"Is everything alright, Crusch?" I asked, watching as the troops loaded themselves and their equipment into the various carriages.
"Yes, everything is moving smoothly. And with us bringing back the horn of the White Whale, that should be enough for confirmation of a successful subjugation," she said, releasing a relieved sigh as she turned back to me. "Once again, I must thank you for your aid. It was most crucial in limiting the possible casualties."
"And once again, there's no need for thanks. It's only natural that I would fight my best, especially when my strength could help those I consider close to me," I returned, giving her a smile.
"Yes… I suppose that's true," she added before shaking her head. "And? Are you feeling alright? I understand that the final blow was quite taxing."
"Yeah… I'm a bit tired mentally, but in terms of mana, I'm completely recovered," I said, flexing my arms before I turned to the boy beside us. "And on that note… do you require my assistance for the coming battle against the Witch Cult?"
Subaru, who had been in the middle of a conversation with Rem, turned his head towards us with wide eyes.
"You… you would help me?" he asked in surprise.
"While of course," I said, nodding my head. "I think I have appeased Priscilla enough that I can help you against the Witch Cult with little to no repercussions."
At least, I hoped so.
"Indeed. I must thank you again for allowing this battle to come to pass, Subaru-san. I would have loved to join you for the coming battle as well, but you will have to settle for Wilhelm-dono and Ferris," Crusch added.
"Ah! That's fine, Crusch-san! Those two will be more than enough!" Subaru said, pumping his fist, before he looked over to me. "Although… having Selian would definitely be a big help, especially against that guy…"
"That will not be happening," Priscilla stated from inside the nearby carriage, the sheet moving to reveal herself a moment later as she frowned at us. "That battle, while amusing, lasted through the entire night, and as such, I am quite tired. And unfortunately, someone did not include proper pillows for mine divine self's return."
Her red eyes narrowing at Crusch, the green-haired woman tilted her head in confusion as she looked over to me and back to Priscilla again.
I guess I wouldn't be going after all…
"Apologies, Priscilla-san, but how does that relate to Selian being included in the second force?" Crusch asked.
"Simple. Because that fool will act as my pillow in your lack of proper equipment's stead," she said, giving me a nod as she turned back to the carriage. "Now hurry inside, Selian. Else, I might just rescind that offer of a reward."
Ah… you've put me in quite the difficult situation, Priscilla…
Ignoring Crusch's surprised face, I sent a difficult glance over to Subaru as I tried to find the words.
"Well… you heard her…" I said.
"Oh… yeah, but that's alright!" he said, giving me a thumbs up. "And congratulations!"
"Uh… thanks," I said, averting my eyes. "But are you sure you'll be fine without me?"
"Oh, that? Again, it would be nice to have you along, but I don't really need you. After all, we got Rem, Ferris, Wilhelm, and the entire Iron Fang, so we can definitely win," he replied with a smile.
"And don't forget about Julius joining as well, Subaru-kyun," Ferris added with a smirk.
"Urk! T-That guy is coming too?" Subaru said with a frown.
Ferris and I shared a short look before we both shrugged.
I guess even with the sudden mental grown, Subaru still had a problem with the so-called 'Finest Knight'.
But maybe, by fighting alongside each other, that issue would quickly disappear… hopefully.
"Well… if that is all in order, it would be best that we head out as soon as possible," Crusch said, getting into the carriage. "If we keep this corpse unattended for too long, there might be issues concerning monsters and disease, so the capital should be notified as soon as possible. While the official declaration will be at a later date, I will be sure to include the feats of your valour when I explain the battle to the council, Subaru-san."
"O-Oh… yeah, thanks, Crusch-san," he said in response. "But again… just getting me this far, and helping me with the Witch Cult… that is enough."
"Is that so… Emilia-san is lucky to have you," Crusch said with a smile.
Giving him a final nod, as well as one to Rem, I was about to join the two inside the carriage before Ferris stopped me by grabbing my arm.
