Vol. 2 Side Story 2 - Hero Suddenly Proposed

 VOLUME 2: Side Story
Family

 

“By the way, why did the two of you think that I wanted to know about Greed-sama’s savings?”

I asked when I visited the Hero’s living room and the Princess, Greed-sama and the others were not around.

Usually, everyone would visit the Princess’s room, but occasionally we come here . . . per the Princess’s request. I’m sure she must have been exploring Rufus-sama’s room right now.

I once told her that Rufu-sama’s room is just a normal room, but for a maiden in love, it might appear special even if it is just a borrowed room.

I planned on spending time with everyone as I waited for the Princess who is with her beloved.

At that moment, Renas-sama and Milly-sama came to the living room.

The elf Rufaga-sama went to the Prime Minister, while Greed-sama and Farah-sama were asked by the elite guards to go to the knight’s training grounds to help them with sword training. To be honest, I’m saved from trouble.Well, you see, Greed-sama, like a loyal dog, just keeps on hanging around me and doesn’t leave me alone.

Then, I suddenly remembered. Before, I was also sitting on the sofa, facing the two of them like this. Yes, when they told me about Greed-sama’s story, and for some reason, they thought that I wanted to know the amount of Greed-sama’s savings!

Aside from knowing about Greed-sama’s upbringing and the invasion of demons, a lot of events have transpired, such as Greed-sama refused to accept my refusal of his marriage proposal, so I completely forgot about it, but I was certainly curious about it that time.

…...When I remembered it, I felt a little discomfited.

Why should I ask such question? I already knew it, but I am not interested in how much Greed-sama’s savings is, okay?

Isn’t it a good opportunity to demand for answers without the Princess nor Greed-sama around? With those thoughts, I started the conversation.

The two of them, who were sitting across the table, both expressed puzzlement. What is exactly with those strange expressions?

“How much of a niggard do you think I am? I do not like that kind of image of me!”

I slammed the table and exclaimed. At that moment, the cup shook with a rattling noise, but I still asked without regarding it.

“Huh? After all . . . right?”

“Well, about that.”

Renas-sama and Milly-sama glanced at each other and said.

“Well, a spirit said that Aria’s ideal man is ‘a financially stable and reliable person. Someone who would not let his wife and children to be out in the cold because of his strange hobbies’.”

“.…..”

I recalled those words. Indeed! Weren’t those lines I used to say while I was still at my parent’s house—!?

“That was a thing in the past……”

I moaned.

Why did you pick out those old remarks, Spirit-san!?

Besides, do I have no privacy, Spirit-san!?

“In the past you said, but exactly when?”

Renas-sama asked so I reluctantly answered.

“.…..When I was twelve years old.”

“Twelve years old!?”

The two cried out in harmony. Yes, I also don’t think it’s something a twelve-year-old child would say. But that was my true feelings at that time.

“You mean, that was your ideal man when you were still small?”

Milly-sama asked in curiosity.

“Usually, children at that age yearn for a prince or a hero, right?”

Renas-sama added.

“If you think about it, nothing is said about Aria’s ideal man’s personality or appearance, and it’s all about money. What’s with that exacting ideal? It’s not a young girl’s way of thinking!”

They looked at each other and asked me in a strange manner.

“Aria, you’re a noble, right……?”

“You’re a daughter of a viscount, aren’t you……?”

“.…..Ugh.”

I was rendered speechless. That’s it, right? You’re trying to say that I don’t act like a noble, right?

“Oh, the spirits told Greed. Aria always haggles every time she shops in town, they said……”

Touching his chin, Renas-sama said as he looked at the ceiling. Yes, yes, he nodded at something he sees, as though he was confirming it with the spirits.

…...Again, my personal information was leaked.

That is a big problem, but the biggest problem right now is that if it keeps on going this way, they’ll imagine me as “someone who only cares about money”!

I hurriedly interjected.

“I-It can’t be helped, okay!? My family is always in dire straits because of my father!”

Yes. It’s all because of my father! I am poor and doesn’t look like a nobleman’s daughter, so I put financial stability as my top priority!

Milly-sama suddenly leaned forward.

“Tell me, what kind of person is your father, Aria?”

“I also want to know. According to the rumors, he seems to be a strange person.”

Another voice echoed after Renas-sama.

“I also want to know.”

Looking over my back, I saw the Princess and Rufus-sama standing in front of the door, nestled close to each other. I was immersed with conversing with Renas-sama and Milly-sama so I wasn’t able to notice them. Apparently, they have returned from Rufus-sama’s room.

“I would also love to hear it. The story of Aria’s father.”

The Princess asked, smiling. Her eyes were shining with curiosity.

“Aria never talks about her family. She would say, ‘It is something the Princess should not hear’.”

“N-No, it is really something that the Princess should not hear……”

I chewed on my words. It’s not like there’s something special about him that I could not tell other people, but it’s just that I don’t want to show off my relatives. Who would want to air their family’s dirty laundry?

But, yes, the Princess looked at me with some kind of expectation.

I stared at the Princess’s face for a while, and after that, I looked around and saw Renas-sama and Milly-sama’s hopeful gazes—and I finally sighed in resignation.

“Really, it is a stupid story, you know?”

Although I opposed at first, I sat down in the opposite chaise lounge and started talking to everyone.

“……Ever since Greed-sama proposed to me, I have been involved in a lot of rumors, so I’m sure everyone has heard where my house is. Maybe all of them are true, but even back in the old days, the head of the Milford family is eccentric.”

Their peculiarity is that they are the type of person who is only absorbed in what they are interested in but are completely indifferent about anything else. If there is something wrong with that habit, it could be solved easily. The generations of the Milford family head are those kinds of people.

And my father had the typical Milford temperament.

Of course, not all of our ancestors and their families had such a temperament. Some of them are very normal. However, those people did not become well-known, and only those family head that were not normal has left anecdotes.

“The most famous of them is Elliot Milford, the seventh head, who made the opportunity to be called ‘that Milford family’ from all over the country.”

It is a famous story even among my clan.

Shortly after he inherited the title, the neighboring country at the south of our country tried to launch an attack.

The Viscountcy of Milford at that time faced the southern border—and I’m sure you know, right? Our territory was about to turn into a battlefield.

Because a steep mountain range rose in our territory, it seems that the central government thought that the enemy country would not attack from that direction. However, they were outsmarted. The troops (T/N: from the enemy country) were assembled with the intention of attacking at the border mountain range that has a little security.

Elliot, who happened to hear from a merchant, thought.

I don’t care if the country at the south will occupy our country, but it will be troublesome if my territory becomes a battlefield should that happen. Even if the inhabitants are killed and the territory is destroyed, I will still be the one to rebuild it and it will be very “troublesome”.

So he made an effort, and secretly crossed the border with a small group of elite corps. He sneaked into the encampment of enemy forces and kidnapped the general, who is the first prince of the neighboring country; in other words, the Crown Prince.

Naturally, the enemies chased after them.

However, when the enemy army approached a certain cut in the mountain road, the soldiers, upon the signal of Elliot, Visount Milford, dropped rocks and sand on the slopes of the mountains to stop the troops. It was to prevent the (T/N: enemies’) allies from catching up with them and to close the border.

Moreover, Elliot seems to have done an underhanded thing by pouring oil into it and left it ablaze.

However, if the enemy troops crossed the border, the territory will be besieged in the war, so he had no concern on what his deeds would look like.

It seems that there were magicians in the enemy army, but when his troops sneaked into the camp, they made sure to defeat them. Magicians basically use magic by casting them, so if one would defeat them physically without giving them a chance to cast, they are not a fearful opponents.

The blockhead Elliot, who finds things troublesome, does something when it needs to be done.

Then Elliot, Viscount Milford, who captured the prince of the enemy country, handed the prince over to the king.

“It was a hassle, so I’ll leave the rest to you,” he said. [T/N: Ack! I’m trying to make this sound somewhat polite.]

