15
キューイ家でお世話になり始めてから6日目。とうとう殿下との約束の日である。
事前に決めた服にばっちり身を包んだ私をメリンダが捕まえた。鏡台の前に座らせられ、髪を結われる。両側からゆるく編まれた髪が後頭部の低い位置で一つに纏められた。絶妙な量の後れ毛が彼女の器用さと髪結いの熟練度を物語っていると言えるだろう。
「いやかわいいわ。これは良い。殿下喜ぶわ」
「ありがとうメリンダ。でも口調」
「お可愛らしいですわ、レベッカ様。素晴らしいです。殿下もお喜びあそばすことでしょう」
口調を注意したらメリンダが気味の悪い喋り方になってしまった。説教くさいことを言うのはやめ、素直に抱きついて感謝を伝える。メリンダは私を抱きしめ返し、「楽しんで」と言ってくれた。
殿下は子爵家領まで迎えに来てくださるはずだ。何だかいてもたってもいられなくて屋敷の前で待っていたのだが、約束の時間が近づいたのに馬車が見えない。
あれ、と思い始めた頃だ。大きな影が自分にかかったことに気づいた。空を見上げて理解する。確かにこんな相棒がいたら、馬車を使おうなんて思わないに違いない。
「レベッカ。待たせたか」
「いいえ、今来たところです」
大きな大きな鷲の背に乗った彼が変わりなく見えて安心した。恋人同士みたいなやり取りも嬉しかった。
殿下は私に手を貸して鷲の背に乗せた。
「名前はグルーという」
やっぱり幻獣には名前をつけるものなんだ!思わず顔を輝かせる。四人は人を乗せられそうなグルーは悠然と高度を上げ、穏やかな飛行を開始した。
キューイ子爵家の屋敷がもうあんなに小さい。下の景色が綺麗だし、空気が美味しい。空がこんなに気持ちいいとは。ここは高いところに登った時の常套句だと母が教えてくれた、『人がゴミのようだ』を使うべきだろうか。
「ただ一緒にいるだけじゃなく、色んな経験をさせると良い」
背中にひっつく私を振り返るようにして殿下が言った。卵のことだろう。それは良いことを聞いた!
ハンドバッグから手のひらサイズの卵を取り出した。気持ちの良い風を浴びられるようにだ。
「...空飛ぶ蛇になっても構わないのよ、クリスティーナ」
小さい声で言ったつもりだが殿下には聞こえてしまっただろうか。何も言われなかったのでよしとする。
あっという間に王都が見え始めた。今日は楽しい日になりそうだ。
***
観劇、食べ歩き、雑貨屋巡り、お茶屋さんで甘味をお供に休憩。私たちは王都でのデートでやりそうなことを制覇したと言っても過言ではないだろう。
ずっと殿下のそばを離れず、心からたくさん笑い、遊び疲れてくたくたになった頃。そろそろ日が暮れることに気づいて悲しくなってしまった。
「レベッカ、夕焼けを見に行こう。俺の気に入りの場所がある」
笑顔で頷く。もう少し一緒にいたいと思っていたからすごく嬉しかった。
差し出される殿下の腕を取る。その動作が今日一日で当たり前になったことも、たまらなく嬉しかった。
だけど今朝ぶりにグルーの背に乗って移動した後、着いた場所を見て絶句した。
「で、殿下ここはもしかして」
「ああ。王宮の屋根の上だ」
「ですよね!」
何らかの犯罪には当たらないのか。少なくとも不敬には当たっている。
殿下は慣れた様子で腰を下ろした。
「気にするな。俺はよくここで夕焼けや夜空を見る」
道理で王宮の屋根にとまろうとする巨大な鷲を警備兵の皆さんが気に留めないわけだ。グルーは私と殿下を屋根に残し、気持ちよさそうに空を旋回していた。
諦めて殿下の隣に座る。たしかにここはどの建物よりも高いから何の障害物もなく空を楽しめる。
どこまでも続く夕焼けを眺めていたら、レベッカ、と名前を呼ばれた。殿下の方を見て、思わずどきりとした。群青が私を見つめていた。眼差しが真剣だ。その後ろは一面の夕焼け。殿下の金色の髪がその赤色に透け、混じり合いながら輝いている。
実は今日の私にはある目標がある。殿下は私に何でも相談するようにと言った。なら私は殿下に攻略本や乙女ゲームのことを話すべきではないだろうか。攻略本に書いてある情報は多大な価値を持つ。殿下はきっとそれらを上手く生かすことができる。
ただ。このことを打ち明けるとは同時に、私がシナリオでは悪役令嬢だと打ち明けることでもある。
殿下が私を大切にしてくださっているのはわかっている。だけどそれは私が『私』だからだろうか?それとも、『将来の妃』だからなんだろうか?
