Yotogi no Kuni no Gekkouhime - Chapter 24

“Ahー! Yeah, right!”

Selene’s favorite thing was lily (yuri) all along. Marie who just remembered that loudly exclaims.

“Did you already know that by any chance?”

“Un. I think she had told me that once before.”

The moment he heard that, Milano frowns.

“……Tell me faster if you already knew that.”

“It can’t be helped isn’t it. After all, she mentioned it really only for a moment.”

“Uh, umm, if you’re too loud Selene’s going to wake up.”

Since the atmosphere seems to be going in a dangerous direction again, Arue hurriedly try to calm both of them down, so the two lowered their spears.

“But still, lily huh. True enough, Selene kinda gives more of a white lily vibe than rosy one.”

Rather than the crimson red roses blooming under the shining sunlight, pure white lilies blooming under the serene moonlight suits Selene more. Thinking so, the three turn around to look at Selene who’s sleeping on the clean and neat bed, with a white bandage on her forehead. The tranquil afternoon sunlight gleams through the window, Selene’s thin chest rises up and down with the rhythm of her breath, her white hair glistening with the sunlight.

Selene, who expended her energy beyond her limit and was hit straight in the face, is sleeping peacefully, unresponsive to the three’s conversation. When she closes her eyes and stay quiet like this, as long as no one peeps inside her mind, Selene really does look like a beautiful princess.

“Then let’s get to it right away. I’ll go search for a flower shop in the city and have them prepare me a lily bouquet.”

“Fufufu, you’re so sweet Nii-sama. Sweeter than the pancakes even.”

“……What do you mean by that?”

Milano tilts his head, in which Marie responds with tsk tsk sound while waving her index finger.

“Listen closely okay? Nii-sama, you’re the First Prince of Helifalte, the Holy Prince Milano you know? Nii-sama, are you not aware of that fact at all?”

“I-, I don’t get what you’re trying to say here……”

“Like I saidー, what I’m trying to say here is that you should do something for Selene that any other ordinary men can’t. If it’s just『Since she likes lilies, then I’m going to buy her a lily bouquet!』or something like that, any men can do that can’t they. You shouldn’t just aim for the perfect 100 score, it’s 200 that you should be working on. Nee, you think so too right Princess Arue?”

“Eh? M-, me?”

As the topic is suddenly shifted to her, Arue’s surprised, but after a brief moment she regain composure before speaking her mind.

“You’re right. I think if anyone receives their favorite thing from their beloved person, that person’d be really happy. But I think that person would be even more impressed if you do something like 『Actually I prepared this super amazing present for you!』.

“I see…… So it’s not only about what they like, but you should go over and beyond that huh.”

Milano put his hand over his mouth, his expression serious as he replied.

Milano, who could solve the Helifalte National University’s admission test questions easily, which is said to be the top ranked university on the entire continent, is currently making an expression of contemplation, a very serious expression that even Marie had never seen before, so she couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle.

“If we’ve already finished talking then let’s return home before it gets dark. I moved a lot today so I’m really hungry right now.” (Marie)

“I’d like to do that too, but Selene’s……”

Milano once again turns his sight toward the person on top of the bed. Selene who had displayed her full brazenness, is sleeping soundly, oblivious to the three having conversation right next to her.

When Selene passed out right in front of Milano, he was really worried, to the point that he hurriedly held her in his arms, then called the university’s doctor to examine her. The examination result came out and it was diagnosed that there was no serious injury, but since the back of her head was hit really hard, she should rest peacefully as much as possible for today, so it’s not like he could just casually wake her up.

“Prince Milano. There’s something I wanted to request of you. May I?”

“I came here today in private, so please don’t be too formal with me. And, what would you request of me?”

“Well…… if possible, may I have Selene rest here with me for the day?”

“Selene, here?”

Milano replied so, seemingly surprised. Meanwhile, Arue look straight into his eyes, as if pleading. Milano could see, in the depths of her pupils lie great concern for Selene. But before Milano could reply, Arue continues.

“I think it’d be better if we let Selene rest here for the day. And also……”

“And also?”

