Post

November 28
6:30 AM
Living Quarters, Alyssa’s room
Enigmastadt Palace, Enigmastadt

Good morning!... Well, at least for now. Or will it be a good day? Whatever. It looks like today is the day that my week leave has finally ended. It’s time to go back to work… as the country’s monarch. Then again, I have gathered up sufficient rest anyway, so I’m all good. I got out of bed as usual, doing a bit of a morning stretch and fixing my bed. Even if it’s been just a week, it felt like months… then again, it’s because I’ve been chatting with Fritz lately, even going as far as having phone calls with him.

I could attribute him to be one of the reasons for my speedy recovery, but… teehee, who knows, right?

Anyway, a maid coincidentally entered just as I finished tidying up my bed. I shrieked a bit as I got caught off-guard. “Ah! My apologies, Your Royal Highness! I didn’t know you were awake…!” she bowed profusely and begged not to be hurt by kneeling down. I panted and caught my breath for a few seconds before I paid my attention to her. “There’s no need to apologise,” I said timidly. “Please… stand up. It’s alright…”

She then stood up, but was still terrified to death. “I should have knocked… my bad…” she bowed once more. I chuckled and faced her. “Mistakes happen, ‘kay? Plus, it’s alright. There’s no need to be too apologetic,” I said, trying to sympathise at the very least.

“I… um, understood…” she replied, and slowly regained her confidence. “As I was saying… I was going to wake you up and tell you that Princess Emilia awaits you at the dining hall. She had assigned me to do so,” she said. Ah, so it appears Mother woke up early once again…

“Is that so? Not to worry. I’ll head straight there after fixing my hair. Thank you!” I said and smiled. She then bowed and excused herself. I ended up having a chuckle because the very first thing that greets my return after a week of being away from my duties is a maid frantically panicking. Am I really that intimidating? I know I’m just an epitome of cuteness. Unless Mother’s been secretly brainwashing the servants that I’m evil.

I’m just kidding, she doesn’t do that.

Well, no use wasting time. I sauntered my way, heading down the dim halls of the palace. I yawned loudly, clearly showing my desire to sleep more, but I cannot. If I could only sleep while in the throne room… no, that’d be breaking my protocols. Soon enough, I found myself in the dining hall - once again, it was only Mother who was inside. It seems Wolfgang is still asleep. Unsurprising, he sleeps like a log anyway.

“Good morning, Alyssa,” Mother said as she looked at me while sipping her morning tea. “It’s lightly drizzly today, so hasten up to drink your tea before it gets cold.” I stretched up and yawned before replying to her: “Good morning to you as well, Mother… I’m still sleepy. Can I sleep again?”

“No, you cannot,” she chuckled. “Don’t be stubborn now.” I then sat down, pouring my own cup of tea and having a sip. Goodness, it’s perfect! It’s also cold today indeed, so something this warm is always appreciated. Afterwards, I looked at our breakfast… It's another big meal. At this point, it’s to be expected in our household. “To think that one week would pass so quickly,” I then said, with a very long sigh. “It felt like a month already to me, too,” I added.

“TIme flies ever so quickly, Alyssa, you should know that,” Mother then said. “We cannot dilly-dally and do nothing. Life is an ever-spinning group of machinery - there is no room for error.”

“I suppose,” I replied and took my share of the food. Already hungry, I took one of the sandwiches and had a mighty bite. Mmm, this is delish, and the filling is pretty warm even. A classic that I will never get tired of. Seeing me eat, Mother decided as well to take her share. I have to say, her dedication is extensive - she wakes up early to make breakfast for us all as if we’re still children, and then goes to work as one of my royal advisors, treats us out for lunch, and still makes dinner. Talk about being spoiled…

“Say, Mum.” I asked after wiping my lips clean.

“Yes?” She looked at me with a curious expression.

“Don’t you think you’re spoiling me and Wolfgang too much? I mean, you’re already making breakfast, hastily treating us out for lunch, and still making dinner at the end of the day despite working under my government. I’m not saying it’s bad… but your dedication…” I asked, a bit embarrassed.

