Guinevere's Episode

Wow. Is there some kind of competition going on?

Huh... Heh...

...?

Ah! Guinevere? What brings you here?

Hmm? Ethan, is that you?

What a coincidence to run into you here. It seems that fateful meetings do exist after all.

That's true, but I'm really surprised. I thought you wouldn't come out of the Cameliard palace...

What do you mean by that?

Well, it just felt like you'd find places like this difficult to handle. After all, you're a princess.

Heh. Though, even so, I always keep an eye on the common folk.

Strategies and tactics to defeat enemies ultimately come from the power of the people.

Oh... impressive.

So, you came out today to observe the people?

No, today I have a different purpose.

What kind?

I left the palace to participate in the beauty contest and announce to the world that Cameliard's pride, the golden complexion, is still thriving...!

Beauty... what?

I wondered why so many people were gathered here... I can't believe it's for a beauty contest...

Oh my, could it be that you're not interested? I thought any young man would definitely take an interest in this contest.

I am interested, but I'm a busy man. I thought there might be a martial arts tournament or something.

I see...

Among the judging rules, there's a swimsuit round, and I was hoping you, Ethan, would take a look at my porcelain-like skin... What a shame.

S-swimsuit?

Yes.

...Guinevere.

H-Hey, do you need a personal manager or something? Someone to serve you?

You snuck out of the palace, so you probably need protection... right? How about me?

Hm...

Alright, Ethan. If it's you, I'm sure I'd feel protected.

But why did your attitude change so suddenly?

You're of noble blood, but there's no guard with you. In these chaotic times, it'd be troublesome if something happened to you.

Heh, Ethan, you're so considerate.

Heh, I knew it. I'll be sure to tell Father that you're quite the man, Ethan.

W-why would you?

Anyway, since the deal is done, shall we...

Shall we have a strategy meeting first?

Let's go for dessert. You'll escort me, right? Ethan?

...

Ethan, has the bathwater been prepared yet?

It's all heated. Just wait a moment.

Would you like me to add laurel leaves and bath salts?

...Are you sure you're going to take a bath? This isn't cooking, is it?

Ethan... A woman's beauty isn't something made overnight. Ordinary baths don't revive skin like mine.

Women are complicated, whether in this world or the other.

Yes?

It's nothing.

Oh, and don't forget to prepare charcoal while I'm bathing.

Guinevere. Even so, I...

If you help me out, I'll reward you with plenty tonight.

Do I seem like someone who'd complain about something like this? Just wait. I'll cut down every tree in the forest!

Hoo... That feels refreshing.

I've washed up, so it's time for a meal. I told the chef, so the feast should be ready by now.

I also need time to rest...

What are you talking about? There are only a few days until the contest.

For the sake of my skin, make sure I wash, eat, and sleep well. Take care of all of that.

And tomorrow, go hunt some monsters.

Monsters? Why monsters all of a sudden?

We need slime mucus and goblin essence, so you can get them quickly.

If we find someone performing suspicious medical practices with those ingredients... they're supposed to make special medicines.

Medicine?

Yes. I think it's probably cosmetics.

Um... Guinevere, wouldn't it be a bit uncomfortable to apply ingredients from monsters?

If it's for the contest, I'm willing to do it!

If my skin gets damaged, I can blame you, Ethan, so it'll be fine.

I'm not fine with it!

Ethan, you promised to help me, didn't you...?

You're not the kind of person who says one thing and does another, are you?

Heh, that's the Ethan I know. Please, take good care of me.

Haa... This is tough...

Even so, going hunting is too much. I need some rest before I can move.

Hmm... That makes sense.

Alright, then, would you like to come to my room later?

Huh?

I'll give you the massage passed down through the royal family of Cameliard. It'll relieve your fatigue in no time.

Ooooh...! I suddenly feel energized!

Guinevere. I'm here.

...? Guinevere?

Oh, you're here, Ethan.

I've gathered everything you asked for and am on my way back to make the cosmetics, but I can't do it twice. It's too tiring.

Heh. You've done well.

Perfect timing. Could you take a look at this?

Oh... This dress is really beautiful.

It's the dress I prepared for the beauty contest. Do you think it'll suit me?

Heh, I thought so.

...Your response isn't great. I'll have to interrogate whoever brought the dress immediately.

D-Don't do that! I just don't know much about fashion, so I hesitated a bit.

Anyway, it seems like the preparations are going well.

Your hard work means a lot. I'll make sure you're properly compensated.

I appreciate you acknowledging it...

Ethan, could you go out and gather as many fruits as you can?

You want me to go out again...?

I know you're tired, but please. The contest is only a day away, so from now on, every meal will be replaced with milk and fruit.

I'm counting on you, Ethan... heh!

Alright...

Um... Guinevere. By the way, what about a swimsuit? Don't you need to prepare one?

Hmm... swimsuits...

Gulp.

They said swimsuits won't be judged this time. But there's an armor evaluation now.

Whyyyyy?

Wow... is it really worth screaming like that?

Why would they include armor in a beauty contest?! Who came up with such a clueless idea?!

We can't see your smooth, balanced figure!

...

Whoa!

G-Guinevere... what I just said... was more like a roar driven by instinct. Not really my true feelings... more like a reflex...

It's okay. Ethan, you're a fine man, so it's perfectly natural to be drawn to beautiful things.

Don't be too disappointed. Armor comes in many styles, after all.

Many styles...?

For example, Princess Elizabeth's treasured Britannian national treasure...

A strategist indeed! I had no idea about that!

Don't think I'll hide my well-maintained figure, alright? Go check out some armor along with the fruit, will you?

Got it. Trust me! I'll definitely come back with the most revealing armor, almost like a sheet of metal!

If not, I'll go for Elizabeth's Absolute Armor!

You don't need to get so into it. Hehe...

Hehe, thank you, Ethan.

My beauty is a reflection of Cameliard's strength.

This should ensure smooth rule for the future.

I don't know how it matters, but I'm glad you're happy. Your armor was quite impressive too!

The sleek waistline, the well-toned legs... but most of all, it had this feeling that highlighted the chest, making it look like high defense.

Not sure how that's related to defense, but I'll take it as a compliment.

Uh... okay...

Well then, I'll rely on you again next time.

Huh? Next time... you want to hire me as manager again?

Yes. I've learned that you're even more reliable than I thought.

Thanks for saying that. But I'll be off on another adventure soon, so I can't promise we'll work together next year.

I see... Since you're the Swordbringer...

...It's alright. I'll wish you luck, and wait as long as it takes.

I feel bad making you wait endlessly. It's not like you'll be participating beauty pageants forever.

Oh my, I was planning to compete forever!

Such incredible confidence...

If I fall, those who support me will be sad.

Truly a perfect mindset for Cameliard's greatest beauty. I should learn from you.

Ethan, you'll handle your duties well, too.

Well then, shall we start preparing? It's best to wrap this up if we want to stay on schedule.

Huh? What do you mean by that?

The beauty contest is over, but our journey isn't finished. Actually, there's a chess tournament in the next village.

Wait! Hold on!

Guinevere, didn't it just feel like we were about to say goodbye? You sounded like we were parting ways!

Didn't you say, "I'll rely on you again next time"?

Wait, that was about today's schedule?

Come on, let's hurry. First, you should secure the carriage I'll take.

S-Sorry, Guinevere! I just remembered something urgent!

Huh? Ethan?

Ethan!

...Alright, I said it, so I'll take responsibility.

Still, let's take it easy this time, please.

Hehe, I will. Ethan, I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness.