Re: Turning
Gratitude

"Hoam...."

Shinnichi yawns as he wakes up from his bed. His face looked lethargic and his hair was a mess. He stared at the small window near the ceiling. Darkened.

Shinnichi sighed. His habits on Earth have not disappeared. With insomnia, he only slept about four hours a day. After the clock is pointing at the number 12. Understanding that he could no longer sleep, he chose to wake up.

Shinnichi got out of his bed. A simple little bed. The mattress feels a little stiff and thin. Every time he moved, his bed creaked.

He walked two steps from his bed. In front of a closet, he opened it. Several pairs of clothes were hung inside. Each one looks like cosplay outfits, to her.

A white shirt, white gloves, black vest, and matching leather pants and shoes are the options today. A servant's clothes. Shinnichi smiled wryly.

Wearing it, he looked at himself in the mirror. Not too bad. Good though. What made him worried was the suitability of the servants' clothes when they were worn.

Ignoring such thoughts, Shinnichi walked out of his room. He appeared in the garden behind the castle. Close to the basement where to store food.

Unlike his friends who have their own luxurious rooms in the castle, Shinnichi chose to get a simple room. One bed, one small wardrobe, several books and a set of dining tables at once studied. Shinnichi has neither the strength nor the talent to help the kingdom, he will feel guilty if he sleeps in a luxurious room.

The King did not mind, accepting even. He gives Shinnichi the room of a retired servant.

Izumi and Yonaka disagreed of course. But, hearing that Shinnichi asked for it himself, they finally accepted it.

Inhaling the dark morning air, Shinnichi warms up a bit. Finished, he moved towards a well in the corner of the garden. Illuminated by a magic stone, the well was enveloped in a faint blue light.

With great difficulty, he took the water from inside the well. Washing his face, he felt fresher. Shinnichi stared at the reflection of his face in the bucket.

"[Romag]."

Pronouncing the name of his skill, a transparent "window" was created before him. Showing status. Unlike the status card, the writing used is Latin letters.

『Name : Kurobane Shinnichi

Level 3: 3

Race : Human

Class : [None]

Stats

Agi :6

Atk :5

Int : 17

Vits :6

Skill

[Appraisal lvl.2] [Self-Magic Manipulation lvl.1] [Language Comprehension]

Title

[Other World Traveler] [The Dreamer] [Observer] 』

It hasn't changed since yesterday....

Thinking of the day he showed his latest status to the Princess, Shinnichi smiled weakly. He touched [Appraisal]. Another window was formed in front of him.

『 Appraisal lvl.2

Skill appraisal level [??]

- Activation spell

"[Record]"

being able to know information about something. Dead or alive.

- Information obtained in accordance with the skill level and user int

- Able to know the status of other living things with the appropriate level

rare Skills and Degrees require a higher level

- Uses can increase according to the increase in level』

Shinnichi had stared at this skill many times. A skill that should be something common in a fantasy world, turned out to be a rare thing in Zelfria. Shinnichi sighed.

At least if he could not fight and become an adventurer, he could become an item appraiser or translator. It might not be as great as fighting monsters or adventuring, but if he could earn — even if it was not — without bothering others, Shinnichi would feel more than satisfied.

Shinnichi swiped the window up. Like a Smartphone, the window showing the [Appraisal] skill is gone. He touched [Self-Magic Manipulation].

『 Self - Magic Manipulation

Magic skill level [??]

- Activation spell

"Change, O you who dream— [???]"

- [???]

- [???]

- [???]』

A bitter smile formed on his face. Looking at his only magic skill, he felt sad. He doesn't know how to use it, what he can do, not even the spell.

Gregory's words were ringing in his ears. Those words pierced his heart like rusty nails. Despite receiving various words of support from Fiona, Izumi, and Yonaka, Shinnichi himself was not convinced. He began to think that Gregory's words had a point

He feels useless.

"...."

Shinnichi lowered his head. Look at his reflection in the bucket. A small drop fell, a small ripple was created on the surface of the water.

Shinnichi washed his face again.

❂❂❂❂❂❂

"Good morning, Your Majesty." Shinnichi bowed his body as he opened the door of the Princess' room.

"... Um... Five minutes to go...." A slow reply sounded from under the blanket.

Shinnichi sighed. He did not approach the large bed in the middle of the room, but toward the window. He pulled the rope in the corner of the room. The window curtain began to open. Letting sunlight enter the room.

The size is more than 20 meters, the entire room is covered with red carpet, gold ornaments decorate the walls and ceiling. Various paintings of the Princess are mounted proudly. A pair of giant cabinets, a table and chairs next to windows, bookshelves, and a giant dressing table.

In the middle of the room was a large and luxurious bed. Enough for four people. Red and white sheets can make anyone feel comfortable.

Shinnichi couldn't bear to think that this room was too big for a teenage girl. However, for a Princess, this was enough.