Mother then laughed. “Alyssa,” she said, “a mother will put everything aside for her children. She will never care whatever her responsibilities are as long as it’s for their sake. Soon, you’ll know how I feel- and no, I am not spoiling you both. As your mother, I don’t want to add any more burden to both of you. Let me take the blow of family responsibilities…” As she went on that last part, her voice trailed off, and she looked away, seemingly a bit saddened.

“It’s okay, Mother… thank you, really,” I replied and smiled, standing up to give her a big hug. “I just wanted to know why you’re this dedicated.” I continued to do so, and eventually I heard a small sniffle. Is she… crying? Oh dear. Nope. Not good. I’m screwed. “Are you crying, Mum?” I then asked, only to get a reply via a tight hug as well and a pat on the head. Well… it’s a relief, and I miss this feeling, you know.

“No, no I’m not,” she replied. But I could hear her suppressing her tears - the sniffles were very apparent as she spoke, and since she locked me in a position where I couldn’t see her face, I’m not able to see what expression she is showing. After that, she let me go, and soon enough I saw her wiping her face with a napkin.

“So you did cry,” I said.

“Never speak about this,” she said with a bit of a humorous tone and half-sniffling in the process.

“What if I do?” I teased.

“I… won’t cook you pancakes for a week!” she threatened. “NO! Anything but my lovely, fluffy and delicious pancakes! Alright! I won’t!” I replied, chuckling nervously. She then laughed, much to my chagrin. Eventually I chuckled as well and we both returned to eating our breakfast, and soon enough Wolfgang joined us after he slept like a log.

“Gu~ten Mor~gen~, sch~läfer~kopf~” I said, in a teasing and girly tone.

“Sod off, Alyse,” he said grumpily.

“Geez. So grumpy in the morning already. You’ll get more marks on your forehead if you do that on a daily basis, li’l bro,” I replied. “Eventually you’ll become an old coot!” Wolfgang sighed and chuckled, sitting down to pour his own cup of tea. More importantly, though, I had to check the time. It’s already seven o’clock, it seems. I suppose it’s time to get ready for work. I stood up, and bade them farewell, as I made my way back to my room.

As I went back, something came to my mind that partially, if not, crippled my walking. Him. The fact that I’ll see him… while being the monarch… oh dear. How do I hold my infatuation for him while I retain such a menacing appearance as the monarch…!? I held on my chest, blushing hard, and gripping my clothes out of nervousness. Goodness, get a hold of yourself! A glance at the clock, however, made me regain my senses back to reality. It’s getting late, and I do not want to disappoint the nobility by being tardy. Not wasting any more second of my life apart over such menial fears, I headed off to the bathroom to give myself a hot bath and to deliberate about what to do, now that I’m returning to work.

But again, the thought of him returns. I just couldn’t hold myself from not thinking about it. My heart just really wants to take command of my entire self right now. I could hear it telling me: drop your menacing persona. However, one side of me also says to keep the façade up for the sake of formality. I am the monarch, after all. I need to act like it…

Despite the pseudo-civil war ongoing in my head, I finished bathing with no troubles and had myself prepared and suited up for my return to the throne after a week off. Wearing my prescribed royal attire and letting all my hair down while placing a butterfly-shaped hair accessory, I was finally ready to return to duty. I looked at the mirror one more time, and there it was - the Alyssa that every Illuverendian knows - the Queen of the United Kingdom of Illusia and Neverendia.

“Looking great,” I said to myself. “Let’s go.”

Going out of my room, two Illuverendian Royal Guards were waiting, with Mother joining them. All three of them bowed in my presence, as I locked the door. “Shall we, then?” I asked, an indication that we should all be heading to the throne room, where all the Royal Advisors, alongside the Queen, convene and exchange thoughts - before heading to the halls of the Herrscherrat to properly deliberate it.

