A couple of years have passed since I had left the royal capital, and at present, I was in a border town far to the east of the nation.
To say that life has been exciting… would be a lie.
It has actually been fairly boring, with me simply wandering the nation aimlessly, wondering what to do next and… hoping to find a purpose.
One good thing, however, was that once I left the centre of the nation, where most of the kingdom's knights were stationed, there were a lot more Mabeasts and bandits that I could deal with, and help the nearby people with my combat abilities.
It wasn't as if I was some hero, but when I had nothing to do, it felt good to use my strength to save others.
Not to mention the money, food, and lodging I often obtained as rewards.
Although… while I had done all of that, I had also learned that sometimes, strength wasn't able to save others.
Such as the people in the destitute town that I had found myself in.
The Barielle Barony… a land to the west that bordered the neighbouring Vollachian Empire, and a land that had seen much better days.
The shack houses worn down, the fields barren, the people tired and depressed… it vividly reminded me of the slums of the capital, which I had visited twice in the past year to check up on Felt.
She was doing quite well for herself, with a seemingly renewed determination for… something.
But that wasn't all that had changed recently.
"Oi. Did you hear?" One of the villagers said, his voice barely over a whisper. "Apparently another royal has fallen. This time was the actual king."
"Another? And the king?" a man responded in surprise. "Are there even any left at this point?"
"No… apparently, the last prince also died on the same day, so there are none left," the first man responded.
"By the dragon… what will happen now?"
"Who knows. It's not a subject for people like us, all the way out here."
"I guess so."
I clenched my jaw, my teeth grinding in frustration.
Fourier… so he had died as well.
But while sad, it wasn't entirely surprising.
Over the past year, the royal family, my family, had been dying one after another, the apparent cause being an unknown epidemic that only targeted the royal family.
Such a thing should be impossible with the dragon's blessing, and not to mention the sacred treasure of its blood… but reality was quite cruel.
It was certainly confusing as to why they were able to die, and why the dragon blood either wasn't used, or didn't work, but I couldn't really change anything about that now.
But… to be honest, while it was terrifying and bitter to know that Fourier and my family had died… I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and gratitude at the news.
It was awful for me to think that, thinking that when it concerned other's deaths, but I couldn't help it.
I… was always worried that I had made Felt's life worse by taking and leaving her in the slums for nothing, but knowing about everything now… that epidemic must have been the reason for the Dragon Stone's orders.
It wasn't for nothing… and following those instructions was the right decision.
But still… it was horrible that the royal family had died.
While I didn't really get along with many of them, Fourier was a good brother, and my father was always proud of my accomplishments, even if he acted coldly.
And not only that… but I was worried as to what this would mean for the nation.
Was it my duty to reveal myself for the purpose of stability? Or would I simply die from the same disease soon after.
I didn't know.
"Whoa!"
"The hell?"
Hearing a commotion from the nearby group of villagers, I found my head immediately turning to see what the issue was, only to immediately stop as I took in the source of the uproar.
"Hmph. Rejoice, commoners, for I have graced you with mine divine presence. Accept it gratefully."
A haughty voice, yet one that was incredibly pleasing on the ears.
Well, it was easy to see why the villagers were acting that way.
Even if you ignored how well-dressed this obviously noble lady was, the woman was stunningly beautiful.
With long blonde hair, luscious red lips, stunning red eyes, and an indescribably beautiful face, she was easily the prettiest girl I had seen in both of my lives… and I wasn't saying that lightly.
It was a type of beauty that would turn both men and women into putty, and would drive many to stupidity due to their lust.
And these villagers were no different.
"H-Hey… that's a fine woman right there…"
"I-It's fine if we just say hello, right?"
"But doesn't she look like a noble? That would be bad news if you got caught doing something bad."
"Well, can you even call living in this shithole really living? I'd much rather die after tasting a girl like that than from starvation!"
"I-I guess you're right… but don't think she's all for you!"
Idiots.
Doing such a thing out in the open?
Lust truly was the worst of the sins when left uncontrolled, huh?
Well, before it could get violent, I should stop any chance of harassment.
And if it did turn to violence… well, I was quite confident in that area.
"Hey. You three. What do you think you're doing?" I said sternly as I walked up behind them.
"Hah? What do you care?" the first one said, his breath blowing into my face, making my lips curl in disgust.