Shinnichi approached the bedside. There's a mound in the middle.

"Fiona-sama, it's time to wake up." Shinnichi brought his face closer to the mound.

"...."

Fiona did not answer. Shinnichi held the end of the blanket. Inhaling deeply, he uncovers the blanket.

Fiona's body is now clearly visible. Cowering like a baby. Her normally tied blue hair was now unraveling freely. Her silk hair was long and shiny, unaffected by her sleeping position. Her face was calm and beautiful. Like a lake in the morning. A cold mist came out every time he breathed, giving off a magical impression. Wearing a nightgown that revealed her pale white skin, she looked like a sick person. However, it did not cover the beauty of the girl's face.

"...."

Shinnichi doesn't like mornings like this. The main reason was to see the Princess still asleep and the clothes she was wearing.

Her blue nightgown didn't cover so much. Showing the girl's skin, Shinnichi could see it clearly. His neck, smooth shoulders, then a pair of "hill" ya—

Shinnichi immediately shifted his gaze. His face was red like a boiled lobster. He wanted to slap himself for staring.

Trying to control his gaze, Shinnichi again tries to wake Fiona up.

❂❂❂❂❂❂

"Hoam... Kurobane-sama, isn't this too early in the morning?" lamented Fiona. He looked sleepy even though he had woken up half an hour ago.

"... It's almost nine o'clock" Shinnichi murmured, combing the princess' azure hair.

Fiona sat in front of the dresser. The sleepiness did not detract from the beauty of the girl in the monarchical dress. Not much different from her other dresses, she wears a dress with a fluffy skirt. Blue and white are the main colors. Silk knitted with expert. Provides unparalleled comfort and softness. Various lace and ribbons give a high feminine impression. Coupled with the ornate snow tiara she wore, the title Ice Princess became her second name.

The person behind who was combing her hair was the special servant of the Princess. The black mane resembled a night veil, accompanied by a pair of obsidian-like eyes. His rare appearance on the continent of Panzia, caught the attention of the Princess. Kurobane Shinnichi keeps combing the Princess's hair.

Shinnichi shuddered in fear at the thought of that.

"What's my schedule today?" Fiona asked again. Closing his eyes and enjoying Shinnichi's side.

"Ah, after breakfast, there is a picnic with the daughters of nobles. During the day, lunch as well as weekly meetings with the prime minister. In the afternoon, there was a tea ceremony along with the noble house of Roderick. At night, dinner with Earl Westcrone." Smoothly, Shinnichi tells Fiona. After being his servant for more than two weeks, he became much better.

"Ughs... How troublesome!" Fiona complained again. "My days are filled with useless things!"

"Fiona-sama, don't talk like that." Shinnichi smiled faintly. "That's all important events."

"important? All of that was just an event to cover political interests. Licking the royal family to get a good impression. Really stupid. If you want to be known and respected, then work honestly."

Hearing Fiona's words, Shinnichi could only smile weakly. Can't argue with him or agree with him. He knew nothing about such a complicated matter.

"I don't want to go on such cheap shows." Fiona leaned her head back, into Shinnichi's chest. Feel the rhythm of the diaphragms. "Especially paired with people I don't know...."

Hearing Fiona's sad tone, Shinnichi was confused. Putting his comb on the table, he now stroked his head. At least he did it to calm her down.

"I don't want to be separated from you, Kurobane-sama.." murmured Fiona. He takes Shinnichi's hands and puts them under his neck. Touching his right hand to his own cheek.

Although Shinnichi's hand was cold, his face began to heat up. Shame to hear the words of the Princess.

"I-i also...."

Hearing her servant's answer, Fiona smiled. He feels warm. Something he rarely felt.

✾✾✾✾

"It's unbelievable, Your Majesty!" The sound of protest echoed in the throne room. Go to the King. "We can't accept them!"

The owner was a handsome young man. Her distended stomach and gold-embroidered silk clothing signify a well-sufficient lifestyle. Her hair was covered with a black hat. The feathers of birds as well as exotic gems sit comfortably on it.

He was the first Prince of Victoria and the only son of the King, Caliber Throst Victoria Ainsworth II.

"Let the Devil come to the palace!? Have you lost your mind?!"

"Prince! Watch your tone!"

A warning came from a man standing near the King.

A thin-faced middle-aged man with thinning white hair. Wearing a green tunic embroidered with gold, an aura of nobility radiated from it. In his hand was a thick book.

Estoc Prime Minister Grant Xavery put on an annoyed expression.

"Your Majesty designed this meeting to show Victoria's power to those despicable Devils!" Estoc exclaims. Give further explanation.

"Stay away! Letting the Devils set their filthy feet on Victorian soil is an insult!" Caliber insisted. "We can't let that happen!"

The estoc massages his temple. Feeling tired with this. "Prince, with this meeting, we can show how great our strength is compared to theirs, we can avoid unnecessary battles and save resources for the kingdom."

