~ Chapter 2.3 ~

It couldn’t be … Philomel, well dressed, was staring at the thick raindrops falling tirelessly from the sky.

« … Your Majesty, I am afraid we must postpone the event to a later date » said the secretary to Emperor Eustis, he did not know what to do in the face of this unprecedented situation.

They had not been able to get to the outdoor reception hall in the front courtyard of the Imperial Palace and protected themselves from the torrential rain by taking shelter under the roof of the nearby Memorial Hall.

« This is an unprecedented rainfall, » said the man in charge of the event in a cold sweat.

« Okay. I will postpone the event, reschedule it for a later date ».

Many families from the nobility had gathered to hear the emperor’s commemorative message and all had heard the emperor’s words. They whispered among themselves in the face of this unique situation.

Philomel, who had heard everything, thought with dread: « Is it delayed? Just like in the novel? » In an instant, her eyes darkened. Impossible. It was not possible. A novel had to be a fictional story. Under no circumstances should it become reality. Otherwise, it meant that she… was not her father’s biological daughter. And she didn’t want that reality.

« No! Don’t stop the event! » Philomel shouted and rushed off the roof.

« Your Royal Highness! No ! »

The people tried to get the princess back under the roof to protect her from the rain, but Philomel ran frantically and stood in front of Eustis. Then she raised her eyes and opened her mouth in earnest.

« Father »

At the word, Eustis’s beautiful, impassive face cracked slightly.

« Please, please, please don’t postpone the day of the National Foundation. »

« What? »

“…”

« We can hold the event inside the Memorial Hall. So please, let’s proceed as planned. »

Everyone was busy watching this strange imperial couple formed by the emperor and his daughter, embarrassed by the sudden actions of the princess.

« I ask you as a favour. Please… » Philomel’s eyes were wet with water, although we don’t know whether it was rain or tears.

“……… I can’t do this, Princess »

« Please keep your dignity, » whispered one of Philomel’s maids who had approached her.

I know.

Philomel knew well that it was ridiculous to say a commemorative speech indoors. Belerov was an empire founded under the protection of the sun god. The National Foundation Day was meaningful only when it was held under the sunny sky. It wasn’t just acting out of the inconvenience of outdoor activities.

I know it well. 

“But, but…”

“However, let’s stop”

The Emperor’s gaze toward Philomel soon caught up “But, your Majesty, the Princess…” As the secretary count Paulan hesited, Eustis said, looking around

“Why should I listen to the child’s whine every day ? For the princess to stand in my way just because she wants to see the festival ?”

Everyone held his breath in the face of the anger burning in the blue eyes of the sovereign. Many of them knew that the Emperor could be cruel and evil despite his magnificent appearance. There were suspicions in the high society that he had assigned his brothers and the former emperor with the aim of ascending to the throne.

« Let’s go » Eustis turned his heels with a dry step.

He was followed by his secretary and his attendees, one after the other. They glanced at the princess who had remained standing in the rain without saying a word. No one sought to approach her, there was no benefit in being close to a princess who was hated by the emperor.