***Arc 4 The Beloved, Chapter 67 Departure***

On the rampart----there were three girls and three men. A girl in a fiery red cloak, her golden hair tied in ponytail swinging majestically. A girl in a black cloak, her silvery hair tied in two, swaying in the wind. Lined up next to them are the three corps commanders, who represent the martial prowess of the Christand.

Standing in the center was a particularly small girl. As if to represent her purity and honesty, she wore a white dress lightly embroidered with gold. On her necklace was a deep blue jewel signifying hope, and on her left hand was a gold flower bracelet. She wore only the bare minimum of adornment and looked simple for a member of the royal family.

However, her graceful golden hair----with its shimmer of red, made her figure stand out in all its beauty.

----The girl is Alberan, the Child of God. She's the noblest, most beautiful, a jewel without any impurity in the Kingdom.

Below her were 15,000 soldiers. When the girl stepped forward, they all kneel down and bow as her subjects.

A similar scene had occurred not long before. On top of the fortress, it was the Hero Christand who stand there at that time. Everyone was forced to recognize once again that they had lost a hero. "----I am Kreschenta Fana Vera Alberan. The first princess of Alberan Kingdom and the legitimate heir to the throne." Kreschenta said solemnly and smiled. "I don't think it's necessary to say something like that. ...Everyone, please raise your head." The voice was sweet and tickles the ear. The voice that was augmented by magic had no oppression or intimidation unlike its volume and resounded like a whisper in their ear. The undeveloped voice before the voice change was more of a child's voice than that of a woman's, yet the voice that reached the brain through the ears was accompanied by a resonance that could not be ignored.

After a moment's hesitation, the soldiers stood up and put their hands on their chests in a salute stance. "...The other day here stood the hero of the Kingdom------General Christand, ...and he said a few words to all of you. I'm sure many of you here remember those words."

'----So do I', she then lowered her eyes. There were those who trembled at those words and clenched their teeth. "The General said this...not as a General, but as a single citizen, a person who loves his country and loves peace just like everyone else, I stood here." Slowly, not rushed, but also not stuttered. "All of you here are warriors, standing on the battlefield with no decorations, risking your lives. The General, therefore, has taken off his ornaments and stands before you as a warrior..." Kreschenta shook her head as if she was at a loss. Her voice trembled but was clear. "... I learned a lot as a person born into the royal family, and I know a lot. But that is only to how to rule...such as these speeches. I am sure that my words, adorned with jewels, will not reach you." Then she slowly looked up. As if looking at each one of them. "... I don't think I can do the same thing as Margrave Christand, the hero of the kingdom, but honestly----at least in this place, just as my heart feel without any ostentation. As those who love and respect peace in the same way." Silence reigned as no one make a sound. But only their gazes were fixed on her. Kreschenta sensed this and continued to speak. "I am now going to the Arna Imperial State. ...to ask for their support." The point is to give them hope. In the current situation, it cannot be said that morale is high. "There is nothing I can do on the battlefield as one who is not a warrior, but there are things I can do. The other day I sent a letter to the Arna Imperial State stating that I will be visiting, and a few days ago I received a reply saying that I would be allowed to visit. It was not a promise to assist us. ...But the fact that I've been allowed to visit is nothing less than the fact that the Arna Imperial State has the intention to do so." 'Ooh', a quiet murmur came out of the soldiers' mouths. Kreschenta smiled inwardly. In fact, the letter was only one way. She had only sent it on a fast horse yesterday, and she's not expecting a reply at all. It was a one-sided letter stating that she would visit them, and it was certain that the Arna Imperial State had no intention of helping them at the present time. It was somewhat impolite, but it did not matter at this point.

The purpose was not to ask for assistance but to block the movement of the Imperial State and others. The purpose of this big publicity is to restrain others. If the story of the Arna Imperial State supporting the princess faction was publicized so grandly, rumors will spread naturally. If that were to happen, it would make it less likely that anyone who was currently neutral would lend a hand to Gildanstein. That was today's purpose. "Our esteemed His Majesty the King... my father's life was taken to usurp the throne, and in Dragon's Maw he has taken the life of our General with a dastardly plot of treachery. Gildanstein has demanded a truce on top of that. 'For the people', a pretense that doesn't even truly exist in his heart." And they also needed a justification for refusing the truce. A just cause is always important. While it's inevitable that Krische will be considered a Cursed Child, Gildanstein's character is also not very good, and his notoriety extends beyond the royal court. In that sense, the reasoning is easy to make. "... With what kind of heart did he say such words? Gildanstein---- my uncle, who used his power to oppress the weak, there's no one who doesn't knows about his evil deeds. Tormenting other people then killing them, toying with their hearts... I once pleaded with him to stop doing something like that." Of course, there are no such facts. Kreschenta did not care, and in fact welcomed the fact that Gildanstein, a political opponent, was ruining his reputation by engaging in such amusements. In fact, she was glad to be able to use it in this way. "But ...all that came back in respond was, 'Why? it's fun'. He feels nothing ...for torturing people and sending them down to the bottom of the valley of pain and despair for the sake of fleeting, inane pleasures." Considering what he has done so far, it was easy to account his deeds. It was easy for her to weave the words. "If that is the royal bloodline, if that is what's counted as legitimate, ...It's better to be called a Cursed Child." She shook her head and put her hands on the parapet. A pitiful, kind-hearted princess----to show off that kind of figure. "... I won't tell you to follow me. However, as someone with a heart, I would like you to stop the evil deeds of my uncle... Gildanstein. That is my only wish. ....Should he rule the Kingdom, in the future there will only be something darker and muddier than mud. In order to leave hope for the new life that will sprout in the kingdom, for the future----Please." Kreschenta kept her head down. There's no hesitation or resistance in doing so.

