Chapter 29
‘Men really are…’
Second Imperial Princess, Eliya Leonious.
She thought to herself as she looked at the rapidly passing scenery outside the carriage window.
Why on earth do men get so excited about things like this?
She was currently on her way to Trinity, having been invited along with the Crown Prince Leo and the Emperor.
The news that the mages would once again hold the Arcane War.
When she first heard the news, she was just as surprised as everyone else.
If the Arcane War were to happen again, at least the surrounding regions would be left in ruins.
But fortunately, they weren’t really going to fight using magic.
It was an event meant to inherit the spirit of the Arcane War and determine the rankings among the Magic Towers through other means.
Eliya wondered why they were suddenly doing something like this.
But since mages are eccentric people who like to prove their superiority, she thought it was just in their nature.
“Eliya, aren’t you getting off?”
“Oh, yes, I’m getting off.”
After several hours, they arrived at the Trinity Council building.
Its appearance was very different from the Imperial Palace.
But the mystical beauty of the mages’ peculiar architectural style was mesmerizing.
She disembarked from the carriage, accepting Leo’s escort.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I wonder what kind of game that COL is. Don’t you think so?”
“I agree. The Illusion Tower’s actions are becoming more intriguing by the day.”
“I think so too, Your Majesty.”
Eliya responded politely to the Emperor, following Leo’s lead.
But in truth, she wasn’t looking forward to it at all.
In fact, she wasn’t particularly fond of the current situation where her father, the Emperor, was so obsessed with something called ‘Maple Leaf Story’ that he’d handed over all state affairs to Leo.
Because of that, her workload had increased, and she didn’t understand what was so fun about that illusionary world where people killed monsters.
The same went for this Arcane War.
They said it would be decided through a new strategy game created by the Illusion Tower.
From what she had heard, it involved fighting with strange techniques and destroying each other’s castles.
As someone who understood that rulers should have the ability to handle wars, she could see the relevance.
But ‘Maple Leaf Story’ and COL didn’t seem to have any such concept.
It was merely a fantasy world filled with violence.
To be honest, she couldn’t understand why men were so obsessed with it.
Even some of her noble friends were deeply immersed in ‘Maple Leaf Story.’
Since Eliya had never tried it herself, she found this trend rather strange.
“Trinity truly is a mysterious place. With magic replacing things like power and mechanics, the cityscape is indeed enchanting.”
“It’s like the world of ‘Maple Leaf Story.’”
The Emperor and Leo conversed about the mysterious scenery of Trinity.
Eliya agreed with this part.
In fact, the reason she came to watch the Arcane War, despite having no interest in it, was for this reason.
This was the first time in history that the Trinity Council building was being opened to the public.
Until now, no non-mage had ever had the chance to see this mystical place.
Especially for someone like her, as a member of the royal family, simply coming to Trinity would attract a lot of attention.
She had always wanted to visit this city, so she accepted the invitation this time.
“We greet the Sun of the Empire.”
“Good to see you, Duke. Meeting you here.”
The three of them entered the central commons where the Arcane War was to take place.
As the royal family entered, the nobles who had arrived earlier bowed their heads.
“Galliard! You’re here too! And Duke Lince as well.”
“We greet the Sun of the Empire. It’s been so long since we last met, Your Majesty.”
“If it weren’t for Trinity, we wouldn’t be meeting like this.”
“I couldn’t resist coming when I heard it was a new game from the Illusion Tower.”
Everyone already knew that the Emperor was completely engrossed in ‘Maple Leaf Story.’
Even though it was rare for the Emperor to attend in person, not many people seemed surprised.
The Emperor took his seat with an expectant look on his face.
“Your Majesty, I’ll go talk with the royalty from the surrounding kingdoms.”
“I’ll go with you, Brother.”
The Emperor remained seated with his guards.
Leo started conversing with the surrounding nobles.
As expected of the Crown Prince, known as the Light of the Empire, he took care of political matters even in such situations.
Eliya, too, chatted with her close friends.
“Crown Prince.”
“Ah, Lord Riot. It’s been a long time.”
At that moment, a mage appeared.
It was Riot, the Illusion Mage.
He stood out among the nobles, wearing a shabby robe.
“By the way… Did you also send an invitation to JeBbit?”
Leo, who was chatting with Riot about various topics, looked around and then spoke in a low voice.
“JeBbit?”
“Yes. I know about her health issues, but since She’s such an iconic figure, I thought you might have invited her. Besides, the only connection JeBbit has is with the Illusion Tower.”
Adding unnecessary words, which was uncharacteristic for Leo.
