Chapter 78
She returned to her true self when she put on her glasses .
Celestine de Oiria slipped out of Aitheria’s inn via the usual way and put on her favorite silver rimmed glasses, transforming into “just“ Celes . The cool evening wind felt pleasant on her cheeks .
Celes lived in La Parisia, a city that encompassed a river, much like Aitheria .
Was it due to both cities being built in the same time period? These two capitals were far apart, but had similar features .
The Princess regent of the Eastern Kingdom, Celestine De Oiria, was visiting Aitheria, the largest strategic stronghold of the Northern Empire .
The season of politics had arrived in the Eastern Kingdom .
Her younger brother Hugh, who was sneered at for being a child king, had become 12 years old . It was about the age where he could begin to participate in politics .
As the Princess Regent, Celestine had been involved in politics and diplomacy for a long time . She had now taken a step back from it all; in other words, it was like abdicating the throne .
However, a problem arose .
It wasn’t Hugh’s ability . Her younger brother, who bore the same name as their country’s founding father, had excellent character from what Celes’ could see . He was already showing flashes of talent that exceeded their father, who had been known as the “Holy King” .
The problem was the neighbouring country .
The Empire .
For hundreds of years, the Eastern Kingdom had been competing for supremacy with the “Giant Dragon” .
Whenever the Empire was ruled by a great and wise leader, the Eastern Kingdom would be placed under immense pressure . History had shown it to be the case numerous times; it had also happened during the reign of the Empire’s previous Emperor . If it weren’t for Celes’ father being a talented king as well, the Eastern Kingdom would have had their power and influence dramatically reduced .
That was why it was necessary for them to reduce the Empire’s strength .
Hugh would have some achievements to his name in ten more years . This wasn’t an assessment made as a biased older sister, but rather as a level-headed politician . Celestine de Oiria was here to buy him those ten years .
However, the “Bespectacled” Celes had other ideas .
She was just 19 years old .
The girl in the cage, whose beauty surpassed that of fresh blossoms, was finally freed from working on official matters . King Hugh, the one who was originally supposed to be handling the troublesome paperwork, had now taken over . It would be confusing at first, but the government officials would support him .
Therefore, it would be fine if she let her hair down a little . It was a well-earned privilege for Celes, who had spent so many years devoted to her country, the Royal Family, and her brother .
Celes retrieved a bundle of parchment from her bag . This was a report from the Collectors of Mysterious Tales .
「Izakaya Nobu, huh . I wonder what kind of shop it is . 」
There was nothing better than to walk and see the sights in cities of different countries .
The report could not convey things like the atmosphere, smell, noises, and other ambiences that were hidden when one travelled using a carriage . At such times, Celes collaborated with her lady attendant to sneak away from the inns .
Of course, she was careful about her safety . She never wandered far from the inn, and she avoided dangerous looking places . She usually restricted herself to taking a little stroll .
However, this time was different .
She wanted to eat at the pub that was reported on by Jean Francois Monte de la Vinnie, a member of the Collectors of Mysterious Tales . Her objective was the kushikatsu . She most definitely wanted to try it .
The things that Celes could eat were limited, as it was improper for a royal lady to eat so freely . Fritters were not allowed, so they were excluded from her meals . On the other hand, her brother could eat until he was sick of it, all under the pretense of ‘building his body’ .
For that reason, Celes’ aim was to conquer the kushikatsu .
She couldn’t make sense of the report, which had phrases like “Frying pork is justice,” and “Shrimps taste sweeter when deep fried,” but it definitely gave off an appetizing feeling . It was rather amusing that she couldn’t help but want to eat it after reading about it .
She walked across a log bridge that was laid across a waterway .
This was one of the many bridges in this town . When she kicked some of the remaining morning snow, it fell into the waterway, where it floated for a while before melting into the water . Celes found it strangely interesting, and when she realised it, she was smiling naturally . She was just on a simple stroll, but it was fun and amazing .
As she walked through the streets, where stone houses laid parallel to one another, she saw a sign written with the Imperial language that said “Inns & Stables Street . ”
If the report was true, a shop known as Izakaya Nobu should be on this street .
She took a small, deep breath and advanced while cautiously navigated her way through the muddy road . It may have been a small step for the residents along the street, but for Celes, it was a big one .
「S-so it’s here . 」
However, her worries were cleared away in an instant . The shop, which was built with wood and plaster, stood before Celes’ eyes, exuding a foreign atmosphere . The appearance of the shop had been written down on the report . Even though the signboard was written with characters that Celes had never seen before, there was no mistaking it .
With nervousness and anticipation on her mind, she placed her hand onto the glass door .
When she pulled open the frosted glass door and entered, the shop was warmer than what she had expected .
「Welcome!」
「…’elcome . 」
The greetings were as stated in the report, which made Celes feel a little delighted . She was now standing in a place she had only read about through parchment . It was somewhat fascinating .
She was guided to the counter and took a seat there . Just as reported, a warm towel and appetizers were served .
「What would you like to order?」
「I’d like the kushikatsu please . 」
She ordered with a clear and loud voice .
It was repeated many times in Jean Francois’ report . If she had spoken in a soft voice, it would not only make her appear suspicious and strange, but it would also make her embarrassed . In response Celes, who had mustered all of her courage into her voice, the black haired waitress made a blank expression and bowed her head to apologize .
「I’m very sorry . We can’t serve kushikatsu to you today . 」
No Comments Yet
Post a new comment
Register or Login