I'll Choose Mom!
"Hee hee, do you know about marigolds? They're one of my absolute favorite flowers. They summon the departed and honor them too. Pretty romantic, right?"
"...Um..."
"Yes? What's up? Oh, did the macaron not suit your taste? Want something else? I've got tons of cookies~"
"N-no, it's not that! It's just..."
I awkwardly swallowed the macaron I'd been chewing on and finally managed to open my mouth. The princess watched me with a beaming smile and handed me a cookie from her basket—one studded with chunks of rich brown chocolate. Before I knew it, my mouth was wide open, and I'd chomped right into it.
Honestly... it's so good... Not just sweet—there's this deep flavor that spreads through my mouth. You can tell how much care the maker put into it from just one bite.
"Mmm~ Delicious?"
"Nom nom... nod nod..."
"Haha~ I put some real effort into these~ It's been ages since I've had a boy eat them up like this, just the two of us. The last one scarfed them down and then gave me this weird look before bolting from his seat."
The princess covered her mouth and let out a soft laugh, then gracefully lifted her teacup. Every little movement oozed elegance. But when was the last time I'd felt dignity like this from a woman? Mom's too stiff for that sort of thing, and even Elania sis? She's always sprawling out or moving around all rough and tumble.
So what is this princess? She's showing the most 'masculine' side in this world, and it's throwing me off big time. The disconnect from the most 'feminine' behavior I knew in my old life...
"...Huh? Why are you staring like that? Got flour on my face or something...? Ahaha..."
"N-no, it's nothing... Just, it's kinda amazing..."
"Oh, let me guess. From that reaction, you're shocked a woman is cooking and sipping tea like this, right?"
"...Yeah."
"Pfft... Well, everyone's got that look, so I'm used to it."
She knew it all along, huh... The princess smirked, lightly lifting her teacup and tilting it. As she exhaled slowly, her expression seemed complicated—relieved, maybe, but mixed with something else.
"I've got kinda unique tastes. Among them, I lean hard into the stuff boys usually like."
"...I think it suits you perfectly. You bake great cookies... and you're super pretty!"
"Oh my, thank you~ But careful saying that to women out there? We prefer compliments like 'handsome' or 'cool' over 'pretty.'"
The princess reached out and rested her hand on my head. Then, as if it were the most natural thing, she started gently stroking it. Serdi sis, Elania sis, Mom, Lady Adelaide, Prelriana sis—they'd only do it if I begged, and even then, they all looked a bit awkward. But the princess? Zero hesitation, just smooth and natural.
"...Oh, is a girl suddenly touching a boy like this sexual harassment?"
"Nope. Keep petting. Feels nice..."
"Eh... Heh, alright. You're the first boy I've met who accepts a woman's touch so openly."
Of course. I'm not from this world originally. Though... I like it here now. Mom's great, my sisters too, and even Skull's grown on me. Sure, there's this weird, itchy gut feeling crawling under my skin, but it'll be fine. This is the imperial palace, after all—not like anywhere else.
The conferment ceremony's usually public with crowds watching, but they made such a big deal about security for me. Like, am I that important? So it's happening quietly inside the palace instead.
"My mom's always disapproved of what I do~ She's a frontline warrior, after all."
"Yeah, I get that..."
"Exactly. So having a kid like you understand means the world to me."
The emperor's daughter, no less. Daughter of the empress who charges into battle fiercer than anyone. If she's living a life so far from martial prowess, yeah, her mom wouldn't love it. Especially if the 'princess' acts like this—I'd think the same.
The princess gave a wistful smile and gazed quietly at the flowerbed. Petals of every vibrant color swayed gently in the breeze. And among them, the marigolds stood out especially bright. I'd heard their meaning somewhere before—remembering it brought a smile to my lips without thinking.
"I just wish you had confidence in what you love, Princess!"
"Huh?"
"You might be one-of-a-kind as a woman! And your desserts are way better than our family chef's—so tasty!"
"Wha... huh?"
"So don't look so down. Happiness... it'll come for sure someday."
"...Pfft."
The princess burst into a small laugh. I tilted my head and grinned back brightly. I've laughed, I've cried, but smiling's still the best.
With that thought, I hopped down from my chair and politely placed my hands on the princess's lap.
"Where'd you learn to say stuff like that?"
