Chapter 172
Chapter 172
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 172
Chapter Title: The Rumor That the First Kiss Tastes Like Lemon
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Early in the morning, Emperor Locke couldn't hide his shock upon hearing the report from his personal guard.
"Is that really true, Gold?"
"Yes, Your Majesty..."
The story of his own daughter attending a social gathering.
"Pine hosted the social? What were you all doing, not stopping her?"
Ever since Empress Bellin had been ensnared by Magic Hat,
Pine had been hiding her identity behind glass armor—a complete contrast to that.
"If I may be so bold, Your Majesty... No matter how much we tried to dissuade her, the Princess wouldn't listen."
Gold, a striking man with golden armor gleaming in the sunlight and wolf ears that caught the eye, spoke up.
"I suspect she might harbor feelings for that man named Licht."
The Emperor had even heard that Pine had proudly introduced her partner to everyone there.
"...Gold."
Even upon hearing that, Emperor Locke could only press a hand to his forehead and let out a groan.
"It seems you've forgotten what kind of race the werewolves are."
He rose from his seat and approached the hand axe hanging on the wall behind him.
An axe as grand as a halberd, with a long handle.
"To turn an ignorant woodcutter into an Emperor of the Empire... all because..."
Clang. The axe slid free from its steel mount.
"...when they fall in love, they grow stronger. That's the nature of their race."
His face reflected in the razor-sharp steel bore a long scar across his left eye.
The most important person wasn't by his side—Emperor Locke.
"For that reason, I would oppose Pine meeting this Licht."
Gazing at the empty seat beside him in the audience chamber, the Emperor sighed to himself.
"What will you all do? If Pine truly starts courting this man named Licht?"
Resting the axe on his shoulder, the Emperor casually asked his guards' opinions.
"However, Your Majesty, that is a matter for Princess Granasia."
"Her Highness surely has her own intentions."
The knights around him could only answer in unison.
They knew full well what happened if they went against Locke's mood.
"Your Majesty, the Princess has finally started to regain her true self. I approve."
She'd started doing makeup again for the social—something she never bothered with before,
and the sight of her smiling at a dress someone had gifted her was reason enough to protect her.
"...Is that so."
Having heard all their responses, the Emperor slowly nodded.
"Truth be told, I rather like this young man named Licht myself."
Locke was calm as he appraised the man in the Black Knight helmet.
"He saved our daughter's life from the Demon King twice and brought back the Empress."
He'd accomplished what no one else could. Even before the mighty Demon King Magic Hat, he'd protected people time and again.
"But there's no guarantee that luck will hold forever."
They already had the Martial Demon King locked away in the underground prison.
He knew the Imperial Guard had been powerless when Pine confronted Infinity at the Tar Dune Temple.
If things continued like this, she'd follow the exact same path he had.
A single mistake would turn everything to ashes.
Emperor Locke had learned that the hard way when he lost Bellin.
"...I just don't want to see our Pine in any more danger."
He felt it was enough for him alone to bear the fate of clashing with Demon Kings.
"Forgive me for asking. For now, just keep watching the situation."
What had forged the boy once a mere woodcutter into a powerhouse was the desperation of fearing he'd lose the one he loved.
"If all the Demon Kings vanish, I might even give my permission."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
No one knew what bloodbath might sweep the Empire if Pine Granasia lost Licht and went on a rampage.
"Your Majesty, if I may ask one thing... is that alright?"
"Speak, Gold."
At that moment, struck by a sudden curiosity, the guard captain looked up and voiced his question.
"Among the old werewolf customs... wasn't there something about exchanging necklaces?"
"Indeed. I have one I matched with Bellin myself."
Locke lifted the necklace around his own neck slightly.
"It's a request to your beloved spouse or lover to put it on for you..."
The ornament was embedded with a gem matching the color of Bellin's eyes.
"A pledge of devotion, promising never to harm that person alone."
Gazing at the necklace the Empress had fastened on him, he wore a wistful expression.
"But why bring that up now?"
"When she went to the social, the Princess was wearing a black choker around her neck..."
The moment Gold mentioned the choker Pine had worn,
BAM!
The axe slammed into the floor with a thunderous crash.
"Say that again, Gold. If you've misspoke, your head will roll."
Locke didn't mind Pine bringing Licht as her partner.
It could be a strategic move. Sure.
Maybe she'd just staked her claim on the hero who'd slain a Demon King before others could snatch him up.
But a necklace was different.
To the ancient werewolves, it held the meaning of marriage.
"What did my daughter do at that social hall?"
Emperor Locke's face was unmistakably icy cold to anyone who saw it.
His eyes were like thin ice that might shatter at the slightest touch.
"...Could we not get a more detailed report?"
The bulging vein on his temple only underscored his chilling rage.
A chill crept across my neck.
"Licht, what's wrong?"
