“Has he left the village?” Fei asked, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall.

“Guess what happens.” Leon replied, sounding irritated after being ordered to accompany the General.

I calmed the two down since it was already evening. Nobody liked nonsensical ruckuses and it’s not like I have the energy to entertain the thought.

Or rather, just quit it already with all this ‘rivalry between men’ stuff! What are you, grade-schoolers!?

“You know… someday in the future, one of you is going to be the death of me.” I rubbed my temple, sighing.

I meant that as a joke but what I got was full-blown serious answers.

“I’m going to kill myself first if I have to kill you.” Fei deadpanned as if it was the most obvious thing.

“No way am I going to lose another family, sis.” Leon threw in his two cents.

Uhhh… You don’t need to glare like that too, you know? I can tell that I’m being loved but this degree of love is somewhat scary…

Now my cheeks are heating up. And my heart beat faster than the usual. Geez, being a girl sure is difficult. Thankfully, I’m not in my period yet.

“Alright, alright… Then how should we proceed now?” I waved a hand. “We already refused the General’s offer of shelter. What do you have next?”

Though I knew that I also took part in voicing out my rejection. It’s not like I could trust the man. He was hiding something and despite losing argument with Fei, he didn’t back down from inviting me to join his rebellion group.

He’s desperate. Could it be the situation already deteriorated so much without us knowing it?

“If we can, we must move out from this village as soon as possible.” Fei suggested. “If we can reach at least the Intermediate Layer in less than a month, then I’m sure I can use the Court to avoid another civil war—”

“Hold it right there, you brainless fool.”

Huh…? I blinked at Leon’s sudden interruption. It was swift, concise and harsh in so many ways that even Fei couldn’t help but twitch his eyebrows.

“What is it, you mutt?” The seventh prince of Raumia shot back. “This isn’t the time for some stupid argument.”

“And I will be damned if I allowed your whim to hurt my family any further, disarmed marionette.” Leon returned fire with a fierce glare. “What kind of plan is that? You’re just drawing us into the storm. It’s dumb, suicidal, insane, and dumb.”

What? He repeated ‘dumb’ twice! What’s wrong with you, my dear brother!? You never used the same insult twice in a row unless I went and did something stupid like charging against a giant rolling spiked turtle of death which happened only a few times in a month!!

“It’s the best option we have right now. With my authority, I can annul Charlotte’s accusation and prevent another civil war from brewing. There is—“

“A load of problems that way,” My sibling cut in. “Do you think someone who’s no longer a doll can have a say among other dolls? You’re not who you were, and the damned royalties are all for my sister’s soul no matter what the cost is.”

Ugh… I can’t… deny that. But at this rate, innocent people’s lives are going to be sacrificed… Hell, Anise, Alia and Lily are still at the academy! What if they were caught in the crossfire!?

“Erm, Leon…”

“You be quiet this time, sis.” Eeeh!? “This is no longer about you or this idiot alone. It’s our problem now. I’m already in the know of this stupid little secrets.”

Uuu… That… that might be so, but you didn’t have to say it in that way, right…? I wanted to say something but even Fei was silenced by Leon’s aggressiveness. It was as if both of us were being scolded…

“First off – this thickheaded dumbass is not a human. He’s something like a living doll granted with a cursed weapon that sucks and stores slain souls to grow stronger.” Leon suddenly explained, nudging at Fei who gritted his teeth. “He’s also extremely stupid in that he didn’t even know he already have a heart growing inside him. His denseness is legendary.”

Fei choked the moment that insult flew to him. He even trembled as my adoptive brother droned on and on about his bad sides. It was to the point that Fei nearly crumpled down to the floor.

“W-wait! Time out, Leon! Time out!!” I threw off the blanket and supported Fei from falling down as a crying mess. “That’s enough! Fei’s frail heart can’t take any more of your insult!!”

“F-frail…!?”

Ah!? Did I just multiplied the damage!? I messed up! I should have called it ‘Fei’s newborn heart’ or ‘pride’ or something…!!

“You as well, sis.” Eh?! Me too!? “You already knew that your soul is special. You didn’t even bother making an effort to hide it but you never talked about it either.”

Nggh…! A-a direct hit…!

