***Arc 5 The One Who Obstructed, Chapter 90 Ensnaring Princess***
A/N: 1 shaku = around 30cm
"Well then, Kreschenta-sama"
"Yes."
Carved out of a cliff------something that could be called a castle or a temple.
Once inside, she parted ways with Bery, accompanied by a few guards, all of whom were noble.
It was a structure that was hollowed out of a cliff, but the feet and the middle of the wall----to a height of about 6 shaku, was plastered with pure white wrought rock.
The white light from the ever-present magic lamps illuminated the surroundings, while the ceiling and the walls at the ceiling's edge reflected a pale blue light.
Mixed in is the brilliance of the magic crystal itself.
Originally, this palace was also a mine that produced a lot of high-quality magic crystals, so it was appropriated into its current form.
Therefore, one could see the magic crystal exposed here and there on the rock surface.
Crystals of magical power flowing through the earth's veins.
Magic crystal was said to be like that, and maybe because of that, she felt a lot more floating magic mixed in the atmosphere compared to the kingdom.
This was especially true inside the palace.
She followed the guards leading the way while wondering if it could be used for something.
The Dragon Miko's room----it was the place of the audience.
The gatekeeper slowly pushed open the massive door, and what appeared behind was a vast space.
The ceiling was hazy as one looked up, and a forest of pillars lined up neatly.
The walls glowed dimly with the phosphorescence emitted by the magic crystal, and the soldiers following Crescenta stopped breathing, momentarily lost in this fantastic sight.
A path of wrought rock laid out in the center----behind it was a waterfall of spring water and a magic crystal altar in the shape of a giant dragon.
And a woman wearing a pale blue veil.
Those who worshiped dragons also had a sense of nature worship and often did not use a chair, only putting a rug underneath.
The same goes for her, who is at the top of the country.
She did not use a chair, but sat in seiza, looking at Kreschenta.
The sound of the flute that welcomed her echoed, but it sounded somewhat quiet and lonely, unlike that of the heroic tune of the Kingdom's.
The soldiers were listening to it----Kreschenta did not care about it, but only moved forward with dignified steps, and thus stood alone in front of her.
On both sides that were hidden by the pillars, there were the Archbishop and four high priests who served as the Miko personal attendant.
And an orchestra and dozens of female priests were standing.
The row of white figures----only Kreschenta, in the center, wore a red dress that represented a bright rose.
Her golden hair shimmered in that graceful red, and she wore a silver tiara with a crescent moon ornament on the left.
Her figure stood out in the space made of white and blue.
"It's been a long time, Miko-sama. I am more than happy to have the honor of being granted an audience with you like this."
She did not bow her head.
She stands resolutely, with her dignity, facing her.
Kreschenta acted not as a princess, but as the legitimate heir to the royal family.
She could see the priests lined up on her left and right looking at each other, but she didn't care.
Whatever the means, she first grabbed their attention and pulled their awareness to her.
She would bind those gazes and dominate the place.
That was the technique of the royal family to control people's hearts.
"Yes, it's been a while, Princess Kreschenta. You've grown a lot since I last saw you."
Her face, hidden behind a pale blue veil, smiled.
She had long, dark hair and a mole under her eyes. She was not young, but she had a well-developed face, long slit eyes, and a slender height that can be seen even when she was sitting down, which gave her a dignified charm.
The pale blue and gold robe she wore was simple and not showy, but the elegance of the robe, which clung to her skin and was a bit transparent, gave her a sense of mystery.
At 15, she was the highest-ranking person in the land, and her reign lasted 40 years----she was the Miko.
"I have heard of the plight of the kingdom. Your Father----I was deeply saddened by the death of His Majesty the former King. I have been thinking of what words I should say to you, ...but in the end, even after reaching this point, there was nothing I can say."
She did not have a name.
When she became a Miko, her name was lost and she was simply bound to her role.
Although she was human, she was not treated as such, and she was the closest to the gods in the Imperial State.
Despite the mere sound of her voice, the men at Kreschenta's side felt the pressure, and tension ran through their bodies.
Such was the air of those who were born and raised to be rulers.
The mere presence of such a being made ordinary people shrivel up and become subservient to them.
"Thank you very much. Even if it's an unwanted death, I'm sure that His Majesty the King Father will be happy with the feelings of the Miko-sama, in the mixed blood."
She was the only equal in the room.
It was a standardized exchange----the silly kind of greeting that Kreschenta detested the most but it was also a bother that she couldn't ignore.
She did not show a shred of her inner feelings and said in a matter-of-fact manner.
"That's the reason why I came to this place like this. I think Miko-sama has already heard from Zanalibea-sama to some extent."
"Yes, I have heard. That you asked for the help of the Imperial State."
Kreschenta smiled and said nothing.
A momentary silence spread, and while the Miko had doubt about Kreschenta who didn't say anything, she continued.
"... However, the circumstances being what it is. In the case of the recent invasion of the Holy Elsren Empire----in the case of such a war with another country, the Imperial State will gladly lend a hand in accordance with the friendship and alliance treaties we have had thus far. I promise you that we will do everything in our power for that purpose, I swore it in the name of the Holy Spirit."
