139 Princess Sophia

"Everyone, take your formations as practiced! Don't let his age fool you—he's strong!"

I’d hoped they might underestimate me, but these were elite Guard Knights for a reason. The man who spoke was likely their captain.

Things weren't going to be that easy.

Still, I wasn’t exactly a giant, and no matter how professional a soldier was, it was impossible to go from zero to a hundred percent intensity the very second a skirmish began.

That was the opening I needed to strike.

The real problem was that I couldn't summon Debi if I wanted to keep my identity hidden. I couldn't seriously injure these guys, but letting them beat me was even further out of the question.

—Hah, fine. Challenging situations like this are what really get the blood pumping anyway, right?

"Unnatural!"

The next moment, I soared high into the air.

Guard Knights were a mixed bag. According to Teacher Milk, plenty of them could use magic, but without a war to fight, their skills tended to rot pretty quickly.

"Number One, Number Two, to the front! Three and Four, cover the flanks! Five, on me!"

The knight I’d pegged as the captain issued orders the moment I moved. His commands were precise, with no wasted breath.

I see. In that case... you're first!

"You bandit!"

One of the knights swung his blade in an overhead arc to intercept my descent.

Did he really think he could block the sum of all my effort—my very life's work—with a basic move like that?

"Corrosion (Echolocation)!"

I flooded the tip of my sword with darkness, shattering his weapon in a single blow.

A second knight tried to sweep my legs from the side, but I caught his blade with my Unnatural wall. These guys had solid physiques. I’d spent my training sessions fighting against similar height disadvantages, so I knew exactly what to do.

I had to stay low.

I crouched as low as I could, rounding my back, and charged like a bullet straight for the captain.

Duke, of all the people I've fought, my spars with you are probably the only reason I'm pulling this off right now.

"Wh-what is this kid!?"

One of the knights stepped in to block my path. I used my arm as a pivot point to spin around him, delivered a sharp kick to break his stance, and as he stumbled, I knocked him out with a magic-infused strike from the back of my blade.

Plate armor offered incredible defense, but it had one massive drawback: terrible visibility. Teacher Milk had hammered that lesson into my head until I could recite it in my sleep.

That was one down. Then, I crushed the second one using the same tactic.

The remaining knights realized I wasn't playing around and stepped forward to form a defensive wall.

"Permission to use magic granted! Forget about keeping him alive!"

I smirked when I heard the captain’s shout. I see. So they were held back by some annoying "manual" or regulations, were they?

Too bad for them. They were already too late.

"Fire Sonic—"

I slipped past a flaming sword and put the third knight to sleep.

The fourth one tried to deploy a massive Defense Formula, but with my Time Lapse active, the flaws in his technique stood out like a sore thumb. It was a clumsy, amateurish attempt that didn't even come close to Coco’s level.

I took out the fifth one immediately after.

In the end, only the captain was left standing.

"What is your objective?" he demanded.

I didn't give him an answer. A few seconds later, he was unconscious on the ground.

I quietly caught my breath and scanned the area with Dark Eye. The capital was close, but we were far enough away that no one should have heard the commotion. I was certain we hadn't been spotted.

The moment I approached the carriage, the door swung open.

Standing there was Princess Sophia herself, looking exactly as she did in the Original Story. Her crimson dress was stunning, and even in the flickering glow of the carriage’s lanterns, her skin seemed to radiate a white light. She had eyes like red crystals—reputed to be the most beautiful in the world.

And, well... she had a very "generous" figure. Just like in the game.

"You are quite skilled," she said, her voice steady. "Which country do you belong to?"

"……"

"No intention of answering? How convenient. Go ahead, then—kill me. I am already... so very tired."

Sophia was remarkably dignified. Her resolute attitude was every bit as regal as one would expect from royalty. She was exhausted from being a pawn in political games. I’d heard rumors of it back at the mansion, and I knew the lore from the Original Story.

She clearly thought I was an assassin sent by one of her enemies.

But ironically, thanks to Time Lapse, I could see the tiny, uncontrollable trembling she was trying so hard to hide.

