Case 162: Butterfly Effect.

    The Butterfly Effect is something most people know of.

    In reality, it is related to much more technical and theoretical topics, but in daily life, we use them to describe the fact that a small action has led to a significantly bigger result, often more than expected.

    If we try to trace back many of the events in our lives, chances are we will discover a certain action that started it all—like the flap of a butterfly''s wings that causes a tornado half a planet away.

    Well? In my case, we don''t even need to trace back remotely far for the blue butterfly to show up.

    ''''...What did you just say?''''

    ''''To retract your support for me as a candidate for the throne.''''

    ''''You''re quitting?

    ''''Yes. I''m leaving the race.''''

    For whatever reason, the few words I threw at her as ''maid Aurora'' have convinced the crown princess to drop out of the race. The cause is clearly there, and the result is here, but I don''t see the process. How did she arrive at this decision?

    ''''But why?'''' I ask, unable to defeat my impatience.

    In response, Sierra grins at me meaningfully, weaving her fingers together on the table, ''''Who knows? I just decided that I didn''t want to wear the crown anymore. Is it not good?''''

    ''''...''''

    Not really. I''ve already benefited a lot from the government, and considering Efil''s presence, it''ll be within the range of what''s expected even if they stop cooperating with us. However, Sierra''s sudden change bugs me.

    In the long run, it might even be one of the better outcomes for us if she resigns. Less stable politics, less chance of Efil running rampant with its power. Still, I''m concerned about her next goals. If she only wants to relax and live quietly from now on, then that''ll be the best case, but if she wants to instigate some trouble, then...

    Okay, there''s no use thinking about it here. I''ll have Luxia look into it later.

    For now, let''s give my answer.

    ''''Sure. I can do that.''''

    ''''Thanks.''''

    ''''...''''

    Sierra''s smiling eyes have a hint of relief in them. Is it just my imagination?

    Yes. The important decision to make is how to respond to this situation. For that, we have to look at it objectively.

    ''''...We''ll do nothing,'''' I reply. ''''Ultimately, how she handles her title isn''t our concern at the moment. I''ll monitor her for a bit more if she makes any trouble.''''

    ''''That''s reasonable, I guess.'''' Chloe sighs.

    ''''Boo...! That''s boring.''''

    Sure. Everything is boring to you, pinkhead.

    A few days have passed.

    Sierra still stalks me every now and then, but nothing really serious has happened. The more I talk to her, the more I realize that she acts just like an ordinary friend, perhaps even more so than the others.

    However, today is the day of that regular meeting between her and Silaerob again.

    ''''Hm... this meetup was supposed to be one where we cultivate our alliance, but with me abandoning the title...''''

    Fidgeting with a chess piece made of ice, Sierra quietly ponders.

    It has been a while since she started wielding that piece everywhere. It seems she likes it a lot.

    ''''Ah, but don''t worry. Even if I''m not the empress, I''ll still hold a significant position within the government. A prime minister or something.''''

    As if trying to reassure me of my alliance with the Astra family, Sierra blurts out those words. She''s not wrong, though. They will try to keep her politically active since her capabilities are just that impressive. If something were to happen to the next crown, she would probably assume the throne, too.

    ''''So, we don''t have to stop meeting here. Not for a long, long time...''''

    ''''...''''

    Finding nothing in particular to refute or correct, I simply nod at a faintly smiling Sierra. Just these last two meetings, her atmosphere has changed quite a bit. How can I say... she''s more vibrant now?

    Overworking really does affect someone, I guess.

    ''''Oh, by the way, Silalerob.''''

    ''''Hm?''''

    ''''Can I join your force in Zircon?''''

    ...Come again?