Chapter 3: Princess Puffy of the Arcana Kingdom②
As the departure date from the castle drew near, the bond between me and Princess Puffy grew ever closer.
Recently, Princess Puffy had been delving into the reasons behind the stagnation of magic development in this world. She had several theories regarding the cause and had been tirelessly searching through numerous texts for supporting evidence.
On this day, she was no longer sitting across from me in the library room; instead, she sat right beside me.
This was two days before I was set to leave the Royal Castle.
“Why do you work so hard, Yamada?”
Princess Puffy asked me with a serious expression. When I looked into her eyes, I realized she was trying to step into my heart—her thoughts were clear to me.
I felt that telling a half-hearted lie or trying to dodge the question would be disrespectful.
“I mean, saying it’s to save this world would sound cool, but the truth is, I have to return to my own world. So, the reason I’m pushing myself, even sacrificing sleep, is ultimately for my own sake.”
Princess Puffy kept her gaze fixed on me, waiting for me to continue.
“Everyone back home is worried about me. Especially since I was really close to my grandparents. They spoiled me a lot while my parents worked.”
“You love your grandparents, don’t you, Yamada?”
Princess Puffy asked, her expression radiating warmth.
“I do love them, and they love me too. But recently, my grandma hasn’t been feeling well, and I can’t help but think it would be pretty bad if I disappeared.”
“I see…”
Princess Puffy spoke as if she had made a firm decision.
“You truly are a kind person, Yamada. Your efforts are for your family and for Ryuguin, who isn’t here. Am I wrong?”
It wasn’t entirely incorrect. Of course, my efforts were primarily for myself—that was a given. However, I had also considered that some of my efforts might benefit that spoiled Ryuguin.
“I’ve made up my mind. Until now, I’ve acted as a princess for my own sake, but from now on, I will strive to be proud of myself for the sake of my people—and for someone important to me. Yamada—like you, I will forge my own path.”
Then, she repeated, “And, and—”
“I will carve out my own world.”
She gazed into my eyes and declared this.
Her expression, so resolute and different from the occasional sorrowful look she displayed, captivated me. I felt an inexplicable pull towards her.
“The tranquility of the world and the advancement of magic may lead to your world. Therefore, I—therefore—”
At that moment, it seemed Princess Puffy realized what she was saying, and her face turned as red as a ripe tomato.
Clearing her throat adorably, she asked, “May I call you ‘Ichiro’ from now on?”
Though she was praised for her competence and beauty, at her core, she was just a girl of my age.
I wanted to support her. And I wanted her to support me.
The season of parting was fast approaching. I wondered when we would meet again.
It was hard to let go. I felt that deeply. I couldn’t let her see this emotion—so I swallowed it all down and smiled as I replied.
“We’re friends, so of course, it’s natural, Puffy! From now on, just call me Ichiro.”
I hoped that my forced smile wouldn’t give me away. Uncharacteristically, I found myself praying to whatever god might be listening.
Time flew by, and before I knew it, the day of departure had arrived.
I tossed my belongings into the carriage provided by the kingdom (which was far from luxurious). Our destination was the Mirror Labyrinth, about three weeks away by carriage.
I didn’t want to make a big deal out of the departure, so I asked the king and Princess Puffy to keep the send-off minimal.
Perhaps that was why there were only three people to see me off.
The ever-energetic Prime Minister (in my opinion), the Knight Commander who had beaten me to a pulp countless times, and the Sister Superior who had taken care of me immensely.
Those were the three.
First, the Prime Minister, with his usual stern expression, patted my shoulder.
“I realized we must do what only we can do. Watching you, I felt strongly that we cannot continue like this.”
I thought I saw tears at the corners of the Prime Minister’s eyes. He frequently came to watch my training and often visited me with snacks while I studied, which made me worry if he had too little work for a Prime Minister. I never imagined he held me in such high regard.
“Thank you. It may be cliché, but let’s both give our all to what we can do!”
The Prime Minister firmly shook my outstretched hand.
Next, the Knight Commander, who had been my greatest supporter, stood before me.
“Yamada, just between us, you have already surpassed my strength.”
“Me—really?”
I wasn’t the type to get conceited easily.
“Have confidence. You’ve overcome that hellish training. We Knights will also devote our lives for the country and the world.”
He added that when I returned safely, I could introduce him to my daughter—he concluded with a hearty laugh.
“When I get back safely, please train me again.”
“Of course!” The Knight Commander embraced me tightly.
Finally, it was Sister Superior. Although she was a Sister, many of the girls were of age, and she was the one who led them—Siesta.
“Holy Knight, please don’t overdo it. If you get injured, rely on the Saintess Mika right away.”
“Thank you for coming to see me off. I understand. With the Saintess around, I feel invincible.”
As I flexed my muscles to reassure her, she said, “I wanted to be the one to heal you, but I simply couldn’t. So please take my heart with you.”
Siesta clasped her hands together and prayed to God.
“I’ll say it again, don’t overdo it—you’re just a boy like us, yet we rely on you—I’m sorry.”
I had always thought of Siesta as a great leader among the Sisters. She had a gentle personality and would often check on me, asking, “Are you pushing yourself too hard?”
“Siesta, thank you for everything. I respect you—your kindness.”
Siesta couldn’t hold back her tears and buried her face in her sleeve.
I felt tears welling up at the heartfelt send-off from the three of them.
For them, being summoned was not something they wished for. Like the princess, I had often heard them say, “The people of this world should handle its affairs.”
Perhaps that was why they treated me so well. Of course, there was sympathy and a sense of atonement in their feelings. But I knew it was more than that.
They warmly sent me off—this feeling was what made me happiest.
“Well then, Ryuguin and the Saintess are waiting by the carriage, so I’ll take my leave here. Let’s both do our best in what we can!”
I turned and began to walk away.
At that moment,
“Wait for meeeeeee!!”
From the direction of the castle, I heard a voice—Princess Puffy’s voice.
“Wait for meeeeee!!”
She rushed to the front of the carriage, breathless, yet still trying to convey something.
“I will always! Always wait for you! I will pray for your safety! So please, don’t overdo it!”
Tears like pearls flowed from her beautiful eyes.
“When you return safely, I— I— I hold you dear!”
She leaped into Ryuguin’s embrace.
………………………Huh?
Into Ryuguin’s embrace?
Why? Why? Why?
I couldn’t understand it at all. But that was how it was.