love conquers all | kirisuna

Chapter XVI - A New Beginning

"Y-your highness...i-it's your father!"

Hearing of the matter, the image of his father's weakened state suddenly appeared in Kazuto's head.

Understanding his anxious expression, Asuna smiled reassuringly, "Your highness, his majesty is waiting." She knew that the prince would feel at fault for abandoning her like this after inviting her, but a matter regarding the king had to take precedence.

"Your highness." The soft, familiar voice came from behind. Turning to see Eugeo arrive at the exact moment, Kazuto was now assured and left the scene. He promised to make it up to Asuna next time.

As the young lady watched Kazuto leave hastily, she secretly felt disheartened, but since this was about his father, why was she feeling envious of the fact that there were other priorities Kirito had aside from her? Was it because she was relying on him more than she thought?

However, this drew a clear line between their separate worlds; Kazuto was a real prince with a real kingdom, and Asuna was a runaway princess with no kingdom.

'Am I holding him back? Have I become a bother?'

"Don't be sad, there's a lot of time in the future he can spend with you," Eugeo said.

Asuna, still entranced, mumbled "Mmh, right," but a moment later, after realizing what she just said, the brunette flushed and covered her mouth. "W-wait, n-no, no! Not something like that! I-it's not that I'm expecting him to!"

In Eugeo's amusement, he chuckled and ruffled her hair, "I know, I know." He walked past her and urged with his hand. "Come on, I'm sending you back."

Alice and Asuna left the palace that night. She didn't have the chance to formally say good-bye to the prince and thank him for the hospitality. Nevertheless, they safely arrived at Dicey Cafe. But right before they entered the establishment, a man approached Eugeo. Whatever he said made Eugeo leave hastily.

"Asuna! Alice! You're back!" The petite Ronye welcomed the two with arms wide open as she dashed to embrace Asuna then Alice. The rest of the girls slowly appeared, each continuously asking about the journey they've been on.

The exhausting day came to an end when Asuna finally entered her room. The moment she flopped on bed, the events back in the palace reappeared in her head.

Although she was certain that Kazuto's invitation was purposely to cheer her up, Asuna couldn't deny the fact that they almost kissed. Why is she thinking about this? Wasn't the prince already engaged? Wouldn't there be a wedding soon?

To put her mind away from the incident, Asuna turned to her side where an object wrapped in cloth caught her eye. Intrigued by the information found from a book back in the palace, Asuna decided to have a look at the sword.

The Radiant Light. Just by looking at it you could feel the eminence it held. It was a shame how such a heavenly object belonged on a bloody battlefield. After all, it was a keepsake and remnant of a broken promise.

"The Black Swordsman will know what to do."

Those were Cardinal's words, but who was she talking about? Who is he going to be? And where will I find him?

Hope was starting to fade. What did she know about the outside world? Aside from being able to wield a sword and the noble blood in her veins, what else does she possess to have the pride to defeat her mother? Was blindly trusting the person she'd never met before her only hope?

"Is everything okay?" Although the soft voice, Asuna was startled from Alice's sudden appearance.

"W-When did you get here?" The surprised Asuna jumped at Alice's sudden appearance.