Two months had passed since Crusch's confession, and with the morning sun bearing down on us, the five of us main members of Priscilla's camp were spending the morning together, relaxing after having worn ourselves out from preparing for the upcoming festivities the days before.
Who knew planning for a party, as well as aiding the citizens with their festival, could be so exhausting?
Anyway, while Ferris was reading through a book off to the side, Priscilla was leisurely sitting under a parasol with Crusch standing next to her, with the two of them watching over me and Schult in amusement.
And as for what the two of us were doing?
Well… I was finally fulfilling that promise I had made to him many months ago, although I had been doing so for a while already.
"Keep your back straight. The power of a strike starts at your feet, and transfers through your body, so your core must be strong and stable," I instructed, leisurely deflecting his strike to the side with my wooden sword as he reset his stance for another swing.
Indeed, we were currently training, and yes, it was being done with wooden swords rather than practice spears.
The reason for the change in my usual weaponry was quite simple.
We didn't know what type of weapon and combat style would fit Schult best, and in order to learn that, he first needed to improve his basic combat skills through experience, which the sword was perfect for.
This was actually how I first learned combat in this world when I was younger, as there were few spearmen in the royal palace to learn from, with all the knights using swords instead.
Technically, pure martial arts would work as well for developing a strong base for combat, but with his smaller body, a sword would still be best.
And who knows? Maybe Schult would end up as a swordsman in the end.
That was the most common weapon of this world, after all.
The sound of dull clacks continued through the yard as I leisurely parried his strikes, his slashes much stronger and accurate than when he had first picked up a sword.
I couldn't say he had any particular talent for the blade or for combat, but there were few people that I had met who were as dedicated to improving as the boy, so I was sure that he would grow up to be a fine fighter eventually.
It would definitely take a lot of effort though… stay strong, Schult.
"Good. Stop for now and think," I said, knocking his thrust to the ground.
He immediately stopped his attacks, bowing his head before dropping to the ground, closing his eyes as he began going through our ten-minute sparring session in his mind.
This method of learning was one that I was forced to do when I was first starting out, and I had quickly gotten Schult to follow.
After all, when you're as young as he is, and as I was back when I started learning, your body would tire out extremely quickly despite the fact that you still have effort to give.
So where could you put that effort while you waited for your stamina to replenish?
Well… your mind, hence the meditation session as he internalized and went over his mistakes he needed to correct for the next session.
Plus, it was always good to think about your mistakes and things to work on instead of mindlessly swinging your weapon around.
"Seeing you and him like this… it reminds me of our spar when we were younger," Crusch suddenly said as I looked over, her soft smile widening as our eyes met.
"That happened?" I asked, slightly surprised.
I do briefly remember something about sparring with another kid when I was younger, but since I was quite strong for my age, there wasn't many that could actually keep up with me.
But Crusch had done so… interesting.
"Indeed it did. It was quite the important event in my youth, to be brought down by someone my age when I had been touted as a once in a generation genius… yes, it was quite the humbling experience," she replied, shaking her head. "And to think it wasn't even with your main weapon…"
Well, to be fair, at that point I hadn't really decided on what weapon I would use.
"Anyway, your swordsmanship… while not as amazing as you are with the spear, it is still impressive. Perhaps we could spar with swords during tomorrow's morning training," she suggested.
"I… guess we could. Although, I don't think it's anything special," I said, dropping the practice weapon on the ground as I lifted my shirt to wipe away the sweat on my face.
"There's no need to be so… humble…" Crusch said, her words trailing off before she suddenly looked away.
What was that about?
Anyway, even though I wasn't exerting myself during that little spar with Schult, the heat from the shining sun still made me sweat quite a bit, especially since I had been practicing my magic while Schult was meditating.
And speaking of Crusch… I was glad to say that things were not nearly as awkward as I had expected, and we had continued performing our duties alongside each other with no friction at all.
Although… there have been a few changes, not that they were necessarily bad.
For instance, she wore much looser clothing during our training, and invited me for a drink at night more often than before, although Priscilla often joined us whenever she got word of it.
'Not giving up', indeed… but thankfully, Priscilla didn't seem to be too irritated at the subtle advances, although she did complain in bed before we went to sleep.
It had confused me at first, why Priscilla would be so accepting of it, but over time… I think I got the reason.
