Chapter 111 Reunion With Sigurt
After reuniting with Rifine, we arrived in the royal capital escorted by the knight unit led by Rifine.
Yes, led by Rifine.
It's not just because she's of royal blood; apparently, Rifine has become strong enough to lead a unit after just 3 months.
The knights here aren't merely protecting Rifine; they're subordinates who fight under her.
"Her Highness the Princess is truly incredible. I always thought she had potential, but her growth in just 3 months is──"
Now, as we walk along the path leading to the royal castle, the one showering praises on Rifine is the former captain of the 4th knight unit that Rifine currently leads, and is also apparently her mentor.
He told me all about Rifine since we parted ways.
"No matter how tough the training was, she would rise up again and again, covered in sweat and mud. It was truly beautiful. And each time, she would say, 'I'll protect Yumie'..."
"Ahhh, that's enough already, Julius!! We're on duty!!"
"That's exactly why!! Spreading the charm and efforts of Her Highness to the world is our mission as the 4th unit!!"
"We have no such mission!!"
Rifine screams at Mr. Julius, who is saying outrageous things with a completely serious face.
I'm relieved that Rifine has been well received by the knights and is enjoying a lively life like this, but... I guess she became a knight because she cared about me.
"Rifine"
"Huh? What's wrong, Yumie?"
I'm taking Rifine's hand and holding it tight.
I smiled, showing that my once useless right arm was still in good condition.
"I like how hardworking Rifine is. But don't push yourself too hard, okay? If you hurt yourself, it's all for nothing."
Rifine should be a girl loved by many people.
Thanks to her own efforts, that is probably becoming a reality.
That's why I don't want to burden her any further with my issues.
"If you're ever in pain, just let me know. I'll always be here to support you."
"...Yeah, that's right. If that's the case, I'd be happy if you could keep holding my hand like this."
"Yes, of course, that's fine."
Even though I've grown, I still tend to be a bit spoiled.
Thinking that way, I smile as I watch the blushing Rifine.
As Thea also started wanting to hold my hand, we progressed like a bouquet with flowers in both hands, finally arriving at the audience chamber where the king, Sigurt, was waiting.
"──Welcome, Yumie, Rifine. And everyone from Euphemia. I've heard about you. I sincerely thank you for your visit."
Sitting in a large chair, he gazes at us with an intellectual look.
Even though he isn't yet an adult, he wears the luxurious clothing of a king without any awkwardness, which makes me think this is the kind of dignity a king should have, and it's impressive.
If I had to say something... I do feel he seems a bit tired, and that's what worries me.
Though I can't tell at all by his appearance if he's hiding it with makeup or something.
"I am Seius, representative of the Divine Beast Euphemia and Chairman of the Council of Beasts. I apologize for being late, but allow me to congratulate you on your coronation as the new king."
"Thank you... I'm sorry I couldn't even greet you, even though you have welcomed me as one of our precious citizens. I don't know if I should apologize, but please take it easy tonight and recover from your journey. I'll tell you the details tomorrow."
Sigurt winks at his attendant, saying that his room and board are ready.
The man showed us to the room where we would be spending the night... On the way there, he secretly handed me a piece of paper that said it was a message from Sigurt.
'I want to meet you tonight. Can you come to the basement?'
Following Sigurt's message, I headed for the basement of the royal castle.
Previously, this is where Sigurt and Rifine met, and where he held his birthday party outside of the official ones.
It's been less than a year, but I feel nostalgic.
"Hey, Yumie. Thanks for coming."
As promised, Sigurt was indeed in that basement.
Unlike earlier when we met in the audience chamber, he was dressed casually like before.
"Of course, I had to come. It's a request from Sigurt, after all. But, why are you here?"
"Well, since I've become king, it's hard to speak casually in front of people. But here, it's no problem."
"Ahaha, I see."
I figured that being king must come with a lot of struggles.
Thinking I should at least offer some words of encouragement, Sigurt placed his hand on my cheek.
"Sigurt?"
"No... I just wanted to make sure you really healed. It was such a terrible injury..."
After stroking my burned and scarred face, he touched my motionless right arm and then looked at my legs, which were able to stand and walk on their own.
Being looked at like that made me feel a little embarrassed, and just then... I was embraced by Sigurt.
"...I'm so glad. Yumie's body has really healed... really."
"...But I promised I would heal properly, didn't I? There was no need for Sigurt to feel guilty; I've proven that, right?"
"Yeah... thank you."
The voice I heard near my ear sounded a bit teary, but... I pretended not to notice and gently patted Sigurt's head.
Having become king and suddenly being thrust into war... I wanted to do whatever I could to ease the burden on Sigurt, even just a little.
"Thanks to Yumie, all the fatigue I've felt over the past 6 months has disappeared in an instant. Thank you."
"Haha, I know that's an exaggeration... but you're welcome"
"Oh, so, you know? It's weird to say this while I'm thanking you, but there's actually one thing I'd like you to do for me."
"Yes, what is it? If it's a request from Sigurt, I'll do anything."
"...anything"
For some reason, Sigurt suddenly grabbed his head and began to writhe in agony.
Maybe he's just so tired he's got a headache?
I'm worried.
"Hold on, I'm sorry... Now's not the time to say that, and that's not what I wanted you to do..."
"Yes?"
"Sorry, this is what I'm talking about"
Sigurt takes a deep breath and strokes his chest to calm himself down.
Are you sure?
"So, what I want to ask you is, I want you to come with me for my speech."
"Come to the speech?"
"Yeah, since I'm the one speaking, it's enough just to have you next to me. The Belmont family has returned, and there are reinforcements that Yumie brought along. So, I thought we could aim to boost morale a bit to end this war."
"Huh... that sounds fine, but..."
If we're aiming to boost morale, then why do I need to be next to him?
Confused and tilting my head, Sigurt flashed a grin at me.
"It's going to be something amazing, so just wait and see."
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