Being called to the neighboring kingdom of Corundum on Canaria’s birthday, I went there with my two associates, Soma and Sand. Souma is the eldest son of the minister to the right, the one who manages domestic affairs. Sand, on the other hand, was a teacher that my mother picked, who will come with me as an escort.
After greeting the crown prince of Corundum, Prince Safir, I was guided towards the party’s venue where Canaria stood waiting, clad in her violet dress. What should I do? She’s looking even more lovable.
‘Canaria, happy birthday. This is an especially cultivated bellflower, would you accept it?’
‘Wow! It’s so beautiful. A rainbow-colored one… I guess when it comes to the Coloflare Kingdom, it has to be rainbow.’
Canaria was entranced by the bouquet I gave to her, but that does not conclude my presents to her.
‘Also, here’s a ribbon, woven from monster silkworm’s silk. I hope you like it.’
‘Monster silkworm!? That’s an enemy that appears in the dungeon of… So that was the main material for magical ribbon.’
‘Fufu, are you surprised? We took their eggs and cultivated them. May I?’
Before she even replies, I undid Canaria’s hair and tied it with the ribbon. I wanted to give her one with my hair’s color originally, but it would be hard to distinguish an amber-colored ribbon from her blonde-colored hair. Hence, I just had it made with my brother’s red color, whom I respect so well.
The magic item, ‘magical ribbon’, appears in both of the games. It has a magical resistance in the one with Coloflare as its settings, while it could be used as a weapon in the other. This is more likely brought by the efficiency gap due to differing generations, rather than cultural differences between the two countries.
‘It suits you well, but it feels like it was handpicked by brother instead which is a little vexing.’
‘T-Thank you, sir… I am happy to receive anything as long as it’s from Sir Keith. I will treasure it very much.’
Canaria’s blushing smile was so irresistible that It made me grasp her hand tightly. Don’t be impatient, me. The party has just started. As we greeted the guests while holding each other’s hands, the surrounding watched us with pleasant smiles on their faces.
After greeting the general attendees, I beckoned to lady that I wanted to go to a place bereaved of the crowds. Understanding my intentions, Canaria’s facial expression stiffened for a moment, then she nodded and took me to the castle’s courtyard. After getting her permission ahead of time, I drew a magic circle on the bench in front of the fountain, and cast the magic, “silent.”
‘So Canaria… about the promise we had last year…’
‘Ah, yes, sir! I’ve gathered all the events within our kingdom related to the game ever since. First, the House Glinda of the hidden capture target in Coloflare’s game does exist in our kingdom. They are blessed by the kingdom’s guardian, Green Dragon, and had led the dragon knights for generations… but the only son of the current Count has passed away, and the Countess has been bedridden ever since. At this rate, there’s a possibility that the house may fall.’
‘This means that the game’s Count Glinda is not Sir Harald?’
‘Yes… Besides, the Corundum game’s protagonist who leads the dragon knights was not from the House Glinda either. I’m sure that the Count will be adopting an orphan and the family’s divine protection and status will be passed to another house.’
‘Is that so.’
Judging from the information she sent, Canaria may have finished the game in her past life but there are several scenes that she doesn’t remember. First of all, would be the scene in which the identity of Count Glinda is revealed. Apparently, not only was the hidden route’s condition too complicated, the count’s identity is still practically a mystery even after clearing it. The route concludes with the heroine chasing after the Count.
But if Sir Harald was supposed to live, does he have any point of contact with a country girl from a neighboring kingdom? Like for example; coincidentally studying abroad at the same time as the lady who awakened her Saintess powers will be attending the royal academy? If that’s the case, it would be strange that the game had never touched that subject. From the way Canaria explained it, the Count has done so much for the heroine so they should at least have a close relationship… but well, I guess I should put aside the count’s identity for now.
After our pleasant talk continued for a while, I took a deep breath. As Canaria looked at me, puzzled, I resolved myself and began talking.
‘I guess it’s my turn now… As for evidence that this world is not that of a game…’
‘…Yes?’
‘Unfortunately, I couldn’t find one.’
‘….Wha?’
As Canaria prepared herself for any kind of evidence I will showcase, I only gave her a smile in return.
‘After all, it’s exactly as you said. Everything was going exactly as you’ve told me. I also verified the information you gave regarding the game’s capture targets within this whole year, but there were no discrepancies at all. The reason being? Because this is a world of a game… isn’t that right?’
‘B-But, sir Keith promised that he’ll prove that this is reality… that’s exactly why I…’
‘Yup, I worked hard, but it was impossible, so I’m sorry.’
