35 Episode 35: Illia'S Treasures
"Ilia, can you hang out with me for a second?
"Yes?"
It was night. I was calling out to Ilia to stop. Ilia looks at me with amazing eyes.
"Dinner break. Just a little bit."
"... ha, that's unusual"
"Hey, yeah. No?"
"... because I have trouble being stubborn like daylight. I don't mind."
Ilia nodded at me as I sighed. I can only smile bitterly at that reply. I've been with Uffi since then until I calmed down, but if I calmed down, I was embarrassed and had a hard time face-to-face.
You knew that too, Yufi, and when I rested early with a troubled face on my face, I stuck it in my room. Ugh, I'm embarrassed you seem to be taking it by the balls, it's regrettable and honestly complicated.
Invite Ilaria to my room to watch the wine prepared for Ilaria pour into the glass. Honestly, I don't drink much alcohol. It's subtle when people ask me if I'm not a strong person and if I like the taste. If you're about to drink alcohol, you should be high on brain drugs...
"Go ahead."
"Oh, yeah. Thanks.... Shall I pour Illia's share?
"Play."
"I think it's playful enough at the point where I say we drink together."
"So is that."
Ilia prepares her own share of wine and sits in her seat. And we toast with a glass of wine. Take a bite to lick, then drink the amount through your throat and narrow your eyes.
Pepper, gently tongues out. Yeah, I knew I wasn't that good at alcohol. But I had no choice because I wanted to drink it. Ilia has also reduced the amount by about half while doing so. Ilia is alcohol resistant.
"... sorry about the day"
"I don't mind."
"Yeah... I can't believe you said Uffi wanted to be king..."
"You didn't expect it"
Right. I didn't think Yufi would think of that. I don't know what will actually happen, but I won't refuse Yuffi's favor anymore. If Yufi ever really becomes king, I'm sorry for your loss.
If I imagine such a future, I get zero weird laughs. I was so worried, in pain, I was finally going to be able to swallow it. It's going to be lightly covered by Uffi.
"… a little, I regret"
"... Ilia?
"I was proud to say I was closest to the princess. I was reminded it was only a squire stop."
Ilia whines a word when she drinks up wine at once. Once again Ilia tries to pour wine into the wine glass, but first I take the wine and pour it into Ilia.
Then Ilia catches her eyes and stares, but pretends she doesn't know. Pour the wine as it is, then sit back in your seat and put your mouth on the wine for yourself.
"Ilia was like your sister."
"... is that my sister"
"Yeah. He scolds me properly and makes sure I'm not mistaken. I came this far because Ilia had been watching me the whole time. So thank you so much"
"... it's like you're pretending to be fired"
"If I'm not a princess anymore, fine. Even if I quit."
"... because I'm serious?
I feel the intensity of Ilia's gaze has increased. I feel the wine drunkenness coming around feeling good. Staring at Ilia's face as she felt her head flutter.
I think you have a really beautiful face. I don't even make you feel old. If you had the right amount of equipment, you would have had a lot to choose from. Still, being by my side must be one of my luck.
"... if you want to quit, yes. I want you to stay in Ilaria. But yeah. Don't tell me I did. I wonder if Ilia would like to be here."
"... what's the sudden matter"
"It's a good opportunity..."
Drink up the leftover wine and look at Ilaria with eyes with only slightly heavier eyelids.
"Ilia was beside me because of my self"
"I wouldn't mind if the princess wished."
"Yeah. If I can fall in love with myself, I think Ilia has taken care of me. It's a really happy thing, and I'm sure it was Ilia who protected my heart the rest of my life."
In my position, my father, my mother if it's harshness, and Ilia if it's peace.
Closer to me than anyone else and guided me. Someone with no changeover who served me.
"I really appreciate it. I think I was happy from the bottom of my heart that you dated me."
"... it's a bad word."
"That's not why... it's a good opportunity. Because I said as much as I could. I want to hear what Ilaria wants."
The reason must be whimsical. Until now, I would like to receive in words the feelings that you have shown me with your attitude. Ilia's feelings instead of responding to my very own dating.
