Chapter 2

As I was about to set up a barrier in the forest based on the country's request as a holy maiden, I was approached by Eric, the crown prince of this country.

He said, "Are you the holy maiden who bullies my sister?"

What a rather rude attitude to take towards someone you just met. Even if he is a crown prince, it's quite unpleasant to be treated this way from the start.

"Prince Eric, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am the holy maiden Lea Westeria. There is no truth to the claim that I bully my sister."

I continued setting up the barrier while greeting Prince Eric, of course denying the claim that I had bullied my sister.

"Hmm. I heard from my friend Philip that you have been bullying and emotionally tormenting your sister Jill."

"I have been questioned by Philip as well, but there is no truth to it. It's just Jill's delusion."

"Well, often those who bully don't realize they are doing it. You might think you're not, but it could be different in reality."

Prince Eric's claim might not be entirely wrong. Jill is a very imaginative person, and she might genuinely believe that I am bullying her. Since she has no ill intentions, for her, it is no different from the truth.

Therefore, Philip believes her and sympathizes with her. Once this happens, the story that I bullied Jill becomes a shared fact between the two of them—no matter how much I try to defend myself, it will be treated as the bully's logic.

"No matter what people say, I have never spoken ill of Jill. Moreover, it is rude to conclude that I bullied her without knowing anything about my character."

I ended up speaking with a sharp tone. I tried to remain calm, but it seems the stress from being told our engagement was broken off had built up.

This is almost like starting a fight with the crown prince. The story that I bullied my sister will likely be recognized within the royal family. I might not be able to remain a holy maiden...

"You have a point. You're right, I was hasty. I apologize for my previous statement. It was wrong of me to speak so conclusively."

Prince Eric bowed his head to me sincerely. For a crown prince of a country to admit his mistake and bow so quickly—honestly, I was very surprised.

"Since the apology is over... let's start by getting to know you."

"...Your Highness?"

The prince, who had bowed, now sat on a nearby rock and stared at me intently. Uh, are you going to keep observing me like this? That's, well, quite unique...

However—

"...Holy Light Dagger—!"

I threw a light dagger at a werewolf that was about to pounce on Prince Eric from behind. The werewolf was killed by the dagger, which was imbued with the power to dispel evil. Even while setting up the barrier, I can use simple magic for self-defense.

This is a forest near a place where monsters gather. It's not a place where a crown prince should be. There are guards, but for some reason, they are keeping their distance from Prince Eric.

"Prince Eric, it would be better if you moved away. If you get hurt—. —!?"

At that moment, Prince Eric drew his sword and leaped off the rock towards me at an incredible speed.

"Don't worry, I'm fine. I'm strong, you know. I have guards, but just in case."

Prince Eric, speaking of his own strength near my ear. When I turned around, I saw a giant bat monster called an Evilbat impaled on his sword.

I had heard that he had thoroughly studied the art of governance as a crown prince, but I didn't know he was also a master swordsman. I was surprised that he leaped out almost simultaneously with me noticing the presence of the monster behind me. I had trained to detect monsters quickly as a holy maiden.

"I have many enemies. The core of this country is corrupt. I've been targeted by assassins almost daily ever since I started exposing them."

"Targeted by assassins? You, Prince Eric?"

"Yeah. This month, I've already caught about 20 of them. I had the officials who hired them executed. There's a strong movement to make my harmless younger brother Dale the next king, which is causing a lot of trouble."

Prince Eric confessed that he is being targeted because of his sense of justice, as if it were someone else's story. So, he has become this strong... because he can't even trust his guards.

"I understand that your skills as a holy maiden are excellent. I'm just observing, so you can continue setting up the barrier without worrying about me."

Prince Eric sat back on the rock, crossing his legs and staring at me intently. It's been a long time since I had to set up a barrier while being watched so closely, so I'm a bit nervous.

Why is the crown prince acting so strangely—! It's impossible not to be bothered by it—.