Episode 33: Queen for You
Euphie POV:
I was sitting in my room, staring blankly at the sky. Inside my mind, Father's words continuously replayed, keeping me from sleeping.
Looking back on my life from now... just how many things have I actually chosen on my own?
I became Algarde-sama's fiancée and was known for being the brilliant daughter of the duke. It's no doubt that I'm talented. Not only that, I've put in the work to match my talent. But, was any of that truly my will...? Frankly speaking, I don't feel pride from those things.
If I was told that these things happened merely because they were asked of me... I wouldn't be able to deny it. It was just that. Perhaps that's the reason I was unable to do anything about it.
It was easy to follow. To be shown the path. All I had to do was move towards the goal. Then it was over. I suppose I've spent my life just tracing the paths and goals given to me. Not worrying, not being misled, not doubting.
"...What will I choose?" (Euphie)
Something that comes to mind... When I close my eyes, Anise-sama's face appears. She smiles freely, laughs naturally, and always seems to be plotting something. Then, I remember her face draining of all emotion, freezing over, seemingly about to cry, but disappearing fleetingly.
I've seen this side of her so much. That person held out her hand to one person who was cornered and trapped. I cannot yet put a name to the feelings that have been born in my heart, but I can no longer ignore them either.
"I..." (Euphie)
Gazing at the moon... The moon is strongly tinged with gold today, reminding me of Anise-sama's hair.
Even if I reach out my hands, I can't reach it. Then why do I still want to reach towards it? Holding my hands towards it and clasping them as if I were grasping the moon itself.
"I want to be... the queen." (Euphie)
For that person who is not anyone and for me. To finally be myself.
The things I've accumulated up until now overlap with the ideals I now hope for. My body is for this country. And I hope my will is for that person.
I want it, I thought. For the first time from the bottom of my heart. I want the that seat. A position that can protect someone. I want the throne, the pinnacle of this country, so much.
It was as if something inside me clicked, and gears started turning. I closed my eyes and gently pressed my hands to my chest at the realization of this. As if praying for the future.
Please, this choice. May this path I choose be the path that will make my wish come true.
/////
Back at the detached palace, things are a bit noisy, but it's just the usual clamor. Anise-sama's joking around, and Ilya is scolding her. I feel that it's gotten louder now that Ryeini's joined us.
I've gotten so used to this that I actually find it somewhat pleasant. The noise I hear calms me down. With a slight smile on my face, I head to the room where everyone is.
"I give! I give...! My arm, it's broken...! Please Ilya, it's too much! My arms!" (Anise) (1)
"It's fine if it's just to this degree." (Ilya)
"It's not good, my delicate arms will be ruined!" (Anise)
"...Delicate you say?" (Ilya)
"Why are you using so much force!? I'm sorry, I understand, I'm sorry! Please forgive me!" (Anise)
"Euphilia-sama, thank you." (Ryeini)
"I'm back, Ryeini... Again?" (Euphie)
"Yes, again." (Ryeini)
I return Ryeini's greeting with a wry smile. To that, she gave a look saying "Oh, did I look that strange?"
But, there are other things that take priority over this. I walk over to Anise-sama, who's still having her arm twisted by Ilya.
"Anise-sama." (Euphie)
"Oh, no, no, no, no! Ah, welcome back, Euphie...! Ahhh! It's breaking~~...! It's going to break! I'm not kidding!" (Anise)
"Ilya, if you could lend her to me please. I need to have a word with her." (Euphie)
I intercede, smiling at their usual exchange. Ilya gives me a questioning look, but she releases Anise-sama, perhaps because it was me asking. Anise-sama caresses her arms with teary eyes.
"It was... just a little joke..." (Anise)
"Did you say something?" (Ilya)
"No, nothing! Sooo, Euphie, what did you want to talk about?" (Anise)
Anise-sama smiled as if regaining her composure, and I could feel my own mouth loosening upon seeing that smile that I've seen many times before.
I'm sure that I won't regret this choice. Such a conviction came naturally to my mind.
/////
Anise POV:
Euphie wanted to talk to me, and it seemed like it was going to be a long conversation, so I asked Ilya to prepare some tea. I was feeling relaxed since it has been such a long time since I've had a long talk with Euphie. I've been so busy with visits and political affairs recently.
