Volume 2 Chapter 40 Tenhou, Seirei, And Yuuri Discuss
Chou Sekimei has been punished.
Specifically, he has been demoted from the rank of 'General of the Devoted Cavalry' and will be under house arrest for a certain period.
Further instructions about his duties will come later.
The punishment for letting a prisoner die is quite severe.
Ryougen-kun made this decision. He must have been really angry.
But... now we've lost our way to get information from the 'Golden Feather Syndicate.'
Also, for Kai Yougetsu, the protagonist, Aika Country has become the enemy that killed his father...
We can say that Chou Sekimei's punishment wasn't the country's intention, though.
More importantly, the problem is... Crown Prince Rouen's deep sadness.
Since then, Crown Prince Rouen has hardly shown himself in public.
Ryougen-kun has been visiting his room, but he doesn't respond.
Crown Prince Rouen had agreed to the plan to imprison Kai Shuujaku in the fortress.
He was planning to send people from the 'Wolf Cavalry' to help.
That plan was crushed in an instant.
Moreover, it's because of Chou Sekimei, a relative of Crown Prince Rouen.
...What should I do?
It's not good to leave Crown Prince Rouen like this.
That person will eventually become the king of Aika Country. It's not good for a future king to be so down.
Besides, I don't dislike the current Crown Prince Rouen.
I really want him to cheer up, but... it's tough.
"I didn't think he would be this depressed. How can I make him feel better...?"
In the evening.
After doing 'Beast Body Guidance' with Seirei, I was muttering to myself.
"Eh, eh, eh? What's wrong! Brother!?"
Seirei, who was wiping sweat, turned around in a panic.
The only time Seirei avoided me was on the day we practiced the secret technique 'Heaven-Earth Guidance Technique.' Since the next day, things went back to normal.
In the morning and evening, we come to do 'Beast Body Guidance' like this.
But... sometimes, she suddenly turns bright red like this──
"W-What happened!? Brother!"
Seirei looked at me with a surprised face.
She approached me while still sweaty, getting close and staring at my face.
"Are you feeling down, big brother? Is it because I've been avoiding you since the secret? I-I'm sorry. But, um... during the time of the secret... I was always sensing my brother's feelings, just like how my brother directly understood all of me... that's it!"
"Seirei?"
"Please cheer up, big brother! I'll do anything for you!"
"Calm down, Seirei. I'm not the one feeling down."
"R-Really?"
Seirei let out a sigh of relief.
"...I'm glad."
"The person who's feeling down is someone I know──."
No... I can't talk about royal matters.
I should keep it a bit vague.
"It's someone I know, someone much more important than me. There was a little incident, and that person is really down. I was wondering how to cheer them up."
"I can't even imagine someone more important than you."
"Well, I can't say who it is."
"I see. Um, so how do you cheer up someone more important than you...?"
Seirei tilted her head, thinking hard.
Then she lowered her head and said,
"I'm sorry. I can't think of a way to cheer up anyone but you. I can't imagine it."
"I see."
"So, I think I'll ask someone who knows about relationships."
"You don't have to force yourself, you know?"
"It's not forcing! I... I want to help you, big brother."
Seirei said that and smiled.
"Is there anything I can do for you, big brother? I want to try anything. So please, let me help."
"Okay. I'm counting on you, Seirei."
"Yes, big brother!"
──A few days later, at Ryougen-kun's mansion──
"Yuuri-sama, do you know how to cheer up someone who is feeling down?"
This is the guest room in Ryougen-kun's mansion.
While drinking tea at the table, Seirei asked Ryougen-kun's youngest daughter, Yuuri.
"Why are you asking me all of a sudden, Seirei-sama?"
"I was asked by my big brother. He wants to know how to cheer up someone who is feeling down."
"From Kou Tenhou-sama?"
"Yes. He wants to cheer up an important person he knows."
"And you thought to ask me?"
"Since Yuuri-sama is a master of socializing, I thought you might know how to cheer someone up."
"Well, that's true..."
Yuuri held the teacup and paused for a moment.
After elegantly sipping her tea, she said,
"If it's someone Kou Tenhou-sama knows, it's probably a man."
"Y-yes, I think so."
"Cheering up a man is... quite difficult. I don't have any close male friends. Most social gatherings I attend are with women. I'm not sure how to cheer up a sad man..."
"I see..."
"I'm sorry I can't be of help."
"No, I will also do my best to find out."
Saying this, Seirei nodded strongly.
"Since my big brother is counting on me, I will do anything I can."
