An Incident Sparked with Inquiry

By the time Phil returned to the mansion, the sun had completely set and night was falling.
 
“Ma, seriously? A mage hiding among thieves?”
 
A pitch-black shadow with no visible bottom suddenly materialized in the empty room.
 
From within it, Phil slowly emerged, crawling his way out like surfacing from deep water.
 
His expression showed traces of fatigue—something different from usual. It seemed the “Hero of the Shadow” had struggled with his good deeds today.
 
However, the fact that he’d shown himself meant he’d successfully completed the task.
 
Once … Read the rest

“Certainly, there’s nothing particularly strange to be seen. If I had to point something out, it would be that the head of the recently hired maid is a little… odd?”
 
“Are you saying my head is strange? I’ll crush you right up to the edge of a broadcast accident, you know?”
 
“Stop it, we’re trying to make sure even children at home can enjoy this.”
 
Being kept to a small voice, it didn’t sound like a joke.
 
Can’t you two get along a bit? Phil, caught in the middle, looked exhausted.
 
“But it’s weird that that shy Lily would warm … Read the rest

“There are two main reasons people get nervous: either they’re not used to conversation, or they lack confidence in their words and actions. If we eliminate the former, the answer naturally presents itself.”
 
“…………”
 
“Sorry, I have a personality that makes me pursue anything I’m curious about. I know that humans are creatures who can’t change what’s rooted in them, but let me advise you that this isn’t befitting of royalty. We are beings who must constantly guide the people and show them the way. Even if we make a wrong statement like saying crows are white, we … Read the rest

“Hmm… then it can’t be helped. It seems the custom has changed recently to where they won’t play with you unless you find toys yourself. I’ll obediently go with the flow of society and bring my own boat.”
 
Saying that, Sherry found and picked up a small branch that had been lying nearby.
 
Was she going to play with that? As Phil wondered, Sherry suddenly struck the branch.
 
Then—
 
[OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!?]
 
For some reason, such a scream could be heard from a distant location.
 
“…What did you do? I feel like I heard a voice that shouldn’t be heard during a … Read the rest

The Struggle That Follows

“Phil-oniichan, let’s play!”
 
However, that sense of unease had disappeared by the next day.
 
After waking up and finishing breakfast, Lily came over with a smile on her face.
 
“Ah… wait a sec. Right now, I’m about to distribute allowances to the people of our territory.”
 
“Phil-oniichan, are you super busy…?”
 
“If I don’t hurry, the kids are gonna riot demanding their allowance. The grudge of children who’ve learned how to use money but can’t buy candy is terrifying, you know? They’ll be lined up in front of the mansion with … Read the rest

In a guest room with no fancy decorations to be found.
 
Lily had been huddled at the edge of the bed ever since then.
 
“Is it really something to be so depressed about? It’s not like ‘My family died!’ and some tearjerker performance started, you know? You haven’t been cast as the tragic heroine, so why don’t you cheer up?”
 
Beside her was Ilya in a maid outfit.
 
Though her voice had a light tone, her face looked terribly worried.
 
She was happy to have a friend who worried about her like this. For Lily, this was the first person … Read the rest

“I’ll come visit again. You’re too precious to give up on so easily.”
 
By the time Sherry left with those parting words, the sun had begun to set and the sky was spread with crimson hues.
 
It was still too early for dinner.
 
After Sherry and the others departed, Phil decided to return to his usual office for now. He had been thinking of going to check on Lily afterwards, but found Kahlua in the office and decided to stay.
 
He should probably ask how things went before meeting with Lily.
 
Phil took a sip of the tea Kahlua had … Read the rest

“Is that for combat strength? Well, mages are desired anywhere…”
 
“I’m not saying I want mages as simple combat strength. After all, having those two in the back is sufficient for now.”
 
Though he’d suspected it, it seemed the people in the back were indeed mages.
 
If a mage with a strong will came to such a place, they would naturally come dressed casually and confidently. Their manner of speech to the princess went without saying.
 
(She doesn’t seem like the type to keep mages around just for status… so if that’s not why she wants a mage, then…)
 
Phil … Read the rest

The First Princess of Alarde Kingdom

Alarde Kingdom

 
A small nation located west of Lilac Kingdom. While its population and territory are smaller compared to Lilac Kingdom, I should mention upfront that it is not a poor country that lacks prosperity.
 
This is because most of the nation faces the sea, making it a place where trade flourishes.
 
Moreover, it is said to have the finest seafood in the continent, and the capital of Alarde Kingdom, also called the “Sea City,” has become a popular tourist destination.
 
Lilac Kingdom also greatly benefits from their import and … Read the rest

 
“I’m royalty too!”
 
Lily shouted as if her emotional thread had snapped.
 
It was a voice timid Lily, who always wore a smile, had never let them hear before.
 
“Why do you react like [don’t worry about it]!? Nicola-oneechan, everyone, why don’t you expect anything from me!?”
 
“Th-that’s not…”
 
“I’m not as useful as Nicola-oneechan or Sakuya-oneechan… I can’t do anything, but… I can be useful to the country too!”
 
As Lily desperately shouted, Phil finally understood the situation.
 
—Inferiority complex.
 
Compared to her excellent older sisters, she was made painfully … Read the rest