While I couldn't say anything definitive, I was pretty sure that Priscilla enjoyed Crusch's pursuit of me primarily because it made them adversaries, if only in the realm of love.
After all, with them being 'adversaries' in love, it meant that Crusch wasn't completely devout to her like most of her followers, and instead, acted more as… friends.
And when I thought about it like that, everything made a bit more sense.
After all, while I complained all the time about not having many male friends, I still had Reinhard and Subaru, even if I wasn't able to see them often
But Priscilla… she didn't have any friends at all due to a mix of her position, as well as her attitude, often seen as 'too much' by those blind to the charming and adorable side of her nature.
And so, the current situation of the camp was… good, to put it simply.
Actually, considering what day today was… it was more than good.
"Priscilla-sama," a maid said, causing all of us to turn towards her entrance into the yard. "You have a guest."
Priscilla's eyebrow twitched in annoyance.
"You came to me for that? Send them to the visitors quarters. I am much too busy to receive them," Priscilla replied, shooing the maid away with her fan.
Pris… that would have a lot more significance if you weren't currently lounging without a care in the world.
"I… apologize, my lady, but… considering their position, I believe they require special treatment," the maid continued, bowing her head lower.
Special treatment?
Priscilla's and my eyes met as we shared a confused look.
The maids here were extremely skilled, and part of that skill was knowing the vocabulary of Priscilla, so for her to say it was someone that deserved Priscilla's attention… it couldn't be an ordinary noble.
But… we had already gone through all the guests that we were expecting just yesterday, and there wasn't anyone whose status made them deserving of such a thing.
"Is that so…? Well? You've intrigued me, so out with it. Who is this ever-so distinguished guest?" Priscilla asked her.
The maid returned to a normal standing position as she diligently nodded her head.
"It is a fellow candidate for the throne, my lady," the maid answered. "One Emilia-sama, along with her knight and attendant."
Ah… so that was it.
A royal candidate would definitely explain the maid's hesitance, and since it was them…
Well, it would be interesting to see them after so long, and from how Priscilla's mouth twisted into a slight grin, it seemed that she agreed.
—
"Priscilla-san! Selian-san! Crusch-san!" Emilia said, her eyes lighting up at our entrance as she then stood up, performing a polite curtsy. "Thank you for your kind reception."
It had only been a few moments, but I could already tell that she seemed much more put together as a potential ruler.
I guess she had used the time since our last meeting to gain some confidence.
I briefly looked to her side, to where Subaru was getting up, his contracted spirit that had just been sitting on his lap, and then Rem, who was standing behind the two as she bowed towards us.
With his lady doing a somewhat casual, but still polite greeting as she and Priscilla were essentially of the same status, Subaru himself simply… gave us a wave.
"Yo!"
Rem lifted her head, her calm smile twitching as her eyes remained shut.
"Subaru-kun, it would be prudent to greet them properly, especially since we came without a direct invitation, nor any form of notice," she advised.
"Honestly, what a rude contractor… but that is part of Subaru's charm, I suppose," Beatrice added, crossing her arms with a huff.
Subaru smirked as he reached down to rustle her hair, the spirit girl whining in mock annoyance as Subaru then looked back at Rem to complain.
"Oh, come on! I had enough of that stuff for the day with those guys at the entrance," he said, waving away her nagging before turning back to us. "Besides, we're friends, right?"
Well… that might be true, but even so…
"Hmph. I shouldn't have expected anything more, considering your usual decorum. Though it seems that your previous chivalry, as seen from that ceremony, left as quickly as it came," Priscilla said, shaking her head as she sat down on the couch opposite them, pulling my hand to sit down next to her.
"Pris?" I whispered, confused, as I usually stood beside her during such meetings.
"If they are going to act so flippantly, then do not expect me to not take advantage of it," she said, a small smile forming on her lips as she watched the four guests as they sat back down as well. "In fact… perhaps that brazenness of theirs is one thing I should take as a lesson… so from now on, I expect you to be sitting beside me whenever I wish."
Uh… okay?
But still, if there was something that she could learn from others, I did not think it would be boldness of all things.
"Anyway, while my mansion can accommodate you quite easily, I am still confused as to the reason of your visit," Priscilla said, leaning back as her hand continued holding mine. "And for your information, I have already hired a band to entertain the guests, so there is no need for the amusement your group provides."
