98-Episode 96: Makoto Takatsuki Meets Princess Sofia Secretly



 Princess Sophia's dress, which was waiting for her in the back room, was a bright red color.
 What was wrong with her dress, which was usually a light color, such as light blue?

Here you are, Princess Sophia.
 I apologize and sit down in the front seat.
'I'm not waiting for you. I've just arrived.
 Princess Sophia is cool again today.

How are you today?
Oh, you said we were going to eat, didn't you?
'What? No, that was my plan to ask you out.

 Maybe that's what you were talking about when you asked me to have dinner with you sometime ago?
 I can't believe I let a woman ask me out.
 But Princess Sophia smiled lightly and said, "Next time, please ask me out.
 Hmm, I'm not very popular.
 d*mn, I'm a virgin and I'm not smart enough to handle it!

 When we sat down while thinking about the ridiculousness of it all, various dishes were served at once, not a course meal.
 There was also a full range of alcoholic and soft drinks available.
'If you need anything, please let me know.
 The waiter bowed and left.
 It's just me and Princess Sophia alone in the room.

'This restaurant is only open to royalty. I often use it to talk to Princess Noel.''
 In short, it seems to be for secret talks.
 On the table is a rather large number of dishes for lunch.
 While eating quietly, Princess Sophia opens her mouth.

''We've arrested the instigators of the beast race's rebellion plan.
Yeah, I heard.
 The Castor family knew this information.
 I asked Fujiyan.

'I was told they were under interrogation, but their connection to the Order of the Snake was unknown.
It's a dead end situation over here, sir. The mafia didn't know anything about it.
 I drank a bit of bubbly in my glass.
 Maybe it's champagne, it looks expensive for now.

''However, I heard that a bunch of demons are gathering around Sinfonia a little bit at a time. It's possible that the Order of the Serpent is controlling the demons. Currently, in addition to the Order of the Sun, the Four Heavenly Knights are guarding the city gate.
What's the Four Heavenly Knights?
 I think it was brought up at a previous meeting of the noblemen.

''The Eastern Heavenly Order of the House of Roland, the Western Heavenly Order of the House of Whitehorse, the Southern Heavenly Order of the House of Belize, and the Northern Heavenly Order of the House of Ballantyne.
Oh, you mean the Five Holy Noble Lords' army?
''Yes, brave men of light: the five saint nobles and their armies are gathered in the current royal capital at Lord Sakurai's inauguration ceremony for the Commander-in-Chief.
 Normally, I wouldn't set up at such a time, Order of the Serpent.
 The best time to attack Sinfonia after the Four Heavenly Knights return to their territory, right?

If the snake cult is going to cause a ruckus, shouldn't it be after the inauguration?
''Yes, Princess Noel is of the same opinion. So she thinks we should focus on governing the beastmen's rebellion plans now.
 If that's the case, it would be easier but is it that simple?

 Afterwards, we were given some new information, but nothing major happened.

 The view from the restaurant window was good, and we could see the whole of the royal city.
 The sun is warm and I can hear the birds chirping faintly from outside.
 It's a peaceful time.
 I pour a glass of white wine, and then a glass for Princess Sophia.


''By the way, I've heard from Lady Eil, the water goddess, about something that's been bothering me a bit.
 Suddenly the conversation changed.
 What is it?

The goddess who is worshipped by Makoto Takatsuki, the hero of the Water Kingdom.
What?
 The words were unexpected, and a voice flipped over.

 Noah-sama?
 Why is Princess Sophia?

 Calm down - bring your 'clear water' skills to full strength.

"The goddess's name is Noah. .... the name of an old goddess of the mythological tribe.
 Disgusting sweat ran down my back.
 I almost stopped breathing.

'Um ... Princess Sophia ... it's ...'
 Princess Sophia's expression is as expressionless as usual.

 Bad, bad, bad!
 Princess Sophia is a maiden of the six great goddesses of belief.
 If her belief in the evil gods was discovered - or worse, she would be executed.
 That thought crossed my mind.

"I don't think I've ever seen your face before.
 With a huff, Princess Sophia laughed.
 I was still too stiff to move.

''There's no need to be nervous. I've heard from Eir-sama, the Water Goddess, that it's no problem for you to be a brave man of the Water Country.
...What?
''Rather, I've heard that you know about it too. The Water Goddess Eir-sama and the Goddess Noah are old acquaintances, and they've been talking about joining forces in this battle against the Great Demon King.
Oh, really?

That's why, true.
 Master Noah!
 I thought my heart stopped!
 No, I'm pretty sure Noah-sama said he spoke with the water goddess Eil.

(I would have told you if you asked me for details! (I thought you weren't interested.)
 I certainly didn't care much about it.
 I became brave and floated around, and I've lost a lot of things.

