The Sun Prince - Re:Zero OC

As expected, it only took a few months after the encounter at Rom's place with Felt and Subaru before Priscilla was called back to the capital once again, this time being an invitation to officially begin the royal selection with all candidates now found and present… or, at least, that was the assumption, considering the timing of it all.

So, with us having already arrived, and Priscilla waiting at the manor to take a moment to rest after the long carriage ride here, I had opted to head to the royal knight's headquarters to announce our arrival.

It went fairly smoothly, and with the cape of the royal knights draped over my shoulder, there wasn't even a need for identification upon my entrance.

Such was the power and trust of the knights of this land, especially the royal knights, and that power was the reason I had decided to wear such an obnoxious garb.

Having it look cool, however, was certainly a nice benefit.

"Then, I await to see you once again at the ceremony. And once again, I, Julius Juukulius, welcome you to the ranks of the royal knights," the purple haired man said, bowing his head.

Julius Juukulius… the young man who was the vice-captain of the royal knights in all but name, since the current one left… much to be desired, you could say.

I had met him briefly during my travels around the nation when we joined a group to clear out a den of mabeasts, and just as I remembered, he truly fit the moniker of the 'Finest Knight', with all the slightly annoying pleasantries and flowery words to go with it.

"Yeah, you too… but I'm not an official royal knight, you know?" I said. "I am only Priscilla's, and that's all I plan to be."

Unless Felt needs me, of course, but considering that she had Reinhard, I doubt that I was needed.

After all, there were only two girls in this world that I would pledge my spear towards.

"Even still, I have heard of your might and valour. So, even if unofficial, I still recognize you proudly as a comrade," he said with a practised smile.

"I see… then, good day to you, Julius-dono," I said before turning to the door.

And so, with that all cleared up, I prepared to head back to the manor where my lady awaited me, perhaps buying something that could interest her along the way.

At least… that was before I saw a certain familiar duo.

"Subaru, Emilia-sama… what a surprise," I said, walking up to the two. "A pleasure to meet you two today."

"What?! Oh… it's you," Subaru said, raising his head to meet my eyes, a flare of anger having faded as quickly as it appeared.

Huh?

Was it just me, or did Subaru seem a bit… upset.

Not at me, but rather… from before I got here.

Odd.

"Huh? Oh! Selian!" Emilia said, turning around with a smile. "What brings you here?"

"I could say the same, Emilia-sama," I said, giving her a slight nod. "As for me, I just relayed Priscilla's arrival to the royal knights."

"Ah, I just did that as well," she said, nodding her head as she then looked below my head. "But, that cape… are you part of the royal knights now?"

"Er, unofficially, I suppose so… but I'm still only loyal to Priscilla," I said before turning to the boy. "And it's nice to see you as well, Subaru. With your current attire, I assume you've found yourself a place in Lugunica?"

The young man in question was currently wearing a set of what seemed to be servants clothes of black pants and a suit, with a bag of appas held in his hands.

It seems that Emilia had been treating him well, which was good to see.

"Uh… yeah, you can say that," he said, rubbing the back of his head. "So Priscilla's here too… I guess since it's for the royal selection stuff, it's only natural."

My eyes narrowed.

"It would be best to call her 'Priscilla-sama', Subaru," I warned him. "Else, she might lop off your head for the disrespect."

And more importantly, I was the only one permitted to call her that.

"R-Right… sorry, the nobility stuff is still a bit weird for me," he said, scratching his head with an embarrassed smile. "But… she wouldn't actually kill me for that, would she?"

I decided to ignore his question, for both of our sakes.

"That's fine. You'll learn. Especially if you stay by Emilia-sama's side… but make sure to do so quickly," I said with a smile. "So, where are you two staying? I can escort you back, if you wish."

"Err… sure, that's fine," Subaru said with a shrug.

"I… only if it doesn't bother you…" Emilia added, also hesitantly agreeing.

"It doesn't. Just lead the way," I said.

As we began walking down the street, Subaru nodded his head my way.

"So, what's with the new get-up?" he asked.

"This? It's the cloak of the royal knights," I said, holding it out for him to see. "As a status symbol, it's quite useful, especially among nobles. Things tend to go smoother with the reputation of the royal knights behind you. Besides, it looks quite good, no?"

"Er… I guess so," he said before his face switched to a scowl. "So that damn pretty boy was a royal knight, huh?"

"'Damn pretty boy'?" I voiced, confused.

Who was he talking about here?