Kreschenta's fragile figure------it was the perfect form of a powerless princess. Heroic tales often tell stories of the hero helping a princesses. It was a story that was more well told than anything else for them.

Despite being cornered, she stood up for the noble honor. The situations they were given were intertwined with the stories they had heard since childhood, clinging to them, subconsciously inspiring them. "For Her Royal Highness, for the Kingdom!" Outside the ramparts, a sword was drawn and pointed toward the heavens. It was Dagra. He was given the role of doing so at the appropriate moment. The Black Century immediately raised their sword in response and repeated the same words. And it created a wave that all the soldiers followed and repeated as it propagated around.

Selene was exasperated while also amazed at how she could lie so easily. Selene, who knew all the facts, had her own thoughts on the matter, but her exasperation was stronger than that. She sighed inwardly, thinking that she didn't want Krische to become like that, while looking sideways at Krische, who seemed to be impressed, thinking that Kreschenta was a good storyteller after all. Whatever the case, the speech was more than enough.

She looked at Kolkis. He's a frank man. Apparently moved by Kreschenta's speech, Kolkis nodded his head and stepped forward, drawing the sword from his waist. "Did you hear that!! Her Royal Highness has also shown that she will fight for us! There is no reason why we should not follow her. Our hero and our lord, our venerable General, always said this. ------Just be a single sword!" Kolkis's loud voice shook the atmosphere. Both Kreschenta and Krische, who were standing right next to him, tried not to show it on their faces, but they were filled with a desire to plug their ears. Krische, for example, was clutching her skirt inside her cloak. "We are the sword of the kingdom. ----the General has sworn to become the sword of Her Highness. And I pledge here! I, Kolkis Nactra Linea Agrand will be a sword that will defeat all enemies that stand in the way of Her Highness!" Kolkis swunghis sword and announced. "What about you guys! Will you be afraid of defeat and return to humans, or will you become the same sword!?" A heroic cheer echoed through the fortress. "Nhnn..." After the speech was over, Bery and Kreschenta will leave in a short while. Krische will also leave the fort today for the detour.

In a sense, it was only natural they would be together in the room before their departure. Krische was kissing Bery endlessly.

Krische was sitting on Bery lap, hugged her, and continue to kiss her. Selene looked at it with an indescribable face. Kreschenta glared at Clich dissatisfied. Anne, who was preparing the luggage in place of Bery, was peeking at them and was not focused at her work.

The situation continued for nearly half an hour. "...Haah, really."

"Ah..." Selene lifted Krische's body from behind and puts her on her lap. "I know you're lonely, but it's about time for her to leave. If you hold on like that, then Bery will be late for departure."

"Uuu..." Krische still stared at Berry with reluctance. A storm of passionate kisses. Bery, whose face was red as if she was hot, scratched her cheek with a troubled face and smiled wryly. Then she got up and bring her face closer. "That's... Krische-sama. It's not a farewell for life. That's why we will continue after I come back...at that time please give me a lot of kisses." *Chu*, She kissed her lightly and stroked her head. "According to the rumor, love grows when you can't see each other. I'm sure the kiss at that time will be an exceptional one (written as different quality), a very lovely kiss that you've never had before."

"...exceptional one"

"Yes, it will be. It's a very happy kiss with lots of overflowing love." Bery said and kissed her regrettably. Twice, three times, she put her hand on Clich's cheek and stroked it. Staring into her eyes, tracing her lips, Bery narrowed her wet eyes and brought her face closer---- "......stop it."

"Auu." *Pechi*, Selene flicked her forehead.

"Uuu, even if it's Ojou-sama, you can't hit me ...uu."

"You, what are you going to do becoming just like her, geez..." Selene said looking, exasperated by Bery who is holding her forehead, and Krische pouted her lips in dissatisfaction saying 'Bery's kiss'. Selene pinched Krische's lips with her fingers and told her that it was over. "If you're going to have a stupid exchange, please wait until you got back, really."

"That's right, only Argan-sama... even though I'm also going to have to leave Onee-sama from now on..." Kreschenta hugged Krische. But this time Selene flicked Kreschenta on the forehead. "What are you doing! I'm a princess you know!"

