Chapter 44

"......I have always been targeted by someone."

Samuel and I exchanged glances at Carrie's confession.

So, was that why the dragon attacked the carriage, Carrie?

"It was things like accidents happening frequently at the palace, and people around me going missing. But I never expected to be attacked by a dragon..."

I pondered Carrie's words.

"Carrie, is it because you're a princess that you're being targeted?"

Thinking it might be because of her position as a princess, I asked, but Mayor Thomas, who had been silent until then, shook his head.

"It's because of that prophecy!"

"Prophecy?"

"Yes! It's completely troublesome..."

What prophecy is he talking about?

I had never heard of it before, and I tilted my head in confusion. Then, Lord Gailar spoke slowly.

"‘One who holds the treasure of the gods will appear.’”

His expression was gentle.

His voice sounded dreamy.

"Five years ago, a religious group that worships the goddess received a revelation. While the worship of the goddess is common in our country, this new group seeks a stronger faith. That's the difference from before."

Lord Gailar, still with a gentle expression, turned his gaze to Carrie—

"They believe that the princess is that person."

—He announced that Carrie was the one prophesied.

Upon hearing this, Carrie's eyebrows furrowed even more tightly.

"It's because I was born around the time the group received the prophecy. However, unlike my older brother and sister, I don't have anything special. My hair and eyes are a plain brown, and I don't have any special powers."

Her voice trembled slightly.

Carrie denied being the person in the prophecy.

In response, Mayor Thomas, stroking his white beard, nodded vigorously.

"Prophecies are just nonsense! The princess has nothing to worry about!"

"I understand. Not everyone believes the prophecy of the new religious group. But I can understand why they think ‘maybe...’ When people meet me, they look at me with interest, as if they're sizing me up. ...And then, they leave disappointed after seeing my appearance and abilities."

A sad Carrie.

She has lacked confidence ever since we met, and she often negates herself, probably because of this.

Being expected and then disappointed by others is something beyond her control, and it must have been painful for her to see people change their expressions and attitudes.

"Furthermore, unnatural accidents have increased around me, and several maids and knights have disappeared."

Her trembling voice grew smaller and smaller...

"Despite my plain appearance and lack of abilities, I attract trouble. That's who I am..."

Her voice faded away.

But Carrie still faced forward resolutely.

"That's why I cherish the maids and knights who have stayed with me, especially Pio. ...Leni, I'm really sorry about earlier."

Carrie must be referring to when the red-haired knight separated us when we were holding hands.

I understand that it's difficult to be close to Carrie. I think it's related to why she said, "This is the first time I've had so much fun."

A normal four-year-old would be intimidated. After all, she's a princess. But I—

"Leni, it's okay."

—I'm the strongest four-year-old.

"Besides, I understand."

The reason the maids support Carrie.

The reason the red-haired knight is wary of me.

"Carrie is important. I'm worried about her."

Everyone loves Carrie.

"That's wonderful."

I think Carrie has been through a lot.

It's great to have people who can help her.

"Leni likes Carrie."

"Wh-What!?"

My words made Carrie's cheeks turn bright red.

"Carrie's brown hair is cute, like chocolate."

Her fluffy brown hair.

The same color as the chocolate she let me eat today.

I think it's very cute.

"Carrie's brown eyes are beautiful, like the tea."

Her clear brown eyes.

The same color as the rose-scented tea she prepared today.

I think they are very beautiful.

"Carrie's heart is proud and cool."

Her determined and proud heart.

The beautiful bow she gave today.

She loses confidence because she tries hard. I think that's very cool.

"No...! I'm not... like that...!"

"Can't you believe what I'm saying?"

"N-No!"

"Leni likes Carrie."

"B-But...!?"

"Can't you believe it?"

"N-No, that's not it...!?"

"Leni likes Carrie."

Since she kept denying what I said, I repeated it until she believed me.

Then, Carrie, with her cheeks flushed and eyes watering, shouted, "Stop it!!"

"I understand!! I understand!! I understand, so...!!"

"Really?"

"Really!!"

Carrie had the most earnest expression I had ever seen.

Yes. It's good that she understood.

"...Thank you, Leni."

Carrie squeezed her eyes shut, and tears almost spilled out.

But she quickly opened her eyes and looked up to prevent that from happening.

Then—

"What is... that?"

Carrie's brown eyes fixed on a point.

And what I heard was—

"The bell."

The "Bell of Perception" at my waist rang.

Everyone looked up at the sky, and there—

"Armor."

—was something in full armor descending from above.