Suddenly I Became a Princess Volume 4 Chapter 12

Translated: reireiss, MTLs-nim 

Edited: reireiss, Grammarly ssi 

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Translator Note:

This is a long long long chapter.

So...... Bear with me, please (/▿＼ )

Thank You!

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Chapter 12 – It Seems, I Met the Male Supporting Character in The Novel

That night, I took a deep breath, feeling the wind blowing through my hair. I climbed back to the top of the building with invisibility magic and admired the view. Then, I suddenly thought of Claude again.

As I shifted my gaze, petals scattered like snowflakes against the backdrop of darkness entered my field of vision. While looking at the white petals scattered before my eyes, I suddenly thought, should I go and see him for a while? Maybe he's asleep by now. Of course, he's a person who doesn't have separate day and night, even so....

Suddenly, I wondered how Claude was doing, even though he was the one who tried to kill me, and even though I was the one who had run away from him and disappeared. If anything happens, I can run away again, so let's see him for a while.

I knew this was a very futile idea, but in the end, I made an impulsive decision.

Ctak!

I threw away my doubts and unleashed a wave of magic from my body.

 

The place I came to was a dark room. The moment I realized that fact, I held my breath and didn't move from where I was. Wait, the place I set as the coordinates of my arrival was the roof of the Imperial Palace, so why am I in a dark room like this?! My magic power, why are you doing this? After all this time of no trouble, why are you trying to bother me again now? I was planning to go to the roof of the Imperial Palace and look around a bit, then I was going to sneak out the window to see what Claude was doing, but why am I in a room!? Besides, isn't this place a very familiar room to me? This is Claude's room!

Ta-da! I was stranded in the middle of the room, my body completely frozen. Of course, I bragged to myself that even if I was caught by Claude, I could still escape again just like I did in the Rose Garden last time....... Doesn't this mean I've walked into a tiger's den? I'm not a suicidal person. Ugh, what should I do? Should I use teleportation again?

I rolled my eyes for a moment and looked around. Fortunately, this room was very quiet. Could Claude be in his office?

But after a while, I saw him. The familiar blonde hair that shimmered in the moonlight, he was on the sofa. As soon as I found him, I stood still for a moment while holding my breath. And then, I moved slowly.

Srakkk.

But then, I felt like I stepped on something, there was a rustling sound in my ears. Then, I felt like there was a thunderclap in my head and I stopped moving.

When I glanced at it, I didn't feel any movement from the sofa. What? Is that some kind of document? He could have dropped it on the floor while going through documents or something in his bedroom.

I ignored the paper that fell on the floor and started walking again.

Srak!

However, before I could even move a few steps, I stepped on another paper again. Oops, what the heck? How many of these fell on the floor? After making a fuss twice, I somehow looked back at Claude who was on the sofa, so I lowered my body so that he couldn't see me if he woke up.

But, for some reason, this paper shining in the moonlight looked a bit strange. Hm? Doesn't it look more like a drawing than a document? What the heck is this? I reached for the paper I stepped on and picked it up without thinking. Then, while narrowing my brows, I slowly looked at the drawing on the paper, and instantly, I opened my eyes in fear.

Oh my gosh! What is this!? This is a drawing I made when I was a kid! Huwaaaaa. Why is this drawing here?

I felt so embarrassed that my whole body started shaking like there was an earthquake. I crawled across the floor and checked the other scattered papers one by one. Then, I screamed silently while holding my head.

Aahhhh! No matter how I look at it, this is the drawing I made for Claude when I was a child! This is my dark history, I drew all of this with my own hands and gave it to Claude as a gift!

The picture of me doing gold therapy in the warehouse and Claude looking at me confusedly from the side, this is the picture I gave him as a thank you for Claude giving me the treasure warehouse on my 9th birthday. This is the drawing I made right after I dreamt that Claude became bald from being hit by acid rain while flying, I drew it so that I wouldn't forget that historic day.

And this one over here......

Ugh! This is my first work! This is a drawing of me doing a dropkick on Claude! Geez, as far as I remember, I never gave it as a gift. How can Claude have this?

I turned my head to stare at a person with shimmering hair who was in the distance, I looked at him as if he was an alien. What the hell are you doing? What do you have all this for? Why are these drawings scattered all over the floor? Oh my. Could it be that when you saw this, you were burning with the intention to kill me...?

I left my dark history on the floor, I was afraid it would show up in my dreams, I got back up from my position. Then, unconsciously, quietly, I approached the sofa.

Claude was sound asleep with the soft moonlight on his face. However, if you look at his eyebrows, they depict indentations that indicate that he had a nightmare, and you might think that he never 'sleeps well'.

In the end, I came closer and looked at Claude's face. What the hell? Why is he so skinny? Anyone who saw him would definitely think that he had stopped eating and drinking because he had lost his biological daughter.

As I stared at his face which looked paler due to the moonlight, little by little, my heart began to feel strange. This was strange. This person in front of me was the one trying to kill me, but strangely, I didn't feel afraid. Instead, I was worried about him because his face looked tired, as if he hadn't slept well for a few days, his skin also looked pale like someone who had been sick for a few days. If he wanted me to disappear because he didn't want to see me, shouldn't he be eating and living better? But, what is this? I had thought that he would live better than he did before.

But, even though I couldn't stop thinking like that, at some point, it felt like something was rising inside me. What was it? Of course, I had no intention of dying like Athanasia in the novel.

"What a fool."

I muttered under my breath while stabbing my finger at Claude's forehead which looked even more wrinkled than before. Then, his thick, arched eyebrows began to spread into a flat curve. His golden eyelashes that stretched down began to open very slowly. I could only stay silent as those moonlit eyes began to open and his gaze was still unfocused.

"......"

My hand returned to its original position as his jeweled eyes slid towards me. Claude, who had just woken up from his sleep, was silent for a few moments. I was also silent, still crouched down while staring at him.

And after a while, he slowly opened his mouth.

"Irritating."

The moment that low, cold voice touched my ear, my fingertips trembled. But what he said next was completely unexpected.

"Aren't you tired? You always appear in my dreams every night without missing a single day."

With his cynicism reproaching me, I winked at the words he said, it seemed like he was doing some self-talk. What does this mean? He dreams of me every night? Oho, it's not a dream about killing me, right?

"But today you've been quiet."

"......"

"Yes. I'd rather you just stay quiet than show up from time to time and say those da#n words in front of me again and again."

By the way, I don't know why, but it seemed like Claude thought that the current situation was a dream. I also decided not to tell him that this was real.

Instantly, the atmosphere in this room became quiet.

"Why?"

As if he didn't even want to see my face, I raised my arm and looked at him who was covering his eyes, then I opened my mouth impulsively.

"Why are you trying so hard to find me?"

Actually, I don't understand why Claude is searching all over the place for me. If his reason for doing so was because he wanted to kill me because I was a nuisance to him, then wouldn't it be better to stay like this and not care whether I lived or died out there?

"If you find me, will you kill me?"

Or, does he really want to end my life by killing me with his own two hands? If that's the case, you really have bad taste.

"Do you still want to kill me when you see me, like right now?"

In the quiet room, there was only my low-pitched question echoing. Claude didn't say anything when I asked, and at my last question, even Claude's hand that was placed over his eyes flinched.

"Yes."

His dry lips that were bathed in the dim moonlight in the darkness parted for a moment. Then, he spoke again in a low voice as if he was chewing.

"Even now, I want to tear you to death."

I was silent for a while after hearing that. And immediately, I spoke in a low voice.

"I won't die."

His hand which was still over his eyes snapped back.

"I will never die in your hands, Dad."

The moonlight that was in Claude's hand slid down and landed on the sofa as I said those words.

"Even if I die, I won't die in your hands, Dad!"

The eyes that had been hidden by his hand now appeared. This time, I kept my mouth shut as our eyes met and slowly his gaze came into focus.

"You...."

Finally, those jeweled eyes emitted a weak bluish light.

"Not a dream?"

I smiled faintly at him.

Yes. I really....

"I missed you, Dad."

I guess it's not time to see you yet.

"Goodbye."

So, stay healthy until we meet again.

"Wait!"

Ctak!

Claude quickly got up from his sleeping position and extended his hand towards me. But, I was one step ahead of him. I simply disappeared in front of his eyes.

Whuushhh.

As I closed and opened my eyes, I saw flower petals fluttering like snowflakes under the moonlight. I, who had just been in Claude's room, was now back in Arlanta.

