Kays Translations

Chapter  12: The Small Village in the Neutral Zone

To the west of the Kingdom of Forlant, lies a vast plain, and several cities within these plains have formed an alliance, shaping a country.

This country, known as the Yukris City Alliance, has quickly established a treaty with Forlant, wary of its Sacred relics, and the two countries maintain exchanges, including merchants traveling back and forth.

The route indicated on the map cleverly avoids areas where people might be around, and I only needed to follow the instructions and keep the horse moving. Since the sun is setting, I wanted to get there before it got completely dark.

(So, Reis-san had probably stayed in the old castle for as long as possible ……, gathering information for the Yukris side…?)

I think that without him, Zephen or his subordinates would have harmed me, I mean Ashrina. I can imagine how difficult it would have been to gather outside information under those circumstances.

But even so – and maybe it’s just because I’ve been transformed for a long time, but Reiss-san, even with his gear, feels light, and unlike me, who couldn’t bathe, he exudes a faint, sweet fragrance.

(Suddenly I’m feeling really bad… and now I really want to take a bath.)

“….mmm…”

“…You’re awake? Don’t push yourself. We’re heading to the location on the map now. We just crossed the border; there’s been no trouble so far.”

“…Please… take care of that person… as for me…”

(That person…is he referring to me? Don’t tell me, because I’m transformed, he thinks I’m someone else…?)

Oh, hey. Maybe it wasn’t clear earlier, but I’m ……”

　I try to explain, but Reis-san fell asleep again, and when the horse swayed slightly, his mask shifted.

　–He has silver hair and a surprisingly well-defined face. Words cannot easily describe how perfectly sculpted he is, or how doll-like.

　Feeling guilty, as if I had seen something I shouldn’t have, I quickly put the displaced mask back on.

　The wooden sword is on my back, but the teacher doesn’t talk to me – there’s  so many things I want to talk about but I’m in a hurry, for now I just have to get to my destination safely.

　　◆◇◆

The city of Glasbel is part of the City Alliance. Our destination was a small village far from the center of the city.

　A mansion that seemed to be the residence of the lord. I followed the instructions to go around to the back of the house, where I found a single guard standing.

　As I moved, my transformation was undone and I was back to my original form. I nervously got off my horse, wondering if this would prove that I was a princess.

　Before I could say anything, the guard came running up to me – and.

“Oh my… has the ‘what if’ moment really come?”

The boy, who looked a little older than me,, was dressed in finely made clothes. He might be the son of the lord of this estate.

“Um, may I explain the situation?”

“Ah, I’ve already heard. You’re here to ask for our cooperation so that Forlant and we don’t go to war. You’re trying to prevent it… But, do you think a young lady like you would understand this sort of thing?”

“Yes, I understand. The person who’s with me said that if I’m in trouble, I should come here.”

Since Reis-san hadn’t intended to come with me, the situation had gotten complicated… but I couldn’t hesitate now.

“Is there somewhere where Reis-san can be treated?”

“… Okay, I’ll hurry up with the arrangements. The church should be able to heal him with recovery magic.”

From there, things moved quickly. He guided me to the village church where I asked the nuns to treat Reis-san. He was to rest there for the night.

Upon returning to the mansion, I was told to freely enter the guest room, but I couldn’t do that just yet. I didn’t want to ask for a bath either, so I thought I’d clean myself up somehow before going back.

“My sister has just returned from the academy. I’ll ask her to help with the bathing.”

“…I-I don’t want to trouble you. I’ve been… without a bath for a long time…”

“it’s okay. Though I don’t know all the details, I’ve heard enough. I thought you would be brought here by someone from the kingdom, but you’ve bravely ridden here by yourself. It’s hard to believe, but I have no choice but to trust what I see.”

“Then… do you know who I am?”

“I do, Your Highness. You have come a long way.”

“…”

He bowed politely and gave me a soft smile.

I had essentially escaped from confinement and fled here as a refugee. It should be troublesome to have me here, but—

“Ah… I… I’m really sorry. No, it must have been really hard for you … Even words of comfort feel too light… Anyway, I’m just glad you’re safe. Now that you’re here, you can relax.”

“Thank you very much. I’m truly grateful.”

“…I don’t know enough about Forlant’s situation to speak freely, But treating a child like this as a result of summoning a sacred Relic is just unreasonable.”

“I don’t think the kingdom knows I’m here yet. But if they find out I’ve disappeared from where I’m being held captive…”

“Even if they search for you, they won’t easily find their way here. You could live hiding your identity as a princess… But… ah, my sister is watching, so let’s talk about that later.”

I stood in the entrance hall of the mansion, watching his back as he left. I could hear footsteps climbing the stairs, probably to his room on the second floor.

(He was a really nice guy. And… that appearance… was it the same as from the game…?)

“Hello, are you the rumored Princess?”

It was his younger sister—she was slightly older than me, tall and slender, with deep blue hair. She was dressed in a manner similar to a man’s, perhaps that was the custom.

“U-Um… Your Highness, I’ve heard you’ve gone through quite a lot in the kingdom…”

“I’ve been through some terrible things, but somehow I’ve managed to survive.”

She looked wide-eyed at my response, seeming a little shocked. I felt bad for making her feel uncomfortable, so I hoped to keep the mood light.

“I’m no longer a princess, just Ashrina. I’ll have to come up with a fake name to hide my identity.”

“…It seems I’ve built up my own assumptions. My name is Phyllis.”

“Phyllis, nice to meet you… Ah…”

“I’m fine with just being Phyllis too. I’m not important enough to be given a title.”

Not minding that my hands were dirty, Phyllis took both my hands in hers.

I wondered if this was too close, but it was fine if it meant we could get along. In fact, when people were kind to me, I reflexively feel like I’m going to burst into tears – I’m sure if Master Muraku saw me like this, he would be dumbfounded.

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