"What concerns us right now about that girl and me, we'll talk about later."
I'm setting aside the fact that the girl and I share the same last name and physical features. There are more important things to discuss than focusing on her.
Ultimately, we have priorities.
"Heroes, for whom we selfishly summoned you, I myself apologize. As for the reasons..."
Ishtal, the Royal Guards, and I bowed to apologize to them. A king shouldn't have to do this, but I feel that, by taking them out of their own worlds, you know.
After that, I told them about the background of our world, its current state, and the calamity we are facing right now.
"We, the Kingdom of Astra, request your help in the face of this calamity we are experiencing. Please, brave heroes, answer our call."
We bowed our heads once more before the valiant heroes, awaiting a favorable response. Their decisions would determine the fate of the earth. They were now conversing amongst themselves. The girl remained apart from the conversation.
Don't they consider her one of them?
"King, you are far too humble. This is my honest opinion. We have no choice but to fight for your kingdom. Bowing down to us even further shows that you are in a desperate situation. This is what I ask you: Do you have any way to return?"
One of the heroes praised me for my humility. Then he gave his honest opinion about the situation. They responded favorably.
"I am deeply touched by your honest response. However, I apologize for involving you in the problems of our world. Please allow me to express my gratitude. Of course, I am more than willing to meet all your needs within my domain. As for the method of return, I apologize again, but we do not have one."
Sorry, heroes...
That's a blatant lie.
There is a way back.
I don't like to lie, but I need to make sure everyone focuses on the training and the trip ahead.
However, I assured them that they would not have any financial problems under my management.
"I see. Even if we wanted to delve deeper into the matter, it would be pointless. So, please tell us now what your plan is."
Their enthusiasm surprises and delights me at the same time. They want to talk about the plans now. But we can't continue discussing it right now.
They will soon reach their limit.
It's a shame I can't serve you a fancy dinner; I'll bring the food to your rooms.
"Oh, brave heroes, could we discuss the plans tomorrow? The dimensional transfer may have exhausted most of your energy. I'll have the...the maids escort you to your rooms."
Oh...!
I was about to say "maids," but then I remembered there was a maid among the heroes. I imagined one maid escorting and serving another maid as well.
The leader of the heroes, who was standing, replied:
—We will obey.
And then the maids escorted them to their respective rooms.
The girl remains a mystery to us, but we can't go into details right now. Using a royal name will cost her dearly if she doesn't tell the truth tomorrow.
.
.
.
I'm currently in my room. It's the largest room in the castle, but also the messiest. Documents are scattered everywhere, and my bookshelf is in a sorry state.
A gentle breeze blows from the veranda. The sheer blue curtains sway softly in the wind. The view outside encompasses the entire capital and its surroundings, with a high, fortified wall to keep out magical beasts.
To the west, you can see the lush forest of magical beasts, Alevone, and to the right, the Catella mountains.
Ishtal, who was in a corner of the room, suddenly spoke.
"Your Majesty, the return method everyone talks about... Doesn't it exist? Although it's mentioned in ancient records, it can only be channeled by the heirs of true dragons and their immense magical power. Why did you assure them it was impossible?" the advisor asked.
“I don’t want them to lose focus before their next training, Ishtal… I know perfectly well that this deception will take its toll on me morally sooner or later. I will reveal it to you when the calamity has been defeated. By then, I will have the heroes train in our domains and travel the world to test themselves against the leaders of other continents and their champions,” the monarch replied gravely.
—It seems you still retain that wild obstinacy of your youth... Even when trusting the other leaders of the continent.
—Well, I crossed paths with them a couple of times during my travels in my youth.
—I think you're still as wild as ever at your best—
BANG!
Outside my room there was a thud, as if something had fallen. The heavy door, which doesn't move in the wind, creaked slightly. I rushed out to see what had happened.
It was a surprise...
Little Asagao is here.
I'm worried she overheard the conversation a moment ago. It looks like she fell on her back.
Are you spying on us?
By nature, I'm very distrustful. This girl has made me very suspicious.
I will intimidate her with words.
Reveal your true nature here, Asagao.
"Hey, little girl! Are you spying on us in the middle of the night?!"
"Hey! No... I don't do it...!"
It was an adorable squeal, but I can't let myself get carried away by this tender act and then...
"Uh… uh… bathroom…"
"Huh? Sorry, I didn't hear you properly. Can you repeat that?"
"Bathroom! Hiccup ! I'm lost! Sobs ! I can't find it!"
He got lost looking for the bathroom!
I'm very suspicious of a little girl!
That's why they always call me the idiot king.
She clings to the hem of my clothes and looks at me with her eyes raised, as if pleading. She is crying uncontrollably.
"Huh? Wait! Please stop crying! No, I didn't mean to be mad at you, so please stop. Look! I'll walk you home!"
"Actually?"
"Really! After that, I'll walk you to your room too!"
I managed to hide it.
I patted him on the head.
Her hair is silky and soft, and it feels very pleasant to the touch. My palm already covers almost her entire head because it's so small.
Thank goodness she stopped crying.
I feel very guilty right now.
Besides...
Is it true?
"Your name is Asagao, right? With the same last name as me, Lionheart."
“Yes! Asagao! Asagao Lionheart! Just like Fon-nii!”
"This world is full of coincidences..."
I struck up a brief conversation with her. She responded so cheerfully that it made me smile. Afterward, we started walking down the hallway.
I need to know more about her before jumping to conclusions. I should ask her about her situation, her name, and if, by any chance, she's related to me.
I don't want to cause a stir in my land with her presence. It seems I'll have to keep an eye on her to be safe. I'll also ask the heroes about her after they've trained with her.
Should a child receive that type of training?
