The Heart Kingdom's Princess
1669 Words
"Princess Aoi. How do you know that I am the Black Hero"?
"So you don't remember me huh. It's fine I guess. We just met for a short time five years ago and lot of things already happened".
"Wait... We met before"?
"So you don't recall huh. You don't remember this necklace"?
"It's the only reason why I'm still alive up until now".
"That necklace"...
"You're that little girl I saved five years ago".
"So you remember now".
*Flashback*
Aoi is running from the devils that are chasing him.
"s**t, I slipped".
She fell in to the ground and now, the devils are now in front of her.
"Somebody, help me"!
Aoi screamed loudly as the devils were about to attack her.
"NOOO"!
Then, a young boy carrying a grimoire came to save her.
"Dark Sword Magic: Black Blade".
He killed the two devils chasing Aoi.
"Are you alright? You're not hurt right"?
"My knee is injured. It hurts".
"Let me heal that. World Tree Spirit Healing Magic: Spirit Robe".
"You have two magic attributes? Not to mention you're using spirit magic".
"If I leave you, the Spirit Robe will disengage. Take this necklace with you, this should make the Spirit Robe last until your injury is fully healed. I'll take you first to the Academy so you can be safe".
"How? I can't walk right now"?
"It's not a problem. I'll just carry you".
"Oi, wait"!
Shu carried Aoi and started to go to the Academy. On their way, they met some devils.
"Tsk, there's no end to this huh".
"Let's go, Salamander"!
"Flame Spirit Magic: Blazing Breath"!
"Huh, you can also use Flame Magic? That's already three magic attributes".
"Now is not the time to talk about that. Bringing you back to the academy is my priority right now".
"You, why are you prioritizing me first when you must run for yourself"?
"I'm the only one in the kingdom right now who can fight the devils. There's no way I will run away".
*End of the flasback*
"After that incident, I returned to my home to get some rest. But, I want to meet you again and thank you for saving my life".
"I returned to this kingdom weeks later after that incident to look for you but it seems like no one recognized you".
"The only thing they know about you is that you're the man covered in complete darkness who stopped the fall of Clover Kingdom, the Black Hero".
"She's right. I completely covered myself in that darkness so that no one would recognize me. It's a mistake that I did that late".
"You kept the necklace huh. Why did you keep the necklace"?
"I kept the necklace to myself hoping that one day, I'll get to meet you again. Yesterday, news reached the Heart Kingdom that Prince Ryusei was defeated by a first-year from the Clover Kingdom".
"I had this feeling that you might be the one who defeated him so I came here to see it for myself. I guess my visit didn't go to waste".
"Why are you looking for me? Do you need something"?
Aoi blushed from what Shu said.
"Let's just say that, I am really curious about you".
"Sorry, Aoi".
"Eh? Why are you apologizing"?
"I didn't remember you so soon. You know, a lot of things happened to me and-"
Aoi just hugged Shu.
"It's alright Shu. I know you've been through a lot. Don't worry about your secret, it's safe with me".
"Thanks, Princess Aoi".
"Oh, by the way Shu. Is there something you want to eat"?
"No I can't let that happen, I can't allow myself to let a princess cook for me. I'll cook".
"Hmm, then I'll allow you to cook this time. The next time I visit here, I'll be the one to cook".
"Then please make yourself at home, Princess Aoi".
"Oh, drop the Princess. Just call me Aoi".
"Is it alright"?
"Yes. Think of it as a reward for saving me".
"What a great reward. I'm grateful. Then, I'll start cooking now. You can wait at the table".
"I'll wait here then".
Shu started cooking while Aoi is at the table waiting for Shu to finish cooking.
"The food is ready Aoi".
"Wow, this looks delicious".
"Please enjoy yourself then".
"What about you"?
"You can eat first, I'll just eat later".
"Why don't we just eat together"?
"Are you okay with that"?
"Yes. I didn't spend five years looking for you and then I will not get to eat with you. So, let's eat together".
"If you say so".
"Thank you for the food".
"It's hot."
"Are you alright?
"I think I burnt my tongue".
"I'll go get some water".
"Here's your water Aoi".
"Thank you".
"Mmm it's delicious Shu. You're a good cook too".
"I'm glad that you liked it".
"You'll be a great husband Shu".
"What did you say"?
"Oh it's nothing".
"Hoo, good thing he didn't hear it".
Soon enough, they finished eating.
"Did you enjoy the meal Aoi"?