“With pleasure, Your Royal Highness,” Mother then said. Her formality still rattles me, because it’s just so weird having to see your own parent being a subordinate. However, she decides to break protocol and walk side by side with me, which is fine. Normally, a Queen’s Royal Advisor is to walk behind the monarch, not within her side, as mandated by the royal protocol that I also abide with, especially during work hours.

“You seem tense, Alyssa,” she then said. Oh… that’s right. It’s because my walking stance is a bit off, and it seems Mother could see it crystal clear, even if the guards behind us could not. “I guess I’m nervous…” I said. “Thoughts of what I should do once I see him is making me feel off,” I continued, slowly gripping my clothes, and rapidly blushed. Mother couldn’t help but to softly chuckle.

“You’ll be fine, Alyssa. I’m sure it will delight both of you to see each other while being extremely formal,” she said. “Maintain your posture, and you’ll be okay.”

“That’s the problem, Mother. How can I maintain my posture when my head is having a civil war… literally?” I complained. “I haven’t felt this feeling where I have to balance out my personal feelings and my persona as the monarch. This is the first time, and I’m not prepared… at all. Do you have any suggestions?”

“A few,” she then replied. What a relief. “You could bring him along with us later at lunch to familiarise himself a bit further on our formal sides. Since the Herrscherrat deliberates only from nine o’clock to three in the afternoon, you should be able to use up your time until five to try hanging out with him while sporting your royal attire. After all, your life isn’t always publicised, there’s no cameras around every sector of the Enigmastadt Palace to let the Illuverendian nation know, too. Everyone knows that your privacy must be respected because like most of your subjects, you are also an individual doing her job and also has a life of your own.”

“That’s a fair point,” I replied. “I guess I’m just overthinking that if someone sees me with him, they’re going to make a fuss out of it. But then again, nearly all of Enigmastadt knows that I break my own protocols…”

“Exactly,” she replied. “The populace are aware of your two sides. They beget your respect to them by not giving too much thought about your daily life. Think about it, would some random individual also like it if their daily state of affairs were well-monitored by someone that they don’t even care about?”

“No,” I said.

“Then there’s your answer. Plus, paparazzi on the monarchs is a punishable penalty, unless you’re not in your royal attire. That’s okay,” Mother replied. “Keep it cool, Alyssa. Take it easy - don’t let your responsibilities get the best of your personal feelings. Stay in the middle is the best suggestion I can give.”

“In the middle- ah, I see,” I said. The conversation that we had eventually brought us already to the throne room. Many of the other Royal Advisors had arrived, waiting patiently. As the doors were opened, there they stood, bowing in sync and greeting:

“Welcome back, Your Royal Highness!”

I smiled. Mother, who was still breaking protocol, decided to face me and also bowed as well. “Thank you,” I replied heartily. “I hope you all have been well and ready to serve the nation once more.” They stopped bowing and each said ‘yes’; then cleared a way to my throne. Goodness, it’s still as good as before… ehehe. I stood up on its small platform, and faced them, before sitting down. I could feel the pride and power rushing up my veins as I did so.

As I sat down, there it was. I am finally on duty as the country’s monarch once more. The advisors began to assemble and began their daily exchange of thoughts. Some presented their ideas to me. Others just stood around, discussing daily affairs, and rejoicing about my return. Even if it was a bit uncouth for me to do so, I decided to check the time on my phone. Hey, what’s the problem with that? We’re just conversing around. The Herrscherrat doesn’t start until nine o’clock.

Well. It’s apparently just 08:15. I suppose starting the Herrscherrat a bit earlier than planned would be doable. I stood up and called for the advisors’ attention. “Your attention please,” I said. “Please head to the chambers of the Herrscherrat at once. Advise all ministers present to prepare a little earlier than scheduled.”

“Can do, Your Royal Highness,” they said, and left the premises. Only people who were left in the room were me, Mother, and a few guards. “You don’t usually start the Herrscherrat this early,” Mother said. “Excited already to see Prince Friedrich by the stands because he’s the serving assistant to the Commissioner of Civil Rights, eh?” she teased. “Tut tut, Alyssa. Using your power to be closer to someone you like-”

“Mum!” I blushed and looked away. “It’s… it’s not like that was my intention!”

