A long, long time ago, there was a kingdom. The economic foundation was mainly based on trade and occupation, etc. Although it was considered one of the leading powers on the continent, it was surrounded by several strong nations that could not be taken lightly, all of which eyed this kingdom's territory greedily, etc. At this time, it was still under feudal imperial rule, meaning the monarchy and nobility governed, etc. In short, there was such a country.
1. The Royal Ceremony
In the king's castle, a meeting was currently taking place.
"—‘Speaking of this work, it's an entertaining action novel… really? The themes we were originally considering for the school festival story have turned into this kind of odd piece. How should I put it, this is really content that loses the main point.'—"
The high ceiling and floor polished like a mirror, the three-aisled corridor connecting them with columns, the long narrow red carpet laid out, and so on. In this seemingly dignified audience hall, the king, queen, prince, three ministers, and the chief of guards, all central figures of the state, were holding an important meeting.
Sitting on the throne… or rather, placed there, King Alastair said in a voice like distant thunder:
"In the past, there was a legendary princess, who, though living in extreme poverty, gained the favor of the prince and eventually ascended to the position of queen."
For some reason, the king appeared wearing a crown inlaid with black gemstones, but this detail is not going to be explored further here.
"To emulate that story, our kingdom has passed down a tradition for generations. The season for holding the 'ball' used to select the queen who will become the consort of the heir to the throne has almost come."
"…Well…"
A young man, who seemed to be positioned as if 'punished to stand' beside the throne, shakily spoke.
He was the kingdom's prince, Yuji; pronounced together as 'Prince Yuji,' which is not a particularly nice-sounding name in Japanese. He had no imposing presence, and his weak character was apparent from his speech and behavior, so wearing a crown slightly smaller than the king's and dressed in elaborate clothing was completely incongruous with him.
"What's the matter, my son?"Hearing a voice from King Alastel that was completely contrary to what he had been told, carrying a dangerously teasing tone, Prince Yuuji couldn't help but feel timid, yet he still asked his question.
"Uh—if... among those people, one doesn't find a girl they like, then what... would happen..."
For a moment, the atmosphere at the scene became filled with discord, causing his voice to shrink to something as tiny as a mosquito by the end of his speech.
"—‘In terms of theme, in depiction it is [Mustard and Counterspell Response], and in content it is [What did you say?]. This sort of topic, decided more casually than usual, is being recklessly concocted by the author.'—"
"Ah, Yuu, you really are something."
Queen Chigusa said in a kind voice and with a smile that seemed completely unrelated to the discordant atmosphere.
"This 'ball' isn't being held just for you, you know?"
Her gentle voice only emphasized the fearfulness of what she was saying, yet she herself seemed completely unconcerned.
"But, isn't it supposed to be about choosing my consort..."
This question was answered by one of the high officials, Berupelou, the military advisor, who pressed her thin lips together and spoke in an unpleasant tone:
"You are indeed correct. But the true significance of this ceremony is actually to minimize the influence of maternal relatives while simultaneously drawing capable talent and bloodlines into the royal family. This is not something that can be decided solely based on the prince's personal opinion, you know."
In general, it was an extremely idealized ceremony aimed at suppressing unnecessary people coming from the bride's family while also obtaining useful talent.
"—‘Editor Mikki is a service-oriented worker with a reader-first principle. This time as well, some popular characters who rarely appear in the main story are allowed to appear here. The author has also sensed his enthusiasm, even including some characters that weren't requested (text omitted).'—"
"Then, what am I even existing for?"
Faced with Prince Yuuji's deep doubt about the meaning of his own existence, General Shuden answered in an uninterested tone:
"That, of course, is for the final choice."
"Choice?"In order to emphasize the stage setting, General Xiudenan Ming, who was clearly not in a time of war but was forced to wear armor, looked at the prince through mismatched sunglasses and smiled:
“So, in other words, you select, from among those candidates who have survived multiple strict tests, the ones you truly think are useful to the Wang family.”
“Ah… I see…”
Contrary to the luxurious connotation of a “ball,” it seemed to be a matter of great seriousness and importance.
Then, King Alastair delivered yet another blow.
“You must personally experience the disturbances that occur at each stage of selection, the actions we take in response, and even the final selection process, to learn the ways of the world. At the same time, we will also observe what kind of choice you end up making… Do you understand what I mean?”
Even to his own biological son, he referred to him as “you this guy.”
Prince Yuji, seeking help, looked toward the last high-ranking minister—Hegate, who served as the priestess.
