There Is No Place For Fakes [EN]: Chapter 13

Philomel’s face flushed crimson, as red as a ripe tomato.

“I’m not a child!”

She was supposed to be presenting herself as a trustworthy heir, not being toted around like an infant!

She worried that all her hard work until now might be undone.

Ever since Emperor Eustis first picked her up in the garden two years ago, he’d made a habit of carrying Philomel whenever she lagged behind. It had become second nature, and he still scooped her up now.

She should have nipped it in the bud back then, instead of enjoying the attention.

When Philomel remained silent, Eustis inquired gently,

“Aren’t you going to deliver your commemorative speech? If not, just say the word, and I’ll put you down.”

“…Ah, no! I will!”

If she backed down now, she’d truly look like a cowardly scaredy-cat.

‘That can’t happen.’

Philomel focused on speaking clearly into the megaphone, reciting the commemorative speech she had diligently prepared.

“Esteemed citizens of the Belleroph Empire, welcome to this celebration. Today marks…”

Fortunately, she was so flustered by embarrassment that she barely felt any nervousness.

That day, Philomel delivered her speech flawlessly. And the attendees went home buzzing with surprise at two key observations.

First, the princess, whom they’d dismissed as a mere troublemaker, possessed remarkable oratory skills that belied her young age.

Second, the Emperor gazed upon his daughter with an uncharacteristically tender expression.

‘Perhaps the established succession might be in for a shake-up,’ was the prevailing sentiment.

Later that day, Philomel had dinner with the Emperor. When Philomel suggested they dine together, the Emperor inquired, “What about the Young Duke Evryden?”

When she replied that she had no plans with Nasir, he gave her a curious look and remarked,

“Didn’t you usually spend Foundation Day with him every year?”

‘Did I? I suppose so, except for when I was nine.’

But this time, she needed something from the Emperor. When she declared, “I want to dine with Your Majesty today!” Eustis didn’t press the matter further.

After swallowing a bite of meat, Philomel broached the subject.

“Your Majesty, what did you think of my speech today?”

“You did well. It was commendable.”

She didn’t think it was half-bad either.

It had been three years since she began her efforts to be recognized as the rightful successor. It felt like the opportune moment to bring it up.

Philomel tried her best to wear a kind expression.

“Your Majesty, there’s something I desire.”

“What is it?”

“It’s the Ring of Red Flame!”

Suddenly, Eustis’s hand, which had been expertly cutting his steak, froze.

“No.”

Philomel couldn’t mask her disappointment at the immediate rejection.

“No, that’s…”

Eustis clarified, sounding flustered.

“It’s not entirely out of the question. It’s simply too soon for you.”

“I won’t use it recklessly! I’m capable of wielding it responsibly!”

Philomel insisted urgently.

“That’s not the issue. The Ring of Red Flame places a considerable strain on the wearer’s body, especially at a young age. You should wield it after you reach adulthood.”

“B, but…”

The age of majority in the Belleroph Empire was eighteen. By the time Philomel reached that milestone, Elencia would have already made her grand entrance.

“That’s too far off. I can’t afford to wait that long.”

Philomel continued, her voice trembling slightly.

Eustis, smoothing out the wrinkles on his forehead, countered,

“Why do you covet the Ring of Red Flame so intensely?”

“…Because it’s a symbol that signifies the rightful heir to the throne.”

She couldn’t very well confess that it was to facilitate her escape. Philomel offered the answer she had carefully rehearsed.

“…I’ll bestow it upon you when you come of age. Ask for something else this time. I’ll grant you anything.”

“I want the Ring of Red Flame. I have no need for anything else if it’s not that.”

“…”

“…”

The conversation fizzled out, deadlocked by their irreconcilable viewpoints.

In the heavy silence that followed, Philomel felt a pang of regret.

‘I was too hasty. I shouldn’t have been so stubborn, even after he refused…’

She had reacted impulsively to his condition that she would only receive it upon reaching adulthood. She was on the verge of jeopardizing all the trust she had painstakingly built with childish obstinacy.

Before departing after the uncomfortable meal, Philomel mumbled almost inaudibly,

“I apologize. I won’t be stubborn in the future. Good night.”

