Caliburn - Prince of Avalon - Sun End

Caliburn - Prince of Avalon - Sun End

Chapter 6 - The Force's Return

A week later ever since Caliburn headed out to do a monster subjugation... A message arrived at the castle informing us that the force would be returning.

Once I've heard the news, I've been ascending the castle wall tower looking for the force excitedly. 

(Caliburn... I hope he didn't get hurt.) 

While feeling anxious, I looked at the vast prairie outside the castle wall and the force appeared from afar. 

(They've returned...!) 

When I quickly descended from the tower, I hurried to the town to see Caliburn. 

Around the castle wall, it was crowded with people that were waiting for the return of the force. 

Townsman 1: The force has returned!

The troops in their beautiful military uniforms that had returned from their expedition appeared in front of the people as they passed through the castle gate. Leading the returning force was Caliburn and his brother. 

(What a relief, he's all right...!) 

While riding a horse, Caliburn's gaze was focused on me as I was among the people. 

Caliburn: MC...!

MC: Welcome back, Caliburn!

When I courageously told him that, my loud voice drowned out the surrounding people's cheers. After Caliburn flinched in surprise, he broke into a smile. 

Caliburn: I'm back!

After seeing Caliburn like that, there was a different kind of commotion spreading among the people. 

Soldier 1: Hey, isn't that... 

Soldier 2: Yeah...!

Even the soldiers were happily whispering about something.

(What is it?) 

While thinking that it was strange, I was currently waving at Caliburn with all my strength as I was overflowing with happiness...

Chapter 7 - The Soldiers' Rumor

When the monster subjugation force has returned after a week... To celebrate their success in subjugating, the castle held a victory party in the afternoon. 

With lots of food and drinks arranged on the table, the castle courtyard was bustling with soldiers and their families. 

(Everyone's smiling... It's really good that they're all right.) 

As I was feeling happy, I looked at Caliburn from a different spot. 

(I heard that no one got hurt because of Caliburn's efforts... He really is strong.) 

It wasn't that easy for me to approach him, who led the force, as he was surrounded by so many people.

(I want to talk to Caliburn, but what should I do...) 

Just as I stood still from thinking that... 

King: Princess MC.

MC: Your Majesty...

King: You should go talk to Caliburn. I'm sure that'll make him happy.

The king that noticed how I was feeling brought me over to the group of people that Caliburn was part of. 

Caliburn: MC, sorry. I was making you wait...

Then...

Soldier 1: Huh, Caliburn-sama, you're not addressing her as princess anymore!! 

Caliburn: Eh... Yeah, that's right. 

Soldier 1: I thought it was just a rumor, but it looks like you two really do have that kind of relationship!

Caliburn: Hey, wait. What rumor? 

Soldier 2: There's a rumor about you two among the castle!

Caliburn: Everyone, aren't you misunderstanding something... 

Soldier 1: You don't need to hide it, Caliburn-sama. 

Soldier 2: That's right. Besides, we would want a warm welcome from such a beautiful princess!

Due to the merry mood of the victory party, the young soldiers around happily teased us. 

Caliburn: Good grief... 

After Caliburn and I looked at each other for a moment, we both became embarrassed and looked away from each other. 

(I can't talk to Caliburn like this...) 

When the young soldiers left their seats to get something to drink, some nobles surrounded Caliburn next. 

Nobleman 1: Caliburn-sama, please give us the details on the recent subjugation. 

Nobleman 2: We want to use them as reference for documentation later. 

Caliburn: Okay... In the subjugation this time, the monster was mid-sized and... 

As Caliburn was concerned about me, he gave me a questionable look.

(I... shouldn't bother him.) 

When I returned a nod with a smile, I quietly left from there. When I remembered what the soldiers said earlier, my cheeks became warm again... 

Last Chapter - I Vow to the Princess

After a few hours had passed, the celebratory atmosphere had settled down. 

When it was finally just me and Caliburn, we were walking in the courtyard next to each other. 

Caliburn: ...

Although, it was somewhat awkward between us...

(Even though we were apart for a short while, I wonder why. I'm feeling really nervous somehow...) 

When I remembered the soldiers' teasing, I became even more embarrassed. 

Caliburn: Somehow... Sorry. 

MC: Eh? 

Caliburn scratched his head troubledly. 

Caliburn: Those guys... It's not like they meant any harm. 

(Those guys... Does he mean the soldiers from earlier?) 

Caliburn: If they made you uncomfortable... 

MC: I wasn't feeling uncomfortable...!

Just as I said that loudly, Caliburn blinked in surprise and after that... 

Caliburn: ...I kept on thinking about you before the expedition. 

He continued speaking gently.

Caliburn: I had so many things I wanted to tell you. But, once I was in front of you, I couldn't bring out the words well... It's strange. 

When Caliburn looked down at me, he smiled bashfully. Looking at his refreshing smile on his masculine face made my heart noisy by reflex. 

MC: Um... I'm really glad that you're all right. 

Caliburn: Thank you. 

MC: I became excited when I saw the force returning from the castle wall tower... 

As I remembered that time, I became anxious. 

Caliburn: MC... 

Just as his surprised expression turned serious... 

Caliburn: Your words and behavior right now, is it all right for me to have such high hopes? 

MC: ...High hopes...?

As I looked at Caliburn blankly, he smiled broadly. 

Caliburn: That innocent behavior is unfair of you. 

MC: Eh...? 

While I was getting even more confused, Caliburn faced me and pulled out his sword from it's scabbard. Then, he pierced the sword into the ground and kneeled in place. 

Caliburn: Even though I promised to call you by your name, please let me off at this moment. Princess MC... I vow my loyalty to protect you as a knight. 

As he looked straight up at me, my heart throbbed. 

Caliburn: Do you remember? Before I left for the expedition...

MC: Eh...? 

-Flashback-

MC: ...Even though you're used to it, it doesn't change the fact that it's dangerous. So, please... Be careful. 

Caliburn: ...

MC: Caliburn?

Caliburn: It's nothing... 

-Flashback-

Caliburn: Even before the expedition, I couldn't stop thinking about the face you showed before I departed the entire time. 

MC: Caliburn... 

Caliburn: From now on, no matter when, I will fight with my life on the line. As long as I'm protecting the kingdom, death never mattered to me. But... When I remembered your teary face. I wanted to succeed in subjugating no matter what and return safely. 

When Caliburn placed my hand against his own cheek, he closed his eyes with a gentle look.

Caliburn: It's strange. Aside from the times I was ready to die, my will of not wanting to die got stronger. It's because of you. 

MC: That's... I didn't do anything. 

Caliburn: No. You showed me a special feeling. I've realized for the first time that having someone special gives you the true meaning of strength. 

As he looked at me with a strong heated gaze, I couldn't breathe well. 

Caliburn: ...May I hear your answer? Won't you let me be your one and only knight? 

MC: Yes...

When I nodded with my face all red, Caliburn happily narrowed his eyes. 

Caliburn: My princess. I vow with my life to become your sword and shield and offer my unwavering loyalty to you. 

Caliburn's dignified words made my heart throb noisily. 

MC: Yes... Thank you, Caliburn.

When I responded bashfully, Caliburn got up and held me in his chest. 

Caliburn: I'll always treasure you. 

With my face buried in his wide warm chest, I could hear the heartbeat of his strong soul. That sound was giving me strength too... While feeling that way, I strongly wrapped my arms around his back... 

Main Story

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