Dental hygiene was quite forgotten in this land… especially among poor folks like these.
"Y-You tryna be a knight or somethin', pal?" the other said, reaching into his pocket for what I presumed to be a weapon.
"Like dogs in heat… so brash," I mumbled, shaking my head.
"What'd ya say!?"
"Y-You're nothin' but a damned brat!"
Ah, and now he had drawn his blade.
Really, so stereotypical.
These types were everywhere, but especially prevalent with the more unfortunate folks.
Maybe it was just a coincidence… or maybe it was just as that guy said, that they had nothing to lose.
Not that I really cared.
"Sorry, but I wasn't asking," I said with a sigh.
And in one breath, I launched my attack, striking them each in the kidney with my fist, faster than they could blink.
"Quite an unfortunate spot to get hit, huh? I'd suggest protecting yourselves more," I said to no one in particular, as the three had all dropped to the ground, passed out.
Such a feat would have previously felt impossible, but now, I was quite used to it.
Mana enhancement was quite amazing, after all.
Now… onto the cause of this whole thing… that stunning noble young lady.
"I'm not quite sure what you're doing here, but you really shouldn't be walking around without a guard," I said, turning to her. "Those guys won't be the only ones…"
As soon as I saw her face, I found myself momentarily stunned by her beauty once again.
It really was astounding.
And while it was embarrassing to admit, my gaze had unconsciously lowered to her impressive… assets… which were only enhanced by the extravagant red and black dress she was wearing.
Well, while I stood by my earlier actions, I could somewhat understand how those three guys lost themselves to their urges.
She was just that beautiful.
But… now that I was closer, aside from acknowledging that she looked around my age, I was also hit with a sense of intuition…
An intuition that this girl was much stronger than she appeared.
Maybe… I wasn't even needed here?
But still, it would have been idiotic to risk anything happening by simple intuition alone.
"Hmm…" she hummed, producing a fan from her cleavage as she covered her face.
I hadn't even noticed that she hadn't answered me.
"You," she said, closing her fan and giving me a smile.
This was where I would expect her to say thanks, or perhaps explain what she was doing.
"Foolish commoner… From this day forth, you are mine," she said as she turned around, her hair dancing in the wind. "It seems surveying this dull place had some merit after all."
…Needless to say, my expectations were betrayed.
"Huh?" I voiced out, stunned and confused.
"Did you not hear me?" she said, looking at me with a frown. "You've been graced with the chance to serve one such as I, but no need for obnoxious gratitude. Now come along. It's about time I return to that dreary place I call 'home' at the moment."
I… what?
—
What was even happening right now?
That was the question that had been occupying my mind ever since I began following this woman up the hill towards the local lord's mansion.
That of the Barielle Barony.
While I had asked this woman what exactly was happening, she never answered me, instead telling me to 'be quiet' and to 'revel in her beauty' instead.
And even weirder than all this… was that I went along with it willingly.
I wasn't bound by lust or anything… or at least I think so… but I was simply… intrigued.
Yes, I was intrigued with this incredibly pretty, haughty, and prideful woman.
And so, with a maid taking my travel supplies after we entered the manor, I soon found myself standing before Leip Barielle, someone that even I had heard of due to his harsh governance of the land, and past accomplishments as a knight.
"Priscilla… just who have you dragged in here?" he asked, a frown growing on his face.
So her name was Priscilla… it suited her.
"Exactly as you see, old man. I found him on the road and took interest in him, so he'll be living here as my servant," Priscilla said evenly.
"What!? What ridiculousness… you truly are insufferable," Leip said.
"Hah. As if I care about your opinion," she returned coldly.
What… what was going on?
I was confused.
And so, I decided to try to rectify said confusion.
"Excuse me, but… what exactly is going on here?" I asked. "And it is… wonderful to be in your presence, my lord."
Even if I didn't respect the man, it would be best to make things easier with this.
Leip turned to me with a frown.
"Hmph. At least you have a modicum of manners… I am Leip Barielle, the lord of this land," he said.
Yes, I already knew that.
But who exactly was Priscilla here?
Was she his daughter?
But the way they acted didn't seem that way…
"And this here, is Priscilla Barielle. My beautiful, extremely charming, wife," he said with a condescending sneer.
I nearly coughed in surprise.