Then, because she bowed her head, she missed the expression on the Emperor’s face.

‘Ah, everything is so frustrating.’

Philomel sprawled listlessly on the sofa, frittering away her free time.

Normally, she would have been racking her brain for excuses to capture Eustis’s attention, but all motivation had evaporated since their strained dinner.

If she couldn’t acquire the Ring of Red Flame in time, she would have to completely overhaul her escape plan.

She couldn’t simply remain idle, but for the moment, she craved stillness and a respite from thinking.

Just then, Countess Delles approached, cautiously gauging Philomel’s mood.

“Um… Your Highness.”

“What is it?”

“His Majesty the Emperor requests your presence in the rear garden. He mentioned that precious tea leaves were sent as a gift from Elita.”

It was the first time Eustis had summoned Philomel without her prompting.

‘Well, I usually seek him out even if he doesn’t call, so it’s not entirely unprecedented, but still.’

She didn’t know what he intended to discuss, but she had to comply with his summons.

‘But…’

Thud. Philomel’s body slumped back down onto the sofa.

“Your Highness?”

“Tell him I can’t go because I’m not feeling well.”

“Oh dear, are you unwell?”

“It’s not serious. How should I describe it… I’m just a little weary.”

“I understand. Rest well, Your Highness.”

Even after the Countess departed, Philomel continued to laze about. But Countess Delles soon returned.

“Your Highness. His Majesty the Emperor has come in person.”

“…Yes?”

Philomel was taken aback and leaped up from the sofa.

‘I really don’t want to face him right now, though…’

“P, please tell him I’m asleep.”

Philomel lay back down, turning her face towards the back of the sofa. Then she feigned sleep.

Observing Philomel, Countess Delles hesitated for a moment before the sound of her exiting the door echoed through the room.

She knew. That this was merely pointless stubbornness.

If the Emperor paid a visit, she was obligated to rouse the other person, even if they were sleeping.

Only the Countess, who had gone to inform the Emperor without waking her immediately, would find herself in an awkward predicament.

‘But I don’t want to…’

After a brief pause, the door creaked open.

Philomel, who assumed the Countess had returned to wake her, held her breath at the voice she heard next.

“Philomel.”

The Emperor spoke softly.

“I know you’re not asleep.”

Huh. Is he psychic?

Philomel flinched.

She debated whether she should get up for a moment, but decided to persist in her charade and kept her eyes closed.

“…Do you not even wish to face me now?”

His voice was deeper than usual.

Somehow, this didn’t bode well.

‘I think His Majesty is quite displeased!’

It felt like she should cease her resistance and get up at this point.

“I still don’t comprehend why you desire that ring so fervently. You are undeniably my successor, even without it.”

The sound of footsteps grew closer.

“But… if you desire it so intensely.”

She sensed Eustis was directly behind her. Something tickled Philomel’s head.

“Three years from now. I will bestow upon you the Ring of Red Flame in the year you turn fifteen.”

“Really?”

Philomel shot up.

Eustis nodded, retracting his outstretched hand.

“Yes. It’s not adulthood, but the strain on your body won’t be too severe around that time. But still, it’s best to use it sparingly…”

“Thank you! You’re the best, Your Majesty!”

Without thinking, Philomel embraced Eustis out of sheer elation.

“…”

“…”

She quickly regained her composure.

‘…Oops. What am I doing?’

Philomel hastily disentangled herself from his arms before the Emperor could utter a word. He would pick Philomel up when necessary, but there was no way he would welcome her initiating a hug. In fact, Eustis looked somewhat surprised.

“Wow! I’m so happy!”

When Philomel awkwardly raised both hands high, he didn’t dwell on her previous actions.

“Are you truly that happy?”

“Yes!”

Three years. It was a considerable duration if you dwelled on it, but compared to the initially stipulated six years, three years was half the time.

‘Besides, it’s before Elencia makes her appearance.’

Even if she obtained the ring immediately, there were limitations to escaping with the body of a child. She would be fortunate if she wasn’t reported as an orphan.

At fifteen, she still wouldn’t be an adult, but she wouldn’t be at an age where she couldn’t navigate the world independently.

Three years from now. If she simply waited three years, she could venture outside.

Philomel clenched her fist.