I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit [311]

"Hmph~ Hmph~ Hmph! Standing before you is none other than the princess of this nation and my adventure companion—Belzerg Stylishew Sord Alice!"

Under the gazes of Kazuma and the others, Nero proudly revealed Alice's true name.

Realizing the situation, Kazuma scratched his head and said, "So, Iris is just a fake name Alice uses during her adventures?"

"Who gave you permission to address Princess Alice by her name directly?! At least add 'Your Highness,' or better yet, just call her 'Princess'!"

"Sword! Sword! Sword! I'm about to get slashed!"

Alice had occasionally interacted with Kazuma's party during her adventures in Axel, so being recognized was no surprise.

But...

"You didn't mention Alice's identity before coming here?" Nero gave Darkness a peculiar look.

"Exactly! Why didn't you tell me?! Do you know how much I was looking forward to meeting the princess?!"

Breaking free from Claire's hold, Kazuma immediately jumped in front of Darkness, furiously tugging on her braid. "I planned to leave a perfect and dashing first impression on the princess! I even went to the trouble of picking out this classy outfit so I could recount my heroic adventures to her. That way, she'd be so impressed she'd ask me to join her royal guard or something, and I'd move to the capital for a meteoric rise to glory!"

"You idiot! How delusional can you get?! And why does everyone insist on yanking my braid?! At least consider the time and place for this nonsense! Save it for when we're somewhere private!"

Darkness attempted to strangle Kazuma, who retaliated by clinging stubbornly to her braid.

Meanwhile, Megumin turned to Yunyun.

"Hey, Yunyun, don't tell me you knew about this too?"

"Uh… w-well…"

"Aha! I knew it! You big-chested simpleton! I thought you were just an airhead, but your inner wickedness matches your outward appearance! You didn't tell me on purpose, just so you could watch me embarrass myself in front of the princess, didn't you?!"

"No! That's not it! I swear! And calling me an airhead is too much! It's not like I asked to be this… endowed! My shoulders hurt every day, it's uncomfortable to sleep, and I constantly worry about sagging! Do you know how hard it is for me?!"

"You traitor! From this moment on, I officially declare you my mortal enemy! Someone like you deserves to be tied to a cross and burned at the stake!"

The spacious, elegantly designed banquet hall, which struck the perfect balance between grandeur and refinement, became chaotic with the arrival of Kazuma's group.

Alice raised her hand, letting out a clear, bell-like laugh. Her eyes curved into crescent moons, as radiant as a clear night sky.

As for Aqua—the queen of antics herself—she was lying on the floor, engrossed in something.

"Done!"

To Nero's surprise, Aqua had created a highly detailed sand painting in such a short time.

The sand painting was remarkably lifelike, rivaling a photograph in accuracy.

"As a token of friendship, please accept this. I even made sure to include the stray hair sticking up on your head that you forgot to smooth out."

Nero turned to look and saw that Alice indeed had a strand of hair sticking up.

Flustered by Aqua's remark, Alice's face turned bright red as she tried to pat the stray hair down. However, despite her efforts, the stubborn strand stood resolute, showcasing an impressive degree of persistence.

Then Alice noticed Nero staring at her. Her cheeks grew even redder as she looked away shyly.

Wait, isn't the stray hair supposed to be left intentionally as a charm point?

Nero had assumed Alice's ahoge was part of her hairstyle, akin to a crown for the "Ahoge King."

Alice carefully cradled Aqua's sand painting, her eyes sparkling like gemstones.

Was she really that delighted? Now that I think about it... should I prepare a gift for Alice as well?

The thought, which first occurred to Nero when Aqua presented her sand painting, lingered persistently.

---

Nero's party and Kazuma's group were permitted to stay temporarily in the capital—within the castle, no less.

Apparently, this was due to Alice's repeated requests. Claire had wanted them to stay elsewhere, deeming it more appropriate, but for some reason, she refrained from overruling Alice's decision.

"Since returning from Axel, Princess Alice has become... how should I put this... a bit more assertive? She's started making decisions independently in many situations," Rain explained to Nero.

"Mhm! That's wonderful news!"

"Yes, it truly is. Princess Alice has grown a lot." Rain couldn't help but sigh in admiration.

Following Rain's lead, Nero arrived at a room.

Wait, isn't this the room I stayed in when I lived in the castle before?

"Nero, this will be your room for the duration of your stay. We've kept it exactly as you left it, per Princess Alice's request."

Does Alice... really think I'll return here one day? Was it necessary to go this far?

Before entering the room, Nero glanced at Rain.

"Hey, Rain, I have a question..."

"You wish to know the locations of Yunyun's and Princess Alice's rooms, correct?"

"I already know where Alice's room is... assuming it hasn't changed since I left."

Nero had often entered Alice's room unannounced in the past. Though Claire had vehemently opposed it, Alice herself welcomed Nero's visits, eager to hear thrilling tales of adventure.

"So, just tell me where Yunyun's room is... and Megumin's too, if possible."

After parting ways with Rain, Nero entered the room prepared for her.

It was exactly as she had left it.

"Hmm... What kind of gift would be best for Alice?"

The idea of giving Alice a present had been brewing ever since Aqua presented her sand painting. However, Nero was still undecided.

Alice is twelve years old. What kind of gift suits a child her age?

Five Years of Exam Papers and Three Years of Mock Tests?