"Selian… I don't think anything will happen, but if it does, please keep Crusch-sama safe," he said, his tone absent of his usual playfulness.
So he was more worried than I thought… but to know that he trusted me with his master was a nice feeling.
"Of course, Ferris-san. I will ensure that both Priscilla and Crusch return to the capital safe and sound," I said.
His eye twitched in annoyance at the lack of honorific of his master's name, but since Crusch had already scolded him after the battle for getting angry at it, he let me go with a sigh.
And so, with a few other soldiers occupying the front of the carriage, I sat down near the back, sitting opposite Crusch and with Priscilla at my side.
"Then… let us set off," Crusch said, leaning outside to wave for the front of the convoy to begin moving.
And Priscilla, without a word, then leaned down, planting her head to rest between my thighs as her hair splayed out over my legs, causing Crusch to widen her eyes as she glanced over at us.
"Apologies for the scent and dirt, my lady," I said as I hesitantly reached my hand to run through her hair.
"It is nothing. Simply be glad that I see your thigh as a place fit to rest mine head," she responded, her eyes closing shut.
Believe me… I am very glad.
And with that, the carriage lurched forward as we began heading down the highway once more, now with the subtle glow of the morning sun casting a beautiful light across the land.
So, with the battle to defeat the White Whale completed, I began focusing on my next battle.
Not the one against the Witch Cult that Subaru was heading towards, but rather… a battle with my lower half.
With the gentle breaths of the beautiful woman currently using me as a pillow, which were the most captivating sound one could possibly hear, and accompanied by the feeling of her soft hair and skin in my hand as I mindlessly caressed her head… well, this battle was arguably the more difficult one.
—
With the caravan continuing down the highway towards the capital, I continued playing with the now-sleeping Priscilla's hair, twirling my fingers through the shorter strands near her ear as I struggled with the urge to reach down and kiss her cheek.
Luckily, there was someone else here to help me distract myself from… certain thoughts.
"While I am not adept in spearmanship, it is quite obvious that you have grown even stronger since the last time we fought together," Crusch said, leaning her chin on her fist.
"Indeed… though don't expect that last attack to become a regular technique of mine," I said, chuckling softly to myself. "But anyway, I could say the same to you. I only trained a bit in the sword when I was growing up, and definitely not with anything like your personal technique, but you seem a bit stronger than before."
"Yes, Wilhelm-dono helped train my sword skills after joining my camp," she said, forming a troubled smile. "Speaking of him… he joined me mainly because I promised to allow him to slay the White Whale that took his late wife, and now that has been concluded… I can only hope he continues to support me."
"I don't think you need to worry," I said. "After staying by your side, I doubt that such a thing was the only reason for his loyalty."
"Loyalty… huh?" she murmured.
She then looked down at Priscilla, who was on my lap, before looking back up at me with a wide smile, one that seemed to enhance the light of the day that seeped through the carriage's curtain.
"What I witnessed on that battlefield, seeing Priscilla-san and yourself fight together against such a beast… it was amazing," she said, the corner of her lips curling even further. "Like the legends of old… the legends of the great lion kings that came before the pact with the dragon… even if I do not win this selection, with candidates like her supported by you, I can't help but feel excited about the future."
I found myself momentarily speechless at her declaration.
After all, that was quite the compliment to be said by someone who was meant to be a rival.
"Thank you… Crusch," I replied, returning her smile. "And… no, never mind."
Shaking my head, I was met with the inquisitive look of Crusch with her eyebrows raised in question.
"Never mind? Please, do not tease me with such words," she said.
Hmm… it probably wouldn't be considered disrespectful, right?
Yeah, I doubt it.
"Well… I simply thought that your smile right then was quite nice," I said, shrugging my shoulders. "Though, don't hear me say that while my lovely lady is awake."
