Buckingham Palace, located in London, England, is one of Europe's representative castles, possessing a level of renown equal to that of the Palace of Versailles in Paris. Built as a residence for Duke John Sheffield in 1703, it was acquired by George III in 1761, renovated into the structure that stands today, and designated as an official royal residence upon Queen Victoria's coronation in 1837. It has continued to serve as the residence for subsequent members of the royal family ever since. Used as both an office and a residence by Britain's royal family, it remains true to its reputation as the royal palace of England.
The palace features a massive 170-square-meter garden containing a 20-square-meter lake, along with a ballroom, concert hall, art gallery, library, and reception hall. It also contains 19 staterooms, 52 guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms, easily making it one of the palaces with the most rooms in the world. Around 450 employees work in the palace, and approximately 40,000 guests visit every year. There are 50 personal servants who directly serve the royal family, while other palace employees reside in the royal stables, known as the Royal Mews. On top of that, the ceremony in which the King's Guard hands over responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace to the New Guard is one of the most interesting sights to behold.
In the circular plaza, a statue of Victoria stands directly in front of the palace. Beyond that lie St. James's Park and Trafalgar Square, connected by a walkway lined with plane trees on either side. In the middle of the plaza stands the Wellington Barracks, built in 1833, which are now used as a museum and chapel for soldiers.
Today, the palace in question was packed with British citizens and tourists. Although it was normally a popular location, the crowd today was even larger than usual.
"I guess it is a rare sight after all. But I'm sure they can't even see the ceremony, since it's going to be carried out inside the palace." Hearing me mumble to myself, Katalina giggled.
"Heh. Well, it's still a sight to see, even if they're on the outside for today. You are fifth in line to inherit the crown, after all."
Fifth in line to the crown. In fact, among Elizabeth's family members, one of her relatives had been a princess. They said she had died at an early age alongside her husband, who had been next in line to inherit the dukedom. Afterward, Elizabeth was raised by her grandfather, which helped me understand why she had grown up so introverted and fearful of the public. Her grandfather had always been suspicious of everyone and everything.
It wasn't as though anyone had explicitly told me this; I had pieced it together through documents, the staff's attitude toward me, and the diary her grandfather had left behind.
"You have to walk from here."
The driver brought the car to a stop and spoke to Katalina and me.
"Thank you."
I thanked the driver and then greeted the soldier who opened the door for me. Cringing internally, I forced myself to take his hand and step out of the car as thousands of cameras pointed at me flashed simultaneously. I couldn't help but wince at the blinding flashes I had to endure, but I did my best to maintain a smile as I waved back at the crowd.
"Wooo!"
Though I wasn't sure whether the screams were positive or merely excited, the air was filled with loud cheers. Escorted by the soldier, I watched as the extravagant front gates of Buckingham Palace swung open.
Soon the palace came into view, though its exterior appeared rather plain and understated in comparison to the Palace of Versailles. Aside from the natural, antique charm that had weathered the vicissitudes of time, it didn't quite convey the grand image of a true palace. I couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed.
Stepping onto the red carpet that stretched all the way from the front gates into the palace, I saw guards standing in formation along both sides and thought about how difficult it must be for them. They wore long-sleeved tunics and heavy trousers, topped off with massive, thick bearskin hats. I was certain they would remain standing there for the entire duration of the ceremony.
The architectural layout of Buckingham Palace forms a quadrangle. The structure I had initially assumed to be the main building was actually just an annex. After passing through it, I was able to view the surrounding inner courtyard buildings from the center. Only then did it finally feel like a real palace.
They say the Royal Standard is raised whenever the sovereign is in residence; currently, no Union Jack waved in the wind above the flagpoles. Another thing I realized once again was just how much Britain loves the symbolism of lions, as numerous lion statues were visible everywhere.
The royal military band began its performance, producing a beautiful, harmonious sound. I had learned previously that it was a military march, and though I wasn't sure of the exact title, it sounded wonderfully cheerful.
The music continued to play until I reached the grand entrance doors of the palace. Enjoying the performance being played exclusively for my arrival, I stepped up to the doorway.
"Duchess-to-be Elizabeth Kent is now entering."
The double doors swung open, and I stepped inside as a man in extravagant formal dress announced my arrival. Immediately, everyone beneath the magnificent chandeliers turned their gaze directly toward me.
Had I not somewhat prepared for this by attending the Volcano guild meeting previously, I might have instinctively taken a step back from the sudden pressure.
With all of England's nobility and political figures gathered in a single room, a powerful aura emanated from every individual. Moreover, they were all much older than I was, so my mind went into overdrive as my natural instinct to show respect to my elders prompted me to offer a slight bow.
"Oh my, is that girl really the one who is going to become the duchess? She's so young."