W-Wife?
Wasn't… wasn't that a bit too big of an age gap?
"Wife in name only, you old man," Priscilla interrupted, her tone fierce with anger. "A flower such as I would not be tainted by someone a tumble away from death."
Well, that was one way to make things clear.
"You damned arrogant woman," Leip said, grinding his teeth. "Tch. Whatever. You can do what you wish with this new 'boy toy' of yours, but don't act like lovers outside this manor, and don't dare get pregnant. Appearance is all that you're worth, so don't do anything that would destroy it."
"So vulgar… truly disgusting," Priscilla said, covering her frown with her fan.
Yeah, this was definitely not a happy marriage, was it?
But to be honest… I didn't really like the feeling that Leip gave off.
It wasn't about the vulgarity, nor the fact that he had taken such a young woman as a wife that felt wrong.
No… it was something else… something I couldn't put my finger on.
"Well. Let us go," Priscilla said, turning back to the door before casting a glance my way. "Hmm… tell me, commoner, what is your name?"
Well, I don't think I really qualified as a 'commoner' considering my birth, but that didn't really matter.
"It's Selian, Priscilla-sama," I said.
"I see. A unique name. That pleases me," she said, continuing out the door. "Now follow me, Selian. I wanted to see the nearby river before those hooligans interrupted me, so let us go before the day ends."
And again, inexplicably… I followed behind her.
How the hell did I get into this situation?
And what was even more confusing… why was I simply going along with it?
—
The two of us continued walking down the dirt path of the town, with many common folk sending confused and fearful glances, particularly at the sight of Priscilla.
It didn't seem like it was due to Priscilla in particular, but rather a fear of nobility as a whole.
A shame.
While the royal family and the Karsten Duchy were relatively fair and kind rulers, that didn't mean the entirety of Lugunican nobility was the same.
And as for Priscilla and I… we were silent, not sharing a word as we continued walking.
But it wasn't necessarily an awkward silence.
Instead, it looked as if she was more interested in observing the land and the people, her fan hiding her face each time she began to frown in disgust.
Many of the people here were dirty, yes… but from how she interacted with me, who hadn't had a bath in a couple of days, it didn't feel like that was the reason for her distaste.
But these people… they really were in bad shape.
As I looked to the side, I noticed a small family of three, a mother and her children, sitting in front of a shabby house with various wares strewn out in front of them.
It wasn't some rare sight for a place like this, but for some reason… I couldn't ignore it.
'For some reason'… hah, what a lie.
It was simply because the young girl reminded me of Felt.
"Hey. How much is this?" I asked, picking up a flute that seemed quite well-made.
"H-Huh?" the mother stuttered, her eyes darting to Priscilla, who had stopped after I broke off, before turning back to me. "I-It's a silver coin, sir…"
"Is that so?" I said before taking out four of them and handing them to her. "Well then, have a good day."
And with that, I turned around, ready to rejoin this noble lady that had asked me to follow her.
And speaking of her… she was simply watching silently.
There was no usually present frown on her face either, instead being replaced with an expression of veiled intrigue.
Interesting.
"W-Wait! Sir, this is too much!" the mother said, making me turn back to them.
Hmm… I guess it wouldn't be right to force charity upon them.
Besides… I was a bit hungry anyway.
"Then, I'll take these appas as well. Is that acceptable?" I said, taking the basket of fruit.
Appas… how fucking dumb, but the last time I used the word I was used to, I was corrected like I was some sort of idiot.
"Ah! Yes! That's more than fine!" she said, bowing her head. "Thank you very much, sir!"
"Of course," I said, gently rustling the two kids' hair before returning to Priscilla's side.
"Sorry for the wait, Priscilla-sama," I said.
"Hmm… no matter. But don't dawdle any longer," she said.
"Yes… of course," I said as we continued down the path.
It didn't take long until we reached the riverside, and with Priscilla taking the moment to overlook the horizon, I decided to sit down on a nearby rock, biting into an appa as I rested my spear to the side.
Yum… these were quite good.
Perhaps I could go back to that family again another time.
"Selian… just what are you eating?" Priscilla asked.
"Hm?" I said, turning to look at her. "They're appas, of course."
"Hah. Do not lie to me, commoner," she said, flicking out her fan. "Appas are white. Though I suppose it's only natural for you to be tricked by those uneducated fools in the town."
