Chapter 16

Aleks's gaze remained fixed on Rane, making her feel so embarrassed that she lowered her head.

"Men should not stare at women so rudely."

Reprimanded by Sally, he finally averted his gaze from Rane.

"Sorry."

"N-no, it's fine."

Sally watched the two of them awkwardly exchange words with a smile.

"But I'm relieved. It's been quite a while since I started working here, and there hasn't been a single woman around. I thought you just weren't interested."

"I'm not uninterested, but—"

Sally laughed in a troubled way as Aleks spoke, then turned his gaze to the window.

"I had a mission, so I couldn't have anyone important. I didn't plan on coming back alive."

At those words, Rane couldn't help but gasp.

In this world, a hero is born every hundred years to seal the Demon King.

To seal the Demon King, the hero must risk their life.

This has been repeated for centuries, and many heroes have lost their lives. In other words, they were not heroes who saved the world, but noble sacrifices for peace.

Aleks is the first hero to defeat the Demon King. If he hadn't succeeded, he would have met the same fate as the other heroes.

When she heard that the Demon King had been defeated, Rane was ashamed that she had only thought about Aida coming back.

Aleks had risked his life to save this world.

"You're safe, and that's all that matters."

Her apology, which had only considered herself, and all her gratitude, were contained in those words. Aleks looked surprised but smiled and said thank you.

The Demon King has been defeated, and at least a thousand years of peace are promised. With his mission accomplished, Aleks can now live freely.

Escorted by Sally, Rane headed to the castle with Aleks in a carriage. As they approached the area lined with noble residences, the road became congested with carriages heading to the castle.

However, the other carriages made way for them.

They, too, were showing respect to Aleks, who had saved the world.

Thus, the carriage carrying Rane arrived at the castle before anyone else.

The knights guarding the castle and the maids they passed all bowed respectfully to Rane, who was walking with Aleks. She even encountered members of the Royal Magic Corps, but they, too, treated her differently from when they came to the village.

This was not because they had looked down on the villagers as country bumpkins, but because of the difference between Aida and Aleks.

They were led to a waiting room, and Aleks pulled out a chair for Rane. She sat down slowly, and a castle maid served them tea.

(Well...)

She didn't know the proper etiquette for such occasions. As she was at a loss, Aleks spoke to the maid and had her leave.

"Sorry, I don't know anything."

Feeling embarrassed, she lowered her head, but Aleks said it was nothing to worry about.

"It's understandable. You didn't need to know these things before. I and Riene also struggled at first."

He told her about their initial failures, which helped ease her tension.

"I've never had tea with such a wonderful aroma."

"Did you like it?"

"Yes, very much."

There was also chocolate on the table, and they spent the time before the celebration began comfortably.

It should start soon.

Just as she was thinking that, the door to the room was suddenly knocked on.

"Sorry, Aleks. I have something I need to ask—"

The door opened without waiting for a response, and two young men entered.

"Ah!"

Rane was so surprised that she let out a cry.

"Huh?"

They, too, seemed surprised to see Rane. Both stopped and looked around the room, flustered.

Both were handsome and had striking appearances.

The one who entered first had dazzling blonde hair and green eyes. The other had shining silver hair and purple eyes. They seemed to be related in some way.

"Aleks?"

"I'm here. I told you I would bring my partner, didn't I?"

Aleks, who was pouring Rane another cup of tea, said in a somewhat exasperated voice while holding the teapot.

Aleks seemed to prefer tea over alcohol and enjoyed making it. He had asked the maid to leave and was pouring the tea himself.

Most of the men in the village were heavy drinkers, and some would harass women when drunk. Because of this, she didn't have a good impression of alcohol, so she was somewhat pleased to hear this.

"I did say that, but I thought it was a lie to keep women away..."

The blonde-haired young man muttered, still in a daze, then came to his senses and apologized to Rane.

"If I had known a woman was here, I wouldn't have visited so rudely. Please forgive my rudeness."

He said this politely, and Rane hurriedly shook her head.

"N-no, not at all. I'm the one who should apologize for making a sound."

"Will you accept my apology?"

"Of course, yes."

Upon hearing this, they finally relaxed.

"May I ask your name?"

The silver-haired young man asked, and Rane told him her name.

"My name is Rane. I'm a commoner, so I don't have a last name."

She said this, but they didn't seem surprised. They might have already realized she wasn't a noble lady.

"Rane, huh?"

The blonde young man repeated her name and smiled brightly.

"It's been a long time since I've seen someone so pure and beautiful. Recently, there have been too many women who think being flashy is good. It's tiring."

Whispering that it was a shame she was Aleks's partner, he made her feel uncomfortable, but Aleks came to her defense.

"I would appreciate it if you would leave Rane alone, Your Highness, the Crown Prince."