Chapter 4

System Notification: Relationship Status Updated – Alicia +10 Affection
Quest Complete – Romance Progress: Princess Alicia

The two walked together through the gardens, sharing quiet laughter and stories. Kenzou's heart was light, yet beneath his calm, Demonic Energy pulsed steadily, a reminder that battles would continue—but now he had someone to return to, someone to protect and cherish.

Royal Celebration

That evening, the palace held a grand feast in Kenzou's honor. Nobles, adventurers, and commoners alike celebrated his victories. Alicia sat beside him, their hands occasionally brushing under the table.

The king raised a goblet. "To Yamamoto Kenzou—protector of the kingdom, conqueror of darkness, and soon... the husband of my daughter."

Cheers erupted, and Kenzou felt a sense of peace. The weight of the world was still on his shoulders, but for the first time, he realized that strength and love could coexist.

Kenzou glanced at Alicia, and she smiled softly. The world may be vast and dangerous, but together... they could face anything.

The Royal capital was at its liveliest that afternoon. Sunlight poured down between the tall spires of the noble district, spilling into the cobblestone streets where markets bustled with energy. The aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the scent of roasted meat on skewers, and the sound of merchants hawking their wares filled the air with an unshakable vibrancy.

Yamamoto Kenzou walked at a leisurely pace, Alicia's delicate hand resting comfortably in his. To any bystander, they looked like a perfect couple — the foreign hero with striking white hair and crimson eyes, and the radiant golden-haired princess whose every step carried grace befitting royalty.

Alicia glanced at him with a smile that betrayed both shyness and contentment. Her cheeks were faintly rosy, though whether from the warmth of the sun or the fact that she was holding his hand, Kenzou couldn't quite tell.

"Everyone is staring," she whispered softly, her eyes flicking toward the passersby. Indeed, whispers trailed behind them as people recognized the pair.

Kenzou smirked, tilting his head toward her. "Let them. I don't mind if the entire capital knows I'm walking with you."

The princess's lips curled upward, though she quickly looked away to hide her blush. Her composure cracked just enough to reveal the tender emotions beneath the mask of royalty.

Around them, voices carried in hushed awe:

"That's the princess... with Sir Kenzou!"
"They say he defeated the Abyssal Veil... a true hero."
"And now he walks with her as if they were ordinary lovers. How extraordinary..."

Kenzou ignored the murmurs, instead pausing at a merchant's stall selling jewelry. He examined the pieces with casual interest before his gaze settled on a simple yet elegant silver hairpin. Without a word, he purchased it and, turning to Alicia, carefully slid it into her golden hair.

"It suits you," he murmured.

Her eyes widened briefly, then softened as a smile blossomed on her lips. "Kenzou... you always make me feel like the most special girl in the world."

"That's because you are," he replied simply, his tone carrying a sincerity that made her heart flutter.

They continued their stroll, weaving through the lively streets, occasionally stopping at stalls where Alicia admired trinkets or sweets. Kenzou bought her a candied fruit skewer, watching with quiet amusement as she tried to eat gracefully while sticky syrup clung to her lips. She pouted when he chuckled, but her embarrassment only made her more endearing.

By the time the sun began its slow descent, painting the sky with strokes of orange and pink, the two found themselves in the city square, seated by the fountain. The cool sound of water splashing against stone mingled with the laughter of children playing nearby.

For a fleeting moment, Kenzou allowed himself to forget about dungeons, quests, and the weight of destiny. Looking at Alicia's radiant smile, he thought: This... this is what I want to protect. Not crowns or kingdoms. Just her smile.

"Shall we go to the Adventurer's Guild?" Alicia asked gently, her fingers brushing against his. "You still haven't collected your payment, have you?"

Kenzou blinked, then chuckled. "Ah, right. I nearly forgot."

They rose together, hand in hand once more, and made their way through the winding streets toward the guild. The building soon loomed before them, a large stone structure adorned with the symbol of a crossed sword and shield above its heavy oak doors. The muffled din of voices leaked from within, accompanied by the occasional cheer or crash of a mug.

