Episode 91
Seeing Elonia dejected, as if caught doing something mischievous, Sarah chuckled. It reminded her of Philemon, her friend who had passed away long ago, and their playful arguments.
‘She’s just like her mother.’
A nostalgic smile touched Sarah’s lips as she approached Elonia, holding out the tray.
“I brought you some pudding, Your Highness. I had a feeling you might be upset.”
“…This is a secret, okay?”
“Of course. I’m always on your side.”
Sarah sat down beside Elonia, offering her the pudding and a spoon.
Elonia, embarrassed, puffed out her cheeks, her ears turning pink, and quietly accepted the pudding.
Sarah, her voice gentle, asked,
“So, Your Highness, what’s troubling you? Can you tell Sarah?”
Sarah was probably the only one who would still call her “adorable” even when she was acting like this.
Elonia, chewing on her pudding, mumbled after a long pause,
“Dad stole the information I found and ran off.”
“Oh dear.”
“He told me not to get involved in dangerous matters, that he would handle everything, so I should just stay put.”
She hadn’t actually used such a defiant tone, but that was the gist of it.
Sarah gently stroked Elonia’s cheek.
“You must be very upset.”
“…Honestly, I’m more annoyed that I understand why he’s doing this. It makes me feel like a child.”
“You’re still young, Your Highness.”
Ah, right.
She was still a child in Sarah’s eyes.
Elonia nodded slowly.
“Sarah, do you think I can be a good Empress?”
“Why are you thinking about that?”
“I’ve been worried about it ever since Professor Caroline offered me a chance to skip a grade. I’ve never really thought about my future as the Empress. But since I’ll have to ascend the throne eventually, I want to be a good ruler. But if I avoid dangerous situations, if I don’t get involved in matters of national importance, can I really be a good Empress?”
Elonia’s concern was valid.
An Emperor carried a heavy burden of responsibility.
…Or so the theory went.
In reality, few rulers truly understood the weight of the lives they held in their hands. Sarah was certain Elonia, who was already concerned about her people, would be a good Empress.
But Elonia, despite her brilliance, lacked confidence.
Sarah, knowing that words of encouragement wouldn’t be enough, decided to take a different approach.
“Your Highness, may I offer you some advice?”
“…What is it?”
“Children don’t always have to obey their parents.”
“Huh?”
Elonia was taken aback.
She hadn’t expected such words from Sarah, who was usually so proper and by-the-book.
Sarah, a mischievous glint in her eyes, chuckled.
“I wasn’t a good daughter to my father. I was disobedient, stubborn, and always did what I was told not to. And I’m still defying his orders. But I’m happy. Because I’m doing what I want to do.”
“…I can’t even imagine.”
Elonia still couldn’t picture Sarah and Philemon arguing, let alone Sarah defying her father.
Sarah, clearing away Elonia’s empty pudding plate, continued,
“My father wanted me to inherit his title.”
“But you’re…”
“Yes, I’m still a marchioness, but I’m also a maid in the Imperial Palace. My father was displeased that I abandoned my title.”
He had been growing weary of his duties and saw Elonia’s enrollment in the academy as an opportunity. He had been sending Sarah letters, urging her to return.
He had said that Elonia was practically an adult now, that she no longer needed Sarah’s help, that it was time for Sarah to give up her stubbornness and return to her rightful place.
“But I didn’t want to. My father was doing just fine, despite his complaints.”
“…But wouldn’t inheriting the title be better for you?”
Being the Imperial Princess’s godmother was an honorary title, not an official position. Being her maid was also an honor, but someone with ambition would prefer to be a ruler.
But Sarah shook her head, as if those things were irrelevant.
“How can a parent abandon their child? I know I’m not Your Highness’s real mother, so this might sound presumptuous, but… you’re still so young and vulnerable in my eyes, my precious goddaughter. I didn’t want anything to take priority over you, and I didn’t want to miss a single moment of your growth.”
Elonia couldn’t understand.
Wouldn’t inheriting the title be more beneficial than raising a child?
And Elonia wasn’t even her real daughter. How could Sarah abandon her title and dedicate her life to Elonia, even though it was Philemon’s dying wish?
Sarah, as if sensing Elonia’s thoughts, smiled gently.
“I understand. But some people prefer raising children to inheriting titles. There are many different ways to live, Your Highness.”
“…”
“I digressed a bit, but my point is, you don’t have to do what your parents tell you to do. Follow your heart.”
Despite her reassuring words, Sarah’s face was still clouded with worry.
She was probably concerned about Artius.
“Are you okay with this, even though I might get hurt?”
“Of course, I would be heartbroken if something happened to you. But if it’s a wound you received while pursuing your dreams, a wound you wear with pride, then I’ll be happy for you. And if you’re sad, I’ll cry with you. I’ll always be by your side, Your Highness, until you’re okay again. So go and do what you want to do. As long as you come back safe, I’ll be fine.”
Sarah was truly amazing.
She was the bravest person Elonia knew.