Taking the prince as a hostage, the king and his vassals were able to advance the ceasefire negotiations to an advantage. At that time, they were able to wander the southern lands, including the mountains, so our country’s territory expanded. For that reason, the current Milford territory is not on the border anymore. It’s still a remote area, though.

Anyway, it was because Elliot forestalled the enemy that it was possible to solve it without a big battle. So to speak, he is the greatest meritorious person. The King decided to reward Viscount Milford with a higher-ranked Earldom. But . . . Elliot turned it down, you knooowww~

“He refused? To become an Earl?”

Rufus-sama was surprised. It seems it was the first time he heard of it.

I know why he was surprised. If you become an earl, you will receive a vast territory. Normally, no one will decline.

But only the Milford family would do it. Moreover, another reason for it is that it is “troublesome” to change the territory now. Besides, if he becomes an Earl, he would often be invited to the events in the castle, which is “troublesome”. He really refused it.

It wouldn’t be strange if the king was angry at him for declining the earldom for such an annoying reason, but since the Milford family was already perceived to be eccentrics, if he said so, it was accepted. And that was the first time in the history of Schwarze that a conferred title was rejected.

“But I’m sure he got a reward?”

Rufus-sama asked.

“It’s true that he received a reward, but……”

The Princess took over after I gave that vague response. The Princess smiled wryly and explained to Rufus-sama.

“The King at that time asked what he wanted. What do you want for a reward, he asked. The Viscount’s answer was ‘a clock that stopped working’.”

“A clock that does not work?”

Impressively, Rufus-sama, Renas-sama and Milly-sama asked in unison.

……Well, that’s understandable when they heard of this. However, as a descendant, instead of a clock that didn’t move, I think I would be more happy if it was a clock that was functioning, yes!

It’s because his hobby is—

“My ancestor Elliot wanted a watch that was powered by a mainspring.”

“Mainspring?”

“Yes. Aren’t the clocks today powered by magic?”

When I said that, I pointed to the clock at the chest. The clock there is moving because of magic. However, old clocks were driven by a spring rather than magic.

A clock powered by a mainspring is extremely troublesome because it must be wound every day and must be regularly maintained and repaired. Therefore, when a magical clock was invented, it was quickly replaced by it.

“It’s been a long time since the appearance of the magical clocks, but at that time, there were still a few mainspring clocks left. And Elliot’s hobby was to study the structure and produce mainspring clocks.”

He was passionate about collecting mainspring clocks and disassembling them, studying the structure then reassembling them. And he knew that there were still unused clocks within the castle of Schwarze that was no longer needed.

Those clocks were used inside the castle, but whether those were donated by famous craftsmen or made by request, in any case, those were definitely elaborate pieces. For someone who liked making watches, he wanted to get his hands on those and study them. That’s why Elliot wanted them. The “nonfunctioning clocks” which were treasures for him.

“He received some wall clocks and table clocks left in the junkyard of the castle and returned to his fief, beaming happily.”

However, the king and his vassals was surprised at the peculiarity of the Milford family for wanting those things. That story about “that Milford family” was still passed down.

“……He’s really weird.”

Rufus-sama gave me an impression that he was amazed, but his expression was that of someone suppressing his laughter.

“From an outsider’s perspective, he’s a funny weird person who is neither good nor bad……”

But, as a descendant, I would like to say to my ancestor:

“In any case, he should have asked for a bounty or a reduce in tax payments!”

And yet, you only got a useless clock! It is fine for himself, but it is a nuisance to the family!

Ooopss! Renas-sama whispered, “She talking about money again……”, but I heard him clearly!

“Anyway, the generations of the heads of the Milford family are weirdos like Elliot who poured their heart and blood on their hobbies and did not care about their family as if it was a troublesome thing. Because of them, we have been called ‘that’ Milford family ever since. “

“I see. I somehow read about it. It was said, that because of the hobbies of Aria’s father, who inherited the eccentric personality of his predecessor, his family’s coffers were nearly drained. Your father has the typical Milford temperament, right? Although it is a lot of trouble, it was said that he spends extraordinary passion and money on his hobbies.”

“That’s right! Our family is poor because of my father. And although my elder brother is not an extreme hobbyist like my father, our difficulties doubled. Growing up in a house like that, isn’t it natural for me to become a miser? So I also associate my ideal man to money!”

Everyone, including myself, acknowledges that I am mediocre, so I also don’t expect for a high-ranking nobleman who possesses both money and prestige to court me. A suitable husband who have the right amount of money is enough for me.

At the age of twelve, I had that kind of ideal man. I agreed that it was too worldly and not a thinking of a child, but don’t you think that it is not me who is wrong, but the environment where I grew?

“What’s your father’s expensive hobby?”

Renas-sama inquired. Wait, is he ignoring my grievances? Am I really going to tell them about my father?

I gave up, sighing.

“Horses. That person…… is a horse maniac.”

“Oh, I can somehow understand.”

A hint of understanding dawned on Renas-sama, Milly-sama and Rufus-sama. Only the Princess tilted her head in confusion.

“Horses?”

“Since the Princess was born and raised inside the castle, it was natural for you to possess horses, so that’s why for you, it is not strange.”

Rufus-sama explained to the Princess with a lopsided smile.

“Aside from farm horses, the war horses and the race horses in the castle are very expensive. When you buy them, it also takes time and money to raise them. You need to house them in stables, feed them and care for them. According to what Aria has told us, probably her father’s hobby was not the farm horses but the expensive horses.”

“That’s right.”

I nodded in agreement.

“If it were farm horses, it would be fine to leave them at the back of the hills. Unfortunately, my father loves to raise war horses and race horses, so he built a splendid stable. Yes, it was a very splendid stable that was not fit for our household budget.”

“Aria, you’re face is scary……”

“Hush, Renas. You can’t be frank with her about that!”

Even if you’re whispering to each other, I can hear you, you two!

“Anyway, my family can’t afford them because they are low-income generating projects. We weren’t so unfortunate that we could not eat, but it was barely possible for us to maintain our appearance as nobles.”

Within the territory of the Viscountcy of Milford, there is no other industry besides agriculture, nor it is situated near a national road. The town is small and the population is not so large. Therefore, the tax revenue is almost negligible. However, the expenses are increasing yearly.

That is because, my father, Lionel Milford, was passionate about raising horses but was not interested in making money by selling them. Sometimes, his friends would ask him to give it to them at a low price. However, aside from that, he would stubbornly not let the horses go and won’t refrain from buying new horses, so the number of horses kept increasing and so is the expenses.

Argh, when I remember those days, I felt like exploding in anger!

……I hope he gets bald! I hope his shiny head would be bitten by a horse!

Perhaps it was because I thought of that? Renas-sama said, while a little scared of my menacing expression.

“I’m a bit afraid to ask, but what is your brother’s hobby?”

“Oh, my brother?”

I have an older brother who is five years older than me. My older brother, Justin Milford, also finds things troublesome, but he is far better than my father. His hobby is less expensive than our father and it does not bother others.

“My brother’s hobby is reading. He gathers different genres of books.”

His hobby is reading. It may sound very normal, but it is not strange because he has the blood of the Milford family running on his veins. He would buy a large number of books several times a year and he would seclude in the library for many days. He would eat and sleep in the library.

Rather, when he was told that he is practically living in the library, he replied, “That sounds good,” with a convinced expression. There was a serious glint in his eyes.

Aside from those happening a few times a year, my brother would frequently stay inside the library and would find taking meals as “bothersome”, so it was my daily routine to grab his cravat and drag him out.

“Aria, you’re familiar with all kinds of popular novels, so maybe it had an effect on you?”

It was the Princess who said that.

“Yes, it’s because I’ve read my brother’s books. One of those was the twenty volumes of the ‘Hero Tales’ which were also part of my brother’s collection.”

After all, it’s a waste to not read the books even though they are available to me. Since we were at a rural area with little entertainment, reading those books were good for killing time.