"Seirei-sama, that's wonderful~desuwa."
With eyes like they were looking at something dazzling, Yuuri nodded.
"I envy Seirei-sama for being able to work hard for the people she cares about."
"I... always being helped by my brother."
Seirei blushed and said,
"I want to be useful at times like this. If I can do that... I feel like I can stay by my brother's side from now on."
"Really, I'm so envious~desuwa."
"...Yuuri-sama?"
"When I was younger, I had someone like that too. Back when we were just little kids... before we even knew each other's situations."
Yuuri muttered absentmindedly.
Then, to change the mood, she clapped her hands.
"S-sorry. I got lost in thought."
"N-no, please don't worry about it."
"As an apology... I'll look into it on my side too."
"You're going to find a way to cheer up my brother's acquaintance, right?"
"Yes~desuwa. I have someone special to consult about that. I'll ask later. If I find out anything, I'll let you know too, Seirei-sama."
──Evening. At Ryougen-kun's mansion──
"Hey, hey, Father. What are some ways to cheer up a gentleman?"
"What's going on, Yuuri?"
In the evening, Yuuri asked her father, Ryougen-kun, who had just returned from work.
"Is there a man you're interested in? If you want, I can listen."
"That's not it!"
"There's no need to get worked up. You're at the age where you might have someone you like. If you do, I can──."
"That's not it! It's a consultation from Seirei-sama~desuwa!"
Then Yuuri explained the situation to her father.
Kou Tenhou's acquaintance is feeling very down.
She doesn't know who it is, but that acquaintance is someone in a higher position than Kou Tenhou.
Seirei, who received advice from Kou Tenhou, was seeking Yuuri's help.
──After hearing all this, Ryougen-kun said,
"...Yuuri really has good friends."
He nodded with a very kind expression.
Ryougen-kun, having heard the story, understood the situation.
The 'acquaintance who is feeling down' that Tenhou mentioned must be Crown Prince Rouen.
Since then, Crown Prince Rouen has not shown himself in public.
It seems he is handling his duties in his room, but he doesn't come out even when someone visits.
Ryougen-kun is also worried about him.
"Ryuu Seirei is a really good kid. You should cherish her, Yuuri."
"Of course~desuwa!"
"Yes. I will also cherish Kou Tenhou. He is a valuable person both in public and private."
"Eh? Ah, yes. So, Father, about the consultation..."
"Right. I will think about that too."
Ryougen-kun said.
"Among our guests, there are those who are knowledgeable about healing people. I will talk to them later. I also plan to do what I can."
"Please, Father."
"By the way, Yuuri."
"Yes, Father."
"Would you listen to my request?"
"Of course! If it's something I can do!"
"I see... then."
Ryougen-kun cleared his throat once before,
"Could you deliver something to the palace for me? Tomorrow, I'm planning to go a bit far away. I won't have time to stop by the palace. Instead, I want you to deliver a package to a certain person."
"You're going as my father's representative, right? Understood."
Yuuri clasped her hands towards her father.
"Ai Yuuri. As my father's proxy, I will fulfill my duty splendidly."
"I'll give you the package later. Please deliver it to His Royal Highness Rouen."
"...Huh?"
Yuuri's face stiffened when she heard the delivery destination.
She looked down and shook her head.
"N-No way! Father."
"Why not?"
"Because I haven't seen His Royal Highness Rouen in a long time."
"You used to play together when you were younger, right?"
"That was a long time ago. Back when I was innocent... and knew nothing."
Saying that, Yuuri looked down.
"That's right. I didn't know anything back then. For me to approach His Royal Highness Rouen now..."
"Is that so?"
"Yes~desuwa!"
"Then why did you come along when there was a banquet at the palace?"
"...Father."
"Wasn't it because you wanted to see His Royal Highness the Crown Prince just once? And it seems you've been dressing up a lot since His Royal Highness started visiting the mansion."
"Please don't say mean things, Father."
Yuuri raised her voice.
"Yes, it's true that I am childhood friends with His Royal Highness Rouen. I have also had the chance to play with His Royal Highness because I am his cousin. But that was a long time ago. Even if I visit, His Royal Highness Rouen won't pay attention to me."
"This is a request from a father, Yuuri."
Ryougen-kun looked down at Yuuri and said.
"I will give you a book later. Deliver it to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince tomorrow. Is that okay?"
"...Yes, Father."
And so, Yuuri was set to visit the royal palace.
──The next day. In front of the royal palace──
"I am Yuuri-sama, the daughter of His Royal Highness the King's younger brother. May I have an audience with His Royal Highness Rouen?"
