Kingdom of Tales

Chapter 5.5 (Dedication)

This bar remains the same every day... I wonder when something new will happen one day.

That woman keeps staring at me... wait. Her face...

Dammit! She looked away. Maybe I'll try and get a closer look...

Ugh, the loud men are back. Why do they always assault women like that?

Wait, what's that man doing? Why is he getting so close to her?

Oh, no... No, no, no, don't you dare touch her!

"Release the woman."

It's her... She's alive. I want to cry but I can't let her see me weak.

I know you recognize me... Hurry up and ask.

Ah... your hugs. I missed your hugs so much, Your Majesty. I wish you and I did this more often in the past...

Hm... odd. A human, immortal. I thought that was just wizards... Is there more to this than I thought?

Where exactly are you staying, Your Majesty...? Forgive me for trailing behind you...

A quaint cottage... I hope the residents are treating you well and with respect. Until tomorrow...

Good night, Your Majesty.

I can't wait to leave this small village and travel with you-

Gaerwn...? No, no, it's not him. It can't be him.

"Um... Your Majesty... Who is this?"

Why is he with you...?

"This is... Shiro. He'll be with us on our travels."

Huh...?

"U-Um, yes! Hello! It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Alpine!"

What...?

Why is this man traveling with us...? He's in no way shape or form prepared for this. Why must you be so kind, Your Majesty? You know how much I care about your well being and yet... You let this stranger accompany us... He's only going to get in the way. I want to ask you so many things... I want to just take you away and take care of you myself... I want to show my dedication to you-

Oh... Why are you looking at me like that? Quick, Alpine, smile!

Ha... That was a lousy smile. I'm sure she caught the bitterness in my eyes. The bitterness towards him...

No, I shouldn't have such dark thoughts... for her sake. But it's so difficult not to tell him off or threaten him to leave. He looks too much like Him. I don't want you to fall for such a man, Your Majesty.

You're too good for that.