Highness Eligion visited my room earlier this morning.
"Nyau, are you free today?"
"Yes, I am, but..."
"I’m about to head out. Would you like to come along?"
"Yes, of course. I’d be happy to."
Since I couldn't very well refuse a request from royalty, I nodded in agreement. Besides, I truly was bored, so I had no reason not to go.
"Where are we going, Highness?"
"I thought we’d take a trip out of the city and go hunting. It’s been a while. I’ve been so busy with the preparations for the Triumphal Ceremony, but things have finally settled down."
"I see."
Hunting, huh? I assumed we’d be riding horses and taking down game with bows, but I didn't have much confidence in my skills.
"Beyond that, I’ve been a little concerned about you."
"Um..."
I tilted my head, having no idea why Highness Eligion would be worried about me.
"You’re in love with Kiska, aren’t you?"
"―――!!"
In an instant, my cheeks burned crimson. I couldn't believe Highness Eligion had seen right through me. Had my feelings really been that obvious?
"Well, I did wonder if it was my place to meddle in someone else’s romance, but watching you two is just too frustrating. You really should be more aggressive in your approach."
"But Kiska already has a lover..."
"She’s just a lover. If they were married, you might have an excuse to hold back, but as it stands, there’s no issue. To be honest, I don’t think it would matter even if they were married. In this country, affairs are practically a matter of course."
Highness Eligion was right. It was an open secret that even the current King had multiple mistresses in addition to his concubines. It wasn't rare at all. Still, I didn't think I had the courage to actually go through with something like that.
"But I don't think Kiska would even look at someone like me."
I was short, and my chest was small. My total lack of feminine allure was a constant source of insecurity.
"I don't think that's true at all."
"Eh?"
"I honestly believe Kiska likes you. I've noticed him gazing at you quite often. Looking at his eyes, it's plain to see how he feels about you."
"I-Is that so...?"
Apparently, Kiska looked at me a lot. I hadn't noticed at all until Highness Eligion pointed it out. Hearing that made me want to squirm with joy right then and there. I couldn't help how happy it made me feel.
"Ultimately, what you do is up to you, but I think it’s worth trying to find a little more courage."
"But I don't even know what to do."
"There’s only one thing to do, isn't there?"
Saying that, Highness Eligion leaned in and whispered into my ear.
"Push him down and take what you want."
I was caught completely off guard. I never expected such bold words to come from the mouth of the seemingly refined Highness Eligion.
"My guess is that if you take the lead, Kiska will definitely respond."
"I-I understand. I'll... I'll try my best."
"Good. I’m rooting for you."
If Highness Eligion was going this far to encourage me, I felt like I should at least put in the effort.
Suddenly, Highness Eligion stopped in front of a door and knocked.
"Hey there. Good morning, Kiska."
"Good morning. Is something the matter, Highness Eligion?"
Kiska stepped out of the room. Behind him stood Ageha. My heart sank, knowing the two of them had been together in there.
"Actually, I’m heading out for some recreation. I was hoping you’d join us."
"Of course. I’d be glad to."
I was surprised that Kiska was coming along, too. Then, Highness Eligion glanced my way and gave me a subtle wink. Ah, so this was intentional. He was telling me to use this trip to deepen my bond with Kiska.
"So, where are we heading?"
"I thought we’d go on a long trip for some hunting."
"Hunting? I’m not sure I’ll be much good at that."
"Don’t worry about it. I’ll show you the ropes."
"Thank you, Highness."
I watched the exchange between the two of them.
"Hmph. Kiska, weren't you going to stay with me today?"
Ageha chimed in, looking dissatisfied.
"Come on, Ageha. It's fine to have a day like this once in a while, right?"
Kiska tried to soothe her.
"Ageha, I naturally assumed you would be coming along as well. Was I mistaken?" Highness Eligion asked smoothly.
"Fine, I’ll go too. I don't want to be away from Kiska."
I pouted. It seemed that as long as Ageha was around, I wouldn't be able to get Kiska to myself.