I looked back to see that Crusch's cheeks had gained a bit of colour, her mouth widening a bit before she closed her eyes and took a breath to seemingly compose herself, opening them a moment later as she gave me another soft smile.
"I see… well, thank you for the compliment, Selian," she said before tilting her head in confusion. "And… umm… you have a nice smile too?"
No… do not laugh… that would certainly be disrespectful.
But saying such a thing, she was making it quite hard for me.
"Thank you, Crusch- ah!"
I flinched as I felt a pain in my leg, and looking down, I was met with the sight of Priscilla glaring at me from below, her hand pinching hard on my exposed calf.
Oh… she heard that…
And I had a feeling her reaction wasn't going to be so cute this time.
"Selian," she said coldly as she raised her head, eyes narrowed at me. "You like her smile, do you?"
"U-Uhh, y-yes, Priscilla," I said, gulping as her glare grew in intensity. "B-But yours is even more beautiful! It's like… like comparing a flower field with the night's stars! Your beauty is simply out of this world!"
T-That was good, right?
And please don't hate me for saying that, Crusch!
But looking back, I was pleased to see that she was simply watching on in amusement rather than anger.
And more importantly…
"Hmm… I suppose that will do," Priscilla said, nodding to herself with a pleased expression. "Well done saving yourself, Selian. You can keep your manhood for now."
I… what?
Wait, what did she mean by-
My extremely worried thoughts were cut off by the sound of an explosion, causing Priscilla to sit up straight as all three of us looked to the front of the carriage, watching as a cloud of debris and corpses flew through the air from the front of the caravan.
"W-What…? Attack! We're under attack!" Crusch shouted, standing up and drawing her sword as she instantly prepared for battle.
Crusch then swung down, launching a blade of wind that decimated the front of the carriage as well as blowing away the cloud of dust in front of us, revealing that right in front of the piles of debris and the dead was… a man?
What… what was a man doing here?
And why…
"Who…? It doesn't matter. Ram him!" Crusch ordered.
Why did he feel so… dangerous?
As the carriage approached the lone person amidst the destruction, I felt my instincts scream at me as he reared his foot back in a kicking motion, causing me to suddenly wrap my arms around both Crusch and Priscilla, teleporting us out of the carriage a moment later.
"What!? Selian, why-!"
Crusch's puzzled words were cut off as the front carriage, the one we were just in, suddenly exploded, along with the few carriages behind it, a line of dust rippling across the highway as it carved a path of destruction in its wake.
What… the fuck was that?
That… wasn't magic.
I could feel no mana from that, and either way, there was no spell with such speed and destruction coming from seemingly nothing.
I then trained my gaze over to the man that had been standing in front of us, with white hair, white robes, and disinterested yellow eyes.
From the small bit of pale white skin on his youthful face, it seemed like today was the first time he had stepped outside, and while appearances could definitely be deceiving, his lanky frame led me to believe that such a feat could not be due to martial arts either.
So what… the hell… was that?
"Oh my, all I was doing was standing here, as my rights dictate me able to do, yet you so callously ordered your men to run me over? My, my, just how-"
"Enough of your words! Who are you!?" Crusch shouted, stepping forward as she narrowed her eyes at the unassuming attacker.
I took a short glance at Priscilla, who was looking around with an alert gaze, and giving her waist one last squeeze of reassurance, I stepped forward to stand beside Crusch.
"Who am I…? Who am I, you ask!? Not only do you try to run me over, but upon greeting me, rather than introduce yourself, you demand to hear my name first! My, this is absolutely a violation of my rights! An unacceptable violation!" he shouted, his face contorting in anger before he calmed a moment later. "But… you are a candidate for the throne of this nation, correct? So I suppose that some arrogance is permitted. Although, I still do not believe I should allow such a violation to occur uncontested-"
Crusch and I shared a glance as the man rambled on, both of us understanding the seriousness of the threat before us.
"Silence!" she shouted as she raised her blade. "I have heard you ramble on long enough!"
