TOPWL 118

It was a weapons shop that specialized in using monster byproducts. The shop mainly dealt in armor and weapons, and unusually, the armor crafted from monster hide and bone gave off a sweet scent instead of the typical leather smell. This was thanks to the bodily fluids of a monster known as the Bloodwhip. Moreover, the weapons forged from monster claws and bones were as hard as steel, yet lighter—and cost less than half the price of steel.

The shop was decorated with Herutian tapestries and trinkets, lending it an exotic atmosphere, as if the goods had been imported from foreign lands. As a result, the weapons that had previously gathered dust in the outskirts of town suddenly drew more attention than they had in a lifetime. Villagers wearing armor made of monster hide in their everyday lives only added to the intrigue. The shopkeeper, who had spent a lifetime crafting arms from monster materials, was brought to tears watching the goods fly off the shelves.

“Is something wrong?”

Yudit, walking through the market, came to a stop and glanced around, sensing something unfamiliar. Selena, noticing his pause, tilted her head and asked,

“It’s the first day of the swordsmanship tournament, but there are more people here than I expected.”

It was, after all, the first day of the tournament. On such a day, it wouldn’t be strange if the entire village had headed to the capital instead of staying here. But instead, the market—and the village in general—was packed to the brim with people.

“It’s because you’ve made it a good festival.”

It was a fair enough remark, but Yudit sensed a subtle inconsistency in Selena’s tone. He looked at her, and she flinched slightly and avoided his gaze. Narrowing his eyes, Yudit asked,

“Selena, do you know something?”

“No. What would I know?”

“Selena.”

Pressed by Yudit’s tone, Selena shut her eyes tight for a moment.

“It’s really not a big deal…”

But when Yudit didn’t let up, she reluctantly opened her bag and took out a notebook. It was more than thick—it was bulging, stuffed with cut-out newspaper clippings. Flipping through the pages, she finally stopped. The clipping she showed him featured an illustration alongside an article from the previous day. It depicted the townsfolk protesting in front of a newspaper office. Judging by the size of the article and the illustration, it had likely been printed on the front page.

“It happened a while ago… but it only got printed yesterday.”

To summarize the article: after reading slanderous remarks about Prince Yudit in a newspaper, the people of District 3 in Bern had marched all the way to the newspaper office in protest. What had Prince Yudit done that moved them to such lengths, all the way to the capital? The article didn’t say—but it did offer readers a way to find out: by visiting the festival being held in District 3 during the tournament period.

Beneath the explanation of the festival, there was another illustration, this one showing the district’s market and plaza. It was depicted like another world entirely.

The article had cleverly stirred curiosity and controversy, implying that anyone who didn’t visit would be missing out. Yudit immediately knew whose handiwork it was.

“So it wasn’t just my imagination that a few newspapers were missing yesterday morning.”

Yudit sighed. Selena fidgeted beside him and said nervously,

“W-well, the important thing is that people are interested now. That’s why there’s such a big crowd here, even on the first day of the tournament.”

In any case, if there was someone to blame, it was Khalid—not Selena. Not wanting to make her feel any more uncomfortable, Yudit softened his expression and nodded.

“You’re right.”

Before stepping into the plaza, they paused for a moment. Like the market, the plaza was bustling with life—thanks in part to the monster subjugation efforts. The plaza, divided into four sections with a central fountain, had one quarter filled with stalls and tables, another arranged as a rest area, and the remaining two reserved for the subjugation squads.

Since the threat wasn’t completely gone, the village continued recruiting volunteers for the squads. Behind the signup table, a direbear hide had been hung to draw attention. That display had been Selena’s idea—and it had created quite a stir. Some people even came all the way to the village just to see the hide. Selena looked proudly at the long, winding line of applicants.

“There’ll be even more after the tournament ends.”

“You think so?”

“I’m sure of it.”

Selena’s eyes sparkled as she answered. Yudit gazed at her for a moment, then spoke.

“Thank you, Selena.”

“Huh?”

“You’ve helped me so much, even though you’re busy with your own business. I honestly don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”

Selena looked a little flustered at that. Thinking he might’ve said something wrong, Yudit blinked. Selena hesitated for a while before finally speaking.

“Your Highness, the truth is… I want to keep working for you. From now on, too. If you’ll allow it?”

Surprised, Yudit couldn’t hide the look on his face. He was caught off guard for a moment, then gradually collected himself and responded.

“Selena. I’m truly grateful for all the help you’ve given me so far. I’ll make sure to show my appreciation properly. But… this is a bit difficult for me.”

“…Is it because you’re worried I’ll be in danger?”

Yudit nodded. Before speaking further, he glanced around. They were in a quiet corner, and with two guards nearby, there was little chance anyone could overhear their conversation.

“That’s right. As you know, Selena, I don’t have any real power. Honestly, just protecting the people already by my side is a struggle.”

Even with Khalid around, that wasn’t his own power. The only person Khalid truly cared for was Yudit himself. And with how much Yudit was already burdening him, it felt wrong to add even more weight.

“…And if I still want to stay by your side?”

Selena looked straight at him, her lips pressed tightly together.

“I already have my parents’ permission. I’ve decided to be the foolish daughter who fell for the prince and insists on following him. It’s not like my family will fall into ruin just because I choose to follow you.”

“Selena…”

“Why do you think I’ve been assisting you so openly like this in public?”

Yudit’s expression stiffened.

“I did it on purpose. So that everyone could see I stand by you.”

“But why would you…”

“Because I wanted to be by your side.”

Yudit looked at her with a conflicted expression. Selena quickly waved her hands.

“No, that’s not what I meant. I do love you, but not in a romantic sense. What I mean is—I believe in you, and I want to follow you.”

“I understand. But, Selena, we’ve always gotten along as friends, haven’t we? Don’t let a fleeting feeling determine the course of your life.”

At Yudit’s words, Selena frowned slightly, a hint of frustration crossing her face. She met his gaze head-on.

“Your Highness, that day, you risked your life to save me. I’ve watched carefully how you’ve moved forward since then. I don’t want to keep living as an outsider, too afraid to commit. I want to stand with you now, and walk forward together.”

Yudit was left speechless, staring at her as she held her ground with a determined expression.

“…I need time to think about it.”

“I know you’re busy, and I’m sorry for putting this on your plate. But… I felt like if I waited any longer, I’d miss the chance to say it.”

Yudit, looking away, happened to glance down at Selena’s hands. They were trembling faintly. It must’ve taken an enormous amount of courage for her to speak up. That made him feel both thankful and sorry.

“Thank you. For telling me.”

“O-oh, no. I shouldn’t have brought this up here… but I got nervous, and it just came out.”

It really wasn’t the best place for this kind of conversation. Yudit carefully scanned their surroundings before speaking again.

“No matter what I decide, you’re still a dear friend to me, Selena. You know that, right? Even if I say no, it doesn’t mean I’m rejecting you.”

“I know. I know you’re saying that for my sake. And I’ve considered everything before telling you this. So please—promise me you’ll think about it seriously.”

Yudit hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

“I will.”

***

“What the hell kind of job was that?!”

Reginald slammed his fist on the desk, shaking the whole room. A fierce aura crackled through the air of the office, making the color drain from the faces of everyone present. That included the man standing in front of Reginald.

Richard, his aide, was kneeling on one knee before him, taking the brunt of his wrath.

“If you’ve got eyes, read the damn paper. And if you’ve got a mouth, explain yourself.”

Reginald threw a wad of newspapers at him. The bundle struck Richard in the head and fell to the floor.