We had gone hunting as a group of four in the previous timeline as well.
Last time, the day had ended without anything of note happening, so I figured today would be much the same. I felt like I could relax and just enjoy the outing.
"Kiska, it went that way!" Highness Eligion shouted from his horse.
"I’ve got it!"
Guiding my horse, I gave chase to the fleeing wild boar. I drew my bow as I rode. With a sharp thwack, the arrow took flight and buried itself deep in the boar’s flank.
I actually hit it.
In the previous timeline, I hadn't managed to bag a single animal. Perhaps the experience I had gained then was actually proving useful now.
"Impressive, Kiska."
"No, it was just a lucky shot."
"Regardless, why don't you carry that boar back to the cabin? I’m going to see if I can find anything else."
"Understood."
As requested, I slung the boar up and turned my horse. Come to think of it, I’d lost track of Ageha and Nyau. I’d been too focused on chasing the boar with Highness Eligion. Still, plenty of the prince’s subordinates were around, so it shouldn't be an issue.
"Ah, Kiska."
"Nyau? Is this where you were?"
"Yes. I was tired, so I decided to take a break. Did you take down that boar yourself?"
"Yeah. The arrow just happened to find its mark."
"Even if it was luck, it's still amazing."
I lowered the boar to the ground. I figured leaving it in front of the cabin for now would be fine.
"Um, Kiska?"
"What is it, Nyau?"
"Since we’re both here... would you like to come inside and rest for a bit?"
She was referring to the cabin. Even though it was called a cabin, it was larger than a normal house. The royal family managed these hunting grounds, and this was one of their lodges.
"Sure, why not."
I hadn't promised to return to Highness Eligion immediately, so I figured I could spend some time with her.
"I-I'm so glad. Come on, let's go!"
Nyau grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the cabin. My heart skipped a beat at the sudden contact. I never thought I’d be able to share a moment like this with her again.
"Oh, I'll go make some tea."
"Thanks."
The interior was spacious, complete with a large sofa and a kitchen. I sat down and waited for her to return.
"Here you go."
"Thanks."
I took the cup and had a sip of the tea she’d brewed.
"Wow, this is delicious."
I’d never had tea this good before. I wasn't sure if it was the quality of the leaves provided by the Royal Family or if Nyau was just that good at brewing it.
"I'm so happy you like it."
Nyau sat down right next to me and began drinking her own tea. She was sitting incredibly close—close enough that our elbows would touch if I moved even an inch.
"Listen, I’m sorry about everything."
"Eh? About what?"
"I put you through a lot in the dungeon."
"Oh, don't worry about that. I know now that it couldn't be helped. Besides, while Hero Ageha can be a bit scary since I never know what she's thinking... I feel like I can trust you, Kiska."
"I see. I’m glad to hear that."
"It's really no big deal."
I’d been worried she might hate me, but she seemed perfectly fine. I felt a weight lift off my chest.
"By the way, I was worried about you."
"Eh? Why?"
"You were crying in the carriage, weren't you?"
"T-That was... just some dust in my eye..."
There was no way those tears were just from dust. Still, if she wanted to hide it, maybe I shouldn't push. But if she was suffering, I wanted to help.
"Are you sure?"
I turned toward her as I spoke. I was startled by how close her face was to mine. Panicking, I tried to pull away with a quick "Sorry."
But Nyau wouldn't let me.
She reached up and firmly grabbed my face between her hands, holding me in place.
"Do you really want to know why Nyau was crying?" she asked.
"Kiska—! Where are you—?!"
Ageha’s voice echoed through the forest.
"Ugh, I’m totally lost."
She looked around, but there was nothing but trees. Not a single person was in sight.
"Hey! Don't just go wherever you want!"
The horse beneath her was wandering in a completely different direction than she intended. Ageha wasn't very good at horse riding; her experience was simply too shallow.
"Kiska—, save me—!"
She cried out, but her plea never reached him.