“I’ve never slept with Selene before. Since she had been locked up for many years, and before she was locked up I was still too young. Back then I wasn’t mature enough to realize it. That’s why……”

Arue’s voice turns a little tearful. Since Selene was treated like an alien from a very young age, she was kept away as much as possible from Arue, the normal first princess. Moreover, Selene was later confined to the prison room so their chance to properly meet and talk decreased a lot, and they could only spend a small amount of time together every few days. In other words, the two sisters, while cared a lot for each other, had extremely little time together.

“But Princess Arue, are you not tired? From what I can see, you haven’t finished organizing your room yet, and also it was my Marie’s fault in the first place that put you into unnecessary troubles.”

“It’s not mine but your fault Nii-sama! I’m the one trying to support you here!”

Milano lightly brushes aside Marie’s discontent before turning to Arue.

At first he planned to let Selene meet Arue after she finished tidying things up, yet the plan got messed up because of his incompetent. On top of that, because of the suddenness of Arue’s studying aboard, he couldn’t prepare a spacious room within the dormitory in time, so if Arue’s going to sleep on the bed with Selene in this room, it’s going to be too cramped.

“I do not mind at all. Rather, I’d be glad if she could stay here. If there’s no problem with Selene’s condition, I’ll send her to the Royal Palace tomorrow.”

Arue said so as she bows her head deeply to Milano. Right now the Prince of Helifalte has all the rights to Selene. In other words, she’s the Prince’s property. Arue knows fully well that she’s not in the position to be asking Milano to lend her Selene. But still, if she missed this chance, who knows when she’ll be able to meet Selene again. Arue squeeze the hem of her dress hard, waiting for Milano’s response as she keeps her eyes on the floor.

“I think that’s a great idea. Selene’d be happier that way.”

“……Eh?”

But before Milano could speak, Marie who’s behind him said so bluntly. Arue raises her head at the unexpected response, where she found Milano smiling tenderly at her as he nods.

“Princess Arue, it actually should be us to make that request of you. I’m sure Selene’s stressed from having to live in a foreign country all alone. Although this isn’t supposed to happen, but the two of you sisters finally meet each other again. Having Selene sleep with someone she knows well would surely give her a peace of mind.”

“Are you…… really okay with this?”

“But of course. I’ll send someone to pick her up tomorrow morning. As for today, me and Marie will have to take our leave.”

“T-, thank you very much!”

Arue quickly bows down to Milano again at the perfect 90 degree. Milano nods kindly at her as he’s about to leave Arue’s room together with Marie. He didn’t want to bother Arue by staying in her room for longer than necessary.

“Then please take care of Selene for me, Arue-neesama.”

“A-, Arue-neesama?”

When Arue stares at Marie dumbfoundedly, Marie giggles softly like a little prankster.

“I mean, I’m Selene’s onee-san, but the onee-san Selene looks up to is you Princess Arue, right? That means, you’re onee-san’s onee-san. Ah, that’s right Nii-sama. How about you marry Princess Arue? That way we’ll all be a family for real.”

“Don’t be silly. I’m so sorry Princess Arue. As you can see, my little sister is rather hyper. Please think of it as just a kid’s nonsense and don’t think too deeply about it.”

“I’m not a kid! And it’s not a nonsense too!”

“Then, I think it’s about time for us to take our leave. I’m truly thankful to you for receiving me on such a short notice today. And also, I have a few ideas as to what to do with the lilies, so I’d like some time to prepare them. I’m sure she’s going to be delighted, knowing that she loves lilies that much.”

Said Milano before leaving Arue’s room together with Marie.

All that’s left in the room are Selene who’s in deep sleep, and Arue whose eyes are red from overwhelming emotions, only these two.

“Prince Milano…… Thank you very much, really, thank you!”

Not many people would care so much for a princess from a tiny nation like herself without acting arrogantly. Arue kept bowing at the door for a long time, even after Milano had long left the room. He’s truly a man of talent, befitting the name Holy Prince. And Selene who’s in his personal care would surely become the happiest person alive, more than anyone else. The thought of this made Arue feels that there’s something hot forming in the corner of her eyes.

◆◇◆◇◆

“……Uuu?”

“Oh my, Selene, are you awake?”

The sun had already set by the time Selene wakes up, outside the window is a full moon shining luminously. On top of the wooden desk next to the bed is a candlestick burning, giving off a small yet warm light, illuminating this small room and the luggages that wasn’t unpacked yet. In this serene atmosphere, Selene sleepily crawls out of the bed, which she finds to have a faintly sweet aroma, different from her usual bed.

