Chapter 136: The Princess Afterwards
In the end, I never found out who implanted those memories in me, but that thought vanished from my mind in an instant thanks to the monster subjugation from the airship.
Even though I was the one who requested it, the subjugation happened at a terrifying speed.
I thought the light would flow and chase the enemies, but the refraction of light was handled by a machine, sending beams flying to various places in an instant.
Since we don’t need Magic Stones for a while, they’re aiming directly for the Magic Stones, making the subjugation truly instantaneous.
Doing this while flying means we’re probably earning an amount of experience points several orders of magnitude greater than in the Abyss.
However, this method doesn’t increase Yuri’s magical power, so I had them give me the subjugation count, calculate how much that would be in Low-Grade Magic Stones, and then had Yuri absorb them.
Considering the sheer number we defeated, I think I’d be fine absorbing a bit more, but Yuri was worried, so I restrained myself this time.
However, after seeing the amount of Low-Grade Magic Stones calculated for this subjugation, Yuri must have understood.
That the amount I could have absorbed is now completely safe for me.
After finishing such a comfortable journey by air, we returned home and were relaxing, just the two of us, in my room in the mansion.
“Man, things have finally calmed down. Well, we still can’t carelessly go on long trips, though.”
“The relocations for both were surprisingly easy, weren’t they? Though, that was because you were here, Rui.”
No, no, there’s no way I could have done it alone.
But well, I’m happy to receive your praise.
As I said that, I casually pulled Yuri’s shoulder closer, and she rested her head on mine.
Ooh!
Here it is again, a nice atmosphere!
But is this okay?
A prince making a move on his fiancée before marriage.
Mmm, this is the one thing I can’t consult Yuri about…
S-Someone, anyone, please give me some advice!
There’s only one person here who can secretly give me advice… Won’t you give me an answer!?
『I-I believe it’s not proper. And one more thing. According to my settings, I am also a lady, so…』
O-Oh. Sorry about that.
And so, a day passed where I savored such a tantalizingly happy moment for the first time in a while.
“You’ve really done it now! You foolish girl!!”
In the reception room, usage of which was permitted only to the royal family, Will Zell Lestall’s voice echoed.
“W-Why is that!? I merely requested to have a Knight I took a liking to transferred, that’s all, you know?”
Princess Lena, having returned from Belfast Castle, questioned her father, Crown Prince Will.
“Hah… Did I spoil you too much? To think you don’t even understand what you’ve done…”
“B-But, if it’s Belfast, there shouldn’t be a problem, right?”
“Don’t be ridiculous! Even if that weren’t the case, forcing something like that is an unthinkable act, and on top of that, Belfast’s national power is now superior to ours!”
“Eh…?” Princess Lena and Lady Riana, sitting opposite him, raised their voices in surprise.
However, they weren’t the only ones who showed surprised faces.
From the guards to the servants, everyone’s eyes widened, wondering if the situation was such that the Crown Prince would admit their superiority.
Seeing this, Will sighed again and added quietly, “Not a word of this to anyone.”
“So, Riana. Are you certain you haven’t displeased Prince Rui?”
Ah, and don’t speak out of self-preservation.
This is a matter of national importance, one that could tarnish your family’s name if mishandled.”
“Y-Yes. Rui-san… no, His Highness, Crown Prince Rui, publicly stated that he personally doesn’t mind at all.
He treated even me, who was impolite, no differently than when we were friends, so considering his original personality, I don’t think he’s that concerned.
M-Most likely, I believe he probably just thought it was ‘troublesome’.”
Afterward, the maid and guard who were also present were permitted to speak, and they gave responses almost identical to Riana’s.
“I see. So even after such rudeness, he was considerate enough to leave word for me, her father, that he didn’t mind.
In contrast, Lena, you!!”
“Hiii! B-But, he was such a wonderful person… Waaahhh.”
Will clutched his head even tighter at the sight of the princess crying like a small child.
Just then, King Lestall appeared.
With a dignified demeanor, he sat down next to the Crown Prince, wearing his usual smile.
Seeing this, Princess Lena, though still sniffling, looked at him with expectant eyes.
“G-Grandfather…”
“Mm. I’ve heard the story. You’ve really done it, haven’t you?”
At those words, the princess drooped her head dejectedly again.
“My apologies. It seems I was a bit too lenient with her, thinking of her as just a girl,” Will said to the King.
“It seems so. However, I too am at fault for sending her without making her understand.
But from what I hear of the war reports, friendship with him is essential.
At the very least, we must not let the current situation deteriorate further.”
“Is Ru-Rui-san really that incredible…?” Lady Riana murmured, not addressing anyone in particular.
“Yes. Riana, you’re an acquaintance of his, so this is a good opportunity. You should know.
