episode_0137

They are walking through the garden.

The weather isn’t particularly sunny, nor is it cloudy; it’s just ordinary.

There’s also a breeze, so it’s not too hot, and since it’s been a while since the rain stopped, the ground isn’t very damp.

There are flowers in the flowerbeds.

Some praise the flowers’ beauty, while others say that a strong fence should be built to protect them.

Honestly, I don’t know.

Aren’t they all pretty much the same?

They just have slightly different petal colors and shapes, and emit similar, indistinguishable scents.

I don’t understand why they’re so carefully gathered and cherished.

Those were the days that followed.

Whenever I came to, I was in that garden for some reason, and I just kept walking without knowing why.

I didn’t even know if there was anywhere else besides the garden.

Just small paths and flowerbeds, that was the whole world.

Wearing uncomfortable armor and wielding a sword so heavy my arms felt like they would fall off.

I lived the same yesterday as today.

I don’t think I even had the chance to think.

Even if I opened my eyes after a long night, the next day would be exactly the same as yesterday and today.

There was no need to wait for the repetitive routine.

It would come again tomorrow anyway.

I couldn’t have any expectations, nor could I imagine anything.

In this ashen life… I thought there was no such thing as happiness.

But that day, it came like a gust of wind.

In that flowerbed, which had been the same and boring every day, a small lily had somehow bloomed.

My eyes were naturally drawn to it.

I still don’t know why.

I just realized it for the first time.

That such a small, pure white flower could be so strong and beautiful.

The flowerbed where that flower was was warmer than usual.

Because the day was exceptionally sunny, causing me to squint.

The flowerbed where that flower was was brighter than usual.

Because even small clouds wouldn’t linger over it.

The flowerbed where that flower was was softer than usual.

Because even the ground where it took root seemed fluffy.

The moment I met her in the swordsmanship arena, my monotonous and ordinary life changed completely.

Just for the reason that I wanted to see her again, I swung my sword and moved my feet.

Strangely, the sword and armor weren’t uncomfortable or heavy.

My skill improved much faster than when I was just swinging it like a machine.

As I kept recalling the image of the flower in my mind, I began to notice the characteristics of other flowers.

Some are bright, some are honest, some are diligent.

Strangely, I found conversations with people more interesting, and I started making friends.

Before I knew it, I had learned teaching methods and reached a position where I taught students, and I was no longer alone.

I realized the feeling of loneliness.

And also that that feeling was no longer there.

There was no room for thoughts of my own, only sharpening my sword was the whole of my life.

When I suddenly came to my senses, I was polishing my armor sparkling clean.

I started applying beauty products recommended for women to my cheeks and lips.

After rigorous training, I used to scrub myself clean, but strangely, I started taking care of my soft skin sometime ago.

After throwing my much lighter and refreshed body onto the bed, I snuggled into the blanket and wiggled my feet.

Then, I closed my eyes, picturing stars and moon in my mind, and went to sleep.

Dreaming of a new tomorrow, different from today, when I open my eyes.

Looking forward to a future that will gradually be filled with new colors.

All of this changed with a single encounter.

I still can’t believe it.

Even though I don’t believe in God, I had to believe that fate exists.

Do you believe it?

That a single small flower can change a person’s life?

I, at least, believe it.

Because I actually met that flower.

Always with unwavering eyes, looking to a future far beyond the present.

A mysterious and beautiful flower that brought me to a new world.

Creak—

“Aspi, are you feeling a little better—”

Not long after I opened my eyes in the hospital room, Princess Narita came to visit.

She gently wiped the dampness from her eyes with the back of her hand and shook it off in the breeze blowing through the window curtains.

“Are you alright? Why, why are you crying…?”

“I… had a bit of a dream.”

As always, she was beautiful.

Even the way she panicked and flustered over a mere teardrop of mine.

“Was it a sad dream?”

“…No.”

“Then a good dream?”

“Yes—”

The princess sat down beside me gently, asking me with her clear, unblemished eyes.

“Then why were you crying?”

About a dream where she was by my side when I woke up one morning.

A dream that only contained happiness: why was I crying?

I answered in a steady voice.

“It’s a dream that will soon come true… I was just too happy.”

This world exists to contain her.

Only for that purpose.