She then swung down, my eyes narrowing as her blade of wind approached the man, focusing on the moment it reached him, and as it did… nothing happened.
Not the ruffle of clothes, nor the forming of some magic barrier.
The attack simply… disappeared.
"What?" Crusch murmured with an expression of pure disbelief.
I was surprised as well.
I had hoped to see how exactly this man was using that power from before, but like this… I didn't have anything to go off of.
"Now look here! Not only do you rudely ask for my name without giving yours, in addition to trying to run me over like some passing weed, but you also cut off my words with such a vicious attack!?" the man said as he raised his arm. "Now, this is absolutely a violation of my rights, and one that I will absolutely not accept!"
He then swung down, and feeling my instincts scream again, I picked Crusch up into my arms before teleporting back to Priscilla's side.
"Sorry, Crusch. But I believe that may have been his method of attack," I said, narrowing my eyes at the man who seemed surprised.
"No… you are probably correct. I could feel a danger just now as well. Thank you for saving me from harm," she said, raising her head to stare at the man with worried eyes.
"If you are done, then stop playing around," Priscilla said with a frown. "Selian. Put her down and fight. That is an order."
"Of course," I said, placing Crusch back on her feet as we all looked at the man in white with his mysterious power.
Well… almost all of us.
"And it seems that there is another troublesome one…" Priscilla said, motioning towards the right.
Following her line of sight, I watched as a young boy with long brown, looking no older than Subaru, walked over with unbalanced steps through the debris of the destroyed caravan. A pair of blades extended from his wrists that were covered in blood, alongside a disturbing smile on his face.
"Ah… I keep eating and eating, but it's never enough!" he said, his eyes narrowing in pleasure as he continued. "I eat, devour, chew, bite, gorge, gnaw, much, crunch… pure gluttony! Ah… thank you for the meal!"
That… was not someone I recognized from the forces.
And from the smile on his face and the unsettling atmosphere… I guess he was an enemy as well.
"Who are you!?" Crusch shouted.
"Ah… curious? Hungry for knowledge? Then allow me to indulge you!" he said, his unsettling smile growing as he introduced himself. "I am the Sin Archbishop of the Witch Cult, representing the Gourmet aspect of Gluttony… Lye Batenkaitos!"
Fuck.
"And I am the Sin Archbishop of Greed, Regulus Corneas," the white man said, causing me to focus on him for any imperceptible attacks like the last one.
Double fuck… and then there was the supposed Sin Archbishop of Sloth that the remaining force was dealing with.
Was this an all out attack on the kingdom?
Perhaps the royal selection was the reason?
Either way, it didn't change the current circumstances we were facing.
"The Witch Cult… so the group that the others are facing aren't the only ones," Crusch said, readying her sword once more. "If you wished for my name that badly, then I shall give you it as a final parting gift before we slay you! I am Crusch Karsten, head of the Karsten Duchy, and candidate for the throne!"
Priscilla then reached into the air, pulling out the Yang Sword a moment later as I felt the sweltering heat from its mere presence.
"Selian, go take on that incredibly irritating man, while the two of us will take down this disgusting creature," she said, looking towards the Archbishop of Gluttony. "Do not fall here, understood?"
"I got it… and you two stay safe as well," I said, readying my spear.
It was likely not the usual code for a knight to leave their lady to fight such a terrifying opponent as a Sin Archbishop, and I also left the woman that I had told Ferris I would protect to fight as well.
But considering the opponents… this was the only realistic option.
Besides, I could trust in my lady, as well as the strength of Crusch. They could handle themselves.
But if I noticed the need for my intervention… then I was more than prepared to sacrifice myself.
Extreme teleportation to escape… I doubt that it was possible, but if I needed to… I would try it, even at the cost of my life.
But for now, it was time for me to face down this Archbishop of Greed… Regulus.
