CHAPTER 170……………………………….
Pwooo!
As the oliphant curled its trunk into a circle, Adele stroked its head, telling it to calm down.
You’re wondering what on earth is going on too, aren’t you?
They were creatures that lived only on the tropical island of Yorca, at the very southern tip of the South. In such unfamiliar surroundings, it was only natural that they wouldn’t feel at ease.
“Calm down. He’ll be out soon.”
After whispering into the ear—larger than her own upper body—Adele lifted herself up and met Aaron’s eyes.
Aaron, who had remained silent the entire time, still unable to adjust to the enormous animal, finally shook his head violently now that they were right in front of the Imperial Palace.
“S-sister-in-law. Just what in the world are these things…?”
“What do you mean? The oliphants? Or those tributes over there?”
“I mean… all of it.”
All of it.
There was no other way to describe it.
Aaron glanced back and flinched. Even he, who had grown up in the Imperial Palace and seen every rare treasure imaginable, found this procession overwhelming.
“You mean the oliphants. They’re gentler than they look, so there’s no need to be afraid. They’re mild-tempered and affectionate. They even enjoy carrying people on their backs.”
And if you praise them, they melt instantly.
As if making sure the oliphants could hear, Adele raised her voice.
They resembled the elephants from her previous life, but were three or four times larger, with far superior temperament and intelligence.
They were so clever and proud that they surely understood everything she said, so she showered them with praise as if soothing them.
“T-these things are affectionate?”
“Of course. When they’re in a good mood, they even wrap you up with their trunks and toss you high into the air.”
Pwooo!
No sooner had she finished speaking than the oliphant carrying Aaron lifted its trunk.
The prince opened his mouth to scream, throwing dignity to the wind—only to notice Noella beside him.
Caden and Noella merely looked indifferent. Ever since Chloe had been dealt with at the villa of the Duke of Oren, they had been like this.
“Sister, how long do we have to keep this up? I have someone who needs my care…”
“Big sister, I’d rather face magical beasts at this point.”
“Quiet. That’s why I brought everyone along.”
At her siblings’ complaints, Adele gestured behind her.
Strange plants and animals from the South, people dressed in dazzling attire.
Endless lines of attendants carried jewel boxes atop their heads.
On either side, dancers and even mages had been mobilized to capture the crowd’s attention—so it was no surprise the entire capital was in an uproar.
“S-sister-in-law. I just… this is all…”
“What else would it be?”
Can there only be Prince Ali? There must be a Princess Adele too.
With that, she grabbed a handful of gold coins from a box piled high around them and flung them into the crowd. Once again, the streets erupted in cheers.
“Waaaaah!”
“There’s plenty for everyone, so take your time and enjoy—just don’t get hurt.”
There was so much money that spending it wouldn’t even make a dent. If you were going to boast, you had to pay the price for boasting. And the gifts for the citizens of the imperial capital hadn’t even arrived yet.
‘Father really went all out.’
Half-reclining against the soft cushion atop the oliphant, Adele idly adjusted the splendid feather decorations and smiled faintly.
She had noticed it while preparing for her wedding, but when it came to extravagance, no one could match him.
He had emptied the trading ships of the merchant guild and sent these massive beasts to the mainland in just three days.
When it came to seizing the initiative, she was still far from his level.
[If you’re going to do it, do it properly.]
The letter he had sent was as brief and meaningful as the telegram she had sent him.
Some might say it was excessively grand and ostentatious, but knowing the temperament of the capital’s nobles, she had to thoroughly surpass their prejudice and arrogance.
There was a time for humility. This was not it.
Today, as she formally stepped into the capital and faced the Emperor, her top priority was to make it known—loudly and clearly—just how powerful her family was, and how formidable the backing of the so-called cursed Crown Prince truly was.
“…Look over there! That’s the crest of San Fidelio!”
“Waaah!”
She hadn’t forgotten to contact San Fidelio as well, bringing along priestesses and holy knights. Their presence added weight and sanctity to a procession that might otherwise have crushed onlookers with sheer splendor.
In fact, quite a number of people fell to their knees and made the sign of the cross.
“Is that really the Crown Princess? I heard His Highness the Crown Prince was cursed—when did he end up with someone like that…?”
“Wait, is he really cursed? If he could marry someone like her… that makes no sense!”
“The priestesses and clergy of San Fidelio are here! If he were truly cursed, why would holy messengers of God be with him?”
Looks like public sentiment is settling down.
Adele listened to the murmurs with satisfaction, while not forgetting to look after Aaron, who was still making faint choking sounds in shock.
“Your Highness, in my family we have a saying: What you see is not everything—but to those who choose to believe, all we can feel is gratitude.”
“…Yes. I believe.”
Of course you do.
Aaron pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his brow, only to fall silent when he noticed diamonds embedded in even that.
But he wasn’t the only one left speechless. The nobles who had gathered to find fault with the runaway Crown Princess stood open-mouthed throughout the crowd.
“W-we’ve sent word to His Majesty that you’ve arrived. We should receive a reply shortly.”
“I’m sure we will. Ah…”
At that moment—
Pwooo!
Sensitive to any sign, the oliphants raised their trunks in unison as the gates of the Imperial Palace swung open.
Imperial soldiers marched out in perfect formation and surrounded them. Tension tightened not only around Adele’s party, but throughout the crowd.
So it’s finally come.
“…Please.”
Straightening from where she had leaned, Adele tickled the oliphant’s ear, and the creature slowly bent its knees so she could descend.
Even so, Caden, worried about the height, personally lifted his elder sister down.
“Sister, even now, I can—”
“No. I’ll do it.”
This is my story. I’m the protagonist.
Dispelling Caden’s concern, Adele spread out the hem of her dress.
Swish.
As she advanced confidently through the soldiers who parted to either side, silent gasps followed.
Even without the aid of anything else, she, in her golden gown, was the most dazzling presence in the entire procession.
“…So you are the heir of Count Sergio’s house.”
At last, the ruler of the Empire who had drawn Adele on this long journey greeted her solemnly.
Adele lowered her head, extended her right foot, and slowly bent her knee.
“I greet Your Majesty, sovereign of the Tranes Empire blessed by the god Enes, and parent of all your people.”
Even the motion of spreading her skirt wide with both hands was elegant. And though her voice was gentle, it carried a strength that was impossible to disregard.
“I am Adelaide, heir to the southern House of Count Sergio…”
As she slowly lifted her head, a pair of red eyes shone brilliantly. Yet what those eyes held was not the august Emperor before her—but someone else.
“And the one standing beside Your Majesty—the Commander of the Holy Knights of San Fidelio, Sir Killian Setian—is my husband.”