Because of that, I wasn’t too worried about my brother’s hobby. My brother bought those books on a budget that he could use freely, so there was no particular damage done.

“That’s why, my brother’s book madness was not bad. I was also frustrated with his listlessness, but it was within the acceptable range. The problem is my father. I am infuriated by my father’s hobby and sloppy personality. And finally, one incident had caused me to snap and leave our house.”

 

* * *

 

—It happened when I was twelve years old.

“I bought two foals.”

That was what Father said at the beginning.

“You what……?”

Father cheerfully told Mother and I, who listened to him with suspicion, my brother, who did not even look up from his book, and the butler and the nanny, who were stunned. It seems that the stallion that fathered them was a very good war horse, so they fetched for a high price.

“Wish me luck. I bought them at an auction.”

Staring at Father looking like a child with his triumphant expression despite being in his forties, there’s no wonder why I was frustrated. A farm horse’s foal is cheap, but my father bought foals that were offsprings of a famous war horse. Of course, the price must have been expensive. Everyone’s eyes, including mine, bulged at the price Father revealed.

“Where did you get the money!?”

I shrieked, but that sort of reaction was not novel to all except for my father. Nevertheless, it was expensive. Even a twelve-year-old kid knew that such amount of money cannot be overturned.

But Father only smiled and said.

“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it, Aria. Because there is still hope.”

“Hope?”

“That’s right. You see, I bought a lottery ticket that was being sold on my way back from the horse auction. If I won, we will be able to cover the bills and we’ll still have a change.”

Father, who has the same chestnut-colored hair as I, said in a carefree manner.

The so-called lottery ticket is sold by the temple for the purpose of raising funds for repairs and their operations. The number is written in sacred letters on a special paper so that it cannot be duplicated even with magic. It is a popular form of gambling that anyone can buy and it will make anyone wish to win a lot of money, but of course, the odds of winning the lottery is extremely low. Father is trying to finance the bills of the foals with such a lottery ticket.

“Are you stupiiid!? There’s no way you’re going to win—!”

My screaming retort reverberated in the living room of the Milford house.

“Cancel the purchase now!”

“Oh, I can’t cancel it because I’ve already signed the contract of sale.”

“Grrr…… Th-Then, you can sell the other horses that you have and use it to fund your purchase! That would settle everything, right?”

“What!? I can’t sell my babies! They are all cute babies!”

“Which is important, your family or your horses!?”

“……”

“You should not ponder about it—!”

Father became resigned at my incessant yapping.

“You’re such a worrywart, Aria. Enjoy your life a little.”

It goes without saying that his words and attitude made me even more irritated.

“And whose fault was that……!”

But Father only smiled and replied.

“It’s fine. There’s going to be a way.”

In addition to “troublesome”, that was a line that Father would often say.

 

“So we have losses, huh?”

Mother and I both looked at the ledger where the economic situation of the Milford family was recorded, and she said with a sigh. It is reasonable for my optimistic and steady Mother to say that.

The timing was precisely bad. Due to the bad weather the previous year, our crops also had an equally bad harvest, and our income sharply declined.

“That horse madness……”

I looked up from the ledger and grumbled. I was still twelve years old at that time, but I knew that we could not afford it. Of course, I know my father very well. But despite that, I could not understand how father felt when he bought those horses.

“Really, Mother, why did you marry that kind of person?”

I asked Mother again the same question I’d ask in the past. After all, my mother looks mediocre, but she is optimistic, hardworking and is reliable. It was not an exaggeration to say that she is the one who supports the Milford family. With Mother’s capabilities, she could have found a better husband. But, she was entangled to my father……

When I said that, Mother only smiled and answered.

“Aria, people are attracted to other people who have something they don’t have. I’m sure you’ll know when you grow up.”

……Indeed, now that I am an adult, I have a little understanding about what my mother said. If one has the same values and perspective as me, it would be nice for us to be together, but since he is very close to me, it would be hard for me to make him a romantic interest.

But when I was still a kid, I didn’t understand what my mother was saying.

“No matter how good they are, I hate men like Father. Buying a horse knowing that we don’t have money…… How will he manage to pay it given our financial difficulties?”

I threw the ledger as I said that. I thought there is no other way anymore. That is, unless it will become a debt.

Actually, my family has no debt even with such a financial dilemma. We always barely managed to pay our bills. But perhaps, this time, we need to borrow money. There is no way we can tide this over.

Seeing me being worried, Mother smiled at me.

“It’s okay, Aria. Whenever your father would say that, it usually becomes resolved. A similar instance had happened before, but we had managed it, hadn’t we?”

Her eyes were shining with trust for her husband. She is a reliable and hardworking mother, but I can only think that her eyes were blinded when it comes to Father. Love is blind, others would say.

But Mother can say “something will happen” without any basis because the truth is, the same things happened, big or small, in the past several times.

Those incidents also happened because Father bought horses without considering, but we were really able to manage those times. One time, we luckily happened to catch a thief during an inspection in the territory and we were awarded with a bounty by an adventure guild.

“So I'm sure we’ll be able to manage this time.”

……Mother is not a descendant of the Milford family, but I feel that Father has gradually rubbed off on her.

 

“Brother, please stop Father!”

“I don’t want to. It’s troublesome.”

I went to the library and appealed to my older brother. But my brother is also a Milford. It showed when he said the word “troublesome”. I clicked my tongue and said.

“Maybe I should sell the books in this library. If I do that, we can declutter this place and we’ll have a little money to cover the horses’ bills.”

Then, my brother immediately turned pale and retaliated.

“No! If you want to sell my books, then you’ll have to fight me!”

……It seems he is reading a weird book again and it has a strange influence on him.

“When we become covered in debt, we will need to sell your books without having to kill you.”

“If that happens, I will run away with my books.” [T/N: You’re the eldest, you know!? Please become more responsible!]

“You can only bring a little, you know?”

Converting the word “book” in the present line to “she”, I can hear it clearly. But then, he still lacks the awareness that he is going to be the next head of the family. [T/N: Exactly.]

That’s what I thought while I stared at my flabbergasted brother, who has the same flaxen hair and deep brown eyes as Mother.

……Really, why are all the men in my family are like this?

“You’re worrying too much. You’re going to become bald.”

After Brother replied, he turned his attention at the book in his hand, and continued.

“It’s no use worrying about Father. Even if we stop him for now, he won’t stop forever, and in the end, we will still be able to manage it, so it’s better if you just calm down.”

“If I could do that, then I won’t be this anxious!”

Mother and Brother thought that we would be able to manage it again this time. He’d been with Father longer than I, so I’m sure he had experienced many of these things. Both of them were completely unfazed when it comes to Father’s problems.

But I thought differently from them.

We were able to manage up until now. But there is no guarantee that the same thing will happen again. I can’t be calm. The world is not so generous to give out chances.

At that time, I was frightened of my thoughts. If I stayed here with everything as it is, I might become complacent. Watching Father continuing with his recklessness, I might become used to it……

I shuddered. It felt like something has ended when I thought of that. Yes, it’s like, “Goodbye sensible people, hello weirdos!”

……I decided to leave the house.

Until I can marry that “financially stable and reliable person, someone who would not let his wife and children to be out in the cold because of his strange hobbies”, I thought of escaping the curse of my family, but I realized that I needed to leave the house as soon as possible.

I also realized that if I were gone, the issue of funds for my social debut, which had been a long-standing concern, would be resolved. [T/N: A noble’s daughter’s debut = Literally, a coming-of-age ceremony]

So I started to look for a way to leave our house.

—The winning numbers of the lottery was announced three days after the due date of the payment for the horses.

“See, Aria? Didn’t I assure you that we will be able to manage it?”

Flicking the lottery ticket with the winning numbers, Father said with a big smile.

Looking at his triumphant face, I wanted to say that the only feeling that suffused through me was not relief.

“Do whatever you want—!!”

The cry of my soul echoed in the living room of the Milford house as I wailed at Father.

 

* * *

 

“……”

Oh, it seems that everyone were dumbstruck.

