*
Early in the morning, Emperor Rock couldn’t hide his shock upon hearing the report from his guard.
“Is that really true? Gold.”
“Yes, Your Majesty…”
The news that his daughter had attended a social club.
“Pina at a social club? What were you all doing to stop her?”
After Queen Bellin had fallen victim to the Magic Hat, Pina was now completely different from that figure trying to hide her identity in a shining suit of armor.
“Forgive my impertinence… Your Majesty, the Princess did not listen to our objections.”
Gold, a striking golden-armored man with wolf ears reflecting the sunlight, spoke up.
“I have reason to believe she may have feelings for that man named Licht.”
The Emperor also heard about how Pina confidently introduced her partner in front of everyone.
“…Gold.”
Emperor Rock could only place a hand on his forehead and sigh deeply upon hearing that.
“Seems you’ve forgotten what kind of tribe the Inrang is.”
He rose from his seat and headed toward the hand axe hanging behind him.
A grand axe with a long handle, much like a halberd.
“Even a woodsman ignorant of the world can become Emperor of the Empire…”
clang, the axe was pulled from its steel mount.
“…if they happen to fall in love, that is.”
The Emperor’s scarred face was reflected in the gleaming steel. His left eye bore a long scar.
The most important person was not by Emperor Rock’s side.
“Because of that, if Pina were to date Licht, I would oppose it.”
Looking at the empty adjacent seat in the audience room, the Emperor sighed and muttered to himself.
“What will you all do? If the Princess really ends up dating that Licht fellow.”
Resting the axe on his shoulder, the Emperor casually asked the guards for their opinions.
“However, Your Majesty, that is the matter of the Grancia Princess.”
“Surely, the Empire has its own wishes.”
The knights surrounding him could only answer in unison.
They all knew well what happened if they contradicted Rock’s mood.
“Your Majesty, the Princess has finally found her true self. I shall support it.”
It wasn’t like they usually talked about the Princess going to a social club. They had seen Pina smiling at a dress someone gifted her. It was worth protecting.
“..Is that so.”
After hearing the guards’ responses, the Emperor slowly nodded.
“Truthfully, I also liked that young man Licht.”
Rock was calm. He evaluated the man wearing the Black Knight’s helmet.
“He has saved my daughter’s life twice from the Demon King and returned my Queen to me.”
He accomplished what no one else could. He protected people several times even against the formidable Magic Hat.
“However, there’s no guarantee that such luck will continue.”
Being that they had already captured the Demon King of Might and imprisoned him in the underground dungeon. He knew the imperial guards were powerless when Pina faced Intinium at Tardun’s shrine.
If things continued like this, he would surely go through the same procedures he once did.
One single mistake could turn everything to dust.
After losing Bellin, Emperor Rock had experienced such pain before.
“I just don’t want to see our Pina become endangered any further.”
He alone bore the fate of facing the Demon King.
“I’m sorry for prying. For now, let’s just keep a close watch on the situation.”
The boy who was once a woodsman became strong out of desperation from losing a loved one.
“If only the Demon Kings would all disappear, I might grant my approval.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
If Pina Grancia were to lose Licht and go on a rampage, no one knew what kind of bloodstorm would sweep the Empire.
“Your Majesty, may I ask one thing…? Is that alright?”
“Speak, Gold.”
At that moment, the guard captain raised his head and asked a question that had suddenly come to mind.
“Among the old customs of the Inrang tribe… there was a tradition of wearing necklaces, wasn’t there?”
“Indeed, I have one that matches with Bellin as well.”
Rock lifted the necklace hanging around his neck slightly.
“A request to adorn the necks of one’s beloved spouse or partner…”
It gleamed with a gem that matched the color of Bellin’s eyes.
“To express affection, it also symbolizes a promise to never harm that person.”
He looked at the necklace the Queen had put around his neck, his face showing nostalgia.
“Why is this being mentioned now?”
“When attending the social club, the Princess wore a black choker…”
The moment Gold mentioned the choker that Pina had worn.
BOOM-!
A thunderous sound erupted as the axe struck the floor forcefully.
“Say that again, Gold. If it’s a mistake, your head may very well fly off.”
Rock didn’t mind Pina bringing Licht as her partner.
It could be a strategic decision. Sure.
It might have been a preemptive measure to ensure others didn’t take the hero who killed a Demon King first.
However, the accessory worn around the neck was different.
It symbolized marriage among the old Inrang tribe.
“What on earth did my daughter do at the social club?”
Emperor Rock’s face was a cold one anyone could see. His gaze seemed like it could shatter ice if touched.
“..Could you not report any further details?”
On top of that, the prominent vein in his temple showcased his cold fury.
*
A chill sensation gripped my neck.
“Licht, what’s wrong?”
As I clutched my own neck, Pina tilted her head curiously.
What’s up with me? I didn’t do anything wrong.
It felt like the Emperor was aiming a sonic boom at me, reminiscent of the killing intent from earlier.
Was it because I was in Pina’s chamber?
Though it was a place I entered under guard, it was definitely a spot where my life was on the line if caught by the Emperor.
