Chapter 51
Chapter 51
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 51
Chapter Title: Journey (7)
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“You know, the thing is…”
Ta-da! I was actually a princess!
Well, the kingdom fell to ruin, so it doesn't mean much!
But that wasn't how it unfolded.
She hesitated for a long while before letting out a delicate sigh.
The girl stared endlessly into the campfire.
I could see worry, anxiety, and a touch of loneliness in her gaze.
I waited for her to gather her thoughts.
“I'm about to tell you a secret…”
“You can speak freely. I'll believe whatever you say.”
“It might sound like a lie.”
“The Esterize I know is righteous and straightforward.”
“Huh? Is that what you thought of me?”
“Yes. So I will accept it as the truth.”
“…”
Was it my imagination?
Her face seemed to flush slightly.
Hugging her knees, she gazed at me intently.
Wait a minute. Why the sudden change in atmosphere?
This feels like I'm having a moment with a girl, doesn't it?
As if she were a heroine…
Oh, right. The princess is a heroine, isn't she?
If you choose Esterize at the start.
You become the protagonist, and the story revolves around her.
If you choose a male character, she naturally shifts into the heroine role.
She's friendly, but…
She doesn't give her heart away easily, which always tormented the players.
In the main story, there's a ball event…
Where she confesses while beautifully dressed in a gown…
Well, everything was a mess now.
With Jace staying at the academy, the attention of the hero candidates turned to me.
Even if I was the one who roped in our little cutie.
The elf girl and the Saintess are also trying to get close to me.
The guys are the complete opposite, but I suppose that's a form of attention too.
I put it all together.
Regardless of whether I became the Hero or not, it seemed I was already the protagonist.
So what would become of the heroines' fates?
I had all sorts of walkthroughs in my head, but putting them into practice was impossible.
I was already spoken for.
I couldn't act irresponsibly.
Well, when you think about it, I was already on Aruru's route.
The rest would probably get their own individual endings.
Esterize would become a queen, build a reverse harem, and live happily…
The girl suddenly spoke.
“First, I have something to ask you.”
“What is it?”
“What do you think of me?”
“Well, obviously…”
She shook her head vigorously at my unspoken answer of 'a reliable and dependable comrade.'
“As a woman, I mean.”
“───??”
“Don't you find me attractive as a woman?”
Her voice was calm.
She added that she wanted me to be honest.
Hmm, it doesn't seem like a seduction. I got my hopes up for nothing.
I gazed at Esterize steadily.
I found I could read her feelings like a psychologist.
She's never been treated like a girl before.
She aimed for that, but she's still a bit disappointed.
He probably thinks I'm a tomboy, so if I reveal I was a princess, it'll just make me look ridiculous.
That was the general gist of it.
But a girl's heart is more complex than anything, so I needed to confirm.
“Are you not aware?”
“Huh?”
“You are quite beautiful. Even those plain clothes can't hide your looks.”
“───!!”
She swallowed hard, as if extremely nervous.
In that brief moment, the princess's breathing grew ragged.
“Th-thanks for saying that, but… your attitude never suggested it, did it?”
“Because I already have someone I love.”
“I know that. But even aside from that…”
“Is it because I bought you those clothes?”
“Yes. I wondered how much of a boy I must look like for you to go that far.”
“You don't need to worry about that. It's a special trip, so I just wanted you to dress the part…”
“Is that really the only reason? I don't know, but it feels a little strange.”
Analysis complete.
It wasn't far from what I'd expected.
A state of uncertainty about her own charms…
In truth, it was ridiculous.
As a heroine, she was designed to be beautiful.
Befitting her status as a princess, she was noble and lovely.
She must have known it herself.
But because of everything she'd been through—the fall of her kingdom, the loss of her loved ones—
she was so focused on enduring her loss that she couldn't properly perceive her true self.
Good grief, what to do with her?
My heart ached for her.
I felt I couldn't just leave her like this.
Just this once, I'd have to give the girl's spirits a serious boost.
“Let me say it again. To be blunt, you are an incredible beauty.”
