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Chapter 124 The Lies of Pernelle: Part One
The carriage rocked, creaked, creaked, creaked.
It's been about five days since we departed from Stige.
"It's farther than I thought, Balmirad. I thought it would be much closer."
"We're almost there. Gilius said we will arrive today."
I received a letter from Balmirad, expressing their desire to meet me, the queen, and thus, I set out on this long journey to Balmirad. Inside the luxurious carriage, I was well protected by the distinguished knights of our Stige that was led by my eldest brother. Having such escorts was stifling and uncomfortable, but it couldn't be helped!
"Oh, we're close... already."
It's no surprise, considering my status, that Pernelle was also in the carriage with me. She's disguised as my temporary maid, as usual.
I wanted to arrive quickly, but it seemed the princess wasn't eager. She even offered to stay behind when we left Stige. She made all sorts of plausible excuses like how state affairs might be hindered. In the end, Raid took care of everything around there.
"Belle, don't you want to meet the real Belle-chan that much? Don't you want to see her reaction when she realizes she's been replaced?"
"Strah, you're merciless. But I don't mind that about you. When I heard that she had taken refuge in Balmirad, I felt relieved. I'm grateful to her, and I don't find it awkward. I'm sure she feels the same way."
"In that case, how about her? That dim... cough, simple-minded female knight. Don't you want to meet her?"
"Your relentlessness is truly something... It's not that I don't want to meet her. I've wanted to apologize to her face-to-face for deceiving her, for a long time, ever since then. But... she still believes that I'm the real Belle. Not just her, but everyone in Balmirad, including Taltus."
Indeed, revealing her true identity was out of the question. It's crucial for our strategy. If Taltus and the others find out that the [Princess Pernelle who almost got executed in the capital] was a fake, we might lose our legitimacy and support from the people.
"And I'll have to pile more lies on top of lies again. I won't be able to do anything for her, as her liege, who believes I'm Belle and serves me loyally. I won't be able to offer any comfort or apologies... nothing at all..."
"What about revealing it privately then? Even if that knight is foolish, keeping her silent should be manageable, right?"
"...Well, I wonder if she could keep this to herself..."
I wonder how much trust had been lost between them. I was starting to feel a bit sorry for her.
"...Alright, I understand. I'll find the right moment to talk to her."
"Good luck, princess."
"I'll do my best, Your Majesty."
I said jokingly, taking Pernelle's hand and smiling at her, and she smiled back.
She's been looking so downcast all this time, so it's nice to see her smile. Caring for my attendants' mental health is also part of the queen's duties, probably.
"...Oh, I see it! Balmirad's castle!"
The castle was located at the end of the road in the direction the carriage was going.
...No, it's really huge.
It's not as big as Deltirad, but it's many times larger than Stige.
It was forbidden to say that the castle in Steege was too small.
***
As the carriage arrived, the knights who had escorted us headed towards the guard station. Together with my elder brother and Pernelle, we were guided to a room deep within the castle prepared for the meeting, the dining room. A long table unnecessarily adorned with white cloths was set with dishes and tea cups.
"Captain Gilius, thank you for coming."
A man with a slightly broad forehead greeted us at the entrance. He seemed to know my elder brother, but who...?
"It's been a while, Vice-Captain Saab. ...No, now you're the captain of this country's knights."
"Yes, I'm your equal in terms of position."
They exchanged a firm handshake. Left out and clueless, I stood there alone.
"Um, Bell... He seems to know my elder brother, but who is he?"
"That's Serve. He was the vice-captain of the Third Royal Guard unit led by Gilius."
"Oh, Saab-san. I've heard that name before."
As the captain of the Balmirad knights, that is. I'm sorry, but I never heard it during the kingdom era.
"My apologies for the delayed greeting. Once again, I am Saab. Thank you for making the long journey, Your Majesty."
"Yes, Captain Saab. Let's make this a meaningful meeting."
I tried to maintain the demeanor of a queen from a foreign land. I wondered if my sales smile and choice of words worked well.
"And who might your accompanying person be...? P-Pernelle-sama!?"
Oops, he was surprised to see Pernelle in her maid outfit. I mean, though I did inform them that I had hired a body double as an attendant but she's the princess herself.
"Oh, my apologies, I was taken aback. You bear such a striking resemblance. You must be Bell-dono, who served as Princess Pernelle's body double."
"Yes, I am currently serving as Lady Strah's maid. I have met Captain Serve several times as Princess Pernelle, but this is our first meeting as Bell. It's a pleasure to meet you."
As expected of Pernelle, she responded perfectly. Playing the role of Belle flawlessly, she smoothly spun a web of lies without breaking her expression, then bowed gracefully. But knowing Pernelle's true feelings, I couldn't just think, "Wow, amazing," and then think nothing of it. I must not push her too hard.
Our first day ended with discussions about the banquet and the situation. We're planning for a long stay, so there's no need to rush. However, by the time it was over, it was late at night, and I was was tired. I was very sleepy, and her shoulders were sore from the heavy dress.
"Belle, I'm tired..."
"Just a little more patience, please be a Queen for a little while longer."
I was still not used to this splendid dress. We walked through the dark corridor with Pernelle, the extravagantly luxurious guest room our destination. When we arrived, I'd relax to the fullest.
"...But still, we didn't get to see Belle today, did we?"
"The princess seems to be very busy. The knights guarding her are the same."
Only Captain Saab and a few other officials attended the banquet. Everyone looked tired. Is this country okay? My elder brother and that other person seemed not tired at all. And all this while, walking beside me was a maid with an unusually calm face.
"Hey, are you relieved?" I asked, hitting the nail on the head.
"Eh--?" Pernelle looked surprised, her eyes widening as she looked at my face.
"I thought you seemed relieved to not have to see Belle-chan or Ilyria. That's why I asked."
"You're sharp. Honestly, I think I am relieved. I'm scared to face her and Belle, and I feel pathetic for feeling that way."
"It's not pathetic. Considering Belle's position, it's natural. If you don't have to meet, then don't meet. That's what I think."
It's a tough situation, really. At times like this, it's best to blow off some steam and shake off the unpleasant feelings!
"Alright, let's hurry back to the guest room! Belle, I won't let you sleep tonight, okay? Let's have some fun on the bed!"
"Huh!? S-Strah-san, what are you saying...!?"
"I mean... There are card games and board games, so let's play on the bed?"
"Uh... Oh, is that what you meant..."
"Huh?"
After blushing and widening her eyes, she let out a sigh of relief. I wondered what's wrong.
"Well, whatever. What do you want to do first? I feel like playing a game of the brave hero defeating dragons or something--"
"Your Highness!"
In the quiet corridor, a familiar female voice suddenly echoed. I was surprised, but Pernelle seemed even more startled. It seemed the words weren't directed at Pernelle, as they came from somewhere near the balcony at the end of the corridor.
"What should we do? Shall we go?" the voice said.
"I feel like running away from here would be a bad idea," replied Pernelle.
You’re so strong, Pernelle. After nodding in agreement, we cautiously proceeded down the corridor and peered out onto the balcony. There stood a red-haired female knight and a blonde princess dressed in splendid attire. Bathed in the moonlight and starry glow, their figures facing each other seemed like a scene from a painting.
TL Note:
Apologies for not posting the past few months. It's been very eventful, so I couldn't post.
>Belle, I won't let you sleep tonight, okay? Let's have some fun on the bed!
ReplyDeleteHoly shit way to come on strong Strah-san.
And welcome back!