Uh… what?
Was she… joking?
No, it didn't seem that way.
"Priscilla-sama… appas are only white without their skin, see?" I said, showing her my appa that I had bitten into. "You must have had them peeled."
She only narrowed her eyes in response, a mix of curiosity and confusion flashing across her face.
To have only eaten peeled appas… she really was quite privileged, huh?
But I didn't really think less of her for it.
I of all people knew that there were disadvantages to the privilege of being a noble, after all, and considering her husband… well, she wasn't exactly in an enviable position herself.
And also, there was the fact that Felt preferred her appas when I peeled them as well.
"Some people eat appas peeled, like you have, while others eat them whole," I further explained as I picked up my spear. "But personally, I prefer them cut into wedges."
Then, tossing the appa into the air, I quickly struck out my spear, focusing and controlling my mana in my spear tip as I stabbed into the fruit, and as soon as I did, I sent a few slices of mana through it, cutting it into perfect wedges that fell into my waiting hand.
"Hmph. That was quite the amusing parlour trick," Priscilla said with interest.
"Well, I prefer to think of it as a display of my control," I returned.
Even though it was quite useless in combat…
"Anyway, here. It's quite good, in my opinion," I said, handing her a wedge.
Furrowing her eyebrows, she hesitantly reached to take it, and after a moment of examining it, she then bit into it, her eyes widening in surprise as some juice splashed onto her lip.
"Do you… like it, Priscilla-sama?" I asked.
"It… is not bad. Although the flavour is much the same, I cannot ignore the novelty of a new way to enjoy such a fruit," she said, gently licking her lips. "It was quite tasty, and interesting as well. Your ability to entertain me is worthy of praise, Selian. Take solace that one such as I have praised you."
"I… I will, Priscilla-sama," I said.
Odd.
I had met a few arrogant people, and it was fair to say that this woman was even more arrogant than any of them.
But despite hating that attitude with those other people… I couldn't find it in myself to hate how Priscilla acted, even a bit.
Perhaps her beauty really was that enchanting, so much that it manipulated me unconsciously.
Or maybe… maybe it was something else.
We continued eating the appa without another word, with the calming sound of the flowing river before us filling the silence.
This place really was beautiful, even if it had fallen on hard times.
While Leip's rule was certainly a factor, there was also the fact that these people were unlucky.
Looking to the right, I took in the view of the large field that stretched all the way to the outskirts of the town.
I was sure it was meant to be filled with wheat or some other vegetable this time of year, but instead, there were only patches of unkempt grass and dry patches of hardened soil.
"How unfortunate," I unconsciously mumbled.
I didn't expect a reply, but nonetheless, the woman next to me betrayed my expectations.
"Indeed, it is quite disgusting. This place truly is unfit for one such as I," Priscilla added. "But do not worry. With my presence, these fields will become plentiful once more."
"Really?" I asked, raising my eyebrow in question. "How are you so sure?"
"Hmph. A foolish question," she said, flicking out her fan to point into the distance. "It is because I wish to have a pleasant view, and thus, it will become one, for this world is destined to turn in my favour. Remember that, Selian."
"I, uhh… I'll keep that in mind," I said.
Her arrogance was quite shocking.
It was to the point where I was questioning whether she was joking or not, but seeing her self-assured smile, I realized that it was definitely not the case.
She was simply that confident.
Most would think of her as spoiled and privileged, and they wouldn't be wrong, but instead of being annoyed or upset by such a thing, seeing such confidence… I couldn't find it anything but endearing.
"I… see, Priscilla-sama. But… I do have a question," I said, deciding to ask the thing that had been on my mind for the past few hours.
"Speak, Selian," she said sternly.
"Well… why am I here?" I asked.
"Fool," she said, shaking her head. "Did I not say it before? We are here because I wished to see the river. I admit that it was a pleasant excursion."
"U-Uh, no, not that. Just… why am I here with you… at the estate…" I asked.
"Another foolish question, truly fit for a simpleton," she said with a smirk. "I took you in because I wanted you, so you will be with me until I decide I no longer desire your presence. Be grateful for my compassion."
Uhh… to be honest, I was quite stunned.
Although at this point, that seemed like an inevitability when I was with this woman.
