The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady

 

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Episode 31: The Future King (Part 2)

Euphie POV:

“What did Thomas say?” (Anise)

I heard Anise-sama ask a question, staring straight at me.
I felt my consciousness, which had flown far away, jerk back and I jumped slightly.

Anise-sama had returned to the Gana workshop, where the atmosphere between Thomas and I had become delicate, and we left together.
I had the experience of eating the unfamiliar food Anise-sama brought for me.

This is the taste commoners experience.
Compared to the food I usually eat; it was sloppy and bland.
Still, it has a strangely appetizing taste.
If you ask me if I like it, I'd have to say no; the taste is too different from what I'm used to.
But, it's something like fresh pleasure.

As I turned my gaze toward the town, I could hear the lively voices of the townsfolk clearly in the air.
It was my first time walking around town and seeing the vibrancy of that life, and I was fascinated by it.
Thoroughly enamored by the atmosphere, Anise-sama's question came flying at me, startling me.

“…It was just some small talk.” (Euphie)

“Hm…
Well, you didn't really seem that into it.” (Anise)

“That's…” (Euphie)

Talking to Thomas made me think.
To Anise-sama, becoming queen was akin to a curse.

Yet, she's royalty.
It's very easy to point to that.
There's no one else that can take over as ruler.
Perhaps if Anise-sama gave up and took a son-in-law; then things might change.

…No, I'm sure it would be the same.
The curse bound to Anise-sama is “the bondage from freedom”.
All people need some constraints, large and small, but the constraints of royalty weigh too heavily on Anise-sama's talents.
Guiding the country and protecting the people.
That responsibility is too…

“…He said was worried that you wouldn't be able to come.” (Euphie)

“Hm…
So, it's like that.” (Anise)

“…Are you okay?” (Euphie)

“Of course.” (Anise) (1)

I can't help but stare blankly at Anise-sama's face as she smiles happily.
You must have been really busy these days.
You have less time to pursue research in magicology and the time you spend among nobles continues to increase.

I wonder if your smile is a true one.
I wonder, if behind the scenes, you're suffering from heavy anxiety, or if you're having a hard time.
I don't understand you.
Just as I was once unable to understand Algarde-sama's anguish…

“Euphie?” (Anise)

“…Sorry.” (Euphie)

“You're being very hard on yourself.” (Anise)

“Hey, you're grabbing my cheeks…
mmm…!” (Euphie)

She holds my face between her hands, rubbing it.
It's very embarrassing with all the people moving around us.

Though I managed to escape, I had become very tired.
Doing unfamiliar things is so exhausting.

“Don't worry, regarding magicology, I'm fine.
It can't be helped since Al-kun is gone.” (Anise)

“…Anise-sama…” (Euphie)

I stopped unintentionally.
I wondered why she paid so much attention to me.

Anise-sama chuckled in her usual nonchalant way, somewhat bitterly.

“I'm fine dealing with this alone.
It can't be helped, and I'm quite used to it.
Complaining won't change anything.
Besides, the royal heir has to be decided at some point, right?” (Anise)

“Are you sure about this? Really?” (Euphie)

I couldn't stand it and asked the question.
I knew what she would say, and I knew it would only worsen the burden that curse had on Anise-sama.

In response to my question, her expression didn't budge.
She just relaxed and smiled normally.

“I don't want to, but someone has to do it.” (Anise)

When she said that in her usual tone, there was nothing I could say.
It was the first time that I felt so crippled and useless because of my inability to speak.

In the first place, I had no idea what I should say to Anise-sama, and I didn't even have the answer in my mind.

“Come on, let's not worry about that.
Instead, let's take a tour of the city.” (Anise)

“What?” (Euphie)

“We don't have much time.
We have to do what we want to do while we still can!” (Anise)

Anise-sama pulled my hand and started to run.
I was so unaccustomed to having my hand pulled that it took all I had to avoid being left behind.