If you still want to kill me, then we should part ways for a while. I don't know how long it will take until we meet again, but either way, this is another farewell. I stood on the street full of moonlight with white flower petals fluttering as if bidding farewell to the person who had just been left behind.

However, in reality, I had just met Claude. And before I knew it, my reunion with him would come sooner than I thought.

***

"Don't you come here often? If you tell me what book you're looking for, I can help."

I was startled by the voice that suddenly came from beside me, and I raised my head. The bookstore clerk whose face I had seen quite often, stood a few steps away from me and looked at me.

"Are you interested in magic?"

Oops, I got caught. However, I have shown a consistent interest in books with similar content. This was the largest bookstore in Arlanta, so I came here more often than anywhere else, and it seemed that I had attracted the attention of the store clerk.

"Are there any books about mental magic?"

"Is that a type of spirit?"

"Hmm, it's like magic that manipulates people's memories...."

After hesitating, I finally asked the clerk. Whether it was books in the school library or books in a bookstore, I couldn't find any books that talked about it, so I thought I'd better ask -at least once.

But, the clerk even seemed hesitant about my question. Then, she lowered her voice and whispered.

"Miss, are you interested in black magic?"

This time it was my turn to be silent. In Obelia, black magic is treated as a forbidden thing so you won't be able to find books related to black magic. Originally, black magic itself was not bad, but Claude's brother, the previous Emperor of Obelia was one of the best Black Mages in Obelia.

It was no surprise that the Mages of Obelia went wild without fear under the leadership of such an Emperor. But now, under Claude's reign, the number of Black Mages had decreased drastically, and even black magic had turned into a mere theory. Moreover, even though black magic itself was not an illegal act, there had long been an aversion to black magic on this continent. So, it was understandable that this bookstore clerk was looking at me warily.

"I'm not very familiar with it, but I need to find magic related to memory. Does that count as black magic?"

"As far as I know, mental magic is usually related to that."

"But not everything, right?"

"If you're just looking for theories......"

The clerk was still wary of me, she searched the bookshelf and found some books.

I skimmed through them, but I was disappointed that they didn't cover what I wanted either. The words that the clerk had just said still stuck in my head. In that case, perhaps there was magic in black magic that could restore lost memories. However, just as I was about to leave the bookstore with an empty mind, the clerk called out to me and said.

"Maybe the book you're looking for is in the place written here."

Before I could respond, she went straight to another customer as if her business was done.

I left the bookstore with a folded piece of paper in my hand.

 

-        A bookstore without a signboard on 56th Street, 13th Alley

 

Even at a glance, I could tell that this was the address of a suspicious place. Was it a place that dealt with books on black magic? However, unlike Obelia, Arlanta doesn't treat black magic as forbidden, so I guess that's why she gave me this note......

It didn't seem like a dangerous place, as the bookstore clerk had told me. But, I felt a bit reluctant to come to this place. After thinking about it for a while, I decided to visit the place written on the note.

"Welcome."

And this nameless shop I came to turned out to look normal. When I saw the address on the note, I thought it would be in a suspicious and dark alley. But it turned out that this shop was located in a sunny clearing. There was even a grocery store opposite, so many people were passing by.

"Are there any magic books related to one's mentality or memory?"

"There is."

The old man -it looked like he was the shop owner, he pointed somewhere. Despite feeling a little uncomfortable, I walked towards the place he pointed to.

Ugh, dust! It seems this place hasn't been cleaned for years. How can there be dust on every single one of these stacks of books? Are there no customers coming here? Of course, looking at Grandpa's reaction, it seemed like he didn't really want to sell. There's too much dust, so it's hard to recognize the book titles.

『 Love is War! 44 Curses that Can Kill Your Lover 』, 『 Love Potion Method Introduced by a Real Mage 』, 『 100 Black Magic to Gain Your Lover's Heart 』.

Huh, why are all these books related to love? This is so different from the category I wanted!

I looked at Grandpa sitting at the door with a furrowed brow. But, he didn't seem interested in me anymore, as he seemed to be focusing on solving the quiz in the newspaper. So, I decided to look for the books I needed on my own. And after finding a few books, I was surprised. That's because many books contained the content I wanted -moreover, these books explained it in detail more than I thought. Of course, I was still a beginner who was new to using magic, but it wouldn't be bad to buy these books and learn about memory recovery.

"Please calculate all this."

"Hm? You want to buy all of these?"

As I piled all the books on the table, the shopkeeper raised his head.

The moment our eyes met, his gaze toward me suddenly changed. Then, he shouted loud enough for his voice to pierce my eardrums.

"Miss, you've been cursed!"

What was this Grandpa saying now?

"Cursed?"

"Yes, you've been cursed by someone who wants you to be unhappy!"

There was a strange madness flowing in his gaze that was fixed on me. I just felt that the atmosphere around this Old Grandpa was a little creepy.

"Grandpa, are you a Black Mage?"

I don't know why I thought that. However, as I faced his eyes, the thought popped into my head.

"Not now, but I used to be."

The shopkeeper answered my question without taking his eyes off me.

"What curse is on me?"

I was a little nervous since this was the first time I met a Black Mage in person, but I decided to put those feelings aside and continue asking her. Then, the Old Grandpa looked back at me with his eyes.

"It's a very complicated curse, and it's also subtle...."

Every time his strange gaze slid towards me, my fingertips seemed to jerk.

"The curse that Miss has...."

But then, I was disappointed by the words she said next.

"I don't know either. Hehe."

The expression of the shopkeeper's grandfather changed back to what it was when I first came, he scratched his chin and laughed.

"But it's just a light one, so it doesn't really matter."

It was a pathetic reply compared to his reaction earlier. This grandfather, isn't he just a strange person? Well, if he was indeed a great mage then he wouldn't be the owner of a bookstore filled with dust and located in a small alley like this.

"If you bought these books to remove the curse, you don't need to. It seems like the effects of the curse have disappeared."

Can I believe him now? That's very suspicious since he said earlier that it was a curse. However, if he was a businessman, then he should be trying to sell things, but this Grandpa was instead telling me that I didn't need to buy these books.

I stared at this person in front of me in a strange mood, and then I opened my mouth.

"I have one question, may I ask?"

"What is it?"

"I wanted to ask your opinion because you said you used to be a Black Mage. The magic in these books, is it harmless if used on others?"

He touched the books I had brought, then he clicked his tongue.

"Miss, do you want to end someone's life?"

I was surprised by his question and reflexively shouted.

"It's the opposite! There's someone who got hurt because of me, so I want to heal him."

"Heal? With black magic?"

"They said, there's no way to heal him with usu-"

"Give up."

He immediately cut off my words and shook his head as if he didn't need to listen to my explanation anymore.

"Miss, you shouldn't even think about touching black magic. Black magic. Even if you use it for various things, in the end, someone has to pay the price. I've never seen anyone who had a good ending after using black magic."

I fell silent as I heard his words. I knew that black magic was dangerous. But in Obelia, even in Arlanta, it was difficult for me to find books about black magic. So I didn't know how much price to pay in return for that dangerous magic.

"Besides, using black magic to heal someone, not even I have heard of something like that in my entire life."

"But...."

"Miss, you came here because you really need something, right?"

I covered my mouth like a clam when I heard his question. Then, he clicked his tongue again and said to me.

"If you lean on the power that causes misery, then you will pass through an irreversible path. Can you handle that?"

I fell silent, biting my lip. In fact, even I already knew that there was nothing I could do. I had only been able to use magic recently. My ability was still insignificant, and even that was very unstable. So, perhaps staying silent was the best option.

But, I didn't want to keep quiet without making any effort, and I thought that I was the one who had to fix it. Besides, all of this happened because of my fault, so I think that I should be the one to solve it.

If you're asking if I'm ready to pay for that (black magic), then I don't know what to say. I don't know if I really have the ability to do so. But, with a sincere heart, I want to do something I can do. The Old Grandpa shook his head again and parted his lips with a stern face.

"Wait, don't answer that easily. Black magic is quite complicated, it will take away things that are precious to you without you realizing it."

The Grandpa said it with a dark and dim face, unlike before, even I had no choice but to keep my mouth shut.

"Besides, black magic is a very evil thing, and it can eat a person's soul. Think about it well."

The Old Grandpa who was a Black Mage said as if he had lost everything, he said all that to me while looking at me deeply as if he really was a skilled Black Mage in his day.

