Chapter 34 - Volume 3 (2/2)

Normally, a male child in a royal family would be good. …… For the first boy, that is that, and this is this. Once more boys keep coming, words like “A Princess would be nice” start to spring out of thin air.

Now that I’m eight years old, talk of marriage proposals have started coming from all over.

My standing, although I have royal blood, is that of a daughter of a duke, the social threshold for marrying was lower, and yet, with my recognition as the Holy Kingdom’s [Princess], everyone sees me as a [Princess-sama], so at the moment, it feels like I’m a popular item at a shop that’s about to run out of stock.

The reason that I enrolled at the magic academy was because I wanted to experience love… But, because of [That Guy], I can’t find a target, which is a problem.

I definitely don’t want to be looked at with those sorts of eyes…

But, if it turns out that ‘m misunderstanding, I’d be terribly embarrassed.

In any case here, without Father-sama or Mother-sama around, it’s impossible for this eight-year-old daughter to be [Sold] away.

“Aunt-sama, my escort, umm… he is here. Noel~!”

To be honest, my guard in this party is only supposed to be Sara-chan and Bree-chan. As the famous mercenary company Ba-, Bruna……… Bear-san’s only available [friend] whose age was close to that of mine, Noel-kun came along too.

Noel-kun who was wearing gorgeous clothes that were rented from a town in Shiguresu, he’s so shy, it’s seriously cute.

Seeing Noel like that, it was so cute that I was satisfied just looking at him. Aunt-sama let out a giggle, and whispered gently in my ear.

“Yuru-chan, when you leave this country, be careful of the hero of the Kostoru religion’s Hero.”

＊

The worship of the Harvest Goddess Kostoru was the most popular religion, and was recognised as the official religions of both Taterudo and Shiguresu.

What does she mean to [Be Careful] of the Kostoru religion?

And Aunt Camille-sama said to be careful of the [Hero].

In the stories, isn’t the Hero is usually a [Good person]…?

“…Lu-Lucy…?”

Because I was brooding for a while, my escort, Noel, seemed anxious.

“Ah, sorry about that.”

While I was lost in my thoughts, I moved my hand onto Noel’s arm, and his face stiffened.

“…What’s the matter?”

“N-nothing……”

How strange, Noel…he’s been acting strangely ever since we reunited. Because of that, we weren’t able to speak much during the journey, I wonder if we can have a relaxed conversation today.

As we walked, everyone’s gazes turned to focus on us. Since the people of this country aren’t used to [Me], it’s good that I didn’t have to talk too much, but still, it was terrible to be stared at like that.

“Noel, I’m sorry…”

“…Eh, for what?”

“Since I’m so conspicuous, aren’t you uncomfortable while you’re with me?”

When I said that, Noel shook his head with a little bit of astonishment.

“Lu-, Lucy stands out, so it can’t be helped. Because you’re a Princess-sama and the Holy Saint.”

Both of those titles were just given by other people without my permission…

The church people, although they tried to win me over, never gave their [Certification of Sainthood] to me. What do they want, exactly?

As I pondered this with a tenuous smile, Noel blushed and spoke softly.

“Besides… Lucy is… beautiful”

“……”

Uwaaah…… I’m feeling really embarrassed.

Wherever I went, I was feared, so it was always a choice between being surrounded or leaving, this is the first time I’ve ever heard such words from a boy…

My face…… I wonder if my face is red too.

Since I’m Noel-kun’s [Esteemed Holy Saint], his evaluation of me is abnormally high. I wish that I could see how I look in Noel’s eyes…

“Yurushia-sama, are you okay?”

To Noel and I, who were standing there in embarrassed silence, someone I didn’t know called out.

“…What’s the matter?”

The voice’s owner was a well-dressed uncle wearing the holy symbol of the harvest goddess.

… the Kostoru religion, huh.

“I am the high priest Calisto, of the Kostoru church in Shiguresu’s capital. I wanted to speak to you, to give Yurushia-sama a message…”

“Greetings, Calisto-sama, I am Yurushia-la-Verusenia.”

I instantly switched to my [Duke’s Daughter] mode.

But, high priest, huh… I completely don’t know what level of position that is. The thin 50 year old uncle that doesn’t seem to be doing so well.

“Today I’d like to introduce someone to Yurushia-sama…… would that be fine by you?”

“… Yeah, it’s not an issue.”

Somehow or another the flow of the conversation went in that direction. As Aunt Camille-sama’s advice crossed my mind, Calisto-san sent his gaze behind him, and several men and women came over.

“As you may know, this is the [Hero], Alfonso.”

It arrived…… the Hero-sama.

Author’s Note: It’s a flag.