Princess In Another World: New Story
28
“Why, why only Ari sacrificed herself!! WHY ARI!!” In sadness, Iona stared intently at the squad leaders.
“Iona, they are not wrong. Everything can happen on the battlefield, even something unexpected though.” (Risa) Risa tries to calm Iona down.
“Kak Risa did not understand, I have repeatedly reminded her but just because this kingdom will be attacked she was willing to sacrifice her life. I HATE IT!!! That selfish attitude of hers, never thinking about me at all. I hateit. Ari...” In anger, Iona still hugs Ari's body and tears that trickle down Ari's face. “I beg you, come back, I BEG YOU!!! I beg..”.
“We must prepare a decent funeral for him.” (Silvia)
“No!! Ari's not dead, she's alive I'm sure. She can't die, I believe.”.
“But Iona, she already..”.
“DON'T!!! I don't want to hear anything else, I, I. If I have to die, then I will die with him.”.
“A-what are you saying!!” (God)
“I don't want to lose him, he's the most, very valuable person to me. I don't want to have to part with him. I don't want to part with him.” Everyone who saw that could only bow their heads, they could not say anything to him. “I don't want to part with him. I don't want.”
Time suddenly stopped.
“What happened?” Iona who realized that was a confusion.
“I Iris, goddess who helped Ari.”
“Goddess?”
Iona moved away.
“Where is this?”
“This is my residence. Looks like a lot of things Ari has hidden from you, yes.”
“Hidden from me?”
“Ya.”
“If you're a goddess, you can revive Ari. I beg of you, please revive Ari. I'm begging you.”
“Unfortunately it is impossible.”
“However you can, are you not a goddess. As it is impossible.”
“Ari has previously been revived in this world, legally he will leave this world forever.”
“I-it, not possible.” Hearing that deep awareness was shown by Iona. “I beg you, please revive Ari, just take anything from me if you need to take my life to bring it to life. I beg.”
“Haaaa, thank you. That's why you don't have to sacrifice your life.” Iris pointed at Iona's neck.
“This.”
“You remember what she said before?”
‘I'll give up half my life for you.’ “I remember it, dimoment it.”
“Yes. As he said, it was a contract. Half Ari's life has been given to you.”
“So, if I return it Ari can come back to life.”
“Ya, you're right.” A smile of hope began to radiate from Iona. “But, you must do whatever he has done before to you to him.”
“Good, I'll do.”
“Yes, I'll help you from here.”
“Goddess Iris, thank you.” After that Iona returned to her world.
“You lost. He was willing to sacrifice his life just to save him, in terms of love you have lost to him.”
“Yes, after all I never had a chance to win at all.”
“You're strong, yes.”
\=\=
I returned. After hearing what the goddess explained I gained a hope. ‘Thank you very much. Goddess.’
“Iona.”
“I hope it works.”
‘You should do it lovingly, that's what Ari did to you before.’ The voice of the goddess appeared in my head.
“Full affection.” I slowly began to bring my lips closer to Ari's. “I beg you, wake up. I beg you, wake up.”
“Iona..” (Risa) They can all only see what Iona did to Ari's already stiff body.
Iona did it, everything Ari ever did to her. Kissing her forehead, kissing her palms, then kissing her neck. “I beg you, wake up, Ari.. I beg you..”.
\=\=\=
“Skak, yes, I won again.”
“How can I lose, even though I already know the direction of the game.”
“Hahaha, but you are a very great god. Thank you for spending your time on someone like me.”
“No problem, after all I have not been entertained like this for a long time.” Suddenly my body slowly began to disappear. “Ohh, looks like someone called you. We have to split up. Oh yeah, do you want something as a memento?”
“Hmmm, what if I can use magic? Hahahaha, I was just kidding. I don't need anything, thanks for spending time with me.” I went, I don't know where I'll be after this.
“Yes. Interesting people.”
“It looks like you found an interesting person.”
“Yes. Hey, wanna play chess with me?”
“How can I spend my precious time just to play around.”
“True too, yes. Right too.”
\=\=\=
I actually wanted to open my eyes, but somehow I don't want to do it right now. ‘I was reborn, huh?’ Even so, I felt such a comfortable warmth.
“Ari.”
A voice familiar to me, I heard it. It was that voice that made me want to open my eyes.
“Ari... Ari!!!”
“Iona?” The first person I saw was Iona, but she was crying. “Why are you crying?”
“Ari, thank goodness. I thought I'd never see you again.”
Iona hugged me tightly. “I'm in pain, lo.”
