It Seems Like I Got Transmigrated Into An Eroge

Chapter 117: Prince Lykos (1)

"Wait, here? Why is there a castle in the middle of nowhere?"

"I also have the same question... I didn't expect a castle. I was expecting a garden... But the place should be here according to the map given to me, so should we go in?"

"I guess so? Who are we meeting anyway that my presence is also needed?"

"The first prince of Maiveil kingdom, Prince Lykos."

"The first prince? Why does he want me though?"

"I don't know. He invited me to have some tea. I hesitated at first, but I remembered your brother is also attending. Hahahaha." Lily laughs evilly.

"Basically, your reason for accepting his invitation is because my brother is a part of his fancy group of nobles? You're not a person who will accept something with a pity reason. So what's the catch here?"

"I want them to suffer and drown in despair from all the belittling they did to you."

"Straight to the point, Lily."

"How unfun. Stop ruining it... My father informed me, there were some disputes with the disclosure agreement between the two royal families regarding the supplies on the southern part of the Maiveil kingdom. However, my father is a busy man, so I was entrusted. As for him requesting you, I'm not entirely sure about the reason."

"But you have royal officials who shall look into this matter?"

"I requested my father to let me handle other issues. So ever since that day, from left to right, I've been handling those as part of my training. I do have my brothers, but I still want to be dependent. I chose this because I want to contribute to my kingdom this early on. They're just small issues. But whenever it's a big deal, the father shall overtake everything."

"You're really giving it all. Good for you." I flash a smile.

After seeing my smile, Lily responds with a gentle smile.

"But one last question. Request? Supplies? Wait, what are you guys even trading?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Hmm... One example would be the potion that I gave you last time. They're high-qualities potion that would make any kingdom salivate upon catching the sight of it. Every race attempted to replicate those potions, but they weren't able to do so."

"That would be because of the ingredients?"

"Why do you think we're always at a constant guard against other kingdoms?"

"So it's no secret then."

"Indeed. Oh, I wanted to add. The existence of the Council, helped us to alleviate the potential threat against us. However, I also told you about their hostility. Back then, when my mother was born and my kingdom lost its protector—" 

"The draconian... The elven kingdom shall be under their protection until you're mature enough to protect it?"

"Correct. The elves and the dragons established a good relationship for thousands of years."

"Why don't just let them—"

"First of all, the contract shall be activated by me and the representative of the draconian, Arya. However, before all of that, I need to prove myself to them. The dragon's tradition. The dragons are prideful creatures that won't even accept someone whom they don't deem worthy to protect." Lily seems to be excited while telling me all this stuff.

Then Lily continues. "But, I would say, that path is thorny than what I expected. It's my job to live up to their expectation and show that my elven kingdom remained strong throughout the years, and will only keep getting stronger. The pressure and the stress are piling up in my mind back then. Then that happened... I was too young. I'm glad those happened."

Her words rendered me speechless. I didn't utter a word and gave Lily a pat on her back. "You did well."

The corner of Lily's mouth turned up in a small smile. "Thank you."

At the distance, a figure of a man was approaching us alongside five of his associates. The man in front is surely the prince because I can easily discern it from just his presence and charisma. He's tall and had a lean body, most importantly, an extremely attractive face definitely fitting the title of a prince.

"A third-year from the Class-S... A quite powerful figure indeed. Oh, wouldn't you look at his face? He's so heart-struck at you, Lily."

"I don't think that's the reason..."

"Huh?"

"Nothing. You're not good at reading body language."

"Where did that come from?"

"I welcome you personally, her Royal Highness, princess Lily." Prince Lykos kneels in front of Lily and asks for her hand.

"Likewise, Prince Lykos." Lily politely replied.

Prince Lykos kisses the back of Lily's hand. 

The five associates alongside him are staring dagger at me and one of them is my brother. I wave a greeting to him with a soft smile. Aldrich wasn't pleased. On the other hand, the prince looks at me briefly before returning his gaze back to Lily. 

"Well then, shall we?" Prince proceeds to lead us inside.

From his eyes, he certainly knows my identity. However, is he avoiding me? Because I'm certain his eyes shook when he looked at me. While following their back, I whispered to Lily. "In short, these factions are representative of each high-ranking kingdom. Are you going to participate in one?"

"Ah, I forgot to tell you." Lily pulls my head and whispers. "I can't. My father prohibited me to do so, like every other elf that is still a part of our kingdom."

"Wait... What kind of absurd rules is that...? But it kind of makes sense...?"

"You're so cute when you're thinking hard. Trust me, we have our reasons for doing so. We avoid conflicts since our kingdom is known as a neutral one."

"Now, that explains everything."

A few minutes later...

We encounter students walking down the hall or chatting with someone. Lily and I were somewhat amazed by the building structure of the castle. The castle had withstood probably centuries of historical eras. The surrounding walls, ceiling, and luxury porcelain tiles give off the feeling of age. However, it was preserved nicely that any person can mistake the place for a newly built castle. I can see pink petals dancing through the wind outside of the stone arches of the grand hall.

At first, I thought it came from cherry blossom trees back home, but to my disappointment, it was coming from a woman dancing at the top. There beneath her, I saw a man in sweats, as he punches and kicks the air. He has long hair that reaches below his shoulder area, also covering his face. At first glance, he sure looks like a warrior or a knight because of his robust build. But observing him from afar, it's easily distinct the man as a noble. 

People are looking at me weirdly ever since entering the castle. They all share the same reaction, confusion, and wariness. It looks like I'm famous among the nobles of the Maiveil kingdom. Instead of looking at Lily's appearance, I received all their gazes.

Later on, we enter a grandeur room alongside the prince's associates.

"Please, take a seat. Feel free to ask for teas and snacks." Prince Lykos said welcomingly.

Lily and I took the couch and sat together. Lily sticks her body to mine and even roping her arm to mine, leaving my brother dumbfounded. I smile at Aldrich and said. "Greetings, brother. How are you nowadays? It's been a while. Did you finally reconcile with your fiancee?"

"Greetings to you Claude, it's good to see you in good shape. As for the question, I don't remember fighting with Shikta in the first place? Perhaps you may have misinterpreted the situation between my fiancee and me?"

"Perhaps. Good to see you doing well. I hope you're not slacking with the body training."

"I certainly do not, thanks for worrying."

Exchanging fake words with him is undeniably entertaining for me. It really shows his character. Every expression he makes brings pleasantry to my eyes. No person can ever do that other than him, but at the same time, a dreadful sensation was looming inside my chest whenever I see his face. A feeling that makes me want to at least punch him in the face because a simple exchange of words is not enough for me.

"I didn't expect for the two brothers to have a wonderful relationship. That's a surprise." Prince Lykos said.

"Of course, the blood flowing through our veins is the same after all. Despite our difference, he surely knows how to take 'care' of his brother. There were times that I can't express how grateful I am that I want to repay those 'kindness' back. Ah. No, scratch that. I want to repay it ten times. I can't wait. Surely, one of these days, I will be able to." I smile politely, but my eyes have a glint of hatred toward Aldrich.

In response, Aldrich's shoulder flinch. He knits his eyebrows together and the corner of his mouth slightly jerks up. Prince Lykos looks at both of us and laughs joyfully. "Hahahaha, don't overdo it then." He sent me glances. The entire atmosphere suddenly became heavy.

"Let's go into the topic, Prince Lykos. I don't want to waste my time with this nonsense." Lily said, breaking off the atmosphere.

"I see. My apologies. The brotherly love is quite fascinating to watch.