Her widened eyes shook with despair. As if to prevent others from seeing through her feelings, she casts her eyes downwards and muttered with a trembling voice.
‘Then… then, what of the two countries’ future?’
‘I don’t care. I’m just a game’s character, after all. If the gods decided their eventual destruction, then it can’t be helped, right? I cannot possibly go against the predetermined fate.’
‘It can’t be helped, you say…!? Does Sir Keith not care at all about the people a hundred years in the future? Does his descendants’ suffering do not matter to sir at all!?’
She had the same tears in her eyes at that time but I was not flustered anymore. I grabbed her by the shoulders so to prevent her from escaping.
‘You’re very kind, Canaria… If you’re that worried about the ruin of our descendant’s generation, why don’t we escape then?’
‘Huh?… Escape? Escape where?’
‘Any place where the empire’s hand would not reach; a country far far away. The game’s settings only involve the surrounding countries, right? But the world spans wider… although that’s quite weird as far as the game’s plot is concerned.’
Don’t worry. I don’t have a crucial role in the game either. So it would not have any effect on the game’s scenario whether I leave or not. The game’s Duke Riqum had a blood relation to a royal family, but it did not specifically state which country’s royal family it is. In actuality, the ducal house had always been relatives of the Corundum royal family even without my blood, right? You have a younger sibling too, right? Then, just let them succeed the—’
My insistence was put to a stop by dry sound. My cheek is stinging. Canaria glared at me, tears in her eyes, as she held back her right hand.
‘I have misjudged you, sir. A royalty like you, thinking of running away, abandoning both Coloflare and the Corundum Kingdom!? Didn’t you work your hardest all this time to lend your strength to your brother in leading the country?’
‘All those efforts will always be strained, forever seen by the surroundings as my intention to usurp the throne; a wasted effort. Besides, the country will fall after a hundred years. Wasn’t it you who told me that?’
‘That may be true… but I never wished to hear such things from Sir Keith!’
‘Is that so? However, the Yello Keith Cololfare that you knew was weak to pressure; a character that is always swayed by his surroundings. I am aware of that side of my personality too.
But I guess, I wouldn’t want to be hated by my fiancée, so why don’t you tell me, Canaria? How should I act to become the Keith that you love? After all, I’m just an imagined character. Anything I do contrary to the game’s scenario must be decided by you who lived in the same territory as our creator.’
I inclined my head to the side, under the pretense of innocence. Canaria could no longer hold back her spilling tears. My stubborn and bitter method is poking my conscience, but Canaria would forever swim in her anxiety unless she comes to the recognition, herself.
‘My apologies, Sir Keith…’
‘What’s the matter, Canaria? What are you apologizing for?’
‘This is reality, sir… It may have been just a game to me in my previous life, but right now… I am a higher nobility who shoulders the burden of the Corundum Kingdom. I will not escape even if it faces ruin… No, I do not want to escape. After all, I love this country.’
Canaria’s eyes were inflamed due to crying so much but now they were cleared of uneasiness. That’s right, Canaria is no longer a person from another world. The reality should be here and nothing else, as far as the lady is concerned.
‘Furthermore, I also wish to apologize for the rudeness of treating you as a character a year ago. The fears and anxieties have clouded my eyesight, sir… I have failed to see you for who you really are.’
‘It’s alright, as long as you understand now. By the way, Canaria, do you still remember the promise regarding our little game?’
‘Yes? …Ah,’
As I kissed the fingers that wiped her tears, Canaria became as red as an apple. This is bad, she’s so adorable that I want to eat her whole. Holding back my impulses, I mischievously whispered close to the flustered lady’s ear.
‘Or perhaps, you can only see me as an imaginary creation?’
‘Hie—not at all… it’s just that… I do not wish for us to get ahead of ourselves, and leave brother-in-law behind.’
Having my own family’s love circumstances leaked gives me quite a sour feeling. Although, even without the game knowledge, I can already see how those two would end up… mainly because of Lady Chloe’s behaviors.
‘Then, can I get a kiss on a cheek, then? For some reason, it has been stinging for quite a while, you see.’
‘Hie— M-My apologies, sir! I ended up slapping you with all my strength… T-then, if you would allow me.’
Feeling apologetic, the lady came close to my cheek, but I promptly faced her direction before she made contact.
Everything ended with the other side of my cheek swelling too, but I was successfully able to get my cherished desire. By the way, although people do not approach that place, we still have our escorts with us, so from my escort, Sand’s perspective, Canaria looked as though she suddenly went hysterical on me. I did quite a bad thing…
Although it’s just a hypothesis, the evidence of this world not being that of a game had already been there from the start. I concluded that it was in fact, the opposite.
