Chapter 10: Crown princess

Arcadia, the capital of the Empire.

From the moment she first set foot there with Logan’s help, Irene’s world was shaken to its core.

The scenery of the vast and splendid city was beyond comparison to the small, remote village where she was born and raised.

Soaring spires, dazzling shops, and elegantly dressed people bustling through the lively streets.

Everything stimulated the longing and desire that lay dormant deep within her heart.

‘This is… where I was meant to be.’

Logan had always told her.

That she was beautiful and talented enough not to be outshone by the city folk.

That she would shine even brighter than them.

His kind words were always a comfort, but Irene wanted more.

She didn’t just want to not be outshone; she wanted to be superior to them.

What if she had been born in a city like this from the start?

What if her parents had been nobles of renown?

No, what if she had inherited the blood of the esteemed imperial family?

She could have become a far more dazzling existence than she was now.

Such fleeting fantasies continued, one after another.

Perhaps it was because of such thoughts.

Irene had known for a very long time about the deep feelings Logan harbored for her.

She couldn’t possibly miss the meaning behind his devoted actions and the warm gaze he always directed at her.

Nevertheless, she never gave him a clear answer to his feelings.

Of course, there was the superficial reason that he hadn’t confessed first.

But deeper down, there was another reason.

‘A commoner and a commoner… Can I really be satisfied with that?’

She possessed special magical talent, and Logan too was growing into an outstanding adventurer.

If they continued to strive like this, they could ascend to even greater heights.

Perhaps nobility… no, couldn’t she dream of an even higher social standing?

Such vague ambitions were slowly growing within her heart.

But at the same time, the thought of Logan getting close to another woman made her strangely uncomfortable and anxious.

She didn’t even want to imagine him showing the same devoted gaze he gave her to someone else.

‘…Yes, there’s no need to rush yet.’

She wasn’t even twenty years old yet.

Talk of lovers or marriage was too premature.

Irene decided to put her relationship with Logan on hold for the time being.

Even so, she strived to perfectly adapt to life in the capital and at the Magic Tower.

To avoid looking like an unsophisticated girl from a remote country village, she invested a lot of time and effort into her appearance.

The necessary money… as always, Logan provided it without lack.

She felt sorry for always receiving his help.

But wasn’t it true that not only Logan but even the Dean of the Magic Tower had praised her talent, calling her a once-in-a-generation genius?

Yes, she was special.

Someday, she would definitely succeed and repay everything she had received from Logan several times over.

He would surely be happier with that.

As a result of growing with his help, driven by such thoughts.

Today, Irene had the honor of standing on the platform in the Imperial Capital’s training ground as a member of the Hero’s party.

If she subjugated the Demon Lord and saved the world, she would surely become a great mage whose name would be recorded in history.

When that time came, she could repay all her debts to Logan, and her feelings for him… perhaps she could slowly think them over once more.

Lost in such thoughts, Hero Lian appeared before Irene’s eyes.

“Ah… Ah…”

For a moment, Irene forgot even how to breathe.

Her heart began to pound as if it would explode.

At the sight of the blond young man slowly walking up the platform from below.

Hair shining like the sun, green eyes as fresh as a deep forest, a face as perfect as a sculpture, and a dignified physique.

Simply saying he was handsome was not enough.

It was a beauty that seemed to transcend human limits, truly befitting the title of the most handsome man of the century, as if a hero from an epic poem had manifested.

With every step he took, it even felt as if the surrounding air was becoming sacred.

He was far more dazzling and wonderful than the princes in the fairy tales her mother used to read to her in her childhood.

No, even comparing them was an insult.

Overwhelmed by an uncontrollable excitement and trembling, Irene unknowingly grabbed the hem of Logan’s clothes, who was standing beside her, and whispered.

“Ah… Ah… Logan, what should I do…?”

At that moment, Irene was completely unaware of how Logan’s expression had changed.

All her senses were focused solely on Hero Lian.

And so, with truly cruel timing, she uttered the next words.

“I… I think I’ve fallen in love at first sight…”

“…R-right.”

Logan’s voice trembled ever so slightly, but Irene didn’t notice.

Instead, with a flushed face, she asked Logan again.

“Yes!… A girl like me… is it okay for me to dare to like the Hero?”

“……”

Logan remained silent for a moment.

Only then did Irene sense something was amiss and, with difficulty, tore her gaze away from Lian to look at Logan.

