I Was Just an Ugly Girl, But in Another World They Call Me an Angel - 5 - To the Royal Castle - The Time of the Audience for the Traveler

In the morning, when I woke up, instead of the familiar ceiling, I was greeted by a simple wooden one.

“…I guess it really isn’t a dream.”

As I sighed, unable to accept reality, a hesitant knock echoed through the room.

“Lady Kanako, have you awakened? I have prepared breakfast for you. Also, I have some simple clothes for you to change into.”

The voice belonged to Mr. Asphalt.

“Yes, I’m awake. Thank you for the clothes! I’ll eat breakfast after I change!”

As I replied, the door opened slightly with a “Pardon me,” and the clothes were gently pushed inside.

After changing into the prepared outfit, I headed toward what seemed to be the dining area, where Mr. Asphalt was sitting across the table.

For breakfast, there was… hard bread and a thin soup with what appeared to be vegetables. That was all.

“I’m sorry, but this is all we have for now…”

He looked down apologetically, and I smiled at him sincerely.

“No! Thank you for helping a stranger like me. I was quite hungry, so I’m really grateful.”

In that moment, Mr. Asphalt nearly knocked over his chair as he stood up, his face turning bright red as he coughed.

“A-Are you alright!?”

“I-I’m fine!”

He’s kind of cute…

After finishing the meal, it was time to ride a horse to the royal castle. Of course, it was my first time on a horse, and I was seated in front of him. The sound of his heartbeat was strangely fast against my back—

(He’s so nervous, it makes me feel a bit bad… It’s not that I have a particular thing for handsome guys, but when someone as good-looking as him is aware of me, I can’t help but be aware of him too. After all, I’m a girl.)

As we emerged from the forest, a large castle wall and a bustling town came into view. The smiles of the people overflowed, telling tales of a safe and secure place.

With my hood pulled low over my face, I showed something like a pass to the gatekeeper as I entered the town beside Mr. Asphalt.

And finally— we arrived in front of the royal castle.

“A traveler has arrived. I request an audience with the king.”

As Mr. Asphalt announced this, the castle doors slowly opened.

We were led into the audience chamber. In the center was a throne, occupied by a person wearing a crown. To the right was what seemed to be the queen, and to the left… a prince?

(…Yeah, I expected it, but he really does have a rather plain appearance.)

His hair and eyes were a dull gray. He wasn’t very tall, and while his features were gentle, they were rather flat. Perhaps this was considered “handsome” in this world.

As I pondered this, I began to sense the fate that awaited me.