雲一つない、どこまでも抜けるような青空。
ハイリゲンクロイツ王国は祝いの熱気に包まれていた。王国各地のどんな小さな村であっても、人々はめいめいに一張羅を着飾って広場に集まり、魔道具が映し出す大神殿の前の映像を見ている。
王都では、神殿から王宮までの道には何重にも渡って人々が連なって、今か今かと待っている。中には5日も前からここにいるという人もいたほどだ。
ルドルフは、介添人のアレクとともに先に神殿へ入っていた。見目麗しい二人が時折顔を寄せて何やら囁き合う様子は、神殿を埋め尽くした高位貴族の、特に御婦人方を恍惚の彼方へ誘おうとしている。
「お前も罪なやつだな。これから永遠の愛を誓おうってのに。」
騎士団の赤の儀礼服に沢山の勲章を下げて、アレクが笑い混じりに囁いた。片方の肩から垂れ下がった黒いマントがゆれる。
「知ったことか。文句ならあっちに言ってくれ」
ルドルフが顎先で指した先には一段高い席が作られていて、国王陛下夫妻が並んで座っている。こちらの二人も時折顔を寄せ、微笑み合っている。
「いやぁ。陛下がお元気になられて本当によかった。一時はどうなることかと…」
「聖水のおかげだな。」
神龍の居所だった北の山が喪失し、後には湖が残った。その湖の水は光の魔力を帯びていた。
「光の魔力を持った水…か。だがそれと引き換えにお前の光の力は無くなったんだろ？それに聖女もいなくなった。聖女の力なくしてやっていけるのか？」
「聖水の力は聖女に直接加護を受けるのと遜色ない。魔力を魔道具に込めて各地の神殿に送るよりもずっと多くの人間が光の魔力の恩恵を受けられる。湖は王家の管轄だし、権力を揺るがすものではないが…統治は魔力だけには頼らない。統率力と政策が必要だ。それにお前たちの力も。頼んだぞ。」
そう言ってアレクの顔を見据えたルドルフの顔は精悍な王の顔つきをしていて、アレクは身が引き締まる思いがした。
「…御意」
アレクは胸に手を当て、頭を垂れた。
白い軍服に金の飾緒。眩しい金の釦に装飾。肩から長く大きく広がるローブ。重量のある正装を優雅に着こなしている。
花嫁の到着を告げる鐘が鳴り響く。
「お、お出ましか。お嬢ちゃん、綺麗だろうな」
「ああ。綺麗だぞ。腰抜かすなよ」
「…もう見たのか？」
「ああ見た。中まで全部。」
「……。」
アレクは呆れて物も言えず自らの主を見つめる。ルドルフは涼しい顔をして、神殿内の参列者と共に入口の方を向いていた。
荘厳なオルガンの音色が響き渡る。扉が開き、入口近くにいた参列者が歓声を上げた。開いた扉から明るい光が差し込み、ルドルフは眩しさで目を細めた。
新緑の木立の中を黄金の馬車がゆっくりと進んでいく。沿道には多くの人が集まり、馬車が通る前から歓声が上がった。
私は小窓から手を振って応えた。老いも若きも皆晴れやかで喜びに満ちた顔をしている。その一人ひとりの顔を私は脳裏にしっかりと焼き付けていく。私が守っていく人達の顔を。
「なんだ。お前も一丁前に緊張しているのか」
父がガハハと豪快に笑う。
「…お父様。私だって緊張もしますよ。この人達の人生を預かる立場になるのですから。浮かれてばかりはいられません。」
「エラ。王太子妃たるもの、着飾って微笑んでいればいい、というものではない。だが、お前だけが重荷を背負うものでもない。殿下を支え、共に歩むのがお前の役目だ。」
父はいつもの厳めしい顔になって言った。
「それは…そうですけれど。でも…そうやって気を引き締めていないと不安なのです。……こんな幸せがあっていいのか、と…。」
「エラ。恐れることはない。一人ひとりの幸せがなくて国の幸せはない。王とて同じこと。殿下が、そしてお前が幸せになることは国の幸福につながる。ほら。お前たちのために集まった人々の顔を見るのだ。皆が喜びに満ちているだろう？いつかもし困難な時代が訪れたとしても、この幸せの記憶を糧に人は前に進める。お前たちの幸せが国中を幸せにする」
私はもう一度沿道の人々の顔を見る。皆が喜んでくれ、私の心にも幸せの気持ちが広がる。心から笑顔を返すことができた。
「もうすぐ着くぞ」
馬に乗って護衛についている兄のエリアスが、私たちの乗るキャビンに近づいてきて告げ、そして持ち場に戻った。魔術師団の黒い正装に金の装飾と勲章が眩しく映えている。
「それに…お前が幸せになることは儂の一番の望みだ。記憶はないが…お前が幸せになること、それだけを願って時間を遡らせたに違いない。前世の儂は、な。」
父は柔和に微笑む。
私は、身体の奥からこみ上げてくる感情を抑えこみつつ、何度も頷いた。命を懸けてくれた父と、そして兄。今の自分があるのは彼らのおかげに他ならない。どれほど感謝してもしきれない。これを返すには私自身が幸せになることだ。
「ああ、まだ泣くなよ…。まだこれからだっていうのに…」
父がそんなことを言うからますます涙がこぼれそうになる。
そうやって必死で溢れ出るものを抑え込んだというのに…。
神殿の扉の前に並んで立ち、腕を差し出してくれた父の顔を見上げると、父が大粒の涙を流して号泣していた。
いつも厳めしい顔をしている岩のような魔術師団長が号泣している様子に、警護に当たっている魔術師団員たちが目を見開いていた。
私は嬉しいやら恥ずかしいやらで居たたまれない気持ちになった。
The sky was cloudless and blue as far as the eye could see.
