Chapter 31: The Armored Bird King, Mushiki●g

“It’s just a little something to pass the time.”

“…! It’s truly delicious.”

Prince Jalpha was the very picture of a gentleman.

After inviting me into the carriage, he personally brewed tea and served it to me.

“I see, so that’s why Princess Rishali was at the front lines?”

“I may have acted a little too daring, I’m afraid.”

The interior of the prince’s carriage was impressively spacious.

A small marble table sat between us as I found myself seated across from the prince.

“Your courage is commendable—what you did for your people.”

“I’m quite ashamed, truly.”

To Prince Jalpha, I explained the events as if I had been falsely abducted.

It makes me sound like a terribly reckless princess, but at this point the rumor’s already out there—nothing to be done.

“And this warrior, Takeru, he’s quite the brave one, isn’t he?”

“Oh yes, Takeru is simply incredible.”

However, Prince Jalpha didn’t seem especially interested in the fabricated kidnapping.

Instead, he was far more intrigued by Takeru, who had nearly slain a dragon single-handedly.

“There’s no one in Deken who has slain a dragon with just two people.”

“Really?”

“To my knowledge, the Deken hero, General Agalon, holds the record with a five-person party. That said, he did manage to win without injury.”

Should I be impressed by Deken, or just reminded how vast the world is? Apparently, even Deken has its share of dragon-slaying monsters.

General Agalon had worn anti-dragon gear and split the party into distinct roles—attack, magic, defense, healing, and diversion—to secure victory.

Even in Deken, dragons are seen as something you only face with full preparation.

“What kind of dragon did Takeru fight?”

“Um, well… it went like GRAAH and breathed fire, then WHOOOSH—it spread its wings like that!”

“Haha, you do have a unique way of describing things, Princess Rishali.”

With my clumsy vocabulary, I did my best—gestures and all—to convey how amazing Takeru was.

Seeing that, Prince Jalpha chuckled quietly.

“After the dragon was defeated, how did the Yaiban forces react?”

“They panicked and fled in disorder.”

“What about their commander? Did they give a name?”

“Um, she was a rather revealingly dressed shrine maiden named Meureen Draznest. I believe she’s a frontier lord.”

“Hm. A shrine maiden in revealing attire, is it? That’s valuable information.”

It seemed Prince Jalpha was far more interested in the makeup of Yaiban’s forces.

Though… the direction of his interest felt a little questionable.

“Valuable… because of the revealing part?”

“If she was wearing a shrine maiden outfit with that sort of exposure, then it’s almost certainly Meureen herself. Which means the forces you fought weren’t part of their official army.”

“And how can you tell that?”

“If it were the regular army, there would’ve been a proper commander in charge. A regional lord leading troops personally—that’s just not how they operate.”

Ah… yeah, thinking about it, that was kind of strange.

A proper military force would’ve had someone else in command.

“The fact that they fled without putting up a fight also casts doubt on whether they were professional soldiers at all.”

“Then what we defeated was…”

“Most likely a militia hastily gathered by Lord Meureen Draznest herself.”

I see… I’d thought that battle had delivered a major blow to Yaiban, but…

If it wasn’t their regular army, then it didn’t actually damage their true forces.

“Then… does that mean our victory didn’t hold much significance?”

“No, no. That’s not what I’m saying.”

Right—makes sense. A small nation like ours wouldn’t warrant deploying their main force.

I’d thought we’d pulled off something massive, but it seems that wasn’t quite the case.

“There’s a chance now that Yaiban might turn their main army toward your country.”

“That would… be troublesome.”

“No. That would be just what we’re hoping for.”

The idea of Yaiban’s main army invading Saripa…

Just hearing that made my stomach sink.

But Prince Jalpha continued, smiling with an almost mischievous look.

“If they direct their main force toward your nation, then we of Deken will launch a full-scale offensive.”

“O-oh…”

So basically… they’re planning to use Saripa as bait?

While we hold their forces in place, Deken charges in with everything they’ve got.

…As long as they actually win, I guess that’s fine.

“But can we really hold out? Isn’t the Yaiban regular army extremely strong?”

“Yes. Especially their commander, Levigdard. He’s a terrifying opponent, a warrior of unmatched might. Even our Deken soldiers have had a hard time with him.”

“I’d never even heard of such a formidable general. Then… all the more reason…”

When it comes to war, I’d really prefer Deken be the one taking the brunt of it.

Saripa is weak, you know. Besides, this war was started by you guys in the first place.

Protect it properly!

“Oh? You might actually know more about Levigdard than we do, right?”

“Ah, is that so? Sorry, I’m not very knowledgeable.”

“…Well, if you’re a princess, surely you’ve been briefed on the battlefield.”

