The Guarded Princess

XXX

With the unloading of the creatures onto the shores of Sindria through Koumei's dantalion, the citizens were shocked to their very core and wondered just what kind of battle their king and his company had been facing out on the sea. But, there was no doubt in their mind that their king and the others were truly people worthy of their metal vessels. Moreover, upon hearing that it was their Royal Princess that made it all possible, their respect and admiration for her grew ever the more.

With the return of Sinbad, Kouen, Lucy, and the others, the feast of Mahrajan was beginning as they took care of the slicing of the creatures, deboning it and removing the unwanted intestines. Its coral skin was left for product use as well as its horn and other parts. The people gathered around and helped one another prepare for the feast. Though, needless to say, it would be quite difficult to finish all six of the creatures and so some of them were preserved in ice with the help of Sinbad's Valefor.

The Generals overwatched the procedure, helping the people with the many preparations. Masrur also joined in as well, much to the urging of the others since having gained permission from Lucy herself, they dragged him along. Koumei returned back to the castle for though he initially outright refused, he had to take up something and so Koumei decided that it was better than overlooking the preparations outside the castle and be surrounded by hundreds of thousands of bustling people. Thus, Kouen accompanied Koumei, knowing the personality of his lazy and sloth-like brother.

"Kouha, Kougyoku," he glared daggers at them, causing them to gulp. "Don't you guys dare cause any fuss."

"No idea what you're talking about, En-nii," Kouha looked the other way, throwing up his hands.

Kougyoku whistled. "Kouen-niisama, whatever in the world are you talking about?"

Kouen, who was gripping Koumei's back shirt tightly as he dragged him on the floor, glared at the two before he turned to Lucy. "If those two become bothersome, feel free to send them back to me."

Lucy chuckled as Kouha and Kougyoku hid behind her. "They won't be bothersome. Don't worry and good luck in helping with the castle preparations."

Kouen eyed her in doubt but sighed. He walked over to her and held her close, planting a light but affectionate kiss on her forehead. Lucy smiled softly and he nodded his head. Seeing Sinbad to the side just watching them with a playful smirk, an irksome look appeared on his face, a murderous aura shrouding him.

"Honestly, why do I have to take care of that man's business?" he clicked his tongue.

"I'll properly thank you later in the night so don't have such a brooding look," Sinbad flitted over to him and patted him on the shoulder. "I'll take care of the little princess so don't be so worried."

"I have every right to be worried," Kouen glared at him.

"Don't worry, Kouen-sama," Ja'far walked up. "I'll make sure Sin doesn't try anything funny. Right, Sin?" Ja'far turned to him, his eyes boring into Sinbad's.

"Y-Yeah..." Sinbad backed off.

Kouen nodded his head, taking him upon his word.

"I'll send Drakon with you to help you," Sinbad said. "With just the two of you, it'll be hard and I'm sure Drakon will be of great use. He knows the castle inside and out and in the past years, it's mostly been him who had been preparing the castle feasts."

"Which means that you've done nothing," Koumei pointed out.

Sinbad gulped. "Now go on your way," Sinbad waved them off, quickly changing the subject. "Thanks for your hard work~!"

Kouen turned, dragging Koumei along with him without saying another word to Sinbad for just being in his presence annoyed him. Lucy chuckled, thinking to herself how well the two of them got along despite their frequent arguments. Waving her hand, she sent him off and the two boarded the carriage back to Sindria, Drakon right behind them.