‘The opposite… sir?’
‘That’s right. This is not a world that came out of a game. On the contrary, a human of this world, with all the information of this world that they know, made it into a game on the other side. To put it simply, it’s another case of a people crossing between the worlds.’
‘So a future person from this world, had traversed to the otherworld’s past? I kind of feel confused, sir.’
‘That’s the territory of souls, so perhaps time may not be a one-way route in there. Not to mention, we’re talking about otherworlds too, so the space and time could’ve been twisted. At the very least, rather than two overlapping game worlds, it’s more convincing that the two games were made with this world as its base model.’
The game that Canaria played in her past life were only man-made. Hence, their events might not be certain and are likely just a future possibility. In the first place, there were many different endings, which in reality, would represent life’s infinite choices. This means that the future it foretells isn’t fixed. Like I’d stand for it even if it was.
On the day of my return to my country, I tightly grasped the hands of Canaria who came to see me off.
‘Canaria, I love it all too. I swear in my honor as the 2nd prince of Coloflare Kingdom, I swear to love and protect both countries, my fiancée, as well as everything that follows in the future… Even if that tantamount to firing an arrow at the god’s feet.’
‘S-Sir Keith…’
‘—would you reconsider falling in love with me again if I said that?’
Canaria, who stared at me blankly for a moment, turned beet red and shook her eyes in denial.
‘Goodness, was Sir Keith the kind of gentleman to pull such mischiefs? I almost took it seriously, sir!’
‘But I am serious. Of course, I do not have the strength that would allow me to face the empire for now. That’s why, in order to protect those that I hold dear, I will obtain strength and knowledge… and I would need your help to achieve that.
As I pulled away from fooling around, Canaria’s eyes stared in wonder for a moment, but happily nodded soon enough. What the lady truly wished for was not to deny the fate, nor to accept and be swayed by its waves. She wished for someone who will believe the fate, but fight it alongside her nonetheless. Although the worries will likely stay for a hundred years, I am excited.
After all, fighting alongside a princess, isn’t that what being a story’s protagonist is like? Canaria said that the heroine is about to appear but as far as I’m concerned, she’s the heroine.
That’s how the second part of our game had started.
Being called to the neighboring kingdom of Corundum on Canaria’s birthday, I went there with my two associates, Soma and Sand. Souma is the eldest son of the minister to the right, the one who manages domestic affairs. Sand, on the other hand, was a teacher that my mother picked, who will come with me as an escort.
After greeting the crown prince of Corundum, Prince Safir, I was guided towards the party’s venue where Canaria stood waiting, clad in her violet dress. What should I do? She’s looking even more lovable.
‘Canaria, happy birthday. This is an especially cultivated bellflower, would you accept it?’
‘Wow! It’s so beautiful. A rainbow-colored one… I guess when it comes to the Coloflare Kingdom, it has to be rainbow.’
Canaria was entranced by the bouquet I gave to her, but that does not conclude my presents to her.
‘Also, here’s a ribbon, woven from monster silkworm’s silk. I hope you like it.’
‘Monster silkworm!? That’s an enemy that appears in the dungeon of… So that was the main material for magical ribbon.’
‘Fufu, are you surprised? We took their eggs and cultivated them. May I?’
Before she even replies, I undid Canaria’s hair and tied it with the ribbon. I wanted to give her one with my hair’s color originally, but it would be hard to distinguish an amber-colored ribbon from her blonde-colored hair. Hence, I just had it made with my brother’s red color, whom I respect so well.
The magic item, ‘magical ribbon’, appears in both of the games. It has a magical resistance in the one with Coloflare as its settings, while it could be used as a weapon in the other. This is more likely brought by the efficiency gap due to differing generations, rather than cultural differences between the two countries.
‘It suits you well, but it feels like it was handpicked by brother instead which is a little vexing.’
‘T-Thank you, sir… I am happy to receive anything as long as it’s from Sir Keith. I will treasure it very much.’
Canaria’s blushing smile was so irresistible that It made me grasp her hand tightly. Don’t be impatient, me. The party has just started. As we greeted the guests while holding each other’s hands, the surrounding watched us with pleasant smiles on their faces.
After greeting the general attendees, I beckoned to lady that I wanted to go to a place bereaved of the crowds. Understanding my intentions, Canaria’s facial expression stiffened for a moment, then she nodded and took me to the castle’s courtyard. After getting her permission ahead of time, I drew a magic circle on the bench in front of the fountain, and cast the magic, “silent.”