A completely unassuming face, one that would easily be looked over without the striking attire, and an unknown ability with immense destructive power that I still had no clue how it worked…
"Oh? I see those two have gone to fight that guy. Ah, and don't worry. Unlike him, I actually hate fighting, you see?" he said, waving his hand off to the side.
"If you truly hate fighting, then you should not have come here as an Archbishop, much less causing such destruction to our allies," I said, crouching down.
"Ah, but they are the ones that tried to crash into me, correct? What, do you think I should have simply let myself get ran over? How ridiculous… truly, isn't it only right for me to stand as I please, considering how I was standing there first?" he said, shaking his head as he suddenly paused, his eyes widening as he stared past my shoulder. "But aside from that, that woman in the red dress… she is profoundly beautiful… the 94th spot is open, right? She would be perfect for that…"
My eyes narrowed in confusion.
Priscilla?
What was he talking about?
"What do you mean, 94th spot?" I asked.
"Hm? Ah, well, by that I mean the spot as my 94th wife," he said, continuing to look past me where the two were heading towards Gluttony as his face morphed into a grimace. "Although with such unruly behaviour… she will certainly need to be educated first."
…Huh?
94th… wife?
Educated?
Priscilla? This guy's wife?
I felt my anger surge at his words.
No… forget running away… I was going to do just as Priscilla asked and take down this fucker.
"Hm? You seem quite angry… did I perhaps say something to ruin your mood?" he asked.
"Yeah… you can say that," I said as I prepared my spell. "Because Priscilla… that princess is mine!"
I then teleported in front of him, the tip of my spear glowing from the concentrated magic as I thrust outward… only for it to stop as it hit his skin.
No… it wasn't stopping before it reached him, nor was he nullifying it with mana… my attack simply didn't affect him.
How-?
"Ha."
As soon as the breath left his mouth, I felt my instincts roar once again, but this time… I didn't react quickly enough.
The blow sent me flying backwards, crashing into the ground, and I instantly registered the loss of feeling in the arm I had raised to block the strike.
What… was that?
Wind magic?
No, there was no mana in that blow, and there was no wind spell I knew of that had that much pure force instantaneously.
That power… it wasn't something logical.
It almost seemed unstoppable.
If I hadn't raised my arm up in time, I would surely be dead, and even though I did…
I slowly got back to my feet, grimacing at the pain as my blood began to coat the grass below, the remaining pieces of my left arm that were attached to my shoulder falling off under the effects of gravity.
That… wasn't good.
The only thing I could think of as good was that the pain was bearable for the moment, but then again… that could be a bad thing as well, especially if I lost too much blood.
"You say that she's yours? Isn't that quite rude to say after I declared my intent to marry her? Even more concerning, she isn't an object, right? Listen here, by announcing such a thing, you not only violated her rights, but more importantly, you violated mine! How could you simply think such a thing is okay?" Regulus rambled on as I struggled to heal my grievous injury.
Dammit… not only would my spearmanship be incredibly weakened without an arm, but I wasn't even sure if my healing could stop the blood flow… at least not while fighting this guy.
"Ha… but still, trying to attack me? How useless," Regulus continued, shaking his head with a disappointed frown before he looked back up to smirk at me. "After all… you're much weaker than me."
Weaker than him… yeah, I suppose I was.
I mean, I was bleeding out on the ground right now, with a missing arm and tattered clothes, all from what seemed like a simple breath from the guy in front of me… so that was the only conclusion one could make.
But still… with all the experiences from this second life of mine… and the confidence of that lovely lady who was fighting behind me right now… there was one thing I learned.
"That doesn't matter," I said, getting to my feet.
Using my spear to support me, I concentrated my mana into my right hand to prepare a spell as I narrowed my eyes at Regulus.
"Whether you're stronger than me or not, it doesn't matter," I said. "Because I will win regardless…"
My words seemed to annoy the man as his eyebrows twitched in irritation, but before he could say a word, I felt a familiar heat begin to permeate my being.
