Chapter One: The Perverted Princess and Punishment
“Alright…! It’s finally done!”
“As expected of Shishou!”
As I finished the concoction in the large cauldron, a voice of admiration rose from beside me.
For the past few months, I’d been painstakingly working on this elixir, and now that it was finally complete, I felt overwhelmed with emotion. When I started, the days were swelteringly hot, but before I knew it, my breath had turned white in the cold air.
“No, no, I may have performed the final compounding, but it’s all thanks to you, Wendy, for gathering those rare materials.”
I turned to my disciple standing beside me and expressed my heartfelt gratitude.
I am Magnus, an alchemist. Here in the Holy Kingdom of Rosenberg, through a series of fortunate events, I was able to showcase my alchemical talents and, two years ago, at the tender age of eighteen, was granted permission to open my own workshop.
Alchemy is a discipline that involves countless iterations of compounding and transmutation, building upon successes and failures to refine one’s techniques. For a young novice like me to reach the level of opening a workshop is typically unthinkable.
However, by combining alchemy with magic, and with my original developed spells for “Simplified Compounding” and “Simplified Transmutation,” allowing me to perform each process almost instantaneously. This enabled me to accumulate experience far more efficiently than others… but that’s a story for another time.
“Haha, well, my only real talent is swordsmanship,” Wendy said, showing a bashful expression.
My sole disciple, Wendy, has beautiful blonde hair, spirited and fiery eyes, and a tall, slender, graceful figure. Her beauty is almost too much for an alchemist’s apprentice. She’s a year younger than me and, having trained in swordsmanship since childhood, has proven invaluable in gathering materials.
“Alright, then, let’s deliver this elixir at once!”
“Yes, Shishou!”
The elixir I was commissioned to create this time was for a rare disease that causes the body to gradually turn to stone. Such an affliction is almost unheard of, and even the effective components were largely unknown. Normally, it would have been deemed a lost cause, but the patient happened to be the daughter of Count Worldwood, a noble who insisted I take on the task.
For the past six months, I used my “Simplified Compounding” ability to test various elixirs, analyzing materials that showed even the slightest effect and repeating the process until I finally created this elixir.
As we headed to the Worldwood estate by carriage, the moment the mansion came into view, the gates swung open with a clatter, and Count Worldwood rushed out in a flustered state.
“Magnus-dono, is the elixir complete!?”
“Y-Yes,” I nodded.
The count, as if he were a butler, bowed respectfully at the gate to welcome us.
While I expected gratitude for creating an elixir to cure a previously untreatable petrification disease, I was taken aback by how deferential this usually haughty noble was being.
“Please, come this way at once!”
With an air of urgency, the count led us to his daughter’s bedroom.
Inside, the room was stark and clinical, like a sickroom, with a bed at its center where his daughter lay. Her name was Reina, I was told. From a distance, she appeared to be merely sleeping, but beneath the blanket covering her, nearly her entire body had turned to stone. At first, she could still speak with us, but as the disease progressed, she had been unconscious for the past month.
The creation of the elixir had been a race against Reina’s petrification growth, and toward the end, I felt immense pressure. To have completed it in time was a relief.
“Here,” I said, carefully opening her mouth and administering the elixir, taking care not to make her choke.
Based on my experiments, I was certain this would cure her.
Though I had confidence from my tests, facing the patient in person made me nervous. The count and Wendy seemed to share my tension, and a heavy silence hung between us.
As we watched, Reina’s emaciated throat slowly swallowed the elixir.
After a moment…
“Nn…”
A faint breath escaped her lips, which had been silent until now.
“Reina!? Reina!?”
The count rushed to her side, shaking her gently as he called out.
At first, Reina only let out faint breaths and groans, but as the count continued, her responses grew stronger, and eventually, she opened her eyes.
“Huh…? Father…?”
“Reina! Reinaaaa!”
“Father!!”
The count threw himself over his daughter, who had awakened for the first time in a month.
Reina’s expression shifted from shock to gradual joy as she looked at her father.
Seeing this, I exchanged a glance with Wendy, both of us celebrating the success of the elixir.
Some time later, while we waited in a separate room to give the father and daughter privacy, the count approached us, his eyes red with tears.
“Truly, thank you so much for this. I will never forget this kindness.”
“No, we’re just glad we could help,” I replied.
“Now, about the reward…” the count began.
“Five thousand gold,” I stated.
““Huh?””
Not only the count but, for some reason, Wendy beside me let out a sound of confusion.
The average commoner in the capital earns about three hundred gold per year. Accounting for the cost of materials, workshop maintenance, and our salaries for six months, plus a slight premium for creating a cure for a rare disease, five thousand gold seemed reasonable to me.
An awkward silence followed, until the count, as if to smooth things over, spoke.
“No, no, if five thousand gold is acceptable, that’s perfectly fine! Shall I prepare it in cash or as a check, whichever you prefer?”
But just as he finished speaking…
“Shishou!” Wendy whispered sharply, gesturing toward the door.
Sensing she had something to discuss, I excused myself with a quick, “Pardon me for a moment,” and stepped into the hallway.
“What is it?” I asked, only for Wendy to shout with an incredulous expression.
“Shishou, we saved the daughter of a count! Why would you settle for just five thousand!? I’m sure the count would have been willing to pay much more!”
It’s true that five thousand gold was, to me, a fair price, but considering the Worldwood family’s wealth, they could likely afford several times that amount for their only daughter’s treatment. The count’s hesitation likely stemmed from the amount being lower than he expected.
Still, I had my principles.
“But if we charge too much, it might discourage people with less money from seeking our help,” I explained.
While a disease as rare as this one was uncommon, there are many ailments that standard medicines can’t cure. And not everyone afflicted with such diseases is wealthy. I wanted to help those people too.
Wendy’s expression grew even more discontented.
“No way! We don’t need to take on cheap jobs! Low pay means low wages for us too!”
Five thousand gold was still a substantial sum, and the salary she’d receive from it was quite generous for an alchemist’s apprentice. I had no intention of gouging the count just because we saved a noble’s daughter, and frankly, Wendy’s attitude was starting to irritate me.
“Hey, whether it’s high or low isn’t the point. Commoners have their own struggles too.”
“Then all the more reason to charge what we can when we can!”
“It’s not fair to change the price based on the client. Besides, I’ve been paying you the salary we agreed upon, and I’m planning to give you a bonus within that range.”
“But…” Wendy’s face darkened with despair.
