“You took such a drastic action. Is it because of the push and pull from all directions this time?” (Lifell)
“Like you said, there are a lot of complaints coming. But, I’ll leave everything to the masterminds.” (Cardeas)
“Even if that was for the sake of taking out the trash, wasn’t it overkill?” (Lifell)
“The guys who put the magic stone in you were also tied to this. I couldn’t let this go as an easy matter. After all, if I had, you would’ve had trouble moving freely, wouldn’t you?” (Cardeas)
Not only was this event designed to take out the corrupt nobles, but it also served as a form of revenge for the King’s daughter. Even better, the king can use this even to set an example for others. After experiencing such a thing even once, other nobles would be much less likely to act out against Lifell, especially once she succeeds her father for the throne. Although it depends on how severe the scale of her policies are, she is less likely to face undue resistance. She can measure the success of her policies by the changes in the citizens.
“It is because this will serve as a lesson, I couldn’t handle this poorly. Also, please don’t worry, your actions will remain a secret.” (Cardeas)
“That’s the power of royal authority.” (Lifell)
“It’s alright to say and feel how you wish about my actions. If I were to punish the one who saved my daughter, I couldn’t justify my own use of royal authority..” (Cardeas)
What is this? I can’t see this man as the one who looks at Reese with cold eyes, you know? In my opinion, he is seen by his followers as nothing but sweet old man.
“Hey, Aniki. Were our actions pointless?” (Reus)
“There was no such action. At the very least, Reese can feel relieved and I think she has grown up.” (Sirius)
“Sirius-san is right. Although I’m not sure I have grown up, I was really happy when I saw everyone coming to the assembly hall.” (Reese)
Reese, who was confused at the gap between her image of her father and reality, regained her sanity and smiled at us. I realized the King was gently looking at Reese the moment she looked away. His cold behavior towards Reese was apparent, but it didn’t seem to be motivated by dislike.
When I was thinking about that, Princess Lifell who sat nearby leaned forward, and she began to talk with a serious expression.
“About this matter, I understand what Otou-san wants to say so I understood that it was for my sake. However, there is one thing I don’t get it. It is about Reese.” (Lifell)
The King’s face becomes cloudy when the talks proceed about Reese, and then he was looking here with bitter face. Although he seems like a person easy to befriend with, what’s with this sudden change?
“In the beginning, I thought she was hated and separated on purpose because Reese isn’t a royal. However, Reese’s situation is clearly more complex than that, as she was just used as a decoy. Normally, other people shouldn’t hear this but I want to listen clearly. Otou-san, what do you think about Reese?” (Lifell)
“…” (Cardeas)
“If you like her, say it. If you hate her, please say it clearly! Don’t you understand that being half-hearted hurts a child the most?” (Lifell)
“Ane-sama, Tou-sama is troubled. Please don’t pursue this further, I’m already fine.” (Reese)
“No, it’s not good if we don’t clear this up here and now. Answer clearly, how do you feel about Reese?” (Lifell)
I thought we should leave because this sounds like a conversation for family alone, but I realized that my presence was needed when Reese grabbed my sleeve trembling. I didn’t even need to bring up leaving, you want me to stay until the end, don’t you?
Princess Lifell made such a declaration as she beat her first on the table in front of her, and then the King looked at Reese with wry smile.
“What… do I think? Truthfully, I also don’t know.” (Cardeas)
“Tou-sama. I… Should I not come here?” (Reese)
“That’s wrong, Fearis. You’re not the one at fault here. In truth, it is I who is at fault, as I am indebted to your mother, Laura.” (Cardeas)
He drank the prepared tea, and solemnly stared at the sky through the window. We all intuitively understood that from this point on, he spoke not as the King of Elysion, but as a man called Cardeas.
“…Laura will surely curse me for this.” (Cardeas)
Cardeas muttered sadly.