Riot looked at him, covering his mouth, then spoke again.
“Of course, I invited her. But it was difficult for her to attend an event like this. Unlike a royal banquet, this is bound to be a bit more disorderly. It’s the first time something like this is being held in Trinity.”
“Ah… I see. I didn’t mean anything by it, just…”
“But.”
Riot interrupted Leo’s attempt to explain.
The Crown Prince’s expression turned to one of surprise and anticipation.
“Instead, JeBbit will appear on stage before the official start of the Arcane War.”
“W-What?!”
“As you mentioned, She’s an iconic figure, so we thought it would be fitting for her to commence COL. She will give a brief explanation and a congratulatory message to the audience before the event starts. We’ve prepared a private waiting room for her, considering her health, and arranged for sufficient escort personnel.”
“A-Ah… I see…! So, does that mean JeBbit is here right now?”
“She should be moving from the waiting room to the backstage soon.”
“Ooh…”
Leo couldn’t hide his excitement.
Eliya looked at him with a cold gaze.
Not long ago, she had entered Leo’s room without knocking and witnessed him fangirling over JeBbit.
“Um, Lord Riot. By any chance…”
Leo hesitated, fumbling for words.
Riot knew exactly what he wanted to say.
“You want to meet JeBbit, don’t you?”
“Yes, yes. It’s not for any other reason, it’s just that what JeBbit has done is so magnificent, and from the Empire’s standpoint, we’d like to express our gratitude…”
“Well, it’s possible.”
“R-Really?”
Riot smiled as he spoke.
Of course, it wasn’t actually possible.
But suddenly, a plan to tease Rikal came to mind.
Imagining Rikal’s flustered reaction, Riot inwardly held back a wicked grin.
“In fact, JeBbit has spoken about Your Highness before. I’ll tell you where you can go, so if you wait there, you should be able to meet JeBbit after She steps down from the stage.”
“J-J-JeBbit mentioned me… Understood, Lord Riot. Thank you so much!”
With that, Leo hurried off after hearing the location.
Riot smirked maliciously as he watched him leave.
“…Lord Riot?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. You must be Princess Eliya. It’s a pleasure to meet you for the first time.”
“I’ve heard that you created ‘Maple Leaf Story’ and COL.”
“Yes, that’s correct. Are you also a player of ‘Maple Leaf Story,’ Your Highness?”
Eliya greeted him out of courtesy.
She didn’t like the sight of Riot’s unsettling smile.
Maybe it was because of her preconceived notions of him for creating such a violent game and for causing this ridiculous event.
“…Me? Not at all.”
“Ah, I see. Most of the people who accepted the invitation are players of ‘Maple Leaf Story,’ so I just assumed.”
“Not at all.”
Riot continued to smile.
Eliya, who had never had a good opinion of ‘Maple Leaf Story,’ asked sharply.
“Then, why did you create something like that, Lord Riot?”
“Pardon?”
“‘Maple Leaf Story,’ and now this COL as well. They both seem extremely violent and don’t really contribute anything to solving real-world issues. On the contrary, more people are neglecting their jobs and sleep because they’re so immersed in it.”
As someone who couldn’t understand its appeal, Eliya was perplexed.
For a moment, Riot’s expression hardened as he looked at Eliya.
Eliya met his gaze directly, not backing down.
After a brief silence, Riot’s smile turned wry as he opened his mouth.
“You’re right. Game addiction is indeed a social problem. Even His Majesty has handed over the state affairs to the Crown Prince and is absorbed in ‘Maple Leaf Story.’ Isn’t that what you think?”
“To be honest, yes, that’s what I think.”
“Why do you think he’s so obsessed?”
“What?”
Eliya glared at Riot.
Riot continued speaking without a care.
“Did you know that His Majesty dreamed of becoming an adventurer when he was young? He told me so when we met before.”
“…His Majesty?”
“Yes. But considering His Majesty’s achievements, it’s puzzling, isn’t it? Since he was the Crown Prince, he’s sacrificed and fought for the Empire.
He’s worn nothing but stifling uniforms and armour while he fought and governed. Instead of wandering the world, he had to stay confined within the rigid palace, battling against political enemies.”
Eliya was quite taken aback.
Everyone knew how much the Emperor had fought for the Empire even before ascending to the throne.
Even if he’s now a game addict, his past efforts for the Empire were well-known.
“That’s why he especially likes talking with Galliard. It was then that His Majesty discovered ‘Maple Leaf Story.’ Now, sitting on the throne as Emperor, he can’t even step outside the capital freely. But with this, he can explore a vast world while lying in bed.”