As they stepped inside, the lively atmosphere engulfed them. Adventurers of all races and ranks filled the hall — some boasting of their victories, others studying the mission board, and a few drowning themselves in ale. The air smelled of sweat, steel, and roasted meat, a mix that only an adventurer's den could produce.

Kenzou led Alicia through the crowd toward the counter. Behind it stood a young woman with long, flowing blonde hair and emerald-green eyes that sparkled with warmth. She wore the standard guild uniform, though her beauty made the simple attire look almost elegant.

The girl's face lit up the moment she spotted him. "Welcome back, Sir Kenzou," she said with a voice like gentle bells. "I've heard all about your accomplishments. Please, allow me to process your quest rewards."

Kenzou returned her smile with one of his own. "Thank you. You always work so quickly and efficiently. If every guild worker were like you, adventurers would have nothing to worry about."

Alicia stiffened. Her grip on his hand loosened before slipping away entirely. She turned her head, her golden hair swaying as she crossed her arms. Her lips puffed into a tiny pout, though she tried to mask it behind a princess's dignity. Quick and efficient? Hmph. And that smile... how unnecessary.

The receptionist laughed softly, covering her mouth. "You flatter me, Sir Kenzou. I'm just doing my duty."

But Kenzou continued speaking with her, his tone casual, even friendly. He asked about new mission procedures, recent changes in guild regulations, and even how her day had been.

Alicia's brows furrowed ever so slightly. Her hand tightened around the fabric of her dress as she thought: Did he forget I'm standing right here?

She exhaled sharply and turned on her heel, striding across the hall to sit at a vacant table. Her chin lifted with practiced elegance, but her flushed cheeks betrayed the jealousy bubbling inside her.

Kenzou, at last noticing her absence, blinked. "Eh? Alicia?" He glanced between her and the receptionist, realization dawning on his face. Oh no... did I overdo it?

He handed the receptionist a polite nod and began making his way toward the table where Alicia sat, sulking with her arms crossed. He opened his mouth to call her name—

And then, a soft, familiar voice reached his ears.

"Sir Kenzou?"

Kenzou turned, his crimson eyes widening as he recognized the speaker.

Standing before him was a young noble girl with silky white hair cascading down her shoulders, her large sapphire-blue eyes shimmering with innocence. She wore a refined dress trimmed with lace, though the hem bore faint scuff marks — a lingering memory of the day she had nearly perished in a dungeon.

The day he had saved her.

"You..." Kenzou muttered, surprised. "The girl from the dungeon. I didn't expect to see you here."

Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she lowered into a graceful curtsy. "I never had the chance to properly thank you. If it weren't for you, I... I wouldn't be standing here today."

Kenzou rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, caught off guard by her sincerity. "Don't mention it. I only did what anyone else would've done."

She shook her head, her white hair glimmering beneath the lantern light. "No. To me, it meant everything. Meeting you again here... it feels like fate."

From across the guild hall, Alicia's eyes snapped toward them, her expression darkening. Her heart throbbed painfully in her chest. First the guild girl... and now her?!

She bit her lip, forcing her gaze away, but her ears remained sharp, catching every word spoken between Kenzou and the noble girl with the innocent blue eyes.

The noise of the Adventurer's Guild faded into the background as Kenzou found himself face to face with the girl he had once rescued.

Her sapphire eyes sparkled as she looked at him, and though her smile was gentle, it carried the weight of emotions she had never been able to express before.

"I've been searching for you," she admitted softly, her hands clasped together in front of her chest. "Ever since that day... I couldn't forget the one who saved me."

Kenzou blinked, unsure how to respond. He wasn't used to this sort of gratitude. In battle, saving lives was a necessity, not something to be thanked for repeatedly. Still, there was no denying her sincerity.

"I didn't think it was such a big deal," he said, scratching his cheek with slight embarrassment. "I just couldn't stand by and watch you get hurt."

Her cheeks flushed a delicate rose, and she shook her head. "Not a big deal? To me, it was everything. My family... they never imagined I would return alive. My father, the Marquis, told me to thank you properly if I ever met you again."

Marquis...? Kenzou raised an eyebrow. So, she wasn't just any noble girl. She belonged to one of the powerful noble houses that controlled vast lands around the kingdom. That made this encounter... complicated.

