Chapter 184: Grrr (1)

It was noon on the second day of our stay in Tarmine. Delicious-looking dishes such as salads and fish were lined up on a long table with an exquisite vase in the middle. We were having lunch with Princess Tiana.

「This seasoning is a specialty of Tarmine. 」

Princess Tiana said happily as she ate the food. But then she looked sad as if she had realized something.

「I won’t be able to eat this food if I go to Galvano, so I’ll make sure to eat a lot now…」

Princess Tiana stared at the food and devoured it. John Dae said with a smile.

「Don’t worry, Princess! We’ll send you fresh ingredients every month so that you can eat them in Galvano too! 」

「Eh, really? Hurray! 」

Princess Tiana was innocently happy. However…my heart was heavy, and I couldn’t even smile politely.

The shocking truth that I heard from John Dae yesterday. They were going to make an alliance with Galvano at a designated place, commonly known as the “Round Table of Lasting Peace”. That crucial day was going to become Princess Tiana’s wedding day as well.

This move was probably a desperate measure from Queen Carmilla. If Princess Tiana and Leon got married, Leon wouldn’t be able to break the alliance that easily, no matter how tyrannical he was. But…even so…

…A political marriage with someone she didn’t love…Maybe that was the reason why Princess Tiana was doing her best to act so cheerful…

I felt so sad that I could barely taste the delicious food. Colt and the others, who knew the story by now, were also quietly eating their lunch.

Princess Tiana seemed to sense the awkward atmosphere around her and laughed.

「I’ll be Duke Leon’s sixth wife! That makes me almost like a mistress, right? It’s so absurd! 」

Princess Tiana said jokingly, and I returned an awkward smile. Then, Princess Tiana looked at Seiya and asked.

「What do you think, Seiya? 」

「…That’s what a political marriage is. 」

Seiya muttered quietly. 「Indeed, it is! 」, Princess Tiana smiled in return. Seiya left more than half of his food on the plate and stood up.

「Ah! Ex…Excuse me ! 」

I quickly removed the napkin from my lap, stood up as well, and followed Seiya.

—

I caught up with Seiya, who was walking with fast and wide strides. We were in the hallway near the guest rooms.

「Seiya! Wait a second! 」

「What do you want? 」

「Can I come in and talk to you? 」

Seiya silently opened the door and entered his room. He didn’t say no, so I went in as well.

I quietly closed the door. We were alone, so I spoke honestly with my head down.

「Listen, Seiya. Can’t you be a little nicer to Princess Tiana? 」

Then, Seiya sighed heavily.

「I know that we’re trying to respect human life as much as possible. But, if you have to consider the feelings of every human being living in this twisted world, there won’t be no end to it. 」

「That’s true, but…」

「In the first place, wasn’t the arranged marriage between Leon and Princess Tiana a plan devised by Queen Carmilla for the sake of her country’s peace? It’s not something we should say anything about. First of all, if it settles the conflict between the two countries, shouldn’t you be happy as a goddess? 」

Indeed, Seiya was right as always. It would be the best outcome if the conflict could be settled without fighting. Just like when we passed through the checkpoint on our way to Tarmine.

「But…even so…I still feel sorry for Princess Tiana. She has to marry someone she doesn’t love, and moreover, with a human who looks like the reincarnation of Grand Leon. 」

「…Grrr. 」

「Huh? What? “Grrr”? 」

Suddenly, I heard a strange growling voice coming from Seiya. There was no way Seiya would make a voice like that, so I thought I was mishearing things…

Bang!!

Suddenly, there was a resounding sound and a strong vibration! And then, I saw an unbelievable sight! Seiya had collapsed on the floor with his face down!

「Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?! Seiyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?! 」

It…It…It was just like the previous Exfolia! That’s right! In the battle against Ceremonic, Seiya got hurt because of Kiri…!

I hurriedly ran to Seiya and screamed.

「You fell straightaway! But you haven’t even fought against Ceremonic yet! 」

「…I’m fine. 」

Seiya put his hand on his head and raised his body. Thank goodness! He was conscious this time!

He explained with a look of regret as he stood up.

「I tried to avoid contact with Princess Tiana as much as possible. But her words and actions still upset me…」

Then, he raised his right arm and slammed his fist on the table. I was shaking in fear.

「I…I…I’m so sorry, Seiya!! I said something unnecessary, right!? That’s why you collapsed…」

「You’re wrong. I was frustrated with my own immaturity. I did hear that Princess Tiana and I were in love in the real world, not in this twisted one. But I didn’t think it would affect my mind to this extent. Maybe this unrest isn’t coming from my mind, but from within my soul…」

Seiya said as he lightly held his head with his hand. It seemed like he was expressing his feelings, which was rare for Seiya. In other words, he was mentally exhausted to the point of collapse.

「Are you okay? 」

Seiya sharpened his eyes as usual after noticing my anxious face.

「I said Ready Perfectly before heading to the Twisted World. Last time in Exfolia, I was mentally exhausted because of Kiriko. I had already anticipated this kind of situation. 」

「Is…Is that so! That’s expected of you, Seiya! 」

Then, Seiya took out a long, white object from his pocket.

「Is that a candle? 」

「Yes. I’m going to meditate now in order to calm my mind. 」

「Me…Meditation…! 」

He was going to meditate to calm his mind…I felt a little unsure about this solution, which was surprisingly common.

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Poor Seiya… It must be hard on him. He doesn’t remember the past life where he loved Tiana, but his soul is tied to her.

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