Chapter 8
Arriving at the royal capital… some challenges were only just beginning.
"Don’t worry, Sheffy."
"Big sister is willing to protect the life you wish for."
"When I say it, I mean it."
7. "Got it!"
"Is it really okay to not hurry over there?"
"I’ve already used the communication crystal to inform the king. I’ll probably arrive a bit late. Since there's a justified reason of 'properly detaining the Demon Clan Princess,' no one will think it strange if I show up later."
"Hey\~ I didn’t expect I had such status. I got caught and brought to the royal capital, and your king actually convened an emergency national assembly with all the lords?"
"It’s just that you’re not self-aware, Sheffy... Honestly, the gravity of this matter is no less than a royal power shift."
"Wow… I’m actually that magnificent!"
"Yes, yes, my Sheffy is the most magnificent."
"How did I become your Sheffy…! Hmph, fine, I’m living under your roof now, so I guess I’ll let that slide for the time being!"
The royal capital’s outskirts, slightly removed from the city center.
A two-story residence with porcelain-white outer walls stood by the lake.
The entire mansion was reflected in the shimmering lake water, its ethereal image swaying in the breeze with an impressive elegance.
This was the home of the kingdom’s sole hero—Xiarette.
It was a house bestowed by the King of Aurus in recognition of her achievements, symbolizing both honor and peace.
The carriage that had brought Xiarette and Sheffy back was now parked beside the lake.
Several tall horses that had run the journey were now grazing peacefully on the grassy shore of the clear-water lake, finally at ease after the long trip.
At that moment, Xiarette and Sheffy Harl were standing before the exquisitely carved wooden door of the mansion.
Xiarette channeled magic from her hand, golden rings of light spreading from her fingertips skyward, gradually forming a radiant barrier that enveloped the entire estate.
A large-scale, high-level protective barrier meant to ward off external attacks only flashed briefly before becoming invisible.
It couldn’t be seen, but it had indeed been activated.
Xiarette knew Sheffy might not need protection, but she still preferred to be extra cautious.
Moreover, the barrier could completely block outside perception, which was definitely necessary.
Sheffy Harl rose on tiptoes, stretching her figure as much as possible to gaze at the lake before her and the distant mountains.
This long-missed beautiful scenery made her eyes shimmer with even more brilliance, so much so that she even bounced in place twice with joy!
Until she noticed Xiarette still watching her with a face full of fondness—Sheffy quickly retracted her childlike behavior, cleared her throat with dignified coughs, and reopened the conversation.
"Well, I’ve got to say, the surroundings of your place are really nice—just mountains and water. The only problem is, even if you wander for hours, you won’t see a single soul. Honestly... is this really your residence? Not some deep forest wilderness?! Are you planning to become a hermit? Xiarette, you’re still so young, that kind of thinking is terrifying!"
"I'm not as gloomy as you make me out to be!"
“Wah!”
Xiarette decisively chopped Sheffy's head with a hand knife, lightly stopping this little one's runaway imagination.
She also looked around at the green mountains and clear waters, then nodded in satisfaction as she explained:
"The Kingdom of Aurus has a vast territory and no shortage of land. So whenever the king rewards someone, it’s usually with a large fief. I normally don’t live here. When I come back to the royal capital, I usually stay in town to visit my parents—this place has just been left idle. Now that I’ll be living with you, Sheffy, isn’t this place just right? Secluded and quiet, no one will disturb us."
"Ooh... it really does fulfill my dream of becoming a recluse."
"..."
So that’s your dream, Sheffy?!
Suppressing the urge to once again strike with a gentle hand chop, Xiarette sighed deeply and let it go.
She led Sheffy Harl to the lakeside where the carriage was parked, picked up the golden holy sword Sylatrella from the compartment with one hand, and secured it at her waist with the strap over her pure white long dress.
With the lake’s shimmering glow as a backdrop, Xiarette’s golden hair glittered like a river of stars—graceful maturity and heroic charm blending in perfect harmony.
This scene was far more beautiful than the distant landscape, prompting Sheffy Harl to give a big thumbs up in admiration.
"Outstanding! Truly outstanding!"
"Sheffy, could you stop saying weird things for once... Stay home and wait for me to come back. It’s fine if I arrive a little late, but this assembly is massive—nobles from across the country are attending. If I don’t show up, people will start talking."
"Of course! You’re the one who caught me, after all! If you’re not there when they hold the meeting, what’s the point! The kingdom might as well shut down early!"
"I really want to capture that slick little mouth of yours...!"
Xiarette gave Sheffy’s adorable face a thorough rubdown, feeling completely healed by the act.
Supporting herself with one hand on the carriage base, Xiarette leapt lightly with a graceful motion, landing elegantly on the platform.
But her eyes betrayed a sliver of worry.
She was heading off to attend an important assembly, yet her mind was entirely preoccupied with Sheffy Harl.
“Sheffy, I already showed you where the bedroom is earlier. If you’re tired, go ahead and sleep for a bit. If anything happens, use the communication crystal to reach me anytime.”
"Don’t worry, don’t worry!" Sheffy Harl patted her steel-like little chest with a loud, confident thump. "Me, I only need a bed—a big, soft bed! And I can achieve a level of refined sleep you wouldn’t believe."