"Err. I… feel like you just insulted us," Subaru said with a frown.
Uh, she did so pretty clearly… but luckily, neither Rem nor Emilia seemed to care, and Beatrice was too focused on the cakes the maid had set out on the table.
"But anyway, basically-"
"Subaru-kun." Rem interrupted him. "It would be best for Emilia-sama to answer these questions."
"Ah… right, sorry," he said, clasping his hands together in apology.
Well… at least he was learning, I guess.
"It's okay, Subaru," Emilia said, interrupting him with a smile. "You were just trying your best to help me, right?"
Subaru nodded his head, causing Emilia's smile to widen even more as she turned back to us.
Was this what Heinkel meant by me and Pris being 'sickening' with each other?
I… could kind of understand as an observer now.
…But it wasn't as if such a thing would stop us.
"As for why we came… well, we were definitely interested in the celebration, but there is also a more… practical reason," Emilia said, sitting up straight as her tone held steady, causing Priscilla's eyes to sharpen in interest. "I was advised to come and see the fastest developing region of the nation, and try to see what parts I can emulate in my own territory. It will also serve as a way to introduce myself to more nobles of the nation, as many have come here for today's celebration, and perhaps I may be able to obtain more connections through it."
Oh?
She was quite bold, to honestly say that she would use this visit for her personal benefit so easily… and I didn't think she had any territory, unlike what she had just said, but if she was thinking of Roswaal's domain as her own now…
This was a bit interesting.
I had noticed that the two of them had changed when we held that party for the defeat of the White Whale, but to think they had grown so much…
"How arrogant… but I suppose I don't dislike seeing such a side to you," Priscilla said as she stood back up. "Then, enjoy my land to your heart's content. In fact, I will give you the privilege of a tour with yours truly, so you may see just how outmatched you are compared to me and my Selian."
My Selian… no matter how many times she said it, I would never not feel giddy when she did.
But yes, it would be bad if they ended up getting into some trouble while here in our territory, and considering Emilia's appearance, there was more of a chance of that happening than with a regular guest, so they would definitely need some people to show them around.
And luckily for them… well, Priscilla seemed to be in a great mood today.
—
"Whoa… I knew it looked cool from coming here, but walking the streets is really something else," Subaru said, his eyes wide in amazement as his head turned back and forth.
Even Emilia and Rem were invested in the scenery, and while she tried to hide it, I noticed the spirit holding Subaru's hand was interested as well.
To have appeased the Great Spirit who seemed to find me quite annoying due to my Divine Protection… well, it filled me with confidence in the realization of my and Priscilla's efforts.
"Indeed. Though you should not expect anything less from the newest city of the nation," Crusch said calmly with a smile of her own as she trailed behind us.
"It's very different from the village of Arlam…" Emilia muttered before turning to Priscilla. "And the celebration for tonight… it's to commemorate this town officially becoming a city, right? How exciting!"
Yeah… that was the main point of the festivities.
While it still wasn't at the level of the great cities such as Priestella and the Capital, it seemed that the council had decided that this place's rate of growth and current development was enough to ascend its title to a city which… wouldn't change much, all things considered.
Priscilla would gain a bit more influence as she would also take on the title of Mayor, and we would officially be able to draft a charter that would allow us more control into local rights and laws, though we had already enforced unofficial laws through Priscilla's influence over the place.
But still… it was something to celebrate.
"It is indeed," I said. "The city of Prisolia… a beautiful name, no?"
A place named after the most beautiful woman… it truly fit this growing city.
"Prisolia… that does sound nice," Rem nodded in approval.
"Almost like a flower!" Subaru added.
I felt Priscilla's hand move down to clasp my own in response, her cheeks a bit rosy as she furrowed her brows.
Wait… was she embarrassed about me praising it?
Well… I guess it made sense, considering where the name came from.
When we first got the notice from the council that the town would be able to become a city, the first step was to choose the name.
The town had been technically unnamed thus far, simply taking the last name of whoever was the lord of the land at the time, and the city of 'Barielle' didn't sound too amazing, especially if we considered the old guy that the name originated from.
No… this place deserved a new name that represented the one that had brought her divine luck into its soil.
And so… it was up to me to select a name, as Priscilla decided that she would have more amusement in seeing my decision.