“Nee-sama, you okay?”

“Eh? I’m totally fine.”

Selene, who had her clothes changed from the pure white dress to Arue’s white nightwear, walked up to Arue, dragging the loose-fitting outfit along the floor and hugged her. And the first thing Selene said to Arue right after she woke up was words of concern.

Although Arue said she’s fine, but during the time Selene was still sleeping, she was sorting out documents for her transfer procedures and organizing her belongings, so the fatigue is starting to set in. Yet Selene’s able to see through that in a glance. My little sister’s really observant, thought Arue.

“I’m okay. Selene, you’re such a worrywart.”

“Thanks goodness……”

Seeing that Selene seems to be really relieved, Arue’s heart is soothed by her little sister’s kindness. Although it hasn’t been that long yet since Selene left her home country, but she hasn’t become arrogant at all even after she was moved to a big country, her little sister who always care for herself is still the same person as usual, pure and gentle. Arue’s very proud of this fact.

Selene asked her big sister if she was okay, but that was in a sexual sense. Because of her lighting-speed intervention, she managed to protect Arue’s chastity before the Prince could do his villainous stuff with her. Selene’s completely satisfied with this outcome, and so the two princess sisters smile at each other, full of happiness.

“How about you Selene, how are you feeling? You hit your head really hard, you’re not feeling sick right?”

“Healthy.”

Selene hadn’t seen Arue for a long time, the dopamine level in her brain is raising rapidly, so this level of damage is nothing to her. By the way, her head was not okay since way before she hit her head, not to mention that it was sickening even, but she was born with that so there’s nothing she could do about it. 1

“Selene, since you’re injured today, it was decided that you’ll be staying in my room till tomorrow. That’s why let us sleep together tonight.”

“Really!?”

“Yes, but I think the bed’s going to be pretty small with two people in it……”

“Okay! Very, okay!”

Selene’s excited. Extremely excited. Well that’s not surprising, considering that the smaller the bed is, the closer she can be with her big sister.

“Sleep! Right now, sleep!”

“Eh, but I still have things left to do……”

“Nee-sama, Prince, deal with, tired. Now, rest.”

Selene pulls Arue with both of her hands, telling her to sleep on the bed. Arue smiles tenderly at Selene’s concern for her, so she decided to stop the work for today and go to sleep. As for Selene, she really does care for Arue, thinking that she might be tired from having to deal with that Prince, but importantly is that she wants to spend this valuable time she has until tomorrow with Arue as much as possible, even a second longer.

And so, Arue changed into a thin robe as her nightwear before sliding into the bed where Selene’s waiting. Although both Arue and Selene are small, but sleeping side by side still makes the bed a little cramped.

“Selene, are you really okay? Onee-chan can sleep somewhere else so……”

“No! Never!”

Said Selene in a forceful tone as she hugs Arue with her two arms. And while her big sister’s still in the state of confusion, Selene takes advantage of this situation by burying her head into her big sister’s breasts. Although Ibis the Queen of Helifalte’s are quite splendid, but for Selene, this pair of mountains is her true Shangri-La.

“Para.” (Selene) 2

“Peach?”

Selene didn’t answer Arue’s question. She just basked herself into the highest-quality pleasure with soft fluffy marshmellow-like texture, making a satisfied expression as she enjoys the sensation. Arue, not knowing what to do as Selene rubs her head left and right like a little kitty, decided to gently hugs her back. Even though up until now Arue hasn’t paid much attention to her, yet her little sister still loves her this much, Arue felt like she loves her little sister even more.

“Selene, how are you doing in Helifalte? I heard from Prince Milano that you’ve been working quite hard.”

Arue praised her little sister in a calm tone. However, the moment Selene heard that, she stopped rubbing her hest in Arue’s chest and look up at her, her expression sad, making Arue confused. Their faces are so close together that they can feel each other’s breath, but Selene shakes her head before opening her mouth.

“Sorry, didn’t do, a good job.”

“Eh?”

Selene muttered so, but from what Arue heard from Prince Milano during the day, Selene contributed greatly to the nation of Helifalte, so much so that you wouldn’t think she’s just an 8 years old. Yet Selene seems to think that she’s useless.

