Re: Turning
Afternoon with The Princess

Zelfria is the world we live in. It was formed almost 12,000 years ago by the great power of the Goddess.

Zelfria has four main continents. Each continent is inhabited by a variety of races and living things. Everyone has their own strengths and abilities.

The Northern Continent was the continent that Heroes now occupied. Panzia. The majority of its inhabitants are human. Panzia had three great empires; Victoria in the North, Triste in the East and Eltron in the West.

In the East there is the largest continent in Zelfria, Ronzi. Inhabited by Beast-kin and Elves, Ronzi was a continent filled with relics of the past. Many Dungeons and labyrinths were underground Ronzi.

In the West is a continent filled with deserts and mountains, Farni. Having abundant mineral resources, Dwarves use it to become the largest weapons-producing country in the world.

Last is the South continent; Grimer, the continent of the Devils. Other than the race that inhabited it, not much is known about the Grimer.

"... So, thatsit! Do you understand, Kurobane-sama?" Fiona ended her explanation by sipping a cup of warm tea.

"Ah, I understand. But, I already intend to ask this...." Shinnichi's voice shrunk. "Are these clothes not too much?"

"Hmm? Did ya? I think it fits you. Compatible with your hair and eyes." Fiona put the teacup down. A pleasant sound could be heard.

He looked at Shinnichi who was standing next to him. Carrying an iron tray, Shinnichi wears a maid uniform. Complete with white gloves and a tailcoat, he looks like a young Butler.

"Didn't ka— Fiona-sama promise to teach me? Is being a waiter one of them?" ask Shinnichi. It feels like cosplay.

"Didn't you hear me earlier? Didn't that count as a lesson?" Fiona touched her cheek and tilted her head. Looks fascinating.

Faced with such a beautiful scene, Shinnichi hesitated to refute her and felt a little grateful.

"N-no... That's a lesson." Shinnichi surrender. "Thank you, Fiona-sama."

"At first, I'll just let it go" Fiona said. "However, to make sure that you are listening, I will give you some questions. Today's topic is magic."

Quiz again, huh?

Shinnichi almost complained. But, he also has no right. Shinnichi chose to prepare his ears.

"What is the name of the magic power in Zelfria?"

"Where."

"What kind?"

"Two. Where is the Universe and Where is the Body."

"Explain."

"Mana the Universe is the free-flowing Mana in the world. Where is the body in a person's body."

"There are two ways to practice magic, anything? Explain."

"There are two ways. With spells and with magic circles. Spells make magic more powerful but time consuming and Mana. The magic circle saves time and Mana, but reduces magic power."

"good. I'm amazed by your learning capacity, Kurobane-sama!" Fiona clapped her hands while smiling. It was nice to see Shinnichi answering his question correctly.

"Thank you...."

This is their daily routine. It's been a week since Shinnichi became Fiona's student. However, the more appropriate word was servant.

In addition to taking care of the Princess's needs, Shinnichi also follows the Princess for a full day. Make sure to listen to Fiona's explanation and learn from her.

Slowly, Shinnichi began to accumulate experience. Currently, he could already use [Appraisal] although it was quite limited; could only see names and brief explanations.

Although a little, Shinnichi still thanked Fiona for teaching him. Besides magic, he also learned general lessons. Such as currency, geography, history, even manners in the palace.

"Oh, looks like the tea's gone." Fiona put her empty cup.

Capturing Fiona's gesture, Shinnichi took a beautiful ornate teapot and poured the contents into the Princess' cup. A pleasant sound came out as the tea began to fill in it. Hot steam floated above him.

Shinnichi was told that the teapot was a magical object. Being able to keep the temperature warm in it as long as it was given Mana, the teapot was quite useful. One example of an object using a Magic Circle.

"Thank you, Kurobane-sama." Fiona smiled happily, smelling the aroma of tea before drinking it.

"Your satisfaction is my pleasure, Fiona-sama." Shinnichi answered politely.

Hearing that, Fiona put down her cup. Staring at Shinnichi unhappily.

"Kurobane-together. Didn't I tell you not to talk like that?" Fiona folded her hands.

"E-uh? But, wasn't it ka— Fiona-sama who taught me to speak politely with Nobles?"