“Hmm, I used to hear that a lot.”
“───??”
Huh? Instead of getting shy, she's shrugging?
It felt like she was throwing down the gauntlet. I can't let this stand.
“You're not just pretty.”
“Then?”
“You are more elegant than anyone. With just a little effort, you'd shine like a jewel. Personally, I rate you higher than Ilensia.”
I brought up the innocent elf girl.
It wasn't without effect, but it fell short of my expectations.
“Hey, that's going too far. Saying I'm more beautiful than an elf is obviously a lie, isn't it?”
She twirled her hair and grinned.
*It's obviously just empty words, but I still like it!*
The girl nonchalantly brushed it off with that kind of attitude.
What's with this reaction?
Is it because she heard it so much in her youth that she's sick of it?
I was going to take it easy, but I changed my mind.
I'll have to make her so embarrassed she'll wish the ground would swallow her whole.
“I'm serious. Even Luciel can't compare to you.”
“Now it just sounds like you're saying whatever.”
“Your beauty is lethal. Truly the kind that could topple kingdoms.”
“Wait a minute. Did you eat something bad?”
“Of course, you're not cuter than Aruru.”
“Hmm, I'll give you that…”
“If I were single, I might have desired your love…”
“───??”
Flinch!
Finally, she showed the reaction I was hoping for.
She was such a tough opponent I had to pull out my ultimate move.
Her face burned red.
She covered her cheeks with both hands as if to hide the blush.
She was at a loss, as if facing the crisis of a lifetime.
Seeing her like this, she's cute.
She acts tough, but at her core, the princess is still just a girl…
“Wh-what are you saying right now?”
“It means you're that captivating.”
“I get it! I get it, so you can stop now!”
“Beyond your looks, your inner self is also beautiful…”
“───!!”
In the end, she even screamed.
Anyone watching would think I was bullying her.
This was all a service I provided for her sake.
Her self-esteem must be soaring, and she must be secretly delighted.
Of course, there wasn't a single lie in what I said.
If I hadn't possessed this body, the princess would have been my top priority.
Effort, perseverance, and passion.
She never crumbles, even in difficult situations.
Her righteousness and strong will make her shine.
If I had to say…
Our princess was one of my favorite characters.
Just watching her live so diligently made me happy.
Sometimes I worried, sometimes I cheered her on.
I wanted to help her as much as I could.
“Ugh, this isn't the time for this…”
The girl instantly snapped out of it.
As always, she overcame her distress and stood tall.
The princess took a deep breath, then looked me straight in the eye.
“Do you happen to know… of the Castia Kingdom?”
“The one that was destroyed by the Demon King's Army's invasion ten years ago…”
“Yes. I was its princess.”
“…”
“Why is your reaction so bland?”
“Well, I expected something along those lines.”
“───??”
“I figured you were the daughter of a fallen noble house. I didn't think you were a princess, though.”
“…”
She narrowed her eyes, as if displeased.
She seemed disappointed by my lack of reaction.
I smiled faintly and decided to tease her a bit.
“So, should I call you 'Princess' from now on?”
“Ahh, don't do that! I told you it's a secret. I only told you because you're special…”
“I'm special? Why?”
“Because I thought you would believe me…”
“You saw correctly. I don't doubt you in the slightest.”
“…I knew it. I'm glad I told you.”
She clutched her chest with a look of relief.
It was the result of a combination of absolute trust and this body's dignity.
“If you wish, I'm willing to treat you like a princess…”
“N-no, that's okay! Now's not the time. Anyway, please keep it a secret. There are complicated circumstances.”
“So I should treat you like usual?”
“Yes. Is that okay?”
I nodded.
As expected, she seemed satisfied with our current relationship.
Esterize slowly continued speaking.
As if comfortable because it was me, she revealed everything about herself.
“My wish is to rebuild my kingdom.”
“Hmm…”
“To achieve that wish, I need power. That's why I've set my sights on becoming the Hero.”