"Such arrogant and confident words excite me to no end, my dear fool!" Priscilla said, her voice echoing across the plain, yet sounding as if she was whispering right in my ear. "And that is why this one loves you… so continue, Selian!"
"Yes… Priscilla," I replied with a soft murmur, smiling as I felt my arm begin to regenerate, a slightly itchy sensation, yet still pleasant, considering the effects.
The Soul Marriage Technique… what wonderful timing.
She really knew exactly what to do at the perfect moment, that lovely lady of mine.
And so, with my spear now held in both hands once more, I rushed forward, keeping my eye trained on the man as he slowly raised his hand.
"Honestly… attacking me again? How unruly," he said as he swung down.
Now!
Teleporting to the place behind him, I then slammed my spear into the ground, sending a cloud of dust upwards as the earth caved under the power of my strike, causing Regulus to fall down with it.
Good… if I couldn't strike him, then I should aim for the environment surrounding him.
"Argh! Enough!" he shouted, my instincts screaming again as I teleported upwards into the air.
As soon as I did, I watched the cloud of dust disappear, or more accurately, get shot outwards as the dust ripped across the ground.
So that was how he attacked… he somehow made the dust and air harden and move at near-imperceptible speeds to create a wave of pure destruction.
Or perhaps the 'harden' and 'destruction' effects were simply a product of the speed… so he could increase the velocity of particles?
Yeah… that must be it.
Particle acceleration and what seemed to be invulnerability… how annoying.
It was easily the strongest opponent I had ever come across.
Was a monster like this really roaming the world freely?
I hadn't faced Reinhard in combat, but I doubted even he could easily deal with this guy.
But running away… that obviously wasn't an option.
Especially when I had just declared how I would defeat him, and how Priscilla supported me when doing so.
With the dust cleared, his eyes traced where I had been a moment earlier, before he suddenly looked behind him, still not noticing me in the air above him.
Wait… was his combat sense that bad?
Well, if he could remain invulnerable while seemingly doing nothing, and wipe out a caravan with a swipe of his hand, then I suppose there was no need for combat senses… but I could exploit that.
My combat style revolved around unpredictable movements, after all, and that was for going against hardened warriors, much less complete novices.
While I still wasn't sure how to defeat him… at the very least, I could overwhelm him.
I launched a beam of light from my spear as I thrust outwards, the magic not holding much power, but having the effect to blind him as I teleported once more, and as soon as he noticed me, I was gone again.
"You… like a fly! Stay still, dammit!" he declared, turning back and forth as I reappeared around him, launching an attack here and there, but to no avail.
Hmm… like this, while I could stay away for the most part, I wouldn't be able to land a killing blow.
And even if I could stay away from him… he was still able to deal some serious area of affect attacks, those of which I was only able to survive due to Priscilla's magic still covering me in her soothing fire.
I needed to find an actual way to harm him… and while that attack against the White Whale that used my Divine Protection was strong, not only was it untrained, but I doubted that it would be able to break his defensive abilities.
That technique… to connect an attack to the target… could it work?
Raising my spear, I teleported behind Regulus as he once again became confused at me movements as I sent a line of mana towards Regulus' back.
Okay… let's try this.
My stronger attacks were enhanced with mana, but those could only be used on the spear or my body… at least, that was before the display that killed the White Whale.
Magic could keep it together, and the ambient mana… it could help as well.
My Yang magic creating a path… and the ambient mana securing it… that could work.
With the internal mana covering the tip of my spear, I slashed outward, concentrating on the power of my slash as I forced the internal mana outward.
And it… connected?
No… instinctually, I felt like it did… but he still remained standing unperturbed, having now turned back to glare at me as he took a step backward.
It didn't look like Regulus was in pain… but he was certainly more cautious now.
Dammit… so even that didn't work.