But it seems that Levigdard is more of a nemesis specifically for Saripa.

The king never shares any military details with me at all.

“Levigdard is the strongest monster in the Yaiban army. Known as the continent’s finest knight, he’s someone you must be wary of.”

“Is he really that strong?”

“Yes. He’s terrifyingly so…”

When the topic turned to Levigdard, Prince Jalpha’s expression grew tense.

I found myself swallowing hard along with him.

As for just how strong Yaiban’s strongest man, Levigdard, is…

“He once landed a blow on Sir Paulik!”

“...?”

From what I heard, Levigdard fought Paulik one-on-one about twenty years ago.

Though he was soundly defeated, he did manage to land a single strike.

More surprisingly, Paulik was said to have been on one knee after the duel.

“He’s the man who made the ironclad knight Paulik kneel. You can never be too cautious.”

“Uh, well, sorry… wait?”

“Why a man like that was born in Yaiban… If only he’d been born in Deken, he would have been a Great General by now.”

“...So Paulik is stronger?”

“Of course. Sir Paulik is a living legend. Even in Deken, there are very few knights who compare to him.”

I see. Paulik is regarded as the strongest knight even in the Deken Empire.

…Honestly, I kind of underestimated him. Sorry about that.

“Now, hypothetically speaking, if there were a man who could knock out Paulik with a single strike?”

“That’s not even human.”

Then what the hell is Takeru?

---

"After that, Berka, the security captain, went 'Gwaaah!' in the hellfire of Helfire."

"He went 'Gwaaah'?"

"And then, the dragon went 'Bam!'..."

After that, as I swayed in the carriage.

I spent nearly a full day recounting the Battle of Byuredesto Defense to Prince Jalpha.

"Well, that’s everything I witnessed in the battle."

"I see. That was very informative. Thank you."

I did my best to describe what I’d seen, complete with gestures and expressions.

For some reason, Prince Jalpha kept giggling the whole time.

"What else should I talk about?"

"Hmm. Could you tell me more about Saripa’s culture?"

"Certainly. Let’s see..."

Once the war stories were over, the conversation shifted to culture and customs.

It was rare for a prince of the Deken Empire to take an interest in a remote place like Saripa.

Seizing the opportunity, I enthusiastically promoted Saripa’s charms to the prince.

"The lecchari fruit I had in Byuredesto was absolutely delicious!"

"Oh ho, I do have a fondness for sweets."

Prince Jalpha seemed particularly interested in Saripa’s climate and natural features.

It appeared he was also gathering information about the Kingdom of Saripa.

"Has there been any recent technological innovation in Saripa?"

"Yes! I’d be happy to tell you!"

While listening to my presentation, the prince was also extracting useful intel.

I had to carefully weigh what I could and couldn’t say in this conversation.

"So, by spraying compost-scented mist at body temperature, we can prevent damage from butt-borer worms—"

"...Pfft—kukuku. What kind of ridiculous innovation is that?!"

When I brought up the topic of butt-borer countermeasures, the prince found it hilarious.

For once, he seemed to be laughing genuinely, rather than hiding his true feelings.

"Does the Deken Empire have any issues with pests or beasts?"

"Well, in Deken, we have armored birds—Armorbirds—covered in hard shells."

"Ohh, that sounds so cool!"

"You understand, Princess Rishali? Yes, they are indeed very cool!"

In return, I asked a few questions about the Deken Empire.

Apparently, they had these pest birds called Armorbirds.

Though despised by the citizens, Prince Jalpha seemed fond of them.

"Their carapace gleams black, and they have magnificent horns capable of impaling humans..."

"Whoaa."

"They’re natural-born combatants, fighting even among themselves over feeding grounds..."

When he showed me an illustration, it turned out to be a giant rhinoceros beetle.

In the summer, human-sized beetles would buzz around, devouring crops.

No wonder the citizens hated them, and women couldn’t understand the appeal...

"Don’t you think this glossy black form is full of romance?"

"I completely agree! A magnificent physique that balances hardness and lightness!"

"You really understand, Princess Rishali. Most women just don’t get it."

I knew exactly how he felt. No true man could resist the romance of giant beetles.

Back in the day, stuff like Mushi-King was super popular, after all.

"I’ve been trying to make people see the charm of these birds... but so far, no luck."

"Then how about capturing two of these Armorbirds and making them fight?"

"...And what would that accomplish?"

"Make it a spectacle! If you set up betting on the matches, it’d really draw a crowd."

"Oooh! That does sound like it’d get people excited!"

"Not bug sumo, but Armorbird sumo!"

With their size, it would surely make for an incredibly thrilling spectacle—like a real-life Mushi-King tournament.