"A brave man, Makoto?
 Princess Sophia looks at me worriedly when I stopped saying anything.
''Yes, it's fine. Princess Sophia doesn't mind if I'm an ........apostle of an evil god?
 In the land of water, the church is very powerful.
 The water priestess at its heart: can Princess Sophia tolerate it?

'I will obey if the Goddess of Water, Lady Eil, allows it. Besides, I've heard that Goddess Noah is currently unable to increase her followers. Right now, we need as many strong warriors as possible before the Great Demon King returns.
 After saying that, Princess Sophia gave a sad smile.

''It's all from Goddess Eir-sama. I alone cannot make this kind of decision. Because when I heard that the brave man was an apostle of an evil god, my mind went blank.''
....
 Maybe it's my fault that I haven't been feeling well lately?
 Princess Sophia stood up and laid her thin hand on mine.

'Brave man, you have become an apostle of the evil gods because I did not give you a blessing in the water temple. Forgive me for my foolishness.
 He apologized in a muffled voice.
 Oh, what?
 Does that still bother you?

'Oh, um. I'm not worried about that at all.
 I return the words with a different kind of impatience than before.
 I squeezed Princess Sophia's hand back.

''Why didn't I listen to your words back then........ The eyes of the Water Country's priestesses are knot holes................No wonder they ridicule you.
It's not...
 I know the rumor.
 I heard from Fujiyan.
 So Princess Sophia knew about it too?
 I don't know what to say....

 If you look closely, Princess Sophia's face shows signs of fatigue.
''You look pale, though...''
I haven't been able to sleep much lately. But the water kingdom's royalty cannot be indifferent to the crisis in the sunshine kingdom, as they have been rescued many times. They have been rescued many times before.
 Those words are powerful.
 You are a serious princess, really.
 You're working so hard....
 Princess Sophia should get some rest.

What are your plans for the rest of the day?
I've got one dinner and two appointments in the evening.
Well, let's go to your room and rest until then. I'll take you home.
 I tried to let go of his hand and he squeezed it back hard.

'....Stay with me.
 With his head down, he said in a voice that seemed to disappear.
 Eh, what's this guy, he's cute.
 I can't refuse this.

 I mean, Princess Sophia's cheeks are a little red.
 Are you drunk?
 From that bottle of champagne?
 No, I'm out of wine.

Shall we sit down there?
 I don't know its purpose, but there's a large sofa at the end of the room.
 I made Princess Sophia sit down and, a little lost, I sat down next to her.
 Wow, it's so soft and fluffy.
 My body has sunk halfway down.

"Could I borrow your shoulder for a moment?
 Then Princess Sophia puts her head on the table.
 It was like being on a train and a high school girl sitting next to me, dozing in the seat next to me, leaning against me.
 Softly, her long hair tickled my cheek and smelled sweet at the same time.

'I've never had someone lean on me like this before, other than your father and mother.
Oh, I see.
It's calming.
 I'm not settling down at all!  

 Well, what do you want to do?
 What should I do in a situation like this?
 Tell me, Fujiyan, Sakurai-kun!

Push him down! (True)
 Please shut up! Master Noah!
 Shit, not my goddess!

 --I'm not going to be able to get rid of it.
 I'm sure you'll be able to find it.
 

'Hmmm, your hands are warm.
 Princess Sophia's tone becomes a little indulgent.
 Like she's a little drunk or sleepy.

''Will you continue to ... stay ... in the Water Country?'' 
Yes, I'm here.
Are you sure?
You'll be fine.
That's right.
 His voice got quieter and quieter.


'Kuu.'
 I could hear Princess Sophia breathing in her sleep.
 You must have fallen asleep.
 Let's let her sleep for a while.
 You look exhausted.

(Sigh ...) I don't know what to do. But this is Princess Sophia's attitude.

 I wondered if they didn't hate me, or something.
 This is just...that.
 I'm not being self-conscious, am I?

 With a sideways glance, I look at the beautiful profile of the princess, leaning against my shoulder.
 Her straight, shiny hair hangs over her white skin.
 Long eyelashes and a small mouth.
 She has a beautiful sleeping face.

(Let's not stare at a woman's sleeping face too long.)

 I passed the time by practicing water magic on the side that wasn't being leaned on by Princess Sophia. 


 ◇


 After a while, I noticed the gaze and looked over my right shoulder.

 There were two eyes staring at me.
 Princess Sophia's eyes were open.

"Princess Sophia, are you awake?
 There is no answer.
 Nyet, the corner of Princess Sophia's mouth goes up wide.
 I felt something run down my spine. 
 Princess Sophia's smile.

(.........no. (This isn't Princess Sophia.)

Who is...?

 With the face of Princess Sophia, and in the voice of Princess Sophia, she said

'It's nice to meet you, child of Noah. I am Eil, the goddess of water.