The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady

 

Sponsored Content

Episode 32: The Future King (Part 3)

Euphie POV:

“You seem troubled, Euphie.” (Grantz)

A voice calls out to me, bringing my hazy consciousness to the surface.
I look up embarrassed, realizing that all I've been doing lately is spacing out.
It was my father who spoke.

We're having dinner at my parents' house.
Father is very busy, but he seems makes an effort to attend dinner on the days I return to their house so we can see each other.

“Kinde is worried about you, though he's not very honest about it.” (Grantz)

“I…
make him uncomfortable.
It can't be helped.” (Euphie)

Naturally, my brother Kinde was also attending dinner with us.
But, I can't recall the last time we've ever talked properly.
Even though we're in the same house, he avoids me and even leaves the room whenever we have dinner together.

While thinking I needed to talk to Kinde soon, so many things happened in the blink of an eye, causing me to stumble forward without any idea of what I should be doing.
I can only reflect on whether that is the reason I showed a gap in front of Father.

“Euphie, if you don't mind, would you like to talk to me about it?” (Euphie's Mother) (1)

“Mother…” (Euphie)

“Many things have changed these days…
You've changed too.
I want to hear what you have to say.
What are you worried about? Until now, I've been so strict.
I've failed you by being too hard.” (Euphie's Mother)

“Please don't say you failed, Mother.
But, I suppose I am troubled.” (Euphie)

I feel so embarrassed right now.
I've exposed my own troubles so much that even Mother is voicing her concern.
However, this isn't a problem I can handle alone.

I also wanted to ask again.
Father, it was none other than you who advised for the return of Anise-sama's succession rights.
What are your thoughts on this matter?

“…Father, what are your thoughts on Anise-sama's accession to Queen?” (Euphie)

Father narrows his eyes at my question.
I've heard that some feel as if he were glaring, but I'm used to his gaze, so it doesn't faze me.

After a little silence, Father speaks.

“What are my thoughts? The only heir to the throne is Princess Anne-Sophia.
She's the only one who can be queen, and she has the potential to make the country prosperous.
On the other hand, what are you so anxious about?” (Grantz)

“…I'm wondering if Anise-sama really should become queen.” (Euphie)

“The question is not whether she should become queen or not.
The most important thing to remember is that she is the only one with a direct lineage to the royal line, since Algarde was disowned.” (Grantz)

What Father says is an unchangeable reality.
In the end, there's no choice but to accept it.

…And yet, I can't help but clench my fists.
I know that.
I know it, but…

I can't help but see the smile of Anise-sama.
And then, the sight of all her emotions draining away, becoming ice-cold.

“If she becomes queen, she'll lose her freedom.” (Euphie)

“That's what it means to be monarch.” (Grantz)

“I know.
I know that…
But, I still don't want her to shackle her heart.
If she becomes queen, she'll be forced to birth an heir.
Father also realized this, right?” (Euphie)

“…In exchange for her birthing an heir, King Orphanse would concede to nearly all her wishes.” (Grantz)

Somehow, I knew that this is how Father thinks.
If Anise-sama becomes queen, she'll eventually have to birth an heir.

“Then, what if Anise-sama wants to concentrate on magic?” (Euphie)

“That's what the prince consort is for, to deal with politics.
Alternatively, you could take over the political side of things; though, you alone wouldn't be enough.
You'd have to increase the number of available hands.” (Grantz)

This is reality.
It can't be changed.
I understand that.

Sponsored Content

“…You seem unconvinced.” (Grantz)

“I'm not convinced.
Because…
that girl, should not be a ruler.” (Euphie)

“Oh…?” (Grantz)

“Anise-sama has the vessel of a king.
If her talent is polished, it will shine.
But, that's…
different.
If that happens, Anise-sama's brilliance will fade.”

“So, you're saying Princess Anne-Sophia is meant to be a magical researcher?” (Grantz)

“That's part of it, but it's not just about the research.
I know I'm not doing a very good job of conveying the message, but, I just know.
I know that being free is the irreplaceable charm of that person.” (Euphie)

I want Anise-sama to remain free to choose.
Whether she chooses to be royalty or to devote herself to the study of magic, I want her to decide based on her own will.

