Following the princess, I was led to a wide meadow filled with wild grasses and flowers. In the middle of it all, a large tree stands tall. The princess walks up to the tree, gazing upon it with longing and melancholia.

"One of my siblings, my eldest sister planted this tree. She went to fight against the [Demons] soon after she planted it, said she'll be back by the time this tree has grown. She never did. Still, I quite like this place. It's all very calming is it not? The lush field, the blue sky, makes you think that the end of the world is all but a lie doesn't it?"

"I'm more of a riverside person, but yes, this place is rather calming."

The princess then sat down beneath the shade as a gentle breeze brushed by, sending her silky golden hair fluttering about at just the right angle to create a scene right out of a painting. She smiles as her droopy ears twitch slightly at the breeze, making it so that I have a difficult time taking my eyes off her.

Waving her hand, she beacons towards me to come over, though something about it makes me rather shy. Perhaps it's her tender gaze, perhaps it's her gentle smile, or perhaps it's because she's patting her lap as she's calling me over. I can't say that I don't like where this is going, but then again, I don't think I'll be able to handle it. When was the last time I got so close to another person anyways?

At my back, I felt a slight nudge pushing me forward. I turn to see Merida behind me. I called her here because the princess suggested that we head out of town for a bit. I'm sure she would have been angry if we went beyond the safety of the city walls without telling her, and though I'm trusted with the princess within the walls, outside of it is another issue all together. After all, too many things can go wrong outside and help is simply too far away to reach.

"Feel free to relax, I'll stand guard here."

"Hold on, just give me a second."

From my grimoire, I drew out a [contract] and through it I summoned Timothy, the [Snow Liger], into this field.

"I'd feel bad if I made you do all of this by yourself. Let Timothy here be of help to you."

"Much appreciated, I'm sure Timothy will be of great help."

With that, I head off towards the princess, who had been waiting patiently, smiling as I approach her.

"Come lay your head here."

"I... I'm good."

"Come now, don't be shy."

With "reluctance", I eventually laid my head upon her lap. It was nice and soft with just enough springiness. These are muscles build from constantly walking from one place to another. The princess is apparently a busy person if these fine thigh muscles are of any indication.

"So, now what?"

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"I mean, now that I'm lying here, what do we do next?"

"Don't you worry about anything, Aurelius, just shut your eyes and rest. You're tired, aren't you?"

I feel the fatigue sinking in as I lay there, the temptation of just letting her spoil me slowly taking over. When was the last time I get to experienced being spoiled like this? Must have been a lifetime ago. However, as my eyes meet the gaze gently looking down upon me, there a thought I can't quite shake away starts to form, it is in regards to something that has been bothering me for a while now.

"You sure go out of your way awfully often to take care of me, don't you, princess?"

"Well of course, you're my kingdom's savior after all. As the princess of this kingdom, your health is my priority."

The reason is sound enough, but still, I can't quite shake off the feeling that there's something behind her gentle gaze. I wonder if I should bring it up.

"What's wrong? Are you still not convinced?"

Frankly, I can't say I am.

"Princess."

"Yes?"

"It's just that sometimes, you seem apprehensive of me, I feel like you're always going out of your way to placate me one way or another."

"And why shouldn't I? I'm doing such an awful thing as to drag a stranger into this world to fight for my behalf. Of course I must do everything I can to satisfy you, to make up for what I've done, don't I?"

She's not wrong, not at all. I should accept this all gladly as my just reward for all the hard work I've put in, no? Yet, why am I not happy about this? I'm not glad at all for receiving such a reward. In fact, it only makes me feel bad. Why is that?

The answer is upon the princess' face, the melancholia and the guilt displayed upon her expression is clear. Yet, this is a guilt that she must bear, for this world, for her kingdom. Back in the mountain, she said that she doesn't wish to summon another Champion to take my place, that she doesn't want to drag another innocent soul into this battle for a world on the verge of destruction. But, in spite of not wanting to, I'm sure she will. She will once more summon another Champion should I be unwilling or unable to fight. For her kingdom and for this world, that is the sin she will have to bear.

How can I be glad to receive a reward when someone who has done far more than me, who bears a burden far heavier than mine, is left to suffer? How can I let myself be pampered by the princess when she is the one who has done so much more than I have?

From her lap, I got up, and I sat while facing her.

"Aurelius!? Is something the matter?"

"I... I was not exactly happy that I was dragged into this world."

Upon my words, the princess frowned, as if she was afraid that this moment would come.

"... I know."

