Case 73: On the former hero party and the royal princess.

For me, the former hero party was always a regret.

It wasn't anything serious, really, but I often thought they could make for excellent protagonists of another story somehow. Each of the four members was unique, charming, and ultimately a heroine in their own right.

Besides, the illustrators for the game put a ton of effort into making each and every image, so these women were quite beautiful. I hate to admit it, but I used to drool at the women in this world all the time.

Now, that was all in the past, of course.

Ever since becoming Cecilia, the mere thought of standing before the former hero party members gave me goosebumps. Why? They were all old hags with bad personalities, that was why. In fact, Jeanne was perhaps the most normal one of the bunch.

''Hmm...''

''Um... can I go now...?''

''Not yet.''

This was nothing short of torture.

I would really, really love to leave Lyra to Jeanne and spend some intimate time with Kiara, but for whatever reason, the whole hero party caught me instead.

It all started when I was about to peacefully hand my little sister over to Jeanne. I thought it was a bit strange how both Mia and Serendia were with the ex-heroine, but I was ready to run away anyway.

''Wait.''

But of course, someone promptly caught my wrist, and I was forced to stay.

That person was none other than the last member of the hero party, Mankind's Miracle—Cordelia of House Rohan. It was said that when her platinum blond hair flowed rivers on the battlefields and her emerald-like eyes lit the sky, divine sanctuaries would be born under Heaven's watch. In them, soldiers would attain gushing energy, immortal flesh, and an indomitable mind.

And that same person was burning a hole through me at an uncomfortably close distance.

Of course, it wasn't like that myth I just recounted at all. Cordelia now had her long hair tied neatly into a bun, her prized emerald eyes hidden behind a pair of glasses, and her clothes looked strikingly similar to what a modern office lady would wear.

Plain as it might have sounded, she still attracted lots of attention, perhaps thanks to her natural beauty. Regardless of that, however, the fact that she effectively towered over me at such a distance, combined with the other three members' presence, meant that I had once again become the center of attention.

''Um...''

No, I didn't even mind that, but having these powerful women scrutinizing me at once was a bit... uncomfortable.

I mean, one could argue that it was essentially in the same veins as having Rachael or Penelope do the same to me, but at least those two desired me.

''...It must have been my imagination. I apologize for the inconvenience, Miss Orleans.''

''Ah, it's alright.''

Eventually, Cordelia backed away, yet it didn't seem like she completely trusted me. The same could be said about Mia and Serendia, who also kept glancing at me from earlier.

Still, that meant I could at least get some breather.

''In any case, Jeanne.''

''Hm?''

''Is this the new talent you've been talking about?''

''Oh, yeah. Is that why you're here?''

Cordelia was a busy woman. In addition to her work at the academy, she also shouldered a part of her noble family—a Marquise. Serendia was also a noblewoman, but she didn't partake in her family's matters. The remaining two were commoners, so... anyway, it stood that Cordelia hardly appeared unless something serious happened.

And I assumed that meeting Lyra was one of those events.

By the way, my proud little sister didn't falter even once when faced with the hero party. What a fearless little lady. With such a spirit, she could certainly fend off these women for me, right?

''Phew... we're finally out.''

One might berate me for abandoning my little sister, but I had no choice. I had to escape with Kiara in that situation, or I would be stuck there for the rest of the day.

For a moment, I felt immensely grateful for Lyra's sacrifice.

But aside from that, Kiara actually took me to her dorm room. Being a royal princess, her abode was naturally spacious, and it would be outrageous if she had to live with other people, so ample space was available right from the entrance.

''Come in.''

Following her inside, I was once again reminded of the CGs I used to watch. It always felt surreal, looking at scenes that were supposed to be 2D but now 3D instead. Those static, haphazardly drawn backgrounds now existed right in front of me.

''...''

''Cecilia?''

''Ah, I'm here.''

Sentimental thoughts were nice while they lasted, but as I realized where Kiara was guiding me... I couldn't help but smile. She was the type of person who would make statements without necessarily saying them.

Now, she was taking me to her bedroom instead of the guest room.

I thought both of us knew what it meant, so I followed without a word. Even more blatantly, Kiara sat me on the bed of all things.

''Do you want tea? Coffee?''

''Oh, can I have tea, then?''

''Sure.''

Kiara exited the room.

In the anticipating silence, I took a good look around. It was still the same interior as I remembered, but it hit quite differently when I was surrounded by Kiara's scent as well.

''...''

Somehow, I was drawn to the bed.

The neatly folded quilt, the perfectly lined up pillows, and the immaculate bed sheet I just ruined by sitting on it. We might even ruin everything else later.

''Phew...''

I should probably take off the coat first...

Then... all of a sudden, I felt an urge to dive onto the bed. It wasn't anything substantial. My body was maybe a bit stiff after moving around a bit, so I wanted to lie down.

Habitually, I reached for the pillow to hug—

''Hah... oh, Your Highness.''

At some point, the door was opened. Kiara, now holding a tray, stared at me blankly, and it took me a full second to snap out of it. I sprung up, holding the pillow in my arms, and spewed out something I considered an excuse, ''Um... I was just... the pillow seemed too soft...?''

Surprisingly, the princess didn't utter a word. She gently put down the tray onto the stand nearby and sat right beside me.

'''' ... ''''

For one reason or another, it was a bit awkward.

Obviously, I was still conscious of our previous rendezvous, so I couldn't be so shameless again.

''Um... thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness,'' I spoke.

''It's nothing.'' She replied. ''More importantly, are you tired?''

A rush of an unknown emotion took over me as Kiara reached out to me. She briefly caressed my cheek, then tidied up my hair with a gentle look on her face.

''Take a nap if you want. I'll do some cleaning in the meanwhile.''

''Ah...''

It was unfair.

Everybody knew that Kiara had at least a few servants to help her clean the room, so she was just saying this to reassure me. She was being considerate of me.

How could I ever... find someone this good?

''Mhm. I might actually want to lie down a bit.''

''Then—''

Not letting the princess finish the sentence, I took her hands and fell backward onto the bed, putting her on top of me.

'''' ... ''''

For a while, we stared at one another, a mere pillow separating us.

''...Do you remember what I promised the other day?'' I softly asked, averting my gaze.

''Of course. How could I forget?''

''Then... can you hold me for a while?''