The lady-in-waiting announced to the soldier guarding the gate.
Yuuri waited in the carriage for permission to enter.
On her lap was the book entrusted to her by her father.
Her father, who has been involved in domestic and foreign affairs, wrote about his experiences.
He had copies made to use for the education of Yuuri and her brother.
This was one of those copies.
(I wonder if His Royal Highness Rouen will meet with me...)
Yuuri was Rouen's cousin.
Just like Ryougen-kun and Aika Country King are close, Yuuri and Rouen were also good friends in the past.
(Back then, I was foolish. I was dreaming of things I couldn't achieve.)
She never spoke that dream out loud.
She thinks it was a good thing.
If she had said it, Yuuri would have been looked at with disdain.
Maybe... it would have made Rouen, who suffers from an ominous nickname, suffer even more.
So, they drifted apart.
As they grew up, it naturally happened that boys and girls kept their distance.
Even though she was the daughter of a prince, it was better for her not to be by Rouen's side with her improper feelings.
(Really... it was a childish wish. That I wanted to be Rouen-sama's wife.)
To Yuuri, Rouen was a close, younger cousin.
But as she watched Rouen work hard to meet everyone's expectations, she started to be attracted to him.
When she realized that, she thought she had to distance herself from him.
People of the same surname cannot marry.
Especially those belonging to the royal family.
If Yuuri had said, "I want to be His Royal Highness Rouen's wife," she would have been looked at strangely by everyone around her.
She was glad that didn't happen, for her father's honor and, above all, for Crown Prince Rouen.
(My feelings are just innocent fantasies from when I was a child. And that's okay~desuwa.)
That was probably just a silly longing.
Before her true feelings could turn into love, she thinks it was good that she naturally kept her distance.
Neither Yuuri nor Rouen got hurt because of it.
If she had stayed by Rouen's side any longer... she wouldn't have been able to hold back her feelings.
She might have confessed and embarrassed her father and Rouen, or... she might have burned with jealousy towards whoever would become Rouen's wife.
She didn't want to become that kind of person.
She didn't want to worry her father, trouble Rouen, or hurt the person Rouen loves.
That's why Yuuri had no choice but to stay away from Rouen.
(Really... I envy Seirei-sama. She can think of Tenhou-sama so devotedly.)
She quickly realized that Seirei had feelings for Tenhou.
She felt envious.
Being by the side of someone you love and being able to support them──that was something Yuuri couldn't do.
Maybe that's why Yuuri liked Seirei.
"Permission has been granted. Yuuri-sama."
The lady-in-waiting returned to Yuuri.
However, she had a gloomy expression and said,
"However, it seems Rouen-sama is not feeling well... so you cannot meet him."
"...I see."
"We can guide you to the front of the room. Also, you can leave the books with the attendants. What would you like to do?"
"My father told me to deliver them directly."
Yuuri answered while remembering her father's words.
"Also, if His Royal Highness is not feeling well, I must pay a visit. Let's go to the front of the room. Please convey that message."
"Understood."
Soon, the carriage started moving.
Thus, Yuuri was on her way to visit Crown Prince Rouen's room.
"We have a visitor for Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince. This is the daughter of His Royal Highness the King's younger brother, Ai Yuuri-sama."
In front of Crown Prince Rouen's room, the attendant called out.
Yuuri and the attendant stood still for a while, waiting.
However, there was no response.
"...I apologize, Yuuri-sama. It seems that His Royal Highness is indeed not feeling well."
"...I see."
Yuuri sighed.
It seemed that Rouen would not meet her after all.
(What would Seirei-sama do in this situation...?)
She had heard that when Seirei received a gift from her brother Tenhou, she impulsively burst into the room.
But Yuuri couldn't do that in her position.
So, what she could do now was──
"Your Royal Highness Rouen. It has been a while. This is Yuuri."
──After thinking for a moment, Yuuri called out through the door.
"I have brought a book from my father."
"......Is that you, Yuuri-dono?"
A voice came from beyond the door.
Noticing that the voice was strained, Yuuri held her breath.
Then, she said,
"I have been told by my father to check on Your Royal Highness's condition. Could you please show your face?"
"...I appreciate the books. You should return, Yuuri-dono."
"...Is it really not possible for you to show your face?"
"I cannot let you take on my bad luck."
The voice was squeezed out like a whisper.