“……I understand. I understand, okay?”

Eventually, Renas-sama was able to talk, strangely emphatic to me.

“So that’s how it is. The person himself was nonchalant while recklessly doing those things and getting everyone involved in the vortex of confusion. After all, to say that it will be eventually resolved, what a lucky person!”

“……So lucky, right?”

“……Yes.”

Milly-sama and Rufus-sama nodded—and everyone turned around. Actually, what they saw there were Greed-sama and Farah-sama who have just arrived—

“Is there something on me?”

Greed-sama, who looked fresh despite his physical activity, had an unreadable expression even with everyone’s eyes focused on him. Farah-sama wiped off her sweat and it seems that she had been exercising just now.

“……Nothing really.”

Renas-sama suddenly averted his eyes, but I realized everything. Yes, there’s also an annoying person here in a different level than my father.

I thought my life had finally become peaceful after leaving my parents’ house. Once again, I lamented and cursed my misfortune of having a connection with another person……

I sighed inwardly and continued.

“Anyway, I was a little disgusted with the life that my father is leading so I decided to leave our house. I thought that if I stayed home with this kind of situation, my life would become useless. I would become crazy either by having a nervous breakdown or becoming numbed with it. At that time, an uncle came to our house—it was the Prime Minister, who recommended that I work for a young lady for my apprenticeship, so I jumped at it.”

……By the way, back in my parents’ house, I called that handsome Prime Minister “Uncle”. That was inevitable because he is Father’s friend, but when I think about it now, I only called him Uncle. I think it is scary when one is ignorant. I can’t say that it is not that scary right now.

I remembered those days and secretly smiled.

“Actually, I heard later that the Prime Minister came to buy a horse from Father. It seems that Father consulted him…… Despite his nonchalant attitude and reliance on his luck, Father had been working on his own……”

If that was the case, he should have said in the beginning. No, I still wish he hadn’t bought horses with our limited financial capabilities from the start.

“In the end, my family won the lottery and had an income from the horses bought by the Prime Minister—or the kingdom, rather. Well, it was still ‘something will happen’, I guess. As I had hoped, I was able to leave the house and everything was okay. If I were to stay at our house as the circumstances was, I would definitely have strangled or hit my father. After all, it’s easy for Father to decide even if I nag at him.”

—It was best for all our sakes.

When I wrapped my story up, Greed-sama came to approach me. Then, he dropped a kiss on the top of my head and said this with a smile.

“But the truth is, you didn’t want to burden your family with your living expenses, so you left home, right?”

“……”

“And you’ve never returned home for six years after being accepted to work in the castle for the same reason, right?”

“……”

My, my personal information is being revealed again!

“What does that mean?”

Renas-sama, who was watching the exchange between Greed-sama and I, asked me suspiciously.

“The main reason why Aria left their house was to prevent her family from spending the money that was supposed to be spent on her.”

Greed-sama straightened up after kissing my head and turned to reply to Renas-sama. His face still had the trace of the smile he gave me.

“In this kingdom, a noble’s coming-of-age ceremony is at the age of thirteen, am I right?”

“Ah! I see. So that was it!”

The Princess clasped her hands together. Then, she started to explain to Rufus-sama and the others who seemed to have no idea.

“The daughters of the nobles of this kingdom usually celebrate their coming-of-age ceremony at the age of thirteen or fourteen. But, launching a debut is very expensive. It is most often called an event of the upper class, so there is a need to buy a lot of dresses and prepare a lot of accessories. However, the debut can be delayed if you leave your house by becoming an apprentice. Most of my maids were able to celebrate their debut when they go for vacations and return to their homes.”

“I see. In other words, Aria doesn’t want her family to worry about the cost of her debut and even avoided it by not going back home.”

“If that is so, you should’ve genuinely told them instead of saying you were ‘a little disgusted of living being led around’.”

I blushed when Milly-sama and Renas-sama said those and smiled at me.

Before I started grumbling and badmouthing my father, I didn’t feel like telling the truth. But, I still did not want to go home because I am still angry with my father…… Ugh, we’re digressing!

“It’s true that I was a little disgusted of living being led around by my father! That’s the main reason why I left my parents’ house!”

I hurriedly retaliated to rectify it, but Farah-sama, who wiped her face with a cloth, muttered a comeback.

“My, Aria is actually shy. No, perhaps, a tsundere?”

Tsu-Tsundere!!

Me, a tsundere!? Well, I shouldn’t possess such an attribute! I don’t like having a tsundere attribute on top of my tsukkomi attribute!

“I-I’m not a tsundere…… I mean, you see, the question that should be addressed here, why is Greed-sama digging about my past……”

“The Prime Minister told me. You said that when he recommended you to go to the castle for an apprenticeship.”

Getting information even from other people……!

“That gossipy Prime Minister!”

“Then, he also said this.”

Greed-sama continued, looking down at me with a gentle smile.

“You family understands your feelings, so they won’t order you to go home. And if you’re going to go to Elusion to accompany the Princess, they hope that you’d visit the Milford house from time to time. That’s what the Prime Minister said…… Aren’t you cherished, Aria?”

Blood suddenly rushed to my face. I know that it is a brighter shade of red than before.

Greed-sama, with that smile, that dialogue is a foul play……!

“I’m, I’m going to brew tea! For Greed-sama, and for the others’ servings, too!”

Without waiting for a reply, I rushed to the tea wagon in the corner of the room.

“She’s really a shy person.”

“A tsundere, okay?”

Hearing the those words spoken by Farah-sama and Renas-sama behind my back, I wanted to argue that they are wrong.

I’m not shy nor a tsundere, but I was just embarrassed for being completely exposed!

 

I prepared enough servings for everyone and heated them in the teapot. Eventually, the water boiled with a whistling sound, and when it was time to pour it into the pot, the redness of my face had considerably diminished and I have calmed down.

And when I stopped working and looked back at everyone, it seems that the conversation was flourishing with stories about their hometowns.

Although he only said a few words, Greed-sama joined their conversation, which was unusual.

After all, hometown are special for everyone. Even if they are not all fun memories.

As I listened to everyone, I remembered my hometown.

I was born and raised in the Milford house, which has a herb garden, a hill behind the mansion, and Aura mountains beyond it.

And my family, and the peasants who loves my father as their lord, despite his personality.

My precious, precious hometown.

 

“Aren’t you cherished?”

—Yes, Greed-sama, I knew that…… But I didn’t say that in front of Greed-sama, who has little connection with his family.

 

“Father, I want to ride a horse.”

“Brother, read me a book.”

 

—You know what, Greed-sama? My father and brother hates troublesome things and are irresponsible, but if I cling to them, they never told me that I am “a bother”.

 

“Sure. I’ll put you in front of me. Hold tight, okay?”

“It can’t be helped. Go, bring me the book that you want to read.”

 

—They have a lot of shortcomings, but I know that they hold me dear. That’s why, I always end up forgiving them, no matter how many times they got in trouble…… Because we’re family.

So it’s okay even if we don’t meet.

Even when I’m far away, or won’t see each other for years, I will always feel a connection with them.

 

I looked down at the golden bracelet on my left arm.

This also connects me to other people. Even without such a “symbol”, people can still be connected through feelings of mutual respect.

—I would like to teach Greed-sama about that one day.

 

Vol. 2 Side Story 1 - Hero Suddenly Proposed

 VOLUME 2: Rufus’ Side Story
~Fateful Encounter~

 

An encounter can change your world.

Rufus Ricleed Elusion experienced such an event twice.

The first time was when he met Greed.

“I don’t know Rufus the Prince. All I know is the person in front of me right now. That’s all. Is that not allowed?”

The second time is when he met Princess Louise.

“Yes. I believe you…… Everyone will certainly be able to get out of here and live.”

 

*          *          *

 

“I want to see with my own eyes that everyone is comfortable.”

