Side Story - Side Princess Iv, Part One
I decided to cut off my feelings for that person, so I thought of sending a 'sword' to Brave. Then, I snuck out of the castle again to meet the "craftsman" who could make that sword.
──But, I ended up meeting that person again.
The situation was just like when we first met.
I was being bothered by a man, and that person helped me again.
He had become much stronger than before. He easily defeated two rough-looking men who seemed like mercenaries without showing any sign of fear.
In the back of my mind, I had a wish. Even though I understood it was just a faint fantasy, I hoped to meet that person again.
And just like our first encounter, it came true. I realized my feelings for him were even stronger than before.
And I had noticed along the way.
That he doesn't entirely hate or dislike me. He also holds the same feelings for me that began to sprout in me back then.
It was both incredibly joyful and painful.
We knew we couldn't express our feelings to each other.
That's why, to punish myself, I sent him a 'sword' instead of the Brave.
He guided me to the blacksmith who made the scabbard for the Holy Sword. I asked the blacksmith to give him only the sword without explaining the meaning behind it.
My body will eventually belong to the Brave. Yet, I want my heart to remain him. I will live the rest of my life with the fact that he possesses the 'sword' in my heart.
And then, I told him about the person who would become my fiancé. To sever my own attachment, and cruel as it may be, to end his feelings for me.
──And we parted ways without uttering a single word about our feelings.
Taking a step away from him, a sharp pain pierced through my chest. Yet, I accepted it willingly.
This pain is the essence of my feelings for that person. The more it hurts, the stronger my emotions become. How can anyone deny that?
And I hope, oh how I hope, that person feels the same pain as well. I want the proof of my existence as a woman to be engraved within him.
But... I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
That person already has lovers, not just one, but two.
I envied those girls whose names and faces I do not know.
If only it were possible, I too would be just like them...
"──Aina-sama. Aina-sama?"
As my name was called, my consciousness was brought back to reality. My hands, without my awareness, were resting against the pendant hidden within my clothes, close to my heart.
It seems I had forgotten the situation and let my thoughts wander to memories from long ago.
I shook my head and changed my mind.
"I apologize. Please provide a situation report."
"Yes. The soldiers that were dispatched to identify the source of the signal flare earlier engaged in battle with a monster that appeared within the royal capital. Additionally, they discovered multiple magic circles used to summon monsters."
Upon receiving the report from the messenger, I placed my hand on my chin.
"...So, the monster that appeared outside the royal capital was a diversion after all."
"Your prediction turned out to be correct."
"Yes... I had hoped for a different outcome."
I nodded in response to the words of my father── the king.
Currently, I am in the throne room that is usually used for audiences with the king.
Such a situation, where monsters overflowed near the royal capital, had never occurred before. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the king had gathered the important figures of the kingdom in this throne room, acting as the command center.
I was assisting the king in this situation.
While my brothers were away for diplomatic missions or visiting distant places within the kingdom, they were not present in the royal castle. Whether this was fortunate or unfortunate is currently unclear.
The sudden and disorganized appearance of a large number of monsters, like the one we are facing now, is not a natural occurrence.
I advised the king that this was the work of someone.
As a result, the king decided to leave a certain amount of military strength within the royal capital and send the rest to confront the monsters that appeared outside the capital. Most likely, the king shared a similar thought to mine.
However, this is all just speculation. If we reduce the number of troops sent outside the royal capital more than necessary, it will only lead to increased damage. The troops left within the royal capital were kept to a minimum.
"What's the damage from the encounter with the monsters?"
"Luckily, the number of monsters encountered at once was small, and the soldiers were able to eliminate them with minimal damage. There have also been reports of several magic circles being destroyed."
The early detection of the summoning magic circles proved to be crucial. It all started when a bell rang to warn of a large group of monsters, and shortly after, a loud sound reverberated through the royal capital, accompanied by a signal flare shooting up into the sky.
Given the circumstances, the soldiers were dispatched to search, and that's when the situation in the royal capital was discovered.
"Didn't the magic division notice?"
"Likely, the magic circles set up within the royal capital were not prepared in advance but were probably being constructed by someone at that very moment."
One of the important individuals called upon in this gathering, an elderly magician who is also the head of the magic division, expressed his opinion
"Do we have a plan of action?"
"If a large number of magic circles are activated in full force, I, who am present in this place, will be able to sense the magical energy. Conversely, it means that there are only a few magic circles currently activated. If we can destroy the magic circles before they are activated, it may be possible to stop the spread of damage before it escalates."
"Then, I request that the remaining magic divisions inside the castle search for the magic circles installed in the royal capital. If necessary, they should also provide support to the currently active units."
"Understood. I will make the necessary arrangements immediately."
With that, the head of the magic divisions left the throne room.
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