Come to think of it, Wendy had been spending rather extravagantly lately. Did she expect a bigger payout?
I felt a twinge of guilt, but I wasn’t about to compromise my beliefs. As I turned to head back, I asked, “By the way, what are you spending all that money on?”
“…”
Wendy’s face flushed, and she fell silent, looking embarrassed.
“If you can’t say, is it something illegal…?”
“No! It’s… bust-enhancing bras and breast-growth products! The elixirs for that are especially expensive!”
Now that she mentioned it, I recalled her mentioning concerns about her figure. To me, her beauty was more than enough, but I hadn’t realized she was that worried about it.
“No way, you’re definitely being scammed. I’ve told you before—elixirs to enhance the body are exponentially harder to make than those for curing diseases or curses.”
“You’re always so logical… Logic doesn’t make my chest bigger!”
“Sorry, but you’ll have to face reality on that one…”
“You say that because it’s not your problem… But I guess this is just how it’s always been. Typical, really.”
Suddenly, Wendy muttered something under her breath.
“What’s that?” I asked.
“Thank you for everything, Shishou. Hearing that helped me make up my mind.”
“H-Hey, what are you talking about!?”
Something about Wendy’s demeanor shifted abruptly. The quirky but loyal disciple I knew seemed to transform into something else entirely.
As I stood there, bewildered, Wendy suddenly grabbed me and pulled me close.
“Whoa!?”
Caught completely off guard, I lost my balance and fell forward, collapsing onto her.
And then…
“Kyaaaaaaa!?”
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Wendy’s shrill scream echoed through the mansion.
“Oh no!” I thought, but in the heat of the moment, my body refused to move properly. Seizing the opportunity, Wendy grabbed my hand and placed it on her chest.
“W-What’s going on!?” I stammered as the door flew open, and the count rushed out of the room.
From his perspective, all he could see was me pinning Wendy down while she screamed—a damning scene.
“What in the world is this!?” he demanded.
“P-Please, stop, Shishou!” Wendy cried out immediately.
Her clumsy, almost stilted acting somehow sounded like genuine distress, making the situation even worse.
It was painfully clear she was trying to frame me, but why? My mind reeled, unable to keep up with the sudden turn of events.
“N-No, this is a misunderstanding! It was an accident!” I shouted desperately, looking to the count for help.
The shock of being set up like this was overwhelming, but surely the count wouldn’t believe such a farce. After all, I had dedicated six months to curing Reina’s supposedly incurable disease and succeeded.
“Even now, he’s enjoying the feel of my chest… ahn!” Wendy gasped theatrically.
“No, your flat chest isn’t exactly enjoyable—ow!” I snapped, only to yelp as Wendy, still pinned beneath me, deftly stomped on my foot with her heel.
How am I the victim here!?
“N-No, there must be some mistake! Magnus-dono would never do such a thing…” the count said, looking at Wendy with a troubled expression.
Yes, exactly! I thought, but in that moment, Wendy shot me a sly, triumphant grin, visible only to me.
Then, just as quickly, she adopted a solemn expression and spoke.
“The truth is… I kept quiet until now because I didn’t want to interfere with the treatment, but… Shishou is actually a deplorable man!”
“What are you talking about? He’s Reina’s savior…” the count protested.
“I couldn’t say it before, but… Shishou has an insatiable lust and has preyed on countless women like this!”
“That was you making me fall on you!” I shouted.
“Yes, it must be a mistake!” the count said, glancing between Wendy and me, as if trying to convince himself.
If I could just explain things calmly, I thought, there might be a chance to clear this up. But then…
Wendy let out a triumphant cry. “It’s no mistake! When the count wasn’t around, Shishou secretly touched Reina-sama’s body!”
“What did you say!?” the count roared, his expression darkening instantly.
Oh no!
The count, while generally a good man, was an absolute doting father when it came to Reina. Mentioning her was enough to make him lose all composure.
His face contorted with rage as he glared at me. “What have you done to my precious Reina!?”
“It’s a lie! I’ve never done anything like that!” I shouted.
The count hesitated, his anger wavering slightly. As a noble, he wasn’t the type to blindly believe baseless accusations… or so I hoped.
But then Wendy spoke with unshakable confidence. “And, Your Excellency, there’s even more decisive evidence.”
Evidence? It’s all a fabrication, so what could she possibly have? As I puzzled over this, the count’s servants began to gather, drawn by the commotion. This was getting out of hand, but since it was all lies, there couldn’t possibly be any real evidence. If Wendy tried to present some flimsy fabrication, I could turn the tables and expose her deceit.
Or so I thought.
With a dramatic flourish, Wendy pulled a thin book from her pocket. It wasn’t professionally bound—clearly handmade, with a crude cover.
Holding it up for all to see, she turned to me with a victorious smirk. “Shishou, you secretly bought this the other day, didn’t you?”
“Tch… that’s…” My face went pale as I recognized the book.
It was, unmistakably, Princess MacDael’s Humiliating Punishment, a book I had indeed bought discreetly.
“What is that!?” the count demanded, snatching the book from Wendy’s hands.
As he flipped through a few pages, his face turned crimson. “This… the heroine looks exactly like Reina! And these acts—tied with ropes, whipped, such depraved behavior…! You’re telling me you bought this book, Magnus!?”
This was bad. The book made it look like I was some perverse sadist obsessed with women who resembled Reina!
Yes, I had bought it, but not because it reflected my tastes. I’d just wanted to try something different, read it, realized it wasn’t for me, and that was that!
“Y-Yes, but… it was just a momentary lapse in judgment! I didn’t mean anything by it!” I stammered.
“Silence, you filth! That’s what all criminals say!” the count roared.
“No, please, listen to me!”
“I can’t bear to hear your voice! To think you looked at Reina with such vile intentions!”
“No, it’s just fiction, I swear—”
But my pleas fell on deaf ears as the count’s fury consumed him.
His face flushed with rage, he bellowed, “You…! Out of respect for saving Reina’s life, I’ll keep this quiet! But never show your face before me again!”
“…”
Staying any longer might result in a beating. With no other choice, I fled the scene.
The aftermath was brutal.
No sooner had I returned to my workshop than rumors began to spread like wildfire: “The depraved alchemist who tried to assault his female apprentice with perverse acts, obsessed with collecting illicit books.” Likely because accusing me of touching Reina would provoke the count’s wrath, the rumors focused on my supposed perversity.