And in that instant, she realized her mistake.

‘Ah… What have I done…’

She had made a terrible blunder.

Knowing better than anyone how Logan felt about her, she had told him to his face that she had fallen for another man.

Could he be hurt?

Would he be angry?

A wave of anxiety washed over her.

However, Logan, after a very brief moment of a stiffened expression, relaxed and replied with his usual gentle smile.

“O-of course, Irene. A girl like you… What are you lacking? Even the Hero would surely like someone as beautiful and talented as you.”

“R-really…?”

Something felt off, but Logan’s voice was as soft as usual, and his smile was kind.

Irene inwardly sighed in relief.

Indeed, Logan was always on her side.

She quickly forgot her anxiety at Logan’s unchanging demeanor and said with a bright smile.

“Thank you, Logan! You’re really the only one!”

“Mm-hmm…”

---

His heart… felt like it was shattering into pieces.

The words Irene uttered while looking at Hero Lian.

Her enraptured expression, her trembling voice, and that gaze she had never once shown him.

All of it became sharp daggers, mercilessly tearing Logan’s chest apart.

An indescribable emotion engulfed his entire body.

It was a kind of pain he had never felt before in his life.

Even throughout his past life, he had never experienced such an emotion.

If he didn’t escape this maelstrom of emotions right now, he felt like his heart would burst.

Logan desperately tried to shake off the thoughts storming through his mind.

Otherwise…

He might ruin Irene’s face, who looked as happy as if she had the whole world beside him right now.

He might hurt her because of his pointless jealousy.

‘…We’re not lovers. In the first place… I never did anything expecting something in return…’

He reassured himself over and over.

Honestly, it would be a lie to say he hadn’t hoped for anything.

It was true that he had dreamed of a future with her and had devoted everything to win her love.

But he had already resolved long ago.

When he fell into this unfamiliar world, he would live for her, who had been his only light.

Even if her heart wasn’t directed towards him, he would dedicate everything to her happiness.

Logan clenched his teeth.

And put on a mask.

Acting as if nothing was wrong, nonchalantly.

To reassure her as usual and say the words she wanted to hear.

He smiled gently and gave her the answer she wanted.

“Thank you, Logan! You’re really the only one!”

“Mm-hmm…”

Yes, this was fine.

Because she was smiling.

Because she was happy.

That was all that mattered.

Logan constantly brainwashed himself.

Meanwhile, Sera, who was introducing Hero Lian on the platform, didn’t miss Logan and Irene’s appearance from the corner of her eye.

‘I couldn’t believe it, but…’

Sera, looking at the splendid robe and expensive accessories Irene was wearing, had a rough idea of the kind of desires the girl harbored.

So, she had somewhat anticipated that Irene would fall for Lian’s appearance, but Logan’s reaction far exceeded Sera’s expectations.

In a situation where the woman he loved had fallen for another man, instead of jealousy or anger, he was actually encouraging and supporting her.

Wasn’t that beyond mere devotion, almost bordering on blindness?

‘…If I had known it would be like this, perhaps I should have changed my plans after all.’

Sera momentarily felt a sense of regret towards Logan, along with a strange possessiveness.

How wonderful would it be if she could monopolize such deep and pure affection?

‘No, it’s still not worth the trouble.’

But Sera soon shook her head.

Turning the heart of a man who devoted everything to one person would be nearly impossible.

Even if she was the Saintess of the Church.

And…

It would likely be impossible for that woman preparing to come up from below the platform now, too.

She didn’t know why she was looking at Logan with such eyes, but since the introduction of the Hero party members was over, it was now her turn to be introduced.

“The Hero Party alone will find it difficult to face the Demon Lord and his forces! I now introduce the Commander-in-Chief who will wisely lead all you brave members of the subjugation army gathered from various places!”

At Sera’s introduction, the gazes of the subjugation army and the citizens all turned towards the platform.

At the moment when the murmuring and anticipation reached their peak, Sera shouted again.

“The pride and future of the Empire, Her Highness the Princess… no, Her Highness Anastasia von Stahngart, who has now become the Crown Princess!!!”

---

Logan couldn’t help but be surprised to see the woman ascending the platform.

‘Ah… Anya?’

With Sera’s introduction, a woman, accompanied by knights in silver armor from the VIP seats, slowly walked up onto the platform.

