Volume 5 Chapter 92 (2/2)

When I tried to use the live tree for firewood, Lute-san was shocked.

Looking at his expression, I was so embarra.s.sed that I wanted to disappear at that time.

Whenever I wanted to show off something to him, I always made a mistake. I was so ashamed. Still, Lute-san stayed kind to me the entire time.

I am worthless outside the castle……and whenever I’m inside, I was always compared to older sister, and was looked down due to the obvious differences in our abilities.

Then, I realized that, whether inside or outside, I was worthless.

However, Lute-san didn’t abandon such a worthless me, and even regarded me as a precious comrade.

Even though it was my turn to keep watch, I slept and just wouldn’t wake up.

He said, “Because you’re my friend, it’s only natural to save each other in times of need”.

I, who was unwanted by everyone, was recognized as a comrade by my hero.

I had made Lute, whom I liked very much, accept me as a comrade.

To the nonchalant him, this might have all been natural.

But for me, oh how happy was I on hearing those words?

Furthermore, in the latest fight, where Lute received the venomous sting of a giant scorpion due to my carelessness, I desperately cured him from the poison.

After that, I apologized to him frantically, but Lute and the others gave me thanks instead of blaming me for what I’ve done.

I could still remember the words from that time clearly.

“I don’t know what kind of person Lyss’ older sister is. But for me, I think it’s really great that Lyss is my comrade. Thanks to Lyss, we were not worried about the baggage anymore, I was saved from the brink of death when I received the sting due to your detoxification, and we were able to defeat the giant scorpion safely with the Panzerfaust.”

That’s what he said.

He looked straight at my eyes and told his true feelings.

“Therefore, I’ll say this no matter how many times you want. I am so glad to have Lyss as my comrade”

His smile, which would make one think that those words were from the bottom of his heart, got through to me.

That time, I felt that I had become a friend in the truest sense.

I felt that it was possible for a person like me to stay next to him.

Then Lute-san rescued my kidnapped younger sister, Luna. Then, just like a real hero who had come out of the picture books, he dashed to save me, who was in a pinch and surrounded by large crowds of enemies.

Back then, when I saw Lute-san’s face --- my chest tightened so hard and so painfully, and tears of joy overflowed like it was natural.

I don’t know when I started to yearn for Lute-san as a member of the opposite s.e.x.

However, I could not lie to my feelings.

Right now, I am sure……I love Lute-san.

That’s certain.

My true feeling that had always been hidden, for I was bound by this country.

I wanted to continue being by his side, even if I couldn’t be number one.

I wanted to forever support his dream, helping people in need.

I wanted to save people, weak like me and asking for help, together with Lute-san.

I wanted to follow Lute-san, whenever, wherever.

――But I could not abandon this country.

It was natural for the royalty to throw away our selfishness. Hadn’t I resolved myself to be engaged to another party back then?

I thought I could, but I wasn’t able to stop the sadness oozing from my chest being torn apart, and the tears wouldn’t stop flowing.

It stained the newly washed pure white sheets, causing wrinkles with every drop.

(Today, just for today, let’s cry it all out. So that tomorrow, everything will be back to normal…...)

I made such an excuse to myself, letting the tears flow from my eyes.

“Lute-san……my hero……I……”

I pressed my face against the pillow further, until the sobbing stopped.

Without caring about how much my tears would stain them anymore――

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