Still, the girl's expression was far from political. Her admiration felt pure, almost childlike.

Across the room, Alicia's eyes narrowed as she watched the two of them. She drummed her fingers against the wooden table, her jaw tight.

Why is she leaning so close to him? And why is he smiling so kindly?

Her heart twisted in discomfort. Jealousy, a feeling she rarely experienced, gnawed at her with each passing moment. He's my fiancé. Not hers.

Meanwhile, the noble girl continued her words. "I... I owe you a great debt, Sir Kenzou. And if there's ever anything I can do to repay you, please don't hesitate to ask."

Kenzou held up his hands awkwardly. "You don't need to repay me. Really. Just... live your life. That's enough thanks."

But her eyes softened further, and her lips curved into a gentle smile. "You're too humble. No wonder they call you a hero."

Kenzou gave a small, nervous laugh. "Hero, huh? I still feel like I have a long way to go."

From her seat, Alicia slammed her palm lightly against the table, startling a nearby adventurer. Her golden eyes were fixed firmly on Kenzou now, her irritation barely contained.

Finally, she rose from her chair and walked toward them, her steps elegant but brisk. The hall quieted slightly as adventurers sensed the shift in atmosphere.

"Kenzou," Alicia said, her tone calm but laced with frost. "You've been speaking for quite some time. Have you forgotten that I'm waiting for you?"

Kenzou flinched, realizing too late how long the conversation had gone on. "A-Alicia, I was just—"

The noble girl blinked in surprise, her gaze shifting between them. "Princess Alicia?"

Alicia's lips pressed into a thin smile, but her eyes betrayed the storm inside. "Yes. I am Alicia. And this man beside me—Yamamoto Kenzou—is my fiancé."

The words rang through the hall like a hammer striking an anvil. Murmurs rippled among the adventurers, many of whom had not known the official announcement of their engagement.

The white-haired girl froze, her expression faltering as the weight of Alicia's claim sank in.

"F-Fiancé...?" she repeated softly. Her sapphire eyes dimmed, though she quickly masked it with a polite bow. "I... I see. Forgive me, I didn't mean to intrude."

Kenzou sighed inwardly, realizing the situation had escalated far more than he intended. He glanced at Alicia, whose cheeks were flushed—not with embarrassment, but with unmistakable jealousy.

She's angry. Really angry.

The noble girl bowed once more. "Then, Sir Kenzou... Princess Alicia... I shall not take up more of your time. But please, remember—if ever you need me, my family owes you a debt."

With that, she retreated into the crowd, her white hair vanishing among the throng of adventurers.

Alicia crossed her arms, turning her face away with a small hmph.

Kenzou scratched his head, exhaling heavily. "Alicia, I... I didn't mean to ignore you. She just... appeared suddenly."

"You didn't mean to?" Alicia muttered, her voice low. "You looked like you were enjoying yourself."

Kenzou panicked slightly, leaning closer. "Wait, Alicia. It wasn't like that. I was only being polite."

Her golden eyes flicked to him, sharp and accusing. "Polite? You forget that you're not just any man anymore, Kenzou. You're my fiancé. When you smile at other women like that... it makes me feel like..." She trailed off, biting her lip.

Kenzou's chest tightened at the sight of her vulnerability. For all her elegance as a princess, she was still just a young woman in love, trying to hide her insecurity.

He reached out, gently taking her hand in his. "Alicia."

She blinked, surprised by his sudden seriousness.

"You're right," he admitted softly. "I wasn't thinking. I should have been paying attention to you, not anyone else. Because... you're the one I chose. The one I want to walk beside. Always."

Her lips parted slightly, her heart thundering at his words. The jealousy that had clouded her melted into something warmer, though she struggled not to let it show too easily.

"...Idiot," she whispered, squeezing his hand tighter.

Kenzou chuckled quietly. "Yeah. Maybe I am. But I'm your idiot."

Alicia turned her face away again, but this time, the corners of her lips curved upward.

Around them, the guild hall erupted into whispers once more. Adventurers exchanged grins, some even laughing under their breath. To them, the scene was less about politics and more like a love story unfolding right in the middle of the guild.