Platinum blonde hair shining brilliantly under the sunlight and ruby-red eyes sparkling like jewels.

Though a youthful appearance remained, a noble dignity and grace that no one could take lightly enveloped her.

Five years ago, she was a frail girl battling illness.

He hadn’t heard any news since they parted, and a corner of his heart had always been concerned, but to think she would reappear looking so healthy and dignified.

And he had vaguely guessed she wouldn’t be ordinary, but to think… she was the Crown Princess.

He had heard the name Anastasia, who had recently become Crown Princess, a few times, but he had never imagined it would be that Anya.

At her beautiful yet strong appearance, everyone gathered in the training ground instinctively felt awe and bowed their heads.

Therefore, Logan, who couldn’t help but be confused by Irene’s sudden change or Anastasia’s unexpected appearance, naturally followed the crowd and bowed his head in respect.

Meanwhile, Anastasia, standing on the platform, tried hard to maintain her composure, but her heart was seething with anger and pity.

Today was an important departure ceremony marking the beginning of the Demon Lord’s subjugation.

To boost the morale of the subjugation army and give hope to the citizens of the empire, she couldn’t show even the slightest discomposure.

However, as soon as she saw Logan, she found it difficult to control her emotions.

Reunited after five years, he had grown even more splendidly.

To think he was standing here as a full-fledged Gold-grade adventurer and a member of the Hero’s party.

She felt proud and impressed.

But at the same time, seeing the woman named Irene by his side and Logan’s unchanging gaze towards her, an unbearable anger surged within her.

‘How… How could she!’

She had watched everything from below the platform.

Irene’s captivated expression as she fell for Lian at first sight, and Logan’s gentle words to her, showing no sign of hurt.

‘Logan, are you a fool! Do you truly not know how that woman is trampling on your heart!’

Anastasia screamed inwardly.

Five years ago, listening to Logan’s stories of devoted love, she had thought how blessed the woman named Irene was.

But the person herself took Logan’s heart for granted and easily lost her heart to another man.

Right next to Logan, no less!

‘If I had known this would happen… that day, I should have used any means necessary to bring Logan to the Imperial Palace!’

Regret washed over her like a flood.

Renate, standing beside her, noticed her unusual demeanor and whispered quietly.

“Your Highness the Crown Princess… Please calm yourself. Right now…”

“Ah… I know, Renate. Ahem…”

Only then did Anastasia realize she had revealed too much of her emotions and hastily composed her expression.

However, her pity for Logan and anger towards Irene did not subside easily.

Moreover, seeing Logan bow his head in respect without even making proper eye contact after spotting her, made her feel a pang of disappointment.

‘…Logan, surely you haven’t forgotten me, have you?’

Struggling to suppress her complex emotions, Anastasia stepped forward to the center of the platform and began her prepared speech.

As the Crown Princess of the Empire, as the Commander-in-Chief of the subjugation army, she had to fulfill her role.

She stepped to the center of the platform and began her speech, shouting in a loud voice.

“No matter how powerful the Demon Lord’s forces may be! With the strength of our Empire and our allies, we will surely be able to crush them!”

“Along with the Hero Party, our subjugation army will also fight with all our might! So, all of you, do not lose courage and follow me!”

“To the people of the Empire, please rest assured and believe in our victory, and wait for it!!!”

“Waaaaah!!!”

The soldiers of the subjugation army and the citizens responded to her speech with enthusiastic cheers.

The departure ceremony seemed to be concluding successfully.

However, even amidst that, Irene’s heart was filled with discomfort.

‘…What’s with that woman?’

Distracted by Lian, Irene turned her head at a sudden stinging gaze and met the eyes of Crown Princess Anastasia, who was speaking on the platform.

Even at first glance, she could tell she was an incredibly noble and beautiful person.

But her gaze was somehow cold and seemed to openly display hostility towards her.

‘What did I do wrong to deserve such a look? Does being a Crown Princess mean she can do anything?’

Irene felt displeasure at the baseless hostility.

And what bothered her more was…

‘…Why does she keep glancing at Logan?’

Noticing the Crown Princess’s gaze frequently turning towards Logan, an unknown anxiety and jealousy began to bloom in Irene’s heart.

Thus, the journey for the Demon Lord’s subjugation was beginning amidst intricately entangled emotions and hidden conflicts from the very start.