Ilia tilts the wine silently for a moment. It was as if I were choosing words. I drink like a chick and a lick of wine too.
"... it was me too who was spoiling the role as much as I could be given"
"Hmm...?
"All I could choose was to gain power for my home. Connecting with the people who deserve it. I never even thought about my worth more than that."
"... right"
"Yes, that's what you saw, and it was very easy for you to live in the role you wanted. You don't just have to respect it. Instead, even disrespect is wanted, and I think it was a very difficult Lord to live as he pleases"
Phew. Ilia laughs as she breaks her slightly reddish cheeks with alcohol.
"You wanted me. And there is now. Your happiness was my happiness and my happiness was your happiness. It would have been an honor for me not to have done so much more if I had praised it."
"... yeah"
"But.... I could not guide you even if I could protect your heart. That's something I can't do. I don't have the brains to draw the ideals, nor the power to just take your hands. She's just a maid of honor, a daughter of the same Viscount family who was banished."
"That's not what Ilaria's worth."
"Yep. But people are greedy things.... Without Master Uphilia, I wouldn't have thought so."
They gave me Yufi's name, and my heart just bounced a little. Fill the wine with deception.
"Even if I envy you, I can't say anything. I can't compare what I've done for you to what I've done to save you, even though I know it should be my own... regret."
"... wow, me, were you loved?
"The most, most beloved person in the world. My lord, Princess Anisphere. If you weren't passing it on, let me tell you something, especially with this hand?
"Because I'm drunk now! Stop it because it's dangerous when you get hit!
Sooo, I shake my head frightened by my creepy raised hand. Damn, I just pour wine into the wine glass that Ilia emptied of me.
I shrug and close my eyes, blurring at the wine that is poured.
I have to apologize to Ilia.
"... have you been too drunk?
"Maybe.... I was sweet on Ilaria."
"That's it already"
"Ha, I wanted you to deny it.... Somewhere, I thought I could die anytime."
If you're in Al's way, you can't even be free, and someone keeps denying you your life.
No matter how useful your father finds it, it is not recognized by the nobility of this country.
I wonder how much this life is worth if my existence disrupts the country.
If it's not worth it, live as you please. Even after one day, oh, so I can say it was fun.
Anyway... I was reborn once. Then I'm sure there's no choice.
"I didn't think it was normal. But I gave up somewhere. It's still good when your father is alive. But if Al becomes king, I'm sure there will be no place for me in this country. Then I wonder if the study of magic, too, would have had to be surrounded by other countries or done secretly. So I ended up in a cage in my shell."
……
"Ilia was like part of it for me. Naturally, even if I die, Ilaria will finish well, he said. You're an idiot, you're so rude to Ilia. I think so now. Today, when Tomas asked me, I was told that it wouldn't hurt to lose my own."
"Tomas did that."
Ilia knows about Tomas, too. Though I've never seen you talk more than business just because you know it.
"So I realized. I thought it was convenient to look at Ilya. But if Ilaria cared about me, I thought it would be rude."
"... I see"
"My father, my mother, I wish I had Al.... Oh, I've always been rotten."
"You're a very greasy child."
"Yeah. So let's close it today. Ilia."
Drink up the wine Ilia poured me all at once.... whose blood the wine was likened to. Talk about previous life or this world? I can't remember with a dull head of thought. But now I drink it out of sight with Ilia's blood. Because I thought it was necessary.
Beloved squire who has served me so far. Who I've been bothering. Someone like my sister who's been leaning in on me. Correct your posture and stare straight.
"Ilia Coral. It was great that you served me to this day. Anisphere Win Palettia will never forget your devotion. I would like to reward you once and for all. Tell me what you want. Talk as much as you can if you want to flourish. If you wish to be fulfilled, I will bless you with all my might."
You've been the reason I've had my life connected.
Happy being beside me, happy just being beside me. Let's end this here today. I can't live like soaking in warm water anymore. It was so cozy, but that's why it's over.
I'm not running anymore. If Yuffi really should be king, let's give in, let's set that environment up. If Yufi can't reach me and I should be, I'll be king with my chest up. To protect this country that anyone who loved me tried to protect.