"But you know what, I think it's about time I get over it."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, it's not so bad here. The weather is nice, and the food's delicious. And most of all, I'm quite glad for this body I received. It's like I've received a chance to do over my life. You see princess, in my old world, I have plenty of regrets, thing I wished would have gone differently, thing I wished I had gone about doing in a different way, but it was far too late for me to change any of that. However, being here, in this body, it feels like I have another chance, another shot at this. And sure, the world isn't exactly in the best shape, but even so, I want to live it out. It's all thanks to you summoning me here, that I got to experience all of this. So I thank you, princess, for summoning me."

For several moments, the princess remains silent, as if this had gone so much differently than she had anticipated.

"Princess?"

"I... I am very sorry, for what I've done to you."

"You said that already, and like I said, I'm over it, I have no intention of mulling over it forever. Not to mention, I'm starting to like this world, and I feel like protecting it, not because anyone forced me to, but because I want to of my own free will. No matter what happens from now on, I won't blame you for any of this, I promise."

"Aurelius... Thank you, for telling me this. I was worried for so long, even though I said you don't have to fight, I was worried what I am supposed to do if you suddenly say that you don't want to fight anymore. I wasn't lying when I said you're my kingdom's last hope you know."

"You're welcomed. With that said, you should take it a little easier on yourself from now on."

"Take it easier?"

"You're trying too hard to be useful, is what I'm saying. You're the one who said it, right, that I should take things at my own pace, otherwise I'll end up breaking down. Per haps you should practice what you preach, Your Highness.

"...... I suppose you're right."

The princess then proceeds to lie down on my lap instead, and though the sensation of her soft hair somehow felt ticklish on my thighs, I made an effort to hold it in.

"You lap's nice and hard."

"Do you like your pillows tough?"

"I suppose I prefer them to be on the tougher side, yes. What about you, Aurelius, do you like them soft or hard?"

"I'm somewhere in the middle, not too soft or too hard, leaning more to the softer side."

"I see. And how did you like my lap?"

"Huh? That's a rather strange question."

"I suppose, but won't you answer it for me, it'd like to know."

"What kind of weirdo wants to know how their lap feels to someone else?"

"Did you just call me a weirdo?"

The princess pinched the side of my thigh, it did little damage.

"Well, for your reference, I found it to be rather comfortable. The size and the bounce were just right."

"Hmph, glad to know you enjoyed them."

"What's this? You're not actually mad at such a little thing, are you?"

"Sure I'm mad, is a princess not allowed to be angry at a little thing?"

"I think it's hardly appropriate and not very wise."

"Yes, Aurelius, it is very foolish to lose to one's temper over a little thing, and it's especially inappropriate for a ruler of a kingdom to do so. However, you said it earlier, that I should take it easier on myself. So at least for now, while we're on a break, won't you let me be spoiled?"

What's this? The princess seems to be in a mischievous mood all of a sudden. Was it something I said?

"What's this all of a sudden? I don't think I've seen you act like this before?"

"Oh how should I put it? It feels like a heavy weight had been lifted off me. All of a sudden, it feels like things aren't so hopeless after all."

"Hey, let's not get ahead of ourselves, there's still a long way to go before this kingdom is saved."

"I know. But still, let me have this moment, especially since I'm sure that there's plenty of hardships ahead, let me pretend, at least for these few moments, that everything is going to be alright."

"If you say so. Now just relax and rest, princess."

Gently, I caress her hair as she quickly fell asleep. She must have been tired, apparently much more than I am. I am suspecting that when Merida asked the princess to take me out for a breather, she was actually using me as a bait to make the princess herself rest. What a devious tactician you are Merida, as expected of my trainer. I look forward to learning from thee in the future.

***

As the sun was setting and it came time to return, the princess had to be woken up and helped onto the carriage, where she continued to sleep. And once she returned to the palace, she quickly took a bath, skipped dinner altogether and went straight to bed. Clearly, she was very tired and hasn't had a proper rest for a long time now. But now it looks like she can properly sleep tonight.

"You've lifted a great burden from her today, Aurelius."

"I didn't do all that much. All I said is that I want to fight for this world."

"Those words are comfort enough for the princess. She has been feeling very guilty for your involvement with this world, and very much worried that you may abandon us at a moment's notice."

"Well that's fine and all, but her troubles aren't exactly ending anytime soon."

"And I'll be there by her side when they come, as will you, won't you, Champion?"

"I intent to, yes."

"Both the princess and I, we'll be counting on you. Which is why I'll be working you extra hard starting tomorrow."

"Laying on the pressure already, are you?"

I shrugged and resigned myself to my fate. If I am to survive the coming battles, much less save this world, I'm going to have to become much tougher. At the very least, I can't be a weakness for the others during battles.

With such a thought in mind, I took a bath and went to bed, preparing myself for the new day.

***

End of Chapter 16