A Happy Life in the Empire - The Princess Once Called a “Failure” Becomes the “Most Important Person” as a Hostage in the Empire - Chapter 5

The carriage moved along the road at a leisurely pace.

Some time had passed since we left town.

Everything around us was quiet, and gentle rolling hills stretched out beyond the window.

(What should I do? What should I do? His Highness the Crown Prince is right next to me! Right next to me!)

I was restless, caught in an unprecedented and extraordinary situation.

I stole a quick glance to the side and saw Prince Alto sitting with his arms crossed.

His deep blue eyes were closed, and his expression was calm.

However, there was an air about him that made him seem unapproachable.

(Should I talk to him? Or is it better to stay silent?)

I couldn’t decide what to do.

When we departed from town, His Highness had been warm and approachable, but now he seemed to shut everything out.

My lips were dry with nervousness, and a faint sweat formed on my palms.

“Um…”

Summoning my courage, I quietly spoke up.

“……”

But there was no reaction from Prince Alto.

(Is he ignoring me? Or did I make him upset? Did I do something rude!?)

A terrible sense of unease welled up inside me.

“P-Prince Alto…?”

I called out again, but there was still no reply.

(Huh?)

Looking more closely, I noticed his chest rising and falling slowly.

His expression was peaceful, and when I listened carefully, I could hear the sound of steady breathing.

“C-Could it be that… he’s sleeping?”

My eyes widened in surprise.

(No way…)

I almost blurted it out loud.

I am, at the very least, a princess of the Kingdom of Luminal.

Even if people mock me as a “failure,” I am still a legitimate princess.

On top of that, not long ago, my kingdom had been at war with the Elysion Empire.

The empire won, and my kingdom became a vassal state.

In a situation like this, any normal person would be unable to sleep.

After all, I could attack him at any moment, shouting “For the kingdom’s revenge!”

If I really wanted to, I could use magic to suffocate him.

Even with my weak magical abilities, I could at least do that much to an unguarded person.

Even if the knights were watching, they wouldn’t be able to stop me in time.

And yet…

(He has nerves of steel…!)

I was astonished by Prince Alto’s composure and, at the same time, felt foolish for being so nervous.

(But still, if he was going to sleep, he could have at least said something…!)

As these thoughts ran through my mind, a silly idea popped into my head.

Like, what if I poked his cheek?

(No, what am I even thinking?)

The more my imagination ran wild, the more I broke into a cold sweat.

I could already picture myself getting punished for disrespecting the prince.

“Haa…”

I sighed and leaned back against the seat.

The sunlight streaming through the window suggested it was still early afternoon.

The gentle swaying of the carriage was soothing, and my eyelids grew heavy.

“…Maybe I should sleep a little.”

I closed my eyes lightly, and before I knew it, I had fallen asleep.

◇

“Sophia, wake up.”

A familiar voice startled me awake.

Right in front of me was Prince Alto’s face.

For some reason, he looked slightly apologetic.

“I’m sorry, I must have fallen asleep…”

“It’s fine. You must have been tired. We’ve arrived at Port Town Levan.”

“Port town… Ah, I can smell the sea!”

The salty scent of the ocean filled the carriage.

The air had changed from before—it was now humid, carrying the distinct fragrance of the sea breeze.

“This is one of the empire’s leading port towns. Fishing and trade thrive here, and many goods pass through. However, the surrounding area and the sea are infested with monsters. Recently, their attacks have caused a decline in the fish supply, leading to soaring seafood prices.”

“I see. The people in Rockwell were also complaining that fish had become expensive.”

As we talked, the carriage came to a stop.

A knight opened the door, and Prince Alto stepped out first.

Not wanting to embarrass him, I carefully followed.

“Wow…”

The wind was a little strong, and in the distance, I could see ships with white sails.

The townspeople were murmuring amongst themselves, their gazes fixed on Prince Alto.

Some had noticed me, and I could hear whispers like, “Who’s that woman?”

“Prince Alto, welcome!”

A middle-aged man, who seemed to be the mayor, rushed over.

His tanned face and thick eyebrows were striking, and he wore heavy gloves and boots.

Perhaps he was a fisherman himself.

“It’s been a while, Mayor. You’ve prepared the reports, correct?”

“Yes, here they are!”

The mayor handed over a rolled-up document.

“Hmm… As expected, the monster problem is severe.”

“Thanks to the increased security, we can handle the land monsters, but the sea is a different story…”

“Unlike on land, sea monsters hide beneath the surface. We can’t fight them unless they come up. That makes it difficult.”

“Exactly.”

After reviewing the report, the prince spoke again.

“Mayor, as you were informed earlier, we’ll be staying in town for a few days to perform a special ritual. We’ll need your cooperation.”

“Of course! However, as you know, we don’t have a guesthouse here. Instead, we’ve prepared the best inn in town—the same one you stayed in last time. It’s humble, but I hope you’ll understand.”

“I appreciate it. I know the place, but please lead the way.”

“Right this way!”

The mayor led us toward the inn.

◇

The inn was a small building near the port.

It was said to be the best in town, but as the mayor mentioned, it was simple.

Still, it was well-maintained, and I could tell it was cared for with love.

Once we checked our rooms, we moved to the dining hall.

“The rooms are fine. Mayor, we’ll be in your care.”

“Understood! Please let us know if you need anything. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

The mayor bowed and left.

Prince Alto glanced at me before opening the window.

The sea breeze drifted inside.

