Chapter 41
Chapter 41: Heading to the Kingdom of Roche
By King Cholex's orders, I, together with Princess Parvela and the female knight Famiris, set off for the Kingdom of Roche.
Although I strongly feel like asking why it has come to this, there's no choice but to do it.
"Now, how shall we proceed?" I ask in a princely tone, and Princess Parvela smiles. Perhaps it's just my imagination, but she seems somewhat entranced.
"Famiris-sama, could you speak more casually like you did in that forest?" She makes an odd request out of the blue, and I look to Famiris for approval.
With a reluctant expression, Famiris slowly nods, as if indicating numerous concessions.
"Alright, in private, I'll use a normal tone. You don't need to use honorifics for me either, Princess."
"Understood. Milimos...kun."
Hearing the somewhat forced "kun" attached to my name, I suppose she hasn't called a boy her age without honorifics before. As a princess from the Knight Kingdom, she probably has few friends without ulterior motives.
As I ponder this, Famiris intervenes between Princess Parvela and me.
"Prince Milimos, we must head to the Kingdom of Roche as soon as possible. Please prepare some cold-weather gear."
"I thought of wearing it when we set off, but can't we decide which way to go first?"
Upon hearing my response to what seems like a sudden departure, Famiris firmly grabs my arm.
"There's no need for such deliberations. The three of us will ride on our beloved horse, Neroteora, and head straight over the mountains to the Kingdom of Roche."
"What? Just the three of us?"
Riding on one horse with three people and crossing the winter mountains into Roche seems like an overly reckless plan.
But then again, considering they're knights from the Knight Kingdom, perhaps such a daring feat is possible.
As I entertain this thought, Famiris leans closer.
"Are you not concerned that I might harm you on this journey?"
Her low, stoic knightly tone sends shivers down my spine, hinting that my response could have life-or-death consequences. I involuntarily break into a cold sweat.
"N-No, I haven't thought of that. I'm just worried about riding a horse together through the winter mountains; it seems dangerous. At least, I think it would be tough for Princess Parvela."
Princess Parvela appears to be a proper lady, unaccustomed to conflict or harsh environments, at least based on her appearance. When I point that out, Famiris looks proud.
"Let's consider your concern gentlemanly. However, there's no need to worry. In fact, Princess Parvela has already journeyed with me from our country to Nonette."
To the west of the Knight Kingdom, which leads to Nonette, lies an expansive mountainous region rivaling that of Roche on the east. So, it seems that Princess Parvela should be able to handle this journey just fine.
"I see. That's why you only told me to prepare cold-weather gear."
"That's right. Nerotheora's speed is remarkable. If you don't wear proper cold-weather gear, your nose and ears will get frostbitten."
"That's scary. I'll make sure to prepare the thickest clothing I have then."
As we exchange words with our faces close together, Famiris suddenly moves to the side. Shifting my gaze, I see Princess Parvela pouting while pushing her away with both hands.
"Famiris, you're getting along too well with Milimos-kun!"
"N-No, Princess Parvela, that was just discussing our plans for later."
"In that case, there's no need to get so close!"
Observing their intimate exchange, I can't help but think this is the true side of Princess Parvela.
Perhaps noticing my gaze, Princess Parvela blushes and hides behind Famiris.
"Famiris, because of you, Milimos-kun will look down on me!"
"I assure you, Princess Parvela, that's not the case—right, Prince Milimos?"
No need to threaten me; I'm not disappointed or anything.
"I was just thinking she's quite adorable."
As I speak my mind, Princess Parvela's mood lifts, while Famiris' expression becomes even scarier.
"Ehehe, he think I'm cute."
"I'm glad you're pleased, Princess Parvela... Tch."
I don't quite understand why Famiris clicks her tongue at me.
Somehow, I get the feeling that this journey ahead will be quite challenging.
When I entrusted the role of Marshal to Alektem, I, along with Princess Parvela and Famiris, became equestrians.
The horse we rode was, of course, Famiris' beloved steed, Nerotheora, a giant horse with jet-black fur.
Princess Parvela, wrapped in thick fur from the front, Famiris in full armor, and I, bundled up in winter gear, took turns riding on the spacious saddle tailored to fit the horse's physique.
While holding the reins, Famiris spoke to Princess Parvela and me.
"Your Highness, secure the fur properly and strengthen the holy magic. Prince Milimos, maintain your posture using the handle behind the saddle. As a precaution, tie the strap on the saddle around your waist. And under no circumstances, place your hands on my waist."
Observing Princess Parvela closing her fur through Famiris, I accepted the instructions but had a question.
"Why shouldn't I place my arms around Famiris' waist?"
"Even though I'm a knight, I'm a woman. I cannot let a man, even a non-romantic one, hold me around the waist."
"Is that so?"
"That's the way it is."
I tilted my head, wondering if such a custom existed in the Nonette Kingdom, but I decided it must be a prevalent thought in a knightly country.
"Well, never mind. I'll hold onto the handle as instructed."
After fastening the strap around my waist, I grasped the handle protruding behind the seat—similar to a pommel horse's handle—with my hands behind my back.
Having confirmed my position, Famiris kicked the horse's belly with her heel.
"Go! Nerotheora!"
"Neighhh!"
Nerotheora let out a neigh and began moving forward.
At first, he walked as if checking the position and weight of the baggage on his back. Then, he picked up speed to examine how the luggage moved. Eventually, he transitioned into a gallop, skillfully coordinating his movements.
With each increase in speed, the winter wind blew with more force.
Despite wearing thick winter gear, I was already feeling cold! Princess Parvela, who was less dressed than I, must be suffering even more. Thinking that, I looked through Famiris, but her back didn't seem to show signs of shivering due to the cold.
Come to think of it, Famiris advised to enhance the holy magic before Nerotheora started running. Does that mean if I use holy magic, I can become more resistant to the cold?
As I was about to give it a try, Famiris shouted over the headwind.
"I'll go at full speed now. Prince Milimos, do your best to hold on. If you can't maintain your posture, cling to the handle. If you happen to fall off, curl up and brace for impact. I'll stop shortly, but be prepared to be dragged a bit by the strap."
"Wait, wait a sec—"
My protest went unheard as Nerotheora's speed sharply increased. At the same time, the vibrations I felt on the saddle escalated significantly.
If this continues, I might lose my grip due to the impact of Nerotheora's galloping. I hurriedly used holy magic, enhancing my physical abilities and stabilizing my posture by increasing my grip strength on the handle.
As my worries about falling disappeared, I made eye contact with Princess Parvela through Famiris. Her expression seemed concerned about me not falling off.
I wanted to say something, but the wind blowing against us made it impossible for my voice to reach her. So, I decided to smile, conveying the message that she need not worry.
Suddenly, Princess Parvela blushed and quickly turned her face toward the direction of travel.
Looking at the situation objectively, it might seem like Princess Parvela has feelings for me, but it's improbable that the second princess of a knightly country would fall for someone she met only twice.
It's probably just her natural kindness, and the cold of winter made her face look red.
"But still, her caring nature is adorable."
I murmured in a voice that no one could hear, yet at that moment, Nerotheora's movements seemed to become erratic, but it must have been my imagination. I hope Famiris didn't hear it either.