“The King’s chamber, it seems to be protected by some kind of magic,” Kousuke said.
The moment he spoke, Floria and Leonard leaped to their feet, eager to hear more.
“Kousuke, what do you mean by that!”
“What kind of magic are we talking about?”
“Ah, I told you to calm down a little…”
Kousuke had anticipated this reaction. With a wry smile, he held out both his palms, trying to soothe them.
Seeing this, Leonard’s expression held a hint of embarrassment, while Floria’s eyes widened in realization as she sat back down.
“My apologies. The situation is rather… tense, you see.”
“Well, I can understand how you feel. And besides, it’s probably not what you two are thinking,” Kousuke replied.
Silvia, who had also noticed something unusual, nodded in agreement.
“Hmm? Not what we’re thinking? What do you mean?”
Floria, accustomed to Kousuke’s sometimes roundabout way of speaking, tilted her head as she asked.
Nodding, Kousuke continued his explanation. “What I felt was more along the lines of calming the mind or making the body feel more relaxed… it seemed to be working in that direction. Silvia, what did you sense?”
“Yes. I felt the same way.”
Silvia, who had barely participated in the discussion with the King, had been subtly trying to discern the nature of the magic in the room when they entered. Although she couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was, it certainly didn’t feel like any kind of curse that would cause illness.
Knowing Silvia shared his assessment, Kousuke looked at Floria and Leonard and continued, “At any rate, I didn’t feel anything negative… that’s why I didn’t say anything at the time. Of course, even if there was something bad, I probably still wouldn’t have said anything,” Kousuke added, choosing his words carefully.
The magical presence in the room was, at the very least, not detrimental to King Maxim. That was why he hadn’t mentioned it earlier, believing it could wait.
Observing Kousuke and Silvia, Floria, having regained her composure, looked at Leonard, still tilting her head. “Magic that benefits the sick? Was there such a thing in that room?”
“No, at least I’ve never heard of it. And if something like that exists, it would likely only be known by Father or Mother,” Leonard replied.
Those born into the royal family received an education befitting their station, but there were many things they couldn’t learn until after they actually became King. Floria and Leonard knew there was a place beyond the King’s chamber, accessible only to him, where books containing knowledge vital to the King were kept. While they wouldn’t explicitly mention it, such practices were common in many countries, so there was no need for undue secrecy. In any case, if Crown Prince Leonard didn’t know, it was even less likely Floria would.
Floria’s gaze shifted to Leonard with a hint of expectation. “Queen Miriam? I hope she is well?”
“Ah, of course. Although she seems rather dispirited lately, seeing Father’s condition… I see. Since you’re here, Floria, perhaps you should meet her?”
“Is that… alright?”
“Yes. For now, you’re simply here as my niece. There should be no issue.”
Leonard’s intentional use of their public facade brought a genuine smile to Floria’s lips.
Seeing their expressions, Kousuke judged that they were stable and addressed them, “It’s fine to talk to her, but proceed with caution. Though I imagine you already know that.”
“Of course.”
“Yes. We will make arrangements accordingly.”
Both Floria and Leonard, naturally, were far more mindful of the eyes upon them than Kousuke ever had to be. While they likely didn’t need to be told, Kousuke mentioned it as a precaution, especially given how flustered they had been until recently.
Satisfied with their responses, Kousuke simply nodded and said no more. He figured they could handle it from here.
***
After Kousuke’s rather shocking pronouncement, things proceeded quite smoothly. Leonard personally handled the arrangements, securing an audience with Miriam, King Maxim’s queen consort, for that very day. It was a somewhat forceful approach, but one made possible by Leonard’s position – and the fact that Miriam was his mother. However, it was undeniably a high-handed request, and with Floria and Kousuke present, it was bound to stir up speculation. While Kousuke’s own position was largely undisclosed, the haste shown by Leonard after the audience with the King would no doubt lead to various conjectures. Nevertheless, Leonard decided that swift action was best.
And so, Kousuke and his companions were now engaged in conversation with Queen Miriam, arranged by Leonard. Naturally, Kousuke and Silvia were meeting her for the first time, but Floria seemed to have met her before, and they exchanged greetings with fond expressions. When Queen Miriam turned her attention to Kousuke, her face held a slight tension as she bowed her head.
“It is an honor to meet you. I am Miriam, Queen of the Florece Kingdom. I am delighted to have this opportunity to see you. I have wanted to meet you and express my gratitude.”
Kousuke was about to correct her, but Miriam’s final word caused him to blink in surprise. “Gratitude?” Kousuke had never met Queen Miriam before, so he couldn’t recall doing anything that would warrant such thanks. He wasn’t the only one puzzled; the others wore similarly perplexed expressions.
Seeing this, Queen Miriam smiled. “Oh my. Aside from you, young lady, why do Leonard and Floria look so bewildered?” The “young lady” Miriam referred to was Silvia. Silvia’s appearance had changed little since Kousuke first met her, so being addressed as such was not out of place. Floria, ignoring Silvia, turned her attention back to Miriam. “I just don’t see why *he* would need to thank you, Aunt Miriam…”
Floria’s questioning look elicited a slightly exasperated expression from Queen Miriam. “What are you saying? Who do you think rescued you when you were in distress, given your circumstances?”
The mention of a long-ago event caused Floria to gasp in sudden realization. It was true, in that regard, Miriam was in a position to thank Kousuke. Seeing Floria’s reaction, Miriam’s exasperation deepened. “Honestly… looking at you, it seems you had quite forgotten. Well, perhaps that just means you’ve been enjoying your happy times.” Miriam sighed, covering her mouth as she looked at Floria.
Under Queen Miriam’s gaze, Floria, uncharacteristically for Kousuke, blushed. Witnessing her react with such shyness to being teased by Miriam was a rare sight for him.
What was the mysterious magic surrounding King Maxim? (Dramatic flair added!)
Next time, the conversation with Miriam continues.
The author is satisfied with being able to portray Floria in a surprisingly cute light this time!
