I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit [238] [50 PS]

Claire and the others had left.

With the Demon King's forces invading, they had to lead their units to handle the situation.

Nero was undoubtedly a tricky matter to deal with, so after some discussion, they decided to temporarily house her in a room where she could rest for the night. They planned to revisit her situation the next day.

As for Alice, her room was no longer livable after the chaos caused by Nero. Coupled with the ongoing invasion, Alice was temporarily moved to another chamber. Fortunately, the castle was large, with no shortage of rooms.

Now, Alice lay on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Her mind kept drifting back to the figure who had appeared in such a breathtaking manner.

"I've never met someone like her before…"

That person... it was as if she radiated an invisible magic that made it impossible to look away.

"Nero… Claudius?"

"What kind of person is she, really?"

Perhaps it was curiosity. Perhaps it was admiration.

Nero's presence had planted a seed in Alice's heart… one that might someday grow and blossom.

Knock, knock.

The sound of knocking brought Alice out of her reverie.

"Come in," she called softly, turning her gaze toward the door.

It was probably Claire… or perhaps one of the maids?

However, when the door opened, the figure reflected in Alice's eyes was a fiery silhouette dressed in red.

"The future Empress of this land! I've come to see you!"

"...Huh?"

Alice bolted upright on her bed, her expression a mix of disbelief and astonishment.

"Nero?"

"Indeed! It is I, Nero Claudius! The vibrant rose of Rome, in full bloom!"

Nero strode boldly toward Alice, her golden boots stepping firmly on the plush carpet.

"Um… how are you here?"

Alice distinctly remembered that guards had been stationed outside Nero's room—not just to protect her, but also to keep her under surveillance.

After all, Nero was still an unknown outsider, and this was the most secure location in the kingdom.

"Are you worried about the guards outside? Rest assured!" Nero said with a radiant smile. "If I wish to leave, no one can stop me! After all, I am the Emperor!"

"What does being an Emperor have to do with sneaking out unnoticed?"

"It has everything to do with it! Because I'm the Emperor, of course I can do anything!"

That makes no sense!

By this point, Nero had reached Alice's bedside. Without hesitation, she bent her knees and sat down on the bed.

"So close…"

The proximity left Alice flustered, her cheeks turning an adorable shade of pink.

Meanwhile, Nero observed Alice with an appraising gaze.

"Hmm! Even a shy Princess like you is incredibly cute. As I thought, beautiful maidens are the most precious treasures in the world! They should be cherished and protected!"

"Ah!"

"Still, as much as I'd love to take this perfect opportunity—under the moonlight, no less—to chat with a lovely maiden and deepen our bond, alas! I have other matters to attend to. What a pity! Such a delightful moment will have to wait!"

Leaning slightly forward, Nero propped herself up with her hands on the bed. Her face was now mere inches from Alice's, her golden-green eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Beautiful maiden! I hear the city is engaged in battle with the Demon King's forces."

"Surely, there are many brave warriors showing their mettle! Hmm! I'm very intrigued!"

"So, take me to see them!"

Having been transported to this world from her own, Nero had little understanding of her current surroundings. She needed to gather information.

The Princess named Alice and the Demon King's army—these were intriguing but insufficient leads.

After all, a Princess and a Demon King were standard fare in any fantasy world, and Alice's name was far too common to provide any meaningful clues.

Thus, Nero decided the battlefield might offer better answers.

"You… you want to see the battle with the Demon King's army?"

Alice's bright eyes widened in shock.

"But… it's dangerous there! And… Nero, I don't know how you managed to sneak past the guards, but the castle's defenses are formidable. There's no way you can leave!"

"Such trivial matters! Just tell me the direction of the battlefield."

"Huh? Just the direction?"

Recalling Claire's earlier report, Alice hesitated before pointing southward.

"The Demon King's forces are attacking from the south…"

"Hmm! That way? Many thanks!"

"You're… welcome?"

Before Alice could process what was happening, she felt her feet leave the ground.

Nero had lifted her effortlessly with one arm.

"Wait—!"

Realizing her current predicament, Alice's face turned even redder.

"Wait! What are you doing?!"

"Why are you confused? Didn't I just say, 'Take me there'? Naturally, you're coming with me!"

Nero blinked innocently at Alice before a look of sudden understanding dawned on her face.

"Oh! I see! You must find this position uncomfortable, don't you? Hmm! That's my mistake. If I'm carrying such a lovely maiden, it should be a proper princess carry! Hmm! I truly am a genius!"

"No, that's not—"

Ignoring her protests, Nero gently set Alice back onto the bed. Then, with one arm around Alice's slender shoulders and the other scooping her legs, Nero cradled her delicately in a textbook princess carry.

In an instant, a sweet, indescribable floral scent filled Alice's senses. Warmth radiated from Nero's embrace, enveloping her in a cocoon of comfort.

Alice's head rested against Nero's shoulder, and the golden strands of Nero's hair brushed her face, tickling her lightly. She could feel her cheeks growing hotter than ever before.

"What a delicate and light frame you have—so endearing. Now hold on tightly, for I shall take you to the battlefield of heroes!"

"No! You can't!"

Alice's face was flushed as she stammered in panic. "I can't leave the castle… Claire and the others won't allow it! It's too dangerous!"

"Hmm? Is that so? Perhaps you're right…"

Still holding Alice securely, Nero stepped onto the windowsill.

The moonlight spilled through, illuminating Nero's side profile with a soft glow that made her look ethereal—radiant and captivating.

In that serene moment, the moon seemed to pale in comparison to Nero's confident smile.

"But… those dazzling eyes of yours, sparkling like the finest gems, are filled with excitement. You're looking forward to it, aren't you?"

I… I'm looking forward to it?

Alice froze, her thoughts in turmoil.

Without waiting for further explanation, Nero bent her knees slightly and leapt gracefully out the window.

Above them stretched a glittering night sky, stars sparkling like scattered jewels. Around them, the serene embrace of the night. Below, the warm glow of the city lights.

Nestled in Nero's arms, Alice couldn't suppress a bright smile that lit up her face.

---

T/N: GRARUIAH IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME!!!!