"You'll lose a lot, and that's the reason why you shouldn't come to a place like this. Miss, don't you have someone to worry and cry for when you lose something?"

"......"

"If you have, even one person like that, then you shouldn't set foot in a place like this."

After that, as if he had nothing more to say, he turned around and sat back down in his place, while I was still standing in front of him.

"Go back. I won't sell you a book."

 

After a while, I walked down the street with the setting sun behind me. I could see people going out to buy dinner, people busy walking around, and the bustling grocery store across the street. For a while, I just stood still and watched the people passing in front of me.

Earlier, when I was at the store, I felt something urgent from within me -whose cause was unknown, it felt as if I was being pushed by something. But now, I feel like I've come to my senses and become calmer.

The weather was still warm, but somehow my shoulders felt cold. It was as if I had been unconsciously pushed by someone and was standing on the edge of a cliff, and then I managed to take a step back.

When I looked back, a shop without a signboard was in my sight. The shopkeeper's Grandpa was still sitting with his back to the door.

 

'If you lean on the power that causes misery, then you will pass through an irreversible path. Can you handle that?'

 

The words I had just heard in the shop still lingered in my ears like an echo.

 

'You'll lose a lot, and that's the reason why you shouldn't come to a place like this. Miss, don't you have someone to worry and cry for when you lose something?'

 

I continued to stand there for a while and looked back at the shop I had just left, and after a while, I walked away. My shadow on the ground lengthened due to the twilight.

"......Come on, calm down."

I muttered to myself, muttering words that no one could hear. I felt like crying, but I had to hold it in. I wanted to see Claude again, even though it was only a while ago when I last saw him. But apparently, I couldn't do that yet. I walked along the street, walking alone as the sunset. I tried to let go of the attachment that kept sticking to my back like a shadow.

***

A few days later, I entered the school library with invisibility magic. I've been here a few times, and I'm used to it, but now, it's almost like my own library. Perhaps the students only come here when they don't have lessons. And since it's time for classes, the reading room in the library is empty.

If I had to pick my favorite thing about this school, then it would be the library. Of course, I liked the public library in Obelia and my personal library made by Claude, but this school library was also good in its own way.

Of course, these books were written in Arlanta -a foreign language, but didn't I have an amazing skill, which I had mastered over the years?

I can read books in Arlanta Language without much effort. Although I'm nothing compared to Izekiel who has been fluent in Arlanta Language since he was 10 years old, but still...... Why am I so far behind in education compared to Izekiel, when this is my second life? Ouch, suddenly my tears.........

I passed by the bookshelves with foreign languages written on them with tears in my eyes. Looking at these books, I realized that these were books originally from Obelia, the Obelia books I had studied were classified as foreign books here. I was a little uneasy about that fact. I really realized that I was currently in Arlanta.

I looked around and took out a few books to read, books that were various books on spells and magic study books that contained detailed information on how to deal with magic, magic theory, and magic practice. I still had a lot to learn about the operation of magic power, so I deliberately went to libraries and bookstores to study on my own. Then, I suddenly remembered what happened in that shop without a signboard, but then, I shook my head and erased the memory of that day. Even so, I still couldn't help but feel a little depressed. No. Just do what I can do now. I'm still not good at controlling my own magic power, so I have to do something......

In a depressed state, I lowered my head into the books I had brought and I began to study.

"What I said. You have to push it hard!"

Huh? Suddenly, there was a loud noise coming from somewhere not far from here. Is class over already? I looked at the clock in the distance and saw that an hour had passed. Oh, then I should get going! I don't think I'll have enough time to return these books to the bookshelf, so I gathered the magic power in my hands.

"When was the last time I asked you for advice?"

"Even if you say that, it wouldn't hurt to listen to my advice, Yohan, you should think carefully."

Then, the books stacked in front of me began to float into the air. Then, the books flew back to their original positions.

For a moment, I forgot that I was depressed before, and I watched the books that started to fit into every empty space on the bookshelf with a slight feeling of joy. Wow, don't I look a bit like Lucas? Uwaaaa. The Athanasia who used to laze around in Ruby Palace and wonder when she would die, whether it was today or tomorrow. But now, Athanasia has become an Archmage. Isn't this a human victory?

"Well, I've never heard your advice before. And keep your voice down. This is the library."

"Ah, there's no need for that. ......"

By the way, their conversation was very funny, they were young. I drowned in vague sentiments and ran my fingers down my nose. Yes, don't let yourself regret it later. Make a lot of good memories in your school days. Adios! Fortunately, after I finished organizing all the books, the students turned the corner where I was. I slipped out of the library to avoid them.

***

"Erich, what are you going to do on vacation?"

"I don't know, I haven't thought about it yet."

After doing this a few times, I got used to it, so now I can move among the students more easily than before. Uhmm. Because I was doing this, I felt like I was shooting a spy movie, it felt a little fun.

I passed through the tree-lined street and entered a quiet place. Oh, this is the gymnasium. I know that there are rooms like this in the Imperial Palace. Yes, this school also has a swordsmanship department.

"The Winner, Kavell!"

At that moment, the figure of the male student I had seen before entered my field of vision. Oh, it was the chopsteak guy! He is Kavell Ernst, the one who had excitedly asked the Professor in his class where his chopsteak was. He is a handsome student with brown hair and a masculine appearance. Apparently, he had just won that duel. As if he was the last person in the duel, after a while the students in the gymnasium dispersed.

I had nothing to do anyway, so I sat cross-legged on a nearby tree and watched them. Kavell Ernst picked up a water bottle from the floor and asked the other boy beside him. It seemed that he was thirsty after sweating in the gymnasium.

"Hey, do you know where to fix the broken sword decoration?"

"Eh? No, I don't know."

Ah, by the way, when it comes to the sword decoration, are you referring to the handicraft made of gold, which I put on the table that time? When I think of it, it seems like Felix always wears something similar to that. Uh, could it be broken? Could it be because I kicked it?

I saw a rumpled-faced Kavell return to gripping the water bottle in one hand and his other hand rummaging through his jacket pocket. Soon, he took out the same handicraft I saw last time.

"Ah, the thing my little sister gave me as a gift should be repaired soon... Huh!?"

At that moment, all of a sudden, his eyes met mine.

Uhm? Instantly, I who was resting my chin on my palms was startled, I raised my head slightly. What? I guess, right now, our eyes met?

Huwaaaa!

Just then, the water bottle fell out of his hand. I didn't understand why he was looking at me with his mouth wide open. However, Kavell Ernst's face gradually became blurry.

"Miss Fairy...?"

Ha-Haahhh?

Because of his sudden and unexpected reaction, I had time to look around to confirm if anyone else was beside me. B-But, that's strange. Right now there was no one around me except me, and I turned my gaze back to him, stiffly. And unintentionally, I asked him.

"Me?"

"Mi-Miss Fairy is speaking...."

She again muttered with a blurred face.

Wow, you can see me?! In any case, it seems like he was indeed talking about me! Has my magic escaped without my knowledge? T-This situation is a little confusing. Why did this happen all of a sudden? It seemed that, for the time being, my magic power would not listen to my wishes. Even so, it seemed that I was still invisible in the eyes of others.

"What's wrong? What happened?"

"Why, what's wrong? Isn't it just a tree?"

Apart from the other confused students, Kavell still looked at me with admiration. Just then, the sword decoration in his hand slipped and fell to the floor.

Klang!

Just then, his blue eyes that were staring at me instantly refocused as if he had come to his senses.

"Hah! What was that?"

Hastily, Kavell Ernst looked around and shouted. Apparently, the me in front of his eyes no longer looked the same as before.

Aish, it must be because of that handicraft! Is that a magic item? Like, an item that can negate the effects of magic. I've heard that there are items like that. Didn't his reaction change as soon as it fell from his hand?

"Just now, I saw a fairy! What was that? What happened?"

Ugh! Wait a minute, I think I'm about to get caught!

I moved away from him as he approached me and extended his hand. Kavell Ernst swung his arm around where I was as if he couldn't believe what had just happened. Seeing that, the surrounding male students spoke as if Kavell Ernst had said something stupid.

"What are you talking about? There are fairies in this world."

"No! She's right in front of me, right here!"

"Are you dreaming?"

"Can't you see it? In front of me, there's a fairy. Her hair is shimmering, her eyes sparkling! There's a light behind her body! That light is like, Cringgg!"

S-Stop that! I feel so embarrassed! Aaaaaaaa!