"Well… why did you want me then?" I asked. "You haven't even really seen me fight my hardest… nor any of my skills, in fact."
"Hah. You would best not misunderstand, I didn't take you because of that stunt earlier today," she said, releasing a sigh. "I simply found you intriguing, and the look in your eyes is enjoyable, even if you seem lost. I suppose it will be satisfying to see you find a purpose."
My back straightened.
She… she could tell?
Ignoring my shock, Priscilla's eyes then went to the flute that was hung at my belt. The very flute that I had gotten just an hour before from that family.
"Now tell me, lost fool, why did you buy such a thing? I didn't take you for a travelling bard," she said.
"I… am not a bard, no," I replied. "I… bought it out of pity. The family reminded me of someone I hold dear, so I decided to try to make their lives easier."
"Pity, huh? A boring answer, accompanied by a boring reason of reminiscence," she said, narrowing her eyes in frustration. "Hmm… play it."
Uh, sorry?
"What do you mean, Priscilla-sama?" I asked.
"Play the flute you just purchased for me," she said.
"I… I don't know how to play. I was planning on just giving it away or something," I said.
"And why should that matter to me? I told you to play it, Selian," she insisted.
While I initially wanted to refuse, seeing the seriousness in her eyes, I decided to conform to her demand.
"Just… don't be angry if it is bad," I said.
"Hmph. Just pray that you can entertain me," she replied.
That… was a less than ideal response, but I guess I shouldn't try to overstep my bounds.
And so, raising the flute to my lips… I began to play.
Fwee!
My eyes winced at the piercing sound.
Dammit… I knew that this would be horrible.
"Don't stop now," Priscilla said, unfolding her fan to cover her mouth. "Go on, Selian."
On the walk here, she usually used her fan to cover her distasteful frown, but for some reason… I think she was covering a smile this time instead.
Was she making fun of me?
No, why was I even asking that? Of course, she was.
Taking in a breath of frustration, I continued playing, trying to form a semblance of a melody as I did so.
Thankfully, I was able to get the hang of it enough to not pierce my ears with each note, but in the end, my performance was still incredibly bad. An unfortunate contrast with the relatively beautiful sunset that was beginning to form over the distant hills.
Once I finished, I put the flute down as I averted my eyes from the young woman who had been watching me with mirthful eyes.
"There… was that acceptable, Priscilla-sama?" I asked.
While I didn't want to see what expression she was wearing, I felt my head unconsciously turn towards her, only to see her lips spread in a teasing smile.
"It was akin to the dying squaws of an injured dove, struggling to find life in its last breaths. A performance more fitting for a circus than a grand hall," she said before chuckling to herself.
I couldn't help but pout at that.
Was it really that bad?
"Do not look so glum. I didn't say I hated it. In fact, I found it quite amusing," she said. "But still, it would be admirable of you to get better, so that you can give me a performance more pleasing on the ears for the next time I ask of this."
"Sure…" I said, putting the flute back into my belt.
She said that as if I would be staying by her side for the foreseeable future, and yet, I didn't dispute it.
But why was I still here?
And why was I feeling so comfortable with the idea of remaining here with her past today?
I guess… I was just drawn to this woman, and I had no idea why.
Of course, she was beautiful, but that definitely wasn't the reason for why I was acting like this.
Perhaps… could this be what Fourier was talking about?
In finding a woman to follow, that is.
I didn't know… I wasn't even sure if I was actually attracted to her, or if I simply found her fun to be around, like she seemed to feel for me, for some reason.
"Selian. Cut me another appa," Priscilla demanded, breaking me out of my thoughts.
Really, she was quite haughty, especially considering that she was only a trophy wife of a poor barony on the border of the nation.
With how she acted, she almost seemed more like…
"Of course, Princess," I said, smirking to myself.
She frowned at me.
"Do not call me that, fool," she said.
Oh?
Did she dislike that nickname so much?
No… it didn't seem necessarily out of complete hate… but something else.
Maybe… I had found a weakness in the woman.
As I took out another appa to cut it for her, I felt her fan smack against my head with quite a bit of force, but still not enough to move me as I had instinctively reinforced myself with mana.
"And wipe that aggravating smile off of your face," she added.
Yes, definitely a weakness.
Well… while I was still confused, this Priscilla Barielle… she was quite interesting, at least.