Chapter 10: Reward

"Lady Atlee, has Her Majesty finished dressing? I've already reviewed her schedule for today," I ask, my voice steady, though impatience tugs at the edges. Clarice smooths her maid uniform with practiced grace, her expression serene. "Yes, we've just finished. But Angelica, wouldn't you at least consider calling me Clarice? We've known each other long enough."
I stiffen and avert my gaze, unwilling to meet her eyes. "You may call me whatever you like in private, but I won't. It's improper."
She exhales softly, a sound tinged with resigned amusement. "Fine. Let's just wait for Her Majesty, then."

The silence stretches awkwardly between us, pressing heavily on my shoulders. I can't stand it. "Oh," I begin, the words spilling out quickly, "it may interest you to know that we'll be receiving an adventuring baron today. He found lost items and even a new island! And get this—he only set out with a small airboat and his son. Isn't that incredible?"
Clarice tilts her head slightly, her composed demeanor unshaken. "It does sound remarkable, but perhaps we should wait to hear the full details during the audience?"

Before I can respond, Her Majesty's measured voice breaks the conversation. "Angelica, my dear, that is interesting, but you're getting too excited again. You need to control yourself better."
Heat rushes to my cheeks as I lower my gaze, bowing slightly. "Yes, Lady Mylene."
"If you're finished with today's plans, let us dine. We have a long day ahead of us," she says, leading the way to the dining room.
Yes, Your Majesty," Clarice and I replied in unison.

I stand at the queen's side during the court audience, my hands clasped neatly before me. This is part of my training—a glimpse into the responsibilities I will shoulder one day as queen. I should be focused, as I am with my other duties, knowing how important this is for Julius's future and mine. Yet, no matter how hard I try, court sessions like this always dissolve into a blur of monotony.
One by one, the court nobles step forward, droning on about their inflated accomplishments—endless self-praise from those who merely fulfill their obligations yet expect lavish rewards. They're so different from real nobles, like my father, who value genuine contributions.
True achievements, the kind worthy of admiration, are rare. I frown slightly. I could count such moments on one hand. That baron presenting today, though… Perhaps Father or Gilbert might find him intriguing.

The herald's announcement snaps me back to attention. The words "lost items" and "treasure" snag my attention, and I straighten up, suddenly alert.

A brown-haired man with a neatly trimmed beard steps forward, his posture upright and exuding quiet confidence. His attire, though appropriate for the occasion, seems unusually fine for a border baron. At his side stands a blonde woman—clearly his wife—though she appears to be at least a decade his senior. Three children stand with them, all impeccably dressed for the audience. The two older ones bear no resemblance to the man, while the youngest—a brown-haired boy—looks entirely unlike the woman. That's… peculiar.
As the baron begins his speech, my gaze shifts to the blond boy. He can't be older than thirteen, yet his demeanor is calm and self-assured. So young for adventuring… Could he really have contributed to this discovery?

The king's booming voice cuts through my thoughts. "You're a valiant hero of our time, Balcus fou Bartfort! The first great adventurer in generations. For that, I bestow upon you the title of viscount, though even that may not suffice. Additionally, you shall gain all neighboring baronets and two barons as vassals, filling the gap in our border defense. It is an honor well-deserved!"
A ripple of discontent murmurs through the court. I glance around, noting the frowns and whispers among the nobles.
Balcus bows deeply, his voice humble yet steady. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I never dreamed of such a grand reward. In truth, I came to ask something far less, if I may."
The king gestures for him to continue.
"As I mentioned, we discovered a gigantic airship—a lost item. I believe we can replicate parts of it to usher in a new generation of airships for our kingdom. With Your Majesty's permission, I would like to build a wharf on my territory, combining my ancestral home with the newly claimed island."
The king nods immediately. "If that is all, you have my permission. You should take more pride in your achievements, Viscount."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, but I did not accomplish this alone. My son played a crucial role," Balcus says, bowing again.
A wave of curiosity sweeps through the court. I lean forward slightly, eager to hear more. The king raises an eyebrow. "Your son? How could a boy of barely thirteen contribute so significantly?"
Straightening, Balcus speaks with quiet pride. "Your Majesty, it was not my eldest son, Rutart, who assisted me. He trains in the capital. It was my younger son, Leon. He has begged for years to set out adventuring with him, and he has grown stronger than many men. I could no longer refuse him, lest he venture forth alone."

I freeze. He's younger than me, How is that possible?

The king leans back, intrigued. "Interesting. The strongest ten-year-old I know is my son, Julius, and even he would struggle against a novice swordsman in real fight." At that, Julius's usually serene smile twists into a frown.
"Let us test your claim," the king declares, his voice sharp with authority. "Summon a palace guard in training."

My heart sinks. What is His Majesty thinking, pitting a boy against a guard?