"Absolutely. Nobility. Not me" said Fiona. Emphasizing the word nobility.

"Te-stay! If only ka— Fiona-sama spoke politely like that, I feel bad." Shinnichi issued his reason.

"I am the Princess of the kingdom, of course I have to speak politely! Especially when talking to a Hero like Kurobane-sama!" Not wanting to lose, Fiona tried to argue.

"I'm not a Hero" said Shinnichi. His heart hurts a little. "I am His Majesty's servant, Fiona Th-Throst... Victoria Ainsworth!"

"ah! Did you read my status?! You're my servant, but why don't you remember my name!?"

Fiona stand. Put both hands on her waist. Staring at Shinnichi furiously.

Because the name of the noble in this world is like a carriage! The long!

Holding the curse in his mind, Shinnichi simply turned his eyes away. Can't say such a harsh thing. His kind and unbearable nature seemed to prevent him.

Fiona sighed. Tranquilize himself. A Princess should be calm and graceful.

"Well, what about an offer?" bargain Fiona.

"... Being Fiona-sama's slave?"

"N-no! Wh-why did you say that?!" fiona with a red face. Shame on Shinnichi for saying such a disrespectful thing. "And I guess you're a quiet and polite person."

"Pardon me...?" Not understanding, Shinnichi could only apologize.

"Look, if you stop that way of talking, I'll stop too." Fiona straightened her body. Small smile. "How's it?"

"Of course you can't!" Shinnichi refused. "If others hear me speaking impolitely to Fiona-sama, I can be executed!"

Hearing Shinnichi's reasoning, Fiona put her finger over her thin lips, thinking of something. "It most likely could happen."

"!?"

"But, no need to worry! Kurobane-sama is a newcomer from another world as well as the servant of the Princess." Fiona closed her eyes, putting her hands on her chest with pride. "Nobody would dare to bother you. Maybe...."

"Maybe?" Shinnichi heard Fiona's whisper. And feel a little worried.

"Ah, fine! How about this." Fiona improved her posture. Give a new proposal. "When there are other people, you can speak politely. But when we're both, you have to stop talking like that. Naturally, I am too."

Shinnichi barely heard Fiona's words. Too focused on the word "Both". Aging together with a Princess as beautiful as Fiona can certainly make the heart of a man - whoever it is - waver. Shinnichi is not too different either.

His experience with women may not be appropriate to be called deep and thorough, but at least he has experience. Although a little short.

"Kurobane-do? How's it?"

Fiona's voice called out to him. Bring him back to the real world. Shinnichi involuntarily nodded, adding to the unnecessary trouble in the future. The princess just smiled happily.

In the distance, on top of a tower, a pair of eyes stared at the servant couple and the princess. Observing them, bad emotions began to arise.

❂❂❂❂❂❂

"So, if I buy two apples for 10 bronze coins using one silver coin, how many change?"

"One silver coin is equivalent to one hundred bronze coins, so the change is 90 bronze coins."

"Great! Then, if I buy a box of apples for 40 silver coins using a piece of platinum coin, how much would it change?"

"A hundred silver coins is equivalent to one gold coin. One platinum coin is equivalent to 100 gold coins. So, the change is 99y gold coins and 60 silver coins. But, I'm a bit worried if you buy apples using platinum coins, Fiona-sama."

"Ahaha, right too."

Under a white gazebo in the garden, Fiona gave a small laugh. Realizing that the example is a bit strange. The sun began to move west. The afternoon wind was blowing slowly. Creating a warm atmosphere.

As usual, after finishing with their lesson today, Fiona gave some questions to Shinnichi. However, in contrast to yesterday the day after tomorrow, Fiona looks more relaxed, Shinnichi is also sitting next to her.

This is Fiona's offer the day after tomorrow. Although it took some time to get used to, Shinnichi finally agreed. Although he is still Fiona's servant, Shinnichi is allowed to act ordinary when they are just the two of them.

Even so, Shinnichi was unable to call Fiona's name directly. Understanding that, Fiona let him. It is still the same; Calling Shinnichi Kurobane-sama.

"Ah, that reminds me. Has your level gone up, Kurobane-sama?"

"I haven't checked it yet. Just a minute." Shinnichi took out his status card. It didn't take long to see the contents.