Normally, such baseless gossip would fade quickly. But unfortunately, many alchemists were jealous of my success in opening a workshop at eighteen. Instead of dying out, the rumors grew wilder:
“He’s a sadist who fills his workshop’s shelves with perverse books.”
“He spanks his apprentice for every mistake under the guise of punishment.”
“He’s been engaging in lewd acts with his apprentice at clients’ estates.”
None of it was true! My books were kept in my private room, not the workshop, and I’d never so much as touched Wendy before this incident!
To think the rumors circulating could be so utterly fabricated.
Thus, I fell from “up-and-coming alchemist” to “depraved, monstrous alchemist.”
No longer did nobles or commoners commission my services. My workshop was vandalized with thrown stones and graffiti, and I was forced to abandon it. The injustice of it all gnawed at me, but such schemes and false accusations were not unheard of in the royal court or church. Once tarnished, clearing one’s name and reclaiming status was nearly impossible.
Resigned to my fate, I left the workshop behind and headed for the capital. The rumors had made me infamous, but thankfully, my face wasn’t widely known. I cut my hair short, traded my alchemist’s robe for traveler’s garb, and blended in as just another wanderer. Even without a workshop, I still had my alchemy and compounding skills. In my early days, I’d fought dangerous monsters to gather materials, so I wouldn’t starve.
The capital buzzed with life, filled with people too busy with their own affairs to notice a passerby. Relieved that my identity was unlikely to be discovered, I walked on, only to notice a crowd gathering ahead.
With no particular destination, I followed my curiosity and approached. Voices from the center caught my attention.
“Please, my daughter is gravely ill!”
“Quiet! That doesn’t justify this insolence!”
“Waaaah!”
Peering over the crowd, I saw a woman, likely a mother, pleading desperately, a soldier trying to drive her away, and a pale, sickly girl sobbing. Behind them stood an ornate carriage bearing the crest of the Rosenberg royal family.
“Please, I’ve heard Ojoū-sama can heal any illness with her genius in magic!” the woman begged.
Her words stung my heart. If I still had my workshop, I might have been able to create an elixir to cure her daughter.
“You can’t just barge in like this!” the soldier snapped.
“But the church has given up on her…”
“Enough!” the soldier shouted, moving to forcibly remove the woman and child.
Just then, with a soft clunk, the carriage door, which had been closed until now, opened.
“What is the matter?” a voice asked.
“Oh…!” The crowd gasped in awe at the sight of the woman who emerged.
Her long, shimmering silver hair was the hallmark of the Rosenberg royal family.
Her skin was as white as snow, her blue eyes like sparkling jewels.
Her noble features and dignified expression instinctively conveyed her high status.
She wore a luxurious light blue dress made of fine fabric, accentuating her beauty.
It was none other than Princess Alice Hortensia von Rosenberg, a figure every citizen of the capital had seen at least once. I had glimpsed her two years ago when I was granted an audience at the palace to open my workshop, but she had grown even more beautiful since then. The noisy crowd fell silent, captivated by her presence.
Yet her true strength lay not in her appearance.
At just eighteen, she handled state affairs flawlessly, navigated social events with grace among foreign envoys and cunning nobles, and possessed remarkable magical talent. Unlike most nobles and royals who treated commoners as mere tax-paying pawns, she was reputed to treat them with fairness. That must be why this desperate mother had taken such a bold step.
“My apologies for troubling you, Ojoū-sama ! This woman clung to the carriage, demanding you heal her daughter. I’ll remove them at once!” the soldier said.
“No, that won’t be necessary,” the princess replied.
Stepping down from the carriage, she approached the pleading woman and the girl, who had since stopped crying.
“To heal all ailments… Extra Healing.”
As she spoke, a radiant glow of magical energy emanated from her body.
Extra Healing was the pinnacle of healing magic, capable of curing most diseases. It was a powerful spell that consumed significant mana, yet the princess used it without hesitation for a stranger’s child.
As the magic faded, the girl’s ashen face regained its vitality.
“Thank you, Ojoū-sama !” the mother cried, bowing deeply in gratitude.
“It’s nothing. I merely did what I could. However, I’d appreciate it if you could avoid troubling the soldiers in the future,” the princess said, swiftly returning to her carriage.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
“As expected of Princess Alice! Casting such a difficult spell so effortlessly!”
“Forget that—her heart, helping us common folk despite being royalty, is what’s truly amazing!”
“And she’s such a beautiful girl! Seeing her this close might’ve used up all my life’s luck!”
The crowd buzzed with excitement, each person praising the princess.
I sighed inwardly. Once, I might have been worthy of standing in her presence, but now, sullied by scandalous rumors, I was unfit for someone as pure and radiant as her. I’d likely live a life far removed from hers, just like the commoners here.
With that thought, I set off to find a cheap inn.
“What am I going to do now…?” I muttered.
How long has it been since I arrived in the capital? Before I knew it, winter had passed, and the air was growing warmer. Yet, day after day, I found myself staring blankly at the walls of my cheap inn.
I had thought that, even without my workshop, the skills I’d honed would lead to some kind of work. But my body felt heavy, devoid of energy. The betrayal by Wendy, whom I’d thought I’d treated well, had hit me harder than I realized.
Knock, knock.
One day, a sudden knock at the door startled me. I hadn’t had a single visitor since arriving, so I flinched instinctively.
“Y-Yes?” I called out.
“Um… are you Mike-san?” came a voice, likely the innkeeper’s daughter.
“Yeah, that’s me,” I replied, using the alias I’d adopted.
“There’s a visitor for you…”
Her words instantly brought to mind the harassment I’d faced at my workshop. Had my enemies gone so far as to send an assassin? No, an assassin wouldn’t bother announcing themselves through the innkeeper’s daughter. Besides, those who resented me were jealous of the “up-and-coming alchemist who opened a workshop at eighteen.” With my status and reputation gone, they had little reason to pursue me further.
“Did they give a name?” I asked.
“She said her name is Alicia.”
“Huh?”
I didn’t know anyone by that name, and I hadn’t told anyone I was using the alias Mike. Both Mike and Alicia were common names—perhaps she’d mistaken me for someone else. If so, a quick glance would clear things up.
“Sounds like a mix-up, but… let her in,” I said.
“Yes, sir.”
Footsteps echoed in the hallway, followed by another knock.
“Pardon me. My name is Alicia,” a clear, melodic voice said.
That voice… it sounded oddly familiar, but I couldn’t place it. Did I know anyone with such a beautiful voice?
“Come in,” I said, puzzled.
