Side Story 2 - And Toward The Future

Gently lit by soft sunlight, ginkgo leaves fluttered through the air. The yellow leaves fell upon the recently refurbished stone pavement.

Cordelia, dressed in her Grand Holy Maiden attire, gazed at the townscape before her.

The slums struck by the great fire about a month ago — once covered in charred remains — now looked beautifully restored. Though not fully revived yet, the kingdom’s finest mages had gathered and rebuilt it with unbelievable speed.

Where wooden houses once stood now lined brick homes crafted by earth mages, and the once bare ground was neatly paved with magic stones. The people who had lost even hope along with their homes now seemed to regain the will to live before the reborn town.

Pleasant hammering sounds echoed everywhere, along with cheerful chatter of women.

“Cordelia, is Jack’s house this way?”

Isaac asked from behind. Turning around, Cordelia handed him a simple map.

“Yes, according to the map it should be around here. Since he runs a bakery, I think we’ll find it quickly.”

“Honestly… instead of searching we could’ve just rushed here by carriage.”

Jean muttered complaints behind them, but Lily immediately scolded him.

“Jean-sama, you don’t understand. Milady wishes to see the state of the town with her own eyes.”

“Yes, I wanted to walk and see it myself. I’m sorry for dragging everyone along with my selfishness.”

Cordelia apologized to the surrounding guard knights. She and Isaac were the Grand Holy Maiden and Crown Prince — the most important figures in the country — and thus a large number of knights accompanied them.

A large knight behind Jean laughed loudly.

“We’re fine, Cordelia-sama! This is just a stroll. Captain Jean is only embarrassed because he finally met Miss Lily again. Ah, youth.”

“I told you not to say that!”

Thunk! A fist struck the knight’s head. Watching Lily blush bright red, Cordelia giggled. Even Isaac, unusually, covered his mouth to laugh. The townspeople nearby burst into laughter too.

“Hey—! Cordelia-sama!”

A high-pitched child’s voice called her name. Looking over, Jack peeked out from what seemed to be a bakery and waved vigorously. Behind him, his father bowed politely.

“That must be the place.”

“Let’s go!”

Holding hands, the two walked toward Jack’s house.

“My goodness! Even if it’s newly rebuilt, I never imagined the Crown Prince and Grand Holy Maiden would visit our home! How should we entertain you!?”

Inside the house, Jack’s father rushed around in panic preparing hospitality, while Jack calmly pointed to a chair.

“Just sit here for now!”

“Honestly, you child… that’s no way to speak to Cordelia-sama!”

Jack’s mother scolded him, holding a sparkling-eyed baby — his little sister.

“I apologize, Cordelia-sama, Isaac-sama.”

“It’s quite alright. More importantly, is everyone well? Especially Jack — no aftereffects?”

He had suffered life-threatening burns in the Great Fire of Lakisen. Without Cordelia’s healing, he likely would have died. Though healed by Holy Magic, she wanted to confirm their safety.

“I’m totally fine! Even my calluses healed, I feel better than before. Mom’s the one hurting — she says her back aches from carrying the baby.”

“Hey! Don’t be so rude! I’m terribly sorry!”

His mother bowed repeatedly.

“That is no trouble at all.”

Cordelia stood and placed her hand on the woman’s shoulder, channeling Holy Magic. The mother sighed in relief.

“Ahh… thank you… not just my back, everything feels better.”

“I hear childcare is hard labor. Please don’t worry.”

Just then, a kitten-like cry sounded. The baby reached toward Cordelia.

“My, how adorable! Her eyes look just like Jack’s.”

With round catlike eyes, fluffy hair, and plump cheeks, the angelic baby made Cordelia smile dreamily. Unable to resist, she asked:

“May I hold her?”

“Of course! Just support her neck carefully…”

Very carefully — even more gently than handling treasure — she cradled the baby. A faint milky scent and warm weight filled her arms.

“Ahh… so cute…”

“Really adorable.”

Beside her stood Isaac with a soft smile. They exchanged smiles while the baby stared and sucked her fingers.

Jack puffed his chest proudly.

“My sister’s cute, right? I’ll protect her when I grow up.”

“My, how reliable. I envy her kind big brother.”

As she rocked the baby, Jack puffed his chest further.

“I’ll protect you too, Cordelia-sama!”

“You… will protect me?”

Both Cordelia and Isaac widened their eyes.

“Yeah! I decided — I’ll become a knight and protect you!”

“Oh? You, a knight?”

Jean stepped forward teasingly, making Jack flinch.

“Becoming a knight is hard, especially for commoners. Even after long service you might only become a squad leader. Guarding the Crown Prince or Grand Holy Maiden is a dream beyond dreams. Better inherit the bakery.”

“Jean-sama! Be gentler!”

“Because he’s a child. Better he learns harsh truth now than despair later.”

“I—I’ll still do it!”

Jack clenched his fists and shouted.

“I’ll grow strong and protect Cordelia-sama, my sister, Mom and Dad! Ever since you saved me I’ve been thinking — maybe that’s why I’m alive! So no matter what you say, I’ll be a knight!”

Jean grinned.

“You’ve got spirit. Start with a thousand practice swings daily. Someone bring a training wooden sword — a small one.”

“Yes sir!”

A knight ran out immediately.

“You were thinking that, Jack…”

His mother murmured tearfully, father gently holding her shoulder.

“The knight is right — the path is harsh. But if you truly aim for it, we’ll support you.”

“I look forward to meeting you as a knight someday.”

Jack laughed shyly at Cordelia’s words.

“That was surprising. I never imagined Jack was thinking such things.”

That night back at the palace, Cordelia spoke while removing her cloak.

…But no reply came. Turning, she found only Isaac remained besides the maids.

“Oh? Where are Jean and Lily?”

Isaac approached quietly.

“I had them step out briefly.”

“I see?”

She handed her earrings to a maid when suddenly she was embraced from behind — Isaac. The maids quickly exited.

“Your Highness?”

His faint sweet scent, breath by her ear, and warmth against her back made her heart pound.

“W-what is it?”

When she placed her hand over his, he gripped tighter.

“…I didn’t think I was this narrow-minded.”

She tilted her head.

“What do you mean…”

“Hearing that boy, I felt jealous. Sometimes I wish I could entrust the kingdom to someone else and look only at you.”

Realizing, she turned.

“My… are you jealous of Jack— mm!”

His lips sealed hers. Holding her head, he kissed her intensely. Unfamiliar kisses made her dizzy; her body trembled as she clutched his clothes to stay standing.

“I-Isaac-sama…!”

When they parted, his blue eyes shone, licking his lips sensually.

“…Cordelia, that baby was cute.”

“Y-yes… very cute…”

He whispered at her ear.

“—Shall we have a child too?”

A sweet electric shiver ran through her. She could no longer stand.

(N-no! We haven’t even had the wedding yet!)

But instead of words, a nosebleed burst forth. His charm was too strong.

As Isaac shouted her name, Cordelia lost consciousness.

That day in the palace, the rare sight of a scolded Crown Prince by the Grand Holy Maiden’s maid was seen — and his laughing guard knight was scolded alongside him.