"I heard she rarely makes public appearances. I thought she would look plain, but she's a real knockout instead..."
I overheard several hushed conversations surrounding me from all sides, but I didn't let them rattle me. The butler had explicitly instructed me to ignore all such whispering, after all.
"It is an honor to meet you, Duchess-to-be Elizabeth."
A young woman approached me, lifting her long dress slightly as she dipped into a curtsy to greet me.
"Who...?"
Her head was bowed slightly, so I couldn't immediately make out her features.
"Fufu. Do you recognize who I am?"
With a playful smile, the young woman raised her face, which suddenly looked very familiar.
"Lady Eva!"
I answered in delight as the puzzle pieces in my mind clicked together. Meeting someone I recognized in a sea of strangers was a wonderful feeling.
"Hoho, thank you for remembering me. My real name is Esther."
"Goodness, Lady Esther, will you accept my apology?"
"Of course."
Realizing I had made a serious blunder, I apologized immediately. Esther smiled as if it were no big deal and accepted. I had become so accustomed to thinking of her by her in-game ID, Eva, that using it in this formal setting was a significant breach of etiquette. "Lady Katalina, daughter of the Marquess of Wimbledon, is now entering."
Finally, Katalina entered the hall from outside. Glancing around, she spotted Lady Esther and me and headed straight in our direction.
"It's been a while, Lady Esther!"
"It's nice to see you as well, Sister Katalina."
They spoke with casual familiarity, owing to their close personal relationship. While mindful of the venue and occasion, their relaxed banter was enough to draw the gazes of everyone nearby.
Then again, even without the conversation, the three of us possessed such beauty and high social standing that it would have been stranger if we didn't attract attention.
Even I had to admit that Lady Esther was quite striking. As the two of them conversed, numerous people approached to greet me.
"Duchess Elizabeth, I'm Earl Karmen's..."
"Greetings. I'm the CEO of XX Company and..."
The suitors were mostly young adult men whose greasy, invasive stares made me tune out half of what they were saying. Knowing that showing even a hint of polite interest would only encourage them to push their luck, I repeatedly cut conversations short under the pretext of having to greet someone else.
Whether they deemed me rude or not, my higher social standing meant they couldn't openly voice their frustration.
Occasionally, some would bring up past ties with my family to build rapport, forcing me to tread carefully so as not to expose my memory gaps regarding those events. Fortunately, Katalina stepped in to assist several times; without her intervention, I might have made some critical missteps.
I felt completely drained of energy, and the actual ceremony hadn't even begun.
"Sigh. I'd rather just hunt monsters all day long."
At my complaint, Katalina and Esther covered their mouths and giggled.
"Oh my, what are you all discussing that's so humorous?" a young girl with a bright voice approached and asked.
"Excuse me, but you seem to lack manners."
When Katalina snapped at her, the young girl's face turned pale white.
"I-I apologize. I just..."
It was clear she wasn't a noble daughter, but someone from outside those elite circles. Though she had received basic etiquette lessons, she had likely gotten overly excited to greet us since we looked close to her age.
Katalina, on the other hand, took offense at the girl's presumption that she could casually approach us as an equal.
"Lady Katalina. It seems she simply made an honest mistake without malicious intent, so please leave it at that."
"Okay..."
Though I spoke in a slightly reprimanding tone, Katalina flinched visibly and immediately ceased her chastisement. From that moment on, she began acting far more carefully around me than usual.
"And what might your name be, young lady? I'm Elizabeth Kent."
"Ahh! So here is actually the famous Duchess Elizabeth? I'm Emilia. Our family isn't royalty or anything—my father was simply granted a knighthood."
"I see."
Her starry emerald eyes looking up at me posed a heavy mental burden. Receiving such innocent admiration from a young girl who resembled a perfect doll felt like a unique pressure I had never experienced.
I tried my best to maintain a dignified expression while speaking to her warmly.
"Um, um! can I pretend to know you personally later on?"
"Pfft!"
"Pffft!"
A round of stifled giggles erupted at Emilia's unexpected request while we were busy chatting. Hearing such a brazen, out-of-place plea in a venue like this was undeniably refreshing.
"Pfft... Of course."
I spoke through my stifled giggles, and Emilia's slightly anxious expression instantly brightened.
"Yay! please enter your number into this!"
Goodness, this was the first time in my life someone had asked for my phone number. The surrounding guests watched with amused interest.
Everyone smiled as I entered my number into her phone.
"M-My apologies, Duchess Elizabeth."
Meanwhile, a relatively young, neatly dressed man—presumably her father—hurried over and apologized with several deep bows.
"It's quite fine. I enjoyed myself as well."
"Thank you for your gracious words."
Mortified by his daughter's antics, he dabbed sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief while gently pulling her away to escape the crowd's gaze.
"Big sis, I'll see you next time!"