“Ari, Ari!!”
When I looked around, everyone gathered here. Starting from the king, queen, Risa, Lucy and also the squad leaders. “What really happened here?” They look very surprised. ‘Haaaa, stop. Let it go.’ At least I'll let it go until he gets calmer.
A few minutes later.
“You've calmed down?”
“Y-ya, sorry.”
“No problem.” I looked at my whole body, there were no burns left everything was healed. “What happened to me?”
“Begini, I'll explain it.” (Lucy) Lucy then explains what happened.
I understand everything, but I didn't think Iona would do that. “It turns out you can be aggressive too.”
“I don't care, as long as it can save you I will do anything.”
“So.” My eyes were fixed on the kiss mark on his neck, for several days had passed but the mark had not disappeared. I then touched it. “Thanks. You're not bothered by this?”
“No, absolutely not. I'm so happy, it brings me closer to you.”
“So. Haaaa, okay. Iona can you move? I want to wake up.”
“Y-yes. Can you wake up?”
“Quiet, I can.” I tried to get up, but my muscles still couldn't.
“I'll help you.”
“Thanks.” Iona helped me to wake up.
“Haaaa, after this I still have to meet those commanders. Looks like today I'll be busy.”
“Can't, you can't work right now. You have to rest.”
“But..”.
“I said no, yes no!!”
“Haaa, fine.”
A few days passed.
“How are you doing?”
“It's better than before, it looks like I've been able to do activities today.” I'm currently being treated in Iona's room, just like before.
“Cannot, you must recover completely.”
“But..”.
“Pangran Lucy has done everything, you don't have to worry.”
“That's exactly what I'm worried about, he's doing everything alone he must be a hassle at the moment.”
“I also did not take the exam, what about my academic grades. I don't want to see the head of that academy again.”
“I've taken care of it, you don't have to worry about it.”
“So, yes. At a time when it seems like you are indeed reliable, yes.”
“B-so. T-thanks.”
‘Did I say something?’ He looks so happy, but I don't know why or why.
A few days after that, again.
“Haaaa, looks like I've recovered.”
“Really?”
“Yes, thank you for taking care of me all this time.” I spread both my hands. “Iona.”
“Ari.”
“Come.”
Iona came closer to me, and I hugged her. “Ari.”
“Thanks for everything. Thank you for taking care of me, thank you for loving me, thank you for being my reason for living. Thanks.”
“Ari, I love you.”
“Thanks.”
“Ehem. Looks like you two are indeed very close.”
“K-sister Risa.”
“Risa-oneesama, what's up?”
“No, it looks like you've been healthier than before.”
“Yes, I have fully recovered. But yes, Iona is too tight so I'm here longer than I should be.”
“So, doesn't that mean he's very worried about your circumstances.”
“Ya, but Lucy at this time must also be in trouble if you have to work on all the military yourself.”
“You're going?”
“Yes, I haven't moved my body in a while anyway. Maybe it will be a little stiff than before because it rarely moves.”
“So.”
“Iona, let's go.”
“Good.”
“They are both more open now, maybe they are currently seen as a couple.”
On the way to the special headquarters.
“Oh yes, how about Risa-oneesama engagement party?”
“Marriage is postponed.”
“Because of the attack, yes.”
“Iya.”
“So, what news does the royal husband-to-be Risa-oneesama get?”
“Hmmm, they only get word that the war is over, so everything is fine. So, the engagement can be held again.”
“So, thank goodness.”
“A-anu.. Ari.”.
“Huh?”
“B-can I..” Iona stares into my hand.
“Hmmm, like this.” I held her hand. “What is enough?”
“Thanks.”
Engagement is still workable, so for this matter it doesn't seem like it's going to be a problem.
At headquarters.
“Weeew, you look like a couple of lovers who are being drunk romance.” (Lucy)
“Stop that. Where are the others?”
“Haaa, my harem atmosphere disappeared, they all went to do their duty.”
“You think about it?”
“Come on, I'm just kidding. Looking at your condition, it looks like you have recovered completely.”
“Yes, all of that thanks to Iona.” care
“So, then I also want to know how it feels to be cared for by princess.”
“Ehem, is there a problem?”
“How to start, yes. Hmmmm, there are quite a number of people who do not have a job, you could say the fewer job problems.”
“What jobs do we provide less?”
“Hmmm, it can be said like that. The agricultural land is almost all full, and also if we cut down forests to be used as agricultural land.”.
