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Chapter 125 Pernelle's Lies: Part Two
"Thank you for your hard work today."
"Oh no, my efforts are nothing compared to those of Captain Saab and all the officials."
Even though she had been at her desk all day, the princess didn't show any signs of distress. While proud to have such a dignified sovereign, I also worried she might be overwhelmed. After all, despite being of royal blood, the princess was still just a human being.
"Your Highness, would you like to take a break and enjoy some fresh air outside? The moon is particularly beautiful tonight."
"...Yes, that sounds nice. Ilyria, will you come with me?"
"With pleasure. It is my duty to be by your side."
"Duty... Yes, indeed, it is your duty."
...Oh my, the princess's expression seemed to darken slightly. Did I say something wrong?
We arrived at the terrace on the third floor east side. It's one of the best viewing spots in the castle as it offered a panoramic view of the hills and mountains.
"The night breeze feels lovely, doesn't it, Ilyria?"
The princess's profile illuminated by starlight and moonlight. Her flowing golden hair and blue eyes reflecting the night's light. There was nothing more precious and beautiful in this world than her, as evidenced by the pounding of my heart, which I couldn't suppress.
"Ilyria? Are you listening?"
"I, I apologize. Yes, it's a very pleasant breeze."
To be so captivated as to forget to respond... What a blunder...
"Balmirad is a wonderful place, isn't it? Despite being a bit overworked, the people of the kingdom and all the members of the retinue are very kind."
"Yes, indeed... Although the king and the prime minister are a bit, well..."
"Hehe, that's disrespectful, you know?"
Nevertheless, she didn't deny it. As we laughed together, the princess suddenly adopted a serious expression.
"...Today, guests from Stige visited, didn't they?"
"I am aware. Gilius-dono and his sister, the current Queen of Stige, Her Majesty Queen Strah. They also came with their entire escort of knights."
"There was one more person who should have been there."
"...The one who served as Pernlle-sama's body double, correct?"
With a complex expression, she nodded subtly. If the reason the princess continued to reject shelter in Stige was because of her presence, it might be better not to let them meet.
"Ilyria. No matter what happens, will you continue to protect me? Will you stay by my side as my knight?"
"Your Highness, there's no need to say such things..."
"I'm scared... Because, because I'm actually..."
Her blue eyes welled up, wavering with uncertainty. With both hands clasped at her chest, the princess looked up at me with an anxious expression.
"If you were to know everything, you would surely abandon me. That's what I'm afraid of, terribly afraid..."
"Your Highness!"
...Oops, I spoke out loudly in the night. I felt like my voice echoed down the corridor, but that's beside the point.
"My loyalty to my princess will never waver, no matter what happens!"
"Ilyria..."
I gripped the princess's hands, looked directly into her eyes, and conveyed my feelings clearly. I didn't know where the root of the princess's anxiety lies, but no matter what secrets she might hold...
"On the day I pledged to serve you, my princess, you became my sole master. I swore to dedicate my life and sword to you, Pernelle-sama. There is no one else I pledge to protect with my life."
"Yes, I understand. I have no doubt about your determination to protect 'Pernelle' with your life. That's why I am in pain..."
...Sigh, I still didn't understand the princess's worries at all. What's wrong with me? Was I too insensitive?
"Princess, I—"
"Eek!"
At that moment, a shadow leaped onto the terrace. I instinctively shielded the princess and reached for the hilt of my sword…
***
"That's why I am in pain..."
Belle... I felt like I understand her anguish. You must want Ilyria to protect you not as Pernelle, but as Belle. After all, it's me who Ilyria was looking at, not you.
"Hey, Belle, don't push too hard... You'll lose your balance. This dress is heavy, you know."
"S-Sorry... Eek!"
"Watch out!"
I inadvertently leaned too much on Strah's shoulder and almost lost my balance.
Strah-san and I both stepped into the terrace together. Ilyria instinctively shielded Belle and reached for the hilt of her sword.
"P-Princess...!?"
Looking at me, she appeared perplexed but frozen in place. Then, Belle's gaze turned towards me. In that moment under her gaze, my resolve to tell the truth wilted. Despite saying not to run away, I did exactly that.
"Ouch... Come on, Belle! You leaned on me too hard and stared too intensely!"
"I-I'm sorry, Strah-sama. Are you hurt?"
"Strah-sama? ...Oh, uh, yeah. I'm fine, but..."
Strah-san probably thought I was going to reveal my true identity. She seemed a bit puzzled by my continued portrayal as a maid serving the queen.
"You are, Strah-san... no, Your Majesty, Strah."
"Long time no see, Ilyria-san. It's good to see you're doing well... The princess too, hm?"
Strah-san got up, brushing off the dust. She understood my intentions. Both of them nodded to Strah-san, but their gaze quickly shifted towards me.
"Now, about the princess here, the... body double..."
"Yes, I am Belle. Princess, I apologize for not being able to protect you at that time."
After giving a slight bow, I discreetly motioned for Belle to come closer. As she approached, I leaned in and whispered into her ear,
"Continue your duties as the body double. Keep the secret until the chaos ends and continue to behave as me."
I issued the command. Belle nodded slightly, showing a hint of relief in her expression.
However, it's ultimately just a temporary delay. When we achieve victory over Taltus, I must reveal the truth once and for all. If being with Ilyria was what she desired, I wanted to grant that wish. However, Ilyria was a knight who had sworn loyalty to me. As long as she continued to protect "Pernelle," Bell's feelings would remain—.
***
"Haaa..."
"What's wrong? Isn't the Dragon Slayer game fun? You just got the Holy Sword on that square, you know?"
"No, it's fun. Finally getting all the key items is exciting!"
Rolling the dice and advancing according to the number rolled while collecting key items in the Dragon Slayer game. It's enjoyable to play, but my heart was filled with guilt. Continuously lying to Ilyria and coercing lies from Belle—it's all because of my weakness. Do I still lack the resolve of a royal?
"...It's getting late. Let's continue this tomorrow and get some rest."
"Agreed, I'm a bit tired."
Strah-san casually swept the board from the bed and placed it along with the pieces on the table. I worried if she remembered the progress properly.
"Alright, today I'll permit to sleep together with me. Come on."
"Sleep together? Really. The bed is so spacious, but we are going to sleep cuddled up? Hehe."
"What's wrong with that? Do you not want to sleep with me?"
"There's nothing wrong, I love it."
I dove into Strah-san's outstretched arms and then flopped onto the bed. Being with her gave me energy. The swirling anxiety in my heart seemed to ease.
I remembered the moment when Belle looked at me after I jumped onto the terrace, it felt like she was saying, "Please don't take this person away from me." My weak heart dulled my determination, and once again, I piled on more lies.
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Illyria can have two Pernelles, as a treat
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