NOVEL WEB Chapter 137: The First Princess Shirina’s Arrival
Chapter 137: The First Princess Shirina’s Arrival
“What the hell?! Why are your dark circles so bad?!”
As Lynn finally arrived, fashionably late, Greya couldn’t help but exclaim in shock.
After a grueling three-day, three-night train ride, the group had finally reached Troy City. Using a handwritten letter from Duke Tyrius, they gained access to the military's Magical Teleportation Array.
“Oh, nothing much. Just spent the whole night before last being drained dry by a gorgeous older sister,” Lynn replied flatly, spouting words that could only inspire envy, jealousy, and hatred.
“I call bullsh*t,” Greya snorted. “Knowing you, that’s obviously a load of nonsense. Besides, the only ‘older sister’ around here that you could call gorgeous is Her Hi—cough, cough—do you really think I’d believe that?”
“Alright, fine,” Lynn sighed. “I did lie to you.”
“I knew it—”
“It wasn’t the night before last. It was last night.”
“What?”Before Greya could retort, he caught sight of the regal First Princess making her entrance, surrounded by soldiers as she approached the Teleportation Array.
The array stood atop an elevated platform, its surface etched with intricate, arcane patterns. Hundreds of nodes around it gleamed with embedded magical stones and other extraordinary materials.
“What are you two discussing?”
A pair of crimson eyes glanced their way, silencing Greya instantly.
To his surprise, his typically cheeky friend Lynn said nothing in return, shifting his gaze guiltily to the side.
Oh, come on, don’t do this!
Greya was practically screaming internally. That look makes it seem like you and Her Highness actually have something going on!
Greya suddenly felt as though he’d stumbled upon a great secret. He was so shaken that he was almost brought to tears—or rather, nearly scared to death.
But the surprises weren’t over.
Seeing the two of them silent, Her Highness frowned slightly and strode forward in her high-heeled boots. To the astonishment of her subordinates, she reached out and tidied Lynn’s disheveled collar.
“We’re heading back to the Imperial Capital soon. Are you planning to let our enemies mock you with this unkempt look?” Yveste adjusted his collar as she spoke nonchalantly.
The faint scent of roses wafted to his nose.
“Enemies? Aren’t you exaggerating a little, Your Highness?” Lynn said awkwardly, trying to deflect the topic.
At his words, Yveste’s expression turned unexpectedly serious. “You think I’m exaggerating?”
Lynn remained silent, unable to meet her gaze.
Seeing this, Yveste took a deep breath, her sharp eyes flashing with a cold light. “You haven’t forgotten our agreement, have you?”
“...No.” After a moment of silence, Lynn’s expression grew resolute as he met her gaze once more. “This return to the Imperial Capital is to drag those who mocked us and brought us misery and ruin into an abyss of no return.”
“Anyone who dares stand in Your Highness’s way is an enemy.”
“And against enemies, there is only one recourse—kill.”
The atmosphere turned grave.
The soldiers accompanying them exchanged wary glances, sensing a storm brewing from Lynn’s chilling words.
Satisfied, Yveste nodded approvingly. “Very good,” she said with a rare look of appreciation. “If that’s the case, we’re ready to depart.”
“Destination: Glostein!”
The next moment, the overwhelming power of a Sixth-Rank Demigod descended from the heavens. The once-dim Teleportation Array burst into a dazzling white radiance, enveloping everyone entirely!
Southern Border, Saint Pharos Fortress.
“Captain Xiya, how long are you planning to stay on leave this time?”
“Man, I miss the days when we carried out those decapitation missions on the Demon Battlefield. Sure, we slept rough and ate worse, but our battle merits skyrocketed like crazy!”
“It’s rare for the Legion Commander to personally approve your return to Glostein and even authorize the use of the Teleportation Array. Looks like they’re betting big on you.”
“Bet you’ll come back with a promotion to Major, huh?”
A group of burly men in military uniforms surrounded a golden-haired youth near another Teleportation Array, chatting excitedly, their admiration barely concealed.
Clearly, this young man’s reputation in the military was stellar. The number of comrades seeing him off was a testament to the respect he had earned.
This was the kind of reverence won by sheer capability.
To his fellow soldiers, he wasn’t just a battle hero adored by the populace. He was a rising star in the military, a comrade they could entrust their lives to. Many among them had been saved by him and his team from desperate situations.
Hearing their chatter, Xiya’s golden eyes flickered with a hint of irritation. Still, to maintain his persona, he responded with a gentle smile.