"Yeah! That damn Julius guy!" he said, stomping his feet. "With that damn smile and those damn eyes… he even slobbered all over Emilia-tan's hand! You'd think a guy could keep his hands to himself!"

Uhh… what?

I briefly glanced over to Emilia, only to get a lighthearted shake of the head in response, as if a child had said something ridiculous.

I see… I guess Julius and Subaru had not only met, but had also gotten off on the wrong foot, huh?

Well, Julius could definitely seem like a pretentious prick at first glance, so I couldn't completely blame Subaru. 

And I could easily see Subaru making a mistake in his etiquette like he had done just earlier, and consequently pissing Julius off.

But still… in this instance, even if it was seen as childish, I could relate to Subaru.

After all, I would also hate it if the girl I loved had her hand touched, let alone kissed, by some random guy.

Luckily, the ever-lovely lady Priscilla despised being touched by anyone she deemed unsavoury or boring, which was practically everyone save for Schult and I, meaning I had quite the monopoly on the one I loved.

One could say that her divine luck had been passed on to me, to allow me such a privilege.

"I see… well, aside from that, where are you staying in the capital?" I asked. "As far as I know, Lord Mathers only has mansions in his territory, no?"

Emilia nodded her head.

"That's right. Actually, we're currently staying at an inn at the moment, but we're visiting the Karsten manor so that they can heal Subaru's gate," she said.

Ah… so they needed the help of 'Blue'…

And the Karsten manor… what a coincidence.

Perhaps I could meet Crusch after all this time?

I wonder if she even remembered me at this point, considering she was likely a very busy woman with her ascension to Duchess, as well as being a royal candidate.

"I see… you must have done something quite big to have harmed your gate to that extent," I said to Subaru.

"A-Ah… well, it seems that I'm not as good at magic as I thought I'd be, I guess…" he said, a little disappointed.

"Not good at magic… well, take it slow. Gates are like muscles, so if you put too much pressure on yours when it isn't trained, it is bound to break," I advised.

With him being from another world, it was easy to assume that he had no experience with using his gate, and consequently no training, so something like this was natural.

After all, even people who lived in this world all their lives had limits to their usage without hurting themselves, so I couldn't blame the guy for making such a mistake.

Though… that wasn't really the case for me.

Thank you, my mysterious Divine Protection, for strengthening my gate so much.

We then headed into the noble district, quite close to where Priscilla's manor was, before eventually coming to a stop in front of a large mansion, the perimeter being walled off and guarded by a large gate.

And… there was also another unknown character waiting in front, separate from the gate's guards.

A young woman, likely around my age, dressed in a traditional maid uniform with shoulder-length blue hair.

"Subaru-kun, Emilia-sama, welcome back," she said, bowing her head.

"Ah, Rem! Did you wait out here for us?" Subaru asked.

"Well… you could say that. It is my duty to welcome you both back, after all," she said, averting her eyes a bit as her cheeks gained some colour.

Quite the obvious reaction.

I had seen it multiple times, both from the passing ladies when I ventured the streets, and whenever I caught my reflection when I was with Priscilla.

And as to who was receiving such an obvious hint…

"Aww, you didn't have to do that! But thanks anyway. Now that we're back here, I can kind of get that annoying guy out of my mind!" Subaru said with a smile.

I… see.

While it didn't seem to capture the heart of the woman he wished to, Subaru had his own set of charms, I suppose.

Though, I do wonder what had happened in the months since I last saw him to garner such a connection.

"Oh, forgive me," Rem said, turning to me as she performed a polite curtsy. "I am Rem, a maid under the employ of Roswaal Mathers. A pleasure to meet you."

"You as well, but there's no need for such formalities," I said, waving her off as I then placed my hand on my chest. "As for me, I am Selian, the one and only knight of Priscilla Barielle."

A look of recognition flashed across her eyes as she then nodded her head in understanding, her smile widening a bit.

Huh? Did she know me somehow?

Or maybe she knew of Priscilla…

I was about to ask what such a look was for, but before I could, another person made themselves known.

"I see you have brought a guest, Emilia-sama," a familiar female voice said.

Turning to the other gated entrance, I watched as three people stepped out, two of which I already knew, and an unfamiliar older man with a hardened face standing behind them.

And not only that… I could tell that this man was powerful.

While I couldn't be exactly sure how strong he was, he was at least on the level that I instinctively felt the need to not actively pursue a fight with him, and from how his gaze sharpened as his eyes met mine, it seemed that he felt the same threat from me.