While I was thinking about that, a soldier who was on patrol greeted me.
"Good evening, Your Majesty!"
"Good evening to you too, soldier! How's the situation?"
"Your Majesty, the situation is normal, as always, but rest assured that we do not neglect our duty."
"Thank you for your hard work and dedication, soldier."
"By the way, Your Majesty, it's rare to see you alone in the middle of the night."
Alone?
OH SHIT!
I abandoned the soldier immediately.
I ran down the hallway at incredible speed.
Sweat was pouring down my face.
I remembered that the one who cried betrayed who was seeking company.
The adorable little girl who, instead of receiving compassion and apologies, is treated with suspicion.
The little girl who smiled when she was stroked...
What have I done?
She was just a child.
What was I thinking?
Spy?
That's why Lily and Edelweiss call me an idiot.
I'm sure they wouldn't show any mercy if they knew what I did.
I heard a faint sob.
He sounded truly lonely and betrayed.
Goddess, forgive me if you exist.
I walk towards her.
With every step I take, the sobs and crying become more audible.
Those steps are so heavy as my heart tears apart.
The solitary figure of the little girl hugged her own knee while hiding her face in it.
Her beautiful hair, white as snow, just like mine; her calm blue eyes reflecting the light that illuminates this dark and gloomy night, with the cold air swirling around.
Her small, fragile shoulders tremble along with her thin arms.
In contrast to my masculine features, her face exudes a beauty and sweetness that can awaken a radiant warmth in anyone's heart, even though her cheeks are slightly flushed right now.
I've already reached her.
He is trembling.
I felt the blood draining from my head.
It hurts me a lot right now, but what's wrong with her?
To be left alone in this dark and gloomy hallway, lost in this unfamiliar world, separated from her loved ones at such a young age...
Annoyed me.
I don't even know if I still have the right to do it, but I stroked his head.
After a few seconds of caressing her, she looked up at me.
Her face is a mess from crying, but she's still very cute.
I apologize.
"I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry! I did something like that to a little girl like you!"
«...»
Her empty, seemingly surprised gaze breaks my heart.
I feel like I'm being poked from the inside.
I let go of his head and stood up.
I lifted her by the waist and held her in my arms.
It's so light.
From my point of view, this girl weighs almost nothing.
"I'll carry you like this so we don't get separated."
It's really warm and soft.
I could become addicted to this feeling.
But right now, thinking about it also hurts.
I have fought thousands of battles, I have suffered many wounds and injuries.
I will always emerge victorious.
But this pain I feel right now...
I'm not thinking about beating him.
Can't...
Now I can't even imagine this girl going into battle.
She is thin and very delicate.
This girl who seems like she'll cry at any painful situation, this fragile girl who will break down emotionally and physically...
Think:
"I want to protect her."
But it would be unfair to the other heroes as well.
They might get angry with me.
In just one night, not even a whole day has passed, I became emotionally attached to this girl.
Could it be because of her appearance?
Is it because I'm attracted to his charm?
Is it because I'm interested in you because we have the same last name?
Disparate.
I know I am an excellent ruler and a king to my people.
But I'm not a good person to others.
I lack the trust that one should have in others.
I want to take care of this girl somehow.
Not on a whim, but because I truly care.
This meeting between this girl and me must have been the work of the stars.
As I carried Asagao and strode down the corridor, a patrol soldier saw us and bowed to us respectfully.
Then he looks at Asagao with curiosity in his eyes and casually asks his king without hesitation: "Your Majesty, I didn't know you had a little sister."
"She is not one, she is with the heroes."
"Oh, I'm so sorry. But you and the girl look very much alike."
"I'm speechless too, you know?"
"I see, but this girl looks a lot like you, she looks like an angel, doesn't she?"
The humble soldier looked away for some reason.
You can tell his face is nervous.
He tried to communicate something by pointing at something, but he held back.
What's wrong, soldier?
"The girl, Your Majesty, is not wearing underwear!"
«Huh?!»
By the goddess! What is this guard saying!?
This King's mind needs a moment for its gears to start working again!
♦♦♦♦
Asagao's point of view:
"Huh?!"
It is the only thing the king can utter at that moment as he mechanically turns his head towards me.
"S-soldier! The only way to know is by looking there, you know?!"
"M-ma'am! I'm sorry! It was an accident! I'm going to kill myself right now!"
“D-don’t rush into anything!”
Their voices tremble. It's an amusing sight, but I'll soon reach my limit, so I urge the king to stop by calling to him and tugging at his clothes.
—Come on, I need to pee…
The soldier had a horrible expression; then, he seemed to have attained enlightenment. He then uttered words that would have made the king weep with despair.
He waved with all his might.
“Your Majesty! Thanks to you, the evil Empire collapsed, and our land was finally able to prosper, greatly improving the lives of the people by giving us commoners more opportunities! I myself lived in poverty because of cruel nobles, but since you ascended the throne, I have had the chance to work here and support my family. So, Your Majesty! My loyalty is yours no matter what!”
He said it all at once. This guy's loyalty is genuine... even though he basically said, "Even if he turns out to be a lolicon, the most depraved of the depraved, and takes this girl as his royal concubine... we'll still love him!"
The king, you know, is very pale right now. Even paler than before.
The guard, unaware of the psychological damage he had caused his monarch, bowed deeply and respectfully and left.
“…”
Ah. I was expecting him to say the cliché "IT'S A MISUNDERSTANDING," but he gave up. When the urge returned, I tugged on his clothes again and said, "Go pee."
She turned towards me and smiled.
“Come on, Asagao-chan! It’s really cold tonight, so we should hurry!”
Well...
Is he pretending nothing happened?