The door creaked open, revealing a figure cloaked in a mantle, their hood pulled low. Judging by their voice and slender frame, it was likely a young girl, perhaps a bit younger than me. She seemed vaguely familiar…
Closing the door, she removed her hood.
I froze, unable to believe my eyes.
“Wha…?”
Long, shimmering silver hair spilled out from the hood.
Her jewel-like blue eyes and breathtaking beauty were the spitting image of Princess Alice, whom I’d seen in the capital. Even the noble, pristine aura she exuded was identical. Of course I’d seen her before—but no, no, no, this was impossible! Why would Ojoū-sama visit a rundown inn like this, of all places?
“Phew, sneaking out in disguise is quite nerve-wracking,” she said in a bell-like voice, oblivious to my shock. She shrugged off her mantle, revealing a lovely light blue dress that complemented her stunning features. Her snow-white limbs and graceful figure were striking, and despite myself, my eyes were drawn to the noticeable curves beneath her dress.
“Uh, er, um…” I stammered, at a loss for words.
A member of the royal family, the most exalted figure in the kingdom, in a shabby inn like this?
I recalled how, when falsely accused, I’d been too flustered to defend myself properly. As I stood there, lost in thought, she suddenly looked at me.
“Why are you staring at me like that?” she asked.
“N-No, I just thought you were… incredibly beautiful…” I blurted out.
Damn it, I hadn’t meant to stare so blatantly, no matter how stunning she was.
“Oh… really?” Princess Alice blushed slightly, her fair cheeks tinged pink.
Her reaction caught me off guard. Someone as beautiful as her must be used to such compliments, yet she seemed genuinely flustered.
“Ahem, more importantly, you are Magnus-san, aren’t you?” she said, regaining her composure.
How did she know? But that paled in comparison to the fact that Ojoū-sama was actually seeking me out.
“Y-Yes, that’s me…” I admitted.
“I’m so glad to finally meet you!” she said, her face lighting up with a delighted smile.
“I’ve wanted to meet you for some time, but after hearing those rumors, I couldn’t wait any longer. To think you’d even use an alias!”
She’d gone to great lengths to find me because of those rumors…?
Those vile rumors—did she come to condemn me!?
“J-Just to clarify, what exactly did you hear?” I asked cautiously.
“Well, according to the rumors, you disciplined your female apprentice with lewd acts, but when her patience ran out, your abnormal proclivities were exposed, forcing you to abandon your workshop. It’s such a shame for the kingdom to lose a young talent like you over something like this.”
As expected of Ojoū-sama , seeing through the rumors to value my skills… or so I thought, until I realized something.
Her tone was sympathetic, but didn’t her words imply she believed I’d done those things? The fact that such vulgar rumors had reached the ears of someone as refined as her made me want to crawl into a hole and die of shame.
“If you’re so fond of such things, you should’ve told me sooner… ahem, I mean, I can’t stand by while a talent like you languishes in this state!” she said with fervent conviction.
Her words were like an oasis in a desert, a godsend after being forsaken. But I couldn’t let her continue under this misunderstanding.
“Ojoū-sama , I hate to interrupt your kind words, but… those rumors are all lies! My proclivities are perfectly normal, and I’ve never laid a hand on my apprentice or any other woman! It was all a scheme by my apprentice to frame me!” I protested.
To my surprise, Princess Alice tilted her head, looking puzzled. “Why would you downplay it like that?”
“Huh?”
Did she just say “downplay”?
Was there some noble-specific meaning to “downplay” I wasn’t aware of?
As I stood there, baffled, she continued, equally confused. “Disciplining an errant apprentice… isn’t that what a proper master does?”
So that’s how she interpreted the rumors—favorably, at least. But it’s still all lies… Then, in the next moment:
“I’ve always admired the idea of being disciplined by a splendid gentleman like you,” she said.
“What?”
“Huh?”
I tilted my head, and she mirrored me.
Did I just hear her say something bizarre? No, calm down. There’s no way Ojoū-sama would say something so strange. It must be my impure mind twisting her words.
“Um, you mean that even royalty should be reprimanded without regard for status if they do something wrong, right?” I ventured.
“Exactly,” she replied.
Phew, it seems I’d misheard her earlier. Just my imagination.
“That’s why I want to become your apprentice,” she declared.
“What?”
I couldn’t keep up with her. Was my mind just too slow?
Looking at her serene expression, I started to doubt my own sanity.
“Oh, that’s right, you’re not taking apprentices anymore, are you? If that’s the case, I’d be happy to serve as a menial assistant!” she added.
It’s true I wasn’t taking apprentices since losing my workshop, but that wasn’t the issue.
“No, I mean, why do you want to be my apprentice in the first place?” I asked.
“Don’t you think it’s unfair that she got to stay by your side all that time? And I heard that whenever your apprentice made a mistake, you’d tie her up with ropes and whip her as punishment, right?”
“I didn’t do that!” I shouted.
The lies Wendy spread, mixed with the contents of Princess MacDael’s Humiliating Punishment, had created a monstrous misunderstanding! If I’d actually done such things, I’d deserve to be ruined! And I really wished Ojoū-sama wouldn’t say such things with her pristine beauty.
“You even said earlier that my body looked perfect for whipping…” she continued.
“I didn’t say that!” I protested.
How did calling her beautiful get twisted into that?
I was losing track of what she was saying. Beyond the fundamental misunderstanding, there was something distinctly un-ojoū-sama-like slipping out in her words…
“Listen, it’s all lies! Start from there!” I insisted.
“But I heard you were in possession of abnormal literature,” she countered.
“Ugh… well, yes, but everything else is a lie!” I admitted.
Damn it, that one truth about the book made my “it’s all lies” defense sound hollow.
“I think it’s rather manly and charming. And, well, that ‘Ojoū-sama’ genre is quite…” she said, her expression dreamy.
This was bad. Of all people, the princess herself had found out I’d read a “‘Ojoū-sama’” book.
“For that matter, isn’t it improper for royalty to come alone to a place like this or ask to become an apprentice?” I said, trying a different approach.
If I kept talking to her, I’d lose my mind.
“Of course, it would normally be an issue. But our Rosenberg royal family has a tradition called the ‘Commoner’s Training,’” she explained.
“Oh, right, that tradition,” I recalled.
The “Commoner’s Training” was a custom derived from Gregorio, the “Founding Holy King” who established the Holy Kingdom of Rosenberg.