He is the man who ended the war single-handedly.
They say he annihilated thirty thousand elite Imperial Soldiers with a single blow. Including the injured, the number is even higher, I hear.
As expected of someone who returned from the Abyss… No, it seems even Heroes and champions haven’t accomplished such a feat.
He is an existence capable of destroying a country all by himself. Fortunately, he’s not the type to do such a thing.”
“S-Such a thing… That unreliable-looking man…?” Princess Lena was the first to respond, out of sheer astonishment.
Such impolite behavior, interrupting the King’s conversation.
Will’s sharp gaze turned to her again, but having realized her own actions, she was beyond caring and repeatedly muttered to herself in a daze.
“To think I committed an act that endangered the country.”
Finally realizing the bare minimum, her father, Will, opened his mouth bitterly.
“Even if it were a minor nation, relationships must be cherished.
Neighboring countries are watching intently how we treat our allies.
If a bad reputation spreads, we will lose trust on many fronts. Either way, it’s a loss for the country, you fool.”
“Th-Then I shall go again and apologize!” the reformed princess declared, but before a reply could be given, laughter echoed.
“Kukaka. I can just picture him saying, ‘Is this harassment?'” King Lestall chuckled.
“Father, do you truly believe the Prince is that concerned…?” Will asked.
“No, no. That’s not it. There was a time in the past when I bowed my head to him, you see?”
The words that the King had bowed his head increased the tension, but the following words eased the atmosphere.
It wasn’t just the fact that he had stopped him, saying an apology wasn’t necessary, but also that he was someone they could speak with so informally.
“As expected of you, Father. If it’s alright, I would like for Riley and I to accompany you next time,” Will said.
“Mm. That would be better,” King Lestall replied.
“Also, Lena, make your apology in writing. He most certainly won’t be in the castle.
That boy is also quite precarious. If I were the King of Belfast, I’d skillfully evade agents from other countries.
The one time I couldn’t evade them was that particular timing, but it was so sudden I couldn’t explain things.
It was just a matter of going to exchange words. I didn’t feel much need to inform you…”
“Although I couldn’t publicly state that Belfast is superior, I should have sent a messenger,” he continued.
Hearing his voice, the princess looked up, thinking, ‘This is a flow where I might be forgiven,’ but when the King continued, “However, even so, your fault is undeniable. Even looking at it favorably, it’s far too great,” Princess Lena obediently bowed her head this time.
Those around her were trembling with fear, wondering what judgment would be passed, but the words never came.
All eyes focused on the King, who seemed to be deep in thought.
“No, wait… If it’s an apology, would he accept a meeting?
Hmm, Lena now understands the situation, so there shouldn’t be a problem… Fortunately, she also has an acquaintance who can accompany her.”
“Riana,” he suddenly addressed her. She flinched and, revealing her nervousness, stammered, “Y-Yes.”
“I heard you still have a friendly relationship. If you say you want to meet, can you?”
“I-I wonder… Um, if I may be so bold as to say…”
And so, she relayed the information she had heard from Rui.
That his father had told him to keep his distance from Lestall nobles for a while.
However, when she also mentioned that despite this, he still invited her to meals with their group of friends and maintained a friendly relationship, Princess Lena looked at Riana’s face with surprise.
“Y-You should have given me that information from the start! Why did you keep quiet about it!?” Lena exclaimed to Riana.
“I heard that Your Highness was going to build a friendly relationship, so I thought it might be information that would act as a hindrance…” Riana replied.
“Hmm, indeed. However, it’s excellent that your relationship is as close as I heard,” said King Lestall.
“Then, go with Lena again and fulfill your apology.
If you absolutely cannot meet him, leaving a letter is fine, but you must make some effort, you understand?
Let that be the punishment for everyone who went to Belfast.
Well, Lena will have to reflect and learn various things even after she returns, though.”
The maid, the captain of the escort Knights, and Yukina, who had accompanied them, said nothing and simply bowed their heads.
Riana, after a quick, apologetic glance at Yukina, also bowed her head, saying, “I am grateful for your magnanimity.”
“If you waste this opportunity due to personal desires again, the punishment will have to be severe. You understand. Be mindful.”
“I understand perfectly! I shall forget my personal feelings and diligently foster our friendship!”
The King responded to that with a smile, but Will, conversely, cast an anxious gaze.
And so, the group heading towards Rui departed from the Royal Capital of Lestall once more.
The party, having quickly finished their preparations and left the castle in a Beast-Drawn Cart, had to stop shortly after departing due to Riana’s voice shouting, “Stop, please!”
“What is it! This is no time for games, you know!?”
Riana returned an exasperated look as she replied, as if to say, Are you, the very cause of this, really saying that?