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She's always like this.
She's a maverick, always doing whatever she wants, going beyond.
The hardest things, even the saddest things.
Always doing so many things as she goes along.

If she doesn't take my hand, I feel like I'll be left behind.
The only thing I could do was take her hand and follow her.

/////

After a day of sneaking off to the castle town with Anise-sama, I was invited by the Queen to a tea party.
I thought that Anise-sama would also have been invited, but it seems that I was the only one.

I was accompanied by Ryeini, now wan apprentice maid.
She had been trained by Ilya to the level of a servant for the time being, and now that she is able to do at least some of her work, she has been working with Anise-sama and I more and more.
Today, it seems she was attending to me.

“Are you breathing easy these days, Euphilia?” (Queen)

“Yes, I am.
I am spending my days in good health.” (Euphie)

“I'm glad to hear that.” (Queen

The Queen nods her head in satisfaction, but I think she looks somewhat tired.
Since the incident with Algarde-sama, the Queen has been assisting His Majesty with domestic affairs rather than engaging in diplomacy.

The nobles of the Kingdom of Palette are in a state of excitement.
The throne's successor, Algarde-sama, has been disowned, and the right of succession has fallen to Anise-sama.

Those were previously cold to Anise-sama are now having a moment of indecisiveness.
Some have started to flatter her, some are just watching the situation, and their movements vary.
I think the fact that Anise is now seriously participating in political affairs as a royal is a big factor.

Even so, Anise-sama has declared that she won't marry for the rest of her life.
Many people wonder what she will do for her successor.
I guess anxiety about the future lies in everyone's hearts.

“How is Anise?” (Queen)

“…What do you mean?” (Euphie)

I was at a loss for a moment to answer the question the Queen threw at me, and I asked about her intentions.

“Is there anything unusual about Anise?” (Queen)

“Yes, I suppose so.
It seems like the same old Anise, but I think she's been a little more involved in political matters lately.” (Euphie)

 

“I see.
Do you have any…
complaints with that?” (Queen)

“I can't say I have any complaints about that…” (Euphie)

Are you worried about Anise-sama, or are you looking for cracks? Either way, there isn't much I can answer.
Even if I thought that Anise-sama was troubled, I couldn't answer the question to what extent she was troubled.

In response to my answer, the Queen let out a deep sigh.
I was worried about her because of her dejected appearance, as if she was trying not to hide her exhaustion.

“…In the end, no one will understand.
Ryeini, please sit down too.” (Queen)

“Eh!? Well, but I…” (Ryeini)

“You were called here as a pretext.
Please sit down.
I want to talk to the people who stand beside my daughter.” (Queen)

“…Huh?” (Ryeini)

With fear evident on her face, Ryeini takes the other seat prepared for her.
Was it the Queen's wish that Ryeini attend to me?

“Anise is doing well these days, but she's changed so much that…
I'm honestly puzzled.” (Queen)

“I'm confused as to what you're getting at, but now that you mention it…” (Euphie)

Anise-sama is an eccentric storm, for better or worse, so I can honestly understand why it would feel uncomfortable when she acts seriously.

“From the day she reasserted her claim for succession, I stopped thinking of her as just a daughter.
I thought that it would help her grow…
but now…
it's happened, and I don't understand her.” (Queen)

“I honestly believe there's a part of her that's understandable.” (Euphie)

“If you feel that way, I wonder if it's intentional.” (Queen)

“Intentional?” (Euphie)

“Anise seems to have trouble understanding herself, but she's conscious of the way she's perceived and manipulates the impressions she gives off.” (Queen)

By purposely manipulating herself, Anise-sama gives off an incomprehensible impression.

As for that, I have to admit, the Queen is probably right.
She once said she acted out as to avoid interfering with Algarde-sama's succession.