“I don’t think I’ll be away for too long,” Xiya said, scratching his head. “Her Highness Shirina called me back on urgent business. As for that promotion to Major… well, we’ll see.”
Despite his modest words, his competitive nature couldn’t help but anticipate breaking the record of the Bartleon family’s second son—the fastest-ever rise through the ranks.
After all, during this latest mission, with his team’s support, he had successfully taken down a Fifth-Rank Legendary powerhouse.
Despite the fact that his opponent had been in poor condition and that their victory relied heavily on the advantages granted by a Sealed Artifact, a win was still a win.
How the empire’s administration and the Saint Oak Institution would choose to reward such a monumental achievement was not for Xiya to decide.
From what he understood, Shirina’s summons likely revolved around this matter.
The impact of slaying a Fifth-Rank Legendary exceeded all of Xiya’s expectations, earning him an impressive bonus of 1,000 points from the Saint Oak Institution.
Currently, Her Highness Shirina was scrambling to close the gap between herself and Second Prince Felit in the rankings, vying for the top spot. She undoubtedly needed capable aides to support her efforts.
Recalling the breathtaking figure of Shirina in his memories, Xiya felt his heart stir.
If only I could earn her favor and become someone truly irreplaceable to her.
I need to work even harder.
Clenching his fists, the golden-haired youth made a silent vow to himself.
Just then, the soldiers around him began to whistle teasingly.
“Captain Xiya, your sweetheart’s here.”
One of them nudged his elbow, pulling him out of his thoughts.
Xiya instinctively turned his gaze toward the approaching figures parting the crowd.
A bronze-skinned demi-human girl carrying a massive hammer, a muscular female warrior, and a petite assassin shrouded in a black veil—all members of his squad—were present, though their group dynamic certainly left much to be commented on.
But the attention of everyone present was inevitably drawn to the girl walking at the center of the group.
She wore a pale green gown adorned with a mithril chestplate and steel boots. In her hands, she held an alchemic staff of shimmering moonlight silver.
Her demeanor was icy, her expression indifferent. Her exquisite face was as flawless as porcelain, and while her frame was slender, her figure was delicately curvaceous.
Still, none of these traits were the focus of attention.
What stood out most were her long, light-brown hair and the faintly pointed ears that hinted at elven heritage.
The girl seemed entirely unaware of the attention directed at her, moving like a puppet unresponsive to the world around her.
If Lynn had been present, he would have immediately noticed something peculiar.
Though the girl shared Yveste’s frosty disposition, the two were fundamentally different.
The Witch’s indifference was born of millennia of detached observation, an apathy developed from seeing through the world’s truths.
In contrast, the girl’s coldness felt as if she lacked a heart altogether, her actions driven purely by instinct, devoid of human emotion. This emotional void explained her complete disregard for the attention surrounding her.
Yet, when her gaze fell upon Xiya, the icy girl’s expression softened ever so slightly—a rare display of tenderness.
It was as though the golden-haired youth before her was of immense importance to her.
Seeing this, Xiya offered a warm smile. “Tiya, is your luggage ready?”
The girl, Tiya, gave a slight nod. “Xiya-brother, shall we go?”
Though she lacked normal human emotions, she was still a girl who preferred cleanliness.
She couldn’t tolerate staying in this smelly military outpost for even a moment longer.
Her presence at Saint Pharos Fortress wasn’t only to assist Xiya in hunting the Fifth-Rank Legendary but also to fulfill certain tasks assigned to her by the Silent Church.
As a Saintess, she could not defy the church’s commands.
“If that’s the case, let’s go.”
Xiya extended a hand toward the glowing teleportation array, its brilliance almost blinding.
Tiya hesitated for a moment before cautiously placing her slender hand into his warm palm.
But the very next second, her face turned deathly pale, and a flicker of pain crossed her delicate features.
“Sorry, I…”
She withdrew her hand from his grasp, instinctively hugging her shoulders as she trembled like she was freezing.
“Still not ready?”
Concern clouded Xiya’s expression, though a barely noticeable trace of frustration flickered in his eyes.
Tiya bit her lip gently, her voice tinged with regret. “I-I’m sorry, Xiya-brother, I…”
It was her innate curse.
As long as the other party was a male born into this world, Tiya would feel an intense aversion and rejection, both psychologically and, disturbingly, physically.
Any contact would trigger physical abnormalities, worsening over time.
This condition led her to grow accustomed to isolation, avoiding all interactions with men.
