Three days later, the Rokumeikan welcomed a new guest: Queen Clara, the young queen of the small, fictional kingdom of Mistwild, located near England.
Her honey-colored, shimmering hair was intricately curled and glistened like gold.
With long eyelashes framing her large eyes, she resembled an "emerald" sparkling from the droplets of water.
Accompanying her was a strangely beautiful man in his late twenties, with black hair and silver-rimmed glasses.
He carried a black cane topped with a large diamond. He introduced himself as Edmund, a marquis from the kingdom of Mistwild.
In the afternoon, a tea party was held at the Rokumeikan.
Sitting next to each other were Ambassador Shibata, British aristocrats, Queen Clara, and Marquis Edmund.
Alex was also invited, presumably as an interpreter. Sara, still in her male disguise, secretly watched from a distance.
Though she couldn’t hear the content of their conversation, everyone was smiling and engaged in cheerful discussion.
The British nobleman, in particular, seemed to be enjoying himself, reaching out toward Queen Clara's chair as he gazed at her.
(Isn’t he being a bit too familiar with the queen?)
Sara wondered, but there was no sign that anyone was reprimanding him.
Queen Clara silently accepted it. She was a beautiful woman in a coral pink dress, but there was something almost doll-like about her—perhaps it was her fixed, plastered smile.
Eventually, Alex was called before her. He bowed and knelt, looking up at her.
Sara felt a pain in her heart and pressed her chest.
His features were already somewhat foreign, but standing next to Queen Clara, they became even more pronounced, making him look like a fairy-tale knight. They looked perfect together.
Queen Clara extended her hand, and Alex took it, helping her to stand.
In that moment, her eyes sparkled. She looked dreamy and enchanted, like a lovesick maiden.
“...”
Sara forgot to breathe as she watched them. She continued to observe until Alex and Queen Clara walked together into the garden, disappearing from sight.
Sara returned to the mansion first and prepared dinner with Iwa. She sliced cucumbers, cut, cut, and cut some more...
"Madam, do you plan to eat all those cucumbers?"
"Huh?"
Looking down, she realized she had already sliced five of them.
"...for pickles."
"That sounds better. What’s wrong? Since you came back, you’ve been staring off into space."
"Well, that’s... "
In other words, it was jealousy. A beautiful woman like Queen Clara was by Alex's side.
Where did they go together? What were they doing?
Such questions spun in her mind, making her head dizzy with anxiety.
Just then, the bell announcing a visitor rang softly.
"Oh, I’ll go check."
Iwa wiped her hands and went to the entrance. After a while, she returned, grasping the knife again.
"Your husband won’t be back today."
"What!?"
"He must be busy with work. Diplomacy is tough, isn’t it? There have certainly been more foreigners than usual lately..."
Lying alone in bed, she turned to her side and grasped the blanket tightly.
Being alone in such a large bed felt overwhelmingly lonely... No, it wasn’t that.
She couldn’t stop worrying about Queen Clara.
Was it because Edgar warned her to be careful of the woman with emerald eyes?
Was she the one searching for Alex?
Why? For what purpose?
Could it be that she also came using the mirror? The foreign entity Edgar mentioned?
It was all so unclear.
But one thing was certain: Clara’s gaze at Alex was undoubtedly one of affection.
And the two had gone off together.
That thought filled her with unbearable anxiety.
"I see you've met the queen."
Near the bridge, Sara found herself consulting with Edgar. He was the only one she could talk to.
"What is she exactly?"
"She’s the queen of the Kingdom of Mistwild."
"There's no doubt about it, then."
"Yes. She is not an outsider."
Sara hung her head at Edgar's explanation.
"What should I do...?"
"What do you want to do?"
"I came here wishing to know more about Alex..."
"Then don't forget that."
That was completely true. There was no room for disagreement; jealousy was of no use, Sara reminded herself.
"But why do I need to be cautious of Queen Clara?"
"What you feel is correct."
That only made things more confusing. What did he mean by feeling?
Did it mean that she liked Alex?
That was probably true; a woman's intuition could be troublesome.
"Mr. Edgar, why can't you just say it plainly?"
"Because this world won't let me."
"Why not?"
"Because it would interfere with her wishes."
"Her, her... who are you talking about?"
"If I could say, I wouldn't be having such a hard time."
"Why did Sarah die?"
"That too is connected to your wish. I can't tell you. In this world, you’re the only one who can move freely. Do your best."
Only she could move freely? Sara grew more confused.
That meant everyone else could not.
It was as if there were no hints at all.
For now, she had no choice but to pursue Alex.
Sara headed toward the Rokumeikan. She needed to wear a dress for the ball she was invited to.
After putting on the dress and having her hair styled, she looked in the mirror and felt like a stranger.
The dress was predominantly white, accented with black trimming, and the striking red ribbon around the neckline made an impression.
This was a diplomatic event. She had to maintain an attitude that would not shame her among the Western powers.
