Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 37

"...I have some business to attend to, so please excuse me with all due respect..."

It was an abrupt pronouncement.

...If anything, it was not an impolite gesture that could be condemned. Rather, it was extremely refined, with impeccable language and demeanor, in full accordance with the courtly etiquette of the imperial court. Her good looks and taste in clothing were also perfect. Some people would forget to breathe in admiration of her.

But still, it was inevitable that she would attract the curious, puzzled, and astonished gazes of the guests, especially those who were sitting around her.

Of course, the emperor is still the emperor even though he is almost completely a puppet, and his authority, though formal, is not something that can be ignored.

However, what cannot be ignored more than that is the possibility of displeasing the Grand Council of State, which practically controlled the Imperial Court.

Although it was nominally the emperor's order to host the garden party, it is obvious from his bored attitude that the young child did not propose the event on his own. Still, from their point of view, it would not be so pleasant to have a little girl leave the garden party, which they held to show off their power. It might even draw attention to them in a bad way. Besides, her mannerisms, her manners, and her language... It is impossible that this princess, who is obviously well-educated and reasonably intelligent, does not understand this, and therefore, the Grand Council of State is stunned and puzzled by the sudden outrage.

Yes, to leave the venue in this situation is too irrational and a foolish choice, no doubt. It is a choice that has approximately no merit at all...

"Let's go. Follow me."

"Huh...!? Y-yes!!"

Still, Kizuki Aoi proudly and naturally, as if there is no problem at all, gives a single smile to the nobleman in front of her who has remained dumbfounded from a while ago, and leaves her seat without the slightest hesitation with half-youkai standing by her side. Following her own order, Shiro, who was upset but obediently obeying Aoi's order, was about to leave the hall of Burakuin Hall, dashing through the crowd... and then a figure stood in front of them.

　"Aoi the second princess of Kizuki's family, isn't it? Please return to your seat."

　"That's right, I don't know what reason you have, but it is impolite to leave without finishing your seat while the Lord is still here. Please, I beg you to understand."

Two officials of the Ministry of the Imperial Household appeared in front of Aoi and said to her. They expressed to Aoi their anger, or rather their annoyance. It was a kind of sense of obligation to the rules and goodwill toward the ignorant girl from the countryside.

"I already told you, with all due respect, didn't I? Now move out of the way."

Aoi smiles and orders with her mouth covered by the sleeve of her kimono. Her polite but coercive attitude, which gives an impression of condescension to the subordinates, however, does not anger the official.