And by combining the 'Pris' from my beloved's name, as well as 'Sol' from her moniker as the Sun Princess… well, I eventually landed on a good one.
"But that isn't the only thing that today celebrates," Crusch intervened.
"What do you mean by that?" Subaru asked.
"Well… it is also Priscilla-sama's birthday," Crusch answered.
Subaru and Emilia paused, sharing a look of worry between the two of them, before looking back at Priscilla and me.
"Uh… really?" Subaru asked in a worried tone.
Yes, really.
Priscilla was now 20 years old, which… didn't really change anything, to be honest.
"Is it truly that surprising?" Priscilla asked, raising her brow in question.
"Uh, no, but… we would have gotten you something if we knew," Subaru said, with Emilia eagerly nodding in agreement.
"Hmph. No need. I have everything that I have ever wished for already, and if I want more… well, then I can simply retrieve it myself," she said, shaking her head. "And as for specific gifts… well, one could say I get one every night."
Priscilla then looked over and shot me a wink.
Pris… why are you doing this?
Is it revenge for me complimenting the city's name next to you?
Well, at least the two naive ones didn't understand what she meant, but from how Rem's cheeks darkened… I think she caught on to just what exactly my lady meant by that little comment.
"Anyway, you said you wished to take this time to learn and observe how exactly we were able to develop this town into a city, correct?" Priscilla said, walking forward as she gestured towards the end of the road. "Then come. I shall reveal to you the magnificence of my city."
She then did exactly that, our group first going over the three larger projects that had just been completed.
The first was the creation of the wall that surrounded the outskirts, fixed with large gates for the eastern and western entrance.
And then there was the sewage and water system that was connected to the nearby river, as well as the newly paved roads that had been made above it.
Honestly, with the lack of sewage systems in this world and low sanitation, I was surprised that there hadn't been any problems with large epidemics like cholera, but luckily, it seemed that disease in this world was quite rare.
If I had to guess, it must be related to the mana that was present within everyone, allowing the body to fight off practically all bacteria and viruses within the body… or something.
So, really, the sewage system wouldn't do much in terms of the overall health of the city's populace… but I still wanted a civilized land, and that included plumbing.
After all, before, people would use the fields of farmland to get rid of their waste, but with those farmlands near the city being replaced with new buildings and public works, that waste needed a new place to go.
"It only took a month? Wow, that's amazing! But… how were you able to get all the trenches dug out in such a short amount of time?" Emilia asked, looking at Priscilla with wonder.
They must have been talking about the drainage ditches.
"Oh? Well, that would be due to Selian here," Priscilla said, giving me a smirk. "Isn't that right, darling~?"
Tch… she knew that was a sore spot for me, didn't she?
And the amazed looks from our three guests weren't helping either… dammit, just why did I have to go through that again?
"It… was nothing," I said, looking away. "So, let's just keep moving."
Unfortunately, by looking away, my gaze drifted right towards Crusch, who was giving me quite the mischievous smile from my right.
"What's wrong, Selian? Was it truly that humiliating to use your strength for the development of the land?" she asked, raising her eyebrow in mock curiosity.
"I… guess I don't care that much," I muttered, turning to face forward again. "But… to use that move that I had been training for so long to use… to use it for digging a ditch… never mind, it's nothing."
Dammit, I already felt the frustration boiling up again, and Crusch and Priscilla's giggles from both sides weren't helping.
That technique that I used against the White Whale, and later Regulus, 'Resonance', where I clashed my mana together to create an explosion… while I was able to fight those two monsters with it, after everything settled down afterwards, I found that my control over it was… pretty bad.
So much so, that I was only able to use it about once out of every ten tries.
But now, after training for long during this period of peace… I had perfect control over it.
That is… if I was standing still.
I could use it in active combat, despite the decreased proficiency, but it did take a bit of concentration and time to perform.
Time and concentration that I usually didn't have at hand.
But lo and behold, despite its impressive power and versatility, I was only able to use that move once since I had 'mastered' it to any practical effect.
And that was not through battle, but rather… in blowing up the trenches for the pipes and waterways.
Haa…
"Sun Princess! You're out today!"
"She's blessed us with her presence!"
"So beautiful… and there's her knight right beside her!"
"The Sun Lance!"