According to ancient lore, centuries ago, this land was ruled by an evil god who oppressed the people. Amid their suffering, a man rose up: Gregorio Rosenberg, the “Founding Holy King.” Guided by a revelation from the weakened “Holy God” Artemisia, he challenged the evil god but was defeated, surviving only through Artemisia’s blessing. To hone his strength, he spent a year living among commoners, tilling fields alongside farmers and even selling vegetables to passersby.
His efforts bore fruit, and a year later, his sword glowed with holy light, becoming a sacred blade. After a three-day battle, he vanquished the evil god and founded the Holy Kingdom of Rosenberg under Artemisia’s protection.
Thus, the royal family had a tradition that one wasn’t considered an adult until they worked among commoners for a time—the “Commoner’s Training.”
“But hasn’t that been simplified in recent times?” I asked.
Over time, such traditions often become mere formalities. I’d heard that nowadays, some royals fulfilled it by briefly wielding a hoe during a coming-of-age ceremony. The legend itself was questionable, to begin with.
“Yes, but I wish to follow the tradition properly and train for a full year, so there’s no issue,” she replied.
I see. While some might simplify it for convenience, someone like her, with a clear goal like becoming my apprentice, would opt for the full training. That left me with no counterargument on that front.
But why did she want to be my apprentice?
No, deep down, I already knew.
She was beautiful, refined, scholarly, magically gifted, and treated everyone equally. Yet the true nature of this lofty princess was…
“It’s such a pity. I thought you were the ideal gentleman who wouldn’t hesitate to discipline even someone like me,” she said.
“You’re a total pervert, aren’t you!?” I blurted out, immediately clamping my mouth shut.
“Er, I mean, what are you talking about, Ojoū-sama ?” I hastily corrected.
Her cheeks flushed at my outburst, but her expression shifted as if a switch had been flipped. “To scold someone as lofty as me so bluntly…”
Oh no, she really was a pervert who enjoyed being reprimanded…
The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me exhausted.
No, this wasn’t the time to be tired. I had to get rid of her before this escalated further.
“I-I see. But I’m in a bind. I don’t have a workshop anymore, and I’m not in a position to take apprentices,” I said.
“I see. So, what were you planning to do next?” she asked.
“I was thinking of becoming an adventurer, using my alchemy skills,” I replied.
Checkmate.
Adventuring was a dangerous profession, fighting monsters and bandits. Even with the “Commoner’s Training,” it wasn’t something royalty could do. Long journeys and camping in the wild? No way a sheltered princess could handle that.
But to my surprise, she clapped her hands together. “Perfect! Adventuring alone must be tough. Even a skilled alchemist like you would find it challenging. You need a companion, and fortunately, I’m versed in magic!”
No way…
Even with her magical talent, a royal volunteering to become an adventurer was absurd. I wasn’t one to judge, but adventuring wasn’t something to dabble in lightly.
She’d already shown some odd tendencies, but to think she’d follow me into adventuring?
But arguing common sense with this princess was futile. She wanted to be my apprentice? Fine, I’d turn that against her.
“No, wait! That was just bravado. Truth is, I’m so disillusioned with the world that I planned to live off my savings, wander the capital, and do nothing productive!” I declared.
There. That should do it. The “Commoner’s Training” required working like a commoner, and loafing around wouldn’t count as training.
But instead of being deterred, she looked relieved. “I see, so you’re free? That’s perfect! I have a request for you.”
“Huh?”
Was she even listening?
Ignoring my confusion, she continued, “The church has been causing some concern lately, but interfering directly could create friction. I was hoping to entrust the investigation to someone reliable.”
What the hell!? She hadn’t mentioned this before!
I seethed inwardly. After all her bizarre talk, she suddenly brings up something serious? Or perhaps, even if I’d agreed to adventuring, she’d have steered the conversation to this request. No matter what, she was determined to get her way.
In the Holy Kingdom of Rosenberg, founded by the “Founding Holy King” under Artemisia’s guidance, the church held significant power alongside the royal family. While the royals nominally held higher authority, the balance had shifted over time, and now their influence was nearly equal. Rumors of unsavory activities within the church had also been circulating.
Even I could see that investigating the church could spark conflict.
“That’s why I’d like you to investigate this matter. Of course, I’ll assist you,” she said, bowing her head.
I never imagined a day would come, especially after those rumors, when Ojoū-sama would bow to me. But accepting her request would mean diving into the church’s dark secrets alongside this eccentric princess.
No way.
She was the type who, once fixated, ignored others’ opinions while being frustratingly clever—the worst kind of person to deal with.
And I, neither an adventurer nor a spy, had no desire to meddle in the church’s delicate affairs.
So, I bowed even lower than she had. “I’m sorry, Ojoū-sama , but I’m too heartbroken to do anything right now. Please leave!”
“No…! To think even Magnus-san would say such a thing. You must be truly devastated. Oh, how I wish to heal you…” she said wistfully.
If she wanted to heal me, she could start by staying quiet and smiling.
To be fair, I had been holed up in this inn, too depressed to do anything, so it wasn’t a lie. But being called “Magnus-san” by someone who mostly believed those false rumors was exasperating.
If I agreed, I’d be stuck investigating the church with her. No way I’d sign up for that mess.
“As a royal, I can’t back down once I’ve made a decision. If I return now, it’ll seem like I’ve abandoned my ‘Commoner’s Training.’ That would be a disgrace!” she insisted.
Damn it, she was relentless, even trying to guilt me now. Hadn’t she already said plenty of shameless things?
But her words gave me an idea. “Just to clarify, did you get permission for this ‘Commoner’s Training’?”
“Well… no…” she faltered, her confidence waning for the first time.
Of course. No one would approve such a ridiculous plan.
“Then you should return immediately. I’m sure the palace is waiting for you!” I pressed.
“Ugh…! I came all this way to meet you after hearing you were in the capital… no, I mean, as a royal, I can’t retract my words. Words aren’t just for others—they’re a promise to oneself!” she declared grandly.
It sounded noble, but it felt like an excuse to satisfy her own desires. Still, with her sitting here, I was out of options. If someone caught me trying to drag her back to the palace and I explained what happened, no one would believe me. I could end up facing real charges this time.
As I stood there, silently agonizing, she spoke again. “I see… that’s unfortunate. Very well, I have one final request.”
“Yes?” I asked warily.
“Please punish me harshly for sneaking out of the palace. If you do, I’ll give up and return,” she said.
“Whaaaaaa!?” I couldn’t help but scream at her outrageous proposal.