“What’s more, that weapon is dangerous, right? I can tell a faint familiar light is radiating from that sword.” Leon lifted his chin, narrowing his eyes and glared at me. “You bargained with it by giving a portion of your soul even though yours is already on a dangerous level, right? Then again, it’s faint so the sword probably drained a drop or two every time you tried using it.”

“E-even that as well…!? No, that’s wrong, Leon! I just…!”

“Trying to not be a burden isn’t enough to cut it out, you foolish sister!!”

My mouth clamped tight. Both I and Fei looked up at Leon as he crossed his arms, his disguise spell shattering apart and revealing a set of horns and a waving demon tail. I heard a small gasp from my knight but that was drowned when Leon began his tirade.

“You always forced yourself for the most trivial things! If you can’t do it alone, then ask someone else who can help you instead of pushing yourself past the limits!! What kind of idiot are you, to even forget that Hermit’s first lesson!?”

“Uu…!?”

“And what’s with all this deal about you getting stupidly competent in making a deal with an army general? You’re never interested in politics so why are you acting so smart and bold like that!? You must be hiding more secrets other than this Pure Soul bullshit, right!?”

He… He even found out about that…! Stop it! Stop it, Leon! At this rate, I…! I will…!!

“Not even saying a word means I’m right huh?” The redhead snorted. “Fine. How about this? Your method in strengthening yourself, your skills in wielding sword-styles that only few could have known of, your suicidal tactics, your fake smiles when you’re burdened with something beyond your control, your lies whenever you tried to hide your sufferings—!”

"Gaaaaaah!!" I screamed from the top of my lungs. "I get it! I get it okay so please spare me, Leon!! I'm sorry for hiding so much from you!! I'll confess the truth so please just stop talking about what I did!!"

Silence reigned, but it was filled my with my panting. I could feel gazes boring into the pores of my skin from two different directions and only then I realized I no longer have any chance to escape.

But as if to spite on me further and getting a laugh from it, Leon scoffed.

"Good," he said. "I'm waiting for the next crazy thing you're going to tell, sis."

Gh...! This brat...! Stop acting so smug! Isn't it more than enough for you to humiliate your older sister?!

I nearly went berserk but something entered my eyes and I winced. I rubbed them, noticing there was a glow pointed on my way and I looked at... Radiata.

Geh. I was almost afraid to ask but the blade of the Relixia Arma flashed a light, conveying the thought 'Losing your cool means you're still immature '...

"Fine, fine..." I sighed, releasing my clenched hands and sat on the bedside. "You won anyway so just say the question."

Leon nodded, while Fei was stock still. Noticing his gaze, I smiled wryly and patted the spot next to me. He was hesitant but he soon agreed. Once we settled down with our shoulders by each other, the two of us directed our gazes to my little brother.

Uh? He already sat down in a chair. He's crazy prepared, alright.

"Then I'd like to know everything."

Huh!?

"W-wait a minute, Leon!? What do you mean by everything!?" I shouted in hope that he could get the hint that some topics shouldn't be touched.

And yet...

"It'd be convoluting if I were to ask one thing at a time. Unlike that idiot, your problems are probably related with each other so spill all of your secrets. Right in this instance." Leon replied.

Uwaah... Scary. Scary as hell! My little brother can't be this scary!

"Besides..." The redhead added with a smirk. "I'm quite sure lovers and family don't hide anything with each other."

Agh...! Why did you pull out the trump card even after all that!? I hate you, Leon!!

----------------------------------------

The next morning came quicker than the night.

To tell the truth, maybe last night was the longest night I've ever stayed up and awake in. I meant... Ugh, forget it. Troublesome stuff can wait for later.

"Fuaah~." Covering my mouth with a hand, I rubbed my eyes and waltzed downstairs. "Good morning..."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Oh my?" The innkeeper raised an eyebrow. "Are you already allowed to walk around?"

"Uhn... Well, kind of."

It's still a bit hard to move but I can handle this much of stress without it affecting my daily life. But then again, my silly brother and knight are dead asleep so it left me alone without anything to do.

Looking around, the inn doubled as a tavern as well, huh? The first floor was decorated like a bar would, what with the round tables and dozens of chairs, barrels of ale stacked neatly in the corner plus the counter with shelves of wine bottles behind it. I presumed the two passages as one leading to the kitchen while the other led to bathroom, but it's just my speculation.

