The question struck me like I had been targeted directly. Out of everything that had happened till now, this was the question I feared the most. But I had no other option except to answer.
I took a breath, tried to calm her first, and then told her everything—how it all started, how I ended up here, the trials I faced, my abilities, my troops… everything.
She listened silently, no reaction, no expression—just those calm eyes watching me until I finished.
I had questions for her too, but before I could speak, she looked at me with a slightly cute irritation on her face.
"Why did you lie to me about this? You could've told me in the morning. I thought we trusted each other. My abilities don't lie. My magic is never wrong. I am a noble, so when I trust, I trust sincerely. But I guess you don't…"
I stopped her right there.
I explained why I hid it—how I feared being seen as an enemy of this kingdom, how everything was too sudden and chaotic. I apologized sincerely.
She listened… then smiled softly, accepting my apology.
Now it was my turn.
My first question was the most important:
"How did you see my soldiers? No one except me can see them. It shouldn't be possible for you."
She frowned. "How am I supposed to know that? I just saw what I saw."
Confusion hit me like a truck. Since she knew everything now, I called my right-hand man and demanded an explanation. He already knew everything but never told me.
"I thought maybe you knew," he said.
I laughed. "As if I could know anything in this weird world when I'm not used to it!"
Then he finally explained:
"Your powers started awakening the moment you came to this world, my lord. And as for the princess… due to the circumstances, and because you both trusted each other… without realizing it, you formed a contract with her. That's why she can see us and speak with us."
Me and Tsukiko reacted at the same time:
"HUUUUUHHHHHHHHHH?!?!"
"What is even going on here?!" she shouted.
"That's my line—why am I in a contract with you?!" I yelled back.
We were equally confused.
She looked at my right-hand man. "Is there a way to cancel this? I am a noble, you know. Why would I be contracted to anyone?"
Which honestly sounded fair.
But he replied, "Sorry, but it cannot be undone… unless my lord dies."
She shocked.
I shocked.
We shocked.
I told her to calm down and think this through.
Then he continued:
"Now you are like us. No matter what injuries or diseases you suffer, you'll recover instantly. Even if your body is cut in half—or into a billion pieces—you will regenerate. Our lord's blood flows in you."
It sounded like a good deal to her, obviously… but she was still not satisfied.
I asked, "Is there anything that might make her uncomfortable? Does she need to live inside my heart like you guys?"
She froze.
"What did you just say? Inside your heart? I don't know what that means, but I'm NOT doing that. You are free to love me and paste my image in your heart, but I personally am NOT living in there. That's not even funny."
My man calmly replied,
"It won't be an issue. My lord has already fallen for you. And you don't need to live in his heart. The contract is based on mutual trust. It is up to my lord what he decides to do with you."
Before he could say another embarrassing word, I shouted:
"DISMISS!"
Why the hell does he have to declare my feelings out loud?! I wasn't ready for this!
She was flustered too. To hide it, she said,
"We just met yesterday. Just because I trust you doesn't mean you can get me that easily. And it's bold of you to say you love me when you know almost nothing about me."
I agreed silently… then said with embarrassment,
"It's fine. It's my personal matter. Let's not go there for now. It's up to me whom I love anyway."
She looked relieved.
But she still asked, "What if you forcefully make me stay with you? Now that I'm contracted to you…"
I raised an eyebrow.
"Who do you think I am, a creep? Even if I love you, I'd win you properly—not by using cheap tricks."
Awkward silence filled the room. Neither of us could look the other in the eyes.
But I still had one question left.
"What happened in the hall after I left?"
She paused for a minute, then spoke quietly:
"My father was furious. So were the executives. Metthar Malley suggested checking the whole kingdom. Otsutsuki Yamato agreed. For the peace of the kingdom and for my safety, my father commanded:
'Find and slaughter the one who did this.'
That was all."
Honestly, it was a good decision.
Now that things had calmed down and our talk was over, the princess stood up.
"I need rest," she said softly.
"So do I," I replied.
She walked to the door, then turned back with gentle concern.
"Eat your dinner well. Food is being prepared. If anything happens… call me. I'll be there."
"Goodnight," she said, and left.
I couldn't help smiling.
She cared.
And with that warm feeling, I went to bed…
To be continued…