The Princess, accompanied by Aria, said as she visited the floor allocated for the Hero’s party. Inside the Princess’s residence, a private room was given to each member of the Hero’s party. However, they always visited the Princess’s room, and never invited her to their own rooms. So the Princess said she wanted to visit once.

After looking at the living room used by the party, the princess said she wanted to see Rufus’s room. Rufus consented after two replies.

“I will brew tea here, so you can take your time, Princess. Rufus-sama, I’ll leave the Princess to your care.”

The lady-in-waiting, Aria, urged her with a smile, still sticking close to the tea wagon. In response to those words, Rufus headed to his room with his girlfriend, the Princess.

“There is nothing to show you, though.”

After all, this is the castle of Schwarze. It is just a temporary guest room. Rufus smiled wryly as he invited the Princess, but the Princess said with a mischievous smile.

“That was an excuse. The truth is I want to be alone with you.”

Rufus’ eyes widened for a moment, then smiling broadly, he opened his arms towards the Princess. The Princess’s face was immediately filled with joy. With a blush on her cheeks, the Princess leaned on Rufus. Then Rufus said while hugging his girlfriend tightly.

“Ever since we returned to the castle, there was someone always around us, and we could not spend time together alone.”

His friends often helped him, so the two of them were often together while they journeyed back home. But right now, they are on the castle of Schwarze. The Princess has a lot of servants. There were few opportunities to rid of them all and be alone.

“Yes. The last time we were alone . . . was that day of the festival.”

The Princess whined like a spoiled child and buried her face on Rufus’ chest.

“Yes. That’s right.”

Rufus narrowed his eyes.

─The day of the festival.

It was when they went to see a patron saint’s festival in the small town they visited before returning to Schwarze.

As a princess, she rarely leaves the castle, and she has never gone to a festival. All the Princess probably knew was about the ceremonial parade in the castle town of Schwarze. So in a small town that they happened to pass by, she was fascinated by the lively festival scene.

Rufus felt pity for the Princess. For he also knew that, had he never met Greed and the others, he would never come to know the life of the common people.

After taking an inn in another town, Rufus asked Farah to be their escort, then took the Princess to the festival. However, Farah wisely separated on the way, so it was basically the two of them.

That day replayed in Rufus’ mind. A Princess who got a rare chance to peek into the stalls. Every time Rufus would say something, she would smile happily and answer.

“Princess, do you remember what I said that day?”

“If you said it, Rufus-sama, I would never forget.”

They walked around town holding hands, talking about various things. About the Princess’s family, what Rufus experienced on his travels, and his childhood days with Greed and the others, etc. But Rufus never revealed anything about his identity.

…...Even during that moment, too.

“Do you─still remember when I proposed marriage to you?”

“Princess, I haven’t told you everything yet. Will you still believe in me and live with me?”

“Of course.”

The Princess looked up at Rufus and smiled. Rufus replied with his eyes closed.

“.…..Until the other day, I haven’t revealed my identity. I’m sorry, Princess.”

Though he knew he was forgiven, he couldn’t help but apologize.

He kept his identity as a prince a secret, but he didn’t mention it during the important moment of his marriage proposal.

But the Princess shook her head.

 

“It’s okay. I knew you had a reason, Rufus-sama. As for your family, just mentioning that you had a father and an older brother was difficult for you to divulge.”

The Princess said, in the same tone as she had at the time of the proposal.

“I believe in you, Rufus-sama. That’s what I also said that time. Regardless of what circumstances you have, I love the Rufus-sama who is in front of me right now and the Rufus-sama that I know.”

Her words contained love and trust for him. Rufus replied, holding the Princess’s hands tightly.

“Thank you, Princess. For choosing me. For believing me.”

“Rufus-sama, I should be the one saying that. Compared to Elusion, I am just a princess of a small kingdom. And you are a prince of a powerful kingdom and a magnificent magician, Rufus-sama……”

“Princess, you don’t need to belittle yourself.”

Rufus embraced the Princess with all his might for a moment, then relaxed his arms, looked down at the Princess and smiled.

“And, Princess, you should not think highly of me. I am not really an admirable person.”

“Rufus-sama?”

The Princess’s eyes widened at Rufus’ self-deprecating words.

──The gentle prince who hid his royal background and fought as a magician. All of this was for the sake of his childhood friends.

Rufus knew what was being said about him inside the castle. He’d laugh every time he heard of it.

It’s true that he wanted to help Greed. It is also true that he hid his royal background. However, the Ricleed Elusion family is a flawed one. He knew it better than anyone.

Rufus looked down on the Princess and said with a bitter smile on his lips.

“Princess, will you listen to an old story? It is a story of an incomplete man who cannot become a royal or a magician──”

 

*          *          *

 

Elusion, the country where Rufus was born, is one of the powerful kingdoms of the continent. It was famous not only for its vast territory, but also for its excellent military and magical powers, and for producing many famous magicians.

But its origin was a little unusual.

The kingdom of Elusion was originally part of the Birmgart Empire. It was a country with a long history and tradition, but politics gradually deteriorated, perhaps because of long years of abuse. The nobles devoted themselves to power struggles without thinking of their people. However, the emperor had no power to control it, and the national power declined. The people became exhausted by heavy tax…… Quietly and slowly, the Empire of Birmgart continued to decline.

In the meantime, the Duke of Elusion─the ancestor of Rufus─who governed a remote region of Birmgart, gained some power.

The Dukedom of Elusion was a remote land but rich in resources. Since part of the territory faced the sea, it was also an important point in transportation. It had been originally a rich land, but it was further developed under the Duke of Elusion, and his financial power and influence had become something that the emperor and his retainers could not ignore.

Although the Duke of Elusion was worried about the current state of his country, he did not think of usurping the throne. No, it can be said that he no longer looked at the center.

What he did with his power─was to divide the empire and separate the Dukedom of Elusion.

Borrowing the powers of those nobles who agreed to the idea of the Duke of Elusion, the day came when they finally declared their independence as the Principality of Elusion.

In order to fight with the Empire of Birmgart who would not countenance it, they poured their abundant financial resource on strengthening their armaments and hiring magicians, and the Empire, whose politics and economy were now exhausted and the army weakened, was no match to the Principality, which prepared for the battle.

In this way, the Duke of Elusion achieved his independence by force. That was the beginning of the Principality of Elusion.

However, despite his independence, the Duke of Elusion had no intention of doing anything to the Empire of Birmgart. He was anticipating─for the invasion of the demons that was going to occur soon.

He tried to strengthen his own country and pushed the kingdom of Elusion to become a powerful nation, despite its stagnation.

Fifty years passed since the establishment of the Principality of Elusion, and the Principality had entered a major turning point. That was about 400 years ago. The Demon King was born, and as the first King of Elusion feared, the invasion of the demons began.

At that time, the battle with the demons was extremely fierce.

The degree of invasion of the demons depends on the character of the Demon King. Not all demons hate humans and attack them immediately. Some Demon Kings hate humans and invade immediately after their birth, but some Demon Kings keep invading humans to the minimum to preserve the power of the entire demons.

The modern-day Demon King that was defeated by Greed was the latter, but the Demon King who was defeated by the nineteenth Hero Matthias four hundred years ago was the former.

Around the world, massacres by demons have occurred one after another. In some cases, a whole country was destroyed. Fortunately, the Principality of Elusion was able to stop the damage to a minimum because of their preparedness, but the situation in the neighboring Empire of Birmgart was tragic. Despite the invasion of the demons, the king and the rest of the nobles concentrated their efforts on protecting themselves and did not care about the security of the people. As a result, small towns and villages throughout the Empire were destroyed by the attacks of the demons.

It was Larsch Vinfried Elusion, the grandson of the first King of Elusion, who took charge. He was a young nobleman at that time, a magician warrior who defeated the Demon King along with the hero Matthias and was also one of the world’s most famous heroes.