“Pish posh, Alyssa. I know you,” she replied. “You know, it doesn’t matter. As long as you’re not using it for evil purposes or being a dictator, you’ll be loved by many. Including the Prince of Brandt-Lusaminia…” she then winked.

“MUM!” I exclaimed and covered my face. The guards could not help but to chuckle. I could literally hear them, but I don’t mind. What I’m more concerned about is that my face is melting… gee, thanks a lot, Mother! If this isn’t the literal definition of being embarrassed then I don’t know what it is!

“I hate it when you do that…” I muttered. Nevertheless she gave me a hearty rub on the back, and urged me to already make my way to the chambers of the Herrscherrat. Yeah, there’s no use being some weird crybaby on the side of one of the most important rooms of the palace… but I do secretly hope that he’s one of the people assisting in the preparation of the chambers right now. Getting a bit tad excited as we walked I hastened my pace, and sure enough Mother could see that I was getting very peppy on my current manners. They were not protocol-breaking enough but to a common citizen one could notice that I’m walking too bubbly instead of the formal one that most people know.

“Somebody’s hyped about something, it seems,” a male voice said, which shocked me. I turned back and it was Wolfgang, who had snuck on us. I shrieked and turned to him. “Don’t scare me like that, Crown Prince!” I angrily remarked. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack!?”

“No,” he replied. “Plus, your heart’s already being attacked by something else, am I right?” he teased. Good grief… really? Two in one day, and the duration in between isn’t even that long. Heavens save my soul. “Shut up!” I replied - but it’s too late. I’m blushing. Again. For the nth time at this point. It’s even worse than before because we’re getting closer to the chambers.

“Now now, big sis,” he then said. “I’ll back you up here. Tell you what, the Assistant to the Commissioner of Civil Rights is indeed helping prepare the Herrscherrat for its session today. He’ll be watching from the benches. Pretty sure you won’t complain of a boring Council Session from this day on, now, would you?”

“Gah… I hate you…” I sighed. “But I suppose… though I’m not sure how I am able to retain my composure for over three hours of deliberation and discussions with him watching from the benches,” I said.

“We’re having a short one today,” he then replied. “Amendments to the schedule of the Herrscherrat will take effect. While you were off, we deliberated about the scheduling of deliberations and approvals/ratifications of new and existing decrees and/or laws. The Herrscherrat agreed that two meetings in a month would do - one for deliberations, and one for approvals or ratifications. In between those periods, magistrates can work on amending proposals. Today will be a short one because the Herrscherrat’s also going for the winter break.”

“Is that so?” I replied. “Well… looks like it seems I’ll be cooped in the throne room with the advisors until five o’clock.”

“It doesn’t mean you can’t roam around the Palace’s chambers and check around the ministries, though,” Wolfgang said. “You’re luckier than I am. After the Herrscherrat’s session today I have to go to the SB and-”

“Yeah, right, go to the SB and flirt around with Lady Annika, sure,” I scoffed.

“You didn’t have to point that out…” he then chuckled and laughed a bit.

“Hmph. We’re even. You scare and embarrass me, I’ll berate you for your deeds in the SB,” I teased. “Oh, would you look at that, we’re in the doors of the chambers already!” I pushed it open, and what greeted me were the magistrates and their assistants preparing for the short session today. The royal advisors had sat down on their appropriate sections. I looked around like an eagle if he was indeed present like what my mischievous brother says.

As I did so, Wolfgang went to his bench, and Mother did so too, joining her fellow advisors. I walked around to see if everything was being set before I headed to my other throne in this chamber. Then I saw a nobleman clad in all white, talking to a magistrate on their bench. The nobleman had a really tall stature - nearly the same height as him, even. Could it be him?... No… Well, I must find out. Come on, Alyse, you can do this!

