──I can’t be a queen without the time and help of many people.
Callisto raised his hand, signalling for the rest of the servants in the room to leave. It was just the two of them.
“The letters to the invited countries are ready. I signed them, so it’s perfect.”
Alana’s hand could not hold the letter or sign. This was because the characters were distorted. Callisto had been writing for six years under the arrangement of her late father.
“Today’s routine is the same as usual. You will leave your seat in the middle of the ball for thirty minutes. After I greet you, give me a nod. Can you tell me if you feel sick? I will immediately go down.”
“Is it alright for me to sit down even though I will be greeting guests from other countries?”
“It’s fine. There are letters and autographs for that. It’s okay because it’s well known that your body isn’t strong, and it’s Armenia’s pride just for you to be there.”
Alana nodded, “I understand,” and stared at him.
──I wonder if I can make you as happy as possible.
Although he looked tall and mature, he was still only a nineteen-year-old man. Although he was the only son of the Chancellor, he was an aide to Alana from an early age. It was because her father had designated him as her fiancée, but since Alana was crowned queen, he should have been released. He had abandoned everything for Alana, competed with adults, exerted himself, and sacrificed himself a lot. She wanted him to live only for himself from now on.
“I’m shy when you stare at me… I’m happy. Alana.” His hand turned from behind and touched Alana’s stomach. She looked down on it.
The world Alana sees was as if everything was covered in thick fog. She was terribly blind. Gorgeous walls and pillars, men and women, old and young, up close, they were all the same. It was flat. That was the world she lived in today.
As Callisto said, Alana participated from the middle of the ball. She gave tactical nods to those vague faces. Even if she heard the music by the musicians, the view from the throne was far away and she felt like someone else. Only Callisto, who was on the side, was clearly visible. He did not know yet, but Alana knew what was going to happen. She had been given details by the Chancellor before the ball began.
The music played tonight was from the countries that were invited. The song of the Principality of Faltz smoothly shifted from the song of the country of Fege. It was time to change to Armenia’s. Alana looked up at Callisto, who was waiting next to her.
“What’s wrong, Alana. Are you feeling sick?”
“No, I remembered the past.”
“Past? Could it be when we were both stargazing, or when you painted?”
“In order to protect me, you got a sword even though you were not good at wielding it, that happened seven times. Now you’re a knight. You became so strong. You always protected me.”
Callisto felt pride at her words. “It’s rare for you to speak words like this. I’d like to hear more later, when we’re alone.”
“Thank you so much Callisto. I can’t thank you enough.”
Perhaps he noticed something unusual, he frowned, “Alana?”
“You want me to be free. My hope is your happiness. From now on I will live for myself. I will never forget your kindness. I expect you to be excellent and brave. I hope that you can lead the country.”
Callisto opened his eyes. “What are you talking about? It looks like you’re saying goodbye. Don’t joke around.” Callisto leaned forward and looked at Alana, but she did not answer anything. At that time, the song of the Principality of Faltz had just come to an end, and it was time to switch to the song of Armenia.
Alana raised her hand small. That was the signal. If the Chancellor started talking after attracting everyone’s attention, applause would occur in the hall. Callisto’s facial expression changed from a hollow one to a grave one.
“…you’re f*cking kidding me.”
Suddenly, the marriage of Callisto and Priscilla, the daughter of Marquis Matos, was announced from the Chancellor’s mouth.