According to “The Hero Tales”, it was said that Larsch was shocked by the terrible state of the neighboring kingdom when he accidentally passed by during his travels. He wondered if the person leading at the top would be able to make a difference, and if the person who was leading at the top making a difference would be affected, and so after defeating the Demon King and returning to the Principality, he immediately declared war on the Emperor of Birmgart in order to save the people of the Empire.

The empire, which had lost its power due to years of corrupt politics and the invasion of the demons, surrendered too soon to the attack of the forces of Elusion. The people of the Empire welcomed Larsch enthusiastically.

And the Empire of Birmgart was merged to the Principality of Elusion, and Larsch took the throne. He was happy to stay as a prince, but it was easier for him to win the people’s hearts if he were the king. However, the name of the kingdom remained the Principality of Elusion, and not the Empire of Elusion. It meant that the history began in the Principality, and to also serve as a reminder that it would not become like the Empire of Birmgart.

From this era, the Principality of Elusion began its path to great power with its vast lands and formidable national power. Larsch, who built the foundation, was admired by the people as their first wise king. His influence is everywhere four hundred years ago and up to the present.

However, his great influence cast a considerable shadow on Rufus’ life.

Emperor Larsch was a magician warrior.

A magician warrior is a rare title, wherein it is awarded only to those who are on the top of the rank, whether it is of magic or of swordsmanship.

Magicians and warriors usually could only master one skill, but Emperor Larsch uses his magic and sword to defeat his enemies.

The weakness of the magician is the defense while they are casting. They have no way to protect themselves until the magic is activated. Magician warriors had overcome this weakness.

The magician warrior, Emperor Larsch, was the pride of the people of Elusion. Therefore, in the Principality of Elusion, there was an implicit demand that the royal family should be magician warriors. During war times, the royals will bring their own swords and lead the army to fight. Witnessing the royal family excel in combat, the people demanded, “Much stronger, much stronger. Not only swordsmanship, it is better if the royal family can master magic.”

However, despite being royalty, becoming a magician warrior was no easy feat. Even if one possessed innate magical powers, the magic itself can’t be used even if one could master spellcasting. One must be able to develop their own magical power according to their technique. That would require them to utilize their senses and natural talent. Therefore, although there are many people with magical powers, the number of magicians is small.

The insatiable demands of the people of Elusion sometimes caused confusion and conflict among the royal families.

Eventually, brothers began a dispute over the throne. Again and again, it is between the uncle and the nephew, and sometimes the father and son, who fought against each other. They battled power against power, and sometimes both parties failed. In a peaceful era where there was no external war, internal conflicts frequently occurred within Elusion.

In order to end the endless struggle, one King established the law of succession. As in other kingdoms, it was stipulated in the law that the firstborn of the king would succeed to the throne, except in special cases. The special cases were during times of war and during the time of the appearance of the Demon King.

──Rufus was born during the time when the prediction of the appearance of the Demon King was brought about.

Rufus was born with greater magical powers than everyone.

Magical powers are not attained due to heredity. Just because a parent has magical power does not mean that the child must have magical power also. In fact, Greed’s parents had no magical powers.

It was only a coincidence for a child with great magical power, like Rufus, to be born into the royal family of Elusion.

However, for some reason, the royals of Elusion possessed powerful magical powers. So was Rufus’ father, the King, and his older brother, who is seven years older than him. However, as mentioned earlier, one cannot use magic simply by having magical power alone.

The magical power of Rufus’ father was compatible with water, and he could only handle water-related magic. However, his brother could not use magic even though he had magical powers. He can’t get a feel for it no matter how he tried.

However, Rufus was able to use magic very naturally, just like breathing. He had no difficulty in casting magic.

As soon as Rufus was able to master advanced magic when he was young, the nobles around him became excited. They clashed with the nobles who recommended for Rufus’ brother for the position of the Crown Prince, or rather, they began to say that Rufus, who has more magical power than his brother and can use magic, was suitable to be the king. The spark of battle over the position of the Crown Prince was born there, and Rufus’ surroundings became increasingly unsettling.

His elder brother, Leonhart, was a good man, except that he couldn’t handle magic. Even when he was still a child, despite his personality, swordsmanship and determination as a royal, he was well-behaved.

As Rufus learned about the history and the theories and deepened his understanding, he became worried about his magical powers and its capacity. Perhaps because of his existence, a turmoil will occur that would eventually divide the country of Elusion.

If it had not been for the prediction that the Demon King would appear, there would be no obstacle for his brother, the eldest son of the king, to inherit the throne. But the timing was bad. And the fact that his younger brother Rufus had the natural talent for magic complicated the story.

When Rufus was eight years old, his father officially appointed his brother Leonhart to be the next king, but the unrest remained. Since the prophecy of the appearance of the Demon King has spread around the world, there were many things to be done by the kingdom in preparation for an emergency, however the kingdom was not able to successfully unite because the nobles, whose status and power depended on who becomes the next king, kept on doing conspiracies.

…...It was like the former Empire of Birmgart.

Rufus thought as he looked at the distress of his father and brother. If his brother happened to succeed his father, the Principality of Elusion would be united.

Rufus abandoned sword training. Even though he was proficient in magic, he feared that if he could also handle the sword, then more people would want to make him a king. He couldn’t hide his ability to use magic, so abandoning the sword seemed to be the best way.

Then, over time, Rufus began to be ridiculed in the shadows as a prince who had no other abilities aside from magic. It was also said that he would not be able to lead the battle with a sword, even though he was a member of the royal family. But Rufus didn’t care. His brother is an excellent swordsman, and he thought he could assist his brother as a magician.

…...But Rufus was gradually misunderstood.

When those nobles who want Rufus to succeed the throne was in front of him, they made flattering remarks. But if Rufus was not around, they would speak ill behind him, saying, “That prince is troublesome.”

The same was true to the nobles who supported his brother. They would say how good Leonhart is as a prince, and they would not try to hide their wariness from Rufus. And what Rufus would reply most of the time was that his brother Leonhart was irritated to see him.

In the past, even though the environment around them was complicated, the brothers’ relationship was not bad. Since it was only the two of them and he was a little older, for the older brother, his younger brother, Rufus, was someone he should protect. Even though he was jealous of his younger brother’s magical talent, he didn't try to understand him. Because he had no magical talent, he polished his swordsmanship to the point that the generals paid attention to him even though he is still young. He was such a hardworking brother.

Leonhart, who possessed such royal prowess, may have been irritated by Rufus, who did not practice swordsmanship.

“Practice your swordsmanship, Rufus. It is your duty as a royal. Listen to what others say. You just have to do your part.”

…...He understood it now, that the frustration his brother Leonhart had directed to him must had been actually directed to his brother’s self. If the brothers have similar faces, they were also very similar in blaming themselves when something happened. Just like Rufus who saw the turmoil in the national politics and became worried that it was because he had great magical powers, Leonhart attributed the unrest to his inability to use magic.

Leonhart knew exactly why Rufus was unwilling to practice his sword. Perhaps because he knew it, that was why he was angry with himself for making his little brother worry so much.

But Rufus, who was still a child, continued to think that his brother’s irritation was all about him. It was difficult to be disliked by his brother above anything else.

Rufus was at a loss on what to do. His brother instructed him to practice with his sword. However, if he would be able to handle swords, the problem regarding the succession to the throne will re-emerge. Is sword training a duty of the royal family? When it is a source of dissension? Rufus didn’t know what to do and what went wrong. He lost sight of what he should do from that moment.

He thought he could support his brother as a magician. But perhaps his brother did not want to see his younger brother who can easily use magic. Isn’t it better not to be anywhere near his elder brother? He started to think that way.

If his mother, the queen, was still with them at that time, he would not be thinking like this. His mother would probably act like a bridge between the two brothers who were not good at speaking with each other. But by the time Rufus was old enough to understand what’s going on around him, his mother had already died of an illness. His father, the king, was so busy that he can hardly meet him. He had no one to confide to. All who gathered around Rufus were children of those nobles who wants him to become the king. He could not possibly bare his soul to those people.

Rufus’ loneliness gradually deepened.

