Princess Arin Sevellerus is the fifth princess of the Ushif Empire.
As the Emperor's youngest child, she held a position practically unrelated to the throne.
However, if one were content with the power given to them, it was a very favorable position to enjoy life without ambition.
Ironically, she didn't desire such a life.
She believed she had a responsibility as a member of the royal family and as the Emperor's beloved, seeing it as the very reason for her existence.
Yet, not many viewed her in a favorable light.
While it might seem natural for a princess to worry about the safety of the country, even such minor concerns could discomfort those around her.
Perhaps some suspected the fifth princess of harboring aspirations for the throne or that she was being influenced by some faction of rebels.
Though unjust, such suspicions were an inherent part of the political landscape created by the throne.
Do nothing.
From the courtiers:
From the surrounding nobles,
Even from the Emperor,
She had heard it over and over again until her ears rang.
Why did it have to be that way?
Wasn't she just a princess, wanting to be helpful to the world rather than simply an emperor?
Was it fair to give up all ambitions and live a comfortable life just because she was the youngest?
She hated it.
She despised it so much.
At least the life of the princess she pursued was not like that.
She thought people ignored her because she was still young.
That's why she couldn't afford to show any signs of immaturity.
Even her journey to the front lines was something she personally requested from the Emperor.
The Emperor vehemently opposed it, saying it was absolutely not allowed, but this young princess showed such determination, even going as far as to threaten to cut ties with him.
It was not something the Emperor could ignore—starving his beloved youngest daughter, who didn't even cause him any pain.
Dionne, the Emperor, had no choice but to allow her to accompany him.
She was a respectable princess of the empire.
She had to worry about the nation's security, take care of the people, and further contribute to the peace of the continent.
In that sense, she secretly felt she had grown mature.
Believing that by steadily taking each step forward, she could become a better princess, she had no doubt about it.
At least until she faces this Cyan Vert...
Cyan Vert, whom she heard about by chance during the journey to Velias,.
Originally considered the family's incompetent, he had gained recognition from the patriarch through his own growth, continuing his firm life on the front lines where monsters roam.
Receiving recognition from none other than Duke Vert was intriguing to a princess who deeply desired recognition.
She couldn't help but wonder if this Cyan might be similar to herself, and though she didn't know, she thought there would be much to learn if they spent time together.
"The youngest son of Duke Vert, Cyan Vert."
His first appearance was from inside the carriage.
Even in front of the Emperor of the Empire, he showed a confident demeanor, not faltering.
"….?"
Arin, the princess, couldn't help but be amazed.
Clearly, he looked like any other ten-year-old boy, but whether it was his resolute expression or his composed tone, he exuded an aura of maturity that anyone could see.
'Is this person really a boy of the same age as me?'
A feeling of alienation that she couldn't quite grasp.
Even in front of the Emperor,
Even in front of the many nobles who looked down on her,
She always maintained unwavering confidence, but this was different.
A person with very different aspects despite sharing the same conditions as herself.
At the moment of meeting him face-to-face, indescribable emotions surged within her.
What kind of life had he lived to display such an appearance at that age?
Moreover, what was different about him compared to herself that caused such a disparity?
Along with a sense of bitterness, feelings of jealousy were also rising.
It's unfair.
She was also making efforts every day to improve herself.
So why does this man in front of her make her feel deeply disheartened just by looking at him?
As an immature child, she couldn't help but reveal her true feelings.
While the princess was filled with mixed emotions, Cyan remained indifferent.
* * *
The Emperor's excursion proceeded surprisingly smoothly.
From passing through the border gate to the desolate forests of the west and the dry cliffs of the eastern valley, where a red river flowed,.
It seemed as if the presence of nobles visiting was sensed, as even the beasts did not appear.
The tireless Emperor Dionne and Duke Vert were walking side by side.
I was walking in step with the Emperor of the Empire.
While others might face persecution for such familiarity, it was possible because it was Duke Vert, after all, indicating the level of respect the Emperor held for him.
That was the nature of their bond.
Well, that's how it's always been over there, so let's leave it at that.
Exactly five steps behind the Emperor and the Duke.
A procession of knights follows to protect them.
In the center, under their protection, is Princess Arin.
The princess seemed fascinated by the natural surroundings of the front line, looking around in all directions.
Then suddenly, she turned back.
"….!"
Here we go again.
If you have a complaint, why do you keep making that face? Sure, I'm escorting from a step behind, as the Duke said, but...
This princess—what's her problem? Sometimes she looks at me with a sulky expression.
Is there anyone who enjoys being looked at with a face that looks like they've eaten dung?
We were getting along fine at first, so why is she acting like this now?
Anyway, once this excursion is over, I probably won't have to see her face much.
I just hoped it would pass quickly.
The Emperor's excursion continued, and before we knew it, we had arrived at the dry cliffs.
The Emperor Dionne, looking down below, let out a deep breath.
"The palace, this place, even the air itself isn't much different."
It was a statement with multiple meanings.
The political arena of the palace is like a battlefield where fights break out at the slightest provocation.
At least on the front lines, the distinction between enemy and ally is clear, but there, enemies and allies can change in the blink of an eye.