“Couldn't she do that as queen?” (Grantz)

“No.
The title of “queen” acts as a shackle.
Once you become a symbol, you can't escape.
If you want freedom, you'd have to change the course of the country.
And if that happens, she clamp down with an iron fist.” (Euphie) (2)

“—That's completely fine.” (Grantz)

“…Eh?” (Euphie)

“If she wants to impose of dictatorship, let her; if it goes to far, we will advise her.
She is not a fool.
I believe that if we give advice, she will listen.
That is what it means to serve the monarch.
The queen's words are the future of the country and the way the country should be.
If you agree with her decisions, stand with her; if you disagree, take a stand and question her.
That is my loyalty.” (Grantz)

That it is.
I shut my mouth as I try to continue my words.
Surely then, Anise-sama's wish would be fulfilled? Then, should I be like that? As a vassal, to be by her side and watch her heart break?

Is that the shape of the future I wish for? I can't stomach it; it feels as if a thorn were in my heart.
If it's the right thing to do, if it could happen, I should be fine with it.
Yet, these feelings remain in my heart, weighing down on it.

I don't know…
I've never had these kinds of thoughts before.

“…Well, that's my 'loyalty'.” (Grantz)

“…?” (Euphie)

“What are your thoughts, Euphie?” (Grantz)

What do I think when the question is returned? Father said that this was his loyalty.
In reason, I too think that if Anise-sama is free to establish a dictatorship, I should serve him for it.

But, this is what is stuck in my mind every time…
Surely, it isn't just a matter of reason.

“I don't want Anise-sama to wear the crown of thorns.
I just don't like it.
I don't want her to be bound.
I don't want her to become queen.
I don't like the idea that she'll lose her freedom.” (Euphie)

 

I just want that person to be free.
Who she may be with, what she may be for.

Ah, yes.
It's so simple.
I just don't want her to be named queen, which is an unfitting name.

I don't want her to be named queen.
She doesn't have to act like a maverick; she doesn't have to look like royalty.
She shouldn't have to act for someone else but for her dreams.
(3)

“It would be easy to bind her, to force her to listen.
But, there's a difference between giving her a choice and letting her choose.” (Euphie) (4)

…Ah.
Finally, I understand.

I guess the mistake I made with Algarde-sama was probably “this”.

I could only act as a shackle.
A mere decoration.
I had to realize “this” before I could stand by anyone's side.

Letting someone choose, rather than giving them a choice.
To not bind them, but to take their hand.
To walk together, and to protect their freedom of choice.

“I don't understand why she has no choice but to be queen.
I want Anise-sama to be able to choose to be queen.
This situation is nothing but forcing the title on Anise-sama.
There are no choices.
I want to give her the right to choose.” (Euphie)

Sponsored Content

“…But, Prince Algarde is no longer here to take her place…” (Grantz)

“Well, my 'loyalty' won't allow me to give up!” (Euphie)

Protecting her “freedom” is my “loyalty”.
I want to protect her heart, her world, and her choices.
Protecting the future she chooses is my desire.

I could finally feel that way with pride.
Doing not as I'm told, but what I wish.
To choose and take on challenges, no matter how difficult they may be.
It isn't enough to behave as told or expected.

“I see.
That's your 'loyalty'? Hahahaha!” (Grantz)

I involuntarily rolled my eyes.
My father laughed.
He even raised his voice as he was laughing.
It was so uncharacteristic of my father that it caught my attention.

“I'm sorry about that…
It was just too funny.” (Grantz)

“I understand that it…
is childish.” (Euphie)

“It's not.
No, maybe it is.
Freedom is childish.
But…
you're different from me.
Thinking about it from my perspective won't work.” (Grantz)

“What…?” (Euphie)

“It's no wonder you didn't get along with Prince Algarde if you were just imitating me.
You have your core.
I'm sure that you aren't aware of this but putting yourself in my mold won't work.
Especially if what your heart says is different.” (Grantz)

I tilted my head, not quite grasping the gist of what he was saying, as Father laughed in satisfaction.
What on Earth was the point of his laughter…?

As I was puzzled, Mother, who had been quietly watching, spoke up.