Anyways, I wonder what she needs. Recently she's been looking troubled. I wonder if she's shocked by Al-kun's situation after all. Or perhaps, she's feeling responsible for the fact that I have to take the throne.
Well, it's not Euphie's fault. I can't completely absolve Euphie of guilt, but the situation wasn't something that one person could solve when factoring in Ryeini's unconscious vampiric influence and the feud between Al-kun and I.
I've been pondering on how to encourage her, but I wonder if her mood changed after returning to her parents' house. If so, then I'm glad.
"So, what did you want to talk about?" (Anise)
"Right. I wanted to talk about the future with Anise-sama." (Euphie)
"The future?" (Anise)
Hm, the future... To be honest, I think Euphie's future is a bit up in airs currently. Well, it's my fault. Right now, I don't have time to study magic. That being the case, Euphie, my assistant, has nothing to do.
But, Euphie's been through a lot recently. I'll admit, I didn't want to assign her any work because I thought she was going through a lot of troubles. But, if Euphie is actively seeking advice, I have to seriously consider her future.
Originally, if I were to become queen, Euphie was to become my advisor. Rather, it's strange how Euphie isn't by my side despite me becoming involved in political affairs. If Euphie wants, would we be involved in political affairs together? It would be reassuring if that were the case.
"I've found what I wanted to do." (Euphie)
What she wants to do... Euphie's eyes were looking straight forward. They were strong eyes, filled with a determination that I haven't seen recently.
When did I first see Euphie's eyes? The first time was when I greeted her after she became Al-kun's fiancée. I remember feeling relieved that she wasn't frightened of me, despite knowing of my reputation.
Even since Al-kun's engagement was called off, Euphie's eyes have been cloudy and downcast. That glimmer in her eyes was lost, and she suffered a change in her mindset.
"I'm glad you've found what you want to do. Especially now that we can't focus on magic research together. I suppose you're going to leave to focus on your goal?" (Anise)
"No, actually your cooperation is indispensable for what I want to do. Therefore, I thought I'd consult with you beforehand." (Euphie)
"My cooperation?" (Anise)
Well, what does she need? I can't think of anything she would need my cooperation to do.
"Yes, I need you to help me, and it would be helpful if His Majesty and Her Majesty also aided in passing the word." (Euphie)
"It's necessary to go through Mother and Father as well?" (Anise)
Mother and Father also... You're doing something really big, aren't you. What, a new national project? Certainly, Euphie would have a bill or two.
But sill, I don't understand how I fit into this. Is it because I'm the successor? Well, if you're planning some national project, I guess it's better to talk to me first...
"Can you help me?" (Euphie)
"It depends on the content. What are you trying to do?" (Anise)
"I want to understand how the spirit contract works." (Euphie)
"...The spirit contract?" (Anise)
"Yes. I would like to ask for your cooperation in becoming one myself." (Euphie)
Spirit contract! I never would've thought Euphie would want to become a contractor. It's a bit unexpected, but considering Euphie's magical talent, it might be within her reach. Additionally, by becoming a spirit contractor, she'll be in a position to be protected and welcomed by the government.
"Why all the sudden?" (Anise)
"I want legitimacy." (Euphie)
"You want... legitimacy?" (Anise)
"Yes." (Euphie)
"What for?" (Anise)
What's the point of Euphie seeking legitimacy? I'm starting to lose track of her intentions. What is she thinking?
"Before I answer your question, let me ask you a rude question. Princess Anne-Sophia." (Euphie)
"...What is it?" (Anise)
I straighten my posture, with her addressing me as Princess. She has a clear intention.
Euphie's smile fades and she stares straight at me. I feel the tension in the room rise, and Ryeini, who had been passive until now, became suspicious.
"Do you think your reign will be successful?" (Euphie)
"..." (Anise)
Euphie's question is making me feel a bit reluctant... I have a definite answer to that question.
"I don't think it will be good at first, and the only way I can rule is through a dictatorship. It will take time for this country to accept the concept of me. And the more time I take, the more this country will warp. Because of that, I don't think my reign will be stable." (Anise)
I am incapable of magic. I absolutely lack the talent needed for royalty in this country.