"Especially, her eyes really caught my attention! The color of her eyes was like turquoise, and they were glittering, just like jewels!"

His voice was loud like a lion's roar that echoed several times along the classroom walls.

At that moment, it felt like there was lightning striking my mind. Instantly, I was startled and opened my mouth. Oh, now I remember! Why did the name Kavell Ernst feel familiar to me? How could I have forgotten it? Kavell Ernst was one of the supporting characters who fell in love with Zenith in <Lovely Princess>.

 

In a way, Kavell Ernst can also be called a poor male supporting character. No, not just Kavell Ernst, but all the male characters who appear in the novel <Lovely Princess>, are all poor characters, except for Izekiel. That's because the beautiful Princess Zenith monopolized the love of handsome men, but in the end, it was Izekiel who she chose.

Also, since Izekiel is the unrivaled male protagonist, the other male characters do not appear in the same proportion throughout the story. Well, even so, some characters are popular among readers in their own way.

Essentially, Kavell Ernst is one of those poor male supporting characters. In the novel, he falls in love with Zenith and passionately continues to woo her. Also, he was Izekiel's friend while he was studying in Arlanta. I remember the first meeting between Zenith and Kavell happened in Obelia. Was that when Zenith was 17 or 18 years old? Ughh. My memory is really bad, but whatever it is, it's clear that the incident will happen a few years later.

That's because Kavell Ernst in the novel is not a student, but rather a fairly skilled knight of the Arlanta Royal Family. So, he accompanied the Arlanta delegation as a companion when they arrived in Obelia. If I try to refresh my vague memory, if I'm not mistaken, he became a companion for the Arlanta delegation because he was planning to meet up with his schoolmate, Izekiel.

Later, Kavell Ernst met Zenith at the Obelia Imperial Palace, where he 'fell in love' at first sight.

It was obviously considered a fateful meeting from his point of view, but unfortunately not so for Zenith. That's why Kavell Ernst continued to be a supporting actor from start to finish. After saying all this, I feel a little sorry for him. But, what can I do? Izekiel was the male protagonist who exuded a crazy presence from the start! Even so, this poor guy, Kavell, he's quite popular with his sunflower-like nature. Hmm, of course, I had completely forgotten about his existence until now…… Actually, I just remembered that the middle school girl who introduced me to this novel said something like this about Kavell.

'Hiks! I'm sorry, supporting male character! But, your presence is so dusty....'

Anyway, I had completely forgotten about this. But as soon as Kavell Ernst talked about fairies, I was reminded of the memories buried beneath the surface of the water. Come to think of it, in the novel there was a supporting character who was like a puppy, who kept chasing Zenith and calling her a fairy. I think he called her a fairy because of these special jeweled eyes....

Uwaaa.

Isn't it outrageous to say such an embarrassing thing in front of someone? O-Of course, I also call Diana as Fairy Sister, but my mom, Diana is really a fairy! So it doesn't matter if I call Diana a Fairy! Yes, that's true!

But come to think of it, isn't it natural that Kavell was rejected by Zenith? I mean, he's a guy who would immediately say the word 'fairy' whenever they meet.

Just imagining it is very creepy, isn't it? No matter how hard I want to side with him, I can't defend someone who constantly says the word 'fairy' every time they meet. There's a reason why a supporting character is still a supporting character.

"I wonder what Zenith is doing right now."

Perhaps it was because I met Kavell Ernst who was destined to fall in love at first sight with Zenith. Suddenly, I became curious as to how Zenith was doing these days. Well, of course, I'm sure she's fine, but on the other hand, I remembered that I hadn't been in contact with her for a long time before I left the Imperial Palace............

Wait a minute. Could it be, that Albie is thinking 'This is our chance!'? Is he going to bring Zenith to Claude and give her to Claude? Could it be that Claude would be annoyed by that and would try to kill Zenith? Hey, if there was such an incident, there's no way there wouldn't be rumors spread, so I don't think it happened. Besides, somehow, if it was the Albie, I'm sure he would have prepared Zenith's first appearance tremendously.

As evident from the story in the novel, he made Zenith meet Claude for the first time on the debutante day. But, right now, Claude is busy trying to find me, so I guess Zenith must still be at Duke Alphaeus' Residence.

In that case, should we take a look?

 

'Miss, you've been cursed!'

'Yes, you've been cursed by someone who wants you to be unhappy!'

 

I paused for a moment, recalling the words I heard from Black Mage Grandpa.

Ctak.

Then, I sat on a lush flower tree in the Lasus region where the Flower Festival was held a while ago.

***

"That's strange...."

After a while, I opened my eyes and looked at the people who came and went to the large Residence. This time, the teleportation went well, this allowed me to land safely on the roof of the Alphaeus Residence, and then I climbed onto a tree with invisibility magic to look at the situation around. In the first place, I didn't even know where Zenith's room was, so I couldn't move around carelessly.

But strangely, somehow the atmosphere in this Residence felt strange. How should I put it, huh? It feels like the atmosphere is very gloomy. Or maybe it's just my feelings......

Clack.

Then, the door of the Residence, which was submerged in an unknown silence, suddenly opened with a soft voice.

"Be careful on the road."

Hey, Albie! And the person next to him is Duchess Alphaeus? Wow, I've always seen Albie's face until I got bored, this is the first time I've seen the Duchess. She looks like an elegant woman who is a little stern. Izekiel doesn't look much like her, it turns out that Izekiel is really the Albie Junior.

"Izekiel, are you ready?"

"Yes, Father."

As soon as Duke Alphaeus asked the question from outside the door, someone appeared from behind the door. Ah, it was Izekiel. For a moment, my hand jerked slightly as I saw Izekiel for the first time since the incident in the Banquet Hall.

 

'Princess Athanasia.'

 

Suddenly, his low voice, which was in my memories flashed back to my ears.

 

'I apologize for my impudence.'

'Yes. I didn't see anything.'

 

And now, I also remembered that Izekiel was by my side crying for a long time without saying a word. I looked down for a moment and returned my gaze to them again. They looked like rich people going somewhere.

"Is it really fine if only you and Izekiel go?"

"I think it's for the best, since I basically have no relationship with Rosaria."

When asked by Duchess Alphaeus, Duke Alphaeus shook his head and answered as such. But, Rosaria? Would they go to Zenith's Aunt place?

"I thought so too, but Zenith......"

"I'll go too."

Right at that moment, there was a black figure sticking out of the open door. The person who came out of the door was Zenith dressed in all black. Somehow, the Alphaeus Family looked at Zenith with surprise. But, it felt strange. Why were they dressed like that? All of them were wearing all-black clothes. At least, I thought that it was natural for the Albie and Jezekiel to wear black suits because it was formal wear, but why was Zenith wearing such a black dress? On top of that, she was also wearing a black veil hat.

"Zenith, didn't I say 'No'?"

"Why not?"

For a moment, she looked surprised, and soon Duke Alphaeus spoke to Zenith in a rather harsh tone. It seemed that they did not want to take Zenith to their destination, Rosenite -the fiefdom of Countess Rosaria.

"She's my aunt, if not me, who else would it be?"

"Zenith, you know it's not about rights, right?"

"Then, what's the problem? Even if Uncle stops me, I will still go."

Aahhh, Uhmmm. What's with this atmosphere? I knew that Zenith wanted to go, and Duke Alphaeus wanted to stop her, but what I was asking was, what kind of strange and heavy atmosphere was this?

"I can't allow it."

"Uncle!"

After a moment of silence, after Roger Alphaeus coldly returned her words, Zenith almost shouted out loud.

I was surprised because this was the first time I had seen her act with such emotion. Her expression was not clearly visible because of the veil hat hanging on her face. But judging from her voice, it seemed like Zenith was trying hard to hold back her tears. She seemed to think that Duke Alphaeus was cruel, and on the other hand, she looked like she was feeling deep anger and sadness.

"I have to go. Must go."

And it seemed like my prediction was right, Zenith's crying voice trembled uncontrollably, and she shed tears.

"From the first day when I got the sad news that Countess Rosaria was in critical condition, I have repeatedly explained it to you so that you could understand. You can't insist like this."

"But...?"

"Look at you. How can you come if you can't control your emotions like that?"

"She is my aunt. My family. Why?"

"Yes, of course. But, once you're in front of Countess Rosaria's coffin, surely you'll be much more shaken than this, right?"

