Side Story - Side Princess Iii
Once upon a time, there was a meeting that shouldn't have happened. It was a brief encounter, like two roads crossing for just a moment. We both knew that, and because of that, we left a mark on each other.
He gave me a pendant.
I gave him a ring.
I never thought that what he gave me that day could ever match what I could give him. But the only thing I had to offer was the ring I was wearing.
He never asked any questions. He just stayed there, not asking anything. I felt happy about that, but also regretful.
I am a princess from a royal family. My father wants me to marry a brave. Even without that, I don't have the freedom to experience love.
I couldn't convey the warm feeling that bubbled up in my heart for the first time in my life.
But still, I wanted to remain a part of his life. Is that a selfish feeling?
I hope that the pendant he gave me holds the same special feelings he had on that day. I want him to remember that day as something special that stays in his heart.
--I returned to the royal castle after parting ways with him.
As expected, I received a scolding from my father. It seems that my escape from the castle was reported to him immediately.
However, the scolding I received was unexpected. It wasn't about me leaving the castle silently and causing trouble for many people. There was no blame directed towards me for leaving the castle itself.
"As a member of the royal family, it's not something to be praised, but as a parent, I am happy about your unusual selfishness."
Those were the words given to me by my father. I couldn't quite understand their meaning.
After that, I ended up meeting Brave 'Relix', which had been postponed.
The clothing he wore may have seemed ordinary, but his face was extremely handsome. In fact, just one glance from him, the maids who accompanied me would make their faces turn bright red.
However, I personally preferred a bit more "wildness". While I admit that he was a good-looking person, I didn't feel the same charm as the maids did.
But he would be my future husband. He probably doesn't know it himself, but it's for the sake of the world's safety. I must build a friendly relationship with him from now on.
--Some time passed.
Brave Relix's growth was remarkable.
When he fought monsters at the "temple" in order to obtain the Holy Sword, a glimpse of his abilities was seen. I had heard that he had fought monsters as part of the village's self-defense force. Certainly, his roughness due to his self-taught style was noticeable, and he was initially confused by unfamiliar monsters. But even so, his skills had long surpassed those of ordinary villagers.
Then, after obtaining the Holy Sword, his strength had increased dramatically. It was as if his movements were being refined every time he swung the sword.
It was almost like he was being constantly guided by a master instructor.
Eventually, within the castle, only a general-level warrior could stand a chance against him.
Initially, I accompanied him as his assistant, but that soon became unnecessary. My skills as a magician were top-notch in the country, and there were even suggestions for me to join as a traveling companion. However, those plans were quickly replaced by others.
The activities of the Brave extended beyond the castle to the outside world. Dealing with Monster Rampages near the royal capital and subduing monsters that had become difficult to handle in various places. This was not only to enhance the Brave's strength, but also to promote his presence.
It is a good thing that Brave Relix is improving his skills. I also thought that it was desirable.
However, I felt a sense of emptiness in the corner of my heart.
The cause is clear.
I know in my head that I have to forget.
My rationality tells me that I have to wake up from this dream.
Even though it is destined for me to be with the Brave, the passion for that person doesn't fade away from within me. If I try to pretend not to see, pain runs through my heart.
To forget that pain, I touch the pendant that person gave me. Just by doing that, the pain in my chest eases.
The maids looked at me strangely. They said, "It's a bit cheap for someone from the royal family." It was a rude remark, but I had to make something up without being able to tell the truth.
However, I can't continue to hold onto my feelings for that person forever. Even though I can't forget, I had no choice but to push it to the corner of my heart.
So I took action to put an end to my own feelings.
In this country, there was an old custom of giving a sword to someone you have feelings for.
The 'sword' is a symbolic weapon of this country, and by giving it, it means 'I entrust my life to you.'
Sadly, some nobles who actually gave swords were stabbed and died by their beloved, which led to the decline of this tradition.
Originally, it was meant to be given from a man to a woman, but I decided to give it to Brave.
To put an end to my own feelings.
And it can't just be any sword. There must be evidence that it was from me. And as a member of the royal family, there are few who can craft something to prove it's from me. If I were to leave it to just any craftsman, they would be punished for the crime of 'forgery of evidence.'
By the way, I didn't want anyone to find out. Eventually, I did plan to reveal it to the world, but I wasn't ready in my heart yet.
There was a person who had the qualifications to create a special 'proof' and could be trusted with secret work.
The person I thought of was a blacksmith who made the sheath for the 'Holy Sword'.
Although he now runs a shop in a corner of the royal capital, he used to be a blacksmith attached to the royal family. Many of the weapons and armor used by the royal family and the knights who protected them were made by him.
Most of the equipment that Brave Relix currently wears was crafted by him. Although he has passed on the frontline to the next generation, he was still one of the top craftsmen in the country.
That blacksmith had the qualifications to bestow the 'proof' of the royal family.
The problem was that he had a true craftsman's temperament and only took on requests that he liked, and to make a request, you had to meet him face to face.
And so, I planned my second escape.
--Without expecting it, this would once again bring about a 'miracle'.
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