The sword princess' tale

Volume 4 Chapter 10 - I (Finally) Realized

Three days until my birthday.

I couldn't stay patient with how boring the prison was. Setting aside the visit of the Emperor, nobody tried to pay me a visit. Well, it's not like I'm complaining but it's lonely down here...

Hm. That's right... I wonder how Elliot and Seina is doing right now?

"...it's not like I have deep attachment with them..."

I guess it can't be helped. I exhaled and stopped lying on bed. Sitting back up, I heard another approaching footstep.

"Miss Charlotte!!" A certain feline beastman shouted out in relief as he gaze at me.

"Oh, Gram. It has been a while." I greeted him with a smile.

"I... I'm truly sorry. I never thought..."

Huh. He's apologizing right away when I'm not even sure if he did something wrong. Even the wardens looked at him in confusion but I sighed when I watched Gram prostrating in front of me. This guy too, has no pride whatsoever. I doubt he won't get good woman.

"Calm down. I roughly understand why but you shouldn't do this. It's unbecoming." I patted his head from behind the bars.

"She's right, boy. Ain't somethi'n good to see when ya degrade yerself like this." Kata-san muttered.

"If your ex-girlfriend saw this, she would slap you allover again." Lance-san added.

Don't remind me of that, Gram raised his head and pursed his lips, scowling. But I never thought he could get a lover before. Oh well, since the time is right-

"Miss Charlotte. I do think this sounds rude but... what will you do now? Everyone is worried."

"Everyone...? Ah, Seina and Elliot?"

"Not just them. A letter coming from Raumia and Serilia arrived. Both from famous figures such as Master and the seventh prince named Felix."

...eh? Fei sent a letter...? I widened my eyes but I couldn't ignore my heart from throbbing wild. It was odd... as if my body was set on fire in that instance and I feel lightheaded.

"G...Gram. This letter from the seventh prince... what is the content of it?" I tried asking calmly but was I seen through? Gram and the warden duo were speechless and they exchanged looks blankly.

I urged them to hurry though. In fluster, Gram told me that if I was hurt, he would personally turn the whole Monarchy into rubble. But responding to it, the Emperor scoffed and threw off the letter which happened to fall near Gram who's watching out the palace.

"...that... that guy... Geez, just what is he thinking...?" I exhaled, somehow amazed by how he tried to provoke a Divine Beast.

However... I guess he has the power to back it up. Fei is a genuine Hero after all. He's overflowing with talents and his mindset is one of a veteran who could see things realistically. To be honest... I don't think he would end with provoking Valden with how he worded out his desire to protect me.

But... even though I felt light all of a sudden and that my chest seemed to burst with warmth, I realized that I'm going to be protected again.

I don't want that. I wanted to be stronger so that I can help him, not troubling him. This is just counterproductive so why am I feeling happy about it...? I reprimanded myself but the heat hasn't receded. Uu... so troublesome.

"Erm... Miss...?"

"Ah! Un... Thank you for the answer. Also, Gram. Did father say..."

Gram shook his head.