Published: September 4, 2025
This is not Satou’s perspective.
Today’s the second post. Please also check out the interlude: “Princess Shrine Maiden.”
Corrected typos on 8/9.
When I was summoned by my uncle, the ones waiting were unfamiliar men. Ah, though I had been warned before, was I foolish to trust in blood relations?
I was captured and forced to swallow something like an egg. It stuck in my throat, and I nearly vomited several times, but along with some kind of medicine, I was forcibly made to swallow it—and then I lost consciousness.
When I next woke, the ceiling I saw and the face before me were familiar—the face of the chief shrine maiden. It made sense that it was a familiar place, because this was the sanctuary of Tenion Temple.
I wasn’t told the details of the incident, but the chief shrine maiden said, “It’s all over now. There is nothing left that would harm you.” With that, I apparently entrusted my body to her and fell asleep. It’s a little embarrassing; I feel like a child.
â—‡
That night, I had a dream.
In it, I was talking with a man wearing a silver mask. I was definitely the one speaking, but in a tone I’d never heard before. But why was I naked? Ah, don’t swing your arms like that. If this wasn’t a dream, I’d have to jump from the top of the tower.
Ah, naked and kneeling with one knee...
In the dream, I writhed in shame.
â—‡
I had never looked forward to waking up so much before.
Even if it was just a dream, that was too much.
There’s no use being down. I’ll refresh my mood and do my best.
First, the morning duty!
“Ah, Sera. The chief shrine maiden has instructed you not to use magic for four or five days. For now, please help with the food distribution team.”
“Yes, honorable chief shrine maiden.”
My plans were immediately thwarted.
It’s very regrettable.
â—‡
Ugh! Today has been terrible.
It’s usual for people to cut in line during food distribution or for commotion to happen, but how many times do these riots have to occur before people are satisfied? It’s always like this during the tournament season, but this year, not only is it the season of the demon king, but also a strange group called “Wings of Freedom” is spreading absurd rumors. Maybe that’s why people vent their anxiety through violence even more.
While I was washing my face, the aunt helping with the food distribution got injured. Physical injuries can be healed by magic, but not the wounded heart. At best, we can only soothe it.
If it weren’t for a Scale Tribe woman named Liza and a small girl named Arisa, who couldn’t just stand by and offered to help calm the riot, today’s food distribution might have been canceled. Many children rely on this food, so I didn’t want it to be canceled.
“Thank you, you’ve been a great help.”
“No, Master would surely tell us to help if we saw someone in trouble.”
Master?
Curious, I asked a girl named Lulu about this. It turns out they are slaves of an honorary knight. Aren’t slaves usually messier?
What surprised me about them being slaves wasn’t just their neatness, but that they lacked the usual resigned, decadent air unique to slaves. It’s hard to believe these bright, carefree girls are slaves.
While helping with the food distribution, I asked Lulu about her master. The way she spoke was like girls talking about their lover—or no, someone they have a crush on—with pure feelings. Having never been in love, I felt a little, just a little, envious.
Is that why?
When I first met their master—the Baron Pendragon—he didn’t seem like a stranger at all.
“Um, haven’t we met somewhere before?”
I blurted that out and hurriedly added words to cover it up.
“No, this is our first meeting, Lady Sera.”
“Is that so...”
But when denied, I feel weird. Are we really not acquainted?
I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere.
I just can’t remember.
“Lady Sera, the people waiting for the distribution are getting impatient.”
Uh oh, did I stare at the Baron’s face for too long?
How embarrassing. Being captivated by a man in public—if the chief shrine maiden found out, she’d scold me. No, she’d probably just tease me playfully.