I’m Coming to See You Now (Smiles)
— At the end of the 12th month, 1,547th year, Continental Calendar —
When Hakuya and I entered the audience hall, there was a woman bowing at the bottom of the steps.
“Sorry for the wait,” I said from the throne. “Please, raise your head.”
She raised her face and spoke. I will. It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty.”
When I saw her face like this, she certainly resembled Excel or Juna. Her glossy blue hair and glamorous figure spoke to her blood ties to Excel. If there was a difference, it was the single horn growing out of her forehead, and the blue dragon wings on her back.
“Have you been well, Accela Walter?” I asked.
“Yes. I’m living well with my son Carl in Red Dragon City.” he woman gave a soft smile.
Her name was Accela Walter. She was Excel’s daughter with a dragonewt man, the former General of the Army Castor’s wife, and mother to Carla and Carl. Ever since Castor had broken ties with her before rebelling against me, she had been using Excel’s family name. Her son, Carl, had inherited the House of Vargas, but Accela was remaining divorced.
“Don’t you resent me?” I began. “...Wait, no, what am I asking?”
Even if I asked her, there was no way she would say she did to my face. It was just that Accela’s smile was so peaceful I couldn’t help but ask.
Accela giggled at how flustered I was. Not in the least. Castor and Carla made their choice. I’m also aware that you worked hard to spare their lives. Carla made sure to tell me that, so, please, relax.”
“O-Oh... It’s good to have you say that.”
What an excellent wife. I could tell she was Excel’s daughter.
“Now then, sire. I am told you had some business with me today?” she asked.
I nodded in response. Yes. It’s about the meeting with Castor you requested.”
She was silent.
Even after their ties were cut, Accela remained concerned about Castor and Carla. Carla worked in the castle, so when Accela came to the castle in Carl’s place, she might accidentally, yes, just accidentally, meet her. However, for Castor, who was in Excel’s custody, that didn’t work.
Though there was some room to sympathize with his complicated situation, Castor was a traitor who had rebelled against me. Though I had already punished him, it would be poor form for him to meet with Accela and Carl, who had been spared from punishment by association because of his cutting ties with them.
That was why I hadn’t allowed them to meet... before now.
“I obviously can’t let Carl meet him, but if it’s just you, I’ll allow it,” I said.
“You mean it?!”
“Yeah. Hakuya, explain please.”
“Very well.” akuya bowed and took a step forward to speak. The other day, Sir Castor’s efforts succeeded in capturing an armed ship from the Nine-Headed Dragon Archipelago Union. We were, as a result, able to receive valuable information about the situation inside the archipelago from the captured crew. In recognition of this deed, we will allow Sir Castor and you to meet.”
It was less that I’d just decided to accept it, and more that the justification I had been waiting for had arrived. Castor swore loyalty to me now, but he had rebelled once. In order to have the lower retainers accept him being permitted to see his family, I absolutely needed to stress that it was happening only at my grace.
It seemed Accela understood that, and she knelt down and bowed her head deeply. Thank you. I will never forget the favor you do us.”
This was to display her understanding that it was a favor, to show admiration, and to demonstrate that she harbored no ill will.
Now then, that was enough formalities. I had Accela stand. I’ll look into Castor’s days off and let you know. You should go on one of those days.”
“Oh, about that, I had a request,” ccela, who was now standing, said.
A request?
“What might that be?” I asked.
“Could you not tell Castor I’ve been allowed to meet him? I want to surprise him with a sudden visit.”
I see, a surprise, huh? What a charming wife.
“Very well. I’m sure Castor will be surprised.”
“Hee hee, I’m sure. The more he has to feel guilty about, the more he will.”
Accela had a very serene smile as she said that... I don’t know, it was supposed to be a smile, but it was strangely intense. Juna made that face sometimes, too.
“To feel guilty about...?” I repeated. “Has Castor done something?”
“Nothing of import, but Mother tells me things.”
“I... I see...”
Castor... I don’t know what you did, but you have my condolences. I’ve learned how terrifying it is to anger a woman of Excel’s blood.
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