“Ah…”
“Moreover, Galliard told me that he’s been able to reminisce about the memories he had as a hero in the past. Most of his former comrades are gone now, but while talking about ‘Maple Leaf Story,’ he can recall the tough yet happy times they had together.
I still vividly remember the look on that elderly man’s face, smiling like a child as he spoke.”
Listening to Riot’s story, Eliya suddenly felt embarrassed.
She had openly expressed her hostility towards him and had looked down on people who played games.
“JeBbit became a Bishop in ‘Maple Leaf Story’ because She understands how painful it is to be sick. Poor commoners, who are born with nothing, can achieve as much as they strive for, at least in ‘Maple Leaf Story.’
The fantasy world I created, the game I wanted to make, was something like that. To allow people to have happiness that they can’t have in reality. Don’t you have anything like that, Your Highness?”
It felt like Eliya had been struck by a heavy blow.
Until now, she had dismissed all of it.
But hearing the meaning behind his words, she realized the foolish one was herself.
Only now did she start seeing the expressions of those people in a different light.
“…Well, I guess you might not have anything like that, Your Highness. Born as a princess without lacking anything, and even so beautiful. Perhaps it’s something you can’t understand.”
“Wh-What?!”
“Still, try it sometime. It’s fun, if nothing else. Well, the Arcane War is about to start, so I’ll take my leave now.”
Riot still wore the same smile as he bowed to Eliya.
But to Eliya, that smile now felt different.
“W-Wait…!”
Riot quickly walked away.
Eliya tried to reach out to him, but he was already far gone.
For some reason, Eliya’s cheeks were flushed as she watched his departing figure.
***
“Everyone ready? As soon as JeBbit’s speech ends, we’ll start the first match, so you’ll need to get up there. And as for the first ban-pick, as I mentioned…”
“We’ll handle the game ourselves.”
“Yes, Riot, you just watch.”
“Riot, keep quiet about the game! We’ll take care of it.”
“Ah… okay.”
I quickly stepped backstage.
I had spent too much time talking with Eliya.
Still, are there no proper royals around here?
The three royal men I’ve met so far were like that.
Eliya, too, started dismissing the game the moment we met.
I almost said something but barely held back.
“Well, enjoy the game. I’m off to see JeBbit.”
“Yes. We’ll handle the game, so please, don’t worry about it! Just don’t say anything! I feel like we’ll lose if Riot messes things up.”
“…”
Leaving behind the members of the Illusion Magic Tower who were preparing for the match, I headed towards JeBbit.
Suddenly, I didn’t like my own tower members either.
Who do they have to thank for being so carefree?
Even if I’m not good at COL, shouldn’t they be a little more considerate? I mean, I’m pretty decent, aren’t I?
Muttering to myself, I made my way through the passage connected to JeBbit’s waiting room.
Leo had already arrived.
JeBbit would probably be walking out from there soon and onto the stage.
JeBbit’s role was to explain COL in a way that the audience could enjoy.
And to cheer and lift the atmosphere at the venue.
Originally, JeBbit was supposed to attend as just a regular spectator in his usual Rikal persona.
But I had threatened him and made him take on this role.
After all, a festival needs at least an idol-level figure to be invited.
It was always like that in the COL Champs in my previous life.
Of course, I also wanted to tease Rikal a bit.
“Huu… For some reason, I’m feeling nervous, Lord Riot.”
“She’ll probably come out from over there. Since She needs to go straight up to the stage, it would be best to greet her after She finishes her role and comes down.”
“Ah, of course. I wouldn’t want to disturb JeBbit.”
Leo looked just like a fanboy about to meet his idol.
I could already see JeBbit’s flustered expression vividly in my mind.
Considering how much I’ve suffered under that brat, I should be allowed to tease him at least this much, right?
Suppressing a laugh inside, I waited for JeBbit.
Soon, the time came, and JeBbit appeared.
“O, oh…!”
“…W-What.”
Leo, seeing JeBbit, covered his mouth.
And JeBbit’s face contorted in an instant as he looked at Leo.
Seeing the two of them, I couldn’t help but cover my mouth and laugh.
‘What is this nonsense-!’
JeBbit mouthed to me.
‘LOL.’
I responded with a mouth gesture as well.
JeBbit, with a face mixed with anger and embarrassment, headed straight to the stage.
It would probably be even more fun after she finishes her performance and comes down.
“—Hello, everyone!”
Waaaaaaaah—!
Anyway, with cheers directed at JeBbit, the Arcane War began like that.
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