Vol 1 Chapter 6 – The Princess’s Request【Vol 1 – Spoiled Princess Arc】

“This way, this way!”

Princess Debora pulled me by the hand as we ran.

Of course, I couldn’t let Miriam get lost, so I kept hold of her hand as well.

Somehow, my cheeks were probably a little flushed.

As we dashed through the corridors, the maids and butlers we passed stared at us in surprise.

Well, anyone would be shocked to see a kingdom’s princess dragging some random nobody around.

Yet in their eyes I also caught a hint of pity, not just surprise.

No doubt that stems from Princess Debora’s reputation.

After all, she’s feared as the “Spoiled Princess”.

An ordinary person would despair just from being noticed by her.

Me? I’d call it a reward—I’m positively delighted.

While I was entertaining those thoughts, Princess Debora dove into a room.

Miriam and I followed, and the princess gestured for us to shut the door.

Inside stood the usual furnishings—a large bed, a desk, and so on.

That said, the quality was leagues above anything a commoner could afford.

“Oh? This place is …”

“My room!”

When I muttered that, Princess Debora turned back and informed me.

Hmm – Just as I thought.

A few lavish dresses hanging around are all it takes to know it’s Princess Debora’s room.

Fufuun – Ordinary people are strictly forbidden, and even Papa hasn’t been allowed in lately.

“It’s a rare privilege, so be grateful!”

“Indeed, I shall be thankful.”

King Rei always struck me as a doting, overprotective parent.

If his jealousy landed me any punishment short of execution, I’d shower Princess Debora with thanks.

Mm-hmm – You do seem to understand your place. Good boy! Here, want me to pat your head?

Pleased with my response, Princess Debora was in a splendid mood.

“Oh? May I?”

“Yep! It’s all about sure reward and punishment!”

I’m not sure what she meant by that.

Still, having such a young girl pat the most important part of a person’s body—their head—feels rather … humiliating, even pitiful.

Having come to that conclusion, I promptly bowed my head toward Princess Debora, but …

“……”

“Ara, ara …”

Miriam clung to my hand and wouldn’t let go.

Heh, are you trying to say you’re the only one allowed to please me?

I know, I know.

After all, that healing magic is a unique skill only Miriam possesses.

Mmm – Come to think of it, I’ve heard about the Hero, but I don’t know anything about you.

“……”

Princess Debora, thinking I had been prevented from coming to her side, made her displeasure obvious.

Normally, a princess who will one day handle diplomatic affairs would be advised to keep her emotions in check, but it’s this rich expressiveness that earns her the title “Spoiled Princess.”

Miriam, for her part, harbored zero fondness for royalty, so she fell into a sullen silence, glaring half at Princess Debora.

Now the two needed to direct their hostility at me…

“This is Miriam. She’s my cherished partner on this journey.”

“Fufuun”

Yes, she’s my precious partner who heals my wounds whenever I get hurt and even delivers pain when needed.

Miriam gave me an adorably bashful smile.

If she wore that expression all the time, men would flock to her… though even with her usual blank face, she’s still popular.

“Hmph.”

“…What do you see in that sullen-faced woman?”

“Tch!”

Meanwhile, Princess Debora looked distinctly irritated by my words.

Even toward Miriam, whom she was meeting for the first time, she didn’t hold back her cutting remarks.

I wouldn’t mind if someone hurled insults at me, though…

“That’s part of what makes Miriam so endearing.”

“…You’re making me blush.”

“Huh…well, whatever.”

At my words, Miriam’s cheeks deepened in color and she squeezed my hand tighter.

It’s true she’s lovely to look at, and her figure is impeccable, too.

Princess Debora seemed to lose interest in Miriam.

Irritating as she was, Debora grudgingly decided to ignore her since Miriam is someone I hold dear.

Princess Debora’s eyes, different from the harsh glare she’d given earlier, now sparkled brilliantly.

“The reason I asked Papa to fetch you is because I have a request.”

“A request?”

…I’d be thrilled if it’s an unreasonable demand…

“Right. You’ll hear me out, won’t you?”

Yes, with pleasure.

I sensed a true queen’s spirit in Princess Debora’s words, even though she gave no thought to my convenience.

I was about to express my immediate agreement when…

“…You need to actually tell me what the request is, or I’ll be in trouble.”

Miriam took a step forward as if to shield me.

Was she worried about me?

However, Princess Debora clearly disliked Miriam meddling before I could even answer her proposal; her face twisted into an unmistakable scowl.

“Mmm. I wasn’t asking you, though.”

“I am Erik’s partner, after all.”

“…I suppose I have no choice. Fine, I’ll tell you.”

Even under Princess Debora’s glare, Miriam didn’t back down.

They stared at each other for a moment before Debora finally relented.

Oh, this is incredible.

Facing that notorious “Spoiled Princess,” how many women in this kingdom could stand their ground like that?

As I pondered Miriam’s strong will and wondered if she might someday punish me…

“I want you to go into a dungeon with me.”

Da… a dungeon…?

“A dungeon?”

“Yes! My Papa is so overprotective; he never lets me go out. But I still long for the outside world. I love stories of adventurers exploring dungeons!”

At Miriam’s words, Princess Debora’s eyes glittered with awe.

Meanwhile, Miriam’s eyes went flat and lifeless.. Though, to be fair, she’s always seemed a bit lifeless.

And for good reason.

The only dungeons Princess Debora knew of were the ones from stories.

Judging by her infatuation, she probably only knew the glamorous side of dungeons.

In reality, dungeons are merciless.

Countless adventurers have lost their lives within them.

Only a tiny handful achieve legendary success—most crawl through pools of their own blood, fighting for every step.

That’s precisely why I love them.

“Also, Hero, you know I’m pretty strong, right? I train with the knights sometimes.”

“Indeed, that was a fine punch.”

“Hehe, right?”

Princess Debora thrust out her fist once more, and I sincerely praised her.

Yes, that was a truly good strike.

Even now, the dull ache lingers.

“And it’s not just punches—I have a special magic trick up my sleeve!”

“Oh? Is that so…?”

The rumored magic, huh.

The very thing that earned her the title “Spoiled Princess”…

Rumors are just rumors; you shouldn’t trust them until you see them with your own eyes.

But it’s okay to look forward to it.

“Heh…”

I wouldn’t mind triggering one of her tantrums myself.

“Right? It’s fine, Hero. You’ll take me into a dungeon, won’t you?”

Princess Debora looked up at me with pleading eyes.

She was asking me to lead an amateur like her into a place where even veteran adventurers die without warning, then protect her as we fought our way through…

Ha, there’s simply no reason to refuse.

“Yes, of course—”

“Absolutely not.”

It was just as I was about to agree.

Miriam, expressionless, cut me off sharply.

What a waste…!

…Huh?

Princess Debora’s cold face sent chills down my spine.