“Euphie, your way of being is different from our generation's.” (Euphie's Mother)

“What…? What does that mean?” (Euphie)

“You know that His Majesty Orphanse ascended to the throne, the Kingdom of Palette was overrun with chaos, right?” (Euphie's Mother)

“…Yes.
Before His Majesty was crowned, the times were turbulent.” (Euphie)

We were taught this in history class.
Thanks to His Majesty's domestic policy and the Queen's diplomatic maneuvering, the country stabilized, but until then, it was a series of hardships and difficulties.

There was even a time when the Kingdom of Palette nearly went to war against other countries.
Nowadays, the chances of that are slim, likely due to the Queen's diplomacy.
I know our country became stable because of His Majesty.

 

“We had to unite.
In such a turbulent world, we couldn't afford to 'choose' between a unified ideology, stability for the people, and preparedness for external disasters…” (Euphie's Mother)

“…Yes.” (Euphie)

“Conversely, you may be the generation that is allowed to choose.” (Euphie's Mother)

Holding her hand to her cheek, Mother smiles.
It's not the kind of smile you always see, but a smile that seems somewhat relieved and happy.

“For example, if it were wartime, we would have strongly desired to utilize Princess Anne-Sophia's magicology for the knighthood.” (Euphie's Mother)

“…” (Euphie)

“That's how powerful she is, right? I've heard of Anise-sama's success.
But there was no need to do any of that.
We've protected that choice.
The fact that you, as children, can choose what you want to do is proof that you've become rich.
And, to be able to choose; that's an idea that only comes from being rich.” (Euphie's Mother)

…Indeed, if you ask me, I can't help but agree.
If you can choose, it's because you have room to choose.

If our parents didn't have the same thoughts, it's likely because they grew up in a different time.
The world today is what our parents gave to us.

“We had to protect it.
To protect it and pass it on to the next generation, and then to the next.
But you, the next generation, don't have to pass it on in the same way…” (Euphie's Mother)

“…We have not forgotten our respect for those who came before us.” (Euphie)

Sponsored Content

“Yes, I know.
But 'our loyalty' isn't something that must be protected and passed on.
That's what I mean, Euphie.
I think that Princess Anne-Sophia might have been the one we wanted.” (Euphie's Mother)

“Anise-sama?” (Euphie)

“In a rich country, everyone can live smiling.
We have done our part to make this country prosperous and the people happy.
But, Princess Anne-Sophia's magicology would bring us closer to the ideal we dreamed of, would she not?” (Euphie's Mother)

Mother may be right.
Many of Anise-sama's magical tools are a great boon in life.
All her tools, from the flashy flying tools to the more mundane ones help people's lives.

Magicology is not a privilege given only to nobles.
Anise-sama said that it would and should be available to all, even commoners who lack magic.

“Euphie.” (Grantz)

“…Father.” (Euphie)

“I still want Princess Anne-Sophia to be queen.
She is worthy of the responsibility.
She can be the next symbol of the country we have protected.
I want her to lay the foundation of the country together with her magicology and build a new era.
My feelings have only been strengthened.” (Grantz)

Father tells me this with power and conviction in his words.
I can feel the strength of his commitment in his voice.

“But, I won't live in the age you are building.
Of course, I will serve this country as long as I'm alive, but…
it's your generation that will walk with Princess Anne-Sophia the most, Euphie.” (Grantz)

“Yes.” (Euphie)

“Additionally, you want Princess Anne-Sophia to not be queen, but to be free.
Unfortunately, Prince Algarde is no longer a viable candidate, so you'll have to set up another monarch.
Are you still willing to walk this path?” (Grantz)

“…Yes.
If I give up, I feel like I won't be myself anymore.” (Euphie)

What does the previous generation want from us? We can inherit the hardships they went through, but we will never feel and think in the same way.

 

That's why I want to have faith in my beliefs.
I want to believe in what I inherited from our predecessors and what I feel is right.
I won't just believe, but constantly repeating it, thinking about it, and accepting it.

My thoughts are no longer clouded.
Still, with whatever prayers linger, I don't want you to be queen, Anise-sama.

“Well, I don't think you're entirely wrong in your view.” (Grantz)

“Hm…?” (Euphie)

“There is something Princess Anne-Sophia is lacking to be queen.” (Grantz)

“…Magic?” (Euphie)1

“Yes.” (Grantz)

Father affirms with a nod.
It's a fact that the Kingdom of Palette had developed together with spirits, becoming a country that excelled in magic.
Even now, that philosophy has been handed down as faith.

Magic is a privilege granted to nobility and something our country should be proud of.
That's why I desired to the next queen.
From the point of view, Anise-sama is a failure.

In other words, from the perspective of magic alone, one could say Anise-sama cannot become the symbol of this country, its ruler.

“Princess Anne-Sophia's legitimacy comes from her bloodline and her achievements in magicology.
Additionally, there's her behavior up until now.
She has the support of the people, but she said it herself.
It's the aristocracy running the country.” (Grantz)

“…No matter how much the people believe in him, it's the nobility that matter…” (Euphie)

“Yes.
The aristocracy wouldn't exist without the people, but it's the nobility who rule the country.
Perhaps under the reign of Princess Anne-Sophia, that could change, but as of now, it'd be impossible.” (Grantz)

Certainly, that future could come if magicology develops and spreads throughout the country.

Even if they can't use magic, certain outstanding commoners are sometimes elevated as nobles, but that's only a small percentage.
Few people, like Baron Cyan, Ryeini's father, can become nobles.

“Returning to the topic, Princess Anne-Sophia's fatal flaw is her lack of magical ability.
Even if she makes up for it with her magicology, the faith of the nobility is deeply rooted in pure magical ability.
We are proud to have defended the country with our magic, and that won't change.” (Grantz)

Sponsored Content

“…I can see that.” (Euphie)

“Then that's where we must strike.” (Grantz)

“What do you mean, 'strike'?” (Euphie)

“We will have to establish a new royal line.
You remember how this country was founded, right?” (Grantz)

At my father's words, I involuntarily stand up and put my hands on the table.

“New royals…
the founding of this country…
You mean the 'spirit contract'?” (Euphie)

“Yes, that's right.
The first king founded the Kingdom of Palette, and in his honor, the spirit contractors were made to be royals.” (Grantz)

“But, sure the nobility wouldn't accept it!?” (Euphie)

“Yes, well we wouldn't be going against the royal pedigree.”

“Then…” (Euphie)

“If we have royal blood, even if it's distant, it should be okay.” (Grantz)

A distant relation?

I gasp at the implications of Father's words, and he looks straight at me.

“Euphie, do you want to be queen?” (Grantz)

“Me?” (Euphie)

“The Magenta family, though now distantly related, has royal blood running through its veins.
So, although our proof of pedigree is thin, we aren't completely without legitimacy.
Moreover, you have the talent to be recognized as the next queen.
You are descended from the first generation, the spirit contractors.
Therefore, couldn't you be a rival to Princess Anne-Sophia?” (Grantz)

…It was difficult to swallow the words Father gave me, and I just sat down weakly in my chair.

“If that's what you desire…
I'll cut you off from our family.” (Grantz)

“What?” (Euphie)

“If you want the throne, you cannot be the Duke of Magenta.
You must be adopted by the royal family.
Otherwise, you will become a cause of conflict; it'll be as if the Magenta household were trying to usurp the throne.
In any case, even with Princess Anne-Sophia, you'll just be a spark for the ensuing fire…
Remember, you would have such a future.

Abandon my house.

I understand…
what Father is saying.

But, it's too much of a pipe dream to really accept it.

I could only sit there helplessly, unable to say anything.

/////

E/N:

(1)*(E/N: I don't know Euphie's Mother's name.
It doesn't come up in the machine translation.
If anyone knows, please do tell.)

(2)*(E/N: Originally, “clamp down with an iron fist” was “she will drag it on forever.” It didn't make sense, so I changed it.
That being said, it could've just been some sort of Japanese expression that didn't translate well.
I don't know.)

(3)*(E/N: Originally, “She shouldn't have to act for someone else but instead for her dreams” was “I just want him to be there for someone else, for their dreams.”)

(4)*(E/N: So, this might be a little confusing, but I think what the author is trying to convey is by “giving her a choice”, you're dictating the options before hand, limiting the freedom and scope of her options, whereas “letting her choose” keeps her options open and allows her to choose with her heart, even if said option wouldn't be normal, practical, or accepted.
They sound the same, but there's a subtle difference.)

Every time I type in that acronym, TMROTRPATGYL, I can't help but think these long titles are ridiculous.
Sorry, the chapter was really late.

If there were mistakes, please notify me and I'll fix them.
I hope it was enjoyable to read!