But a moment later, that gaze disappeared, as he gently bowed his head in greeting.

"Forgive me for overhearing, Selian-dono. I am Wilhelm van Astrea, a sword that has sworn himself to Crusch-sama," he said.

Wait… that name… it was the same as Reinhard's.

And more importantly…

"The pleasure is mine… it is not every day one can meet the revered Sword Demon," I said respectfully.

"Such a name is ill-befitting my current skills, but I thank you," he said, giving me a nod of respect. "And it is not every day one can meet such a promising young man… while I have heard of your skill in battle, it is good to have a face to match the name."

Uh… what?

What did he mean by hearing of my skill in battle?

"You're quite obviously confused. Did you think I would take all the credit for warding off the Great Rabbit?" Crusch said, giving me a warm smile. "It is nice to see you again, Selian. From your attire, it seems that you've been quite busy in the years since our last meeting."

I felt a smile grow on my face as well.

"I could say the same to you, Crusch-san. It seems that the years have treated you well," I replied. 

"Oh my… with such words, one may take them the wrong way," she said, her smile shifting from warm to teasing.

"I simply meant with your achievements in leading your family, as well as the news of your candidacy for the royal selection," I replied.

"A shame. Despite my stature, I still am but a young lady. Do you not think your words are too callous?" she asked.

"Well… if I must say, then-"

"No no no! Stop that right there! You two are much too friendly!" Ferris interrupted, her- or his, ears twitching in anger.

Damn… just why did he dress like that? Was it for confusing guests?

Just how many people's hearts had he broken with such a ruse?

Actually, while I had been curious about the reasoning of his act, now I almost didn't want to know.

"Calm down, Ferris. This is simply the banter we can share as comrades. After all, I still remember the spectacle quite vividly," Crusch said, looking over to me as she looked me up and down. "That aside… from your cloak, it seems that you've become a knight, just as I have heard. I'm guessing that I cannot offer you a position alongside Ferris?"

"Unfortunately not, Crusch-san," I said, bowing in apology. "As luck would have it, I have already found myself a lady to stand beside."

Her lips curled down in a frown before they began rising again.

"I see. To have rejected my offer before, she must be quite the woman to have changed your mind. I'm jealous," she said, her playful tone returning once more. "Well, since you escorted Emilia-sama and Subaru-san this far, would you like to stay for a while longer?"

The offer was quite enticing, to be able to catch up with the people I would love to call friends. But unfortunately, I did have prior arrangements.

Priscilla had given me a task, and I had already taken a detour on my way back, so I ought to return to her side before she got angry.

But before I could refuse, someone else did it for me.

"That will be quite enough," the harsh voice of Priscilla said as she walked towards us.

Her heels clacking against the smoothed cobblestone, she stopped at my side, her fan flared out in front of her face as she glared up at me.

"You're late," she stated.

"Yes… I'm sorry. I just got caught up in catching up with some previous acquaintances," I said, looking over to Subaru and Emilia. "You remember them, right?"

Priscilla narrowed her eyes at the two, causing both Subaru and Emilia to nervously avert their gaze.

"Ah… the half-devil, and her dog. I remember them, yes," she said with a sneer.

Haa… I wonder if it would be better for her to have forgotten them, just like she did with most other people.

"Priscilla, please…" I said with a sigh, watching as both Subaru and Emilia recoiled from her words.

Even Crusch and her two allies looked surprised at her harshness.

Luckily, before Subaru could lash out, Crusch stepped forward with a practised smile.

"Priscilla Barielle, am I correct? I have heard good things about the Barielle estate as of recent. You have found quite the good knight in Selian, as even I had wished for his services," Crusch said as she tilted her head. "The rumoured 'Sun Princess' that casts her divine light on the land, and the 'Sun Lance' that supports her… that must be referring to you, Selian?"

I nodded my head in response, though it did feel quite embarrassing to hear that title, especially amongst people who knew me.

Really, the people loved their titles and gossip, huh?

Although… the 'Sun Lance' did have a nice ring to it, if only because of the matching moniker of Priscilla's.

Priscilla, hearing this, narrowed her eyes a Crusch before she suddenly grabbed my wrist.

"That is correct. Now, since there is nothing else productive being discussed, I will be leaving this gaggle of commoners at once, with my knight," she said, abruptly turning away as she began walking, pulling me along with her with an iron grip.

Wait… the emphasis of her wording… the unpleasant face she was making… how tight she was holding me… 

Was she, perhaps… jealous?

