The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady

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Episode 31: The Future King (Part 2)

Euphie POV:

"What did Thomas say?" (Anise)

I heard Anise-sama ask a question, staring straight at me. I felt my consciousness, which had flown far away, jerk back and I jumped slightly.

Anise-sama had returned to the Gana workshop, where the atmosphere between Thomas and I had become delicate, and we left together. I had the experience of eating the unfamiliar food Anise-sama brought for me.

This is the taste commoners experience. Compared to the food I usually eat; it was sloppy and bland. Still, it has a strangely appetizing taste. If you ask me if I like it, I'd have to say no; the taste is too different from what I'm used to. But, it's something like fresh pleasure.

As I turned my gaze toward the town, I could hear the lively voices of the townsfolk clearly in the air. It was my first time walking around town and seeing the vibrancy of that life, and I was fascinated by it. Thoroughly enamored by the atmosphere, Anise-sama's question came flying at me, startling me.

"...It was just some small talk." (Euphie)

"Hm... Well, you didn't really seem that into it." (Anise)

"That's..." (Euphie)

Talking to Thomas made me think. To Anise-sama, becoming queen was akin to a curse.

Yet, she's royalty. It's very easy to point to that. There's no one else that can take over as ruler. Perhaps if Anise-sama gave up and took a son-in-law; then things might change.

...No, I'm sure it would be the same. The curse bound to Anise-sama is "the bondage from freedom". All people need some constraints, large and small, but the constraints of royalty weigh too heavily on Anise-sama's talents. Guiding the country and protecting the people. That responsibility is too...

"...He said was worried that you wouldn't be able to come." (Euphie)

"Hm... So, it's like that." (Anise)

"...Are you okay?" (Euphie)

"Of course." (Anise) (1)

I can't help but stare blankly at Anise-sama's face as she smiles happily. You must have been really busy these days. You have less time to pursue research in magicology and the time you spend among nobles continues to increase.

I wonder if your smile is a true one. I wonder, if behind the scenes, you're suffering from heavy anxiety, or if you're having a hard time. I don't understand you. Just as I was once unable to understand Algarde-sama's anguish...

"Euphie?" (Anise)

"...Sorry." (Euphie)

"You're being very hard on yourself." (Anise)

"Hey, you're grabbing my cheeks... mmm...!" (Euphie)

She holds my face between her hands, rubbing it. It's very embarrassing with all the people moving around us.

Though I managed to escape, I had become very tired. Doing unfamiliar things is so exhausting.

"Don't worry, regarding magicology, I'm fine. It can't be helped since Al-kun is gone." (Anise)

"...Anise-sama..." (Euphie)

I stopped unintentionally. I wondered why she paid so much attention to me.

Anise-sama chuckled in her usual nonchalant way, somewhat bitterly.

"I'm fine dealing with this alone. It can't be helped, and I'm quite used to it. Complaining won't change anything. Besides, the royal heir has to be decided at some point, right?" (Anise)