Hearing the cheers from some citizens as we passed, Priscilla simply lifted her chin with a smirk instead of directly acknowledging them, somehow garnering even greater cheers.
How like her, and the people, while initially put off by her demeanour, had come to appreciate it as well.
I, on the other hand, gave them a small wave as we walked by, seeing a couple of boys, with long sticks acting as spears in their hands, standing up straight in response.
Were they trying to act like soldiers or something?
How charming.
"Man… I noticed it before, but… everyone here really loves you two, huh? Especially Priscilla-sama," Subaru said, pouting a bit. "I can't help but feel a little jealous… damn pretty boys."
I don't think my looks had anything to do with it, Subaru…
"But the people of Arlam truly appreciate you, Subaru-kun, it is just… a slightly different scale here," Rem said.
"Still… it is quite amazing, Priscilla-san," Emilia said, raising her hood a bit more under the attention.
I… did feel a little bad that she felt like she had to wear her presence-obscuring cloak during the walk, but I guess it would be better than having some citizens or visitors berate her.
While many had come to accept her as a candidate after Subaru's role against the White Whale, she was still a half-elf, and that kind of stigma wouldn't be erased by just that.
"Hmph! It's a natural occurrence once you bask in my presence for so long. These commoners seem to have finally understood the luck and beauty that I have graced them with," Priscilla said, flicking her hair behind her shoulder. "I suppose it is due to that realization that they are being rewarded with such festivities."
"Right… they all love you… and you've given them such a nice place to live…" Emilia continued, her frown deepening. "You're… amazing."
I focused a bit more on the girl at her gloomy tone.
"Did you think otherwise for a second? If so, get on the ground and prostrate yourself in apology," Priscilla replied, uncaring about her fellow candidate's plight.
Emilia… I could easily tell what she was thinking, and it didn't take a genius to.
She felt inadequate.
If the people here simply loved Priscilla for her looks and status, that would be one thing, and while it could perhaps breed some feelings of jealousy, it wouldn't make Emilia think any lesser of herself.
She couldn't exactly change her race, after all.
But since they adored Priscilla for her abilities and skills… all things that Emilia herself could use to gain respect from the people… it must have made her feel quite bad.
Well, I guess that was the reason she was here, to learn just what made Priscilla so amazing, but unfortunately for her… well, Pris was one of a kind, and what made her so wasn't something that could be picked up.
We then continued towards the eastern edge of the city, where the main focus of expansion was for the moment, as we were increasing our industrial sectors past the agriculture and textiles that the land was already known for.
Of course, everyone still needed food, which was why we were transforming the eastern wetlands into farmland, and we had also created a new road to a nearby mine that had some new dyes within it, which would help make our textiles industry even more unique among other suppliers.
And then there were the new things, such as the magic school, which made us a centre for learning across the nation, even though it didn't have that big of a capacity at the moment, and there were also some craftsmen that had come from afar and taking on more apprentices to grow that sector, and the glassmaking… yeah, to put it simply, there was a lot of growth around here.
The goal was to not have any specific specialty for the city, as we didn't want our economy to be too vulnerable to outside forces with only a few revenue streams, and besides, if the management of this territory was meant to be our 'practice' for the throne, it was better to show off that Priscilla could handle a varied and balanced economy.
Having gone down the main streets, and to the sites of a few projects, our little group found itself on the top of the wall overlooking the distant lands to finish the most of its tour, the day having turned to afternoon as the city began preparing for Priscilla's birthday.
Even though we didn't organize anything for the populace… well, I guess the people here loved their festivals.
Anyway, with everyone taking a moment to rest, I leaned against the battlement as my gaze traced across the many houses, all of them either being newly built or renovated, before it settled on the mansion that loomed over them, where I had spent the last year living with my beloved.
To see this place growing so wonderfully from that previous shanty town… and in large part due to my influence no less… well, it was quite amazing.
"What are you smiling about?" Priscilla asked, inserting herself in between my arms and the stone, the pleasant scent of her hair entering my nose.
"I'm just… happy, seeing this place as it is now," I said, resting my chin on the top of her head as I closed my arms around her. "I can't help but imagine living here… starting a family with you in this peaceful place, away from all the noise of the capital…"
I briefly spotted both Subaru and Emilia's faces flush with embarrassment out of the corner of my eye.
