— Princess Sofia (POV) —
The first report claimed that monsters had breached the interior of the City of Rozes.
I dismissed it at once.
Rozes was protected by a divine barrier. A city personally blessed by Eir-sama could not possibly be invaded so easily. To believe such a thing felt absurd.
And yet—
As the princess of Rozes and the Water Oracle of Eir-sama, it was my duty to confirm the truth with my own eyes.
So I went.
And what I witnessed…
…was beyond imagination.
Buildings lay in ruin. The streets were choked with panic, screams echoing between collapsing stone. Even with my skill suppressing my emotions, the sight sent a chill through my heart.
This was no illusion.
This was reality.
I forced myself to remain calm.
A princess must never falter before her people.
Suppressing my fear, I took command—guiding civilians to safety, directing knights and adventurers to form defensive lines. Slowly, painfully, order returned to the chaos.
With the arrival of Takatsuki Makoto's party, along with numerous knights and adventurers, we managed to drive back the monsters infesting the city.
At last, only one enemy remained.
The Giant Monster.
We fought with everything we had—and eventually brought it down.
…Or so I believed.
That belief shattered in an instant.
An overwhelming presence surged through the battlefield.
Despair crept along my skin like cold fingers.
Around me, people froze in terror. Even with my skill, I could barely suppress the fear clawing at my heart.
My little brother, Leo, stood frozen as well.
Even blessed as a Hero, he was still far too young to face such a threat.
The Giant Monster turn into Taboo Giant, a dreadful and grotesque appearance, the flesh of the giant skin turn into hot lava.
My little brother leo suddenly ran into that Giant monster...
"Leo, fall back—!" I wanted to scream.
But when he stepped forward with resolve burning in his eyes, I couldn't stop him.
All I could do was stand there—watching his small back as he faced the monster.
When the Giant's massive arm swung toward him, my heart nearly stopped.
The blow came too fast—
—but was deflected.
Thanks to, my former guardian knight, Leo escaped with only minor injuries.
Still, the danger remained.
Leo was not safe.
I was powerless.
For the first time since inheriting my title, despair overwhelmed me.
Then—
I felt someone beside me.
A quiet presence.
My thoughts steadied, my vision clearing.
I knew it was foolish.
I knew it was unbecoming.
Yet I couldn't stop myself from looking at him as if he were my last hope.
"Takatsuki Makoto…"
My voice trembled despite myself.
"Can you… do something…?"
He met my gaze, hesitation flickering in his eyes.
Yes. Even for him—
This situation was really impossi—
"Princess Sofia," he said calmly, "do you possess a magic skill?"
His composure startled me.
"I… have not trained as a mage," I answered honestly. "However, I possess the Ice Magic Monarch Skill. I can only use it defensively."
He nodded once.
Then—
He took my hands.
"W-What are you doing!?" I protested.
"I apologize," he said, utterly serious.
"But I will be borrowing your mana."
Before I could respond—
My mana was drawn out of me in a sudden rush.
"Hngh—!"
The sensation stole my breath.
It was strange—overwhelming—
and shamefully—
…pleasant.
I barely registered the Ice Dragon he summoned and sent crashing into the Taboo Giant.
My awareness was consumed by the way my mana flowed into him—smooth, intimate, as though every inch of my body were being traced.
"Ta-Takatsuki Makoto… what was that just now?" I asked weakly.
"I synchronized our mana," he replied. "Was it painful?"
Painful…?
No—
That wasn't the word.
"N-No… it was just a bit sudde—"
"Then I'll continue."
"W-Wait—!"
Before I could finish—
A stronger pull surged through me.
"Eh…?"
Heat rushed to my face.
I couldn't focus on the battlefield anymore.
All I could feel was him—the warmth of his hand, the steady rhythm of his breathing.
My heart raced uncontrollably.
"…Haaah…"
My breath came unevenly, my body slick with sweat.
"Why… My body feels … hot…"
"Does it hurt anywhere?" he asked, genuine concern in his voice.
That concern only made it worse.
"N-No… it doesn't hurt, but—"
"I see. Then I'll end it with the next one."
"…Eh?"
"I'm going full power."
"Wasn't that already—!"
Too late.
A massive torrent of mana was drawn from me.
This time, it felt as though my entire body were being pulled apart—leaving me dizzy, trembling.
A shameful sound escaped my lips before I could stop it.
Unbefitting of a princess.
Unbefitting of the Water Oracle.
I only regained my senses when the flow finally slowed.
"Go!" Makoto shouted.
"Defeat the Taboo Giant!"
An Ice Phoenix burst forth—beautiful, majestic, terrifying.
Even with [Cold Heart], I felt awe ripple through me.
"Is that… Monarch-rank magic?" I murmured.
"It's because of you, Princess Sofia," he said with a smile.
That smile—
My heart skipped.
"O-Oh… I see."
I quickly looked away.
The Phoenix tore into the Giant, frost spreading across its massive body, freezing it completely.
"Water Magic: [Ice Prison]!" Makoto declared.
In moments, the battlefield fell silent.
The Taboo Giant stood frozen—locked in ice—an absurd, almost peaceful pose, the Ice Phoenix perched atop it like a work of art.
"…Was it defeated?" I asked cautiously.
"No. But it will remain frozen for seven days."
Relief washed over me.
Rozes was safe.
Only then did I realize—
His hand was still holding mine.
"U-Um… your hand…"
He released it at once, apologizing repeatedly.
I activated my skill, steadying myself.
"Everyone," I announced, voice firm,
"the Taboo Giant has been neutralized. Begin evacuation and search for remaining monsters."
The knights and adventurers moved at once.
I glanced at Makoto—
—and immediately looked away when our eyes nearly met.
What are you doing, Sofia!?
You are a princess.
The Water Oracle of Eir-sama.
Be dignified!
I took a breath—
—and lost all resolve when I saw his face again.
Why does he look… handsome?
Ah—no—
This is bad.
Very bad.
"Takatsuki Makoto," I said, turning my back to him.
"Yes?"
"Thank you for your assistance. I will reward you properly at a later time."
"No, I didn't do much—"
"There is no need for humility."
Many had witnessed his heroism.
"Let us go," I said to the knights.
As we departed, I glanced back once more—
—and saw him lending his jacket to one of his companion.
For reasons I couldn't explain—
My chest felt tight.
Annoyed.
Unsettled.
…Ah.
So this is—
Just like the romance books I secretly read.
It seems—
I have found—
My first love.
- O - o - O - o - O -
Author's Notes:
Hey everyone!
Is there still anyone reading this story?
I'm really sorry that I can't update as frequently as before. Right now, I have several priorities—college, work, and other responsibilities—so finding time to write has been quite difficult. I was only able to work on this chapter because it's currently the holiday season.
That said, I have no intention of dropping this story. Even if it takes a year or more to finish, I promise that I will complete it all the way to the ending.
For those who are still following and supporting this book, thank you so much. I hope you enjoy this chapter, along with the bonus chapter I've prepared.
As always, thank you for reading, and please take care!