It was exactly at that moment that, secretly, I took a deep breath. Countess Rosaria is dead? That Zenith's Aunt?

I was dumbfounded by something I had never imagined. Countess Rosaria fought hard to make Zenith the first heir to the throne in the future.

But in the novel, that woman was still alive until Athanasia died. How could she die suddenly like this? Just yesterday, Zenith seemed excited that her aunt was coming to the Capital. What had happened?

"Only me and Izekiel are going to her funeral. So, Zenith, you should calm yourself in your room."

Duke Alphaeus spoke in a firm voice until the end. His face and tone of voice showed a strong determination not to bring Zenith to Countess Rosaria's funeral.

I still held my breath and watched the tears flowing down Zenith's chin that could be seen from behind the veil hat. In the end, Zenith turned around and left with a sobbing voice as she was unable to carry on an argument with Duke Alphaeus.

"Father, I'll be right back."

"Yes, do it."

Now, after Izekiel followed Zenith's steps back into the Residence, the sound of Duke Alphaeus' deep sighs rang in my ears.

"Don't worry, I'll calm her down."

"How did this happen?"

Slowly, I stood on the tree, leaving the wailing Duke Alphaeus and the comforting Duchess behind. I used teleportation to Zenith's room since I now knew where it was. I could see Zenith at a window on the second floor, she was closing the curtains with her face wet with tears.

Knock, knock.

"Zenith."

Now, I was already inside the Residence and hiding in the corner of the corridor on the 2nd floor, I saw Izekiel who was knocking on the door.

Keughh. Why am I hiding behind a flower pot like this? I was using invisibility magic. To be honest, I knew that peeking at the two of them like this was a bad thing, but I still did it even though I knew that.

"I must leave immediately for Countess Rosaria's funeral."

No matter how hard he knocked on the door, there was still no answer from Zenith. Then Izekiel started talking to himself towards the closed door. I listened to what Izekiel said while hiding behind the flower pot in a sitting position -with my legs bent.

"Give me what you were holding earlier. I'll give it to her, in your place."

Huh? What was Zenith holding earlier? She was holding something?

"Zenith."

Once again, Izekiel's low voice called out Zenith's name. After that, a heavy silence filled the surroundings for some time. Then, Izekiel continued to face towards the door with an expression on his face that I couldn't understand -not in the least, I couldn't figure out what he was thinking.

After a while, the door opened with a small sound. Finally, Zenith emerged from the doorway crying. She had taken off her veil hat, so I could see her tear-drenched face just as I had glimpsed it from the window earlier. Zenith just cried wordlessly when she saw Izekiel standing outside her door. Perhaps her conversation with Duke Alphaeus made her realize that there was nothing more to say.

"Zenith."

After a moment of silence, Izekiel now raised his hand slowly.

"It's alright."

His arm stretched forward, encircling Zenith's slender and slightly trembling shoulders. Now, I watched Zenith who entered into Izekiel's embrace breathlessly.

"It's okay to cry."

"Uhuuu. Huwaaaaaa......"

"There's nothing wrong with being sad because your loved one is gone forever."

Izekiel's low whisper and Zenith's sobs buzzed like waves in the still air, and they penetrated into my ears clearly.

"But, the fact that you can't do anything will make you feel more pain."

"Uhuhuhuhuuu......"

A few years ago, the image of the two people I saw in the greenhouse with the sea of white roses blooming flashed through my mind. On the day of Izekiel's departure to Arlanta, Zenith had also cried, and at that very moment, Izekiel hugged the crying Zenith and calmed her down -just like now. With a slightly awkward touch, he tried to soothe the trembling shoulders.

"Zenith, it's not that we don't understand how you feel."

However, the touch of Izekiel who was comforting Zenith right now could not be compared to the one back then, now that Izekiel could comfort her more skillfully. In his arms, Zenith continued to cry without stopping. Zenith hugged Izekiel back, she sobbed until it made me want to cry too......

"Represent me...."

Finally, Zenith let out her voice while continuing to be covered with tears.

"This flower...... And tell her."

"Okay."

"I love you so much...... Huhuu. Even now, I still love you very much."

"Okay."

"Even in the future.... I will miss you a lot.... Please tell her that...."

After saying all that, Zenith sobbed again as if she was again overcome with emotion. Only then did I realize that there was a white flower in Zenith's hand that surrounded Izekiel's back. Ah, so that's it. Zenith couldn't even give the farewell flowers directly to her dead Aunt.

"Yes, I will convey that."

Now, Izekiel whispered those words into the ear of Zenith who was crying. I continued to stare at the two people with an unknown feeling. And after a while, I somehow felt a little stuffy and I finally left silently.

***

As soon as I opened my eyes, I was back in that field. After all, whenever I used teleportation in a disturbed mental state, I would automatically teleport to this place. Was this a game?

"Oh, what is this?"

I lay down on the grass and let out a depressed sound. No, why is this happening in a row? Claude who lost his memory, Countess Rosaria who suddenly died.

For a moment, I looked at the flowing clouds above my head speechlessly. Reeds with brown-green leaves that swayed endlessly filled my vision.

The interaction between Izekiel and Zenith that I just saw came back to my eyes. Then, my thoughts became complicated.

Ah, suddenly I really miss Lucas. Lucas would definitely snort and laugh at me, as if all this was nothing, as if there was nothing to worry about, so there was no need to think so complicatedly.

"Ah, suddenly everything got weird."

Of course, I didn't want the story to continue according to the story at all the novel. Oh, of course! I didn't want to be framed for a poisoning incident like in the novel, and I also didn't want to be killed by Claude. So, in some ways, Countess Rosaria's death was a good thing for me.

However, even though I thought so, without realizing it, I was reminded of Zenith's appearance a while ago and the feeling in my heart became a bit strange. Even though Countess Rosaria wasn't a pleasant person to me, she was still the one and only Zenith’s Aunt.

Honestly, if this happened when I was little, I definitely wouldn't care that much…… But now, I feel bad because I've built a friendship with Zenith over the years through Tea Parties and exchanging letters.

So that night, I snuck back into the Alphaeus Residence. Similar to what I saw during the day, even in the dark of night, there was still a gloomy aura emanating from the Alphaeus Residence. The main cause of this gloomy atmosphere was Zenith who had lost her Aunt as well as the Duke Alphaeus whose plans went awry because of this incident.

Of course, I didn't know what that Albie was planning. But no matter what, he must be in cahoots with Countess Rosaria and plotting something against me.

Oh, come to think of it, unlike in the novel, isn't Roger Alphaeus' plan didn’t going smoothly now? Keughhh. So, Albie, from now on, don't try to take advantage of others and just be yourself. Even now, you are already living well enough, so why do you want to get more unnecessary greed? If you live a complicated life like that, you might end up going bald.

My heart mourned for a moment for the Albie's hair, then I channeled magic power into my fingertips. Then, the note in my hand flew up and fell onto the terrace of Zenith's room.

Tak!

This time, I plucked an unripe green fruit from the tree beside me and sent it flying using magic.

Takkk!

After doing that once or twice more, I started to feel signs of people at the window. Finally, the curtains hanging on the window opened. The face that appeared behind the curtains looked even paler after being exposed to the moonlight, her eyes were red and swollen, perhaps because she kept crying even after Izekiel left. After opening the curtains and looking around as if it was strange, Zenith immediately found the paper on the terrace and opened the door. I saw it from a distance.

 

[3 days from now, I will meet you at the same time as now. From your friend.]

 

Zenith's eyes immediately opened wide after taking the note and checking its contents. She looked around harder than before, but eventually she had to return to the room without finding me.

I saw Zenith closing the terrace door holding the paper, and I quietly left the Alphaeus Residence .

***

"Excuse me."

As previously reported, 3 days later, I met Zenith in her room. I'm afraid she might tell the Duke Alphaeus or someone else about my letter, so I kept checking her movements since 3 days ago, but luckily there was no sign of that.

I entered her room through the glass terrace door, which was wide open as if she was welcoming my visit.

"Hello, Miss Magritta. Long time no see."

As soon as I set foot on the moonlit floor, I saw Zenith standing inside the room. Seeing her standing tall like that in the quiet darkness, my heart was pounding like Cheonyeo Gwishin*…… I mean, my heart is pounding like the Goddess of the Night**. Oh my! Right now, I don't look like Cheonyeo Gwishin, right? What, should I tie my hair? I-I'm sorry, I couldn't protect your eyes……

T/N: Cheonyeo Gwishin is ghost of the person who died before Marry. This ghost tangible a woman whose hair long unravel and wear clothes all round white.