‘I guess her goal is even greater than that……’

Arue took Selene’s words as her being humble. From what Arue’ve heard from Milano, Selene seems to have accomplished quite a lot up to this point. She helps the Prince with his health, improved the soldiers’ training efficiency, even acting as a mediator during the Prince’s diplomacy mission in Valbell. The Prince also seems to be especially thankful for Selene’s meal during lunchbreak, which is the reason why he came here today, or so he said.

It’s probably that Selene’s『didn’t do a good job』and ordinary people’s『didn’t do a good job』are not at the same level. It’s like if a master swordsmith and a newbie swordsmith said the exact same phrase,『I forged a terrible blade today.』, then of course the weight of their words are going to be at different level, including their standard for the product as well.

“……Selene, I wonder if you still remember your last night in Aquila.”

“What?”

“That day you said『Me, do my best, protect.』right? Remember?”

“Remember.”

That’s right, on that day of farewell she did said that she’s going to『Do her best to protect Arue.』That’s why Selene’s doing her best, in her own way, to make the root of all evil, namely the Prince, a dead man, but currently it’s not going so well. Selene feels sad about it.

“I know you’ve been doing your best Selene. You’re still young, so things might not go the way you wished for them to. But still, if you keep striving forward, then one day you’ll definitely grow up to be a lady capable of protecting your loved one. Onee-chan believes in you.”

“Nee-sama……”

In the end, Arue decided to encourage her little sister with cliché words. Or rather, that’s all she could really do. A mediocre person like herself could only support and believe in her amazing little sister from behind, her little sister who strives to ‘protect Prince Milano’ whom she love and respect.

Though it’s actually Arue who Selene wants to protect, but from Arue’s point of view, it’s natural for her to think that Selene wants to become who can protect Prince Milano who is her literal savior, and also someone who she has feelings for. And at the same time, Arue’s not so dense as to mention the name of the person who lives in her little sister’s heart.

“Un, me, do my best!”

“Good girl. Now, let us sleep. So that tomorrow you’ll return to your cheerful self once again Selene.”

“Cheerful, Prince, go meet.”

“That’s right. Then good night.”

Seeing that Selene has regained her cheerfulness, Arue gently pats on Selene’s soft and fluffy white hair. And immediately after, Arue who has been accumulating fatigue from consecutive days of work falls asleep just like that.

But on the contrary, Selene who has had slept earlier is now all fired up, her eyes sparkling. She feels her fighting spirit to confront the Prince is now burning fiercely.

“I was, a fool.”

Selene grits her teeth in regret. Arue believes in herself, saying that she’ll be able to protect her from that debauched Prince. Yet, what has she been doing lately? Being irresponsible, skipping her supposed daily routine, not making progress on her plan to assassinate the Prince at all. Sure, getting her oh-so-precious drug confiscated is a letdown, but what did it matter? Didn’t she say so herself that a journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step?

She must do everything to make the Prince be in a state of beyond recovery, so that she may be united with Arue once again. And to achieve that goal, she must first return to her cheerful self tomorrow and do her best to assassinate the Prince. There’s no time for her to stand idly by. Selene feels ashamed of her own stupidity.

“Tomorrow, get serious.”

Oh right. Let’s resume my assassination lunch box tomorrow. This is all to protect Arue. To bring down the Prince. To reflect on my own stupidity, and to return to my original intention once again. Determined, Selene buries her face into Arue’s chest once again. Her hellish battle will begin anew tomorrow. That’s why, while this peace still lasts, the warrior must rest so he may protect his Shangri-La.

――Or so that’s how Selene talked big and made all this overly dramatic stuff up to justify herself. Selene continues to rub the breasts in front of her to her heart’s content. (Good for her.)

“Umumu…… the Princess isn’t back yet! What had happened? Should I send out the mouse secret agent? No, Prince Milano and others doesn’t seem to be very concerned, meaning that nothing really happened…… And also, I was ordered to standby so I should obey her command…… But if something happens to the Princess……! Argggh! What do I do!?”

Right around the time Selene and Arue go to bed, inside Selene’s bedroom, Butler is walking around restlessly. Should he ignore his master’s order and go look for her, or should he obey her order without any questions? Butler asks himself this question again and again for the whole night, up until Selene’s return in the next morning.