Kreschenta did not open her mouth but waited for her words.
The Miko continued.
"But this war is an internal affair of your country. We are outsiders, regardless of the legitimacy of either side. Out of respect for your country's history, we have no choice but to refuse to participate in your civil war. Both sides are a nation with independence and autonomy, each with its own politics and beliefs. Interference with that will leave a lasting mark."
Sorrowfully and compassionately.
The Miko looked at the young princess.
"Princess Kreschenta, personally it's not like I don't feel anything about your current situation. However, I am also one who is in charge of the Imperial State... I am not allowed to make decisions based on emotions. I understand that it would be cruel me her to give such an answer to Princess Kreschenta, who came to see me through a dangerous journey but"
Even if Kreschenta appealed to her emotions, she couldn't respond.
That's what the Miko implied.
If she only considered the information she had heard, the Miko feels that the justification is on her side.
In fact, she felt pity for her, but----that did not mean that she could take her side.
The princess faction had lost its hero, Christand, and was cornered.
It's one thing if the princess faction was the one who had the upper hand, but if the Miko lent her a hand in this situation, and if she's to be defeated, even the stability of the Imperial State would be at stake.
She couldn't support her.
At present, the superiority lay with the Royal Prince.
The Miko, who had spoken in an official stance, looked at Kreschenta and frowned.
Kreschenta, who had heard her words, smiled.
"...Hearing that made me feel at ease."
"...?"
"To ask for help from the Imperial State, thus I requested an audience. ...I guess that's a little inaccurate?"
'----Like Miko-sama, I wish for the quiet viewing of the Imperial State.'
The purple eyes narrowed, and her lovely beauty took on a somewhat seductive demonic quality.
"I'm not here to talk about the civil war, but about the post-war period, Miko-sama."
"......That is?"
The surrounding priests looked at each other and showed agitation.
Zanalibea slammed his scepter into the ground as the other High Priests looked at him to see what's going on.
"I believe that once this civil war is over, some other country will make a move. That is the reason why I asked for an audience with the Miko-sama regarding the continuation of the alliance and how to deal with it. ...It's not wrong in the sense that I'm asking for help, but fufu, it's a bit of a misunderstanding."
'How troubling', Kreschenta said with a deliberate face.
The cavalry captain Ehran and even his men were puzzled by the young princess's words.
They also thought that she had come to the Imperial State to ask for help in the recent civil war.
"But I was relieved to hear that Miko-sama would continue to lend your strength to the Kingdom. I feel like a burden has been lifted from my shoulders."
"...So you don't need help with the civil war, is what you mean?"
"Yes, Miko-sama. What I'm asking for is help after the war."
Smiling without any guilt, Kreschenta said that calmly.
Dodge the opponent's expectations and seize the initiative.
She read the thoughts and logic of her opponents and left them defenseless.
Kreschenta was always the one who deceived, derailed, and manipulated.
Kreschenta thought only of making all others dance in her palm.
One of the ways she did this was by making them speak and remained silent, knowing that they misunderstood her.
In exchange for refusing to help in the civil war, the Miko assured her that she would help her in a war against other countries, and she obtained a contract with her.
Royalty made no mistakes.
And it was the same for the Miko.
Once she had spoken out, she could not withdraw it.
"There's a limit to rudeness, Princess Kreschenta. Of all things, you dare to scheme Miko-sama..."
"High Priestess Halvis, watch your mouth. This is the Hall of the Holy Spirit."
The Miko coldly rebuked the high priest who raised his voice, but the dead tree-like high priest didn't stop glaring at Kreschenta.
But Kreschenta was unmoved.
She was not afraid of the intimidation of those of lower ranks.
"... It seems that I made a hasty conclusion on my own from your country's circumstances. How embarrassing."
"No, it was my clumsiness that caused the misunderstanding. It was a sudden visit, like chasing after a fast horse. It was my fault... I apologize for being rude."
Kreschenta said so with her mouth alone.
She didn't believe that crying would work with the Miko.
In that case, she just needed to use another means to disturb her opponent.
Even if there were some problems with the means, once the Kingdom settled down, something like the Imperial State would be no trouble.
Their national power was different from the beginning, and the Imperial State cannot help but rely on the Kingdom as a shield due to its location.
"However, the reason why I asked for an audience is as I said. If the Kingdom is exhausted by this civil war and loses the strength to maintain its territory, there is no doubt that the surrounding beasts will soon come to devour it. ......So, in order to prevent that from happening, I have come to ask Miko-sama to prepare for it."
"......I see"
The Miko finally realized the true nature of the poor princess named Kreschenta.
She shouldn't have looked at her looks or age.
She should have seen her as a cunning, decades-old leader.
----Cursed Child of Alberan.
She was exactly that.
She visited a foreign country by herself, stirred up the other person's heart, and still had the courage to keep smiling calmly.
At the very least, she was no mere child.
She was clearly abnormal.
