Without a second thought, I turned my back on the woman as I tried to explain myself.
"M-M-Me sorry, I-I didn't mean to intrude, and the maid brought me here, so I thought..."
My words were soon interrupted by a beautiful giggle coming from behind me.
"You don't have to worry, I asked the maid to bring you to my room. Besides, you can rest assured, I promise not to say anything to Emi"
Said Asia with another laugh. As soon as I heard her words, I froze on the spot. For some reason, my instincts were telling me that Emi could not know about this in any way.
"Humm... even with you not looking at me, it is still a bit awkward. Please wait for me in my room. You can sit wherever you prefer. I will come to meet you in a few minutes"
Said Asia in a calm voice. I really couldn't feel the embarrassment she was saying.
"C-Clear"
Saying that, I walked out of the bathroom as fast as I could and headed towards the couch that was present in the room. As soon as I sat down on the couch, I began to organize my thoughts. As soon as I remembered the characteristics of the person who was in the bathroom, I was quickly able to identify who I was talking to a few minutes ago. In addition, her was also present the day I first came to the castle. Her presence on that day was quite remarkable, making it hard to forget.
After a few minutes of waiting in the room, the bathroom door finally opened, and a beautiful young woman came out wearing a beautiful white dress. I found it a bit strange that she came out dressed as I didn't see any maid in the bathroom. My common sense was that royalty always changed with the help of servants.
"You're probably wondering how I got dressed even though I didn't have any servants present, aren't you?"
Said Asia with a smile, taking a seat on the couch in front of me. As soon as she sat down, she rang a small bell that was on the table, making a noise. Seconds after the noise, the door was opened, and a maid entered the room carrying a tray with two cups containing tea.
"From childhood, we are taught to be independent. My brothers and I can do basic things like changing and cooking some simple dishes"
Said the princess with a smile on her face. I was a little surprised by the sudden confession.
(Does that mean Emi can cook?... Emi's home cooking)
The thought flooded my mind, making me forget everything around me. As soon as I came back to myself, I found the princess looking at me with a big smile on her face.
"Just like Albert said, you seem to like Emi a lot"
Said Asia, placing one of her hands on her cheek. As soon as she said this, I didn't know how to respond. All I could do was sit there while I sipped the tea that had been served by the maid. We both remained silent for a few seconds as we drank the tea the maid had served. But the silence was soon broken as the princess's voice echoed through the place again.
"I heard that you are going to help us in the war against the kingdom of Storne"
Said Asia suddenly, causing me to look at her.
"Well... yes... I like this kingdom very much, and I have precious friends here"
I said, remembering all the people I had met over these years. Each of these people is an important part of my new life that I will never forget.
"I see..."
While I was distracted, the princess's voice resonated in the scene.
"Emi may seem a bit cold, but she is quite a kind girl with people she cares about. I hope you will take care of her from now on"
Said the princess with a smile on her face.
"It will be an honor, princess"
I said in a respectful tone.
"No need for such formality, you can call me Asia or onee-chan"
Said Asia with a smile on her face. Apart from the part about calling her by name, I think I would die of embarrassment if I called her onee-chan.
"So... Asia"
I said with determination.
"Yes, yes"
Asia said in agreement, with a smile on her face. I don't know why, but that situation was making me a little embarrassed. While this was going on, Asia suddenly slapped both her hands together as if she remembered something.
"Okay, Ren, you haven't showered yet, have you? How would you like to shower here?"
Said Asia with a smile. I didn't know what to say to her sudden request, but I didn't even have time to think when Asia took my arm and started pushing me towards the bathroom. As soon as I realized it, I was inside the bathroom with the door behind me closed. After a sigh, I started to undress, putting my clothes in a corner, and started to get into the water. As the hot water hit my feet, a pleasant sensation took over my body, causing me to relax instantly.
(Maybe I will build hot springs in the future. It would be nice if more people could enjoy this feeling)
I thought as I sank into the water.
(The only question would be how I would find a hot spring)
While I was immersed in thought, I heard a knock coming from the door, followed by a voice that I assumed was Asia's.
"Ren, I left a change of clean clothes here for you. I hope they are to your liking"
Asia said.
"Thank you... I will wear them gratefully"
I said, still in the shower. After a few minutes, I was already feeling that if I stayed any longer in the water, I would faint, so I decided to get out. Grabbing one of the towels that were in the bathroom, I put the towel around my waist and started walking to the door. Slowly opening the door, I saw the clothes Asia had brought folded on the floor. I quickly picked up the clothes, closed the door, and started to get dressed.