What was she even saying!?
She’d finally dropped all pretense and laid her desires bare!
“Of course, I’d prefer to work as an adventurer with you…” she added, seizing the moment to press further.
My head spun in the face of this absurdity.
Betrayed by a trusted apprentice, now hounded by a perverted princess—maybe I was the one losing my mind. Before I knew it, I found myself nodding.
“…Fine. I’ll punish you once, but you have to promise to leave afterward,” I said.
“Oh!” Her face lit up with delight, though she quickly adopted a solemn expression.
“Ahem, if that’s the case, I suppose it can’t be helped. If Magnus-san truly disciplines me, I swear on my name as a princess that I will return to the palace,” she declared, though her voice barely concealed her excitement.
Sworn on the name of a pervert like her, I couldn’t trust a word of it.
With an eager expression, she placed her hands against the wall, her butt raised up and, without hesitation, began to lift the skirt of her dress.
“Whoa!?” I gasped.
The frilled skirt rose, revealing the undergarments of the kingdom’s most exalted royal. Made of fine silk, the pure white fabric matched the refined image she no longer embodied. Beneath it, her soft, rounded backside peeked out, practically begging to be spanked with its enticing sway.
Under normal circumstances, merely witnessing such a sight would be grounds for execution for lèse-majesté.
And yet, she was brazenly displaying it right in front of me.
“Discipline… you’re taking it this far?” I asked, stunned.
“Of course,” she replied confidently.
“But to do this in front of a man…”
“Not just any man,” she interrupted, suddenly sounding shy. “It’s not like I’d do this for just anyone.”
What? Did she think I was some kind of exceptional deviant?
“Now, please, do it with all your might! Just like in that book you’re so fond of!” she urged.
“I’m not fond of it!” I shouted.
Damn it! The shocking sight had thrown me off so much that I slipped into my casual tone. How could I possibly use polite speech with a pervert who was lifting her skirt, showing off her backside, and waiting for punishment?
“I see. You’re deliberately using such crude language because you can’t fully commit while thinking of me as royalty. How thoughtful!” she said, her voice growing even more enraptured.
“That’s not it at all! Listen to me for once!” I snapped.
I didn’t care anymore.
This perverse, pushy, self-absorbed princess who refused to listen—I wanted to set her straight!
Before I knew it, my hand was raised, driven by that impulse.
Smack!
“Hyaaahn!”
A sharp sound rang out as my hand struck her backside. At that moment, a cry—part scream, part moan—escaped her lips.
Even through her undergarments, I could feel the softness of her backside. The sound she made, a mix of pain and pleasure, hit me hard. Oh no, I’d really done it…
“Haa, haa… As expected of Magnus-san! To actually spank me like that! If anyone found out, this could be a death sentence!” she gasped, breathless.
“If you know that, don’t make me do it!” I yelled, unable to hold back.
I wasn’t a saint. Ever since Wendy’s betrayal, something had been simmering inside me, and seeing this perverse princess reveling in excitement was unleashing it.
“Coming out of nowhere, saying whatever you want after I was hurt by my apprentice’s betrayal… you perverted princess!” I growled.
I knew I shouldn’t, but once unleashed, the impulse wouldn’t stop. My hand came down on her soft backside again, this time with even less hesitation and greater force.
SMACK!
The sound was louder than before.
“Ah! It hurts—aaahhhhn! ♡”
A dreamy moan spilled from her lips. Unlike her earlier cry, which held a hint of shock at the new sensation, this one was unmistakably filled with delight.
“Haa, haa! ♡ That strike had even more passion… ♡ Magnificent!” she exclaimed.
“Magnificent, my foot! You perverted princess!” I retorted.
“Yes, I’m a perverted princess who gets excited from being spanked! ♡” she cried, panting heavily.
Her frenzied declaration snapped me back to my senses.
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Until moments ago, she had at least maintained some semblance of royal decorum, despite her perverse and unyielding nature. But now, her expression was one no one should ever witness, and the words she shouted were utterly unfit for public ears.
Did I just open a new door for her? The thought made me hesitate for a moment, but…
“Come on, give this perverted princess ♡ even harsher discipline! ♡ Just like in the books you love to read! ♡ Like you punished your apprentice! ♡” she pleaded.
Her words reignited my irritation.
That’s right—she was born this way. How foolish of me to think, even for a second, that I was responsible.
And to keep insisting on her desires when I’ve said it’s all a false accusation…!
“I told you, it’s all a misunderstanding!” I shouted.
SMACK!!!
Hitting her so earnestly was practically admitting I was some violent brute, but in that moment, I couldn’t hold back.
“Ahh! ♡ Nnnn! ♡♡♡ The spot you hit… it’s so hot! ♡ It’s throbbing! ♡ I’ve never felt anything like this! ♡” she gasped, gazing at me with enraptured eyes.
“Amazing! So amazing! ♡ Magnus-san’s punishment! ♡ None of the tutors at the palace ever went this far! ♡”
Of course they didn’t.
“Now, give me even stricter punishment!” she urged, her face flushed as she stared at me, wriggling her hips enticingly, as if begging for harder spanks.
I had initially thought one strike might satisfy her, but there was no sign of that now. If this continued, I was heading toward trouble—not just the kind associated with assaulting royalty, but something far worse in an entirely different sense.
And yet…
“The rumors are all wrong! I’m not a pervert like you!” I yelled.
My rationality, worn down by the resentment from Wendy’s betrayal, crumbled effortlessly.
SMACK!!!
“Aaaahhh! ♡ You do have it in you! ♡ Such a magnificent punishment isn’t something just anyone could deliver! ♡ You’re every bit as splendid as the rumors—no, even more so! ♡♡” she cried.
Damn it, I’d hit her as hard as I could, and it only excited her more? I climbed onto the nearby inn table. It was simple: striking from a higher position with greater force should amplify the effect.
“I keep telling you it’s not true… How about this?!” I shouted.
“Ah! ♡ Incredible! ♡ I can feel Magnus-san’s true passion! ♡ The earlier strikes were amazing, but if you go even harder… ♡ Something’s coming! ♡ It’s like something’s rising from deep within… ♡”
SMACK!!!!
“AAAAHHHH! ♡♡”
The loudest slap yet echoed through the cramped inn room, accompanied by her ecstatic moan.
“No, if you hit that hard… ♡ My whole body’s burning! ♡ Something’s… wait, what?”
As she trembled with delight, something extraordinary happened.