 

—That was when he met Greed and the others.

 

The 11-year-old Rufus was visiting an old summer villa in his late mother’s residence.

The forest adjacent to the villa was part of the forest surrounding the village of Langrea. Rufus, who wanted to be alone, strolled into the forest with magical escorts, but before he knew it, he had entered the village of Langrea.

A girl with golden hair appeared in front of Rufus, who was sitting on a rock by the small pond. She seems to be the same age as Rufus.

The girl has as beautiful face like that of a doll, had long hair that reached her back and was wearing white night clothes.

The girl noticed Rufus, but without changing her expression, she stepped into the pond. It was Rufus who was surprised. The girl went into the water without hesitation, as if she were going to enter the water.

“Wait, you—”

Rufus hurriedly called her. However, his voice faded when he heard a voice call, “Greed!”

From a place like a game trail across the pond, a boy with jade eyes and a bright red-haired girl of about the same age appeared. Unaware of Rufus’ presence, they ran towards the girl in the pond who was soaked to the waist.

“Greed! I told you not to go, right!?”

“You have to change your clothes. You can’t go with your sleepwear!”

Rufus’ eyes bulged. They called the girl with a golden hair, “Greed”. But Greed is a man’s name. That means—that child is not a girl……

The child, called Greed, looked back at them and said.

“I’ll wash my body. I’ll wash what I’m wearing. So there’s no problem if I stay in my night clothes.”

No, it is a problem—Rufus was stunned but he silently retorted.

—This was his encounter with them.

Needless to say, Rufus mistakenly took Greed, who would later become the Hero, for a girl. The boy who chased him was Renas, and the girl was Milly.

After that encounter, he started talking to them. They told him that they were residents of Langrea village. Rufus gave his name, but did not reveal that he was a prince…… He could not tell them. He was afraid that they, who were talking to him innocently, would change their attitude as soon as they knew that he is a prince.

Rufus evaded his escorts and went to see them every day. At the royal palace, where someone would find fault with something someone said, he was always on the lookout at how his words would be twisted and interpreted.

But in front of them, he need not worry about that. For the first time in his life, Rufus spoke openly.

…...But eventually, his status as a prince was revealed. It was inevitable. The escorts are not incompetent either. It was not possible for him to break away from his escorts every day and for them not to search for their errant master. Due to the escorts, Rufus was revealed to Greed and his friends as the prince.

“I wonder, is it alright if we don’t address you as Prince?”

“But calling you by your name would be troublesome, I guess.”

Milly and Renas frowned, but their reaction was different from what Rufus had expected. They were unexpectedly friendly.

Yet still, Rufus’ heart ached. Those delightful moments of talking without reserve would be over, he thought. Because he is a prince, he would be separated from them.

However—Greed said quietly.

“Since Rufus did not say to call him Prince, then I won’t call him that. He probably didn’t want to be called like that, so he didn’t tell us that he is a prince. Besides, I don’t know Rufus the Prince. All I know is the person in front of me right now. That is all. Is that not allowed?”

It felt like the question was not just directed to Renas and Milly.

“I want you to still call me Rufus.”

The tears spilled from the eyes of Rufus as he answered.

…...So that was what he wanted. With his status as a prince, or rather, he wanted to be recognized as someone named Rufus, including that status. He wanted someone who will accept him as who he is, not because of his magical power, his talent in magic, and of course, not because of his royal status--

“Eh? Hey, Rufus?”

“Why are you crying? You don’t really want to be known as a Prince that much? Then we won’t, we won’t call you [Prince] then!”

In contrast to the two who are panicking, Greed was watching everyone expressionlessly. It seemed to Rufus that he was warmly watching over him.

 

*          *          *

 

“Rufus-sama, your heart was saved by Greed-sama’s words.”

The Princess said, smiling.

“Yes, those words gave me salvation.”

He was accepted for who he is. He got friends who understood him. Those brought changes to Rufus. There are people who believe in him no matter what. People whom he can express his mind. That somewhat gave Rufus some breathing space.

But of course, the environment inside the royal palace around Rufus has not changed. There were some people who continued to support him to become the next king, and because of this, he still kept his guard against his brother Leonhart’s close associates. He also kept his distance from his brother. His bad reputation of being a prince who has nothing except magic has not changed. However, he did not officially become a magician, thus he was put in a limbo. Thus, he often had a hard time. Even so, having friends who cared about him and not harboring ulterior motives was a big help for Rufus.

Rufus would go to see them if his time allows. It gradually became difficult to spend time together each year, but it became easy for him to go back and forth once he learned the Teleportation Magic.

Rufus learned a lot with them. Where he is now was because of the days he spent in the village of Langrea. Getting along with Greed and Renas, he trained with his sword which he never tried to do at the palace, and also practiced magic with Greed.

Rufus chuckled as he recalled those days.

“No matter what I do, Greed always managed to do it easily. It shattered my confidence. I became a loser at magic, when it is my sole merit. But looking back, I think it was better that it happened.”

The presence of Greed, who possessed both great magical powers and the ability to control his technique, gave a great impact to Rufus. In contrast to him, it was like Greed was released from something. No matter how great his magic is or excellent his swordsmanship is, Greed is not suitable to be a king. He is indifferent to everything and it is not suitable for someone governing a country.

—What is necessary for a person to become a king is the ability to put people together and having a determination as a king.

The most suitable one to be the next king is his brother. Rufus had neither pride for being a royal nor determination to become a king. His brother had them all. Only Rufus and some aristocrats didn’t understand. Rufus said that his brother was more suitable to be the king, but he didn’t understand anything.

He didn’t have to give up his sword. Even if there were people who would promote Rufus to be the next king if he raised his sword, his brother would surely let everyone around him admit that he was the right king. Even if he can’t use magic, his brother has a lot to make up for it.

With those thoughts, he felt completely free. He didn’t need to be caught up in the throne succession issue anymore.

“In the end, the one who was caught in the aftereffect of King Larsch was me. Though I did not decide to become a king, I didn’t pick up the sword out of concern for my brother. Instead, I’ve hurt my brother’s pride.”

Worrying about his younger brother’s welfare, his brother most probably was going easy on him. Perhaps he felt foolish. How unbearable must it be for his proud brother.

“.…..When I understood that, I declared to my father and brother that I would relinquish my position as a prince.”

“You tried to give up being a prince?”

The Princess’s eyes widened. This was the first time he heard of it. Rufus replied while gently stroking the hair of the Princess.

“I did so that I can accompany Greed, who was appointed to be the Hero. That’s why I was disqualified as a royal. A royal should not be trapped by personal feelings, but when it came to choosing between Greed and the others and the Second Prince’s status, I chose my friends without hesitation and turned my back from the Prince’s status.”

From the beginning there was no position for him to join the Hero’s party as a prince.

The reason why Emperor Larsch still holds tremendous respect is because he was “a Magician warrior who fought with the Hero.” To that extent, the Hero has overwhelming influence in this world.

If “Prince Rufus” would join the Hero Greed as a magician, it is inevitable that the issue of succession to the throne would resurface. It may not be possible to suppress those voices who want Prince Rufus to be the next king. Not only the nobles but also the citizens may say that and celebrate. So Rufus had to abandon his position as a prince. He only needed to be “Rufus the magician”.

Rufus’ father and older brother listened carefully to his request. His brother suddenly said before his father could make a decision.

“Come with me for a while.”

Without telling him, his brother took him to a military training area and ordered people to leave.

“There is something I want to confirm.”

After saying that, he threw a training sword in front of Rufus. Confused, he watched his brother pick up another training sword and suddenly slashed at him, saying, “Don’t use magic!”

Rufus picked up his sword and blocked the attack.

“What are you doing, older brother?”

Ignoring his obvious agitation, his older brother launched another attack in silence. Unable to understand the reason, he held off the sword again with his sword. If the younger brother is injured here, maybe they would not let him join Greed’s journey…… He continued to fend off his brother’s attacks unaware of his brother’s intention. He could not attack his older brother, so he just concentrated on defense.