Until one day, a nun from the Silent Church discovered her extraordinary talent and brought her into the fold, where she underwent an Awakening Ceremony.
The results stunned everyone.
Tiya was found to possess a Goddess-Affinity Constitution, a one-in-a-million physique that marked her as a perfect candidate for divine favor. From birth until her death, she was destined to bask in the love of the Moon Goddess.
It was a foregone conclusion that Tiya would become a Saintess. Her life seemed set on a path of eternal service to the goddess and solitary devotion.
But everything changed when she met the golden-haired youth before her.
As a devout follower of the goddess, Tiya was meant to maintain lifelong purity for her faith. Yet, inexplicably, she found herself moved by a mere man.
“If anyone should apologize, it’s me,” Xiya said, shaking his head. “I completely forgot about your condition. I’m truly sorry.”
“……”
His understanding only deepened Tiya’s complicated feelings.
Whenever they were together, Xiya would occasionally make playful or bold requests.
But her condition, coupled with guilt stemming from her faith, forced her to refuse him every time.
Over time, that guilt began to weigh heavily on her heart, unresolved and ever-growing.
As Xiya ascended the teleportation platform, surrounded by their teammates, Tiya’s gaze flickered with newfound determination.
Xiya-brother, just wait for a little while longer.
Once the Moonlight Festival is over, perhaps this “curse” of mine can finally be lifted.
When that happens… I’ll give you everything.
As the teleportation array emitted an unprecedented, blinding white light, the half-elven girl slowly closed her eyes, silently promising herself.
Imperial Capital, Glostein—Saint Roland Military Headquarters, Teleportation Array Facility.
The array atop the high platform radiated a steady brilliance. Hundreds of administrative officers stood in orderly formation, awaiting the arrivals.
Colonel Hayden, serving as this week’s acting high command, stood solemnly, his sharp gaze fixed on the glowing array. He was responsible for receiving two groups arriving tonight, though which would arrive first remained uncertain.
Both parties, however, posed their own challenges.
Captain Xiya, a battle hero with close ties to the military, was also a subordinate of the First Princess Shirina.
The other group was none other than the Third Princess Yveste and her retinue, who had recently quelled a rebellion in a frontier city—or at least, that’s how the official report framed it.
Both groups had rendered invaluable service to the empire and were returning to the capital to receive their due honors. But with the Succession Ceremony underway, Colonel Hayden was determined not to show any political bias. He intended to treat this occasion purely as a formal welcome.
As he mulled over the delicate balancing act, a subordinate interrupted his thoughts.
“Colonel, Her Highness is here in person. She’s waiting at the gate.”
“……”
Of course. Hayden sighed internally. What you fear always comes to pass.
Still, he waved a hand in acknowledgment. “Let her in.”
Moments later, the crisp sound of heels echoed through the corridor. A tall woman, flanked by her guards and wearing a cloak, slowly approached.
As she lowered her hood, every soldier present immediately dropped to one knee, performing the Ancient Shoulder Salute, the most revered gesture of respect in the Saint Roland Empire.
Faced with a royal of such distinguished lineage, even soldiers were bound to show their utmost deference.
“Greetings… Your Highness Shirina!”
“At ease.” The woman’s gentle voice carried a strange, calming power, soothing the tension in everyone’s hearts. “I’m only here to retrieve an unworthy subordinate of mine.”
She glanced toward the platform, adding with a faint smile, “He’s probably caused you plenty of trouble during his time here, hasn’t he?”
Colonel Hayden shook his head. “Captain Xiya is a certified battle hero, a protector of our people. It’s thanks to warriors like him that the empire can maintain its stability against the threats on the Demon Battlefield.”
Hearing this praise for her subordinate, Shirina’s lips curved into an almost imperceptible smile.
As if casually, she inquired softly, “By the way, I’ve heard that the Third Princess will also be using the teleportation array tonight to return to the capital?”
Sweat beaded on Hayden’s forehead. “That’s correct.”
So that’s her true purpose, Hayden thought grimly. This is really about the Third Princess, isn’t it?
He could already imagine the complications to come. Whatever happens, it’s not my problem, he told himself.
“Tonight’s celebration banquet wouldn’t be complete without her. She’s the hero who saved the frontier, and even His Majesty will attend personally.”
Shirina’s tone softened further as she murmured, almost to herself, “In that case, I’ll bring little Yveste back with me. It’s been quite a while since we last saw each other… I must admit, I’ve missed her.”