"… with extra honor, this Ilia, I am grateful"
Standing in a chair, Ilia kneels before me. Waiting for Ilia's words, staring down at her lowered head.
"Reward," he said. If that's what you're allowed to do... again, I'd like to serve you forever. "
"... is that all you need?
"For eternity, I said. You are irreplaceable. It wasn't your identity, it was your personality that made me want to be on your side. Are you..."
Ilia slowly looks up,... a little lost face, then stands up and stops by my side.
I can wrap my cheeks with both hands so I can lift them and gaze at them. Ilaria had a smile she'd never seen before.
"You were my treasure. That's why I don't want you to do anything more than be happy."
"Ilia......"
"He was a really laborious kid. My best, no clapping, and I'm going to have to keep my eyes open. That's why I was allowed to be on your side, too. It was above all forgiveness to me. It was what I meant by living. If you die, I'm sure you won't hate it."
Bite your lips. Because otherwise there was going to be a weird voice. Oh, I knew, I can't believe it.
"If you mean reward, I will return the life I have deposited with you. I don't want to die for you. Even if you die, I swear I will think of you and I will mourn you."
"And it's a far-flung threat...! You threaten to keep resenting me if I die...!
"If you want to make me happy, keep living. If it's hard to live because you're not happy, please be happy.... If they thought I was their sister, I really don't mean it..."
I, too, think the same thing.
The hand that was wrapped around my cheek is turned to my head and held tight.
Huh, and. My voice leaked out of my mouth. Bad. Bad, Ilia.
Now, if you say that and they hold you tight, you're going to cry.
"... it's all right now. You have Uphilia. I, Raini, Your Majesty and Queen are there. It's enough to count with one hand, isn't it comforting?
"... yeah. Enough to hold my fist."
"Please stand. Please move forward and reach out happily. Ilia vows to keep an eye on its back. Even if you go far away. As a landmark to remember where you're going. As your sister's replacement."
"... will Ilia be happy with that?
"If you don't think you need to worry anymore... right. Let's increase my happiness again. Raining Raini has also become fun. I was wondering if it would be a good future to be the first to grow your own."
"... well"
Reach out to Ilia's back. Hold Ilia tight so she can catch him, and bury him in the face.
"... I love it"
"I know you do."
"Hey, Ilia. Say it from your mouth."
"What is it"
"Can I be happy?
I wonder if I can live with what I want. I wonder if I can want to change the world.
Because this world is cramped and boring. We all have magic, but we only look at it when we're in a position of right. Even magic studies are full of faith and theology. No matter if anyone tries to extremes magic, they don't even try to pursue what magic is.
Wonder if it's something you'd like to know about. Maybe that's because I'm a reincarnator in the root part. So the world I want is far away.
"I hope you'll be happy."
"... yeah. Ilia will be with you then."
"It's an honor.... please go ahead, don't you?
"Terrible. I don't trust you."
"I trust you"
Then let's win both credibility and trust. Then I'm sure you'll be happy.
"Thank you, Ilia"
"Yes, Master Anisphere"
The wine still tastes on my tongue. Even if I wanted to get drunk, I wasn't good at the taste of alcohol.
But this flavour is special. So even if I'm not good at it, I think I'll remember it all the way ahead.
"Lainey, can I ask for your help?
"Are you using it? Yes, what do you use?
The next day, after breakfast, I was calling Raini and handing him a letter. Raini stops by me once and for all to receive a letter.
"Apply for an interview with your father and mother. I'm not in a hurry, so please let me know for your convenience."
"I'm in awe. Then you will come to the royal palace."
"Be careful."
"It's okay. I've been working out a little lately!
Raini laughs innocently as she makes her fists with both hands. Well, in our position, if we can't defend ourselves somewhat, we're in trouble. You can defend yourself if you remove the shackles of Raini's mental interference, but don't forbid it at the same time that you're your wife.
I'll take a look at it for you once in a while. I know a little about personal protection, but I remember my arm. Yeah, but you said Ilia was starting to enjoy growing Raini, so I guess I shouldn't give it a bad little bit?