"Guess heroes can get scolded too, huh?"
"Hah, poor guy. Still, lucky bastard..."

Kenzou ignored the background chatter, focusing only on Alicia's hand in his. The warmth of her skin was more grounding than any crowd's gaze.

For the first time since stepping into the guild, he felt at peace again.

But deep in the corner of the hall, where shadows clung to the wooden beams, a pair of eyes watched them silently. The white-haired noble girl lingered longer than she let on, her gaze fixed on Kenzou with a mixture of longing and something else—something darker, hidden beneath her innocent smile.

We'll meet again, Sir Kenzou, she thought, her fingers curling around the edge of her dress. And when we do... things will be different.

The Adventurer's Guild gradually faded behind them, its noisy laughter and clinking mugs giving way to the softer sounds of the evening capital. The sun had dipped low, and the first stars began to pierce the twilight sky. Lanterns flickered to life one by one along the streets, bathing the cobblestones in a warm, golden glow.

Kenzou walked silently for a while, Alicia's hand held firmly in his. She didn't resist, but she also didn't look at him, her gaze stubbornly fixed on the ground ahead.

He sighed softly. She's still upset... I can't just let it end like that.

Finally, he stopped and turned to her. "Alicia."

She glanced at him briefly, then looked away with a small hmph.

Kenzou chuckled under his breath. "Alright. If you're going to be stubborn, then I guess I'll have to show you something special."

Before she could ask, he gently tugged her along, guiding her through the winding streets of the capital. They passed quiet neighborhoods, crossed a stone bridge over a softly flowing canal, and finally reached a hill on the outskirts of the city.

Alicia blinked in surprise as the scenery opened before her. From the hilltop, the entire royal capital stretched out below them, bathed in the glow of countless lanterns and torches. The grand palace stood proudly at the heart of it all, its spires reaching for the heavens like a crown of light. Beyond the walls, the plains shimmered under the moonlight, vast and serene.

The princess gasped softly. "It's... beautiful."

Kenzou smiled at her awe. "I thought you might like it. This is where I sometimes come when I need to clear my head. I didn't think I'd end up showing it to anyone else."

Her golden eyes sparkled as they reflected the city lights. "So I'm the first?"

"The first," Kenzou confirmed, his crimson gaze steady.

Her heart fluttered, and the jealousy that had weighed on her chest earlier slowly melted away. The cool night breeze brushed against her cheeks, but the warmth of Kenzou's hand in hers grounded her.

They sat together on the grassy hill, the silence between them comfortable now. For a while, they simply admired the sight, listening to the distant hum of the city and the chirping of crickets in the nearby fields.

Finally, Alicia broke the silence, her voice quiet. "Kenzou... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let jealousy get the better of me."

Kenzou shook his head. "No. I'm the one who should apologize. I wasn't thinking about your feelings. I let myself get distracted, and I hurt you."

She turned to him, her eyes soft but searching. "Do you really mean it? That I'm the one you chose?"

He leaned closer, his crimson eyes glowing faintly in the moonlight. "Alicia. You're not just the one I chose. You're the one I'll keep choosing. Again and again. No matter what happens."

Her breath caught in her throat. Heat spread across her cheeks as she tried to look away, but his words wrapped around her heart like a warm embrace.

"...Idiot," she whispered, though her smile betrayed her.

Kenzou chuckled. "You say that a lot."

"Because you make me feel this way a lot," she admitted softly.

For a moment, neither spoke. Then Kenzou reached into his pocket and pulled out the silver hairpin he had bought earlier in the market. The same one he had tucked into her hair.

He held it up, the delicate ornament catching the moonlight. "Here. Keep this. Not as a princess... but as Alicia, the girl I want to protect."

Her golden eyes widened, shimmering with unshed emotion. Carefully, she took the hairpin from him, holding it against her chest as if it were the most precious treasure in the world.

"...Thank you, Kenzou."

And then, unable to hold back any longer, she leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder.

Kenzou froze for half a second before a smile tugged at his lips. He wrapped an arm around her gently, holding her close as they gazed at the illuminated capital below.

The world was vast, full of dangers yet to come. But in that moment, beneath the endless sky, none of it mattered.