"This Rouen... might truly be an unlucky person. I lost my mother right after I was born... and now, I have placed the blame on my late mother's brother──Chou Sekimei. I am that kind of person. You, my cousin, should not come near me."
"What are you saying, Your Royal Highness!"
"Only those with great fortune can be by my side. For example... those who have lost their family in war or by their own actions... and still miraculously survive. Only such people can be with me."
"...Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
──This person is in despair.
──She doesn't know what happened.
──But if this continues... it might lead to something irreversible.
Such thoughts crossed Yuuri's mind.
"I have a request. Could you please leave the room?"
Before she knew it, Yuuri was speaking to the attendant.
"A few minutes is all I need. Please leave me alone with Your Royal Highness."
"But..."
"Please. I beg you."
"Y-Yuuri-sama. For you to bow your head to someone like me... I-I understand. I will take my leave. So, please lift your head."
As Yuuri tried to kneel on the floor, the young servant stopped her.
She bowed and walked away down the hallway, leaving behind the words, "Just a few minutes."
Once the attendant was gone, Yuuri took a deep breath.
Then, facing Rouen on the other side of the door──
"I, Ai Yuuri, am your ally. Your Royal Highness Rouen."
Yuuri declared firmly.
"I don't have much power. All I have is... my father's influence and the connections I've built using that power. But, I, Ai Yuuri, vow to do my best as your ally."
"Stop it. You too, will be affected by my bad luck──."
"Oh? You don't know? I'm also an unlucky person, you know?"
"...What?"
"I have been in a forbidden love for a long time. A love that, if realized, would make everyone point fingers at me."
"Yuuri-neesan... no, Yuuri-dono!?"
"Yes. I am the one who is unlucky~desuwa. That's why I distanced myself from you."
"No... it was this Rouen who distanced himself."
Rouen said in a confused tone.
"As the next king, I must put the country first. Yet, I have... a sense of indebtedness to your father. It was hard to see the popular prince, Ryougen-kun. I am unlucky and a small person. So..."
"Then we are both similar, aren't we~desuwa?"
"...W-What did you say?"
"I can't express my feelings to the person I love because I'm worried about what others think. I'm just a small person. So, Your Royal Highness and I are similar in that way."
"Y-yeah, that might be true... but..."
There was a moment of silence.
Then Rouen spoke in a heavy voice.
"Aside from the nickname 'Cursed Crown Prince'... I'm still inexperienced. I might make a mistake someday. At that time, I can't involve Yuuri-neesan."
"I'm so happy~desuwa. Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
"...Huh?"
"You're sharing your true feelings with me like you used to."
"...That's mean. You are."
"Yes, that's true~desuwa. So, when you make a mistake, I will boldly point it out to you."
Yuuri knelt on the floor in front of the door.
"If I can't handle it, I'll ask my father. I'll borrow the wisdom of talented people in the world to give you advice. And if you still don't listen... well~desuwa. I'll gather people and surround Hokurin town for you."
"...Yuuri-neesan."
"And then, I'll encourage you to reflect. Your Royal Highness──no, Rou-sama, you are not the kind of person to ignore that. Right?"
After saying that, Yuuri stood up.
Footsteps were approaching. It seemed the servant were coming back.
"Thank you for giving me your time. Your Royal Highness."
Yuuri faced the door, hands clasped.
"It's a shame I can't see your face, but just hearing your words is enough. This is Yuuri, and I thank Your Royal Highness for your kindness. Thank you very much."
"...Yuuri-dono."
"Yes. Your Royal Highness."
"Could you wait until tomorrow... no, until the day after tomorrow?"
A voice came from beyond the door.
"I plan to read the books you delivered. Knowing me, I will have many questions and things I want to ask my uncle. I think I will soon dress properly and visit the mansion."
"Y-yes. Your Royal Highness!"
"I will express my gratitude to you then. Is that alright?"
"Thank you. Your Royal Highness. Your words are too kind."
"...That is what I should be saying."
There was a soft sound as something touched the door.
Rouen was right beside Yuuri.
Noticing this, Yuuri listened closely.
"...Thank you. Yuuri-dono."
That word was probably only heard by Yuuri.
To avoid making Yuuri cry, the young servant kept his distance.
However, seeing Yuuri's expression, they seemed to sense that something had happened.
They knelt on the floor and bowed their head to Yuuri.
After responding, Yuuri bowed again toward the door.
She touched the door once.
There was a faint sound as someone shifted slightly.
Feeling that Rouen was still there, Yuuri instinctively pressed a hand to her chest.
With that warm feeling in her heart, Yuuri returned to the mansion.
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