"Yes, it's really delicious".
"Just rest for a little bit then I'll take you back to the Heart Kingdom".
"Why? You don't want me here"?
"No Aoi, it's not like that. Maybe the Queen will worry about you since you didn't go home".
"It's alright. I asked permission from them. I can stay with you tonight".
"Are you sure you want to sleep in this house"?
"Look, you don't really want me here, do you"?
"Like I said, it's not like that. Maybe you'll not be comfortable in my bed but if you insist then you can sleep here tonight. I'll just wash the dishes, just rest there for a little bit before you sleep".
Shu left the dining room and started to wash the dishes.
"Maybe he's angry with me now. Does he hate me? I don't want that to happen".
Aoi stares at Shu as he washes the dishes.
Shu noticed Aoi is staring at her.
"Do you need anything Aoi"?
"You're not angry with me right"?
"Why would I be"?
"About what happened earlier".
"Oh that thing, I'm not angry. Why would you even think of it that way? I'm just worried that you might not like sleeping here so I asked you again if you're really sure".
"So that's it huh. I worried for nothing".
"Rest assured Aoi. I'm not the type of guy to get angry over little things".
"You're really kind, Shu".
"That's enough talk for tonight. Go now and sleep so that you can leave tomorrow earlier".
"Yes, I'll sleep then now. Goodnight".
"Sleep well, Aoi".
Aoi have gone to the bed to sleep.
Meanwhile, Shu is still washing the dishes.
Yuuto suddenly appeared.
"So she's one of the people who knows the Black Hero huh".
"By any chance, are you and the Wizard King father and son? Why do you guys always sit on the window when you visit me, Captain Yuuto"?
"I'll just keep this brief. The devils are making now their move".
"What"?!
"I just recieved some intel from one of the other Captains".
"He overheard a conversation. They plan to attack the Clover Kingdom right after the Magic Competition. They plan on taking the Dark Sacred Stone".
"Is the Wizard King informed of this"?
"Yes. He told me to go to you to inform you too. Don't worry, I'll be on full guard on the arena".
"That's all. Goodluck on the Magic Competition Shu. I'm off now".
"Hoo. I finished washing the dishes now. Time for me to rest too".
"Oh that's right, Aoi is sleeping at my bed. I think I'll sleep at the floor for tonight".
Shu fixes Aoi's blanket.
"You'll get a cold if you sleep like that Aoi. Goodnight".
Shu lied on the floor trying to sleep.
"Why would they wait for the tournament to end before making their move"...
"Is the intel wrong or they're planning something. Either way, they won't succeed on their plan".
"They'll have to go through me first".
It's a new day now.
"It's already morning huh".
"The blanket? Why am I the one using this"?
Shu have gone to Aoi to check on her if she's still sleeping. He didn't see her in the bed.
"Maybe she had go home".
"Gotta prepare my breakfast. We have a practice today".
As Shu entered the kitchen, he saw Aoi cooking.
"Aoi? Why are you cooking"?
"Oh Shu, good morning. I'm cooking so you can go to the school early".
"There's no need for you to cook for me. Don't you have to attend school too? And it's at the Heart Kingdom. Want me to go with you"?
"Thank you Shu but there's no need. One of mom's Magic Guardians will come and get me".
"Oh, then I'll help myself with your eating. I'll wait at the table".
Aoi soon enough finished cooking.
"It's done now Shu. Here, eat lots of lots so you are full of energy for today's practice".
"Thanks Aoi".
"How is it? Is it delicious"?
"It's delicious Aoi. Where did you learn to cook like this"?
"My mom taught me how to cook".
A person is knocking at Shu's house.
"Oh, there's a person. I'll go and open the door".
"No need to bother Shu. Enjoy your food, maybe it's the Magic Guardian".
Aoi went to the door to open it.
"How are you doing, Princess Aoi"?
"So mom send you here, Yuma".
"Yes Princess Aoi. Shall we go now"?
"Oh, just wait".
"Shu, I'm leaving now".
"So it's the Magic Guardian huh. Take care on your trip Aoi".
"I'm off now Shu. See you at the Magic Competition".
"Huh? Did she mention the Magic Competition"?
"Oi wait, by any chance are you also a participant at the Magic Competition"?
"They already left".
"Gotta get ready for the practice today".
Shu started walking to the academy.
Soon enough, he reached the academy.
"There's a large crowd again of students again at the gate. Wondering what happened this time".
- Writer