"Any excuse can't justify this, Estoc!" The prince is still standing. "For whatever reason, I don't want to breathe in one room with them! Especially talk to them! I won't come even if the sky is split because of it!"

Caliber turned her body. His yellow robe was fluttering following. Leaving those two important people.

The estoc again massaged his temple while sighing. Albert looked at his son in silence. He felt too pampering his only son.

"Your Majesty, what should we do?" Estoc asked. Trying to find an opinion.

Within a month, envoys from the Grimer continent; the Devil Race, will come to Victoria. They are invited by the kingdom to witness and test the prowess of the Heroes who managed to conquer their first labyrinth in a fairly fast time.

As Estoc said, the kingdom needs to save resources if it wants to go to war. Surely it would be bad for the kingdom if this war continued. He and Albert wanted the Devil race to surrender after seeing the strength of the heroes.

Then, for that incident.

Prince Caliber was actually appointed to be Victoria's envoy. As Victoria's spokesperson and representative on this visit. However, the stubbornness of the Prince made him firmly refuse.

Albert took a breath. "What about my daughters?"

"It's a pity, Your Majesty," Estoc said regretfully. "They are tied to other kingdoms. If we appoint your Daughters, there is no guarantee that the other kingdom will not be offended. If we're not careful, all of Panzia can point their swords at our necks."

The King was silent. As king, he could not take decisions that harmed the government. All of this feels burdensome. But a moment later, he woke up.

"What about 'him'?"

"'He'?" The estoc was confused for a moment before it came to a realization. "Are you sure? He's not even—"

"Do I have any other options?" Albert interrupted Estoc.

"No, Your Majesty." The estoc bowed respectfully. "Your command will be carried out."

✾✾✾✾

"W-what? Your Majesty, if I may ask.why me?" Fiona asked, surprised by the statement. "Why am I appointed?"

"Why? Do you doubt His Majesty's decision?" Estoc asked. His tone sounded condescending.

Fiona turned towards the king. He looked at her silently. Fiona directly lowered her head, unable to speak.

Fiona was the fourth princess of the kingdom, her level was almost the same as other nobles. He has no political power like his brothers. Therefore, being appointed as a representative of Victoria is a great responsibility. Responsibilities that he did not expect.

He also knows what will happen to him later. The bad ending was always waiting for people related to the Demon race. Then, a Princess related to the Devil.

Fiona knows what will happen to her.

Behind him, Shinnichi could only lower his head. His mind was screaming to reject this decision. However, his mouth was tightly closed. Can't argue with the King. Shinnichi knew if he did, he would only cause trouble for the Princess.

"... All right, Your Majesty," Fiona said in a soft voice. "I'm willing to be Victoria's representative."

"Good!" The estoc almost jumped in excitement. "Now, prepare yourself. The representative from Grimer will be coming in a week. I hope you can make a good impression on the kingdom."

"...."

Fiona didn't say anything. Bowing respectfully, he left the throne room. Shinnichi followed.

Walk in the royal hallway. The sound of the knocking of the Princess's shoes resounded. They walk in silence.

"...."

"...."

Shinnichi couldn't say anything. Not entertaining him either. He himself was confused about the incident.

After a while, they reached Fiona's room. Practically, Fiona broke down the door and jumped into her bed. Putting his face in a pillow.

Shinnichi closes the door slowly and moves to Fiona's side.

"Kurobane... Why?" Fiona asked quietly. "Why me?"

Shinnichi could not answer. He bit his lips. Trying to rack his brain, looking for the right words.

"Mrs-sama...." Shinnichi opened his voice. "I. I don't know what's going to happen. But I will always be with you."

Fiona hears Shinnichi's voice. Slowly, but with conviction. Her chest feels hot.

Fiona shy.

Why do they think of other people's opinions? Why does he care what others think of him? He should not care.

Right, Fiona doesn't care. While he was still by his side. As long as Shinnichi continues to be with her.

Fiona got up from her bed. Staring at Shinnichi's black irises. He felt his cheeks wet. A pair of hands stretched out for him. A pair of warm hands that wiped her tears.

The young man smiled at the princess. "So don't cry."

Fiona's lips twitched. He stretched out his hand and clasped Shinnichi's body tightly.

"Ap-o!? F-F-Fiona-sama!?"

"Thank you, Kurobane-sama... Thanks...."

Shinnichi. Didn't expect that hug. His brain suddenly screwed up. But, hearing the words of the Princess made Shinnichi calm down.

The Princess' body felt so cold as the winter wind. However, Shinnichi did not mind. I like that cold sensation.

He decided to ignore his thoughts and return the Princess' embrace. Hearing his slow breath, Shinnichi smiled faintly.

"Don't leave me, Kurobane-sama...."

"... Of course, Fiona-sama. I will always be by your side."