‘So Canaria… about the promise we had last year…’
‘Ah, yes, sir! I’ve gathered all the events within our kingdom related to the game ever since. First, the House Glinda of the hidden capture target in Coloflare’s game does exist in our kingdom. They are blessed by the kingdom’s guardian, Green Dragon, and had led the dragon knights for generations… but the only son of the current Count has passed away, and the Countess has been bedridden ever since. At this rate, there’s a possibility that the house may fall.’
‘This means that the game’s Count Glinda is not Sir Harald?’
‘Yes… Besides, the Corundum game’s protagonist who leads the dragon knights was not from the House Glinda either. I’m sure that the Count will be adopting an orphan and the family’s divine protection and status will be passed to another house.’
‘Is that so.’
Judging from the information she sent, Canaria may have finished the game in her past life but there are several scenes that she doesn’t remember. First of all, would be the scene in which the identity of Count Glinda is revealed. Apparently, not only was the hidden route’s condition too complicated, the count’s identity is still practically a mystery even after clearing it. The route concludes with the heroine chasing after the Count.
But if Sir Harald was supposed to live, does he have any point of contact with a country girl from a neighboring kingdom? Like for example; coincidentally studying abroad at the same time as the lady who awakened her Saintess powers will be attending the royal academy? If that’s the case, it would be strange that the game had never touched that subject. From the way Canaria explained it, the Count has done so much for the heroine so they should at least have a close relationship… but well, I guess I should put aside the count’s identity for now.
After our pleasant talk continued for a while, I took a deep breath. As Canaria looked at me, puzzled, I resolved myself and began talking.
‘I guess it’s my turn now… As for evidence that this world is not that of a game…’
‘…Yes?’
‘Unfortunately, I couldn’t find one.’
‘….Wha?’
As Canaria prepared herself for any kind of evidence I will showcase, I only gave her a smile in return.
‘After all, it’s exactly as you said. Everything was going exactly as you’ve told me. I also verified the information you gave regarding the game’s capture targets within this whole year, but there were no discrepancies at all. The reason being? Because this is a world of a game… isn’t that right?’
‘B-But, sir Keith promised that he’ll prove that this is reality… that’s exactly why I…’
‘Yup, I worked hard, but it was impossible, so I’m sorry.’
Her widened eyes shook with despair. As if to prevent others from seeing through her feelings, she casts her eyes downwards and muttered with a trembling voice.
‘Then… then, what of the two countries’ future?’
‘I don’t care. I’m just a game’s character, after all. If the gods decided their eventual destruction, then it can’t be helped, right? I cannot possibly go against the predetermined fate.’
‘It can’t be helped, you say…!? Does Sir Keith not care at all about the people a hundred years in the future? Does his descendants’ suffering do not matter to sir at all!?’
She had the same tears in her eyes at that time but I was not flustered anymore. I grabbed her by the shoulders so to prevent her from escaping.
‘You’re very kind, Canaria… If you’re that worried about the ruin of our descendant’s generation, why don’t we escape then?’
‘Huh?… Escape? Escape where?’
‘Any place where the empire’s hand would not reach; a country far far away. The game’s settings only involve the surrounding countries, right? But the world spans wider… although that’s quite weird as far as the game’s plot is concerned.’
Don’t worry. I don’t have a crucial role in the game either. So it would not have any effect on the game’s scenario whether I leave or not. The game’s Duke Riqum had a blood relation to a royal family, but it did not specifically state which country’s royal family it is. In actuality, the ducal house had always been relatives of the Corundum royal family even without my blood, right? You have a younger sibling too, right? Then, just let them succeed the—’
My insistence was put to a stop by dry sound. My cheek is stinging. Canaria glared at me, tears in her eyes, as she held back her right hand.
‘I have misjudged you, sir. A royalty like you, thinking of running away, abandoning both Coloflare and the Corundum Kingdom!? Didn’t you work your hardest all this time to lend your strength to your brother in leading the country?’
‘All those efforts will always be strained, forever seen by the surroundings as my intention to usurp the throne; a wasted effort. Besides, the country will fall after a hundred years. Wasn’t it you who told me that?’
‘That may be true… but I never wished to hear such things from Sir Keith!’
‘Is that so? However, the Yello Keith Cololfare that you knew was weak to pressure; a character that is always swayed by his surroundings. I am aware of that side of my personality too.
But I guess, I wouldn’t want to be hated by my fiancée, so why don’t you tell me, Canaria? How should I act to become the Keith that you love? After all, I’m just an imagined character. Anything I do contrary to the game’s scenario must be decided by you who lived in the same territory as our creator.’