Together, they simply existed — a hero from another world, and the princess who had stolen his heart.

The return to the palace was quiet, almost dreamlike. The bustling capital they had walked through earlier had given way to stillness, the laughter of children replaced by the rhythmic clatter of armored boots as night patrols kept watch. The cool evening breeze carried the faint scent of jasmine from the royal gardens, blending with the soft glow of moonlight that bathed the palace walls in silver.

Kenzou and Alicia walked side by side through the grand gates, the guards bowing deeply. One knight raised his head just enough to watch the two pass, a faint smile tugging at his lips. To see their princess walking so closely with the kingdom's savior reassured them more than any proclamation could.

The palace interior was bathed in warm light, enchanted crystals lining the marble hallways. The silence was thick, broken only by the gentle echo of their footsteps. Tapestries of past kings and queens lined the walls, their woven eyes watching as if silently approving of the couple passing beneath them.

Kenzou slowed his pace as they reached Alicia's chamber door. The tall wooden frame was inlaid with delicate carvings of roses and lilies — symbols of her royal house. He turned to her, and for a moment, neither spoke.

Alicia looked up, her golden eyes reflecting both fatigue and something else — an emotion more fragile, more vulnerable. "Kenzou," she whispered, her voice barely carrying in the still hallway, "thank you for today. I... I had fun."

Her words were simple, but the way her fingers curled into her dress revealed what she couldn't bring herself to say outright.

Kenzou studied her for a moment before a small, genuine smile curved his lips. "It's me who should be grateful. Walking the city with you, seeing you laugh, seeing you pout..." His crimson eyes softened. "It reminded me that even someone like me can belong in this world."

Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away, her cheeks warming. "You say such embarrassing things so easily..."

Kenzou chuckled, and before she could gather herself, he stepped closer. Alicia blinked up at him, startled, only to feel his hand gently brushing aside a lock of her golden hair. Then, without warning, he leaned in.

Her breath caught. Her mind raced — is he going to—

A soft warmth touched her forehead.

She froze. Her eyes widened, and when he pulled back, she realized he had kissed her there, tender and deliberate.

Her cheeks flamed instantly. "W-What do you think you're doing?!" she stammered, struggling to maintain her composure.

Kenzou placed a steady hand on her shoulder, his smile both teasing and gentle. "Be a good girl, Alicia. I'll be back soon."

The words melted into her ears, simple yet carrying a weight that made her chest tighten. She wanted to scold him for treating her like a child, but her heart betrayed her, hammering wildly against her ribs.

"...Idiot," she muttered, but her voice trembled. "You can't just say things like that and walk away."

His smile deepened, amused by her flustered state. "Maybe I can. After all, I like seeing this side of you."

Her golden eyes snapped up to his, a mixture of indignation and affection burning within them. "Kenzou..." she whispered, almost pleading, though she didn't know what for.

He leaned down slightly, their foreheads nearly touching, and his voice dropped to a low murmur meant only for her. "No matter what happens, Alicia, remember this — you're the one I'll always come back to."

Her lips parted, but no words came. Instead, her chest swelled with warmth so overwhelming it nearly brought tears to her eyes. She bit her lip and nodded faintly, afraid her voice would betray her if she spoke.

Finally, with a sigh, she stepped back toward the chamber door. Her hand lingered on the handle as she looked at him one last time. "Don't keep me waiting too long, alright?"

Kenzou smirked, his crimson eyes glinting with determination. "You have my word."

The heavy door creaked open, and Alicia slipped inside. For a moment, she leaned against the door with her back, her cheeks flushed and her heart racing. She pressed her fingers to her forehead where his kiss still lingered, whispering to herself:

"...Idiot. How can I ever stay mad at you?"

On the other side of the door, Kenzou lingered in the hallway. His expression shifted, the tenderness fading into sharp resolve. The night was quiet, but he could feel it — the calm before the storm. Shadows were stirring in the kingdom.

He exhaled slowly, his hand tightening at his side.

"I'll be back soon," he repeated under his breath, a promise not just to Alicia, but to himself.

Then, with steady steps, Yamamoto Kenzou turned and walked down the dimly lit corridor, ready to face whatever awaited him next.