“That's a bad thing, if you want to do that do if it is really needed as when our food is not enough, if only to find work land do not involve nature let alone forests. There are still many ways to find a job besides damaging nature.”
“Hmmm, do you have any ideas?”
“Utilize the sea products, the ocean is still unspoiled. This kingdom has long relied on the harvest from their farming, even though they also have great potential with sea products. If it can be used it will certainly be very profitable, even so do not overdo it.”
“Hmmm, so, I understand.”
“In addition, does not this kingdom also have a coal mine. Why don't they use it?” The place used by Dravin, it was a former mine cave so naturally I felt a little astonished by it.
“Ahhh, about that. I'll explain it.” (Lion)
Long enough after that..
“Hmmm, I understand the circumstances.” The mines were once used as the livelihood of this kingdom, but that was decades ago. They've stopped using it since they found out there's a monster nest in there. “Although, the material obtained from mining will be very profitable. Lucy, order the commanders to inspect the mine site in this kingdom.”
“You plan to reuse it?”
“It could be profitable, and it's possible your salary will go up.”
“Hoooo, that's great. Alright. I'll say that to the squad leader.”
“Ya, be careful on the road.” Lucy's gone.
“Gaji? Wouldn't it be if Prince Lucy's salary was less to ask father? I'm sure dad will give it to him, too.”
“It's not like that, it's just as a formality only.”
“Ari, how about your salary?”
“Hmmmm, no.”
“It's over?”
“No, I'm not salaried.”
“Eh? Why?!”
“I do not need it, the money I get from the sale of goods is more than enough.”
“Good sales result? You trade?”
“Yes, but I never took care of it. I leave that task to the retired troops who do not have a job.”
“Passionate team?”
“You know, the retired soldier has a lot of dependents. The money given by the king may not be enough for the family needs of the soldiers who retired, therefore I helped them a little.”
“So.”
“Yes, but as you heard before. The more people who need work, I'm grateful for that because it could have made this kingdom more advanced. But on the other hand, I'm worried about this.”
“Worry?”
“The more needs, then nature will receive its impact. Forest clearing, environmental pollution and other things that might cause damage. I want to prevent that, the air in this world is so comfortable and so cool. The atmosphere is also very soothing, it would be a pity if all that had to disappear just for the sake of greed.”
“Yes, like that. Forests are life to many living things, all the plants needed by humans are available there, it would be very detrimental if you had to destroy the forest without the necessary needs. Although only slightly damaging, but the function of the forest is much more important than what we can imagine.”
“I understand.”
“Haaaa, okay. Lucy's gone, time to clear up the rest of this work. Iona, if you're tired you can rest, I'll do it all.”
“I should have said so.”
“Hahaha, then we split the task.”
“Good.”
Long enough after that.
“Ari, something is strange with this document.”
“What's up?”
“See, the amount is not appropriate. Not only that, but the amount of incoming budget is also less than usual. Besides, spending more and more, isn't that weird?”
“Hmmm, looks like someone is cheating.”
“Fraud?”
“This has happened before, they should have been bothered with the consequences.”
“I'm back. Wow, it turns out there are indeed many monsters mined.” (Lucy) Lucy is back with a happy face and full of sweat.
“Then?”
“The heads of the squads and other troops have started an extermination plan, maybe the mine will be clean in about 3-6 days. Haaaa, but it's really tiring.”
“Oh yes, Lucy do you know about this?”
“Ahhh, the document. I've been investigating him for a few days now, as you'd expect someone to commit fraud. I don't know what they're thinking, but shouldn't the salary they're paying be big enough, why are they still doing it?”
“Not difficult questions, they are just greedy. They want to have it all, want to be rich, and want to be a person who is respected for having a high rank. That's it.”
“Haaaa, so. Ahhhh, I'm so tired. Work just took up my entire stamina.”
“What are you doing?”
“Running around, checking out some usable mines, being chased by crowds of monsters, and other things.”
“B-so, definitely it's hard.”
“It's clear.”
“Wait a moment, I'll get you some drinking water.” (Lion)
“Wah, thank you very much.” Iona's gone. “Enak too, yes if you have a wife as good and beautiful as a princess.”
“Then, what do you want to talk about?”
“Wah, brutal. I am envious of you.”
“You want Iona to go because there's something you want to talk about, right’.”
“Haaa, as always you don't like pleasantries. Okay, this is about the document you're holding.”
“Hmmm, is there a problem?”
“Sounds like it was a mistake.”
“Error? You mean it was written incorrectly, do you?”