“I don't deny what you're saying.
Anise-sama is intelligent and…” (Euphie)

“Yes, she is.
Then…
does she show more of herself to you than she does to me?” (Queen)

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“I'm not so sure about that.
I don't get the sense that Anise-sama has any ill feelings towards you.” (Euphie)

“Oh, it's not that.
She's affectionate towards me.
It's just that she herself acts unsure.” (Queen)

“Anise-sama herself?” (Euphie)

“To be clear, she's not happy about this.
She's been quite clear about her aversion towards succeeding the throne.
But what is she thinking? I don't understand, so I wanted to talk with you guys.
I also asked Orphans about it…” (Queen) (2)

“What did he say?” (Euphie)

“He said to leave it alone.
To not involve myself with her.” (Queen)

I had no idea that His Majesty had told the Queen that.
To be honest, I was a little surprised.

But, I guess it makes sense.
It's surprising to hear, but truthfully…
Anise-sama in “that” state is quite terrifying.

“…Has the Queen ever seen Anise-sama truly angry?” (Euphie)

 

“That child? …No, I don't think so.
Have you ever seen it?” (Queen)

“Once.
When His Majesty and Father ordered Anise-sama to reinstate her claim to the throne.” (Euphie)

“What was she like?” (Queen)

“…Ice.” (Euphie)

“Ice?” (Queen)

“She was just so emotionally drained and bland.
It's like her heart froze.” (Euphie)

Anise-sama evaluated herself as being a tyrant who would establish a dictatorship.

She said that if having a heart confuses yourself, you should freeze the heart.
And Anise-sama is clearly capable of doing just that.

“…Anise-sama has been talking a lot lately about how there just isn't a choice.
I'm sure she's dissatisfied.
However, it doesn't change the fact that she will become monarch.
She'll freeze her heart.
Because, if that's what it takes, she's capable of doing it.” (Euphie)

“…Yes.” (Queen)

Long and heavy.
The Queen's exhaled breath spilled out uninterrupted.

“…I can't help but realize that I failed to properly raise my children.” (Queen)

“My queen…” (Euphie)

“Algarde became depressed and began to harbor dangerous thoughts.
Anise has learned to freeze her heart due to her intelligence.
It's not wrong for Anise to be royalty…
but it would destroy what she has cultivated as a child.” (Queen)

The more a king acts like a king, the less individual feelings play a role.
What is a required of a king is fairness.
A king is there to lead their people.
I understand this, but I agree that this fact is too heavy of a burden for Anise-sama.

“I don't know what to say to her after all these years.
I've only been able to treat her as a queen.
Laugh at me.” (Queen)

“I don't think I can laugh…
And, that's just what you think.
Anise-sama doesn't think so.” (Euphie)

“I'm sorry.
I'm sorry…
I'm feeling a bit of doubt.” (Queen)

Her voice became weaker.
I close my mouth to the Queen, who smiled tiredly at me.

I thought to myself, “I can't do anything for her either.” As I was thinking this, I saw Ryeini, who was sitting next to me, get up from her seat.

“Ryeini?” (Queen)

“My queen, if you don't mind my asking, what are your plans for the rest of the day?” (Ryeini)

“What are my plans? Well, I was going to go back to my office.” (Queen)

“Then, please take a short rest during this tea party.
Let's try out my power.” (Ryeini)

“Your what?” (Queen)

“Please look into my eyes.
It's still a trial-and-error process, but it's been endorsed by Anise-sama.” (Ryeini)

Ryeini walks to the side of the Queen and bends down so she's eye level with the Queen.

Ryeini's eyes are crimson, indicating her vampirism.
I also noticed a suspicious light shining behind her eyes.
The flow of her magical power envelops her skin, as if signaling something.

“…Look into my eyes and feel at ease.
It's similar to hypnotic suggestion, but it will make you feel better.
It won't permanently affect you, so don't worry about accepting this.” (Ryeini)

“…Even if you say that…” (Queen)

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“Anise-sama has also received this treatment before.
It's similar to having a pleasant dream.” (Ryeini)

 

“…I see.
It's probably a good idea.
It'd be good to see what you're capable of anyways.” (Queen)

Perhaps she decided it was safe, because the Queen stared straight into Ryeini's eyes.
Ryeini's face tenses for a moment, as if nervous, but she immediately smiles and returns the Queen's gaze.