『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] 』

As usual, staring at his status was painful for Shinnichi. At the very least, his level, stat and skill level rose. That's good enough.

Shinnichi gives his status card to Fiona. Let the princess read it herself.

"Oh! Your level's up again." Fiona stared at the status card with an interested expression. "Isn't this good?"

Shinnichi could only smile weakly. It has been more than a week since he came to Zelfria. However, his level only rose twice. Compared to his peers, his growth was really slow.

Under the guidance of Gregory and several other talented people, the heroes experienced rapid growth. They also have royal support. Every day, they were given level-enhancing potions and brought in to hunt high-leveled monsters.

Shinnichi probably doesn't know. But, the [Auto-Correction] skill obtained from the [Hero] title also made their growth increase. Coupled with level-enhancing potions, their growth was unrivalled.

In an instant, their levels rose rapidly. Izumi had even reached the number thirty. What a terrible growth.

For Shinnichi himself? He did not even know the usefulness of [Self-Magic Manipulation].

Shinnichi felt a little envious. He also wanted to get out of the palace and hunt monsters. Goblin, Slime, Ogre, and other monsters. But, he's weak. Because of his weakness, the possibility of hurting himself while swinging a sword was greater than hurting his enemy.

"Kurobane-do? You're daydreaming again." Fiona returns Shinnichi's status card. Look worried. "Are you okay?"

"Eh? A-ah, sorry." Shinnichi scratched his nape. Little shy. "I'm just thinking about my friends."

"Ah, I heard they were exploring the labyrinth near the border." Fiona eats pieces of apples that look like little bunnies.

While eating, Fiona looks happy. Be fond of the unique food samples that Shinnichi often makes. Although it was just a simple meal, Fiona did not mind. He was happy, at least it was different from the luxurious food that was always served to him. Shinnichi, on the other hand, felt the gazes from the servants, as if to say "What did you feed the royal princess?" it's starting to feel piercing.

Trying to ignore that, Shinnichi sighed then closed his eyes. Tilt his body backwards. He whispered.

"Are they okay?"

"Oh, they're heroes. They certainly can," said Fiona, again grabbing the apple cut.

"Haha, of course yes." Shinnichi laughed a little. Let go of a faint smile.

Fiona is silent to see Shinnichi. He put the apple back and wiped his hands with a handkerchief on the table.

Shinnichi did not pay much attention to the ice princess. He closed his eyes and turned up. Shortly after, a cold sensation was felt on his cheek. He opened his eyes immediately.

A slender hand touched his face. The comfortable coldness offset the heat that crossed his face. Shinnichi could guess that his face was now flushed.

"U-umm... Fi-Fiona-sama?" Shinnichi asked in embarrassment.

"Your eyes are really beautiful, Kurobane-sama. As black as the night sky. Attracting anyone who looks at him."

"!?"

The knitted words of Fiona make Shinnichi surprised. Men are simple creatures, praise them and they will be happy. Shinnichi's heart begins to test his rib skills. It can explode out at any time.

"When you're happy, your eyes sparkle like a sky full of stars. However, when sad, the clouds cover the beauty of your night." Fiona puts her other hand on Shinnichi's face. Caught the young man's face.

"You're not a hero. But, that doesn't mean you're weak, Kurobane-sama." Fiona stared fixedly at Shinnichi. Not letting the young man take his eyes off. "Everyone has their own role, the question is have you found your role and filled it?"

Shinnichi listened to Fiona's words. True, he is not a hero, a witch, or even a fighter. But, he is sure. He can find his role.

"Thank you, Fiona-sama." Shinnichi smiles. Holding both hands of the royal princess. Feels cold and cold.

Fiona smiled back. I don't mind the hand that was touched. If it was another male holding her hand like this, Fiona would have instantly frozen them. However, for Shinnichi, he felt his attitude was different. I don't know why, he doesn't know either. All he knows, being with Shinnichi makes him feel safe.

"By the way...." Fiona raised her voice.

Shinnichi tilted his head slightly. Not answering Fiona with a word, but asking with a look.

"Your role is my servant!" Fiona smiled broadly.

Shinnichi begins to wonder if pinching the princess could get him executed.