Ah, right… those two were quite innocent with such matters, huh?
If just mentioning family made them so flustered, then I can't even imagine what would happen if they heard about the other things we did.
"Oh? Unfortunately, that will remain but a dream for eternity," Priscilla said, turning around to look up at me, her eyes narrowing with affection. "Because, dear Selian, when we have our family, it will be in the royal capital, with me sitting in my rightful place on that throne… do not forget that."
"Right… I apologize, Priscilla," I said.
She reached up to cup my cheek, rubbing her thumb across my recently-shaven stubble before lowering her hand.
"No matter. And besides, we can treat this place as a vacation home of sorts, so your dream may be possible yet," she said, turning back to the city as she leaned back against my chest. "Hmm… you've put a nice thought in my head. So in exchange… you may be rewarded with a night of pleasure."
Oh?
That did sound quite exciting… but making our acts seem like just a reward for me… I didn't like the sound of that.
"You know," I said, leaning my head down to her ear. "You say that, but from the sounds you make… I think it's quite pleasurable for you as well."
Her back straightened, as if startled at my words.
"You…! That's vulgar," she said, smacking me in the arm as her face was tinged with a light flush.
"Didn't you start it?" I said.
And who was getting embarrassed now?
"That… does not matter," she huffed, crossing her arms in annoyance.
How unfair.
"Uh… should we even be here? I feel a bit… uncomfortable," Subaru said.
Oh… right.
I completely forgot about them.
But that happened quite often when I was with Priscilla… the world just seemed to disappear.
"Rem thinks it's nice, Subaru-kun… and perhaps… no, Rem shouldn't dream of such things this early," Rem said, covering her cheeks with her hands as she began shaking her head back and forth.
Just what were you thinking about?
Actually, I'm pretty sure I had a clue.
Crusch, who I had also forgotten about, simply pretended not to hear.
I probably should be a bit more tactful around her now that I had formally rejected her, but for now, whenever we messed up… I think just ignoring it and moving on would indeed be the best.
And as for Emilia…
"Umm… pleasurable? What exactly do you mean by that? Are you planning on having a midnight snack or something?" she asked, tilting her head in confusion.
…
"Oh… it is worse than I thought," Priscilla said in genuine surprise before she looked over to Rem. "Just what kind of education have you been giving her?"
"W-Well… we don't believe it's our place, and her spirit had warned us not to, so…" Rem stuttered.
Ah, right… Puck.
Speaking of, why hadn't he appeared this whole time?
Either way, I knew better than to get into the specifics of a spirit and their contractor, so I would leave it be despite my curiosity.
"Is that so? Well, still, even if you are a competitor that is bound to lose, it is much too pitiful to leave you as is. I shall give you an explanation later tonight, understood?" Priscilla said to Emilia, leaving no room for refusal.
"Uh, okay? Thank you, Priscilla-san!" Emilia returned, confused, but seemingly grateful.
Priscilla ignored her as she looked back to the city once more, her hair fluttering in the wind as she remained standing, nestled between my arms.
A few moments passed in silence, the two of us simply enjoying the moment while Crusch began leading the others to the barracks for the final part of the tour, leaving us to our lonesome.
I would have to thank her later.
"We have created quite the pleasant view, haven't we, Selian?" she said in a sentimental tone, breaking the calm silence.
"Yes… yes, we have," I replied.
It felt like just yesterday when I had come here for the first time as a wayward traveller, noting the desolate state of the town and thinking nothing more of it, before I then spotted the most beautiful woman in the world.
How she one-sidedly declared her as mine, and then meeting Leip, following her on her walk where I got us apples that she had only ever had peeled, and sitting on the riverside with my newly-bought flute… over a year has passed, and while it did feel like just yesterday, another part of me feels like my time here has lasted an entire lifetime.
Because, in a way, it did.
My time after escaping the palace was focused on ensuring Felt was happy and safe, and after leaving the capital, I simply wandered with no purpose.
Could you call that living?
Perhaps you could, but after experiencing my time here, with this wonderful woman of mine… well, I certainly would never want to return to that state.
So yes… my life as Altair, the prince, and Selian, the wandering former royalty and protector of Felt had ended, and instead, my time as Selian, Priscilla's knight and partner, had only just recently begun.
So I can only hope that it would continue for many years in the future.