Sara brought that hairpin as a good luck charm.
She pinned it into her hair and entered the dance hall with her head held high.
The moment she opened the door, she was greeted by a luxurious scene, with chandeliers scattering pale blue light across the evening's social gathering.
I placed my hand on Alex's arm, who was dressed in a tailcoat. The music was played live. When I think about it, it really is a luxury.
As Alex took my hand and we began to dance, he quietly said, "Everyone knows deep down that this is a ridiculous gathering. But this is what will help Japan grow little by little."
"Japan has learned from foreign countries since ancient times. From Sui, Tang, and India. It has just become Europe and America now. Besides, there are many things that have not been lost, no matter how much foreign influence we have."
"Yes. You’re wise; that is absolutely right. No one can control a person's heart. Just a little patience; to protect and nurture Japan, we will play the fool as much as needed. After all, this evening’s gathering will end soon."
The music stopped, and it was time for conversation.
Glasses filled with red wine were poured. Alex raised his glass, but only sipped it. It’s tough being a lightweight in situations like this.
"I'll drink for you," I offered.
"Sorry. You can drink, can’t you?"
"It seems a bit strong."
"That's reassuring. And your English is definitely more fluent than mine."
That might be an exaggeration. Alex's English is native-level. However, it’s true that accents vary by region; his sounded British, while mine sounded American.
At that moment, the hall buzzed with excitement. Clara, the queen, and Marquis Edmund had arrived in the VIP section. Everyone was abuzz with the appearance of the two beautiful figures.
"Who will the queen choose?"
I heard someone murmur. I already knew. She swayed in her golden dress and walked straight towards Alex.
I tried to step back, but the queen stopped me.
"I wanted to meet you, too."
Her voice was low and calm, but there was something girl-like in her manner of speaking.
"Nice to meet you. I am Sarah Nocturne..."
"Yes, Sarah. Look up."
As I raised my face as instructed, I found myself directly facing the queen. It felt like my heart had been pierced. I could hardly breathe as she stared intently at me.
"Sarah. You can understand me," she said.
"Yes."
"That's wonderful. Will you be my conversation partner? It would be a shame to come this far without any interesting stories."
This was an unexpected proposal. Edgar had warned me to be cautious.
"But..."
"The queen needs this. Would you grant her wish?"
It was Edmund who spoke softly, his voice sweet and melodic, despite being a man. He had a beautifully crafted face, almost idol-like, perfectly matching his voice.
"…My wife has just made her social debut, and she may be a bit rude,"
Alex interjected, but Clara kept her gaze fixed on me. Her eyes were as beautiful as clear emeralds, yet they held a certain coldness.
"Aren't we around the same age? Sarah, let’s enjoy some intercultural exchange as women."
If I refused at this point, it could affect the honor of the Rokumeikan or Alex. I bit my lip once and replied, "Yes."
The music started again. It was a waltz. Clara invited Alex to dance, and I was led by Marquis Edmund, left standing alone.
As I watched Alex and Clara move to the center of the dance hall, I felt a sense of disorientation, like I had lost my way. The warmth of Edmund's hand felt distant, and even when the music ended, I didn’t notice.
The sound of clicking cameras filled the air as photos were taken.
People gathered for tonight's ball, delegations from various countries, and ministerial couples.
Several cameras were lined up, taking pictures for several minutes.
Sara thought this was probably for the high-ranking officials, and indeed, as the gathering broke up and guests began to leave the dance hall, the
photographers prepared to pack up as well.
At that moment, Alex called out to one of them.
“David.”
A man with a stubbly beard and wavy hair, clearly a foreigner, turned to him.
“Hey, Alex. What's up?”
“I'd like to request a photo.”
“It'll cost you. Are you sure?”
“Yeah.”
Alex turned around and called to Sara.
“You're not to be underestimated either. You're a real beauty.”
“She’s my wife.”
David looked at Sara with interest.
“Is there foreign blood mixed in?”
“Nope.”
“Really? Your hair's wavy, which is rare for a Japanese person, right?”
“Not really. Besides, Japan has had foreign blood for a long time. It's actually rare to find someone who's 100% pure Japanese.”
“Wow. Young lady, I'm David. I've talked with Alex quite a bit.”
“Sarah Nocturne. Nice to meet you.”
David’s voice was raspy but calm, giving off a friendly vibe. He even spoke Japanese fairly fluently, albeit with some effort.
“Okay, take a seat over there. You too, Alex.”
“Wait, what?”
Sara turned to Alex when David offered him a chair.
“I thought I’d get your photo taken.”
With such an impressive machine? It felt like going to a photo studio. This was no casual smartphone snap, and Sara felt a bit intimidated.
“But is it really okay? Isn’t your work done for the day?”
“I’m fine. Just a little side job. Oh, is it that? The one about your soul being sucked out?”