The first sentence was full of cheerful energy.
But in the next second, Sheffy Harl’s eyes dimmed with sudden sadness, clearly reflected in Xiarette’s gaze.
"And also... if it’s not too much trouble, could you bring me something on your way home? I kind of miss it..."
“Sheffy…”
Xiarette felt a deep ache in her heart.
She believed… Sheffy must be feeling out of place after leaving her homeland, probably recalling some item from the Demon Clan territory that reminded her of home…
This "runaway from home" not only had to be hidden from the Demon King and the Demon Queen, but she had also heard that Sheffy had a younger sister back home—the second princess of the Demon Clan.
She couldn’t tell anyone… and who knew when she’d ever be able to return. Of course she would feel desolate.
So Xiarette clenched her teeth lightly and gripped her holy sword tightly, making a solemn promise.
"Just say the word, Sheffy. As long as it can be found within the kingdom… no, as long as it exists in this world, I’ll bring it back for you."
"Really?!"
"Absolutely."
"You’re so nice! Then I’ll say it! It’s… do you guys have donuts in your kingdom? Strawberry ones, ah, preferably with real strawberries! Ahhh, you have no idea… I was stuck in the Demon King’s military camp for so long, I haven’t had a donut in ages—I seriously miss it! I miss it so much I could cry!"
"..."
The hand gripping the holy sword… why did it suddenly lose its strength?
Sheffy, your drool is practically dripping down, you know?
It seemed there was really nothing to worry about… Sheffy was more—ahem—resilient than she had imagined.
Sitting properly inside the carriage, Xiarette nodded and agreed.
"Alright… I’ll check if there are any donut vendors when I come back. But that has to wait until the assembly concludes smoothly. I’m guessing this conference will definitely involve matters concerning you, Sheffy."
"Don’t act cool—you’re guessing?"
"Ugh… It’s because you told me just now."
"Hmph, that’s called intelligence."
Dumb Xiarette couldn’t foresee it, but Sheffy Harl could!
The king would definitely bring up her handling during the assembly.
Sheffy had already briefed Xiarette about what to say on the way back.
Xiarette tapped her own forehead lightly, seemingly blaming herself for her lack of foresight.
Then she clenched her little fist and made another vow.
"I’m not that dumb like you said, Sheffy… I’ll improvise when the time comes. And also… Sheffy."
"Hmm?"
Xiarette’s gaze suddenly became evasive, and the softness in her voice as she spoke bore no trace of a hero’s usual poise.
"Sheffy… I… I’ll be right back, okay?"
"......"
She stammered, looking around anxiously.
She seemed to be hoping that Sheffy would give a perfect reply.
Sheffy Harl blinked—how could she possibly let her down?
The Demon Clan’s First Princess crossed her arms, speaking with righteous confidence!
"Of course! If you don’t come right back, then I won’t get my donut!"
“Sheffy!!”
“Hahaha, sorry\~\~ I get it, I get it, I was joking\~”
This time, Sheffy Harl's two little hands, once on her hips, slowly clasped behind her back.
She leaned forward slightly, tilted her head, and squinted her eyes into a brilliant smile.
With a smile that revealed her small canine teeth, it was like a blessing that could melt a frozen tundra.
Her long silver hair shimmered under the sunlight, radiating a pure, irresistible charm.
Her sugary-sweet voice almost melted the heart.
“Big sister, safe travels\~”
"!"
A glint of light suddenly flickered in the deep blue eyes of the hero.
She turned her head and quickly called for the horses to set off at once.
Even though the horses hadn’t yet finished feasting on the lush grass by the water, how could they possibly disobey their master’s command?
With several steeds raising their heads and neighing, the carriage dashed off like the wind toward the inner city of the royal capital.
—Leaving Sheffy Harl standing alone, dazed in place.
She crouched by the lakeside and plucked a small flower, falling into a brief moment of contemplation.
Ha… what she said might have been a little rude.
But somehow, ever since reuniting with Xiarette, she’d felt that Xiarette’s behavior was occasionally a bit odd.
For example, just now—oh… just now could still be understood. She was heading to a major assembly after all, feeling a little nervous and needing a way to ease the tension. Understandable.
Or like on the way back... it seemed like she kept glancing at me from time to time… No no no, that must’ve just been my imagination, right? Am I being overly self-conscious?
Hmph hmph, in any case, Sheffy Harl firmly believed—
The pure sisterly bond between me and Xiarette is profound and untainted by even a hint of impurity!
She didn’t even ask me for living expenses!
Though she didn’t really want to admit it—Xiarette might be a bit of an airhead, but she was still a sister worthy of respect.
Surely, the two of us would become even better companions in the days to come!
Sheffy Harl laced her hands behind her head and strolled forward, planning to return indoors for a nap. She’d wait for Xiarette to come home. After all, being alone wasn’t much fun, and now wasn’t the time to act too wildly—best to behave and bide her time.
However...
Alas, she passed by the lake.
Lake? Fish?
There’s a lake… and there are fish.
A lake full of fish and a fish-filled lake…
Hmm...