"If that's the case, can you show me some princess-like behavior...if you continue like this then just when will the two of you depart?"

"Uu...It's only Argan-sama, that's not fair." 'just why do I have to do this' Selene sighs and pulls Krische's cheek. 'unya', Krische let out a scream. "Okay. You two should prepare quickly. Then I'll let you do it one more time."

"...Since when did we need Selene-sama's permission to kiss Krische. Are you going to keep it to yourself by saying that?"

"...I won't."

"...Ojou-sama has been suspicious lately, so I'm a little worried."

"Y-you know..." Bery, who seems to hold grudge for the flick on her forehead, glared at Selene, then quickly immediately giggled. "Fufu, then, Kreschenta-sama, shall we go and say hello to the escort? The goodbye kiss will be later."

"... I understand."

"Ah, t-then I'll accompany you two too...!" Kreschenta puffed up her cheeks sulkily, and nodded, then left the room with Bery and Arne. Selene sighed again and nuzzled Krische's soft cheek. "Really, thanks to you, I'm already drained. Even though it's going to be hard from now on." Even as she spoke, Selene's voice was filled with tenderness. "Bery and Kreschenta are both infected with stupidity, just what should I do with you guys." Krische turned around on her lap. Then looked up with upturned eyes at Selene. "... Selene too, Chu." Krische is a kissing demon. Selene froze, and her eyes swam around, then she somehow managed to escape. "L-later"

"... Selene doesn't like it?"

"Uhh, um, it's not like that..." Krische leaned over and pressed her lips. Soft and kind. Her eyes are somewhat dim, and she repeated the kiss without saying anything for a while. And when she was done, she leant her body against Selene and embraces her. Delicate and weightless body.

Krische said nothing and remained motionless. Sensing such Krische, Selene shook her gaze. "...Worried?" Krische nodded. she is just like she appearance suggested. "Krische's really worried... can't calm down. It's kind of strange..."

"Scared?"

"...Maybe." *Squish*, she put strength into her hand. She caressed her back soothingly. "It's similar to when Krische thought about what if Bery and Selene hated Krische... Krische's body is weird and Krische doesn't really understand it."

"...Is that so." She felt happy. Krische was starting to understand a lot of things, and what she lacked was filled in. Perhaps one day she'll be just like everyone else, even if not perfect. But she was a little lost as to what to say. "That's important."

"...Important?" "Yeah, very.... The fact that you're scared is proof that you care about someone. Me too, and Bery too. Everyone feels scared. It's not just Kische." The silver thread that hangs from her thin waist is entwined with her fingers, and she tilted her head. Their cheeks squished together and Selene smiled. "The reason it's not scary is because there's nothing important. That might be something very strong thing, and in that sense, the Krische may have become weaker."

"... Krische, useless?"

"No." Selene said with a wry smile. "Everyone gets scared, but in the end, the really strong are the ones who stand up for what's important. Even if you get scared at the end of a parting, you're still going to do your part after that, right?"

"......yes" ----Then, Krische is a strong child, Selene said, and lowered her eyes. Cowardice is kindness. And she wants her to live forever in a world where that is allowed. Following Bery around, doing housework, cooking, and pampering her.

However, Selene didn't have the strength to allow her to do so. "......sorry"

"Selene...?"

"Someday... I promised you that I'd let you cook with Bery all the time at the estate... but it looks like it's going to be a long time before that happens." Krische sat up and put her hand on Selene's cheek. With her thumb, she wipes the dripping water droplets. Then she held her chest with her left hand and looked down a little. Krische shook his head from side to side. "Selene... Krische is very happy that Selene think's like that."

"...Krische"

"When the war is over and peace is restored, Krische, everyone will have tea together, cook together, and eat a lot of delicious food... Hehe, it's Krische's dream to spend every day like that. ...Dreams are, uh, what Bery's said, but..." Krische looked at Selene with a slightly embarrassed smile. "Not just Selene, but Krische also will do her best. Krische will also do her best so that Selene can stay in the estate forever. That's why Selene doesn't need to apologize, if you apologize, then Krische too..." Krische paused, searching for words. "Krische wants Krische's dreams to come true together. ...Then, Krische'll be very happy...and happiness doubles when we're together, and Krische sure we'll be very, very happy...um, that..." It was awkward and tottering. There was so much to convey. "U-uuu..." Selene pinched her soft cheek. "... Fufu, I was going to comfort my stupid little sister, but I can't believe I was comforted." Beautiful, and smooth ----she brought her face closer to hers. The tip of their nose rubbed and their lips touche.

It was just a little touch. But also deep and important. Krische hand wrapped around her neck, and Selene hugged her waist as she pull her slender body. "...I *love* you, Krische."

"... Ehehe, Krische love Selene too." Krische smiled as usual. A soft smile that just lifted her lips.