On the fluffy bed were an array of plushies filling the space.
All of them were adorable. There, I could even see the Slime Demon King I attempted to catch before.
‘It was certainly named… Squishy.’
Is she truly a princess of the Grancia Empire? Looking around, everything screamed luxury.
“Licht, do you want anything?”
“Um, huh? What?”
Wearing the mana rose I used to save her during the confrontation with the Head, Pina was dressed in a simplified yet elegant dress.
Was this what they called a tunic?
“The reward for the chocolate.”
The thin veil-like dress slid somewhat off her shoulders, outlining Pina’s curves.
“….”
Pina in casual wear was absolutely stunning.
I had no choice but to keep my gaze glued to the floor.
She was already famous for her beautiful figure even when she was the Nameless Saintess.
When I tried to speak, my words clumped together, and I held back my true feelings.
Even having resisted the temptations of a Succubus, I couldn’t harbor a single impure thought.
“Why did you suddenly go quiet, Licht..?”
As I stayed silent, Pina plopped down beside me.
“Why’s your heart beating so fast? Are you sick?”
I felt her presence close by.
My blood surged like a rampaging horse; my heart felt like it would leap out of my ribcage.
“I-I’m fine with just some candy.”
Before the rose scent that wafted to my nose could make my mind melt, I barely managed to respond.
“Candy? What kind…?”
Pina tilted her head in confusion.
Her adorable wolf ears perked up, and the playful tail brushed against me.
“If it’s from you, I’ll take anything….”
If it was candy from Pina, I’d gladly take whatever. At least I wasn’t the one gifting it this time as in the game.
“It seems like there’s a lack of Divine Power… is there no good candy around, Pina?”
That comforting touch sliding down my back jolted my senses.
“A lack of Divine Power…?”
Pina’s golden eyes widened in shock when she heard that.
You wouldn’t believe it if I said that was said by the future you, who once lured me in.
“Wait a moment, let me check…”
She opened an enormous wardrobe, and a chill wafted out from within.
What’s that, a refrigerator of sorts?
With a magic inscription carved upon it, it resembled the confectionery shops of the Grancia Empire.
“An ice candy… no. I’m sure it was here…”
Even Dennis, a modern person, had been summoned here, so this world of the game could surely include such things.
I spotted the chocolate wrapping I had gifted her tucked inside.
At first, it was the size of a person’s body, but…?
Seeing the chocolate had shrunk significantly reminded me that Pina enjoyed it.
“This is the chocolate Licht… gave me. Ah, here it is.”
From within, she pulled out a glass jar.
“What’s that, Pina…? Is it something to eat?”
“Yes, Shining Sparkle Candy.”
Inside, stars sparkled like they were plucked from the night sky.
“Shartines often eats these, so they probably have an effect.”
Pina opened the cork lid to reveal the contents.
White steam flowed out, creating a radiant light.
‘So it’s true, there really is candy for lacking Divine Power.’
This was absurd. Should I call it a setup or an easter egg?
These game developers certainly had their quirks.
“Well then, Licht. Open your mouth.”
“..Huh? Why all of a sudden?”
Pina brought her hand filled with candy towards my lips. Her soft, pale hand, much larger than mine, approached.
“This one’s a bit sour when you try it for the first time… I didn’t want to surprise you.”
When she offered me the shining candy, there was no doubt she was lying.
But how could I refuse this offer?
The moment she came closer, I knew I might lose my composure. My defenses were crumbling.
“It’s… lemon-flavored, isn’t it?”
Before any mishaps could occur, I grabbed the candy and popped it in my mouth; it was indeed lemon-flavored.
A slightly sour taste was overtaken by an overwhelming sweetness, creating a satisfying contrast in my mouth.
“..It’s surprisingly good!”
The sugar melted away like snow, leaving a delightful taste behind.
“Could I have another, Pina?”
I was chewing down on the second piece she handed me.
Despite its strong flavor, I found it enjoyable. Perhaps it was because it was given by Pina.
Thank heaven it wasn’t that bitter ash-like taste.
“You’re like a puppy, Licht.”
As she handed me the candy, I could hear her playful laugh.
But why on earth did Pina have such candy?
Did Shartines gift it to her?
“Right? I’ve practiced a lot with these and found them tasty…”
Wait, what did she say? What did she practice, Pina?
She scratched her cheek sheepishly as she spoke.
“They say the taste of the first kiss from stories is like this… I got curious and tried them often…”
Pina stared intently at my lips.
What should I do here? Should I make her realize that reality isn’t like those strange storybook contents?
“Pina, as far as I know, lemon flavor is just a rumor.”
I, too, had no romantic experience and had never kissed anyone before, but even I knew this much.
I gently stroked Pina’s hair, and our breaths drew closer.
Thump, thump. My heart raced as if it would leap right out.
“Licht..?”
Pina looked puzzled, unsure of what I was trying to do.
As I attempted to close my eyes and sneak a peek at the lips of the love-dumb wolf, suddenly—
“Princess!! Emperor Rock is coming this way!!”
With that sudden command, I had no choice but to escape alongside the guard captain!
