"Gyah...!"
The carriage lurched violently, and from outside came the sounds of shouts and struggle.
Could it be that they were being attacked?
Even though this carriage bore the royal family's emblem, and even though it should have been under the protection of the kingdom's knights.
(No ordinary bandit would dare attack a carriage like this... which means, could it be...!)
Emerald caught the faint scent of a dark conspiracy... but in the very next moment, the carriage door was flung open from outside, and a blood-soaked man appeared.
"Ah...!"
"Oh, my apologies. I've frightened you, haven't I?"
The young man, clad in armor stained with blood, flashed her a disarming grin.
It had been who knows how many years since someone had directed such a warm, guileless smile at her.
"Oh, you are...?"
"Forgive my late introduction. I am Brad Cattleya, a knight of the kingdom."
The young man introduced himself.
Cattleya... a name Emerald had heard before. One of the most prominent noble families in the kingdom.
The knight who had introduced himself as Brad wiped the blood from his armor with a cloth and tossed it outside the carriage.
"Some time ago, a group of attackers came after this carriage... but I've dealt with them without issue, so please don't worry. I'll escort you to the border as planned."
"I-I see... thank you?"
Was it the right response to offer thanks in a situation like this?
Emerald's face contorted.
"Um... who were the attackers, exactly?"
"Well, they may have been from the Empire. Perhaps they intended to kill you and make it appear as though our kingdom was responsible."
"............!"
"Ah, forgive me. Pretend I didn't say that."
He must have realized he'd said something unacceptable based on mere speculation.
Brad waved both hands in a panic.
"Um... it could have been common bandits, or perhaps the work of a noble in our kingdom. There are those in the kingdom who would welcome a war with the Empire!"
"T-that deflection is a bit much, don't you think...?"
"Ah... yes, you're right. My apologies once again."
Brad cleared his throat.
He seemed to be the type who couldn't keep his true feelings hidden.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Emerald nearly burst out laughing.
"I shall pretend those earlier words were never spoken."
"Oh, I'd greatly appreciate that! My father would have my head otherwise!"
Brad laughed and thumped his armored chest.
"I guarantee that you won't suffer so much as a scratch until we cross the border! Once we enter the Empire, the war hawks'... rather, the attackers will no longer have any reason to target you. Please rest assured!"
"Rest assured... is it? Is there even a point in my returning to the Empire?"
"Hm...? Whatever do you mean?"
"When there's no one waiting for my return, is it really alright for a useless burden like me to go back?"
The words escaped Emerald's lips before she could stop them—her true feelings laid bare.
Brad blinked in surprise, then let out a low "Hmm."
"Does Lady Emerald have no brothers or sisters?"
"Huh...?"
What was he talking about?
Bewildered, Emerald answered Brad's question.
"I have two older brothers... but we haven't seen each other in twenty years. We only exchange letters."
"Oh, then it'll be fine!"
Brad puffed out his chest with absolute confidence.
"An older brother exists to protect his younger sister. Surely he's waiting for your return back home."
"...You think so?"
"Of course. An older brother is an older brother no matter how old he gets. He's thinking of his sister at all times. When he's eating, when he's sleeping, when he's taking a bath, when he's doing paperwork, when he's killing enemies on the battlefield. His mind is always filled with nothing but his sister, and he carries the handkerchief she embroidered for him everywhere. That is the creature known as 'big brother.'"
"I-Is that so..."
"So you should hold your head high, swing your arms wide, and march home!"
"............"
Falling silent, Emerald said nothing more.
Thinking of her dead son, she couldn't bring herself to be that optimistic... but her heart felt just a fraction lighter — by about the weight of a single waterbird's feather.
"...Thank you for your concern."
"Yes, don't worry about it. Now then... shall we set off once more!"
After that... without suffering a second attack, Emerald returned to the Empire. She never did learn who had assailed her.
Emerald was stripped of her imperial status and reunited with her family and friends for the first time in twenty years.
After rekindling old bonds, she entered the monastery to mourn the souls of those who had lost their lives in the rebellion led by her son.
————————————————— April 1st — Volume 1 of the book goes on sale!
Bonus side stories are included with purchases from the digital edition, Melon Books, Gamers, and Animate — each with its own exclusive.
This is all thanks to everyone who has continued to support this work. I sincerely express my gratitude.
I hope you will continue to enjoy this series.