Chapter 5: Still in…
I knocked on the door, but there was no response. I could definitely sense Puffy’s presence inside. It wasn’t just a matter of being troubled; I was genuinely worried.
The elderly guide who had shown me the way seemed to have been ordered by the chancellor, as she quickly stepped back after leading me here.
The thought of being rude was far from my mind as I continued to knock, calling out, “Puffy, it’s me. Open up, will you?” and “It’s okay, it’s me.” I kept repeating my words like some urban legend’s eerie voice. However, the silence persisted, and I began to think that this might be a situation where every second counted. I concluded that I should break down the door to get in. As I whispered a silent prayer in my heart, I suddenly heard a click.
“Ichiro…”
Despite not much time having passed since the events in the King’s Chamber, she looked utterly worn out.
“Puffy…”
How should I approach her…? Before I could even gather my thoughts, she spoke first.
“If you don’t mind, please come inside.”
All thoughts of politeness, decorum, and etiquette vanished. I felt an overwhelming urge to talk to Puffy right here; if I didn’t, I had a terrible feeling she might just fade away into nothingness.
As I took a seat at her invitation, she bowed her head.
“I have caused you far too much trouble, Ichiro. I sincerely apologize for everything.”
This was the fourth time I had received an apology from a woman I had grown close to. No matter how many times I was apologized to, it felt unfamiliar, and I doubted I would ever get used to it.
“What should I do from here…?”
Puffy lifted her head and spoke softly.
“I have lost everything.”
“Puffy, it was all just a bad dream. So—”
She interrupted me, her expression distant.
“Wealth, honor, trust, dreams, and hopes…”
She murmured each word as if confirming their existence.
“And—our future as well.”
But that last part faded away, no longer forming words.
“You are still so kind, Ichiro. You don’t blame me for neglecting you all this time. I find comfort in your kindness, yet I realize how utterly selfish I am.”
“Puffy, that’s not true. It was all Ryuguin’s fault. So please, don’t dwell on it anymore.”
“No, it wasn’t just the Hero’s fault. I remember everything.”
“But that was due to Ryuguin’s Skill—”
“I lost my sanity because of the Skill—yes, that’s true. But I can’t help but remember those days…”
Puffy curled up, cradling her head in her hands.
“What should I do? Oh, I am truly a wretched woman. Even now, I wish I could forget everything without a care for shame or reputation.”
Tears streamed down Puffy’s cheeks.
“Living for just a message from him every three days, dedicating my entire life to him, feeling like I could soar to the heavens just by hearing his voice—those days were a nightmare.”
The brave facade she had maintained finally crumbled, and she let out a soundless cry, tears flowing freely.
“This is beyond help. It’s a lost past. I can’t reclaim it. Please believe me… it’s not a lie… it’s true… it’s true… I wanted to support you with all my strength as you went off to fight for us.”
I thought of the time that could have been. I would journey with Mika, occasionally contacting Puffy, sharing my weaknesses, and receiving her encouragement. After returning from fierce battles, I might have declared my feelings to her through the Communication Orb, perhaps even blushing at Mika’s teasing. And when I returned to the Royal Castle, she might have jumped into my arms.
“And yet… why, why am I—”
She posed a question with no answer. Both of us thought of a place that was not here.
“I gladly insulted you.”
My heart ached at the sight of Puffy, crying yet somehow smiling.
“It wasn’t just earlier. Whenever I contacted the Hero, I would almost always join him in belittling you. Those memories, those memories just won’t leave me…”
Puffy’s lament echoed in the room.
“I… I…”
Unable to leave her in such despair, I embraced her. Her small frame felt fragile in my arms.
“I wanted to disappear if I could. But I am the Princess of Arcana, and I cannot simply vanish. I cannot let any more scandal spread to other nations. Even domestically, because of us, many nobles will face punishment, the church’s power balance will be disrupted, and my father will likely not escape unscathed.”
She clung to me like a child.
“Puffy, listen to me.”
Her tear-streaked face buried itself in my chest.
“It’s already beyond repair. You, everything…”
Her trembling hands gripped my shoulders tightly.
“Puffy, please listen.”
No matter how cliché my words might be, I had an obligation to convey my feelings to her, who seemed on the verge of disappearing.
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And now, a quick announcement!
The paper version of the comic adaptation of this work will be released on November 19th! Both volumes 1 and 2 will be released simultaneously!
It’s just two days away… I’m getting nervous!
It includes the innocent love story between the Princess and Ichiro, as well as the mentor-student relationship between Eris and Ichiro!
I hope everyone will pick it up!