第６３２堀：姫ではなく友として１人の人として (Part2)
Kagura’s face turned bright red, her mouth hanging open and fluttering like a fish out of water.
…I couldn’t help but think that as a member of the nobility, she really ought to hide her emotions a bit better, yet I found my friend’s reaction quite adorable. Though, I suppose my own mischievous streak was partly to blame.
Still, unless Kagura herself says she wants to do it, I cannot force her. Hehehe…
“Well then, let us have Mikos take over Kagura’s duties. Kagura can remain as an advisor to Lord Yuki…”
“Wait a minute!! I love him! I love him so much! Don’t you dare give my job to Mikos!”
“Oh? Are you referring to Yuki-sama? Or perhaps another man? I can hardly justify a diplomatic post just to facilitate a tryst with some random gentleman…”
“It’s Yuki! It’s Yuki, I tell you!”
“I see. Well, that is a relief then.”
I immediately offered a satisfied smile. However, seeing how quickly I had pivoted, Kagura narrowed her eyes and glared at me.
“…Princess.”
“Yes? What is it?”
“…You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”
“Of course. I’ve heard from everyone around us that you’re head over heels for Yuki-sama. Besides, do you really think there is anyone who couldn’t tell after seeing your behavior just now? Right, Kuno?”
“Indeed. I believe it would be obvious to anyone with eyes. Ah, here is your tea.”
“Thank you.”
“Aaaahhh!?”
As if overcome by shame, Kagura covered her face with both hands and shook her head violently from side to side.
Hehehe… teasing Kagura is starting to become quite enjoyable.
“But I wonder, when did it begin? At first, even you were quite terrified of Yuki-sama, weren’t you?”
It was true. In the beginning, it wasn’t just Kagura; I, too, felt a deep sense of dread toward the immensely powerful Yuki-sama. I feared that in our quest to push back the Phindal Empire, we had invited an even greater threat into our midst.
However, once we got to know him, it turned out that Yuki-sama had no grand ambitions. If anything, he was the type who detested trouble and truly loved peace.
Yet, he was not soft. He was a magnificent ruler who would take decisive action—no matter how dirty the methods—to lay the groundwork for maintaining that peace.
Kagura understood that as well, and she was supposed to be acting with the utmost care not to offend him. So, what changed?
“Well, at first, that was definitely the case. But… he was kind to me in so many ways, and…”
From there, I was forced to listen to a story that made me feel like I was reading a sickeningly sweet romance novel for young girls.
*Is this just Stockholm Syndrome?* I wondered.
I highly doubt Yuki-sama has even noticed Kagura’s feelings. To him, it is likely just a professional relationship.
…Though, I couldn’t bring myself to say that so bluntly.
Perhaps there is a part of me that is simply jealous. After all, I know nothing of love myself.
Setting aside such pointless thoughts, Kagura pairing up with Yuki-sama is beneficial for both the country and her personally. There is no reason not to support this.
It’s not as if I could ever be with Yuki-sama myself. It’s plain to see that the fools back in Heiden would oppose it in unison.
Fortunately, it seems the wives in Weed also recognize the advantages, and they appear to be cooperating to some extent in pushing Kagura forward.
I’ll eventually need to clear things with Phindal as well to prevent complications later, but since Princess Stasia is on good terms with Lord Hiiro, I’ll have to ask her to do her best on that front. Of course, I will provide assistance.
“Well then, now that I’ve checked on your recovery and heard a rather embarrassing story, it’s time for me to return to the castle.”
“Ah, yes.”
“Kagura, please continue to work hard in your role as Weed’s diplomat.”
“Yes! Leave it to me!”
“By the way, I would be delighted if your next report involves a pregnancy.”
“A-A child!? W-We haven’t even done… th-th-those kinds of things with Yuki yet…”
“Fufu. It seems your imagination is far more vivid than I expected, Kagura. Farewell.”
“Wait!? Princess!?”
Leaving her behind, I stepped out of the room with Kuno.
“…Princess. You didn’t tell her, did you?”
“If I had, Kagura would have tried to stop me at any cost. That is simply the kind of girl she is.”
“As a subject, that would be the natural course of action.”
“Yes, quite. But while Kagura is a subject, she is also a friend. I do not want to show her a version of myself stained by hatred. At the very least, I want to remain the Princess she believes in until the very end. That is my own selfish way of atoning to her. And I want her to be happy. Is that so wrong?”
“…No. It is only human. And I shall follow you wherever you go, Princess.”
“Thank you, Kuno. But you really don’t have to force yourself to come along…”
“No. My sister was also murdered by those people back then. I am an avenger, just like you.”
Indeed. Arge was not the only sacrifice that day.
The escort knights, the maids who were by our side—they all fell. That is why Kuno and I cannot simply discard our hatred. For the sake of those who died that day.
“That was a foolish question. Come, let us go maintain our weapons.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”