Isolde's Episode

Huh? Princess Isolde?

...!

E-Ethan... You startled me.

Well, the feeling's mutual! I noticed someone familiar with the hood up and, surprise, it was you!

Is it that obvious?

Of course! I recognized you right away. Your walk, your... figure... Anyway, it was clear as day!

Hmm... I guess disguises won't work for me.

I was actually on my way to the bookstore for an errand.

What kind of errand? Walking around without an escort is dangerous.

I-I thought it'd be riskier to have someone with me...

Is that so?

It is.

If you're heading to the town's library, how about I join you? I happen to have business there too.

It's not that kind of place... Um... Ethan, sorry, but I must go now.

Hmm...

This is too concerning to ignore. I'd better follow her.

This doesn't seem like a place for royalty...

Now that I think about it, she does love books. Maybe this place has something that matches her taste?

...No new releases.

Princess!

Ethan!? Don't tell me you followed me!

Ah, well... I was just worried about you. You're an important person.

Sigh... I suppose there's no helping it.

Actually, if I team up with you, getting what I want will be easier. How about we strike a deal?

A deal?

Help me, and I'll provide you with funds for your army.

That's an easy decision. I'd never refuse to help you, Princess Isolde.

Heh, hold on, hear me out.

In return, you'll need to periodically bring me certain books. They're quite heavy, so transporting them won't be easy.

Books?

Yes. You should be able to find them in Wimbledon.

And if I don't help?

No money. Plus, since you've been tailing me, I'll make sure you're the one being watched from now on.

Seems like I don't have much of a choice...

Heh-heh!

By the way, books, huh? Visiting this store... You really must be a bookworm, Princess.

Hehe, that's true. So, what will it be?

I'll be counting on you from now on.

As you know, I'm quite busy, so I can't promise to fulfill your request.

But if it's possible, I'll try to bring you the books. I can't guarantee anything, though... Will that suffice?

Heh, alright then.

I always thought you liked reading, but I didn't expect it to be this much.

Looks like I've uncovered the Princess's secret hobby.

I finally managed to find one...

Good work. Heh-heh.

How many volumes are there, exactly? The cover of this one says "23," so it seems pretty long.

Who knows... Was it 50 volumes? That's what I heard, but since it's being serialized again, there might be even more.

Wow... Even in these turbulent times, someone's still writing novels.

Of course. Stories are food for the soul and bring life back to those who've lost hope.

And... they also serve as great reference material.

Reference material? Don't tell me there's political insight hidden in these novels...?

That's not what I mean. Ahem... Actually, I write novels myself.

What? You, Princess?

Hard to believe?

Not at all, I believe you.

A princess would never lie, of course.

Still, I'm a bit surprised. Do others know that you write novels?

Not at all.

Honestly, it's hard to believe... but is it really okay to tell me this?

Well, I have no choice. You're my precious delivery person, and I've already revealed my taste in books...

But please, don't tell anyone else, okay?

So, nobody knows that you write novels?

Even if I move around freely, I'm still royalty. For now, I've been publishing under a pen name.

If people knew a royal was writing something for the public, I imagine some wouldn't take it well.

True... So, even the palace doesn't know?

No, not even Tristan. The only one who knows this secret is you, Ethan.

Then, the novels you read so avidly...

They're written by an author I deeply admire. Their pen name is "I.S.B.," but no one knows their true identity.

It's said to be hugely popular in Aurelia!

Hmm... That name seems oddly familiar...

Well, I'll enjoy reading and writing again today.

Oh, and Ethan, I seem to be missing volume 18. If you could find it for me, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Ah, sure...

Is something wrong?

Uh... Princess.

Could I, perhaps... take a look at one of your novels?

W-What!? Why?

No need to be so shocked... I'm just curious. It feels like I might gain a glimpse into your inner world.

Th-That's...

I'll think about it!

Now I'm even more curious.

This must be it.

Hmm...

Hmm...

...Is it really okay for the Princess to write something like this?

Wow! The new volume's out?

Indeed. It seems your wait paid off.

Truly, Princess Isolde is diligent, haha...

...

Hah... Sorry I'm late, Ethan.

Today's council meeting dragged on and... Huh? Why are you standing there like that?

H-Hold on! Ethan! That book you're holding...!

Yes, Princess. I've read it.

Waaah!

That was quite a unique scream...

E-Ethan! How could you...

I can't resist my curiosity.

Besides, it's a widely beloved piece. I wanted to see what in your writing captivates people so much.

I'm terrible at writing, but whenever I need to boost morale in the army, I struggle to come up with the right words.

Sigh... If you've already read it, there's no helping it.

But you must take the fact that I wrote it to your grave...

About that...

It seems everyone already knows you're the author, Princess.

...!

...Hah... haha...

Ethan... I'm doomed... I'm so embarrassed, I can't even show my face anymore...

That's not true. I think you should have more confidence.

But... it's that kind of story...

People don't love your writing because you're a princess, and they don't avoid it for the same reason.

From what I've seen, it seems they admire you even more because of it.

Really...?

Yes. A princess who connects with people and brings them entertainment? There's no way commoners would dislike you.

I think you should write with more confidence moving forward.

Ethan... Thank you...

...Oh! By the way, Ethan, what did you think of my novel?

W-What?

Uh... well...

It was entertaining.

Not quite my taste, though.

I'm not sure I'm qualified to judge, haha... but it definitely left an impression.

I see...

Princess, I think you'll enjoy this volume. The mastermind finally makes their appearance!

Really? I'll check it out right away, Ethan!

Your novel was great, too. When's the next volume coming?

Ah... I'll try to work on it diligently. Lately, I just haven't been able to write...

A slump?

Maybe. Or perhaps my emotions are drying up a bit... There's only so much you can create from imagination.

Hmm... That makes sense. Writing isn't easy, is it?

Certainly not.

Just as practical experience is vital for knights, the depth of a writer's emotions often depends on their real-life experiences.

But Princess, I think you've had plenty of experiences to draw from...

What? Me?

Of course! You brought warmth to a kingdom that could have otherwise fallen prey to the rule of sheer power.

Ah! But what I meant was... not that kind of experience...

Huh? Then what?

Uh...

I meant romance...

Oh...!

Ethan, if you have any interesting experiences, would you share them? I might use them as inspiration.

I'm afraid I can't help much in that regard... Embarrassingly, I don't really have any noteworthy experiences.

What? You don't?

No, I don't.

That can't be! I thought you were always surrounded by charming women on your adventures.

Well... I guess that's true, but...

And you've met so many women, befriended them, even encountered attractive ones among your enemies!

...

I have no words.

Frozen like a stone, I stood in silence as Princess Isolde tilted her head in confusion, clearly unable to comprehend.

Even if you didn't show any interest, surely the other party must have felt something.

Someone like you, Ethan, is undeniably amazing.

Uh...?

Um, Princess, did you just say that... you think I'm a decent person?

Of course. I like people like you, Ethan.

It sounds almost like a confession.

...Ah! I-I didn't mean it like a love confession...

Anyway, I like you, Ethan. If it's you, I'd want to have those kinds of experiences... Hehe!

Does that mean you like my true nature?

Well, that too, but more than anything, I just like you...

Ah! The... the thing I just said... Hmm! Hmhm!

Anyway, I think you're a good person, Ethan. So from now on, try to create more romance, okay? Hehe!

Thank you, Princess.

Though I'm sure it's just encouragement, I'll try my best.

At the sight of Princess Isolde's mysterious smile, I couldn't help but smile as well.