A tall, armored noble steps forward, towering over Leon. The boy, sword in hand, shows no sign of fear. The match begins. The guard lunges, but Leon sidesteps effortlessly, striking with the flat of his blade.
"That is not enough!" the king bellows. "Show us the strength that aided your father. You may injure your opponent."

My stomach churns. Blood in the throne room? This is going too far!

Leon moves like a shadow, tripping the guard and pinning him with his blade. The court falls silent as he speaks, his voice steady. "Is that enough, Your Majesty, or shall I cut open his throat?"
A collective gasp ripples through the room. My breath catches. He wouldn't… would he?
The king laughs heartily. "You're truly exceptional. Would you not train under our Sword Saint?"
Leon bows stiffly. "Thank you, Your Majesty, but I wish to remain with my family."
"Oh well. I hereby declare you and your father guests of honor at our next ball. While you're staying in the capital, you may find it wise to visit the Sword Saint anyways."
Leon's expression remains polite, but his eyes blaze with frustration. Why is he angry? He was just praised by the king!
The Viscount quickly interjects, his voice calm. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

The king rises, dismissing the audience early. As he leaves, the court murmurs discontentedly.

I hurry after Julius, catching him at the exit. "My Prince, there's no need to feel disheartened. I'm certain you would do even better."
Julius smiles softly, his tone reassuring. "You're right, my dear Angelica." He kisses my hand lightly before leaving.

Walking back to my chambers with Clarice, frustration bubbles to the surface. "Lady Atlee, we must secure that Bartfort boy's support for the prince and Lord Jilk."
Clarice stops, her calm demeanor steady. "Angelica, you're doing it again. If Prince Julius or Lord Jilk wants his support, they will ask for it themselves."
"You're too inactive!" I snap. "You need to do more for your fiancé!"
Clarice's tone sharpens, her words cutting. "I just gave him an airbike he adores, Angelica. If he asked for my help, I'd give him everything. But plotting behind his back isn't love."
I stiffen. "Queen Mylene always does things this way."
"That doesn't make it right," Clarice retorts. "If you truly love him, you'll respect his agency." She turns and shuts her door firmly, leaving me alone in the corridor.

Back in my room, I collapse onto my bed, tears blurring my vision. "I'm doing this for Prince Julius…" I whisper to the empty room.

Leon

"Another harmful promotion," I mutter, leaning back in my new chamber at the Bartfort mansion in the capital. "If Roland doesn't get what he wants, he just twists your arm until you give in. I'd better visit Chris's dad soon. Arghh. At least I can use the ball to get closer to Julius and Angelica."
Cleare's voice chimes in, teetering between amused and reprimanding. "You're always complaining, Master. Everything is still well within our expectations."
I glance at her. Her lens swivels toward me, glowing faintly. "Sure, but that doesn't make it any less irritating. Roland just likes to stand in the spotlight, not thinking about the consequences of his actions."

Cleare hums dismissively, ignoring my grumbling. Her tone shifts to something annoyingly chipper. "Instead of dwelling on the negatives, why not reward me for my stellar performance? I analyzed the court's language patterns and crafted all those proper sentences for you and your father. Without me, you'd probably have blurted out something horribly inappropriate."
"You're right," I say absently, my thoughts wandering. "Mylene looks so young for her age. And small Angelica and Clarice—seeing them in those maid uniforms was something else. It was nice to watch them all do well today."
"Master, you ignored the second part of my comment," Cleare says, her voice turning pointed.
I can't help but smirk, finally meeting her gaze. "Yeah, yeah. Thanks, Cleare. You did good."

Her lens flickers with what I think is satisfaction before her tone takes on a mischievous edge. "Now, speaking of rewards, I have some experiments ready. I just need your permission to begin with the test subjects."
I shoot her a sharp look, leaning forward. "Sure, but you'll need to run everything by me first. I don't want you experimenting on the wrong people."
Cleare's lens flickers again, this time almost indignantly. "Master, you wound me! As if I'd ever misjudged a suitable candidate for my experiments."
I sigh, leaning back and closing my eyes. "Yes, you have. Even if everything turned out fine in the end. I'll be watching, Cleare."
Her laughter echoes softly as the drone floats away. "As you wish, Master."

A/N

First POV chapter! *Confetti cannon*
I originally didn't plan to do any chapters with different POV, but while planning the details of this (and the next) one, I found that idea quite charming. I also notice that I wanted to set up Angelica and Clarice a bit—nothing major for now.

And I nearly forgot, we're finally meeting the three best girls! *Confetti cannon*
Fight me.

One reason I had problems with these chapters is, that I remember having a great idea, but I don't really remember the idea itself since I apparently didn't write it down. And now I've finally given up that great idea, so I can continue. :(

So, like always, please comment if there is anything on your mind. All non shitposts are appreciated.