Deftly striking left and right, Leonhart’s attacks were quick and accurate. Every day, he honed his sword arm, and now he was leading the army as a general. However--

Rufus stopped the blow of the sword, and calmly observed and analyzed its impact and power. Greed’s attacks are faster. And heavier. Greed’s strikes are unforgiving.

Greed is slender but nevertheless, he is strong. How heavy was each blow from his arm, and how many times did Rufus receive those blows? Compared to him, his older brother’s attacks are perfect in speed, but the power is considerably inferior.

Maybe Leonhart was doing it on purpose because he is his younger brother…… Thinking that way, Rufus neatly fended off every single strike. Rufus himself was unaware that his skills were far beyond the ordinary.

Eventually, when Leonhart saw his younger brother taking his full-powered blows, he relaxed his body, and with a sigh, threw away his sword.

“I knew it……”

After murmuring, Leonhart sat down and buried his face in his hands.

“Brother?”

“I knew it. You can also handle a sword. Moreover, you’re quite strong.”

With those words, Rufus realized the meaning of his brother’s behavior. At the royal palace, he tried to test Rufus’ swordsmanship, who never tried to practice with a sword. And Rufus had forgotten that he had proclaimed that he could not even handle a sword.

“.……I was just accompanying Greed during his sword training.”

“You are strong. If that was a real fight, I would probably have lost.”

“That’s not true……”

“I was losing. I could feel it with my sword…… I’m pathetic. You defeated me both with magic and swordsmanship, and to think I was being easy on you all this time.”

“It’s not as if I wanted you to go easy on me.”

When Rufus said that, Leonhart looked at Rufus and smiled wryly.

“But you concealed it from me. I know it’s my fault. That’s why I said I’m pathetic. I can’t help you, because I can’t worry for you all the time lest you don’t recognize me as a suitable king. No matter how good your magic and sword arm are, as long as I become worthy to be a king, I would not encounter any problems. Every time you withdraw, and every time your allies treat you as not worthy to be a king, it felt like I was being told that my abilities are insufficient.”

“Brother……”

Rufus was stunned. He never thought that Leonhart was thinking that way. At the same time, he learned that his refusal had hurt his brother’s pride.

Rufus kneeled in front of Leonhart and gazed at him. How many years had it been for him to be able to talk with his brother alone like this?

“.…..Brother. I do not want to become a king. I’ve always thought that my older brother was the worthy one to become the king.

“.…..Yes. You are too kind to become a king.”

“No matter how good someone’s sword arm is or good at magic, there are other things that makes someone a king. My older brother has those qualities. And I don’t. I should have voiced it out before. I apologize.”

“No, I’m the one who should apologize. Instead of telling you that sword training is a duty of the royal family, I wish I had told you that you didn’t have to look after me and you didn’t have to pretend because you were worried of those squabbling nobles. I didn’t do that because I wasn’t confident…… Pathetic.”

“Have more faith on yourself. You will become a fine king, Brother. I was going to support you as a magician. But—”

Rufus then bowed at Leonhart.

“I’m sorry. I have some things that I wanted to do more than anything. Please forgive my selfishness.”

“The Hero?”

“Yes.”

Leonhart heaved a sigh and stood up.

“I need you, Rufus. That’s why I can’t allow you to abdicate your position. But—I can allow Rufus the magician to go accompany the Hero. From this time onwards, Elusion’s second prince Rufus is going to have a long vacation…… This is the conclusion Father and I had made. The end of the resting period is set—until the Hero defeats the Demon King. Until then, Elusion’s second prince and the magician Rufus are unrelated to each other.”

After Leonhart said that, he started walking to the door. But just before he opened the door, he looked over his shoulder and told Rufus.

“Come back alive, Rufus. It doesn’t matter if you are a prince or a magician. Our blood relationship will never be severed. That’s why you must definitely come back alive.”

—Even at that moment, he never thought that he had no match for his brother. Knowing that the issue of succession to the throne would be reignited, not only did he say he wouldn’t sever his ties with Rufus, but also gave him the freedom to choose.

He can come back as a prince, or if he doesn’t like the prince’s position, he can just give it up--

He did not confide this to Greed, Renas and the others. Because it is something Rufus must decide.

 

“That’s why I was always hesitant. I wonder if it would be better for my brother if I were to relinquish my prince’s position and become a magician. I was still at a loss that night when I proposed to you, Princess. Because of my preoccupation, I thought I should not miss the chance, so I proposed . . . even though I was a half-wit who can’t decide his future.”

The Princess replied to Rufus, who was smiling bitterly.

“That’s why you didn’t tell me you are a prince, Rufus-sama.”

“Yes. I want you to regard me for who I am, not because I am a magician or a prince. That’s the truth. It means a lot to me…… But I couldn’t tell you the truth that time because I still could not decide.”

“But I think you have already decided, Rufus-sama.”

The Princess smiled. When Rufus confessed to the Princess that he is a prince during the audience in Schwarze, it was almost as if he was declaring that he would return to Elusion as a prince.

Rufus nodded.

“It would be good for my brother if I will abdicate my position—but I realized that even the idea itself would hurt my brother. I was about to make the same mistake again. But I stopped running away anymore. Moreover, Princess……”

Rufus smiled sweetly and looked down at the Princess in his arms.

“I want to become a man who is worthy of you. With the blessings by everyone in the castle, I was willing to use my royal status.”

“Rufus-sama……”

Rufus took the hands of the Princess, was blushing and teary-eyed.

How small and thin it is compared to Rufus’ hand.

—At that moment, those hands were shaking.

Rufus suddenly remembered the first time he met the Princess.

Looking at Rufus and the others who rescued the Princess trapped in the prison tower, the Princess looked relieved. And then announced in a resolute tone.

“Thank you for coming to rescue me. But...... If ever the Demon King comes, please do not think of me and escape. Do not throw away your life.”

Even though a little gaunt, the glint in her eyes was very lovely. But even if that were the case, Rufus would no doubt become attracted to the Princess.

Only Rufus, who was holding the Princess’s hand, noticed that her hands were shaking. She must have been beside herself. Still he admired the nobility of her heart and at the same time, was attracted to the strength hiding her weaknesses.

“It will be alright. I will always protect you. And also my life. I promise. We will get out of here without losing anyone.”

When Rufus said so, the Princess nodded with a wobbly smile.

“Yes. I believe you.”

Rufus was touched upon hearing those words “I believe you” escape from the Princess’s lips like a sigh.

—That was the beginning of their love.

“Princess . . . I mean, Louise. Allow me to say it again.”

He took the Princess’s hands, fell on his knees, and looked up at the Princess. It was the formal gesture of courtship.

“Rufus-sama?”

Rufus smiled at the surprised Princess.

“As long as I am a prince, the issue of succession to the throne of the Principality of Elusion will continue. You might get involved. Still, Louise, will you believe in me and live with me?”

The Princess, while being held captive by the Demon King, remained proud as a princess and did not submit. That’s why, he would also stop running away. He chose to face it.

Had he did not meet her, Rufus would not return to Elusion until he eventually abandoned his status as a prince or until his brother Leonhart inherited the throne.

But Rufus chose to remain as a prince in order to be together with the Princess.

The Princess gripped Rufus’ hands tightly and said with a smile.

“Yes, I believe you.”

—The words were the same as when the princess was rescued from the prison tower.

“Thank you, Louise. I will protect you even at the cost of my life.”

Rufus answered and kissed the Princess’s hands.

“Anyway, why don’t we return to the living room. If we stay in your room for too long, Aria will surely fret.”

He stood up as the Princess giggled.

“That’s right. Even though we are betrothed to each other, a young man and a young woman being alone inside a room for a long time is kind of……”

“So let’s go back before we lose her trust.”

“Yes.”

And they held hands and headed for the living room.

—Encounters change your world.

Rufus Ricleed Elusion experienced it twice.

He thought he was lucky.