The Princess and the Knight

Is Elizabeth pulling another all-nighter today...?

Yes. The war is over, but the throne has been vacant all this time.

She probably has a mountain of paperwork to get through.

Being royalty sounds exhausting...

I can't believe she's busier now than she was before we finally got peace back.

Did you think all humans were lazy pigs like you?

Normally, Elizabeth is someone you wouldn't even dream of meeting in a lifetime.

...I really don't want to hear that from you of all people.

You're one to talk, Morgana! You've completely abandoned Avalon!

Ugh...! I-I have no choice!

With Elizabeth in that state, do you expect me to just sit back and play queen?!

......

Ethan. Isn't there anything we can do to help the Princess?

Huh?

I'm... the Princess's sworn knight.

But even though I'm by her side, there's nothing I can do!

Since I'm not royalty, I can't help her govern the kingdom.

Isn't there some way I can help without getting in the Princess's way...?

Hmm... How about making her a lunchbox?

Elizabeth is so diligent.

She's probably working so hard she doesn't even have time to eat.

......!

You're right! That way, I can help the Princess without getting in her way!

Heheh, thank you, Ethan!

I'll show everyone what I've learned from my time working at the inn!

......

What on earth is this?

W-Well... I was definitely making chicken stew, but...

Does this actually look like stew to you?

No matter how I look at it, it resembles a witch's brew.

I-I'm sorry, Innkeeper...

I just kept adding healthy herbs one after another, and...

So instead of cooking, you were attempting alchemy.

Step aside.

I'll finish up the cooking.

B-But...!

Bedivere, your job was originally cleaning.

It's only natural that you're bad at cooking.

Just focus on what you're actually good at.

What I'm good at...?

Isn't archery your specialty?

......!

Use those skills to gather some fresh ingredients as usual.

I'll prepare the rest of the cooking.

Yes, thank you, Innkeeper!

I'll be back soon!

......Well, knowing you.

Just being by her side would be more than enough.

The forest is so quiet today...

Did someone already come through here?

No choice, then. I'll head deeper into the forest...

H-Hyaah?!

Sigh, taking requests even on our day off...

Aren't we the heroes who saved Britannia?

How long do we have to keep hunting slimes!

We don't have a choice. Most of the adventurers are busy with restoration work.

If we don't step in, the townsfolk will be in danger.

Humans never change, do they?

They still can't do anything without me, the Fairy Queen.

...You do realize I'm the only one who's been fighting monsters this whole time?

You haven't done a single thing!

Well, isn't that obvious?

Scouting is the absolute basic of battle.

While you're fighting, I'm surveying our surroundings.

...You always have to get the last word.

Oh, it looks like something has just triggered my search magic.

Let's go! I'll show you just how great my magic is!

Mmmph... Mmmph?!

......

......

See? I told you my magic was great.

If it weren't for me, Bedivere would have...

Instead of bragging, help her out already!!!

(Growl...)

......

What are you doing in a place like this?

...! M-Morgana...

Elizabeth is in her office.

Why are you wandering around looking like the world has ended?

I feel like... I'll only get in her way if I go.

Right now, I can't be of any strength to the Princess.

I can't offer any useful advice, and...

I can't even make her a warm meal.

For the Princess's sake, it might be better if I stay away...

Take that!

Hyaaah...?!

The war is over, so why are you making your life so complicated?

Pull yourself together, Bedivere.

Is the bond between you and Elizabeth really something that breaks so easily?

......!

It wasn't that long ago that she jumped into the Crack in the World Tree just to save you.

That's how much we...

......Ahem! I've said too much.

Anyway, a relationship with someone precious doesn't just fall apart.

So, why don't you try waiting for her this time?

You might not be the only one holding back...

Morgana...

......

Heheh, I'm sorry.

Morgana is right. Why was I being so impatient?

Even if we're apart for a little while...

It's not like the Princess would ever hate me.

Hmph, looks like you finally came to your senses.

Heheh, thank you, Morgana!

Wh-Whaaa...!!! Wh-What do you think you're doing, you dumb sow...!!!

While the Princess is working hard for her people...

I'll do my duty as her sworn knight!

...You want to learn archery from me?

Yes! I heard Sir Tristan's archery is famous even within the Kingdom of Cornwall!

Would you please teach me?

Why archery all of a sudden?

Don't you already have the strength of the World Tree?

This strength... was never truly mine to begin with.

Instead of relying on the blessing given by the Goddess...

I want to be a knight who protects my lord with my own hands.

......

Well, I can't really say no to a reason like that.

But be prepared, because I won't go easy on you no matter how much you beg!

Yes! I look forward to working with you!

You, reading a book so early in the morning...?

Bedivere. What has gotten into you?

Heheh. Watching the Princess this time made me realize something.

A sworn knight needs to be capable of... far more than I ever imagined!

Huh...?

My archery skills and the Blessing of the World Tree...

These will surely continue to be my weapons to protect the Princess.

But once our adventure comes to an end... they won't be necessary anymore.

That's why I'm studying up on the knowledge the Princess will need in the future!

...That actually makes sense.

But Bedivere...

That book you're reading... I'm pretty sure it's a children's book left behind by some kids...

......

W-Well, Morgana said that the basics are always the most important!

I'm just reviewing the simple things, so please don't get the wrong idea!

Since today is... the eve of the coronation...

She must be... really busy.

...I should turn back.

If I can just endure today, the Princess...

Bedi!!!

......! P-Princess?!

The coronation is tomorrow... why are you here?

Heheh, I snuck out.

I was also... at my limit.

Oh, but don't worry. I finished all the work I had to do this morning.

Princess...

Bedi. Shall we walk together for a bit before heading back to the inn?

Yes, I'd love to!

Your hair... has already grown so long.

Bedi, how have you been?

I've learned so many things.

During the day, I learn archery from Sir Tristan...

And in the evening, I learn cooking from the Innkeeper...

Everything was so hard at first... but now, I can handle it all!

When we get back to the inn, I'll make you some of my chicken stew! Heheh.

You've worked so hard, Bedi.

In the short time we've been apart... you've grown so much more dependable.

Of course! I am the Princess's sworn knight, after all!

I've also been studying the history of the Empire in my spare time.

So that I can protect you even in the far future!

You really are... amazing, Bedi.

As for me... I was a little lonely.

What...?

To think I'd have such improper thoughts while preparing for my coronation...

I'm disqualified from being queen, aren't I?

While working through piles of paperwork, I...

Ironically, I kept thinking back to our adventures with my companions.

I guess... I really don't belong on the throne.

That's not true, Princess! None of your people would ever think...

So, I've decided to run away!

......

Wh-What?! Wh-What do you mean by that, Princess!

But... I'm much more comfortable taking action than sitting at a desk.

Besides, since it's an adventure to cure my illness...

It wouldn't make sense if I wasn't there.

I'll leave the throne to someone trustworthy, and I won't accept the crown.

B-But... you've been waiting for this moment for so long.

Are you really okay with giving it up so easily?

Yes, I'm okay, Bedi.

I've realized that there are far more paths to finding happiness than I thought.

So, Bedi...

No, Sir Bedivere.

Once again... will you be my sworn knight?

P-Princess...!!!

*Sniff*... Of course.

No matter what happens, I will protect you, Princess.

Actually, I...

I was also very lonely while you were away.

Do you remember the day we first arrived at the inn...? We were so hungry, we begged to work as staff...

Yes, that's right... we did...!