"Mmm... Can I order something to eat?" I straightened my skirts, pinching it lightly before sitting down on a chair before the counter.

"Sure! Breakfasts are free so go ahead and order what you want!!"

Seriously? Yay, free food! With a hearty cheer, I soon read the menu and planned for my orders. With a smile, the innkeeper nodded and then went to one of the passage. Not soon after, nice scent began wafting around, tickling my nostrils.

I breathed a sigh, this time in remembrance.

"How long has it been since I'm waiting for someone cooking for me...?" Placing my right elbow onto the counter, I rested my chin on the palm of my hand.

Before I knew it, I hummed a song to kill some time. There was nothing like rhythm or something exotic in it but I did it just for fun, after all. Besides...

"...Oh," I said, closing an eye and looking to the side. "You're up already, Fei?"

Exasperation. Light footsteps. Groaning chair against heavy weight placed in it, and there was him right beside me. I curved my lips downward but it didn't seem like Fei intended to borrow my mood.

So I asked him. "Was last night eventful to you, my knight?"

He snorted. "As if. My head is still processing all of that nonsenses you just spouted, Princess."

Meh. It's not like I tried to lie and I said no nonsense. Well, it's a little weird when I mentioned that I have a charmer as a Patron Deity but that is for another time.

At any rate...

"Sorry," I said. "It's not like I wanted to hide it either."

"...Yeah. I can tell that not even the Sage of Truth would nod to your claims."

Is that so? That guy was never a believer and he wouldn't trust someone who looked like his crush on the get-go. I'm pretty sure he'd throw me into the nearest river if I told him whatever things he did in the past too.

"So... You are older than me," Fei muttered, shaking his head. "You weren't joking back there, huh?"

"Ayyup. But my body isn't," I replied, and waved a finger. "Besides, at this point, my past life no longer mattered. In fact, it couldn't compare to all the cycles of lives ingrained in Radiata."

The sword which existed as a deposit to countless combat experiences, pool of wisdom and lingering wills of the previous Sword Princesses enabled me to gain better understanding of what I can do be it in normal life or in battlefield, but it didn't mean there was no side effects at all.

"Your physical aspects don't change, but your mind and memory is. You can refine your aura and mana in a more efficient way, but one misstep and your already frail body will break down due to the combined stresses..." Fei inhaled. "...Everything you have gained to get stronger comes at a price. There's no room for failure."

Mhmm. But from the way Fei toned it, he must really disliked what he had heard. It was easy to understand what he thought, since that applied to everyone with enough common sense. No normal person would freely risk their lives when one wrong step could spell their ends. It was extremely risky, if not dumb and there was no merit at all.

After all, nothing could be gained from dying. But...

"I'm fine with that, you know?" I told Fei. "So long as I don't burden you and everyone close to me, then this is a cheap price to pay.”

I even laughed. But then the response I thought would strike me did not appear at all. It couldn’t be, since after my annoying little brother, Fei was the closest to me.

That was why I looked at him, only to find the young man looking down onto the counter, his hands clasped together so tight I could see blue veins popping out.

And yet, my beloved did not scold me for my flippant behavior.

Inhaling, the cold air seeped into my throat. “…You do know that you will just get hurt more by doing that, right?”

“This doesn’t compare to what you’ve been through with.” Fei replied, his voice cold and rigid.

It felt like he was trying to yell at me only to shy away in the last second. He was holding back his emotions in check. And yet, this was the first time I’ve ever seen Fei so agitated too and I remembered.

“…I didn’t even know you’re burdened by your hollow soul either, Fei.”

I wondered what I should do. Should I leave him alone to his thoughts? But I wanted to do something for him. Why?

To make up for what I did? To repay him for all that he has done until now for me?

…I wouldn’t know. I didn’t like thinking too deeply, so I moved my hands to wrap the young man’s hands.

It was then I realized that those hands were trembling. Rough, bigger than mine and warm. But those hands were seeking comfort, perhaps because of all the revelations Fei obtained upon knowing my secrets.

“…Were you thinking over all those things in the past?” I asked, putting no pressure in my question.