“The ritual will begin tomorrow. For now, it’s still early, and there’s time before dinner. Sophia, since we’re here, would you like to tour the town with me?”

“Oh, may I join you?”

“Of course. You may be a ‘hostage’ in name, but you’re an important guest of the empire. We should be celebrating you with a grand feast.”

“N-No, that would be too much…!”

“Then let’s take a walk together.”

“Yes! Thank you very much!”

I bowed deeply.

And so, Prince Alto and I set out to explore the town.

“You heard me, right? I will be walking around town with Sophia. You are free to spend your time as you wish.”

His Majesty gave an order to the knights waiting outside the dining hall.

The knights were surprised but quickly saluted and left the inn.

“Your Highness, is it really okay to be without your guards?”

“It’s not a problem. They need a break too. Besides, I can protect myself. Of course, I will protect you as well, Sophia.”

Prince Alto tapped the sword at his waist.

That action was so reassuring that I felt at ease.

◇

As we walked along the stone-paved streets, Prince Alto told me about the town’s culture.

“This port town, Levan, is famous for its morning market, where fishermen display fresh fish. You can find mackerel, sardines, and sometimes even giant tuna. Since transportation by ship is easy, you can also get rare fish and shellfish that aren’t available inland.”

“Wow! The blessings of the sea are amazing!”

“Indeed. And in the evening, lanterns are lit, turning the port golden. The lights from the returning fishing boats reflect on the water along with the street lamps, making it look like a sea of jewels.”

“That sounds so romantic.”

Just imagining it made my heart race.

As the sun sets and shadows stretch across the town, the view by the sea must be breathtaking.

“Unfortunately, the market is already closed, but there should be stalls selling handicrafts. Accessories made from seashells and pearls are popular among women.”

“Accessories made from seashells and pearls? That sounds wonderful.”

As we talked, we arrived at a street lined with stalls.

Lanterns swayed in the wind, and displays of shell crafts and pearl necklaces filled the stalls.

The pearls, shimmering under the lights, were proof of their popularity and beauty.

“Look over there.”

Prince Alto pointed to a particular stall.

That shop was selling an especially eye-catching pearl necklace.

Its color was milky white with a soft, iridescent glow.

“So beautiful…!”

I murmured.

Prince Alto then walked up to the stall and spoke to the shopkeeper.

“I’ll buy this necklace.”

The one he chose was the very necklace I had just admired.

It was the most expensive item in the store, and even compared to the other shops, it was incredibly costly.

It was worth more than all the money I had spent in Rockwell combined.

“”What!?“”

Both the shopkeeper and I were shocked.

“Y-Your Highness!? W-Why…!?”

Ignoring my surprise, Prince Alto calmly completed the payment.

“H-Here, y-your change…!”

The shopkeeper’s hands trembled as he handed back the change.

Realizing he was dealing with the Crown Prince, he was overwhelmed with nervousness.

The other stall owners also watched in astonishment.

“Thank you.”

Prince Alto took the change and the necklace.

Then—

“This is a gift for you, Sophia.”

To my surprise, he handed me the necklace.

“W-Wait! No! I can’t accept something so expensive!”

“Don’t refuse. It’s a token of appreciation for accompanying me. I insist that you accept it.”

“B-But…!”

“Are you saying you can’t accept my gift? Refusing now would be the same as rejecting my feelings, you know?”

Prince Alto smirked.

It was probably meant as a joke, but it didn’t feel like one at all.

“N-N-No! I-I gratefully accept it!”

“You should put it on right now.”

“H-Here?!”

“It will suit you.”

“O-Okay…!”

Blushing, I reached for my neck.

The chain was thin and cool against my skin, sending a small shiver down my spine.

My nervousness only made it harder to fasten the clasp.

Then—

“I’ll help.”

Prince Alto stepped behind me.

“W-Wait, Your Highness!?”

“Stay still.”

His breath brushed against my ear.

His deep, manly voice sent a shock through my mind.

My heart pounded.

“There, all done.”

Prince Alto fastened the necklace for me.

With careful hands, he secured the clasp, and the beautiful pearl shone on my chest.

“It suits you perfectly.”

“I-Is that true…?”

“Of course. You look absolutely stunning. More beautiful than anyone else.”

Prince Alto turned to the shopkeeper.

“Don’t you agree?”

“Y-Y-Y-Yes! Just as Y-Your Highness says!”

The shopkeeper was so nervous that he stuttered badly.

“…Thank you, Your Highness.”

I wanted to express my gratitude with more excitement.

After all, I was so happy I could jump for joy.

But my embarrassment and nervousness made my voice sound timid instead.

Even so, I knew Prince Alto understood my feelings.

“I’m glad you’re pleased.”

Prince Alto smiled.

Seeing his expression reassured me, and I smiled back.

“I will treasure this necklace. It will be my most precious possession.”

“Of course. It was expensive, after all. You know, I’m poorer than you think.”

Prince Alto chuckled.

For the first time, he called me “you” and referred to himself as “I.”

I could feel the distance between us growing closer.

“Oh! Look, Sophia!”

Prince Alto pointed toward the port.

The lanterns had started to light up as evening fell.

One by one, they flickered to life, until finally, the entire port was glowing.

“The port is truly shining gold.”

“Amazing, isn’t it?”

“Yes…!”

“I wanted to show you this view.”

I placed my hand over the pearl necklace and nodded.

(This… this is what happiness feels like.)

For a while, we stood together, gazing at the glowing port.