My name is Aspi Lichtein.

I exist to protect her and the world that contains her.

***

『[Character Story: Aspi]’s progress has greatly increased.』 『 is unlocked.』

I was able to properly talk to Aspi after Tier’s thorough examination was completed.

“Really… you have a frighteningly sturdy body.”

The divine miracle caused by the high-level magic [Sacred Sacrifice] only managed to heal fatal injuries.

After that, she completely regenerated her entire body with abundant life force, they say.

A few days have passed since the incident.

She fell into a deep sleep, pouring all her energy into recovery without wasting it on anything else, and most of her major organs have returned to normal.

If she just rests, she can be discharged within a week.

“Get plenty of rest… and don’t eat too many snacks. My job is done now.” “Thank you, Tier.” “Well- what… for such a thing…”

Tier, having finished her work, waddled out of the hospital room with her large chest.

“We’ll go now too.” “Yeah, you worked hard. Go get some rest.” “Kehi- See you later, Nari~”

Yuri and Nix also waved cheerfully and headed back to the dormitory.

Soon, only Aspi and I remained in the hospital room.

Whatever the conversation becomes, I’m ready.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” “Yeah.” “I really thought something terrible had happened.” “…Yeah. I’m sorry.”

Well, I must have been pretty shocked at the time.

I also did overexert myself a bit.

“When I opened my eyes, I saw Your Highness collapsed, my heart really sank.” “I’m really sorry. But—”

The spot where the blade infused with magic pierced.

Aspi placed her hand over her chest and felt her heartbeat slowly.

“Even if the same situation happens again, I’ll make the same choice.” “Yes, I know… so—” “Aspi, wait a minute-”

She suddenly got up from the bed.

She pulled her legs out from under the covers, and cautiously got up, as if she still wasn’t fully recovered yet.

She knelt down and bowed her head.

“Don’t push yourself—” “So… thank you so much. For letting my heart beat again… for letting me live in a world where Your Highness exists…” “…Yeah.”

Such an honest person.

I pretended not to hear her muffled sobs and gently stroked her soft, light green hair.

After a while, Aspi took my hand and raised her head.

She pressed her lips to the back of my hand.

“This life is given by Your Highness, so I will use it to serve you for the rest of my life.” “That was your intention from the beginning.” “Oh my, how did you know—”

Suddenly we made eye contact, and we laughed for quite a long time.

Because of her uncharacteristic playfulness and sly tone, her unusual appearance made her look even prettier and more lovely.

Aspi got up and grabbed my arm.

“Could you… help me sit up a little?” “I told you not to push yourself…” “No- I’m not in pain, my arms and legs just have a little less strength…”

I hugged her and gently placed her back on the bed.

Despite slumping over as if her strength had left her, she didn’t feel that heavy.

“Like this… no one would be able to stop me, no matter what they do.” “Aspi, you’re being playful today—”

It was such a shocking statement, coming from someone who is usually serious and diligent, that I could hardly keep up.

Or maybe I was just the one who took it that way.

—When I looked at Aspi.

Even though the sun was still high in the sky, her face was as red as a sunset.

“It’s… not a joke. I’ve been sincere all along.” “Aspi—”

Yes, she’s always been like that.

She has never lied to me.

Especially about her feelings.

“Your Highness, could you lean over a little?” “Huh? Like this—”

As she bent down over the bed, Aspi suddenly pulled my face closer and…

Pressed her lips to mine.

*Smack*

Foreheads touching, looking only into each other’s eyes.

She softly whispered.

“I fell in love with you at first sight… truly, truly… there’s only Your Highness in my heart…♡” “…Aspi.”

I’m not the one to run away when a woman has been this honest.

I didn’t want to express my current feelings in a single word, so I just let my body move as I devoured Aspi’s lips.

I embraced her head, mingling our tongues until saliva dripped.

But Aspi flinched slightly as if her body bothered her slightly.

“…Are you alright?” “I’m fine… no, even if there is something wrong, it’s fine right now.” “Your injury was quite severe…” “It’s fine now. If you’re worried—”

She shook her head repeatedly, saying she was fine, and released her arms around my neck.

*Click* *Click*

Then, she unbuttoned her hospital gown and loosened the front.

“Want to… see for yourself?”