“Somehow…. One way or another,” Fei answered, gritting his teeth. “It all made sense. Only people like you would be swarmed with trouble. Your soul, after all – is special in this world.”

“…yeah. Maybe I have some roles or ‘Destiny’ I have to fulfill when you think like that.”

Because I’m ‘special’.

Needless to say, it wasn’t for a good thing. I didn’t ask to be born as an existence that could incite huge wars. I never even demanded for my soul to be so exceptional that it could be used to forge and enhance weapons similar to tactical missiles.  Honestly, I’ve had enough with all this bullcrap but what can I do in a world where Gods, Demons, and Heroes existed?

A human barely reaching half her age, frail in health with bleak future doesn’t even have a right to dictate the fate of the world. As if it could care about such a puny existence whose purpose was to be nothing other than invaluable resource.

“I understand your brother’s point now…” Fei exasperated. “But whether we run away or return back to the kingdom, there will only be trials waiting for you.”

“Yeah. There will be uproars, huh?” I nodded once.

“Then there’s the rebellion, the Court’s decision, and others who may seek you.” Fei added.

“Wouldn’t be surprised. Raumia has bad ties with various kingdoms and a Sword Princess’s presence will just rub salts on their wounds.” I shrugged, slowly pulling back my hands. “I’ve been sighted by the most cunning Demon General too so Daemonia will probably change their plans and attack right when Raumia is busy in silencing the rebels.”

“…the fact that I can imagine such a future happening in less than a month is really not comforting.” Fei chuckled darkly.

“Ha! Now you know my worries at last.”

I snorted and smiled in triumph. Right about then, the innkeeper came out from the kitchen with a tray of food. The woman inclined her eyebrows.

“Oh my. So your companion has also woken up.” She noted before placing my orders in front of me.

I nodded down my head twice. “Nn. This lazy knight of mine isn’t a morning person, after all.”

“Who is ‘not a morning person’, oy…?” Fei sighed. “Fine. Can I get some ale? A really strong one.”

“Are you sure? The day barely started for you to crash down.” The lady placed a hand on her well-rounded waist.

“I need… No, I must wash down all the bad tastes plaguing my mouth for now. I’ll pay double if need be.”

I chuckled at his attempt to drink away his worries. But then again, we’re both of legal age be it for marriage or drinking alcohols. It’s simply a proof that this world is harsh to anyone that not even children could be given a break.

But, well… since we’re preparing for what to come…

“For today, my companions will all be nothing but dead beats so let them be. I’ll make sure this guy won’t thrash around.” I pointed with a thumb directed towards the young man beside me.

Fei shot a glare at me. “I’m surprised you have little faith in your most trusted ally.”

I glared back and stuck out a tongue.

“If I have little faith, then I’d have chosen to flee back home instead of training under that grumpy Hermit, idiot.”

----------------------------------------

-Fei’s PoV-

“If I have little faith, then I’d have chosen to flee back home instead of training under that grumpy Hermit, idiot.”

As I – Fei Cruelheart exhaled, the burdens on my shoulders were slightly lifted. It wasn’t much, since I heard that being worried constantly was a human thing. It didn’t mean it was alright but it was enough for now.

The girl with blond hair might have not noticed, but she wouldn’t even care about what was going on. Not even how her hair had grown longer by a few inches, and that her body had aged faster that even I could notice the changes. It was worrying but I believed that was the consequence of her actions. To mature faster than her peers for the sake of reaching her goals, a kind of way allowed only for her.

It might be that she had understood there were something happening beyond her control. It might also be that she was ignorant to how the world worked. But I could tell that she chose to limit herself so that what she has in her hands did not slip away. A sign of desperation, born from a flickering hope for a small happiness.

“I guess that is more like you, huh?” I murmured inaudibly, looking up and accepting a jug of ale, drinking it down steadily.

A reincarnated soul. A Pure Soul. A Champion with a Patron Deity. A Sword Princess.

