Chapter 44
Episode 61: Return to Spica City
The academy’s first term ended, and we entered the long vacation.
I was going to return to Spica City with Selen-sama.
The carriage to Spica had been arranged by Brad-san, so Selen-sama and I waited in front of the academy for it to arrive.
「It’s not as fancy as a royal carriage, are you okay with that? Your backside might get sore.」
「We’ll be riding one during the extermination training next term, so think of this as practice.」
「Well, I guess I’ll strengthen my backside during this carriage trip too~♪」
「Hmm? I’m not sure what you mean, but alright (laugh).」
While we were chatting, the carriage arrived.
「Selen-chan, I’ve come to pick you up.」
「Brad-san, I’m bringing a friend along, so please take care of her too♪」
「Hm? Is it this young lady?」
「I’m Selen. I’m a classmate of Ren’s at the academy, and I’ll be spending the vacation with her, so I’ll be joining you.」
「Alright, it’ll be a long seven-day journey, but I look forward to it.」
After exchanging greetings, we boarded the carriage, and our journey to Spica City began.
Along the way, Selen and I talked about how we called each other Ren and Selen because of our names, and how I was the first freshman in academy history—and the first commoner—to become the top-ranked student.
Brad was quite surprised when he heard this.
「Haha… Selen-chan, you’re really making waves with your incredible performance. You’ve become quite the prominent figure at the academy.」
「That’s right, Ren’s an absolute standout at the academy, so there’s no one who doesn’t know her♪」
Ah… I think I was told to avoid standing out too much…
During the seven-day trip, Selen-sama was experiencing camping outdoors for the first time, and she seemed to enjoy it a lot.
Since I set up protective barriers, we didn’t have to worry about nocturnal attacks from monsters, so we slept peacefully.
The carriage journey went smoothly, and we were just a day away from arriving in Spica City.
Tomorrow, I’ll finally get to see Mom♪
I can’t wait to see her…
➖➖➖➖ Brad’s Perspective ➖➖➖➖
I had come to pick up Celestia-sama in front of the academy for her return to Spica City during the vacation, and she was waiting there with a packed-up young girl.
As I got closer… Could it really be the Empire’s First Princess, Selen-sama!?
There’s no way a princess living in the Imperial Capital would need to pack for a return to her home.
This doesn’t feel fine at all…
Then, when Celestia-sama told me she was bringing the princess along, I felt dizzy…
Even if she’s traveling incognito, the fact that the First Princess is heading to Spica alone means there must be an elite escort unit in the shadows somewhere.
Before we reach Spica, I need to prepare countermeasures… I discreetly informed a separate squad about the situation and issued an urgent, top-priority mission.
–
Episode 62: Reunion with Mom
➖➖➖➖ Carmen’s Perspective ➖➖➖➖
Just before Celestia left the Imperial Capital, I read the letter Brad had given me.
The contents were nothing short of surprising…
Celestia ranked first in both her grade and the entire academy—she’s standing out far too much… (sigh)
On top of that, she’s become best friends with the Empire’s First Princess, Selen, and wants to introduce her during this visit home.
She’s already revealed that she’s from Sylvania, though she hasn’t mentioned the 〘Holy Eye〙, just that she possesses a special kind of eye.
If my daughter trusts her that much, I suppose I have no choice but to trust her as well.
More than anything, though, I just want to hold my grown-up Celestia in my arms… I’ll be seeing her soon!♪
➖➖➖➖ Selen’s Perspective ➖➖➖➖
I reported to Papa that I’d be going to Spica City.
I was surprised when he said 『Yes』, but the condition was that he would investigate Ren’s background since she’s so exceptional.
In return, I also set a condition: that no guards be assigned to my vacation in Spica.
Though Papa initially refused, he finally agreed when I told him, 『Ren is stronger than any of the guards, you know?』
I feel bad for Papa, but I won’t reveal the truth about Ren’s background.
After all, Ren is my Lifelong Friend.
➖➖➖➖ Celestia’s Perspective ➖➖➖➖
The next morning, we finally arrived in Spica City.