I'm not confident in politics either. To begin with, I haven't received a proper education, and my connections with the nobility are weak. Honestly, without the hand known as Euphie, I'd be in over my head right now.
I'm confident I can spread my strength, magicology, and that it will be accepted; however, it would lead to the destruction of the current order. I can't just spread it because it's convenient. Yet, it's my only strength, so I'd have to push forward with it despite the distortions it would cause the country.
I believe that is the limit to my capacity as ruler. I can't rule this country without destroying the existing order. It'll be up to the future historical researchers to determine whether my reign was good or bad.
"But I still have to do it. Without a ruler to lead the way, our nation will be lost." (Anise)
"You're right." (Euphie)
"Yes. Well, it might be hard on you..." (Anise)
"No. I'm going to give you a hard time too from now on, so we're partners now." (Euphie)
"Thanks. I'd like to know whether that question has anything to do with why you want legitimacy." (Anise)
Back to the main subject. After all, what kind of legitimacy does Euphie need from the spirit contract?
"Yes... Anise-sama." (Euphie)
"I see." (Anise)
"I want to take the throne for myself... Would you be surprised if I told you that?" (Euphie)
You want to take the throne? Wait... Hm? Does that mean you...? What?
"What about...?" (Anise)
"I would like to be queen." (Euphie)
"Aaaaahhhh!" (Anise)
"Ehhhhhhh!" (Ryeini)
Both Ryeini and I voice our surprise; even Ilya's mouth was left gaping and her posture crumbling.
Euphie laughs at our reaction, like a child who's succeeded in surprising us.
"Oh... to be king... You don't have the right to inherit though!? What? Are you proclaiming usurpation? By becoming a spirit contractor, you mean you want to dispose of the royal family!?" (Anise)
"No, no. I just want legitimacy." (Euphie)
"Legitimacy... means obtaining the achievement of being a spirit contractor? ...Ah?" (Anise)
"Yes. The spirit contract is a feat accomplished by the first king of the Kingdom of Palette. I will embody that feat as the justification for my right to succeed to the throne." (Euphie)
"Wait, wait! ...No.... That's not enough, not even close! I know you're not an idiot who doesn't know that!" (Anise)
"Yes, I am not a royal. I'm not a member of the royal family. However, the Magenta family has royal blood, however distantly related. I don't think our bloodline legitimacy is entirely without merit." (Euphie)
"No, you're right, but...!" (Anise)
"I would like to be adopted by His Majesty for the credit I have earned. And I would like to receive the right of succession to the throne. If I do this much... will it be enough?" (Euphie)
"Adopted..." (Anise)
My brain couldn't catch up with the sudden declaration. So, by this, Euphie means to obtain the legitimacy she lacks by becoming adopted by my father? And then, she'll gain succession rights?
I don't understand after having said this to myself. It is certainly more possible than impossible. After all, I'm now the sole successor ever since Al-kun dropped off. But, I lack magical talent, leading to my poor reputation amongst the nobility.
What if Euphie becomes the rightful heir and enters front stage? ...It's entirely possible. Euphie's been educated from a young age to become the queen originally. If she made use of her abilities, it's certainly not an impossible story.
"...Who gave you that idea?" (Anise)
"Anise-sama." (Euphie)
"I did say I didn't want to be queen! But that doesn't mean I wanted to divide the country! Euphie certainly is a close position to claim legitimacy, but even that isn't perfect! It's a different story than with Al-kun and I!" (Anise)
Even if we were to fight for the throne, the conditions are far different than when it was Al-kun and I were in succession.
Since I had unilaterally gave Al-kun the throne, I didn't have a faction and Al-kun was dominant. I thought that was desirable because Al-kun had legitimacy.
But with Euphie, it's a different story. With her, it's almost as if she were trying to usurp the throne. Even if she was adopted, she'd still have her origins in the House of Magenta. It drags down her chances. With that in mind, the factions would be divided equally between Euphie and I—there's a 50-50 chance of either of us succeeding.
"It's not that simple! Even if all goes well and you gain succession rights, I'll still come ahead! Also, what would the Duke of Magenta think about you becoming adopted and attempting succession?" (Anise)
"Father told me to cut ties with my family." (Euphie)
"Cut ties!? What is Duke Grantz thinking? Or rather, he's the one who gave you the idea? Wasn't he the one who pushed me to succeed the throne!?" (Anise)
What the hell is that guy...! No, I don't get it! I still don't get it! What's he thinking!? I don't understand at all...!