T /N: Here, Athi let out joke like this because the word 'Gwishin' was sound similar with the words 'Yeosin (Goddess)'.

"Don't be surprised…… Ughhh !"

Thinking about that, I opened my mouth a little shyly, but then, I let out a sound that was like a moan. That's because Zenith suddenly 'attacked' me.

“Princess…… What, are you really the Princess?”

I felt a little embarrassed when I saw her shaking eyes as if she couldn't believe this. Don't tell me, right now, I really look like a ghost? By the way, how could you attack me by hugging me like this before I even finished my sentence. This girl, she prioritizes action over thinking.

"Yeah, it's me."

The eyes that met mine when I gave that answer, now began to shake more violently than before. A gentle vibration came through the hand holding my arm. Oh, wait. Why is your gaze slowly becoming so emotional? Y-You won't cry, right? Uhm ? No, right?

“Oh, Princess……!”

" Keughhh ."

However, whether she knew my nervousness or not, in the end, Zenith burst into tears. Then, she hugged my waist tightly, so once again, I let out a moan. Aahhh! I think this is a bit too much, don't you think? Even though we have had Tea Parties together and exchanged letters, and you even said that we have become friends, isn't this like going too far? Ugh, I was careless for sneaking in in the middle of all this. Well, it's not that I don't like it, it's just that there's something strange about it. Ah, look at my attitude that I can't even do this or that!

“I-I guess……?”

I was surprised by Zenith's sudden hug, so I couldn't return the hug, in the end I just let my hands rise in the air. And as soon as I lowered my gaze, I heard the sound of sobbing from her.

"I thought we would never meet again."

At that moment, I gasped.

“Suddenly, I heard that you had disappeared from the Palace……”

"……"

“I-I'm afraid, I'll never see you again……”

"……"

“That was really scary, so, uhmm…… So……”

Her voice was broken and her face was so wet with tears that it was hard for me to understand what she was saying. Zenith cried while hugging me tightly with her shaking hands as if she was afraid that I would disappear from her sight.

"Huwaaa. Uhuhuuuu……"

I watched it for a moment, and then I sighed deeply then I moved my hand.

Pat, pat.

When I patted her back, Zenith finally cried more calmly than before. Her intermittent sobs hit my ears and soon the sound of the sobs spread in the cool night air.

“Uhuhuuuu……”

I feel sorry for the person in front of me now. Honestly, there's nothing I can say if you laugh at me because I sympathizing to Zenith right now. I also know that it's ridiculous to feel this way about someone who, one day, might put a knife in my back.

But right now, this 14 year old Zenith was crying pitifully as if she was the only string which made me feel a little sad.

According to what I learned while I was staying in Obelia for the past 3 days, Countess Rosaria has been in critical condition since a few days ago after she was caught in an accident while leaving her territory to head to the Capital. Strangely, recently there have been many accidents caused by natural disasters, it seems that the Countess was caught in one when she was traveling through a mountain road.

I patted her back as she continued to cry without saying a word. Hugging Zenith like this makes me feel a bit strange. Because basically, she wasn't a child who would cry alone like this. According to the contents of the novel, Zenith should have entered the Imperial Palace shortly after she debuted, won Claude's heart, and smiled happily surrounded by the people who loved her. This novel is designed only for the happiness of the main character, Zenith.

But now, she was crying sadly alone in one of the rooms in the Duke Alphaeus's Residence.

Could this happen because I was the variable that changed the contents of the book?

“Uhuhuu, huwaaaa……”

In the quiet room, only the sound of Zenith's crying penetrated my ears clearly. I could feel that around my chest —the place where Zenith buried her face, was gradually getting wet. And I continued to rub her back with a gentle but also somewhat dry touch.

I'm sorry, Zenith. I muttered those words in my heart that no one would be able to hear.

Somewhere far away, in the depths of my heart, there is a feeling of relief at your misfortune. You don't appear as Claude’s daughter on debutante days, so I wasn't threatened by your existence, and Claude even accepted me as his daughter and loved me…… And your aunt, the person who could harm me in the future, actually died in vain like this.

"I'm grateful……"

So, maybe I'm a little lucky because the person crying alone like this is you, not me.

“I'm so happy, Uhuhu…… We can meet again like this……”

Silently, I looked up at the moonlit ceiling while listening to the sound of sobbing and words being whispered in my ear. It was clear that Zenith considered me her only surviving sister. Therefore, now, after she lost her Aunt, she had become dependent on me —a person who could be called a closer family member. And thus, she felt relieved.

"Yes."

And I dare to sympathize with Zenith who is like this. However, on the other hand, I still have a suspicious heart towards her.

"I also want to meet you……"

In that case, I now hide my selfish thoughts inside myself and comfort Zenith in my vile embrace.

"I'm grateful."

No need to blame Duke Alphaeus and Countess Rosaria. Maybe I'm not Athanasia in this novel, but I didn't know that I turned out to be the most terrible liar in this story. With such thoughts, I hugged the poor fellow in front of me a little tighter.

"Okay. This is a secret between me and you, Princess. Let's keep it a secret."

For some reason, she felt a little hesitant at first, but in the end she promised not to tell anyone about her meeting with me.

"So, are you coming to see me again like today?"

Then, she looked up at me…… Keughh. That gaze looked like a kitten's gaze, I felt a little burdened. S-Somehow, doesn't this feel like a knight or a mage coming to save the Princess who was trapped in the tower? Ugh. This expression is not so good!

"O-Of course."

And, my mind always becomes weak when in the presence of beauty! Ugh. However, I was thankful that when it was time for me to leave, Zenith had stopped crying, now she looked more energetic than before. She didn't ask why I left the Imperial Palace —perhaps she thought that it would be difficult for me to answer. She also didn't ask about me suddenly being able to use magic freely. That is something to be grateful for. Uhmm. So, things are going pretty well so far……

 

"Pretty girls, we won't scare you if you listen to us."

"Haha, that's right. We are just a group of lonely men. And you are a pair of lonely women. Aren't we a perfect couple?"

How did I end up hearing this nonsense?

"Ah, Athi. What should we do?"

Besides, next to me right now was Zenith —a person who was scared and shaking like a newborn baby bird. Briefly, I pondered how we had ended up in a situation like this —faced with thugs who were laughing sinisterly after cornering us into an alley.

***

Just like almost all events that occur in the world, the motives that trigger it are trivial. I still couldn't return to the Imperial Palace, and I had been wandering outside all this time. Then, all of a sudden, I was raving about 'Power!' and 'My Journey!' on Zenith. That's what triggered all of this. In short, I thought something ridiculous in the form of 'Zenith has never been to a place like this before, right?'

Come to think of it, just like me living like a flower in a protected greenhouse in a place called the Imperial Palace, Zenith was also not allowed to go out freely and was confined to the Alphaeus Residence. So, not long ago, the feeling I felt when exchanging letters with Zenith when I was still in the Emerald Palace, was nothing other than 'kinship'.

That Zenith overlapped with me, me who was isolated by Claude in the Imperial Palace, and Zenith who couldn't leave the Alphaeus Residence as she pleased. But now that I've left the Palace and lived freely, I now worry about Zenith in a different way. Moreover, some time ago, she couldn't even attend the funeral of her Aunt, Countess Rosaria.

Come to think of it, was it during the last Tea Party? As the girls were talking about the Festival Celebrating the Founding of the Obelia Empire, Zenith seemed to like it too, she said that she had gotten permission from the Duke Alphaeus to attend the Festival. But apparently, she didn't plan to attend the Festival.

Since the first day I met her at the Alphaeus Residence last time, I have gone to the Alphaeus Residence 2 times to meet Zenith.

To be honest, going to see Zenith was quite a risky thing. But, seeing her looking lonely after being locked up in her room all day like a princess trapped in a palace, and her smiling face that didn't hide her joy when she saw me, because of that, I had no choice but to climb back over the fence of the Alphaeus Residence to meet Zenith.

Besides, I actually doubt whether Zenith was the one who cursed me? Even though the curse wasn't a big deal, I still felt very uncomfortable that someone would wish my misfortune. And, Zenith is the only person around me who is involved with black magic.