I clutched at my throat, so Pine tilted her head and spoke.
What? I haven't done anything wrong.
It felt like the killing intent Emperor Locke had once unleashed on me—like a sonic boom.
Was it because I'd entered Pine's chambers?
We'd entered the palace under the guard's escort, but if the Emperor spotted me, my head was as good as gone.
On the plush bed lay a mountain of stuffed animals.
All of them adorable. Even the Slime Demon King I'd once tried to catch was there.
'Its name was... Squishy, right?'
She really was the princess of the Granasia Empire. The room was filled with luxurious decorations everywhere I looked.
"Licht. Is there anything you want?"
"Uh, wh-what? Sure?"
She'd turned the manarose I'd used to save her in the showdown with the Head into a cherished hair ornament.
Pine wasn't in her usual outfit but a simple overlaid dress.
Was this what they called a tunic?
"As thanks for the chocolate."
The thin muslin shawl slipping off her shoulders revealed her curves starkly.
"..."
Pine in casual clothes was even more stunning.
I could only stare at the floor.
Even as the Nameless Saintess, her figure had been famous.
I held back from speaking, lest my words tangle and my true feelings spill out.
I'd resisted a succubus's temptations. I couldn't harbor even a hint of lust here.
"Why'd you go quiet all of a sudden, Licht...?"
As I stayed silent, plop—Pine flopped down right beside me.
"Why's your heart racing again...? Are you sick?"
Her presence pressed close.
My blood raced like a wild stallion, my heart ready to burst free.
"C-candy's fine."
Before the thick rose scent melting my reason, I barely managed a reply.
"Candy? What kind...?"
Pine tilted her head.
Her snowy wolf ears perked up, her swishing tail brushing against me repeatedly.
"Anything... as long as it's from you."
Candy from Pine? I'd take anything. At least I wasn't the one giving this time, like in the game.
A soft touch trailed down my back, snapping me alert.
"Your holy power seems low... No good candy here, Pine?"
"My holy power's low...?"
Pine blinked wide her golden eyes in surprise.
I wouldn't believe you now, but in the future you once tempted me with those words.
"Wait just a sec..."
She opened a massive wardrobe-like piece of furniture. Cold air poured out.
What was that? A fridge?
Engraved runes showed ice magic. Just like the Empire's confectioneries.
"Ice candy... No, I swear I put it here..."
Dennis the modern guy had been summoned here too, and this was a game world—anything was possible.
There was even the chocolate wrapper I'd gifted her in the back.
It was human-sized at first...?
Seeing the shrunken chocolate reminded me she ate well.
"This is the chocolate Licht gave me... Ah, found it."
She pulled out a glass jar from inside.
"Pine, what's that...? Edible?"
"Yeah, Shining Sparkle Candy."
Like stars plucked from the night sky, it held glittering star-shaped candies.
"Second Saintess always eats these, so it should help."
Pine uncorked the lid and showed me the contents.
White vapor billowed out from the glowing sweets.
'So there really was candy for low holy power.'
It was absurd. Foreshadowing payoff? Easter egg?
This damn game company loved stuff like that.
"Here, Licht. Open up."
"...Huh? Why all of a sudden?"
Pine picked one up and brought her hand to my lips. Her soft, pale hand dwarfed by mine.
"It's kinda strong the first time... Didn't want you freaking out..."
She held out the sparkling candy.
It was obviously a lie, but refusing felt impossible.
Any closer, and my nose would bleed. My final barrier against temptation might crumble.
"Lemon flavor...?"
Snatching it before disaster struck, the candy was lemony.
A sharp sour hit first, then sweetness rushed in—high quality all the way.
"...Tastier than I thought?"
The sugar melted like snow on my tongue, leaving a tangy savoriness.
"Can I have one more, Pine?"
I was already munching the second one she offered.
Strong flavor that'd normally get old quick,
but lemon candy? Not bad. Or maybe special because it was from her.
Thank goodness it wasn't ashy bitter.
"Like a puppy, Licht."
As she fed me, her soft chuckle echoed.
But why did Pine have this candy?
A gift from Second Saintess?
"Right? I practiced with these a lot... They're yummy..."
Wait, what? Practiced what, Pine?
She scratched her cheek sheepishly.
"The books say the first kiss tastes like this... Got curious, so I ate them a bunch..."
Pine stared straight at my lips.
What to do? Should I teach her reality differs from weird books?
"Pine, from what I know, the lemon taste is just a rumor."
I had no dating experience, never kissed, but this much I knew.
I gently stroked her hair and continued, our breaths mingling closer.
Thump, thump. My heart pounded like it might leap from my ribs.
"Licht...?"
Pine looked puzzled, clueless to my intent.
I shut my eyes, leaning to steal a kiss from the love-naive wolf—
"Princess!! His Majesty Locke is headed this way!!"
The sudden shout sent me fleeing the room with the guard captain.