私のことを愛しているだとか好きだとか、ちゃんとした言葉で聞いたことは一度もないのだ。
私が恐れて止まないもの。それは『ゲームの強制力』なるものの存在だ。『春』の順位は私というイレギュラーの周りで起きたこと以外シナリオ通りだった。試験もそうだ。それに、レベッカがエミリアを虐めなくても、代わりに他の人間が嫌がらせを行っていた。
どうにも色んなことが違う過程を経て同じところに収束しているように思える。シナリオ通りでないことも多々あるが、ゲームが最低限の要素だけを綺麗に並べつつ進行していると言えなくもない。
その場合。私はもう自分が悪役令嬢だとは思っていないが、ただの私として主人公に勝てるのだろうか。
シナリオではスルタルク家の令嬢である私よりも、エミリアを妃にすることが国益につながっていたと殿下が知ったら。ゲームの強制力が本当に存在して、ほんの少しでも殿下の背中を押したら。それでも殿下は『殿下』として、そして『ルウェイン』として、私を選んでくれるのか。私は未だに結論を出せずにいた。
だからもしも今日、殿下が私自身を好いているとはっきり言葉にして伝えてくださったら。私は殿下を信じて全てを明かそう。そう決めて今日を迎えたのだ。
私の緊張を知ってか知らずか、殿下は私の腰を支えるように片腕を回した。私が足を滑らせて落ちたりしないようにだろうか。
寄り添う私たちは他の人には恋人同士に見えるのかな。
そんな風に思ったことはすぐに後悔した。
「レベッカ。言いたいことがある」
どきどきしていたはずの胸が落ち着いていく。私を見つめる殿下は、『一人の男』ではなく、紛れもなく『この国の王太子』の顔をしていた。
「俺はこの先お前となら王としてもやっていける。俺と共にこの国を守ってくれ」
プロポーズともとれる言葉。しかしそこに甘さは一切ない。
群青の瞳に私の全てが見透かされているような気がした。国を背負う彼に愛まで求める、わがままな私の全てを。
薄く微笑みを浮かべた。無意識だった。もはや私にとっては心の防衛反応なのだろう。心の中が相手に知られないようにするための。
「はい」
『一人の女』としてではなく、『王太子の婚約者』として。できる限りしっかりした声で答えれば、殿下の顔は緩んでいつもの殿下になる。私を愛おしそうに見つめてくれる。
それを見て喉がひくりと震えた。「殿下は私のことをどう思っていらっしゃいますか」と自分から問えばそれで済む。そうわかっているのに、怖い。彼がその時どんな顔をするのかわからなくて怖い。答えを聞くのが怖い。全てを伝えるのが怖い。
口を噤んで下を向く。出るべき言葉は一つとして出なかった。私は殿下を信じきれなかったのだ。
「今日のお前は一段と綺麗だ」
腰から腕が離れ、殿下の左手が私の右手を包み込むように握った。離れてしまわないようそっと握り返した。
ああ、私。今を忘れたくない。
心の底からそう思った。
燃えるような夕日の美しさも、殿下の優しい声も、この手の温度も。全てを脳に刻み込んで、これから先何があっても思い出せるようにしたい。
願わくばそのときも今この瞬間と変わらず、殿下の一番近くにいますように。
Ch 15
It has been 6 days since I started being taken care of by the Cuey family. Today is finally the day of my appointment with His Highness.
Melinda caught me in the clothes that we had previously decided on. I was made to sit in front of the mirror and my hair was tied. My hair was loosely braided on both sides and gathered at a low position on the back of my head. I can say that the perfect amount of hair left out in the back tells the story of her dexterity and skill in hair styling.
"Oh my, you look cute. His Highness will be pleased.
"Thank you, Melinda. But the tone of your voice."
"You look lovely, Rebecca-sama. It's wonderful. His Highness will be delighted."
After correcting her tone, Melinda's speech started talking in a weird way. I stopped being preachy and hugged her to express my gratitude. Melinda hugged me back and said "enjoy yourself."
His Highness should have come to pick me up from the Viscount's territory. I couldn't help but wait anxiously in front of the mansion, but as the appointed time approached, the carriage was nowhere to be seen.
I was just starting to think something was off when I noticed a large shadow cast over me. I looked up and understood. If I had a companion like this, I would never think of using a carriage.
"Rebecca. I kept you waiting."
"No, you're on time."
He rode on the back of a big eagle and looked unchanged, which made me feel relieved. I was also happy to have such a lover-like interaction.
His Highness helped me onto the back of the eagle.
"His name is Grue."
As I thought, Phantom Beasts also have names! I couldn't help but smile. Grue, who looked like he could carry people, calmly rose to a high altitude and began a peaceful flight.
The Viscount Cuey's mansion is now so small. The view from below is beautiful and the air is delicious. I never knew the sky could feel this good. As my mother taught me, should I use the phrase "people are like ants" when I'm at a high place.
"Not just being together, but also giving you many experiences."
His Highness said as he turned to look at me clinging to his back. It's probably about the egg. That's good to hear!
I took out a palm-sized egg from my handbag. So that it can also enjoy a pleasant breeze.