Elonia and Artius would have been too afraid to let go, too afraid of losing what they wanted to protect.
Elonia wanted to be a goddaughter worthy of such a wonderful godmother.
She jumped off the bed.
“Sarah, I’ll be back.”
“Take care, Your Highness.”
Elonia’s destination was obvious.
Sarah smiled and waved until Elonia was out of sight, then stared at the empty doorway, her mind filled with Elonia’s words about Artius.
“She’s just like her mother.”
Artius, worried that Elonia might follow him, decided to go to Lucid Academy immediately, instead of waiting until the next day.
It was late at night, but it was the perfect time.
Elonia and the other students would be asleep.
He sought out Caroline and Julietta.
“Your Majesty.”
“Your Majesty.”
The two department heads were about to bow, but Artius, his expression uncomfortable, waved them off and went straight to the point.
“Where’s Professor Natalie?”
“We’ll take you to her.”
Artius followed them into the main building. Julietta led the way to the basement.
Supervisor Natalie, bound by shackles and chains in a basement cell, saw Julietta and shouted,
“Let me out! Let me out of here! You’ll be cursed for imprisoning a devout follower of God!”
“…She’s clearly not in her right mind.”
“Even Madicte’s Holy Power couldn’t restore her sanity.”
“Then we have no choice but to try this method. Professor Caroline.”
Artius called out to Caroline.
But there was no response. He turned around to see Caroline slowly descending the stairs, groaning,
“Oh dear, my knees…”
“Professor Caroline, you seem quite relaxed.”
“Try being my age, Your Majesty. Show some respect for the elderly.”
“…You usually walk just fine. What’s with the sudden frailty?”
“Stairs and flat surfaces are different.”
Caroline retorted cheekily, then locked the basement door and approached Natalie, her usual vigor restored.
“Natalie, look at me.”
“Let me out of here!”
“I’ll release you, but look at me first.”
Caroline tapped her staff on the floor.
Natalie stopped struggling and looked at Caroline, her eyes finally focusing.
Artius and Julietta felt a flicker of hope.
But then,
“How dare you use such deceitful magic on me!”
“Ugh…!”
“Professor Caroline!”
Caroline was thrown back by a magical force, and Julietta quickly caught her.
Caroline, her face pale with exhaustion, clicked her tongue.
“…As Her Highness said, my magic is useless against this.”
“What?”
Artius couldn’t believe it.
Caroline was one of the most skilled mages in the Imperial Palace.
How powerful was the person who had brainwashed Natalie?
Despite the dire situation, Artius felt a sense of relief.
‘I’m glad I didn’t bring Elonia.’
He sighed, glad he had acted quickly. But then, he saw her.
Perhaps because he was thinking about her, he saw his daughter standing right in front of him. Artius rubbed his eyes, wondering if he was hallucinating.
“…Am I seeing things?”
“No, you’re not.”
“…!”
Artius was startled by the reply.
Why was Elonia here?
Unlike Artius and Julietta, who were stunned, Caroline smiled warmly.
“Her Highness was right. My magic is useless.”
“Yes, I’ve been watching.”
“W-watching? You followed us? But how?”
“I tried teleportation magic, and it worked. And Caroline told me how to get here.”
Artius, his eyes wide with disbelief, turned to Caroline.
Caroline grinned.
“My apologies, but the knee complaint was a lie. I was stalling to give Her Highness time to arrive.”
“Professor Caroline…!”
He had wondered why she had been moving so slowly, complaining about her knees.
Artius was furious.
“Elonia, go back.”
“No. You saw it yourself, Caroline’s magic doesn’t work. So I’ll do it.”
“Elonia, why won’t you listen to me?!”
“When have I ever listened to you? Give up!”
“Elonia!”
“What?!”
Who had she taken after, to be so stubborn?
Artius, frustrated that his daughter was so much like him, felt like crying.
Caroline, oblivious to his inner turmoil, chuckled and intervened,
“Your Majesty, isn’t Her Highness’s concern for her people admirable? Give her a chance.”
“…Professor Caroline.”
“Honestly, I’m no match for Her Highness in terms of raw magical power. You saw me fail. Perhaps she can save your people.”
“Your Majesty, I implore you. Natalie is my colleague and friend. Please save her.”
“…”
Artius, unable to argue with both Caroline and Julietta, fell silent.
He turned to Elonia, whose gaze was firm and unwavering.
Artius was the one who surrendered.
“Elonia, promise me one thing.”
“What is it?”
“If you fail, you’ll leave immediately.”
Elonia nodded without hesitation.
If she couldn’t even break this brainwashing, she would be useless.
“I promise.”
“…Alright. Come here.”
Artius led Elonia to Natalie and held her firmly, preventing her from being thrown back like Caroline had been.
“Begin when you’re ready.”
“…Okay.”
Elonia looked directly into Natalie’s eyes.
She took a deep breath, drew her rapier, and focused.
Her mana clashed against the Holy Power surrounding Natalie.