A surge of immense magical energy enveloped her body in a pale blue light. Even with my knowledge of magic, I’d never seen anything like it—a radiant, almost divine aura.
“W-What is this…?” I stammered, bewildered.
Encountering something even more bizarre than spanking a princess was beyond comprehension.
Princess Alice seemed confused at first but soon gasped in realization. “C-Could this be… the holy magic of the Rosenberg royal family!?”
“Huh?” I blinked, stunned by her words.
Holy magic—the power said to have resided in the sacred sword wielded by the “Founding Holy King” under the blessing of the “Holy God.” It was the force he used to defeat the evil god, according to legend. But I’d only read about it in heavily mythologized texts and dismissed it as exaggeration. To think it would manifest here, in such a ridiculous situation.
Her earlier excitement shifted to a different kind of fervor. “This is incredible! For decades, not a single royal has awakened the holy magic, and now it’s emerging from me! With this, I could…”
She seemed about to cast some spell, but—
Whoosh.
The dazzling magical aura that had enveloped her vanished as quickly as it appeared, leaving only the disheveled princess in her indecent pose.
“Hey, what was that!?” I demanded, slipping back into my casual tone in my shock.
Princess Alice responded with equal excitement. “Exactly as I said! It’s the same power the Founder used to obtain the sacred sword! It’s said to run in the Rosenberg royal bloodline, but for decades, the bloodline weakened, and no one could awaken it. Yet, for a moment, it manifested in me!”
“B-But why…?” I started, only to be hit by a sinking feeling.
The reason was obvious when I considered what had just happened. Even a child could deduce it from that scene. It was a hypothesis I desperately didn’t want to verify, though.
And, as if reading my mind, the princess beamed. “As expected of Magnus-san! To awaken the ‘holy power’ dormant within me! You’re exactly the man I thought you were—no, even greater!”
“No, that had nothing to do with me! It just happened on its own!” I protested.
“Why be so modest? It awakened at that moment, so it’s obviously thanks to you!” she insisted.
“…”
I was speechless, dumbfounded. The “holy power,” dormant for decades, had awakened, even briefly, in such a ludicrous situation?
“No one has ever scolded me, a princess, so earnestly before. I felt true conviction in your hands,” she said.
Well, my anger—no, my irritation—was genuine.
“That final strike was especially wonderful. It must have stirred the ‘holy power’ within me,” she added.
“Is that so? Well, that’s great. So…” I started, eager to escape.
This was too much!
But as I tried to pull away, she grabbed my hand firmly. “Wait! You can’t awaken a royal’s ‘holy power’ and then just walk away!”
She had a point.
I could demand she return to the palace, citing our earlier agreement. But leaving her now would be like tossing a diamond into the gutter. The sacred sword, which countless alchemists had failed to recreate, might be within reach through this glimpse of “holy power.” As an alchemist, my blood stirred at the thought.
“Fine…” I sighed.
Damn it, to think the holy power would awaken in such a ridiculous way. It probably reacted to her heightened emotions… Was she that excited?
Worse, this gave her a legitimate reason to keep me by her side—and to continue these “punishments.” This was the worst… I’d let my anger get the better of me and struck her earnestly, but instead of reflecting, she only grew more excited. And now I’d have to keep doing it?
They say great achievements come with great costs, but for the “holy power” to demand this price?
In stark contrast to my dismay, Ojoū-sama beamed with enthusiasm. “I actually have a hideout in the capital. Let’s head there to discuss our next steps!”
“Yes…” I muttered.
“Why so glum? If my ‘holy power’ fully awakens, you’ll be a hero of the kingdom! Forget reclaiming your workshop—you could have any reward you desire!” she said brightly.
True, awakening the “holy power” would be a monumental feat.
But becoming a hero for “spanking the princess to awaken her holy power”? That was the last thing I wanted. It would make Wendy’s rumors seem entirely true.
“If I cooperate, can you at least believe I’m not a pervert and haven’t done any abnormal things to anyone…?” I pleaded desperately.
She responded with a radiant smile. “What are you talking about? Someone who can deliver such heartfelt, magnificent punishment is clearly a splendid, depraved master! ♡”
“…”
Until now, those rumors were 99% false, but thanks to her, I’d actually done it to her. This was truly the worst…!
And so, dragged along by the gleeful, humming princess, I trudged toward her hideout with heavy steps.
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“This way, please.”
Princess Alice’s “hideout” was a modestly upscale apartment on the outskirts of the capital’s central district.
“No one else comes here, so please make yourself at home,” she said.
“Th-Thank you for having me,” I replied awkwardly.
The interior was far less ostentatious than a noble’s lavish mansion. It was a cozy room, surrounded by bookshelves. There were no extravagant furnishings or decorations, but a soft sofa sat invitingly, and a cupboard held a tea set and snacks. It seemed like the perfect place to escape the clamor of the palace for rest or reading. Looking only at this room, the depraved behavior from earlier felt like a figment of my imagination, and I could almost believe a quiet, refined princess lived here.
As I surveyed the room, my eyes caught on something odd about the bookshelves. They were filled mostly with history books and martial epics, but the volumes were strangely inconsistent, with only specific ones present.
The History of the Raimelt Kingdom: The Trials of Princess Cornelia
The Chronicle of the Holy King’s Coronation: The Imprisonment of Saint Jeanne
The Marcherie Epic: The Defeat of Abyssland
The titles all seemed to focus on specific volumes of historical or narrative works.
Then it hit me—though I immediately regretted noticing.
“Is something wrong?” she asked.
“Uh, Ojoū-sama … could it be that all the books here are about female protagonists or heroines facing hardship?” I ventured.
“As expected of Magnus-san! You figured it out,” she said, beaming.
Was there ever a less gratifying correct guess?
The elegant image of a princess retreating from the palace’s bustle to read quietly shattered instantly. Instead, I pictured a naughty kid sneaking away to indulge in risqué books (some histories and epics could be quite explicit).
“That’s right. In particular, The History of the Raimelt Kingdom is practically my soul’s book. I read this volume when I was five, and it’s lingered with me ever since. Years later, I realized its true meaning: that humiliation is the ultimate happiness,” she declared.
“…”
I vaguely recalled that story—a moving tale of Princess Cornelia, defeated in battle, who endured various humiliations to secure troops from a noble, ultimately rebuilding her kingdom. The people of Raimelt would surely be outraged to hear it treated like an adult book.
To think she’d been this perverse since age five? What a terrifying princess.