“My queen, is it Anise-sama that worries your heart?” (Ryeini)

“Yes.
I am worried about that child.” (Queen)

“Is it because she doesn't reveal anything?” (Ryeini)

“…Yes.
I am afraid because I cannot tell what she is thinking.” (Queen)

“Yes, then look into my eyes…
Your fears are groundless.
Anise-sama admires the Queen.
She is merely acting as a royal, and that knowledge is certainly inherited from you.
However, she has to tighten her heart because she's acting in a different manner than the past.” (Ryeini)

“…Is that so.” (Queen)

The queen's eyes gradually fall and flutter.
She wondered if this was okay, and when she lifted her hips, Ryeini stopped her, putting a finger to the Queen's mouth.

“Once things settle down, I'm sure you'll think of proposing a policy supporting magicology.
Then, the old Anne-Sophia will reappear.
Just close your eyes and imagine.” (Ryeini) (3)

“…Yes, right.
I see that child.” (Queen)

“Imagine Anne-Sophia asking for consultation on how far she should go.
She's going to say something eccentric with a big smile on her face.” (Ryeini)

“Fufu…
I can really see it in your eyes…” (Queen)

“Yes, it might be vague, but just relax and accept the sight…
How would the Queen answer Anise?” (Ryeini)

“Yeah..
First…
Listen…
Tell me…
What are you thinking, Anise…? You…
I can't reach you…
can't…
reach…” (Queen)

**Drop**

A tear fell from the Queen's closed eyes.
She relaxes into the chair and sighs.

Ryeini, having witnessed this, exhaled heavily and relaxed.
The Queen unconsciously asks a question.

“…What did you do, Ryeini?” (Queen)

“…I just blunted your heartache.
If I blunted it too strongly, the impressions would be too deep, so I just nudged you towards a slight dream.
The impressions disappear when the dream ends, but I thought you could rest your mind and body with a happy dream, even if only for a moment.
This therapy was endorsed by Anise and Ilya.” (Ryeini)

Hypnotism, a technique of vampires.
Ryeini said she used it to relieve the pain in the Queen's heart.
She merely induced a dream.
Was this that beneficial use of Ryeini's power that Anise suggested?

Both Anise-sama's and Ilya's endorsement…
Hm? I wonder if that means they tried it themselves.

“…Perhaps you tried this on Anise-sama?” (Euphie)

“Yes.
She said that she had to actively fall under the hypnotism due to her resistance granted by her dragon engravings, so the effect was broken as soon as she became conscious of it.
There was some small success.
The actual experimental subject was Ilya.” (Ryeini)

“But did you do it to Anise first?” (Euphie)

“…Well, that's right.” (Ryeini)

“What kind of suggestion did you induce?” (Euphie)

This caught me off guard, and I repeated my question to Ryeini.
Ryeini had a troubled expression on her face before asking us to keep this quiet.
She told me with a preface.

 

“She wondered if she could decrease her interest in magic.” (Ryeini)

“…!” (Euphie)

“But, it didn't work.
I tried everything, including the suggestion of royal awareness, but she resisted all of them.
Eventually, I just found myself thinking about how stubborn Anise-sama was.” (Ryeini)

“…Yes, that's right.
So, Anise-sama did this of her own will.” (Euphie)

“…Sometimes I'm asked to give a suggestion, even if it's only a dream.
It was supposed to just be an experiment, but I've become regularly involved with her now.” (Ryeini) (4)

Thanks to that, it became training for this dream-inducing power, but Ryeini laughed it off as if she were in trouble.

