckled. A playful expression subtly shone through.

“Have you forgotten who my first wife was?”

“A commoner of unknown origin from the Ma Continent.”

“Like father, like daughter. I don’t think class matters in love.”

Is it because our blood runs together? I simply didn’t feel any aversion towards Yuri because I possess the sensibilities of a modern person.

However, I can’t say I’m entirely wrong. I often find myself unexpectedly connecting with Father in our conversations.

As the two of us created a warm atmosphere, Prue, who was on pins and needles, rose from her seat.

He bowed slightly towards Yuri and me.

“I’m sorry for today. I apologize sincerely.”

“I accept. I’m broad-minded.”

“…I’ll go now. See you later, little sister.”

The adjective “adorable” was missing from “little sister.” I suppressed the sneer that threatened to erupt and saw him off.

. . .

“Thank you for today. I almost really killed her.”

“Then the one who was by your side stopped you.”

Father glanced at my back. I turned my head, and Yuri stood there with a bright smile.

Yuri has grown much stronger than she was when she was a child. Now, she could probably easily block an attack from me if I didn’t put my all into it.

At my glance, Yuri shrugged confidently. Seeing this, I feel relieved. I can trust her with my back.

“A-hem, it’s not good to keep young people waiting for too long, so let’s get straight to the point.”

A moment later, Father took a rolled-up piece of paper from his pocket. He spread it on the table, revealing its contents. The contract he made nearly two years ago before entering the Academy. It was the introduction.

– The right of succession to the throne of the Fifth Princess, Narita Florine Nifrantz, is revoked and her admission to the Nifrantz Academy is granted.

Reading it again brings back memories. Back then, I truly had no interest in the throne. It was completely outside my priorities; my sole aim was to improve my skills.

Now that I have power, I’m expanding my horizons to protect and acquire more. This is the first stepping stone.

“I confirmed this morning that you fulfilled all three conditions.”

“So… it’s done?”

“Yes.”

With a *snap*, Father flicked his finger, and the contract burst into flames and disappeared. It was a simple spell, but the precise control was unexpectedly impressive.

As it turned to ashes and scattered, I regained my right to the throne.

『[Condition: Throne Succession Right Reacquisition] Met.』 『[Main Story Chapter 6: The King’s Qualification] progress has increased.』

After checking my status window, I looked back at my father. He seemed uneasy for some reason.

“Are you still worried?”

“Of course I’m worried. You’re my child.”

“It sounds like Prue isn’t your child.”

“You are all my children… that’s why I’m worried. It’s impossible for you all to get along.”

“And they all lived happily ever after,” exists only in fairy tales. Nowadays, even novels written like that fail.

Moreover, the world I live in is not a game, but reality. At least, that’s what I’ve felt while living here. Compared to my peaceful past life, this world is merciless.

Because of this harsh reality, I won’t succumb to fear. The clearer the limits before me, the easier it is to break them and move forward.

“We should make an official announcement soon.”

“It’ll be bloody.”

“I don’t intend for it to be literally bloody.”

“Of course… hehe.”

Blood staining crimson is enough for the world of darkness. I want to keep the brightly lit world as clean as possible.

After reassuring my father as much as possible, I left the audience chamber.

It’s impossible to completely stop the trembling of his hands. To a parent, a child is always a child, even after many years. While I don’t know that feeling, I can clearly sense Father’s emotions.

Violent waves crashing against a solid rock. Such a turbulent sea existed within his heart.

Everything is a matter of the heart. I have no choice but to reassure him through my actions.

. . .

Even after regaining my succession rights, my investigation with Nix continued.

Naturally, it was because of Moriarty. I couldn’t afford to be disturbed again during this crucial time.

Of course, to that end, I had attacked Moriarty dozens of times in my “Hyakki” form. Weakening his forces would deter him from making any further moves for a while.

But I can’t let my guard down. That’s why I continued to track him. I searched the entire kingdom, not just the noble underworld, like hunting for rats.

“At this point… it’s better to conclude that he’s not here.”

“Good work, Nix. It’s okay… it’s better if he isn’t in the kingdom.”

The result…was that. There were no more remnants of Moriarty in the Nifrantz Kingdom. Whatever his intention, for the time being, I can concentrate on the succession struggle.

I gave Nix, who had worked diligently for the past few days, the best reward.

Several days later, the day arrived to announce my full return as the Fifth Princess.

This may be the first time I’ve officially shown my face. I’ve never really gotten involved in the kingdom’s affairs, so “debut” is a more accurate term than “return.”

The debut. The mere echo of it makes my heart pound. It’s like stepping into a new world for the first time.

The throne felt really heavy to me, who loved to play outside since childhood. As someone who prefers to live a light and carefree life, this serious atmosphere gives me goosebumps.

Therefore, I couldn’t afford any slack in my preparation.

“Currently, Nifrantz is fairly lenient in such matters, but the first in line for the throne or noble titles has always been the eldest son.”

“But you weren’t the eldest son, Father?”

“At least, I was male.”

According to Father’s advice, I had to overcome two major hurdles to become queen. One was gender, the other was age.

While gender doesn’t matter now, the continental culture of the time is fundamentally patriarchal. To continue the lineage, the male bloodline is important.

Compared to that, focusing on age is quite realistic. If opportunities for learning were distributed fairly, the eldest child, who had been studying the longest, naturally has superior experience. The achievements are the same.

I scoffed immediately after hearing that.

“…Is that all?”

“Yes.”

“Then there’s no problem.”

I was a little scared at those two barriers, but they turned out to be nothing. The tasks are problems I have already solved.

Instead, I prepared diligently in other areas. With Yuri’s help, I wore the most beautiful dress, with Aspe’s help, I had the knights, and with Tier’s help, I had the goddess’s blessing.

With my usual confident stride, I walked the corridors of the palace. I opened the large door myself, without the help of the guards.

In the center of the hall where numerous nobles gathered, I stood straight.

The true debut of Princess Narita.