Maybe it wasn't to the extent that it could be called jealousy, but even still, I felt a wave of euphoria over the sudden possessiveness of my adorable lady.

Even if she ended up being rude to Crusch and Emilia in the process… she didn't even properly say goodbye, nor allow me to.

But this was nice in its own way…

"Excuse me!" a voice called behind us.

Hearing this, Priscilla stopped as I looked behind me, only to see the maid from before walking briskly towards us.

And as for the others… it seemed that they had returned inside the gate.

"Is there something wrong, Rem-san?" I asked.

"No, Rem just wanted to say a few things, but Rem didn't find the time to earlier," she said, stopping in front of us as her face adorned a lovely smile. "Besides… Rem is sure Subaru-kun would be embarrassed hearing this."

Oddly enough, Priscilla didn't seem to mind Rem stopping to talk to me, which was quite odd, but I put that thought away as Rem continued.

"Rem wanted to thank you for saving him and Emilia-sama earlier in the capital. On behalf of Roswaal-sama, and myself, we are truly in your debt," she said, bowing her head.

"No need for thanks. The situation involved me anyway, so it was only natural for me to step in," I said.

With Felt being targeted and all.

"Right… still, Rem can see why Subaru-kun looks up to you, Selian-sama. He even attempted to train in the spear… although, that ended up being a fruitless effort," she said, giggling to herself with a warm smile.

While I didn't know this girl at all, it was obvious to any outside observer from the maidenly look she was wearing.

"You love him, don't you?" I said.

Instead of answering, her eyes widened as her chin then tilted down, her cheeks flaring a deep red.

Well, despite not having a verbal confirmation, with that reaction, I really didn't need one.

"I'm not sure what happened to have such an effect on you, but Subaru's a lucky man. I'll be sure to remind him to treat you well the next time we talk," I said, feeling the grip on my wrist increase, especially after calling Subaru a 'lucky man'. "But for now… we do need to be going."

"O-Of course, Selian-sama… do t-take care," Rem said as she turned back around, beginning to walk back to the Karsten manor.

Such a pure love, with no hidden affections… to be honest, I was a bit jealous.

I mean, what man wouldn't find such a warm, easy path to love to be endearing?

But at the same time… I enjoyed wearing down the walls of my princess even more, despite the increase in difficulty.

After all, she was the one I loved, and I doubted anything could change that.

And those moments where she showed her adorable and affectionate side, although rare… that only made them all the more special.

I just hoped that eventually, she could come to love me as much as Rem seemingly did for Subaru, just as I did for her.

"What is it, fool?" Priscilla asked with a frown as I stared at her.

"Nothing. I was just thinking of my love for you," I answered, my lips curving up into a smile. "And also… I think that I am quite the lucky man myself, to always be at your side like this."

Her eyes widened slightly, and before I knew it, her fan had shot forth to cover my eyes, delivering a light flash of pain to my nose in the process.

"Quiet your mouth this instant, fool," she said, but without the usual harshness those words usually came with when she spoke down to others.

Yeah… as I thought, loving Priscilla, while a longer and more arduous process, was certainly rewarding.

And so, we continued walking back to the manor, with Priscilla unwilling to face me again.

—

Something had happened.

Specifically, something had changed with my lady, and I had no clue as to what.

After returning from the Karsten manor, Priscilla had departed to her room as soon as we came inside.

That wasn't necessarily odd.

After all, Priscilla Barielle was a perfectly capable independent woman, and before me, had lived essentially on her own for most of her life, so she was more than able to stay in her room by herself… even if she usually had me follow her as much as possible.

No… what was odd, was the fact that she had explicitly called for another maid to help get her changed… a duty that she had bestowed onto me and only me.

So… why?

Was… was she perhaps quite angry from what happened before?

We both knew that both Crusch and Emilia were fellow candidates, so maybe it was that?

But… even if I was friendly with those two, Priscilla must know that I was only loyal to her, right?

With dusk spreading across the capital, and the official day of the meeting that the Sage Council had called for happening tomorrow, I released a tense sigh as I rapped my fingers against the table, staring out the window as I waited for Priscilla to come out of her room.

Wait… like this, haven't I become quite attached to her?

I knew that she was important to me… I knew that better than anyone… but was I really so worried about such a little thing like this?

Was I really so anxious at being apart from her?

Even when I had left to travel the nation on my own for three years, I was fine with being alone, but now… the thought terrified me.