Conversely put, isn't it like saying she can't do it without relying on these suggestions? Thinking of this, my hand naturally tightened.
(5)

“…What am I doing when even Ryeini is helping Anise-sama? (Euphie)

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“Eh…? Hm…
You are certainly overprotective of Anise-sama, aren't you?” (Ryeini)

“Do you think that way as well?” (Euphie)

“It's the same with me.
Anise-sama requested it, so I have to do my best to help her with hypnotism, despite her draconic resistance.
Anise-sama is someone who's sweet on her people.” (Ryeini)

“That's…
that's right.” (Euphie)

I understand that Anise-sama is sweet to her people.
That person rarely has people she trusts.
That's likely the reason…
She cherishes the few she has.

“Still, I don't know enough about politics to truly stand by Anise-sama, especially compared to you, and I have a lot to learn as a maid.” (Ryeini)

“…And why tell me?” (Euphie)

“Because, the only person who can stop Anise-sama is you.” (Ryeini)

“Me?” (Euphie)

“The person Anise-sama trusts the most is you.
His Majesty and the Queen both have lines drawn because of their position, so the person Anise-sama is the most comfortable around is you, Euphilia-sama.” (Ryeini)

“But, what about Ilya? She's been by Anise-sama far longer than I.” (Euphie)

“Ilya-sama says that it's because she's been by Anise-sama for so long, that she can't stop her.” (Ryeini)

“…So why would I be able to?” (Euphie)

“Well, it's my opinion, but it's because you are equal.” (Ryeini)

“Equal? Anise-sama and I?” (Euphie)

“With my status, I am out of the question; Ilya has been in a master-servant relationship for a very long time, and His Majesty and the Queen have a line drawn because they're family.
There are few people Anise-sama sees as truly equal, and I think the closest is you, Euphilia-sama.” (Ryeini)

“…I am constantly being helped by Anise-sama.
We aren't equal.” (Euphie)

“I think it's probably because Euphilia-sama has been helping Anise-sama for a long time.” (Ryeini)

“But, I only came into contact with Anise-sama recently, right?” (Euphie)

“Well, even so, it's only because of Euphilia-sama that Anise-sama was able to do whatever she wanted without worrying about royal affairs.
In actuality, the only reason she's been able to go so far is because of you.
You were supporting Algarde-sama.
Now, she likely feels that she's caused you a lot of hardship and wants to make things easier for you.” (Ryeini)

“That's…
but I—” (Euphie)

“Don't tell me how it turned out.
I'll be hurt.
Anise-sama told me that it wasn't my fault, and I've worked hard to get to this point.
No matter the result, it doesn't erase the hard work I put in.
Therefore, I think Anise-sama gotten as far as she has because of Euphilia-sama's strong candidacy for queenship.
And now, she thinks it's her turn to step up.” (Ryeini)

Because you have done what you pleased until now.
And because I suffered because of it?

Because you recognized that I helped you, now you're trying to help now?

If so, am I free now? But, I don't know what freedom is.

I don't know what I should do.
Dear Anise-sama.
I…
cannot be like you.

What makes me equal to you now? What should I tell you when all I'm doing is being sheltered by you? I'm not sure what to tell you…

The tea party ended with the Queen taking a good rest.

At the end of the hour, I woke the Queen and as we were parting, the Queen asked Ryeini if she could see her again.

I guess I have to find it.
What should I do now? I need something that will make her acknowledge me as her equal, something that I can be satisfied with.

It's not enough to just have a talent for magic.
It's not enough to have knowledge from my education.
I need something I can proudly say is my reason.

/////

E/N:

(1)*(E/N: Unsure of this bit of dialogue.)

(2)*(E/N: I think Orphans is the name of the King?)

(3)*(E/N: Ryeini here being a lil' ole Baron heir influencing public policy of the whole kingdom.)

(4)*(E/N: Originally, it was “If I say I'm in it, I think I'm in it” by Google, and “I think I'm coming when I say I'm coming” by DeepL.
Needless to say, it made no sense, so I adlibbed.)

(5)*(E/N: All the dialogue ahead, a bit unsure of it.)

Some of the stuff in this chapter was a bit confusing, so be wary for things that don't make too much sense.

I hope y'all enjoyed.