"You damn… what are you even doing here!?" he shouted before releasing a sigh as he suddenly reached into his coat, pulling out a small black book that he flipped through before snapping it shut. "You're lucky to survive today, but I'll definitely kill you the next time we meet, understood? Haa… how unfortunate… Oi! You! We're heading back!"
I narrowed my eyes at his words.
Heading back?
After all this?
"Ah… okay, I'm coming! I've eaten my full, so I should take the time to digest properly!" the other cultist said, walking over to Regulus' side.
Wait.
If he was here, then-
"Do not worry, Selian. I am quite fine," Priscilla said from behind me.
Turning back to see her, I breathed out a sigh of relief as I realized that she was completely unharmed, with her Yang Sword having returned to… wherever it went when she wasn't using it.
"Hmm… while I would love to take down those fools," she said, narrowing her eyes at the duo that were walking away, before she then turned over to me. "It appears that you have fought quite the battle already."
As she said that, I felt the Soul Marriage Technique disappear from my body as the exhaustion from the fight assaulted me all at once, causing me to collapse to my knees as I felt a sharp pain in my core.
Or more specifically… my gate.
It was to the point where I couldn't even feel any mana within me.
This was a first… I guess that even with my Divine Protection, today, and especially dealing with Regulus, was too much.
"You did well, Selian. Even if the outcome wasn't the best I could hope for," Priscilla said with an unnaturally soft voice, sitting down next to me as she reached for my shoulders. "Here. Come rest your head for the moment."
She then pulled me towards her, laying my head down on her lap, as my eyes shot wide open in surprise.
Dammit… if only I wasn't feeling so shitty right now, I could be relishing in this feeling of her wonderful thighs beneath me with all my focus.
"Hm? Is something troubling you?" Priscilla asked, looking down at me with a worried frown.
"No… well, something, but it's okay," I said, shaking my head. "That aside… I apologize for leaving you to fight the other Archbishop alone. That… was not very knightly of me."
Honestly, what an embarrassing showing… but at least she wasn't angered by it.
"Hah. I am not some maiden that should be treated like some dainty flower," she replied with a huff. "Besides, dealing with that being was within my capabilities, and I had some… unexpected help."
Unexpected help?
It must have been one of the surviving soldiers of the caravan.
But thank god she was okay… if even a scratch had appeared on her due to my weakness, I don't know how I would repent.
But more importantly… my mind going back to the battle… and the words Priscilla said as she activated her technique…
"You… you said that you loved me," I said, feeling my face get hot at the memory. "Did… did you mean it?"
Could I even dream of such a thing?
Looking down at me, her lips curled into a frown.
"Selian… you should know by now that I am not one to spout lies," Priscilla said as she narrowed her eyes, a smile growing on her face. "Be honored, for you are the sole receiver of my romantic love… so do not take such an honor lightly."
Huh… was I… dreaming?
No… I don't think I was, and I had noticed a few signs of such love… but to hear it said so clearly… it filled me with a happiness I could not compare.
But… if she loves me… romantically at that… then this much should be fine, right?
Adjusting my hand to push me upward, I slowly rose my face towards hers with some difficulty, her beautiful lips approaching fast as I felt my heart pound in my chest.
Priscilla gave me a small smile, and I noticed a wave of red flush across her cheeks, and then… she leaned down, her eyes closed as I felt her lips soon overlap with mine.
Closing my eyes, I felt the world disappear as an electric shock ran through my body as my a warmth spread throughout my face.
This… was our first kiss… how amazing.
I had memories of kissing in my previous life, but the experiences I remembered paled in comparison to this.
It was like comparing the flame of a candle to the sun.
This beautiful, inexplicably amazing woman loved me… and was currently kissing me…
My other arm reached up, trembling from the strain as I gently brought my palm to her cheek, gently caressing her soft, warm skin as I pressed harder against her lips, savouring the sweet taste as my mind began to recover from the momentary shock.