The Kingdom of Heiligenkreuz was enveloped in festive excitement. No matter how small the village or village, people were all dressed up in their finest clothes and gathered in the square to watch the images in front of the great temple projected by the magical tools.
In the royal capital, the road from the temple to the royal palace was lined with people waiting for the event to begin. Some of them had even been here for five days.
Rudolph had entered the temple earlier with his bridesmaid Alec. The two beautiful women, who occasionally came close to each other and whispered something to each other, were trying to lure the high ranking nobles, especially the ladies, who filled the temple, into a state of ecstasy.
You are a sinner, too,” he said, “and now we are going to pledge eternal love. We are about to pledge our eternal love.
Alec whispered with a laugh, wearing the red ceremonial dress of the Order with its many decorations. The black cloak hanging from one shoulder swayed.
I don’t care. I don’t care, if you have a problem with me, you can tell me over there.
Rudolph pointed with his chin to a raised seat where His Majesty the King and Queen were sitting side by side. They too occasionally looked at each other, smiling.
They are sitting side by side, and His Majesty and Mrs. King are sitting side by side, smiling at each other. I am so glad that His Majesty is well. For a while, I wondered what would happen…”
It’s thanks to the holy water, isn’t it?”
The northern mountain, which was the residence of the divine dragon, was lost, and a lake remained in its place. The water in the lake was imbued with the magical power of light.
Water with the magic power of light…. But in exchange, you lost your power of light, didn’t you? And the saint is gone. How can you do without the power of the saint?
The power of the holy water is comparable to receiving blessings directly from the saint. A much larger number of people can benefit from the magic power of light than if the magic power were put into magical tools and sent to temples around the country. The lakes are under the jurisdiction of the royal family, and while it is not a power-shaking thing… governance does not rely on magic alone. It requires leadership and policy. And your power. I’m counting on you.”
Rudolph’s face had the look of a fearless king as he looked at Alec.
Gyoi…”
Alec put his hand on his chest and hung his head.
White military uniform with a gold cord. Dazzling gold buttons and decorations. A long, wide robe spreading from his shoulders. He wears his heavy formal attire with grace.
The bell rings to announce the arrival of the bride.
Oh, you’re here. Isn’t she beautiful, little girl?
Oh, she’s beautiful. She’s beautiful. Don’t be a pussy.
Have you seen it yet?
Yeah, I did. All the way in.
I’m at …….”
Alec stared at his master, dumbfounded. Rudolph looked coolly toward the entrance with the attendees in the temple.
The solemn sound of the organ echoed through the hall. The doors opened, and the attendees near the entrance cheered. Bright light streamed through the open doors, and Rudolph squinted in dazzlement.
The golden carriage moved slowly through the fresh green grove of trees. Many people gathered along the roadside and cheered even before the carriage passed by.
I responded by waving through the small window. Everyone, young and old, had a cheerful, joyful look on their faces. I will always remember each and every one of their faces in my mind’s eye. The faces of the people I would protect.
What is it? Are you nervous too?
My father laughs gaily.
Father, I get nervous too. I’m nervous too. I’m going to be in charge of these people’s lives. I can’t just get carried away.
“Ella. The crown princess is not something that can just be dressed up and smiling. But you are not the only one to bear this burden. It is your role to support His Highness and walk with him.
My father turned his usual stern face.
That…is true, but…. But…I’m worried if I don’t keep my mind tight like that. I wonder if I should be …… so happy…”
Ella. There is nothing to be afraid of. There is no happiness for a nation without the happiness of each individual. The same is true for the king. The happiness of His Highness and yours will lead to the happiness of the nation. Look. Look at the faces of those who have gathered for you. They are all filled with joy, aren’t they? Even if difficult times come someday, people will be able to move forward with the memory of this happiness. Your happiness will make the whole country happy.”
I look once again at the faces of the people along the road. Everyone is happy, and a feeling of happiness spreads through my heart. I was able to smile back from the bottom of my heart.
We are almost there.
My brother Elias, who was escorting us on horseback, approached the cabin in which we were riding and returned to his post. The black formal attire of the sorcerers’ corps dazzled with gold ornaments and medals.
And… it is my greatest desire to make you happy,” he said. I have no memory… but I must have sent you back in time to make you happy. Me in my previous life.”
Father smiles softly.
I nodded my head again and again, trying to suppress the emotions that were welling up from deep within me. My father, who risked his life for me, and my brother. I am the person I am today because of them. I cannot thank them enough. The only way I can repay them is to be happy myself.
“Oh, don’t cry yet… It’s just the beginning…”
My father’s words made my tears spill out more and more.
I tried my best to suppress the outpouring of tears, but….
Standing side by side in front of the door of the temple, I looked up at my father, who held out his arm to me, and saw that he was sobbing with tears streaming down his face.
The members of the Order of Magicians who were guarding him were wide-eyed at the sight of the rock-like Commander of Magicians, who always had a stern look on his face, sobbing.
I felt both happy and embarrassed.
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