I inclined my head to the side, under the pretense of innocence. Canaria could no longer hold back her spilling tears. My stubborn and bitter method is poking my conscience, but Canaria would forever swim in her anxiety unless she comes to the recognition, herself.
‘My apologies, Sir Keith…’
‘What’s the matter, Canaria? What are you apologizing for?’
‘This is reality, sir… It may have been just a game to me in my previous life, but right now… I am a higher nobility who shoulders the burden of the Corundum Kingdom. I will not escape even if it faces ruin… No, I do not want to escape. After all, I love this country.’
Canaria’s eyes were inflamed due to crying so much but now they were cleared of uneasiness. That’s right, Canaria is no longer a person from another world. The reality should be here and nothing else, as far as the lady is concerned.
‘Furthermore, I also wish to apologize for the rudeness of treating you as a character a year ago. The fears and anxieties have clouded my eyesight, sir… I have failed to see you for who you really are.’
‘It’s alright, as long as you understand now. By the way, Canaria, do you still remember the promise regarding our little game?’
‘Yes? …Ah,’
As I kissed the fingers that wiped her tears, Canaria became as red as an apple. This is bad, she’s so adorable that I want to eat her whole. Holding back my impulses, I mischievously whispered close to the flustered lady’s ear.
‘Or perhaps, you can only see me as an imaginary creation?’
‘Hie—not at all… it’s just that… I do not wish for us to get ahead of ourselves, and leave brother-in-law behind.’
Having my own family’s love circumstances leaked gives me quite a sour feeling. Although, even without the game knowledge, I can already see how those two would end up… mainly because of Lady Chloe’s behaviors.
‘Then, can I get a kiss on a cheek, then? For some reason, it has been stinging for quite a while, you see.’
‘Hie— M-My apologies, sir! I ended up slapping you with all my strength… T-then, if you would allow me.’
Feeling apologetic, the lady came close to my cheek, but I promptly faced her direction before she made contact.
Everything ended with the other side of my cheek swelling too, but I was successfully able to get my cherished desire. By the way, although people do not approach that place, we still have our escorts with us, so from my escort, Sand’s perspective, Canaria looked as though she suddenly went hysterical on me. I did quite a bad thing…
Although it’s just a hypothesis, the evidence of this world not being that of a game had already been there from the start. I concluded that it was in fact, the opposite.
‘The opposite… sir?’
‘That’s right. This is not a world that came out of a game. On the contrary, a human of this world, with all the information of this world that they know, made it into a game on the other side. To put it simply, it’s another case of a people crossing between the worlds.’
‘So a future person from this world, had traversed to the otherworld’s past? I kind of feel confused, sir.’
‘That’s the territory of souls, so perhaps time may not be a one-way route in there. Not to mention, we’re talking about otherworlds too, so the space and time could’ve been twisted. At the very least, rather than two overlapping game worlds, it’s more convincing that the two games were made with this world as its base model.’
The game that Canaria played in her past life were only man-made. Hence, their events might not be certain and are likely just a future possibility. In the first place, there were many different endings, which in reality, would represent life’s infinite choices. This means that the future it foretells isn’t fixed. Like I’d stand for it even if it was.
On the day of my return to my country, I tightly grasped the hands of Canaria who came to see me off.
‘Canaria, I love it all too. I swear in my honor as the 2nd prince of Coloflare Kingdom, I swear to love and protect both countries, my fiancée, as well as everything that follows in the future… Even if that tantamount to firing an arrow at the god’s feet.’
‘S-Sir Keith…’
‘—would you reconsider falling in love with me again if I said that?’
Canaria, who stared at me blankly for a moment, turned beet red and shook her eyes in denial.
‘Goodness, was Sir Keith the kind of gentleman to pull such mischiefs? I almost took it seriously, sir!’
‘But I am serious. Of course, I do not have the strength that would allow me to face the empire for now. That’s why, in order to protect those that I hold dear, I will obtain strength and knowledge… and I would need your help to achieve that.
As I pulled away from fooling around, Canaria’s eyes stared in wonder for a moment, but happily nodded soon enough. What the lady truly wished for was not to deny the fate, nor to accept and be swayed by its waves. She wished for someone who will believe the fate, but fight it alongside her nonetheless. Although the worries will likely stay for a hundred years, I am excited.
After all, fighting alongside a princess, isn’t that what being a story’s protagonist is like? Canaria said that the heroine is about to appear but as far as I’m concerned, she’s the heroine.
That’s how the second part of our game had started.