“A good plan. The Hero's influence is bound to be considerable…”
“Therefore, I absolutely cannot yield.”
The girl's eyes shone with conviction.
No matter how you looked at it, she had the qualities to become the Hero.
I really hope it works out that way.
I prefer giving orders from the back.
“I feel so refreshed now that I've told you everything. I should have said something sooner…”
“You've lived a hard life.”
“It's okay now. I have a comrade who will listen to me like this.”
“If you need anything, you can tell me anytime.”
“Ah, I don't intend to. I don't want to be a burden.”
“You want me to ignore a comrade's plight?”
“…Then again, where else would I find a man as upright as you?”
A quiet night.
Quite some time had already passed.
It seemed about time to end the conversation.
“Why today of all days?”
“We took down the drake together.”
“Felt a sense of camaraderie?”
“There's that, but it's slightly different. Um, well…”
In an unexpected situation that could have been a crisis.
My calm demeanor as I gave orders was apparently dependable.
I mean, come on…
With two asymmetrical powerhouses on our side, what was there to fear?
Anyway.
For a surprise event, it went over pretty well.
The fact that she considers me a special person.
That was bound to make me feel good.
However, the increase in her affection level was minimal.
It only went up by +1, leaving her at 77.
I wasn't hoping for 80, but it still felt a little disappointing.
“Thank you for today. I should probably get some sleep.”
Esterize stood up from her spot.
I couldn't let her go just like that, so I stopped her.
“Hold out your hand for a moment.”
“Ah, for a fist bump?”
“…”
She smiled brightly and naturally held out her fist.
Why a fist bump, something rough men would do?
How am I supposed to fix this habit of hers?
She might not care, but I hate it!
Once a princess, always a princess. I'll have to engrave that truth into her mind.
“Not a fist. Open your hand.”
“Huh? What on earth are you planning to do?”
I answered with my actions.
I took the girl's slender fingers and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.
“───??”
Her thoughts seemed to freeze as she blinked blankly.
A moment later, she let out a silent scream, as if she'd fallen for a devil's temptation.
“───!!”
She tried to say something.
But having temporarily lost the ability to speak, her lips only trembled.
What's the big deal?
A princess would have experienced this many times.
She'd elegantly, or perhaps arrogantly, offer the back of her hand.
And nobles would kiss it as a sign of respect…
Ah, ten years ago, she would have been quite young.
Maybe this was her first time?
Still, it was basic etiquette, so there was no need to be so flustered.
I realized it once again.
Our princess's condition was quite serious.
“Wh-wh-why…”
“It doesn't mean anything. I just did it hoping you'd act a little more like a princess… Was it unpleasant?”
“No, it's not that! It was just so sudden… Anyway, see you tomorrow!”
She quickly turned away.
She didn't seem to dislike it. I suppose I can have some expectations.
I waited leisurely for the result.
About ten minutes later, her affection level rose again.
Yes, this is satisfying.
Now I can sleep soundly with a clear conscience.
***
Esterize couldn't fall asleep easily.
Jace's sudden action had left her completely flustered.
‘Why on earth would he do something like that…’
It wasn't anything spectacular.
A kiss on the back of the hand was merely basic etiquette, a form of greeting.
Even so.
Receiving one from the man she liked was bound to make her heart flutter.
All sorts of stray thoughts came to mind.
She even imagined being held in his arms.
The situation was unsettling enough to make the righteous girl harbor wicked thoughts.
‘Ugh, I shouldn't be thinking this…’
His cool demeanor while taking down the drake.
His sharp judgment as he gave orders, as if he'd been waiting for the chance.
Her feelings for Jace were growing clearer and clearer.
‘For a moment, it felt like I'd gone back to how things used to be…’
The moment he kissed the back of her hand.
Esterize felt what it was like to be a princess again.
Memories she had tried so hard to ignore came flooding back.
How was she supposed to face him now?
She could manage for now, but…
‘I don't know what will happen from now on…’
The emotion called love was an unknown territory.
The girl agonized for a long time before ultimately spending the night with her eyes wide open.