Maybe… this was just another part of love?

I… hadn't really felt love like this before.

With Felt, sure, but that wasn't romantic like the feelings I felt for Priscilla. And even then, if we were to be separated, it would be more of me being worried about her rather than like right now, where I was solely worried about my own feelings.

Even in the memories of my past life, with the few relationships I had had, I had never felt something like this with another woman. And with those relationships, we had gone much further than Priscilla and I had as of now.

Could it be-

"Fool. Just what is going through that head of yours, so much that you would not notice the presence of your lady before you," Priscilla said, interrupting my thoughts.

Turning back to the hall, my face lit up at the sound of her voice, only for my body to freeze in place as she came into view.

I… there were not even words that could describe how stunning she was.

She had let her hair down into a simple braid, something I had only seen a few times whenever she asked me to do so for her, but now with the red flower that was clipped onto the side.

And the way her long, golden hair flowed over her shoulder… it had a sense of allure that I had previously not imagined possible in the woman.

Or perhaps it was simply the rarity of this sight that made me like this… but either way, her hair was stunning.

Her eyes were just as seductive as before, and her face was the same divinely beautiful one that I had come to fawn over, with those red lips that I often dreamt about tasting and those cheeks I could only wish to caress.

But yet, her appearance above her shoulders by itself, while still amazing, was not enough to leave me in this state.

Especially since I had been with her for so long.

No… that would have to do with the state of her dress.

A simple white négligée that was barely opaque enough to hide her skin, her shoulders left uncovered alongside her bare legs, with the dress being tight enough to reveal the pristine figure of the woman before me, yet loose enough to have it drape over her curves freely, akin to a silk bedsheet wrapping up a newly defiled maiden that made one's imagination run wild with possibilities.

Such thoughts were certainly blasphemous, all of them were… but it wasn't something I could stop when I was witnessing such a breathtaking sight.

After all, despite all the time we had spent together, I had only ever seen her dressed in red and black, her usual dress being the main attire she wore during the daytime, with a collection of nearly identical red nightgowns for the night.

She looked captivating in them as well, especially those nightgowns, but still… seeing her dressed in white, and in such a revealing and enticing outfit… it was a completely new experience for me.

"What are you gawking at? Are you that surprised?" Priscilla said, raising her brow in question.

"N-No, I… you're just… you look beautiful," I said, gaining control of myself once more.

Or at least trying to.

While most women would smile at such words, or perhaps even blush at the compliment, Priscilla instead raised her brow even higher in question.

"Is that so? But I believe I am always beautiful, am I not?" she said.

Well… that was certainly true, but this… this was in a league of its own.

Regardless, it would be best not to displease the princess.

"Sorry. You are right," I said, bowing my head slightly.

Priscilla's lips curled down into a frown.

What?

"Is… something wrong?" I asked.

Her eyes narrowed, and a moment later, she tilted her chin up with a huff.

"Hmph! I order you to compliment me as you see fit, fool, so do not make such an idiotic face," she said.

I… didn't quite understand, but she was telling me to be honest, right?

Then… there was only one thing I could say.

"Priscilla… thank you," I said.

"For what?" she asked.

"Letting me see a sight as enchanting as you are right now," I said, giving her a warm smile.

Her eyes widened, her mouth opening ever so slightly in what seemed like surprise, but a moment later, the look was gone as she suddenly turned on her heel to face away from me.

Uh… did I do something wrong?

She did tell me to be honest, right?

"You…" she said, her voice lower than usual. "Quiet… you fool…"

I… guess that wasn't a bad reaction?

But either way… I had learned something else.

Something even I wouldn't dare say out loud, despite the relative leniency Priscilla had granted me thus far with my words.

Priscilla… her backside was just as enchanting as her front, and if my eyes traced downwards… it was even more so.

"Ahem! Now… come downstairs with me, Selian. I believe the maids have prepared a dinner fit for mine divine self to indulge in," she said as she headed towards the stairs.

Swallowing my nervousness, I got to my feet, and needless to say… I followed after her.

Although… there was certainly a part of my brain that told me to stay seated for… other reasons.

—

It was the day that we were called by the Sage Council for a matter involving the royal selection, and with Schult driving the dragon carriage, Priscilla and I sat side by side, watching the passing scenery through the window.

There was not as much of the awkward tension that had been present last night after Priscilla's actions… but it was still there, though only slightly.

I had still yet to receive, or discover, a definitive answer as to why Priscilla suddenly gave me such a surprising sight during the night, nor why she immediately departed for her bedroom alone after having dinner… and I doubted that I ever would.

