Foreshadowing in the Choice of Companion
“You’re going on a cruise during the summer?… and with Duke Greenmoon’s daughter?”
When the rest of the student council heard this, they gave each other worried looks. Abel’s brow furrowed as he asked Mia, “Are you sure you’ll be okay? You know, wasn’t one of the Four Dukes talking to…”
Mia smiled, “Yes, I know. But I’m pretty sure I’ll be fine. Esmeralda is no conspirator. She doesn’t work that way.”
“But, Your Highness, the risk is still there. This is way too dangerous,” Sapphias said as he joined the protest. “Esmeralda is no exception to the rule that even the nicest-looking people can have evil plans. She might act nice in front of you, but by the moons, she could be planning to hurt you the whole time.”
He didn’t see the irony in the fact that what he said could and did apply to himself. Rafina knew it, and she smiled at him in a way a mother might smile at one of her children who isn’t as smart.
Mia saw the look and, even though it was friendly, it scared her. No matter what Rafina did, it felt like she had developed some kind of spinal reflex that sent chills up her back.
Mia asked Sapphias, “If you’re so worried, why don’t you come on the cruise with us?” She thought that would help him feel better.
Since he was also an Etoiler, he had every right to take part.
“Eh? Join you? Well, Your Highness, I’d love to. You could even say that as your loyal vassal, it’s my duty to go with you on such trips, but my fiancee and I need some quality time —er, have plans to be somewhere else.”
He quickly turned down her offer.
Sapphias was very worried about the princess’s safety. Spending time with his fiancée was just a bigger deal.
I see where his priorities lie. In some ways, he makes me think of Father…
His single-minded love for the person he loved, the way he put a single woman ahead of everything else, etc. His unwavering focus… All of these things were true of the Emperor.
Well, I guess it’s good for his future wife to know that he won’t cheat on her… But if they ever have a daughter, she’ll hate him so much… What a pity…
She thought about a future Sapphias who was sad and curled up in a corner because his daughter had called him an annoying old fart. She felt very sorry for the man.
“Hm? What? Why do you look at me that way?”
“It’s no big deal. Don’t be worried.”
She realized that even if he came with her, he probably wouldn’t be very helpful. She thought to herself as she looked at him, “He’s not really a good candidate for a bodyguard.”
Sapphias looked from Mia to Rafina and back again, shuffling uncomfortably under their two confused looks. Not long after that, he said he had just remembered something important that needed his immediate attention and slunk out of the room.
“That Sapphias seems to have a lot going on. Also, I’ll be bringing along some of my guards. I think it will work out.”
Even though Mia insisted, Abel’s frown didn’t go away. He got close to Sion and said something in his ear.
“Hey, can I ask you a question?”
“Hm? Sure.”
They talked quietly for a while before getting out of their chairs.
“Excuse me? Is there something you two want to tell us?” asked Mia, who was getting more and more suspicious of the quiet talk between the two.
“Oh, no. Don’t worry about us,” Abel said as he moved away with his palms open.
“You just do what you do.”
“That’s fine, but…”
Before she could ask them any more questions, the two of them left the room.
When they got back inside, Abel went over to them right away.
“Mia, I have a request for you.”
“What is it?” she asked him, tilting her head because of how serious he looked.
“For this event, the Kingdoms of Remno and Sunkland would each like to send a group of guards.”
“My! To come with me?”
Sion replied with a nod. He looked just as serious as Abel.
“I know you say it’s safe, but she’s a Greenmoon. After what they did recently, it’s hard for me to give them my full trust. We’ll choose the exact people later, but first we’d like your approval.”
She looked at the two boys with her lips pursed.
Who else could Sion send? He’d have to trust them a lot to keep an eye on me, so probably people like Keithwood. As for Abel, I don’t know. I don’t think he’d use the spear guy to send my way. Maybe some of those Diamond Legion people I keep hearing about? I wouldn’t mind, to be honest. It sounds kind of cool.
She put her arms together.
Having Keithwood there would give you some peace of mind, that’s for sure. He also has a nice face, so Esmeralda will definitely like him. But I really don’t know anything about Remno…
Her long thought process wasn’t for nothing; the question of her escort wasn’t as easy as it seemed.
She hadn’t planned to show up by herself, that’s clear.
So, it would be more than a little strange to bring a small army of guards on what was supposed to be a fun summer activity on the open sea. Even if Esmeralda was getting in the way, she was a proud Greenmoon and should have been treated with the respect due a house of the Four Dukes. As the host, she would definitely find a good way for her guests to get there.
If Mia then brought too many of her own guards, it would be seen as an insult and a sign that she didn’t trust Greenmoon’s skills or loyalty. She couldn’t bring more than one or two people because of this.
It would be best if someone like Vanos came along, but Esmeralda might find him a little too rough-looking. In other words…
On paper, Dion was the best person for the job. He was good-looking and had the right skills.
Mia’s personal veto was the only thing that made him not good enough.
Bringing him with me? I’d rather not turn the cruise into a real nightmare, thank you very much.
If she ever fell into the water, he would probably just laugh and watch her drown.
The problem is that if I rule out those two, I’m not sure I can trust anyone else to know how to use a sword well enough. In a fight, a cute face didn’t help much.
Well, unless it got in the way of a blade coming at her, but that wasn’t the sort of thing she wanted to think about. It would give you bad dreams in the future. Because of this, the two princes’ idea was actually very welcome. She wouldn’t have been able to find the right people in her own pool of talent.
Keithwood in particular was a person she was very excited to bring on board. She could say that Sion and Abel were being kind by letting other travelers join them if she needed to explain why they were there.
That would probably—no, for sure—be good enough. After all, Esmeralda liked good-looking guys.
Mia looked at Keithwood’s face with care.
“Uh… Princess Mia, can I help you?”
“Oh, no. At least not yet. Don’t be worried.”
She turned away, and her smile was hidden by the movement.
You’re welcome, Esmeralda!
Soon after that, the two princes left, saying they had to take care of some business. Keithwood went with them, so there were only girls left in the room.
Then, in a calm voice, Rafina said, “By the way, Mia, I was thinking…”