Even though her father's expression made it obvious she was in for a lecture later, she beamed brightly as if thoroughly pleased with herself. Thanks to her cheerful smile, all the tension I had been holding melted away.
Shortly after, the background music filling the hall gradually softened before fading into complete silence.
"Her Majesty the Queen is now entering. Everyone, please be quiet."
The long-awaited ceremony had finally begun. Laughter and chatter ceased instantly, plunging the hall into a hush.
Finally, Elizabeth II stepped into the room. Despite her advanced age, an aura of majestic grace and dignity enveloped her, fitting for a monarch.
Wrinkles creased the corners of her eyes, yet her warm smile seemed capable of embracing the whole world, leaving a profound impression on me.
Suddenly, my eyes met the Queen's. Realizing I hadn't bowed deeply enough, I quickly lowered my head further in response.
'There's no way she'd be picky about me not bowing low enough, right?'
I stilled my nervous thoughts and waited for the Queen to take her place upon the throne.
"Everyone, please raise your heads."
Though hers was a woman's voice, authority and majesty echoed through her tone, prompting everyone to look up in unison.
"Thank you for gathering at Buckingham Palace despite your busy schedules. As you know, we are assembled today for the investiture of Elizabeth of the House of Kent to the rank of Duchess. I thank God that I am able to personally conduct this ceremony at last, after a decade of delay following tragic circumstances."
In truth, the Queen was my grandmother. The loss of her daughter had clearly left a deep wound in her heart.
I realized then that the gentle, lingering glances she cast toward me were born of that shared history.
"Now, I shall proceed with the investiture."
Snap! Snap!
A small group of journalists granted special access began taking photos, their shutters clicking softly.
"Duchess-to-be Elizabeth Kent, please step forward onto the dais."
The Queen's tone shifted, taking on a gravitas far removed from her earlier conversational voice. Her words felt as though they pulled me forward magnetically, and I stepped onto the platform.
Lowering my left knee to the floor, I placed my right hand over my heart and rested my left fist against the carpet.
Though the dress was made from stretch fabric, its form-fitting cut made kneeling awkward. I caught myself wishing formal women's attire were structured more like men's suits. For a second, I worried the back of my skirt might have hitched up slightly, but the absence of hushed murmurs behind me reassured me that all was well.
Clang!
The Queen took the ceremonial sword presented by a royal guard and drew it from its scabbard. Though its blade was unsharpened, the weapon carried a striking, antique presence.
I felt the cool touch of steel rest briefly against my shoulder through my dress.
"Do you swear to uphold the honor of the realm and serve the Sovereign as a Duchess of England?"
"I do."
"Do you swear to defend the vulnerable, stand firm against tyranny, and remain true to your principles?"
"I do."
"Do you swear never to tolerate injustice, and to defend the Crown?"
"I do."
"Do you swear to fulfill this solemn duty until your final breath?"
"I do."
"By this vow, I hereby invest you as a Duchess of England!"
"It is my highest honor."
With the vows complete, I rose to my feet and accepted the sword the Queen handed to me. A royal guard stepped forward, presenting its matching scabbard.
"My lords and ladies, join me in congratulating England's newest Duchess."
"Hooray!"
Clap clap clap!
At the Queen's prompting, thunderous applause and cheers erupted across the hall.
"Now, Duchess. If you wish to address the assembly, the floor is yours."
Taking my hand, the Queen escorted me to the podium. For a subject to share the royal dais was an extraordinary privilege. Though a few raised eyebrows flickered in the back corners of the room, no one dared object to a royal command.
I bowed my head deeply in gratitude for her favor. Truthfully, I had anticipated this moment for a long time. Though events had taken an unexpected path, fortune was on my side today.
"I stand before you as the newly invested Duchess, Elizabeth. I extend my profound gratitude to Her Majesty for granting me this privilege, and my heartfelt thanks to all the distinguished guests who have gathered here today."
I paused briefly as another wave of applause swept through the hall, waiting for the room to quiet down before continuing.
"However, there is something I must confess. Though it was never my intention, I have been keeping a secret from the public."
Murmur murmur.
The applause gave way to anxious whispers. Meanwhile, the press corps adjusted their lenses eagerly, sensing an explosive headline.
"Recently, I witnessed individuals acting contrary to divine will, exploiting and preying upon the vulnerable. At first, I intended to remain silent and move past it. But after hearing Her Majesty's words and accepting this investiture, my resolve changed. I will not stand by and allow injustice to prevail. Therefore, I am formally declaring war against the Shining and Chaos guilds in the online game Blue Sky—a realm beloved by so many citizens of this nation, and the very people those guilds have betrayed."
Stunned silence fell over the room; the guests stared at me, struggling to process what they had just heard.
I met their blank looks with a bright, confident smile.
"I am Artoria of Blue Sky."