Moved by her resolve and her pride, I dropped to one knee. I’d originally planned to just knock her out and kidnap her, but I realized I couldn't bring myself to do that to her.

"I apologize for the rough handling. I know it’s hard to believe, but I’m not a bandit. I’m here to protect you."

"……What are you talking about?"

"There is someone targeting your life. I can't be certain of the details yet, but please, come into hiding with me. At least until this Great Full Moon has passed."

"Do you truly expect me to believe that? If you're so sincere, why not show your face and act with honor?"

"I’m sorry, but I can’t do that."

Just then, I sensed a faint trace of mana near the gate. It was weak, likely just a civilian, but it would be disastrous if we were seen.

I moved quickly, hoisting the princess onto my shoulder.

"Wh-what are you doing!?"

"Sorry, Your Highness, but we’re going to fly for a bit."

"Fly—? Wait, wha—aaaaaaaghhhhhh!?"

I used Unnatural to kick off the air, leaping high into the sky. I wanted to regroup with Allen and the others, but my priority was getting her to a safe location. I flew until I reached the shadow of a nearby rock formation and gently set her down.

"Sorry. Please try to forgive the dirt on your dress."

"……You are a remarkably polite assassin."

"I told you, I’m not an assassin. Now, then..."

『Cecil, can you hear me? The operation is a success for now.』

There was no response. I’d probably moved too far away. Still, they should have heard my voice while I was still by the carriage. They’d know the situation.

The Great Full Moon was glowing a deep, ominous red. I decided to wait a while before moving back into range for Cecil’s magic.

"Ei!"

Suddenly, I felt a sharp tug on my mask. I’d let my guard down!

"……That's cheating," she muttered.

"Please stop that."

Fortunately, I was a perfectionist. I’d anticipated something like this, so I was wearing multiple masks.

She's more childish than I expected.

"Ei! Ei!"

Ignoring my protests, she ripped off the third and fourth masks. I was trying to be respectful because she was a princess, but I was starting to get genuinely annoyed. This wasn't a game.

"Please. Stop."

"Number five—"

"……That is enough!"

Before I knew it, I’d placed my hand over her face to hold her back.

Wait, was that too much? Enh, whatever.

"H-how insolent!"

"This isn't a game. Once the Great Full Moon is over, I’ll return you to the castle. Until then, just stay quiet."

Seriously, the Original Story mentioned she was a tomboy, but this is ridiculous. I can’t tell if she has nerves of steel or if she’s actually suicidal.

"I don't particularly want to go back anyway, so feel free to kill me."

Sheesh. I was done with the formal speech. It was too much work.

"What do you have to be so miserable about? You’ve got a status where you can move thousands of people with a single word. What could you possibly be complaining about?"

"Oh? So that’s your real voice. It’s quite blunt. I like it much better."

"Well, thanks."

"……I’m sure it looks grand from the outside. But you wouldn't understand. I’ve had no freedom since the moment I was born. My entire future has already been decided for me."

Because of a political marriage, she’d been forced apart from the person she truly loved. She had no time to herself. Tonight’s Ball was likely part of that arrangement.

I was the only one who knew the full truth, of course. She’d probably been lectured about her "duties" since she was a toddler. But it wasn't going to happen. In the Original Story, she was supposed to die tonight. I wasn't going to let that script play out.

"It’s true, I don’t know what it’s like to be royalty. But the future isn’t set in stone. Everything that’s supposed to happen can be changed by your own hand. I came here to prove that. I’ve been proving it my whole life."

"No, you don't understand. I don't know what you’re after, but you’re living freely, aren't you? You’re not like me—"

"You're wrong. I'm acting specifically to overturn a fixed fate. I'm doing all of this... to save you."

At my words, Sophia’s shoulders trembled. She looked away, her eyes brimming with sorrow.

"……Even if I live, nothing good will ever happen."

Man, this is a headache. If she still wanted to die even after I saved her, then maybe the future really couldn't be changed. That would be a major problem.

What to do...

Seriously...

