Rose decided to write a diary.
Yesterday felt like a fulfilling day after a long time. “The whetstone that polishes a person is, after all, a person,” those were Mother’s words. I felt like I understood a little of what Mother meant. If you want to polish a person, you need to see the wide world, meet various people, and encounter different ways of thinking. Major Toma said, “Stinrose Ringvolt was born as a princess, and that cannot be changed. But, how I live can be changed.” …To be precise, it might be changeable. Perhaps Major Toma dislikes speaking in definitive terms. Making definitive statements implies that your opinion is correct and demands acknowledgment. He is likely someone who doesn’t believe his own thoughts are correct, always having doubts, even about himself. His character was refreshing to me, who grew up surrounded by people who blindly believe in their own righteousness. I learned that there are people like that in the wide world. That is why I decided to write a diary starting today, to not forget what I have learned and what is important.
“Lady Rose, I believe we should still cancel.” Asches is a worrier. Although she is praised as a guardian deity who shows no fear in the hail of bullets and swords on the battlefield, she is extremely cautious about me, to the point of being arguably cowardly. “Asches, the visit to the front lines was decided long in advance. If we cancel suddenly, we will be accused of cowardice.” “However, Lady Rose, according to the original plan, I and Quester were supposed to accompany you. Since we can no longer accompany you, I believe we should cancel.” Quester is similarly timid when it comes to me. “It is my duty as royalty to encourage the soldiers fighting with their lives under the banner of the Empire. With what face would I tell the soldiers to fight with their lives if I, out of cowardice, canceled the visit?” “The Emperor, His Majesty, is truly asking for too much! To insist that the visit proceed as planned, and to forbid the use of outsiders from outside the Empire.” Asches is indignant, but I understand Father’s reasoning to some extent. “Father, no, His Majesty the Emperor likely believes that borrowing outside help would imply that the Empire has no capable people.” “Surely, which is more important, face or Lady Rose!” Asches’s indignation did not subside. However, the one in a difficult situation right now is not me, but Brother Adel. “If you do not support the front line where Brother Adel is, his own safety might be in danger. It goes without saying which is more important, a mere visit or maintaining the front line, doesn’t it?” “What are you doing when your aunt, the Vice Commander of the Imperial Knights, is with you? You want my nephew’s help!” Quester also looked displeased. But I don’t think Vice Commander Ashley is to blame. “Quester, even the finest sword is no different from a dull blade if the user is incompetent. It is likely that Brother’s command has some issues.” “…But…” “…Lady Rose…” “Asches, Quester, I am happy that you are worried about me. But please help Brother. We are not the only ones who possess royal blood. The relatives by marriage are coveting the throne for the next emperor. Besides… if you defy His Majesty the Emperor’s orders, even if you are both relatives of marquesses…” Father is ruthless to those who defy him. No matter who they are. To the two with dark expressions, I put on the most confident smile I could manage and said, “It’s alright. See! Today, I’m not saying “Boku” but “Watashi” properly, aren’t I? I’m not a hopelessly dependent child anymore. So… it’s alright!” I wonder if this is sophistry. Truthfully, I can’t help but feel anxious. …Because I know I can’t do anything alone.
“Sword Saint, while not to the extent of the Guardian God, I have assembled renowned knights. There will be no harm befalling Lady Rose. Please be at ease.” Sabina said this to encourage me as we were in the helicopter heading to the base for the慰問. “Yes. The Imperial Knights have many excellent knights. I have no worries at all.” “Ufufu, Klaus-dono’s stubborn insistence on accompanying me was quite exasperating.” …What are you doing, Clifford? You’re still supposed to be resting! “Clifford is also a handful. Sabina, I apologize for making you, his tutor, accompany him as well.” “Lady Rose, you know my swordsmanship, don’t you? I will vanquish any ruffians with my sword.” “Thank you, Sabina. I’m relying on you. It must have been hard for you for quite some time.” “I am but a junior who has served Lady Rose for only three years. Sword Saint-dono and Guardian God-dono have served for ten years, haven’t they?” …It’s been ten years since Mother passed away. On her deathbed, Mother asked Ashes and Quester to become my knights. They have kept Mother’s dying wish, and have always been my knights, fighting for me. Ashes, the silver shield who, despite being a bit ill-tempered, is a woman and a role model for me. Quester, the golden sword who gently watches over me like an older brother, though a bit reserved. Mother is gone, but she left me an irreplaceable legacy… Thank you, Mother. Oh! I haven’t forgotten Clifford! Yes, Clifford is my uncle! Though he’s a bit of an unreliable uncle.
There are a total of three bases scheduled for慰問. The plan is to visit them in order, starting from the closest to the front lines, along our return route. Sabina explained that the慰問 schedule is highly classified and that the destination is only informed shortly before the visit. It must be difficult for the receiving party, but it is unavoidable for the sake of maintaining secrecy. Four large military helicopters, serving as escorts, surrounded the royal helicopter carrying me. Then, the helicopter carrying me landed at the helipad in the courtyard of the first base scheduled for慰問. Although the sun was already setting, many soldiers had gathered around the base’s courtyard to welcome us. “Lady Rose, please wave back at them.” Prompted by Sabina, I waved, protected by a formation of knights. The soldiers responded to my wave with whistles and cheers. …I’m glad I came for the慰問. Even someone like me, just by being a princess, can be of use. A banner was hanging from the base’s control tower. “Welcome to Octagon Ground Base!” It looked like it was hastily made, but it conveyed their feelings. I took a deep breath and said loudly, so the soldiers could hear, “Thank you! Thank you very much!” and waved with all my might. “Lady Rose, shouting and waving your hands like that is unbecoming of a lady…” With the cheers and the sound of crackers, they couldn’t hear me. I’ll listen to your lecture later, okay?
After greeting the base commander, we had a meal with the officers, guided by the base commander. “The food in the base’s cafeteria is delicious too.” It’s not comparable to Mizar’s cooking, but it was edible. “Your Highness, this is a special menu today. It’s usually more unpalatable.” The base commander sitting opposite me told me with a wry smile. I see. So they are indeed struggling at the battlefield. Apparently, most of the soldiers in this base are from the Empire, and the grilled sausages and sauerkraut are popular menu items. After being treated to a banquet at the cafeteria and visiting the barracks, we prepared for sleep in the quarters provided in the commander’s building. It was less than half the size of my bedroom at the official residence, and the bed was hard. But this room was probably the best room in this base. I pulled the comforter, which did not contain down, over me and lay down on the bed. The rough texture of the comforter and the bed made me realize how privileged my life was. I’ll indulge in my sentiments after the慰問 is over. I set my alarm app and decided to go to bed early to prepare for tomorrow. We have to depart for the next慰問 destination tomorrow morning. I’ve taken a shower and written in my diary. I shouldn’t have anything left undone.
I wonder what events await me tomorrow. I’m starting to look forward to it. It’s helpful that it’s easier to get out of bed when it’s warm.
