I'm Asher Makarios, daughter of two farmers.
And now having dinner with the royal family that owns the kingdom of Krathus.
" So, Rina, can you tell us how this brave little girl saved you? "
Rina Krathus, 10 years old, only daughter of King Albert and Queen Tara. The princess of Krathus kingdom.
" Father, it's almost like a miracle. She defeated Sir Barrel with just a punch. "
" Yes, Barrel needed to be healed quickly after that, but to think someone so young almost killed him. "
" What the God said was true. " the Queen said.
" Excuse me, but I'm confused. Sir Barrel? "
" My apologies, allow me to tell you the truth. " the King said and then clapped his hand twice.
From the huge door that leads to the hallway, comes a familiar bald guy with bandages around his jaw.
" Meet Barrel, he is one of this kingdom's elite guard and also, my daughter's bodyguard."
Bodyguard?!
" Last night, God himself visited me. He told me to set up a show. Like someone dying, an elderly getting beat up or, a princess getting kidnapped. He told me that someone will come and vanish the evil with one strike. That person, will be worthy to be part of the Krathus family. "
So that's what happened...
" And since my daughter insisted to be part of it, I let her and Barrel plan their act. "
He approached the nearby window and looked up the night sky. " By doing what the God said, he promised me and my wife a special place in heaven once the time comes. "
" Albert, why don't we invite this child's parents to further discuss the matter? " Queen Tara said.
" Yes, I already did that. They're probably on their way here now. "
They keep on chattering as I can feel my brain melting away. Everything escalated too quickly, how can they accept me just like that.
" Hey.. "
" W-What is it, princess Rina? "
" I know this is quite late but, may I know your name? "
Right, they don't even know my name yet and they're already willing to take me and my parents in. This family is weird.
" My name's Asher. Asher Makarios. " I reached out my hand to her for a handshake, she just stared at it.
" Oh, I'm sorry! " I guess it's too rude to ask a princess for a handshake. I was about to pull back my hand but then she clasped it and looked at me. " Asher is a really cool name, I like it. "
" I-It's just because of my hair color, there's nothing really special about it.. "
" I'm happy that someone like you will be my partner. "
" Your wha- "
" King Albert, your guest is here. " one of the guard said.
" Escort them in. "
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" We apologize for whatever mischief my daughter did wrong I-- " Dad said.
Wow, Dad, just how do you see me.
" Oh no Mr. Makarios, your daughter did nothing wrong. In fact, she saved my daughter from a certain muscular bald man. " the King said and looked at Barrel. Good thing, my dad didn't notice.
I saw Barrel took a step back.
" Asher did? But that's not possible, my daughter is too young to save someone, let alone fight someone like that. "
" But it's true! Asher heroically defeated the guy with one punch and sent him flying to the sky. " Princess Rina said while trying to reenact what happened.
I must say, she described it way too much. I already can see Barrel ready to leave the room.
" I invited you here because I have something to ask. " the King said. " You see, I made a promise to my daughter that whoever save her in the future without knowing she's the princess, will be part of the family. "
" Is it to let you adopt my daughter? "
" No, no, no. I cannot do that to someone's child. " King Albert chuckles.
" Asher will be my partner! " Princess Rina said. " That's okay with you right, Asher? " she smiled at me.
I looked at her, " By partner, you mean.. "
" Yes, Roy, I would like Asher to be engaged with my daughter. "
" What?! " me and Dad synced on that one.
" You don't want to..? " Princess Rina asked me after seeing my surprised expression.
" It's not like that, I mean, I'm a girl! "
" What's wrong about that? " she asked looking confused.
" I see nothing wrong about it. " King Albert added.
Could it be that this world allows same-sex marriage?
' You're right. I made a world where everyone is free to express their sexuality. Don't you think it's better this way? '
It's different from Japan's. I don't know if it's better though.
' Oh but of course, dating underage people is still illegal. '
You don't need to tell me that.
" So do you accept? " King asked me and Dad again.
' Asher, I know you might think that this is unfair and sudden. No one would like their lives to be controlled by anyone. But what I'm doing thus far was simply setting the stage for you, what you want to do on-stage is still up to you. '
I understand.
" I accept. "
" If my daughter is fine with it, then so am I. " Dad said.
" Alright, we need to find the perfect schedule for the engagement party, the theme, the food and all! I'll let everyone know! " Queen Tara said excitedly and left the room. She doesn't seem to be your typical queen, she's more like an overly active mom, well, she is basically a mom.
" Asher, why don't you and your dad stay the night? " princess asked.
" By the way, I've been meaning to ask, where is your mom? " King Albert asked.
" She's.. "
" My wife is at home resting, I can't leave her alone for too long. "
" I see. You may go now if you want to, I'll let one of my guards escort you back home. " The king said. " Oh, but, can you allow Asher to stay here tonight? Because it looks like my daughter won't let go of Asher even if I tell her to."
" Yes, Asher can stay. Thank you, King Albert. " Dad went to me and pat my head. " Don't cause any trouble, okay? I'll come back for you in the morning. "
" I'm not a troublemaker. "
Dad chuckles, waved goodbye and finally left the room.
" Father, can I take Asher around the castle? "
" Yes, but make it fast. It's almost time for you to sleep. "
" Okay! " she hold my hand and dragged me out of the room. " I'll show you around, I'm sure you're going to love it here. " she said happily.
The kind of relationship we'll have in the future is still uncertain, but for now, I'm happy to have a new friend.
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[ To be continued ]
( yeah am still going to continue )