"Next year, something is going to become very popular in the Western Country," I said. "It’s a cake made with those strawberries you like. It uses tons of chocolate and Melo-Melon. It’s going to be a global hit with everyone, young and old. If you die now, you’ll never get to taste it."

"……What? How do you know that? Are you from the future or something?"

"Who knows? Do you feel like living yet? It's your favorite food, right?"

"……A little bit."

"You're a handful, you know that?"

I kept leaking little bits of "future" knowledge from the game—harmless things that might give her something to look forward to. She was gradually perking up, but she still seemed hesitant.

Finally, I mentioned one last thing that made her cheek twitch. It was a random world event I’d always thought was totally pointless.

"—Is that true?"

"……Yeah. It’s true."

"Promise? Absolute promise?"

"Yeah, no doubt about it."

"……Okay. I’ll live."

"Hah! That's all it took? You’re really that curious about a Seven-Colored Pig going on a rampage in the Royal Capital?"

"I want to see it! I’ve never even heard of a seven-colored pig!"

"……I guess that’s fair. Anyway, you look a lot better now."

"I do?"

"Yeah. That smile looks natural."

Sophia’s face turned bright red. Looking at her now, she was just an ordinary girl. Up until a moment ago, I’d been thinking of this as just "protecting a game character"—a simple escort mission.

But I was wrong. I’d felt like I was committing a crime by kidnapping her, but that wasn't it. This was a mission to save a life. Realizing that made me feel more focused than ever.

"……Thank you."

"Yeah, you’re welcome."

She stared at my face for a second... and then snatched off another mask.

This brat!

"That's seven..."

"Don't push your luck, I'm Vai—wait, gah!?"

"Wait, Vai—?"

"Nothing! Forget I said anything!"

"……I feel like I’ve heard that name somewhere."

"Don't think. Stop thinking right now."

That was close. I almost introduced myself. But despite the slip-up, I found myself laughing along with her.

"You’re a good assassin. I like you."

"Yeah, yeah. Thanks."

"……Is the enemy targeting me really that strong?"

"They’re strong. But don't worry. I’ll protect you."

"Fufu, I’m counting on you then."

Time slipped by. I tried to reach Cecil again, but the traffic near the gate was heavier than I’d expected. Still, if the plan worked, it wouldn't matter. Maybe I was just overthinking things. There was a chance the scenario had already deviated enough that the attack wouldn't even happen.

……But this was fine. This way, everything would end without my identity being leaked.

"It’s almost time. Sorry for making you miss the Ball."

"I don't mind. It would have been boring anyway. More importantly, when can I see you again?"

"……Huh?"

"I've never had a day this exciting. You want me to live, right? Then you have to meet me again. If you don't, I’ll just die."

"That wasn't part of the deal!"

"Didn't you say it yourself? That I can move people with a single word. Well, I’m making a request right now."

"You're totally playing dirty."

"Ufufu, it’s your fault. You have to protect me until I see that seven-colored pig."

"Hah."

I couldn't help but laugh. And then, for reasons I didn't quite understand myself, I reached up and took off my mask.

I dropped to one knee again. I felt like it was the only proper way to show her respect.

"—My name is Weiss, the eldest son of House Fanscent. I am deeply sorry for the trouble I've caused today. We had information that the Demon Race was targeting you. My methods were crude, but I acted as your guard."

"……You're a Fanscent? The Weiss Fanscent?"

Ah, right. My reputation as a villain still hasn't faded, has it? Well, nothing I can do about that—

"You're the boy they say is incredibly strong, right? I've heard of you. I see... so it was you. You really were protecting me. Thank you, Weiss Fancent. I won't hold you responsible for any crimes, and I won't tell a soul. You have my gratitude."

I blinked in surprise. She didn't know me for my infamy—she knew me for me.

I was certain of it now: the future could be changed. From here on out, and—

"Actually, you're a lot more handsome than I expected."

"What are you even say—"

Suddenly, a bizarre sound echoed from the sky. It was a noise I remembered—a sound of pure despair.

————Zizi——————————————

———————————Zizi———————

The Calamity had arrived.