But a moment later… we both pulled back, and I was met with the serenely gorgeous expression of a slightly shy Priscilla, her small smile seeming all the more breathtaking with each passing moment.
That… was incredible… but it felt like it ended much too soon.
I wanted to kiss her again.
But no… I had to limit myself, lest I earn her wrath with my overwhelming affection.
As I looked into her mesmerizing red eyes, I couldn't help but think back to Subaru and the girl that he was currently fighting for.
More specifically, I was thinking of how he called her name.
I was the only one that called Priscilla her name without any honorifics, but still… that was just her name.
And a fake one at that.
She deserved something much more special… and I wonder if she would like such things.
"Pris…" I voiced out, my tone light and tender. "I love you, Pris…"
And then, I found myself momentarily shocked once again as her face sprouted in a blush even fiercer than before.
Did… did calling her that make her like this?
If so, then this was troublesome… with such a flustered expression, I was sure that she would absolutely enrapture everyone with such beauty.
So perhaps… I would need to keep that name for when we were together in private.
"Y-You… calling me that…" she said, stumbling over her words before she shook her head. "Fine. I was going to allow you to taste mine lips as the reward for your feats against the White Whale, but seeing as you have already stolen it for your deeds in this last battle… I suppose I will allow you to call me that as your reward instead…"
Mindlessly, I reached upward once more, running my hand through her hair as I found the strength to sit up.
"Pris…" I said, staring deeply into her eyes.
"W-What is it? On second thought, don't use that name wherever you please," she said, turning away.
But before she could completely look away, I placed my hand on her cheek, turning her head to face me once more as I captured her lips again, attempting to show the extent of my passion and love as I reached over to take her into my embrace.
Thankfully, she seemed to reciprocate my advances, as she trembled in my touch as her hand reached out for my hair as well, but just as I began to open my mouth… she pushed me away.
"D-Don't get conceited!" she said, leaning back as she narrowed her eyes at me, her cheeks still glowing red.
Ah… I guess I went too far.
"What… does this mean that I can't kiss you again?" I asked, giving her a smile. "But that will be troublesome… I believe I might already be addicted."
"I-It's… not that," she said, averting her eyes as she sent a light glare my way. "Just… certainly not in public… you fool."
Ah… I think my heart just leapt out of my chest.
That meant what I thought it meant, right?
I could kiss her in private?
Ah… how wonderful.
I feel like I was going to lose my mind.
"U-Uhm… excuse me, Selian, Priscilla-san… but I would like to take a tally of the fallen now that those two have left," a voice said, interrupting us.
Hm?
Priscilla… san?
Who would be able to call Priscilla without the proper honorific?
Only me, who had been given a special privilege, and the other candidates, who were on an equal standing with her.
Getting to my feet, I looked over to the girl that had called out to us, her reddened cheeks contrasting with the serious expression on her admittedly attractive face.
And that face… along with that long, green hair… she looked quite similar to the matriarch of the Karsten family that had set up the White Whale subjugation force.
But she was right.
As amazing as the discovery of Priscilla's love was, and how exciting the taste and feeling of her lips were, celebrating that could come later, considering the scene of death and destruction around us.
"Yes, my apologies, but… may I ask who you are? I'm not very familiar with the platoons or soldiers," I said, brushing off the dust from my pants as I looked at her.
"Uh… what? Selian… what are you saying right now?" she asked, tilting her head in confusion.
Huh?
Why did she sound so… familiar with me?
And why… why, in the core of my being… did I feel like something was wrong?
"I-It's… Crusch… are you joking around right now? I'm Crusch Karsten," she said, her eyes narrowed.
Huh?
The Karsten name?
Was she… related to them somehow?
But regardless…
"I'm sorry, but… I don't know that name," I said with a small frown.
Her eyes widened in shock as her face fell, a look of hurt flashing across her face as she continued to stare at me in confusion.
"…Huh?"
That's what I wanted to say.
Just… what was with this situation?