Cast Off the Weight of the Crown
One day, Alicia summoned me to the Astro Sanctum.
There, I found Amora waiting for me.
...Oh?
Wait, why are you here too, Amora?
It seems she hasn't told you yet, Captain.
...Ah, that's right. Silly me, how could I have forgotten?
I meant to tell you on the first day, but I guess all that talk about husbands made me forget.
Husband. Husband...
...Don't laugh.
Sorry. No matter how many times people mistake you for a married woman... I just can't get used to it.
Then imagine how the person being mistaken feels.
...*Sigh* Let's leave that subject behind.
Amora let out a deep sigh, then turned her attention to me.
I owe you an apology, Captain. I wasn't trying to hide it from you.
...I, Amora Stranis... also serve as an executor of the Grand Witch Alicia.
You're Alicia's executor?
Yes. House Stranis is also one of NOA's allied houses.
The full explanation would take some time... so let's leave it at that for now.
Thinking back, Amora was far too strong to be an ordinary noblewoman.
She handled every training exercise flawlessly, and even in real combat, her movements were effortless and left no openings.
...At last, it felt like all the pieces had fallen into place.
No wonder you're so strong...
Fufu, you look rather troubled.
Don't worry. There was nothing lacking in the way you trained me, Captain.
I simply happen to be a little stronger than most.
I'm perfectly happy to continue as we have been. No matter how strong one is, one mustn't neglect the fundamentals.
Amora had a point.
But wouldn't it be a waste to have someone as powerful as an executor of the Grand Witch practice nothing but the basics...?
I decided I should first figure out what Amora was actually lacking in.
All right. Let's try a new training regimen.
...A new training regimen?
Oh my... Personalized training just for me? Captain, you do spoil me.
I do wonder what you'll have in store for me.
This should be enough to identify it, right? Or should I add more detail?
Drawing.
Ah, this melody... It's been ages. I used to play it often when I was young.
Music.
This reminds me of when my daughter was little. Fufu. Want me to feed you too, Captain? Say "ahh."
She could even cook...!!
You're good at everything!
Fufu. I wouldn't be the head of the family otherwise. This much is the bare minimum.
Do you have to be superhuman just to qualify as the head of a noble house?
Maybe she was the type who could completely master anything after learning it once.
...In that case, what about something that couldn't really be learned?
After some thought, I decided to have Amora try something she'd probably never done before.
I've got an idea.
Come on.
Now then, I wonder what you'll have me do this time, Captain.
???
...Um, Captain? This looks like... a playground?
That's right. This is where we'll be training today.
W-wait... You're serious?
You call this a training spot... but this is where children come to play, isn't it?
That's exactly why I picked it.
Trust me. It'll help.
...*Sigh* Very well. Let's hear it, then.
Just what are you planning to make me do at a children's playground?
Without hesitation, I pointed to the swings.
...You want me to use the swing?
Just... play on it? Are you serious?
...Well, if it's an order from you, Captain, I'll oblige, but...
Looking thoroughly unconvinced, Amora slowly made her way over to the swing.
...Hup!
*Tap!* Amora kicked hard against the ground.
...
...
...The swing only creaked a little. It didn't rise very high at all.
W-wait. Hold on. Don't get the wrong idea! I was just caught off guard...!
*Tap* *Tap* *Tap*
Only the sound of her feet pushing against the ground echoed around us.
...
...I-it seems...
...I may have forgotten how to use a swing.
It's simply been far too long since I last did this as a child...
She could do practically anything with ease, yet struggled with something even children could do.
The unexpected sight made me laugh before I could stop myself.
D-don't laugh...! There's nothing wrong with being bad at swinging...!
Don't worry, I'll show you.
Just sit there. I'll push you.
...Hmm? If you're going to push me, Captain, then...
Something seemed to bother Amora as she stared down at her feet.
What if you think I'm heavy...?
Then, as though she'd made up her mind, she looked at me and nodded.
...Very well. I'll leave it to you.
Okay!
I stepped behind Amora and gently pushed the swing.
...Eek!
Wait... Captain. Isn't this a little too high...?!
...I was barely pushing her at all.
It's not that high.
It is...!
Wondering what was wrong, I peeked over and saw Amora with her eyes squeezed shut.
With her eyes closed, it must've felt much higher than it really was.
She looked just like a frightened child riding a swing for the very first time.
Try opening your eyes.
...Mm...
At my urging, Amora cautiously opened her eyes.
...!
...You're right. It really isn't very high at all.
Her earlier hesitation vanished, and before long, her eyes were sparkling.
...Pfft. Fufufu. Honestly, getting worked up over something like this...
...I'd forgotten these things. I didn't remember how good the wind could feel...
Captain, would you push me a little harder?
The breeze feels wonderful right now...!
I gave the swing a stronger push.
Kyaaah...! Ahahaha!
Harder!
Her carefree laughter rang through the playground.
Bathed in sunlight, she looked as innocent as a child.
*Thud!*
...Huh?
Sensing something was wrong, I looked down and found Amora sprawled on the ground.
S-sorry! I guess I pushed too hard...!
You were way lighter than I expected...
...
...
I'll atone with my life!
...Pfft.
Ahaha, there's no need to lose your life over it. Don't worry. I'm perfectly fine.
...Surprisingly, Amora didn't seem bothered at all.
If anything, she simply smiled and brushed the dust from herself.
Honestly, Captain... Sending your own Journey member flying like that, when I was worried you'd think I was too heavy...
I'm really sorry...!
If you're sorry, you'll just have to make it up to me, won't you?
As it happens, there is still plenty of training equipment here I haven't tried yet.
And so, we spent quite a long time at the playground.
Though, truthfully, it was closer to playing than training...
Even so, the time we spent there proved every bit as valuable as any other training session.
It's already gotten dark.
Time really does fly at moments like these. Fufu.
...
...It's been so long since I've spent a day... without a care in the world.
Thank you, Captain.
I think I'm beginning to understand what this Journey is all about.
Amora murmured those words and started walking ahead of me...
...Before turning back and meeting my eyes.
What are you doing? We should be heading back.
Surely you wouldn't make me walk back alone?
Coming!
On a night filled with the chirping of crickets, we walked back side by side.