While the war raged outside…

  Souta fought another battle.

  He gripped an ornate sword.

  Tried to wield it.

  It broke.

  — Ah… I give up.

  He threw the pieces to the ground.

  Felt a pressure behind him.

  The atmosphere grew heavy.

  He turned.

  The princesses of the kingdom were there.

  **Stingara** at the front.

  The queen’s successor.

  Black and red dress.

  An aura of dominance.

  Eyes that tore through souls.

  Behind her, the twins.

  **Meliora** — radiant, gentle, a purple dress with honeycomb details.

  **Melisara** — distracted, innocent, vacant gaze, a blue dress with honeycombs.

  Souta faced the trio.

  He felt small.

  Insignificant.

  Determined, Souta returned to training.

  No weapon worked.

  Sweat.

  Tremors.

  Persistence.

  — You’re trying so hard…

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  The voice was soft.

  Meliora stepped closer.

  — I am Meliora… princess of the Beeatriz Kingdom.

  — And you are…

  — Kihara Souta. — But I’m not anyone important, he replied, looking away.

  She tilted her head.

  Curious eyes.

  — That’s not what I see.

  — Your determination is… admirable.

  — You’re searching for something, aren’t you?

  Souta laughed nervously.

  — Yes.

  — I want to be a firefighter.

  — To protect people.

  — I’m not like the heroes of the kingdom.

  — But it’s my dream.

  Meliora thought.

  — A firefighter?...

  *“What is a firefighter?”*

  — I have a dream too.

  — I don’t want to remain trapped in this kingdom.

  — I want to travel.

  — To see the world.

  — Do you think I ever will?

  They lost themselves in conversation.

  Shared aspirations.

  Sincerity.

  Kindness.

  Meliora was charmed by Souta.

  Souta began to see the princess behind the crown.

  — Meliora!

  The voice cut through the moment.

  Stingara approached.

  The first princess of the kingdom…

  — Didn’t Mother ask you to speak with the Hero of the Sword?

  Meliora blushed.

  Looked at Souta.

  Guilt.

  Embarrassment.

  — But…

  Stingara, impassive.

  — That one isn’t even a real hero.

  — Don’t you have something better to do, sir?...

  Souta tried to contain his shame.

  — Kihara Souta.

  — Forgive me…

  — I was the one who distracted the princess.

  — I’ll take my leave.

  He bowed.

  Began to walk away.

  — How rude! — said Meliora.

  — You just love being in command, don’t you?

  She left calmly.

  Firm posture.

  Indignation visible.

  Stingara still stared at Souta.

  A malicious smile.

  She thought to herself:

  *“This man… I must find a way to make him mine.”*

  ---

  Stay tuned — more are on the way, and things are only going to get more chaotic from here.

  But don’t worry — after that, the updates will be consistent and full of surprises.

  More chapters are coming. And yes… the spoon still has a lot to say.