"In a few days, we will receive a report that the Dragon's Maw has been conquered."
Kreschenta announced as if it was a matter of fact.
The attack on the dragon's jaw was the starting point for all actions----it was the point that Krische and Selene decided to focus on the most, so there was no need to take their time.
Failure to do so would mean Christand defeat.
Because of her absolute confidence in herself, Kreschneta also had absolute trust in her sister.
"And in less than a month, we will defeat His Majesty the King's enemy------the usurper Gildanstein. At the very least it won't be long."
"It looks like you have a pretty good chance of winning. The hero of your country--Margrave Christand, we also know his military fame. I heard that Princess Kreschenta was at a disadvantage without him."
"Yes. Therefore, even if I ask for help from Miko-sama, I also think that Miko-sama will not be able to make a decision."
Kreschenta clapped her hands and tilted her head.
"How about this? Even for Miko-sama, it's such an important matter that Miko-sama also can't rush to a conclusion either. I think it's fine even if it's after you see whether my odds of success are true or not. Even if I try my best to speak, there are things we cannot understand without seeing."
"That's right, honestly... I would like to have time to think."
"Yeah, that's right. Let's do that. The main problem will be after that."
Kreschenta continued in a good mood.
"...However, it is true that the defense of the kingdom is still a concern. Therefore, if possible, I would like Miko-sama to prepare in advance so that the army can move along with the decision of Miko-sama."
"...In advance?"
"Whether I win or lose, from the point of view of Miko-sama, the stability of the Imperial Kingdom should be prioritized above all else. I think we should proceed with preparations for the dispatch of troops."
The Miko narrowed her eyes and examined her proposal.
Whether Crescenta wins or loses------either way, the Kingdom will need reinforcements.
And the word 'along with her decision'.
It did not mean the end of the civil war.
------She was saying that when she thinks Kreschenta could win, she should entrust the army to her.
It was in effect complicity in the civil war, only with a change of words.
But in name, the army would only serve to fortify the defenses of the exhausted Kingdom.
There would be no political problems, and they would be able to make the Kingdom owe them.
The people of the Imperial State also had a lot of pity for Princess Kreschenta, and they considered the army to be for the princess. They will be satisfied that the Imperial State had done justice.
It was not a bad proposal considering public sentiment, political interests, and the overall aspects.
"There is a considerable distance to the kingdom from the Imperial State. ...I think it's better to start moving early."
The smiling princess's eyes----that inorganic purple color reflected the Miko's eyes.
She was not a twelve-year-old girl.
They were not even those of the same human being.
They were eyes with a devilish quality.
They looked frightening, yet she did not take her eyes off of them.
A leader was driven by practical interests, not by personal feelings.
Because of this, the Miko suppressed her emotions and simply answered in her role.
"I will think about it, Princess Kreschenta. ...Please stay here for a while. If there is any inconvenience, please give orders to those around you at any time."
"Yes. Thank you, Miko-sama. ...May the ties between our two countries last forever."
"...Yes. Of course, I also hope so."
----Alberan's Cursed Child, Kreschenta.
Etching her existence deeply, The Miko nodded at her.
When she was shown into the room, Kreschenta first let the imperial servants out because of Bery's presence.
Bery, who had a troubled look on her face, didn't say anything, and when she was alone with her, she changed her dress and asked Kreschenta.
"How was it?"
"Don't you think it's rude to ask that question? There's no way I'd make a mistake."
"Fufu, that's true."
"...More importantly, Argan-sama, I'm tired."
Kreschenta in a white one-piece dress said somewhat dissatisfied, and Bery apologized and prepared a chair.
And she began to prepare tea------but Kreschenta didn't sit down in the chair during that time.
Bery finally understood her intentions and smiled wryly, then sat down ahead of her master.
As if waiting for that, Kreschenta jumps on top of her.
"Fufufu, good girl, good girl, you did your best. Shall we take a rest after drinking sweet tea?"
"............"
"My, you don't seem to have a lot of energy today. If it's the doggy Kreschenta-sama, she would have rubbed up against me in no time."
Kreschenta glared at Bery who was behind her.
Berry, who had an artificially surprised face, said troubledly.
"...Ah, maybe it's Her Royal Highness who's here right now. What a discourteous thing for me to pet Her Highness, I need to confirm it."
Bery took out a cookie and waved it from side to side in front of Kreschenta.
"It seems that Her Royal Highness doesn't like it very much, but the 'Doggy Kreschenta', loves sweet honey cookies. I wonder which one it is today...?"
"Wo..."
"Wo?"
"...Woof."
With a chuckle, Bery gave her the cookie and gently stroked her head.
It seemed that this cute Krische's sister named Kreshcneta had a tendency to be unable to be honest no matter what.
She needed a pretense that the cookie was being held hostage.
Kreshcneta squealed and pressed her face against Bery's chest, her cheeks relaxed, and Bery smiled happily.
Then, holding her young body, she poured the tea and looked out the window.
The blue sky was reflected in her eyes, and she thought about Krische, who was far away.