I would have assumed that she was simply angry at me talking with Crusch and Emilia, as they were her rivals that would be vying for the throne… but if she hated it that much, then the Priscilla I knew would simply order me not to be as friendly with those two rather than act like she had.

So it was definitely something else… something I had no clue as to what.

I had thought I was able to read Priscilla a bit better over the months we've spent together, but it seemed that I still had much to learn.

But things seemed fine now between us… at least, I hope it was.

"Schult. Stop the carriage," Priscilla suddenly ordered.

My head lurched back as we came to a sudden halt, breaking me out of my pondering as I looked over at Priscilla.

"My lady? Is something wrong?" I asked in confusion.

"Nothing of the sort," she replied, smirking as she looked out the window. "It seems that the half-devil's mutt has been left unleashed. Now, for what reason, one can only wonder…"

I was momentarily confused as to what she was saying, but as soon as I looked past the carriage door that Priscilla had opened, I realized what she was talking about, as sitting on the side of the road, his head looking up with a basket of appas resting on his lap, was Subaru.

Now… what was going on here?

I wasn't sure, but I felt that there was sure to be trouble from it.

"Subaru… what are you doing?" I asked.

"Huh? Well… sitting here, I guess," he said, his face turning into a frown. "Those guards take their jobs quite seriously, huh? Annoying guys…"

"What? What do you mean?" I asked.

He looked up at me, his eyes averting from mine a moment later as he began to frown.

"Emilia-tan didn't want me coming with her to the ceremony or whatever, so she left me behind… but shouldn't I be there with her?" he said, sulking even harder.

"So… you wanted to join her for the ceremony, even though she told you not to?" I asked.

And by breaking into the place, no less…

This was a matter concerning the royal selection, and likely where the candidates would be revealed to the populace. And while most of the candidates were already known by elites, this would be their official introduction as the possible rulers of the nation.

It was an extremely serious gathering, not one that would fit Subaru's… eccentricities.

Or at least, that is what Emilia thought, and I had to agree with her.

"Y-Yeah, but I should be there with her regardless! I'm… the only one on her side, right? She… needs me… so I should obviously be there!" he said, standing up as he then bowed his head. "Please! You're also going there too, right? So please take me with you into the ceremony!"

My eyebrows furrowed at the proclamation, and looking to my right, I saw that Priscilla was wearing a look that I had come to notice quite easily nowadays.

A look of intrigue and amusement.

But it wasn't the face of amusement that she wore whenever I did something she asked, or anything else that pleased her.

No… this was the type of look she would wear when we passed by a couple of thugs in the middle of a street fight.

And when I saw that look on her face, I knew there was only one possible answer to Subaru's plea…

"Hmm… So be it. You may join us as we enter the ceremony," she said, snapping her fan forward as a mirthful smile spread across her lips. "And you, mutt, shall act as my jester. Do not worry. You won't have to do anything different. Simply act as your usual self to provide me with adequate entertainment for the proceedings."

Subaru flinched at being called a 'mutt' once again, but swallowing his frustration, he bowed his head before heading into the carriage.

"Thanks… Priscilla-san- ack!"

His head turned to the side from Priscilla's strike, her fan having struck his cheek hard enough to leave an immediate red mark.

"That's 'sama' to you, jester," she said with anger.

"But doesn't Selian-"

"Quiet. Know your standing amongst me before you make me regret my decision," she said, leaning back into her seat as Subaru sat down across from us.

Well… while I enjoyed that she continued to only allow me to say her name without such honorifics, there was still something quite troublesome about the situation.

"Priscilla… I'm not sure if this is for the best," I whispered into her ear.

"Hmph. Silence, fool. Even if the mutt decides to make a true jester out of himself in front of the kingdom…" she said, her lips curling upwards. "It will definitely be entertaining."

Haa… of course.

"And more than that, it may very well expose the disgusting parts of those two that I have come to despise," she said, pressing her fan against my cheek as she reached out to hand me an appa. "Perhaps you might be able to come to understand what I see as well, so watch closely, Selian."

Hearing that, I simply sighed.

"All right… Priscilla," I said, shaking my head as I looked forward at the still-angered Subaru, hi hand rubbing his cheek as he stared out the window.

Well… I just hope nothing too bad happened.

Drawing my dagger from my hip, I absently cut a wedge out of the appa, placing it between Priscilla's lips as we continued onward.