Weren't you supposed to be the one to chide me for reckless behavior and try to promote me? What this about Euphie? (2)
"My father is pushing for Anise-sama's succession. He said that even if I get adopted and gain succession rights, I won't get any support from them." (Euphie)
"No, no, no, no, no! Why did you bring this up?" (Anise)
"I don't want you to be ruler." (Euphie)
Euphie looks me straight in the eye and tells me. The strength of her will doesn't waver. She's... serious. This girl really does not want me to become queen.
"Why? I know I don't deserve it. I was even whining about it. But, I don't understand why you want to be queen." (Anise)
"...It isn't for your sake. This is my selfishness." (3)
"Your selfishness?" (Anise)
"I won't let you become monarch. You don't have to sit on the throne with a frozen heart. I realized I just have to take the throne for myself." (Euphie)
"Don't tell me you're going to become queen because of personal feelings!" (Anise)
"Who's the one who kept lamenting that she didn't want to become queen due to personal feelings?" (Euphie)
Ugh...! You're hitting where it hurts...!
"But that's not a reason you'd want to be queen! Are you really sure?" (Anise)
"Well, just like you don't want to be queen for that reason, I do want to become queen for that reason." (Euphie)
"It's not the same!" (Anise)
"It is the same. And if I were to take over the reign from His Majesty Orphans, I am confident that I would be able to do it more peacefully than you. I will overcome the issue of blood. I will prove that the royal blood flowing through my veins has not been diluted." (Euphie)
"...Euphie!" (Anise)
"If I become queen! Your dream will come true!"
Euphie raised her voice for the first time.
It was just a shout filled with spirit, but my core seemed to be shaken by its power.
"I am very good at fulfilling the roles I've been given. Whether the role of queen or not, the weight doesn't change. Rather, I won't deny the way I've lived till now, but I will become queen of my own choice. Then, your dream will be beyond that." (Euphie)
"My dream?" (Anise)
"The happiness of pursuing the mystery of magic, creating magical tools for the people. You are free to seek it. No, I'll forgive you. As queen, you will be part of my people. And you will be family. I want to forgive you. I dreamed that your dream would enrich this country." (Euphie)
Euphie gets up from her seat and extends her hand to me. I can only stare.
"I pledge to be by your side and help you in your reign, even if I don't succeed. And if I do, let me protect your dream and realize it together with me. It is my wish and hope that you would be free. We should hold hands, not fight. So, Anise-sama, take my hand. It's my turn to help now." (Euphie)
Even if Euphie can't become queen, she can still become a confidant in politics.
If Euphie became queen... Then I'll become... free?
I look at Euphie's hand, still extended towards me.
"--...Huh?" (Anise)
Whose voice was it that leaked out? I don't know.
All I knew was the feeling of my hand in Euphie's.
I was having trouble breathing. I couldn't breathe and my vision was blurred. No, I shouldn't cry hear.
I don't know why I'm crying, but I knew I shouldn't show my tears, so I stood up.
Unconsciously, my body began moving. It was just trying to get away from this place.
"Oh, Anise-sama!" (Euphie???)
Whose voice was it that called me from behind? I don't know. I don't know anything.
All I knew was that I had run away. I couldn't think of anything else.
/////
E/N:
(1)*(E/N: I modified this bit of dialogue slightly. Originally, "I give! I give...! My arm, it's broken...!" and "Please Ilya, it's too much! My arms!" were divided into two lines, but that didn't make sense since the usual dialogue format is alternating speakers. It was hard to discern who was actually saying what, so I combined them since they both seemed like they were being spoken by Anise rather than one being from Ilya.)
(2)*(E/N: Added second sentence of paragraph.)
(3)*(E/N: Oh, but it is for Anise's sake. As in the alcohol.)
I apologize for the very late release. I could say I'll try to be better, but I feel like that'll turn into an empty promise. But for those who are worrying, I'm not dropping it.
Also, apparently, according to the comments, an anime is in development. YEAH! I'll put a link to the trailer in the comments since I don't think wattpad accepts hyperlinks.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to point out mistakes!
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