Not wanting to blush, I cleared my throat softly and kept my posture in check. But deep inside - my heart is beating like there is no tomorrow. Goodness, I might lose it right now. I decide to disguise my actions by checking first on the other magistrates. This should also ease my nervousness.

“Good day,” I said to one. “How are we doing today?”

“Ah, good morning, Your Royal Highness,” they answered and bowed. “Peachy, and ready for today’s deliberation. We sure have a sizable noble audience as well today.”

“Indeed,” I said. “Very well, may you have a good day ahead of you after this,” I remarked and checked the others, doing the same thing. Most of them were pretty alright and are fine. On the fourth occasion however I went on to the bench of where the nobleman in white was. They seemed to take no notice of me yet - then again, it’s because I checked the right row of magistrates - they were on the left row. I then leaned over, and asked:

“Hello and good morning. How are you all doing?”

The tone in my voice was quite casual, with a smile included even. “Ah, guten Tag, Your Royal Highness,” the magistrate said. I looked at the name on the bench. Heinrich Augustus Leberecht von Brandt, it says. Wait… then…!?

“Fancy meeting you here, Your Royal Highness. We cross paths once more,” the nobleman faces me. I looked at him.

…

“P-Prince Friedrich!?” I said - and what do you know? I lost my composure - as feared, and I leaned back in shock. All of my preparations went down the drain…! I immediately blushed a lot, uncontrollably even, and I had to cover my face - both in shock AND because I was blushing. I could also feel tears roll down from my eyes too. Great! I’m totaled out!

“You know each other?” the magistrate then asked.

“I forgot to tell you it seems, Father,” Fritz then spoke. “I bumped paths with the Queen a week ago, during her break. My apologies, Your Royal Highness, I had never informed you about my noble attire,” he then said to me.

“...No need to…!” I said, lowering my hands and gesturing that he doesn’t have to make a fuss about it. From a glance I could see him staring at my beet-red face… You know, it’s a good thing there’s no other magistrate paying attention right now, or else I’m really going to shut myself up for a month. “I-I’m glad that both of you are present here today for deliberations…” I continued speaking - though stammering. “We’re having a s-short session today, so it seems, as I heard from the H-H-High Magistrate…”

“Are you alright, Your Royal Highness?” Heinrich then asked me. “You seem to be stammering. Are you still sick or forcing yourself? We would contact medical services right now if you need to-”

“No, no! I’m fine! Please, there is nothing to worry,” I said, interrupting him. “I’m… still adjusting from my break, after all. So there’s still going to be bits of sickness left in me, ehehe…” I smiled, nervously, and tried to restore my composure… with some success. I cleared my throat, which was enough to make me calm down. “Anyway - Sir Heinrich, how are you doing? Same goes to you, Prince Friedrich,” I then asked to go along with the routine.

“Ah… well, I am doing pretty A-OK,” Heinrich replied. “We were a bit late, since all the Advisors had arrived. But it seems that preparation processes were still being made. Some magistrates are still not here either.”

“I’m doing good, Your Royal Highness,” Fritz then replied. “I am patiently waiting for the convening of today’s session. Hopefully our other magistrates and their co-counsels do arrive soon. It is 8:30 after all.”

“That’s great to hear,” I said to them both with a smile, especially fixated on Fritz, too. “And yes, I do hope the others arrive. The Herrscherrat is still looking pretty boring right now. We’re about…” I stopped to do a count on the number of magistrates present, excluding their co-counsels. “...18 out of 26,” I then finished my sentence. “Very well, have a good day, you two, and I apologise for the sudden outburst!” I bade them farewell as I headed off to my throne.

The two also exchanged their greetings to me. As I walked back, the embarrassment of having to show that attitude to Fritz’s father had me blush again. I saw a glimpse of Wolfgang snickering at me when I passed by him, and Mother chuckling from afar. Oh, woe is me… Well, I wonder what will happen throughout today’s session? Probably good things… I hope so.