CHAPTER 2
Homecoming and Home Call
1
Nebulis Sovereignty. Star Spire.
The sharp cracking of earthenware resounded within Alice’s study.
“Oh?”
She turned to identify the source of the sound.
Alice saw a broken teacup and Rin, who was gathering its shattered fragments.
“I will get this cleaned up right away,” she told Alice, solemnly collecting the shards.
“Don’t worry about it. I know it’s your first time working as a housekeeper.”
“…I’m terribly sorry.”
She spoke with Rin’s voice. The girl using her astral power to disguise herself as Alice’s attendant gave the princess a small bow. She wasn’t used to this.
Until now, she had served as a body double, acting as though she were the most important members of the royal family. She had transformed herself into eminent people like queens and ministers in the past. As far as Alice could tell, the girl was most familiar with taking up these stately roles.
This was the first time she’d played the part of servant, so she wasn’t used to waiting on nobles. The mishap that had resulted from Alice asking for tea was a prime example of that.
…I’m impressed that she hasn’t broken character even after making a mistake.
…But I suppose the disguise really is only skin-deep, huh.
As an attendant, Rin embodied perfection. Even if Alice hadn’t known the circumstances, she would have doubtlessly realized the girl was a fake from witnessing this single mistake.
“How old are you again?” Alice asked.
“I am sixteen. And I will be seventeen this year,” the girl replied.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Alice said. “I didn’t mean you as Rin but your actual age.”
“I’m fifteen.”
She was still school-age. Her true identity was that of a tender black-haired girl, and one who gave off an air of timidity at that—a far cry from the Rin she was now.
…She must push herself to act like a grown-up while on the job.
…I’m honestly impressed, but…
Her guise wouldn’t pass muster against wily military veterans. Lord Mask of the House of Zoa or Talisman, the head of the House of Hydra, would realize something was off with only a glance.
“The conference is in the afternoon—is that right?”
“Yes. It starts at one.”
They were holding meetings on a daily basis now. Imperial forces had invaded the Sovereignty’s borders and launched an attack on the palace. The government had yet to decide what retribution they would pursue on behalf of the many who’d been wounded and the royal family members who’d been abducted.
At the moment, the ruling families had come into a three-way conflict of opinion:
The Lou insisted they should rally around the queen to restore the country.
The Zoa insisted they should launch an all-out war with the Empire.
The Hydra insisted they were in need of a new queen and that the conclave was necessary.
Alice couldn’t give in to them. The Zoa would not shy away from making casualties of their own citizens in a full-blown conflict between the Empire and the Sovereignty, while the Hydra were the very criminals who had attempted to overthrow the government.
“I will represent the Lou family as the queen’s proxy,” said Alice. “I gather Lord Mask and Lord Talisman will be in attendance, yes?”
“……Um, Lady Alice.” The girl, who had finished cleaning the floor, looked apologetic. “Would it be possible for me to wait here?”
“…………”
She was smart.
If the girl was in the same space as Lord Mask and Talisman, they would realize from her clumsy mannerisms that she was a body double. She must have proposed this after realizing that was on the princess’s mind.
“Let’s go together.” Alice gave the girl a light pat on the back and a determined smile. “If Rin isn’t there like she usually is, they’re more likely to think something is off, right?”
“…B-but…”
“The real Rin would never be so faint of heart.”
“Oh!”
“Have some confidence. Your astral power is splendid, so you can present yourself out in the open without fear.”
“Y-yes, Lady Alice!”
The girl pretending to be Rin nodded firmly. As she smiled back, Alice glanced at the clock on the wall. The plane should be arriving now.
Soon, Rin would be in the Empire.
“…Iska wouldn’t break our promise. Please trust him, Rin.”
“Iska?”
“N-no, nothing!”
When the keen-eared attendant questioned her, Alice gave a flustered wave of her hands, as though shooing her away.
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