After finishing breakfast quickly, I hurried Brad-san to depart as soon as possible.
「It’s natural to be in a rush since it’s been a while since you’ve been home, but you should wait for your friend to be ready too.」
I had been so focused on my own feelings that I failed to consider those around me…
「I’m sorry… I just couldn’t contain myself, thinking that Mom is waiting for me (sweat).」
「Ren, don’t worry about it. If it were me, I’d probably be the same. After all, it’s been such a long time. Brad-san, I’m ready too, so let’s head out.」
「Alright then, it’s just a little longer to Spica City. For Selen-chan, I’ll pick up the pace!」
The merchant’s carriage set off toward Spica City.
After several hours, I finally returned to the city where Mom was waiting.
Passing through the gate, we got off at the carriage stop, and I led Selen-sama to my mother’s house.
As the familiar row of houses came into view… I saw Mom waiting… and tears welled up in my eyes.
I ran to her and hugged her tightly…
「Welcome home, Celestia… Have you grown?」
「Mom… Mom… I missed you so much…」
「I’ve missed you too, Celestia… I love you, my darling…」
As I hugged her, I realized something.
Mom is so kind… so soft… and just being near her makes me feel safe.
Mom, I love you so much.
–
Episode 63: The Affectionate Daughter
While I was hugging Mom, she spoke to Selen-sama.
「Fufu… I’m sorry. Celestia has always been like this (laugh). Let’s head inside for now.」
「This is the first time I’ve seen Celestia like this. You two have such a close bond—I’m envious.」
Hearing their conversation, I finally let go of Mom and went inside the house.
「From Celestia’s letter, I’ve learned that you are the Empire’s First Princess, Selen-sama. I’m afraid this home is a bit cramped, but please make yourself comfortable.」
「Thank you very much.」
「Mom, since Selen-sama already knows the truth, I’ll remove my disguise.」
「Alright, I’ll remove mine as well.」
Both Mom and I undid our disguises, returning to our true forms.
Starting today, Selen-sama will be staying with us, but there was a slight problem.
「It’s fine to host Princess Selen here, but we don’t have a spare room for her to stay in.」
「Selen-sama can use my room, and I’ll stay in Mom’s room. How about that?」
「Hmm… Selen-sama, would that be alright with you?」
「Yes, that works perfectly. Also, you don’t need to use ‘sama.’ I’m not here as the Imperial Princess, but as a friend spending my vacation with Ren.」
「Understood. I’ll just call you Selen then. Nice to meet you.」
After that, we enjoyed Mom’s home-cooked meal, something I hadn’t had in a long time.
Since we’d only been wiping our bodies clean during the trip, we also took a bath.
It was a bit cramped, but the three of us soaked in the hot water together and had a nice chat.
After our bath, even though it was a bit early, we decided to go to bed.
「Selen-sama, have a good rest. Tomorrow I’ll show you around the city♪」
「Goodnight, Mrs., and Ren. I’m looking forward to tomorrow♪」
We each went to our respective rooms.
I entered Mom’s room and immediately hugged her.
「Still the affectionate daughter, I see♪」
「I’ve missed you so much, Mom…」
「I’ve missed you too, darling. You’ve grown quite a bit in such a short time.」
「Can I cling to you all I want until I go back to the academy?」
「Fufu, of course you can♪ Now, let’s get some rest so we’re ready for tomorrow.」
「Okay. Goodnight, Mom. I love you♪」
「Goodnight, dear. I love you too♪」
After sharing a goodnight kiss, I drifted off to sleep.
➖➖➖➖ Selen’s Perspective ➖➖➖➖
Ren and her mother removed their disguises.
What an incredibly beautiful woman!
Unlike Ren, who still has a childish charm, her mother looks like a complete adult…
I wonder if Ren will grow to look like that by the time she graduates from the academy?
If so, there’s no way the men of the world will leave her alone.
I’ll have to protect her.
Tomorrow, I’ll talk about my father’s request and explain that I’m on Ren’s side and won’t reveal anything to the Empire.
I also want to earn her mother’s trust.
Thanks for the chapter and the speed up