However, the more often I met Zenith, the more I felt that she wasn't the one who did something like that to me. Every time I saw her face filled with joy at seeing me, perhaps everyone had no choice but to feel guilty for suspecting her. Moreover, she was just a 14 year old little girl who couldn't even hide her loneliness.

Izekiel has been busy lately, so he doesn't see Zenith often…… Is that why I don't see Izekiel every time I come to this Residence? Zenith flinched when I talked about that, she also said that some time had passed since Izekiel left the Residence on business.

So, after some consideration, I decided to bring Zenith to the Celebration Festival.

"Welcome, Princess."

Now Zenith is less surprised if I suddenly appear with magic. I remembered that it took me a long time to get used to Lucas who often suddenly appeared and disappeared. But Zenith, it turns out she has extraordinary adaptability. B-But, isn't she saying the same words as a wife welcoming her husband who has just come home from work……?

I looked at Zenith who greeted me with a flower-like smile, my eyes felt a little confused when I saw her. Then, I shook my head and dismissed all my thoughts. And then, I told what I had been thinking for days to Zenith who tilted her head at me.

"Miss Magritta, would you like to play outside?"

"Yes?"

Of course, Zenith asked me again in surprise. She seemed to be asking me questions as if she wasn't sure what she had just heard.

I saw her eyes slowly open wide. Zenith's lips slowly opened, as if she finally understood the meaning of the words I said earlier. Gradually, her facial expression became like a flower blooming in spring.

I smiled and held out my hand to her. A few moments later, Zenith smiled broadly and held my hand.

"Yes……!"

She answered like that without hesitation or questions. It was as if she would follow me wherever I went. So, I happily decided to be Peter Pan for her. And then, I snapped my fingers.

 

Noisy, noisy.

"Oh my! Princess, we really are outside!"

I teleported safely to a deserted alley I saw a few days ago. Around this place, there is a pile of old boxes that smell, but Zenith was looking around like this is an amazing thing.

In between, I leaned against the wall and took deep breaths. Sigh! I managed to do it, so far I've never used teleportation while carrying other people, so to be honest I was scared! I was afraid I would leave my pair of legs by mistake. For some reason, after leaving the Imperial Palace, the only good thing for me was 'Can do whatever I want!'. Snort.

"Princess! Let's go there!"

"Uhmm, wait a minute."

At a glance, Zenith, who seemed excited, grabbed my arm. So far, I've never seen someone who looks like a puppy. It seemed like she became excited after finally being able to go out.

I looked at her reddened face and swung my hand once to summon something that looked like a robe.

"Wear this first."

Her clothes look a little expensive, but I think it's okay if we wear coats. After visiting the Alphaeus Residence several times, I realized that no one looked for or met Zenith except during meal times, so going out seemed like it wouldn't cause any problems. It seems Duke Alphaeus tries to give Zenith time to be alone after Countess Rosaria's death. In that case, I should fix my face first.

Ta-da! Welcome to the easy and convenient, 'Athi Plastic Surgery Clinic'!

"Ah. Princess, your face!"

As soon as I poured magic power into my face, Zenith flinched.

"I only changed it briefly because I thought there would be people who would recognize my face from the memory stone."

"Your hair and eye color also changed."

Maybe because I've practiced several times while looking in the mirror, now my face looks more normal than before.

Hmmm. Even though this face looks ordinary, the beautiful face inherited from Diana is still a face that is not usually seen on the streets. Of course, I couldn't change the shape of my facial bones or facial muscles, I just made my face look normal by casting magic that had the same principle as invisibility magic to obscure my facial features. If I can advance to a higher level of magic, there is a possibility that I can change my facial features perfectly for a certain period of time……

I imagined my facial bones moving and making a sound like 'Duk! Duk! Bdukk!', suddenly I got goosebumps so I stopped thinking about it.

"Then shall we go now?"

"Yes!"

Zenith stared at my changing appearance for a long time as if she was wondering, but then, she answered my question quickly while smiling broadly. At that moment, I seemed to see hallucinations of flowers blooming around her.

……I think, changing Zenith's face with magic is more urgent than changing my face. Ugh, isn't she too beautiful that everyone walking on the street stares at her and teases her? With the buff of the Main Protagonist’s beauty, there could be strange people who are attracted to her beauty. Haa, I guess I should at least warn her not to smile so prettily like that when outside. Ugh, that would definitely feel weird, right!?

"Come on, Princess!"

Without knowing my suffering, Zenith grabbed my hand again and we held each other's hands. I had no choice but to hold her hand and step out onto the busy street.

It's the same as when I went out together with Lucas and when I went out alone a few days ago. From the start, this street had been a bustling market, but this time, the crowd couldn't even be expressed in words. Maybe all this happened because of the Country Founding Festival.

"Uncle, I want 10 skewers! I'm a regular customer here, can't you give me 2 more for free?"

"Auntie, 2 cotton candies here! Make them beautifully using rainbow colors!"

"Aish, wait! Doesn't the one on the left look lighter? Sis, you reduced the dose, right?"

"2 Ice Cream combo with 4 layers of honey! With choco sprinkles chips on top!"

This was Zenith's first time walking on a busy street like this, so everything looked strange in her eyes. I took her sightseeing and went around to all the street vendors selling delicious snacks that I had marked before.

"Unbelievable! How could you know all these things, Princess?"

When I took her around to several places, Zenith said that while admiring me. Oops. Actually, I used to often play alone on this street! Although, of course, lately I've been wandering outside not 100% of my own free will. Uhmm.

I hinted what I was thinking earlier to Zenith who was blowing on the chicken satay before eating it.

"Rather than that, Miss Magritta, don't you think we should come up with a nickname?"

"Ah."

Only after that, Zenith covered her mouth with her hand and looked around as if she had just realized that she had been calling me 'Princess' all this time. Luckily, the people around us didn't seem interested in our conversation. They all only care about 1 thing! It was the beauty Zenith who radiated brilliant light as she ate the chicken satay. Hmm, maybe we should move to a quieter place.

Zenith followed me like a good child going out with her mother for the first time. And finally, I said my first name for the first time in a long time!

"From now on, call me 'Athi'."

"Ah. How could I do something like that?"

Zenith stuttered in surprise, but I extended my index finger before her and said firmly.

"And from now on, I will call Miss Magritta 'Zethi'."

I finally said it! A nickname so sweet like magic chocolate powder that always rings in my mouth every time I see Zenith! Ugh. Sad past. If someone heard it, surely they would laugh at me and say that it was a bad name after Blackie and Bluie, but no one in the world knows about the magic chocolate powder that is put into white milk*. Besides, isn't 'Zethi' a cute name ? It's like 1 set with 'Athi'.

T/N: In South Korea, there is a chocolate flavored drink named Zethi ( 제티 ).

Zenith also doesn't hate the name I gave her to use when we go out. She blushed slightly and muttered with reddened cheeks.

"I felt embarrassed because it sounded like a nickname."

"Everyone will experience difficulties when facing new things. So, Zethi! Zethi, try calling my name."

"Then…… A-Athi……"

Zenith was shy and said it stammeringly, in the end she had extraordinary strength to be able to say it. Awww, how cute when she blushes like that.

After solving the problem of 'calling' in a short time, we finally went back to enjoying the festival. Ahahahaha. Because today was the first day of the Founding Festival, there were no big events yet, so we just enjoyed food and some entertainment such as getting dolls with slingshots. However, I know that tomorrow afternoon there will be a procession of Imperial Family members and a fireworks display on the last night of the Founding Festival. Of course, since Claude was the only member of the Imperial Family in the Palace currently, then he would be the only person participating in tomorrow's events.

"Here, a gift for you."

I gave her a bracelet shaped like a bunch of thin threads twisted together.

"This……?"

"If you wear it on your arm, then your wish will come true."

While Zenith was busy with the Chinchillas being sold at one of the stalls on the corner of the street earlier, I bought something called a 'wish bracelet' at the stall next to it. Honestly, this bracelet is nothing, but it is one of the beauties of the festival. I bought it on impulse because I remembered that Zenith had given me a ribbon as a gift. But maybe Zenith doesn't like this kind of thing……

"Thank you very much. I will wear it every day."

However, it turned out that Zenith appreciated the bracelet I gave her with a moved expression on her face. Ah, no…… If you really like it like that, I feel guilty.

"Today is so fun."

With our backs facing the setting sun, without realizing it, we walked side by side on the street while holding large lollipops in our hands. Zenith didn't know how to eat a candy that was the size of her face, so she just held it in her hand, and she only licked the tip because she knew that she wouldn't be able to finish it.