“Yes, like that. I get enough details from some people about the payment and income, all the amount is appropriate, but when I come in here everything is reduced as if..”.
“So in short you said that one of them already took the money, like that?”
“Ya.”
If it was true like that, it was only natural that he did not dare to talk about this in front of Iona. “Then, who do you suspect?”
“Lysia.”
“You have a reason?”
“I heard that her parents are currently in severe pain, she needs a lot of money for her treatment. That possibility is what makes him reckless to do such a thing.”
“Hmmmm, what's their salary all?”
“If viewed from the number, about 75.”
“It's already divided 2?”
“Ya.”
If so, it means their actual salary is 150, but because they are both, it is also divided by 2. “Can't make their salary raised? After all, the ones who manage the finances of this headquarters are those with 4.”
“Although you said so, the finances to pay the soldiers are currently quite draining the wallet.”
“While the one who paid the king is not you.”
“ Anyway, if there is a raise, it should be no approval from the king. That's it.”
“What if they are with another side? Isn't the job as treasurer and secretary not so much.”
“Eh, yes too. Most of the documents that are here about the management and other things that are not related to money, that's outside the field that they can. Looks like it can.”
“Then tell them. If you want more money, the store I open is ready to welcome them.”
“You opened the store?”
“Iya.”
“When?”
“Since a few months ago. Wine shop.”
“Hey, why it could be like that.”
“Already, this is also for the sake of empowering people who want to earn money.”
“B-so.”
“By the way there are already other branches, lo in the kingdom next door.”
“You're that... Haaaa, come on. Then, we can assume this problem is finished, like that?”
“Yes, but I wish they were more open to us. If there's something they want, we can just help.”
“Position differences.”
“Position difference?”
“They feel alien to both of us, just the two of us.”
“So, they are friends of Iona. So they're close to Iona, but why don't they tell me if there's a problem with their lives?”
“Hmmm, probably because they don't want to bother it. She is a princess, although they are friends but their caste is different.”
“Haaaa, position, yes. Though it has absolutely nothing to do.”
“I also think like that. In addition, the status has also been determined since birth so want how else.”
“Sorry to keep you waiting, I brought it.” Iona came back, and she brought 2 glasses of juice.
“Wah, thanks.” Lucy immediately took one glass and drank it.
“Jus?”
“Iya.”
“No other mix?”
“Iya, look at prince Lucy. If you don't believe me, I'll drink it.” Iona drank it a little. “See.”
“B-so.” I was a little traumatized because of that, therefore I was a little wary of something like that not happening again.
After that, I drank it and felt nothing. “How?”
“As juice.”
“And I said what, there's nothing in it. How does it feel?”
“Ya, passable.”
“Your comments are too ordinary, give a little impression to make it look cooler.” (Lucy)
“You want me. Well, this drink is very good, I want to drink it every day, if you can please prepare a drink like this every day for me. Like that?”
“Yes, not like that either. Haaaa, never mind, you are indeed such a person. And again, you didn't give any reaction.”
“Reaction?”
“Isn't that an indirect kiss.”
“Ahhhh, we should get this job done immediately. There's still a lot to do.”
“Do not switch the conversation.”
“This talk will not finish our work, so stop talking and quickly work.”
“By-good. Right too, you can definitely get more if you want.”
“Hey, stop talking and work on the paper in your desk.”
“Iya yes.”
Long enough after that.
Daytime.
“Haaaa, Finally time to rest.” (Lucy)
“Lysia, can talk for a while.”
“Eh? B-well.”
I asked him to talk.
A few minutes after that, we returned.
“Hey, what did you do to him? Why does she look so happy?” (Lucy) Lucy whispered to me.
“Nothing, just give him some advice, advice and help only.”
“You said it?”
“Yes, initially it was a little bit to her surprise and fear.”
“That's obvious, you punish the person who does such an act quite cruelly, it's obvious that he's scared. But, are you sure you didn't punish him?”
“From the wrong start is us, their salary is too small. When compared with the salaries of the squad leaders, their salaries of 4 are arguably the same as the salary of 1 team leader only. Conceivably, their work was quite tiring even though they did not fight in the battle or down to the front line. But, if no one manages our finances, this headquarters won't be able to run. You should understand that.”
“So, it can be concluded that this is negligence from our side, like that?”
“You want to refute it?”
“No. So, before we can ask the king to raise their salary they can work at your place to earn extra income, like that.”
“Ya, right.”
“Despite that, let the person who has already made a mistake.”