"... are you interviewing Your Majesty and the Queen?
Yufi, who was sitting face to face, raises a voice of doubt. I snort, too, to meet Yufi's doubts.
"Yeah. Let's officially pass on Yuffi's intentions to Father and Mother as well"
"... Really? You're nervous about boulders."
"Right. Neither do I. I don't know if these two will snort happily."
I wouldn't normally give a king a name, would I? I don't know if that's what Uffi said, not me. I guess it flips, Father.
I wonder about your mother. I know you're gonna listen to me, but I think I'm gonna get another headache. I'm sorry you're all in trouble, no, Uffi's a super good kid.
Then Raini came back after depositing his father's and mother's replies. Unexpectedly, the two of them took the time to get a meeting today.
Familiarise yourself by Ilia and Raini, then leave Ilia at the voicemail for me and Ufi and Raini to the royal palace.
"Waiting for you, Dear Anisphere"
"Oh, Chief Sprout Knights"
It was the Knights of Sprout who welcomed us. Give them a thank you and then look at each other.
I heard you wanted to talk to me in confidence, and you asked me to join you.
"Yep. If that's what your father decided, thank you."
"No.... that's Baroness Cyan."
Hitachi Sprout, the Knights Commander, turns his gaze to Raini. For a moment, Raini almost atrophied, but quickly regained his mind and stretched his spine.
"... my son has caused you a great deal of trouble"
"... Raini, the Knights of Sprout know what's going on."
"... I am rather sorry for the inconvenience caused by that verse"
"Uhm. Then let's say we water each other with that apology.... I also want you to meet my son when you get a chance. He's still worried about how to cut off the untrained."
"... Yes. Not right away, though. Be sure to be close."
Reini returns it to the Knights of Sprout with perseverance. Navre, I wonder if you're still being discreet. I don't even know if they told me the truth, and I hope I'm not depressed.
Apologies are in order. I was taken by the Knights of Sprout to my room for an interview. Your father and mother were already waiting, and there were other Lord Grants there.
"Well done, Anis, and Uphilia.... So, what? What did you do, send out a letter and ask for an interview?
Is that the first voice, Father? No, it's definitely important, but I'm not the one who did it. I wouldn't deny it if they told me it was a day to day thing, but come on!
"I'd like you to think I've changed my mind, too."
"... have you eaten anything bad?
"Aren't you really rude?
"Where else have you been so rude?"
It's me, I'm so sorry.
"Your Majesty, Anis"
"Ugh, um. … then, go to your seats. Why don't we talk?"
"Yes."
Coho, and his coughing mother stares at us, and Father urges us to take a seat. Me and Uffi take their seats and stand behind them as Raini refrains.
Behind his father and mother stands Lord Grants and the Knights of Sprout. Thus began today's interview.
"Father, Mother. I have something to say from Anisphere, and thank you for your time."
"Don't let your spine get itchy.... So, what's the point?
"I was awed at the corner...... well, that's fine. Father, mother. Would you be angry if I told you I didn't want to be king now?
I wondered if they would yell at me, and my father and mother shut up against my expectations.
"... you're a fool, but you don't know it won't come true."
"Yes."
"... all I have to say is that you can't hold the throne. No matter how much you cry."
Father tells him to be quiet. My mother nods quietly next door. Well, that's right. Don't yell at me. I want to think it must be your father's kindness trying to teach me.
"So if I recommended a king other than me, I'd still be angry?
"... what?
"Father, Mother.... Aren't you going to adopt Yufi?
To my words, my father and mother opened their eyes in amazement. The two men standing in the back were also reacting in contrast.
The Knights of Sprout opened his eyes just like his fathers, and Lord Grants lay quietly down his eyes.
"Your Majesty, the Queen. I know this is a sudden surprise, but I need you to listen to me."
Try to keep up with my words. Uffi keeps up the words. To convey my thoughts to my father and mother. That gaze looked that way, even as he looked at the two of them, pointing them at his father, Lord Grants.