"Too bad we have to go back."

"Zethi, you said that you had to come back before dinner time to make sure that this was a perfect crime. Isn't that right?"

I deliberately spoke in a joking tone to Zenith whose face showed regret. Sometimes, both of us made the mistake of not using nicknames because we were still not used to it, but you still decided to call us using nicknames to go out until we returned to the Residence.

"We have to commit the perfect crime so that later we can return to playing like this again."

Zenith's eyes trembled as I said those words with a smiling face.

“Next time…… Will there be a ‘next time’?”

"Don't you want to see fireworks? I'm also curious because I've never seen them outside the Imperial Palace. But there's no one who can accompany me to see fireworks."

I continued talking to her who suddenly stopped walking.

"If you don't mind, would you like to watch the fireworks with me?"

In a way, this could be called my first date, and my date was Zenith! But, whatever it was, the time I had spent with Zenith today had been more enjoyable than I had expected, and if I ended my meeting with Zenith without seeing the fireworks that were the beauty of the festival, then my pride as its first guide could not tolerate that!

"Gladly, I would."

Seeing the prettiest smile of all the smiles I've ever seen on Zenith's face, for some reason this makes me feel embarrassed. So, I rubbed my nose —trying to get rid of the embarrassment. Hmmm. This is very embarrassing.

We entered a quiet alley to return to the Duke Alphaeus's Residence.

"Hey, pretty girls!"

Right at that moment, didn't it sound like there was a voice from behind us? Huh? Aren't those words used when you tease someone?

"Hihihi! If you have free time, would you like to play with Oppa?"

Apart from that, the words used are also a rude invitation. I saw the people standing in front of the alley, then I gave them a look that said 'What the hell?' and suddenly it hit me. Ah! Could this be that incident?

"What's wrong? Are you guys frozen because you're scared? Bwahahaha. Oppa isn't a scary person."

"Of course, that's true if you listen to our words carefully."

Why, people like them are everywhere? Stupid bast#rds who tease girls in dark alleys, and sometimes they go even further and commit crimes! Wow, if they really are those people, this is all too typical. If this was a novel, wouldn't the author be too inventive?

"That's right, beautiful girls. If you listen to us well, then you don't need to be afraid."

"Haha, that's right. We are just a group of lonely men. And you are a pair of lonely women. Aren't we a perfect couple?"

You thugs…… Why are these squid-like bast#rds even spitting dirt out of their mouths?

"Ah, Athi. What should we do?"

Then suddenly, I felt Zenith who was beside me holding my arm. Her hands were shaking because she felt afraid of this situation. Oops, I thought that Zenith who was bravely blocking Blackie from protecting me wouldn't blink (fear) at things like this, but apparently I was wrong.

"Isn't that girl very beautiful?"

"We have to give her a lot of love."

Hmmm. If you think about it, those people's eyes are a bit dirty. Ugh, has Zenith who was just living well in the Alphaeus Residence ever received such dirty looks? Besides, those dirty eyes were only focused on Zenith, maybe it was because my face was still hidden by magic.

"Why are you guys like this suddenly?"

" Oh, the cute whining beauty, you don't have to worry. Trust Oppa!"

Oh my gosh, stop the bullsh!t. Don't you know that on the trust meter, magic words like 'Trust me' have a value of zero? Besides, you two are clearly a duo of criminals who don't even have a brain!

I stood in silence for a moment because this was the first time I had encountered a thug in this world, and as soon as the thug started to approach, I started to take a 'Huung!' breath, then I immediately shouted loudly with all my strength focused on my stomach.

"Hey!"

The villain duo stopped for a moment when I shouted suddenly. But this is just the beginning!

"You beep, beep, beep, because beep, beep, you beep, beep, beep!"

The swear words that were more than enough to be censored with a 'beep' finally came out of my mouth as if I had been waiting for this moment.

"Beep, beep, beep, act beep, beep, beep. You want beep, beep, beep to do it? Hey, beep, beep, beep!"

I'm the crazy girl in this district! As if in a trance, I started cursing at these 2 bastards randomly, it was comparable to the cursing an old man would say to a naughty young man. The villain duo was stunned by the sudden swearing. Did you hear that? This is a curse I learned in Arlanta. Oh, children! Learn swear words when you study a foreign language! Keugh, after 14 years, I can finally spit out a bucket of curses that refresh my body, it feels like all the stress my body has felt for the past 10 years has just disappeared.

"A-Athi……"

Ah. I forgot that there is Zenith here. I smiled shyly at Zenith whose pupils were shaking in confusion as if she was asking what had just happened.

"No, that bit#h!"

"Are you crazy? You think you'll survive after cursing us so badly like that!?"

It seemed they realized it too late, but then the thugs started cursing me back while raising their veins (angry). Huh!! It seemed they suffered a great mental blow because of those terrible harsh words! Their hearts made of soft glass were shattered! I just snorted boredly at them. Even so, if their cursing was compared to the cursing I knew, it made them seem like kindergarteners who could only talk. Geez, you still have a long way to go as potential abusers. Please, do it seriously!

I raised my hand towards the person who was approaching me with the intention of tearing me apart. Then, I channeled my magic power into the object I was holding and thrust it forward with all my might!

Pak!

"Arghh!"

"Oh my! Did the candy fly away?"

A lollipop the size of my face flew at a terrifying speed and hit Criminal A's crotch. The broken candy quickly reflected in the setting sun and emitted a dazzling light. Criminal A, who was hit by the candy, immediately had white foam coming out of his mouth. Criminal B stared blankly at his comrade who had collapsed helplessly, he was holding onto something between his legs.

"Oh, isn't there still one more candy here?"

As I said those words in a tickling voice, Criminal B's pupils trembled in fear as if he could hear my words clearly. I took the candy that was in Zenith's hand and channeled magic power into it.

Keugh, I think I should shout a magic spell or something. 'In the name of justice, I will not forgive you! Taste this, my special move! Candy Crusher ☆!'

……Something like that.

But, if I say that with my own mouth, then I might die from shame. So, let's just say it in our hearts.

Pak!

"Arghhhh!"

Sraaa! With the setting sun as the backdrop, the glittering candy mush fluttered beautifully. Criminal B also let out a scream that was as good as his partner's, and instantly he too fainted.

“I-I…… Became an eunuch……”

Bruk!

Ah, it seemed like Criminal B had a slightly stronger defense than Criminal A. Before he fainted, he said his last words first.

Garbage disposal complete!

After I posed as if I had thrown out the trash, I turned my face towards Zenith who was still standing in a daze.

"Miss Magritta, hold my hand!"

"W-What? Ah!"

Then, we teleported and left the alley filled with glittering candy powder.

***

"It's still not too late, right?"

Fyuhhh , today is a precious day!

Together with Zenith, I returned to the Alphaeus Residence safely. At the last minute, I ran into some useless bast#rds, but it didn't matter. Ah, I should have handled them more carefully. Could it be that Zenith was shocked by that and became afraid to go out after this…… No, right?

"Haha……"

But then, I heard a faint sound like the sound of leaking wind, it came from next to me. Yes? What? It sounded like you were holding back laughter.

"Ahahahaha!"

As if I wasn't mistaken, as soon as I turned my head, the sound of clear laughter penetrated my ears. What entered my vision was Zenith who was laughing so hard, she was even crying because she kept laughing.

“Ahaha…… This, this is my first time seeing something like that.”

After a while, she rubbed her eyes and said that. Apparently, dealing with the thugs at the last minute gave her very fresh and new memories. Haha. My attack, Candy Crusher ☆ is indeed very impressive. Of course, fortunately what happened today was not etched as a bad memory for Zenith.

"Ah, somehow my chest feels very relieved."

Not long after that, Zenith stopped laughing completely and continued her words with a small smile on her lips, she seemed to sigh. So, Zenith, are you the kind of girl who enjoys this kind of sensation?

"Until a few days ago, I felt like I was trapped in hell."

I don't know how I should react when I hear those words.

"Princess, since I met you, I feel like I'm in heaven."

Keughh. I snorted for a moment, clutching my pounding heart, and replied to Zenith's words.

"There will be more exciting things in the future."

I'm also happy because I was able to finish this secret journey warmly.

"Don't forget, we will see the fireworks together."

When I said that while smiling at Zenith, she also looked at me while smiling brightly. So, we made another appointment to meet again on the last day of the Founding Festival.

***

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