Outcome

After that, everybody went home. Aurelia got the apology she deserved, and Marth got the scolding he deserved from his family who had come to pick him up. Heh, for someone with so much talk, he needs his parents to come pick him up.

Now, I was completely tired. Sure, I can use shadow magic to heal myself, but that won't help me recover my strength. I need sleep.

That fight really drained me out of my stamina, so I'll need a long rest. I hope Mr. Julio understands. I'm also gonna need a new replacement for my daggers. I'll visit the weapon shop tomorrow. Well, school doesn't start until the week after next week, so I think that can wait.

Now, it's time I'd head back to the inn.

But then I heard the princess's voice call me.

"Seiya."

"Huh?"

I looked over at the princess who was peeking her head out of her carriage. What does the princess want with me?

"I must thank you for what you've done today. Though it wasn't necessary, I appreciate it."

"Oh, it's no problem."

"I would like to give you a reward. Any reward you wish off."

"Any reward?"

"Yes."

Hmm, any reward, huh?

…

"Then can I get a ride?"

"Pardon?"

"I want a ride back to the inn I'm staying at. I'm pretty exhausted after that fight. I hope it's not that much of a-"

"No, it's alright but is that really all you wish for?"

"Well… can I get new replacements for my daggers?"

"Hmm, I think I can arrange that. Are you available this week?"

"If my boss allows it then yeah."

"Alright then, now get on, I'll get you to where you need to be."

The door slowly opened, and I entered, but when I took a step inside, I felt another presence and looked to who was sitting across from the princess. There was another girl sitting across from her. She had brown hair, green eyes, a large bust, small waist, large hips, she could probably attract any man from a mile. She looked like a mature woman compared to the princess, but she was still the same age as me. She was one of the examinees that passed the entrance exam. She's probably a friend of the princess.

Before you ask, no, I'm not interested in a woman like her. She reminds me of that masochistic teacher.

"Greetings."

She greeted, and I bowed. I sat in the seat next to her and we began moving.

"My name is Mia Azal, daughter of Duke Azraily."

"Seiya, Seiya Gekiryu."

She was wearing noble like attire, so I guess she would be from a noble family. Wait, a duke? Does that mean-?

"I'm her royal highness' cousin."

"You don't need to call me that Mia."

Aurelia blushed, and Mia couldn't help but snicker. These two must have a really friendly relationship.

A few minutes later…

Now, I've never really ridden in a carriage before, let alone ride in one with a princess. She wasn't wearing her armor anymore; she was in a white dress. She had her luscious white hair untied. It was long, reaching down to her waist level. I must confess, this is the first time that I like the color white. For some reason, she looked absolutely beautiful. She wasn't trying to look attractive or anything, she just was.

My heart was pounding. What is this feeling? I-I've never felt this before. My heart was beating so fast as if it was about to burst.

"Seiya? Are you alright? You look a bit red."

Aurelia asked me and nodded. Calm down, Seiya, take deep breaths.

"I-it's just a bit hot in here."

I lied and turned away. What is going on? I've never felt this kind of emotion before. I could hear Mia snickering as she looked out her window.

A few minutes later, I was dropped in front of the Golden Sun. I bowed and wish the princess a good night, then entered the inn.

Mr. Julio knew what had happened and decided that I could rest for a day. Thank the lord.

"By the way, did you pass the entrance exam?"

"Yes, I did."

"Great! Should we celebrate?"

"I don't think there will be a need for celebration. I'm tired and I need to sleep."

"Ok then."

As I walked away from Mr. Julio, I heard another voice.

"Oh Seiya, you're all red. Why is that?"

Abigail said as she noticed that I was bright red.

"N-nothing…"

"Someone's in love, Nyaa~?"

The catgirl maid from the back said. Abigail chuckled with a smug look on her face.

L... Love? T-that's not the feeling I'm experiencing!

"D-d-d-d-d-don't be ridiculous! You guys are just imagining it!"

I retorted as I clutched my scarf.

"Our little Seiya is in love? I never knew he would fall in love since he always so stoic."

"Who is it? Was it the princess? Well, of course she's a beauty and all but she's a bit out of your league. Regardless, we'll be supporting you."

These people. I need to take a bath and get a good night's rest. Gotta get my head out of what just happened.

I'd cover my face with my scarf and as I walked up the stairs, I could hear Abigail and the others downstairs partying.

Sometimes, I feel like the adult here.

I sighed and shook my head.

Today was a bit bizarre. Too bizarre for me to handle.

***

As Seiya went on to perform his late-night routine. The princess… was still outside of the Golden Sun, so she heard everything.

"W-what?"

"Ho? A little ship is about to sail."

Mia said as she gave the princess a smug look.

"I… I don't know what you are talking about… let's go back."

Aurelia said as she blushed brightly. Mia giggled.

"Yes. Let's."

Mia began to storm up some rather mysterious thoughts.

Looks like those people need to lower their voices a bit or the whole neighborhood will hear them. Why are they still up so late? It's already midnight.

Oh well, who knows? But.

The ship is beginning to sail.

.

.

.