That was a superstition that had spread during the Meiji era. Sara certainly didn’t believe in it, but it seemed to have become quite entrenched.
“There’s no way that could happen. Right, Sarah?”
Alex dismissed it quite easily.
“What about you?”
“I’m good. Just her tonight.”
Sara thought it would be nice if they could at least be together, but David was already preparing.
“Okay, don’t move. Good, just like that…”
Sara stiffened at the sudden start of the photo session, freezing in place. It seemed it would take about two minutes.
Alex rolled up his sleeves, as if checking a watch.
But of course, there was no watch there.
Sara found it oddly amusing and couldn’t help but smile.
A click sounded again.
Alex and David seemed to know each other well, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Sara thought David might know something about Alex and decided to ask him.
“Sir.”
“No need to be formal. Just call me David. What do you want?”
“It may sound strange, but I really want to know. It’s about Alex—do you know anything about his parents?”
At Sara’s question, David’s eyes widened, and he shrugged his shoulders.
“No, why?”
“He was born in Japan to a Satsuma man and a Dutch woman, yet his name is Alexander Nocturne.”
“Oh, I see. That name was given to him.”
“Given? By whom?” Sara pressed David for more information.
“By Queen Clara. Didn’t you know?”
“Eh?”
Sara turned to look back at the now-empty dance hall, recalling Clara. The honey-colored hair, emerald eyes, and her beauty as if painted in a portrait.
“Has she been to Japan before?”
“No, this is her first time.”
“Then why…?”
Sara felt a swirl of suspicion in her chest, but David tilted his head, looking confused.
Is it strange? Am I the one being unreasonable? she thought, as nothing around her changed; the closing activities continued.
(It’s odd. Queen Clara just arrived recently. Yet, Alex has been Alex for at least three years. I even checked the family register.)
This is a mirrored world, and Sara herself is time-traveling. Perhaps anything can happen. But isn’t the contradiction too great?
“Queen Clara gave him his name?”
“Yeah, it’s an honor. She intends to bestow him a knight’s medal as well.”
Sara smiled, trying not to reveal her inner turmoil. She felt she had become somewhat better at acting since coming to the Rokumeikan.
“You seem to know a lot about this.”
“Well, you hear all sorts of rumors in my line of work.”
“Then, what is Alex’s real name?”
David crossed his arms and looked at Sara, lowering his brows slightly while raising the corners of his mouth.
“Who knows… Nobody really knows his true identity.”
Swaying in the carriage, Sara opened the window and felt the night breeze.
The gas lamps illuminated the road, but the light was still weak, and visibility was not very good. She could barely see around the wheels.
"I'm sorry about last night. I couldn't come home,"
Alex said from beside her, and Sara turned to him.
"What happened?"
"I was researching the Kingdom of Mistwield. It seems the kingdom has no heirs and is under pressure from the British Empire. If a child is born, they might gain support from the husband's side, but it's been eight years since they married, and there's no sign of that happening."
Sara thought it was none of her business, but she felt a strange discomfort.
It seemed as if marriage and children were mere political tools.
Indeed, it was a time when such things had long been the norm.
In Sara's time, it was hard to imagine that women could be deemed useless if they didn't bear children for their in-laws. Moreover, it was expected that a queen would be the first to wish for an heir.
"People are not tools for producing children..." she murmured involuntarily.
"Sarah?"
"If treated that way, both heart and body would be hurt, making it even harder to bear children..."
Alex fell silent, and the thoughts about his name weighed on her mind.
He lived with a name given by the queen.
Who was he, treating her so kindly?
Even though he was right next to her, he felt like an ambiguous figure from another world.
"Alex..."
She finally leaned her heavy head on his shoulder. His scent, reminiscent of trees growing in a temple, and his warm body were both there for her, yet it felt like he wasn't really him.
"I want to know you."
"...I am who I am. Why do you think that?"
(Because I like you.)
Gripping her skirt tightly, she felt Alex's hand cover it.
"Why did you marry me?"
"Introductions. We were matched in Kyushu and that was that."
"Because I'm the daughter of the Yuge family?"
"Yes. It was thought that if I made a name for myself, it would balance out. But if that were the only reason, there were other suitable women."
"Then why?"
"Well... it was because the moon was beautiful."
Sara looked up to see Alex gazing at her with his deep navy eyes. His pupils expanded like the universe.
—No one can control a person's heart. Just a little patience; to protect and nurture Japan, we will play the fool as much as needed. After all, this evening’s gathering will end soon.
Alex's words came back to her.
Yes, Edgar had said the same. One cannot manipulate another's heart. He is who he is.
Sara nodded to herself and faced Alex again.
"… Alex. I care about you. It's not just a matter of the name..."
"I see. That makes me happy."
"So…"
"Yes?"
(I will definitely find you. The real you.)
next→【鏡中夢幻ーEphemeral Fantasies Within the Mirror】Episode10 R-18