“Everyone has been wrong, and this time between him and us is equally wrong. So, this is fair. But, if he made the same mistake again there will be no tolerance.”
“Alright, it's up to you.”
“Ari, would you let someone else do something like that?”
“As long as he has a clear reason, I will try to understand him. But, if only for its own sake, then it is a mistake.”
“Definite reason?”
“Their salary is less, or they have other important needs that are necessary for the life of his family, and it is possible for things that are useful to the crowd. I'm not going to have a problem with it, other than that I can make a lot of money from my business right now. Want as much money as taken, I can replace it. But, what the money was used for was the reason I needed to be able to receive it.”
“So.”
“Deputy commander, no letter to you.” (Fame)
“Forku?” (Lucy)
“No, it looks like it's for me.” I took the letter, then read the contents. “Hoooo, it is very interesting.”
“What's up?”
“They opened branches in 2 different kingdoms, and all of them were great success.”
“Your wine business?”
“Ya.”
“Where did you get that much wine stock?”
“A businessman, he introduced me to a winemaker.”
“So. It must have been a long time ago.”
“Ya, like that.”
“But, wouldn't you be busier than usual?”
“Not really, I will only receive financial and sales reports only, after checking my duties are done. That's it.”
“Only that?”
“Iya, that's it.”
“Sorry to interrupt your time.” (Dirk)
“Dirk, what's up? Is there something?”
“One of the royal soldiers gave a message to the commander and also the deputy commander to come to the palace immediately.”
“Lucy, do you know anything?”
“Maybe extra salary?”
“You're too hopeful. But yeah, I hope it's not a bad thing. Alright, come.”
“You are also coming?” (Iona) Ari and Iona were staring at me.
“I'm also part of this, what's wrong?”
“But, don't you not like it when someone sees you?”
“The king and queen have seen me, and since your attitude is like that to me I'm sure they both must have noticed. So for much less am I hiding myself.”
“B-so.”
“Already, don't waste much time. Let's go.”
Throne room.
“I feel something bad.” (Lucy)
“Looks like you were right.”
All the important people gathered here, they stared intently at us 3.
“So those who started this mess.” (The royal high)
“Chaos?”
“Maybe war problem.” (Lucy) Lucy whispered to me.
“War, yes.” Such a thing is unavoidable, how else.
“Kids like you guys should just shut up, let the adults handle the matter.”
“That's right, you better learn than having to play militaries like that.”
I thought I was called here because there was some important business, apparently just to hear them.
“Your highness, what do you really think. They are all just children, they will not understand what it means to protect the real kingdom. They will only harm themselves.”
“That's right, it's enough messing around. Let all this business, adults like us take care of it.”
“If only that time the king was arrested, surely there would be no such attack that would happen in this kingdom.”
“In addition, until calling reinforcements. We alone can face all those forces with all the troops we have.”
“Cih.”
“Ari, what's up?” (Lion)
Hearing their booing makes my head hurt, this makes me very upset.
“T-quiet first the higher-ups, k-we only..” (Lucy)
“Silent, did you know you were a prince from another kingdom. Why are you putting yourself in danger, you should think about it. It's all for your safety and also the future of your kingdom.”
“NOISY TIMES!!!”
“Ari.”
“Rabbling about children, what you can do. All this time it was these children who made this kingdom flourish until now, what adults like you have been doing. Greedy, wanting to capture the enemy king and make him a prisoner. You do not think how many kingdoms will attack this kingdom if until it happens, you only think of the kingdom but never think of the people. What you call these children has given life to the people you are breeding for, why you... WHAT DO YOU REALLY WANT!!!”
“You really how dare you say that.”
“Your life is only used for personal gain, the property you have is only used for personal gain, the position you get is only for personal gain. Everything you do is for your personal gain. For the kingdom, what have you done for the kingdom. Ahhh, right, forced the king to marry off his daughter to another kingdom to gain more power. But, you never thought at all, what if your daughter who was in that position. But, in the end it's all for your personal benefit only.” This is really pissing me off.
“Ari..”.
“How much public money have you spent partying, how many people have been tormented by your actions. If you have to choose, a leader like you would rather die than live with such rottenness.” All my grunts I've taken out, even though there might be only things that would make me even more upset. “Iona, Lucy, let's go. There is no point in hearing the babbling of the person who bullies themselves that adult.”
“B-good.”
Before leaving, I said 1 thing to the king. “King, if you want this kingdom to prosper. Higher-ups who only think about power and personal interests like them will only get in the way.”