"Uh, well... my tutor taught me."
"Good teacher. Teaches you well."
"Hehe..."
Her hand stroked my hair softly. Careful not to mess it up, but with just enough tousle to tickle—my heart fluttered for no reason. I giggled helplessly. It'd been so long since someone touched me this casually.
Everyone gets awkward petting a boy... Even Mom's touch, my favorite, still feels a tad off sometimes despite getting used to it lately. But the princess? Not a hint of hesitation. She rubs my cheeks lightly like it's nothing, scratches under my chin to make it itch just right, pats my back...
...This feels exactly like petting a puppy.
"Hehe... Nice... love the hand..."
Whatever—I melted into it, basking in her touch for a good while.
"...You're adorable. Makes me wanna gobble you up. Maybe kidnap you away."
"Huh? Kidnap?"
"...Nah. Nothing. Just mumbling. 'Kidnap' means you're super cute, so don't mind it."
...Why's even the princess like this? I thought you were different...
.
.
.
"Did you enjoy your time with the princess, Young Master Kael la Ellion?"
"Call me Kael, I said..."
"Ahem."
"...Sorry."
I pouted and grumbled as I shuffled over to Skull. The conferment ceremony was about to start. Sensing it, the princess waved lightly and stood, heading off—she'd be watching mine too.
A ceremony where the imperial family awards special honors—like medals—to the children of those who've served the empire's glory.
"But... hey, Skull."
"Yes."
"At the ceremony... you pick a person, right?"
"Indeed. Precisely, a 'sword.' The blade that will protect you, Young Master."
"So... that sword's a woman, right? She comes to me?"
"Well, yes. Though with me here, you hardly need it—but it's a sword from the imperial family."
Skull's words made perfect sense. Refusing someone the imperial family offers at their own ceremony? That's a direct challenge to their authority. Even if I'm the son of the Demon King and Hero, House Ellion's just a noble house under the empire—and a young one with barely any history compared to the old prestigious families.
Who'd give special treatment to a house led by an imperial guard? Sure, it's because the head's the Hero, and her overwhelming strength plays a part. Plus, with the Northern Grand Duke as a massive backer, the nobles can't touch us easily.
Anyway.
"...I've already got Mom and you—that's plenty..."
"Ahem... Even if I'm reliable, putting me on the same level as the Lady is..."
"Still, you're always with me more than Mom, so you'll protect me when she's not. That's why I like you!"
"......"
I beamed and hugged Skull's waist. A soft, powdery soap scent brushed my nose. No warmth, but that's Skull's unique feel—and it's comfy. I rubbed against her carefully so as not to wrinkle her clothes, then pulled away.
"Let's go!"
"...Yes."
And so, the conferment ceremony began.
"So, which sword will your son choose, Aurelia? You were one of those swords yourself once, weren't you? One of mine."
"...Yes. I was."
"Hahaha! We haven't met in ages—why so stiff? Not uncomfortable around me or anything, right?"
"No, it's not that. Merely..."
Imperial guards lined up on either side. At the center, on the throne, sat the empress—the empire's emperor—Ashtoret la Solarrium, naturally. She spoke warmly to Aurelia beside her.
Former battlefield comrades. Her guard back when she was princess. And the one who'd chosen Aurelia as the best for slaying the Demon King? None other than Ashtoret.
As her playful words landed, Aurelia's expression slowly darkened.
"...Something feels off. No—a warning."
One of Aurelia's active skills from the game: Danger Sense. Originally for spotting ambushing monsters. She possessed it fully now, turning slowly toward the sharp presence.
"Psh, a warning? You saying the palace's honorable knights are plotting something?"
"......"
The issue: this aura wasn't aimed at her. It was elsewhere. Down below. At Kael, choosing from the three swords.
"..."
Clack.
Unconsciously, her hand rose to her scabbard. Eyes closed slowly. Blocking sight to heighten other senses. No one could touch Kael. If they drew a blade, she'd hack off their limbs.
Anyone but in that moment ascending the stage—untouchable then—she could protect him anytime. With that thought, she exhaled deeply and opened her eyes.
"Choice!"
"...?"
"I'll take this one as my sword!"
Kael, clearly picking from the swords below the stage moments ago, was suddenly holding Aurelia's hand.