“After that, I devoured countless histories, stories, and epics,” she continued.
Was her reputation for scholarly brilliance due to scouring books for this reason?
“And I collected the most thrilling volumes for this bookshelf. Whenever I was exhausted from official duties, I’d come here to ‘refresh,’” she explained.
By “refresh,” she meant… No, I’d rather not think about it.
“But I’d never heard of Princess MacDael’s Humiliating Punishment, which you’re said to enjoy. I thought I was well-versed in books…” she mused.
Thankfully, it seemed the palace strictly regulated explicit content. The books here were all historical or literary, with no overtly adult titles in sight.
Still, this conversation was heading nowhere good, so I steered it back. “Ahem, we were talking about the ‘holy power,’ right?”
“Oh, yes! You’ll have to tell me about that book another time,” she said.
Not in a million years.
“According to legend, the Founder ‘blessed’ his beloved sword with the power of the god Artemisia, turning it into the sacred sword,” she explained.
“Just to clarify, Gregorio didn’t get excited from being spanked and use that to ‘bless’ his sword, right?” I asked.
“No, the legend says he was inspired by the resilience of people living bravely despite the evil god’s threat, renewing his resolve to defeat it. That’s when the power awakened. The common thread with my case is a profound emotional surge,” she replied.
To lump her perverse antics with the Founder’s noble resolve as a “profound emotional surge” would surely infuriate Gregorio.
Still, a power like this should be studied properly at the palace… I started to say, then stopped. Explaining this would inevitably reveal her proclivities—and my role in spanking her. If that reached the wrong ears, I’d be facing execution with no defense.
“I see. Either way, it sounds like we need to investigate further,” I said cautiously.
“Yes! And the best way to do that is to spend time together as adventurers,” she said eagerly.
Well, I couldn’t exactly spank her in the palace.
“B-But do we really need to become adventurers?” I protested.
“Oh? Would you rather keep me locked up in this room, training me in various ways until the power awakens? That works too,” she said with a sly smile.
“No, fine, we’ll investigate the church together!” I blurted, desperate to move on before she said anything worse.
“Hehe, now we can travel together, just the two of us,” she said, beaming.
If I ignored the circumstances, witnessing the “holy power” was indeed a rare opportunity. No one in decades—perhaps the world—had seen it. I forced myself to focus on that.
“As you know, in this kingdom, the church of the ‘Holy God’ Artemisia holds power second only to the royal family. Originally, it served to bring peace to the people in line with Artemisia’s will. But over time, things change. The church has become entangled in greed and ambition, much like any worldly organization. Not that we royals are in a position to judge,” she said, her tone suddenly serious.
Looking only at her expression now, she seemed like a noble princess lamenting the world’s corruption.
“But not everyone in the church has succumbed to this. Especially in the frontier regions, some are trying to reform it. It’s unclear if it’s related, but recently, there have been reports of incidents and missing persons at frontier churches,” she continued.
“Are you saying dissenters are being silenced?” I asked.
She shook her head after a moment’s thought. “Not necessarily. The church seems reluctant to publicize this, so information is scarce. But if royals interfere directly, it could spark conflict.”
“I see,” I said, reeling from the whiplash of her shifting demeanor.
“That’s why, if it’s just you, a mere adventurer, and me, posing as another adventurer, we can investigate discreetly without drawing attention,” she explained.
“That makes sense. I’m unknown as an adventurer, so we could stay under the radar… but will it really work?” I asked skeptically.
Sure, stories often featured royals disguising themselves as commoners to solve problems beyond the reach of power. But could it actually work?
“Yes. Even as a royal, few outside the capital have seen me in person. If I change my attire and act as Alicia, an adventurer, no one will suspect,” she said confidently.
True, even a famous figure like her was likely known only by vague descriptions in the frontier.
“And I have another secret plan,” she added.
“A secret plan?” I asked warily.
“As my senior adventurer, you can scold me harshly, saying things like, ‘You useless fool!’ whenever I slip up. No one would ever think I’m royalty then!” she declared.
“…”
Of course, she’s only thinking about her fetishes!
I barely restrained myself from shouting. How could she say such things with that serene face? Why did I have to indulge her perverse fantasies in public?
“Just to confirm, no one knows about your… preferences, right?” I asked cautiously.
“Of course. I only share this with people I think would understand,” she replied.
Her judgment was clearly flawed.
“So I’m the first person you’ve told?” I pressed.
“Yes, you’re my first,” she said with a smile.
“Don’t phrase it like that! You’re doing it on purpose!” I snapped.
She laughed gleefully. “Yes, that’s the spirit! If you treat me that casually, no one will believe I’m royalty.”
“Come to think of it, I don’t need to respect a pervert like you,” I muttered.
“Yes! Always look down on me! ♡” she exclaimed.
“…”
My head was starting to hurt.
“Shall we set out, then? I’ll go prepare,” she said, heading to the next room.
How did it come to this?
Investigating the church’s secrets with a royal was daunting enough, but my partner being this pervert? And not just any pervert—she was brazen and cunning.
To most of the kingdom, she was the “graceful and wise princess,” the “compassionate girl who cared for the people,” or the “prodigious mage at eighteen.” She must have skillfully hidden her true nature to maintain that image.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” she said, returning in travel gear.
Gone was the frilly, impractical dress. She now wore a practical blouse and a light skirt, typical of a traveling mage. A brooch at her chest, recognizable to the trained eye as a rare gem that amplified magic, adorned her outfit. Her wrists and belt were equipped with magical tools, leaving no vulnerabilities.
Behind her, a large pack floated via wind magic. Magic was finite, and even a simple levitation spell drained it. Only someone with immense magical reserves could afford such a lavish use. I’d heard women carried more travel gear than men, but what an extravagant display…
“That’s some impressive magic, Alicia-sama” I said, slipping into respectful tone.
“Hey, no honorifics! From now on, call me Alicia, drop the formalities, and speak casually,” she chided.
Her magical prowess and gear had briefly raised my opinion of her, but I reminded myself: she’s just a pervert with excessive magic and noble lineage. No need for respect.
“Got it,” I said, forcing the thought.
“Let’s go, then. Hehe, a journey with just the two of us—how exciting!” she said, flashing a rare, genuine smile. Perhaps, surrounded by guards and attendants in the palace, a small-scale trip felt refreshing.
Thus began the journey of me, branded a pervert, and a princess who seemed pure but was secretly a depraved eccentric—a journey filled with nothing but uncertainty.
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