"...I don't mind even if you become a flying snake, Christina."
I intended to say it in a small voice, but I wonder if His Highness heard it. He didn't say anything, so I'll assume it's okay.
Before I knew it, the Royal Capital came into view. Today seems like it will be a fun day.
***
We went to watch a play, went for a walk while eating, walked around a variety of shops and had a sweet treat at a tea house. It is no exaggeration to say that we have done everything that a date at the Royal Capital could possibly do.
I never left His Highness' side, laughed from the heart and became tired from playing. I noticed that the day was getting dark and I became sad.
"Rebecca, let's go see the sunset. I have a favorite place."
I nod with a smile. I was happy because I wanted to stay together for a little longer.
I take the prince's arm that was offered. Even the fact that this action has become normal today made me incredibly happy.
But when I saw the place we arrived at after riding Grue's back this morning, I was speechless.
"Y-Your Highness, is this place?"
"Yes, it's on the roof of the palace."
"That's right!"
Is that not some kind of crime? At least it is a crime of disrespect.
His Highness sat down with an air of familiarity.
"Don't worry about it. I often come here to see the sunset and the night sky."
No wonder the guards did not pay attention to the huge eagle perched on the roof of the palace. Grue left me and the prince on the roof, while enjoying the sky.
I give up and sit next to the prince. It is true that from here we can enjoy the sky without any obstacles because it is higher than any other building.
I was looking at the endless sunset when I heard someone call my name, Rebecca. I looked at His Highness and was startled. A deep blue (eyes) was staring at me. The gaze was serious. Behind it was a sunset. His Highness's golden hair was translucent in the red color, and it was shining while mixed together.
In fact, I have a certain goal today. His Highness said to me that I should consult with him about anything. Then I should talk to His Highness about strategy books and the Otome game. The information written in the strategy book has great value. His Highness will surely be able to make good use of them.
However, by confessing this, I will also be confessing that I am a villainess in the scenario.
I know that His Highness values me. But is that because I am [me], or because I am [the future queen]?
I have never heard the words of love or like from His Highness in a proper way.
What I fear is the existence of [game coercion]. The ranking of [spring] was as the scenario described, except for what happened around me as an irregular. The same goes for the examination. Besides, even if Rebecca did not bully Emilia, other people would harass her(them) instead.
It seems that no matter what, many things go through different processes and converge in the same place. Though things may not always go as planned in the scenario, it can be said that the game is progressing while neatly arranging the minimum elements.
In that case, I no longer think of myself as a villainess, but can I win as just myself against the protagonist?
In the scenario, it was more beneficial for the country for His Highness to choose Emilia as his queen, rather than me as the daughter of the Slutarch family. And if the game's coercion (compulsion) was really existent and could push His Highness' back just a little, would His Highness still choose me, both as the king and as Llewayne, I still couldn't come to a conclusion.
So, if His Highness were to clearly say to me today that he likes me, I would trust him and reveal everything. That's what I decided and faced today.
His Highness must have known my nervousness and turned his arm around to support my waist. To prevent me from slipping and falling.
As we leaned on each other, we must have looked like lovers to others.
I immediately regretted thinking such a thing.
"Rebecca, I have something to tell you."
My heart, which should have been fluttering, starts to calm down. The Crown Prince looking at me is not just [a man], but unmistakably [the Crown Prince of this country].
"I can be a king with you by my side. Protect this country with me."
These are words that could be taken as a proposal. But there is no sweetness there.
I feel like my whole being is seen through his deep blue eyes. He wants love from me, who is selfish and carries the burden of the country.
I smiled thinly. It was unconscious. It must be a defense mechanism of my heart to keep my feelings from being known.
"Yes."
I answer with as much firmness as possible, not as [a woman], but as [the fiance of the Crown Prince]. The Crown Prince's face relaxes and he looks at me with affection.
Looking at that, my throat trembled. "What do you think of me, your Highness?" If I ask this, it will be over. Even though I know that, I'm scared. I'm scared of what expression he will have. I'm scared of hearing the answer. I'm scared of telling everything.
I closed my mouth and looked down. Not a single word came out. I couldn't trust His Highness.
"You look even more beautiful today,"
His Highness' left hand, detached from his waist, enveloped and gently grasped my right hand. I softly returned the grasp so as not to let go.
Ah, me. I don't want to forget this moment.
I sincerely thought that.
The beauty of the burning setting sun, His Highness' gentle voice, the temperature of this hand. I want to engrave all of them in my brain and remember them no matter what happens from now on.
I hope that at that time, I will still be next to His Highness, just like this moment.
The Villainess Carries a Strategy Guide
その悪役令嬢は攻略本を携えている
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/the-villainess-carries-a-strategy-guide/
Fantasy Josei Romance Shoujo
Academy Adapted to Manga Aristocracy Doting Older Siblings European Ambience Female Protagonist Love Interest Falls in Love First Magic Nobles Otome Game Reincarnated in a Game World Villainess Noble Girls
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n6554fr/
岩田加奈