“Rui-san’s former party members are here. I know them too, so I’d like to hear what they have to say.”
“Oh, is that so!? Well then, I’ll leave it to you!”
“Um… they’re former members, so I’m just planning to ask them a few things, you see.”
Despite this disclaimer, she took Yukina, exited the cart, and hurriedly walked along the roadside, calling out, “Hiroki-san!”
“Huh, why are you in the Royal Capital… Oh, right, since you’re nobles, of course you’d come to the Royal Capital.”
“Ah, it’s Riana-san and Yukina-chan. What a coincidence.”
“Y-yes. Are you on your way back from Silence?”
“Ah, yeah. It was tough, but thanks to Rui, we finished safely. We were thinking of going to help out at Rui’s village, partly as a thank you. I hear they’re having a hard time with development.”
Akito’s reply made her eyes sparkle, and with a bright smile, she requested, “Is that so!? Then, please let us accompany you too!”
“Oh, Riana-san too? More and more people are joining. Rui-kun is so popular.”
“Oh my, are there other companions as well?”
“Uh, if you’re accompanying us, could you introduce us? I heard someone mention ‘nobles’…”
Two people who had been slightly behind came forward and joined the conversation.
Those two were George and Shizune, who had requested Rui’s assistance in Silence.
Although their request had been canceled, they had received a rather large sum as a cancellation fee.
Feeling greatly indebted for his help, they had asked to accompany him to offer their assistance.
“Oh, well then, we have companions on our side too, so let’s meet up and introduce ourselves to each other. It’ll be fine. We won’t say anything unreasonable. Right?”
She said, looking at Hiroki and the others, seeking their agreement.
In response to her voice, a worried reply came, “Well, if it’s Randall-san, we can rest easy, but… is it really okay to go to Rui’s place now?”
“Let’s discuss that matter with our companions here as well. Come on, this way.”
Hiroki and the others, muttering a slightly bewildered “O-oh,” followed along, despite her unusually forceful manner of speaking.
And the closer they got to the Beast-Drawn Cart, the more their steps faltered.
“H-hey, there are Knights guarding that incredible Beast-Drawn Cart… Your companions are important people too, right?”
“Um, I’m not very good with that sort of thing…”
“Well, Randall-san is one thing, but bringing other nobles along is a bit…”
“I-it’s fine! Because we’re going for the purpose of friendship! We have no intention of causing trouble! Please, just listen to what we have to say. Please…”
With Riana saying that, there was no one here who could refuse her outright.
If it’s just listening to the story, they thought, and proceeded straight past the point where they could have turned back.
“Ohoho, I am Lena Zel Lestall! I’ll be counting on you for guidance, alright?”
“Zel Lestall… Isn’t that the Princess!?”
As George raised his voice, Hiroki and the others all turned their gazes to Riana.
Their gazes screamed, You didn’t tell us!
“W-well, first, let me explain our purpose!” Riana, looking rather awkward, quickly explained the current situation to them.
The blunder she herself had committed.
And that their purpose was to go and apologize for it, so they had no intention of causing trouble.
“Oh my, Rui-kun is having a tough time too…”
“Hey, Ami-san!? If you saw Lord Shuperu, you’d react the same way, you know?”
“Riana-sama… I have already seen him, though…?”
“That’s because Yukina was unconscious at the time…”
“Is he that handsome!?”
“””Yes!”””
All the women on Riana’s side affirmed, and Ami licked her lips with a slurp.
Seeing that, Riana, intending to get her interested, described Ignat’s coolness in great detail, and the Princess followed suit.
While they were doing so, they began to warm up to each other, and Ami, in a way, gave her consent, exclaiming, “In that case, I absolutely have to go with you and see for myself!”
And so, Hiroki’s party, now unable to refuse, ended up heading for Rui’s village, harboring the anxiety of ‘Is this really going to be okay?’
In the village governed by Rui, the man who led the Imperial citizens shivered, his shoulders trembling.
The woman standing next to him looked up at him, slightly worried.
“Oh my, Shuperu, are you alright?”
“Ah, of course, I’m fine. But I wonder what that was. I felt a slight chill.”
“Well, that’s terrible! Then, shall I warm you up?”
“Haha, if you’re willing to do that for me, then perhaps this chill isn’t so bad after all.”
To the two of them, Kai gave a warning with a deadpan stare, “The people are watching, you know.”
But they weren’t the type to be deterred by something like that.
They continued to cling to each other affectionately, and Kai scrambled around alone, trying to cover for them.
Such was their daily life.
“Honestly, I get that you’re happy since coming here, but think about us a little, will you? I think it wouldn’t hurt for Shuperu to face some hardship once in a while…”
Such a mutter reached no one’s ears, swept away by the wind.