There were too much to take in. Not because I couldn’t understand, but it was because I realized how each event connected with each other. My encounter with her. Our travel to meet her parents’ old acquaintance who knew the previous Sword Princess. Her enrollment in the Academy residing within the grasps of the accursed kingdom, her Quest which led her to the truth, and now…

“……damn it.” I cursed silently, gripping the ear of the jug that it began to creak,

Immediately, to control my tempers, I chugged down the rest of the ale. The ale was a little sour, but sweet. It burned my throat and warmed my stomach, at least. Slamming the container onto the counter, I asked for another fill.

Unexpectedly, my vision blurred a little, but I was still in full-control of myself. I knew that, since this body was highly resistant to poisons. Then why? I’m not drunk, so the only possibility left was…

“…It’s fine if you cry, you know?”

Rolling my gaze, I looked at her visage. The girl I fell in love with was smiling, content with eating her breakfast. Her movements were graceful and immaculate, more refined than years before that it made a strange contrast.

Without facing me, she closed her eyes. “Didn’t I tell you? I accept you as you are. Now that you have your own heart and freed from your shackles, you can do whateeeeever you want.”

I almost snorted. She treated my circumstance so lightly, but then again, she was always one who would bury her feelings deep down until they exploded. I guess she had already experienced it more than once, huh?

“Don’t tell me that now,” I huffed. “Regardless of me having a heart or not, it doesn’t change the situation. You’re in danger, so what I must do is to keep you safe.”

“I can take care of myself,” The girl waved a hand. “So you should tell me what you want. Isn’t it better if our wants and needs coincided?”

That’s…

…That’s true. Yeah. That could work, huh? I never tried to do that since my wants and needs are counter opposite. What I wanted was happiness for my beloved one, but my need required me to steer away from crossing with her path. I had once believed that to be true, but now…

“…I’m… I’m not so sure.” I cast down my gaze to the counter. “Now that we have nothing left to hide from each other, I wonder… where we should go. What can we do? What are we supposed to do?”

Now that’s a simple question, my beloved replied. Her legs swayed back and forth under the counter. She hummed a tune, clapping her hand once she finished her breakfast and turned to face me.

“Well, what do you want, Fei?” The girl – Charlotte Augmund asked. “Ask yourself that question. I’m sure you can find the answer you’re looking for.”

…

“…Easier said than done,” I curved down my lips, feeling hopeless at the challenge directed to me. “I’ve yet to understand what it means to be human, you know…?”

“Oh come on! Just be selfish or whatever! Heck, you can even try to be a little greedy or arrogant or maybe lustful! Anything’s fine!!”

Just tell me what you want, so the girl said. My mind was halfway from deciding that it could wait, but my heart resonated with her words. The pounding of my heart, the core of my existence – my soul responded to her command, and so I compelled myself to think.

For a while there was silence. For a short time which was as if an eternity had passed, nothing had happened.

Then I parted open my lips. “I want to be with you.”

The blonde girl reeled back, eyes widening and blinking. Soon, heat reached her ears and her face reddened.

“Uh… thanks?” Charlotte tilted her head. “But—“

“But I want to save everyone else too.”

Was it alright to say that? Aren’t I being too greedy? Haven’t I learned that doing stupid things will just cost me more? What lesson did I not acquire from the mutt’s preaching?

…It doesn’t matter. For the current me. For Fei Cruelheart, this much is a given. If being human is to act in accordance to my heart, and acting under my desires and whims…

Then that’s fine for me. So—

“I want to stop another war from occurring. I had enough of bloodshed. I hate it the most when people died that way. It’s… unfair.” I stared down, releasing a breath I wasn’t aware of holding.

“To who?” The girl asked.

“…To the living. And to the dead.” I replied, somewhat unsure. “Most importantly, I had enough of all this stupidity surrounding that place. If this is left alone, then the Demons will have easy ways to conquer the entire continent.”

Yes. If the worst were to happen, then everything will be for naught. I didn’t want that. I didn’t like that at all for one bit. But that meant I will be putting those important to me in perils. Even so…

“I will end it all. The rebellion. The Royalty’s schemes. The Demon’s invasion. The tensions between human and other races. And then…”

“And then?”

I put down the jug on the counter. I met her emerald gaze, feeling the brightness residing in it.

“…When I finished them all… When all of this ended…”

To achieve my dream. To fulfill my wants and needs, all at the same time. To reach the happiness I yearned for. And to fulfill my promise…

“Let’s get married, Charlotte.”