"That sounds like a fascinating idea. Why not try it? Armorbirds are formidable, so capturing them won’t be easy, but watching them fight would be worth it."

"They’re that strong?"

"Yes, they could easily overpower ordinary soldiers."

...Makes sense. They’re basically giant, super-powered rhinoceros beetles—of course they’re strong.

But capturing them alive would be tough.

"Truthfully, I’ve always wanted to incorporate Armorbirds into the Deken military. An airborne force clad in natural armor would be devastating."

"Ohh, such a bold vision..."

"If we understand their instincts, we could manipulate their flight paths. Imagine directing them to charge enemy strongholds—absolute chaos."

"That’s brilliant! I’d love to see them soaring through the skies in battle!"

"Y-You... I never thought I’d meet a woman who’d actually understand this."

As our conversation continued, I began to grasp a sliver of Prince Jalpha’s true nature.

"What if we tied ropes to their horns? We could even ride them!"

"W-Wait, that’s...! I never considered riding them!"

At this point, it became clear—this golden-haired prince’s tastes aligned alarmingly close to those of an elementary school boy.

My guess? He’d likely been deprived of childish amusements growing up, and this was the result—a man who never outgrew his love for the absurdly cool.

"This is the most enjoyable trip I’ve ever had. You’re remarkably easy to talk to, Princess Rishali."

"Likewise, Prince Jalpha. Our conversations have been nothing short of delightful."

"Is that so? Splendid."

Yet, his childlike enthusiasm was confined strictly to his hobbies.

Though he laughed genuinely at times, not once did he reveal the depths of his true intentions before we reached the capital.

"Ah, if only this weren’t a wartime visit. I could’ve enjoyed myself unreservedly."

"Prince Jalpha..."

"Forgive me. I’ve gone and dampened the mood."

Here stood a prince already perfected in his role—a man who’d mastered the art of keeping his heart’s innermost chambers locked away.

"Well then... Should you ever find the time, do visit Saripa again."

"Princess Rishali."

"Come not as a diplomat, but as a guest. Saripa has much more to offer—freely, and without pretense."

Such was the prince of a great empire—a man whose social grace transcended the heavens themselves.

Honestly, I wish a certain shut-in sister of mine—cough Lulu—could see this.

"When that time comes, may I entrust you with the tour, Princess Rishali?"
"Leave it to me."

I flashed my most radiant princess smile—
Only for him to counter with a flawlessly polished prince smile of his own.

---

"Truly, this has been delightful. Princess Rishali."

"The pleasure was all mine."

...In the end, between the border and Saripa Castle, I’d failed to crack open Prince Jalpha’s heart.

He never once flirted, treating me with nothing but princely respect and impeccable courtesy.

I doubt I left a bad impression—but "winning him over" would be a stretch.

"Then I, Jalpha, shall take my leave to request an audience with the King of Saripa. Princess Rishali, farewell."

"Safe travels."

With that, he strode off toward the king’s chambers—leaving me behind.

My role ended here. As a mere princess, I wasn’t permitted to meddle in military or political talks.
All that remained was to play the dutiful ornament at tonight’s banquet.

"...Sigh."

"Rough day, Rishali?"

Just as I turned toward my quarters, a hand clapped my shoulder—
My absurdly handsome older brother, Second Prince Jikei, grinned down at me.

"So? How’d it go with Prince Jalpha? Knowing you, you’ve already wrapped him around your finger."

...His optimism stung. I hated to disappoint.

"Apologies, Brother. I couldn’t get a read on him."

"Oh?"

"He maintained perfect formality the entire trip. I barely glimpsed 10% of his true nature."

"Obviously. No one reveals their depths in a few days."

Prince Jalpha’s social mastery was undeniable.
Courteous yet impenetrable—a diplomat’s dream.

I’d prided myself on my own skills, but this was the first time I’d been so thoroughly stonewalled.

"He’s a prince trusted to travel alone. Of course he’s mastered the art of deflection."

"Even so, I’ve failed to meet your expectations—"

"Nonsense. He seemed quite taken with you."

"Did he...?"

The encounter had shaken my confidence.
Most people opened up to me easily—but Jalpha?
Never before had someone so stubbornly kept me at arm’s length.

"I’ll refine my skills. Learn from his example."

"Don’t bother. You don’t need that."

Yet as I steeled my resolve—
Jikei rolled his eyes.

"Sure, his poker face is impressive—"

"Right?!"

"—but yours is the terrifying one."

He ruffled my hair, laughing.

"Making others wary just marks you as second-rate. The real threat slips in unnoticed."

With that, he sauntered off—leaving me to ponder the weight of true social genius.