It might be a tough life, but it's not my concern.
"Um, excuse me?"
A voice suddenly called out to me.
"…?"
After a staggering three hours, Princess Arin spoke to me for the first time.
Her expression suggested she had something to ask me.
"Why is that river so red?"
She pointed to a river flowing in a remote part of the valley, emitting a reddish hue.
"That's the Blood River."
"The Blood River?"
It meant a river of blood.
"It's a river that connects to the main channel of the Lemea Valley. The water is red for a simple reason. It's just that when the monsters splash around, they scatter their bodily fluids, which tints the water like that."
The princess seemed quite astonished to hear this explanation.
"So, you mean all of that is monster bodily fluids?"
Instead of answering directly, I simply nodded.
To the eye, it might look beautiful in its ominousness.
However, the river was not clean water; some monsters used it for drinking and even bathing, so it was far from pristine.
It was a feeding ground for monsters, so the knights on the front lines avoided getting too close if they could help it.
The princess, looking intrigued, followed the watercourse with her gaze, disappearing into the unseen valley beyond.
"What's beyond this river?"
"The Demon Realm."
"The Demon Realm?!"
At the end of the Blood River lies not the mortal realm where we stand, but the Demon Realm, inhabited by creatures from another world.
It's unlikely anyone sane would venture there, but if one ever desired to visit the Demon Realm and didn't know the way, they could simply follow this river.
Of course, one couldn't guarantee they'd arrive in one piece.
"How fascinating…"
There's no help for some people.
While others shun the idea, she's gazing at the place as if it were a paradise.
I wonder how she'll react when she comes face-to-face with a monster; it piqued my curiosity once again.
-Boom!
"…?!"
With the sound of fireworks, a yellow light burst into the western sky.
It signaled the appearance of a monster in that direction.
"Escort His Majesty! The rest of the guards follow me to that location!"
The Duke sought to prioritize the Emperor's safety, but Emperor Dionne was not inclined to accept it.
"Your words fill me with disappointment, Willius."
The Emperor had already drawn his sword.
"Your Majesty…"
"Do you think I came here just to be a mere spectator? My body was already craving some action."
"I cannot argue with that responsibility."
The Duke sighed as if resigned.
The Emperor made a satisfied face, then quickly changed his expression to one of determination and signaled to his knights.
"From this moment on, the Imperial Army follows Duke Vert's orders! Focus on eliminating the monsters until the extermination is complete!"
Emperor Dionne was known to be an 8th-grade mage, boasting immense magical power comparable to the most renowned sorcerers on the continent.
With such incredible power, he could have easily become the head of the Grand Magic Society if he hadn't become Emperor, indicating that dealing with these lower-grade monsters would be a piece of cake for him.
Yet he handed over command to the Duke.
Truly, it was a touching display of friendship.
The knights moved swiftly and decisively in accordance with the orders.
I, too, must join the battle with them.
"Are the demons appearing now?"
Arin, looking visibly flustered, asked me.
She was trembling more noticeably now than before.
"Your Highness, please evacuate to the rear with the knights. If you wait, the situation will soon be under control."
"What about you?"
"I'm heading to the front lines."
"Are you going to fight the demons?"
Though I wanted to say 'of course,' I couldn't.
Instead, I just quietly replied.
"I've only been allowed to observe the battle for now. I'm just going to fulfill my duty, so Your Highness, please."
"I want to go too!"
"…?"
What is this kid saying?
"If you're only observing and not fighting, then I can go too, right?"
The knights around us also looked extremely bewildered.
"This is the frontline, Your Highness. It's not a playground."
"I know! I just want to observe the scene as the empire's princess!"
"Even so, it's dangerous. The Emperor surely wouldn't want...
"I can protect myself! Why can you go and I can't?"
Ugh… My blood pressure is rising.
This princess is more stubborn than she looks.
I'd like to just knock her out and have the knights take her away, but then she'd start a prison life instead of being on the front lines.
"No matter what anyone says, I'm going. Don't try to stop me!"
"Y-Your Highness!"
Despite the knights' protests, the princess boldly marched forward.
The knights were at a loss for what to do.
They seemed to be part of the royal guard, and it's pathetic that they're struggling because of one princess in this situation.
How can a princess be so clueless in such a situation?
I approached her quietly, even though she kept insisting stubbornly.
*Thunk*
I grabbed the princess's wrist, untouched by anyone before, in one swift motion.
"…!?"
"If you're just going to throw tantrums like a child, then just go home, Your Highness."
"What?"
"Do you realize that dozens of lives are tied to your stubbornness? Let me remind you: this is the frontline. A single wrong judgment here could lead to unimaginable consequences. Are you willing to take responsibility?"
Even in the midst of extreme circumstances where every second counts for the knights focusing on the battle, the princess was just a burden.
Even if she didn't understand it when she was younger, she needed to grasp it now to some extent.
"If you can't help, at least refrain from being a hindrance."
The princess could only stammer in response, unable to say anything.
"Please quietly go to the rear. It'll be over soon."
After I released her hand quietly, the princess finally retreated to the rear with the knights.
It's fortunate it ended with just a word.
I headed straight to the scene.