Natalie needed time to figure who that name referred to.

—Faelis de Kratos.

She was Geraldo’s little sister and the princess of Kratos. Rumors said that she was as beautiful as an angel, and that she looked up to her brother.

“I see. What a precious little sister.”

“Indeed. She’s my kingdom—no, my treasure.”

Despite his quiet tone, the words were spoken with deep emotion. Perhaps, even deeper than when he spoke of his own fiancée. Immediately, something inside Natalie warned her—

—I have to tread carefully.

Geraldo, who had lowered his gaze while crossing his arms, muttered.

“…As I thought, I have no intention of getting engaged with you.”

“Eh?”

As she spoke, Geraldo stood up and turned on his heels.

“It’s about time for us to be picked up. I’ll take a look around.”

“W, wait, why so sudden?”

“None of your business.”

“O-our engagement, that’s not something for you to decide!”

Geraldo, who tried to cross in front of Natalie, halted.

“I’ll ensure your honor is maintained.”

“T, that’s not what I’m talking about…!”

Towards Geraldo, who refused to turn around, she felt strangely frustrated.

For whose sake is it…?

“Rest assured, you’ll be safely returned to the Rave Empire.”

“That’s not the case! You can’t decide it by yourself!?”

“But I can, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

 Cold and firm, Geraldo took a step towards the stairs.

Natalie tried to reach for his back.

What can I say?

Even if a little, I want to be of use to him. After all, helped me. Yes, that’s probably why.

Therefore, was there anything she could say?

Suddenly, she felt a shiver run down her spine. Instinctively, she pushed Geraldo off the stairs.

“Wha—!?”

On Geraldo’s black eyes, which were wide open, light was reflected.

The roof of the eastern styled house was destroyed by innumerable arrows of light falling from the sky.

The magical arrows pierced through the stone ceiling and the broken pillars, creating explosions. Along with that, screams erupted from here and there.

The enemy in hiding!?

Or, was it the allies who came to pick them up?

Either way, pushing him away was a good idea. As they rolled down the stairs, Geraldo held Natalie and acted as a cushion. Their fall came to a halt on the cobblestone path. As Natalie tried to get up, Geraldo held her head down and shouted.

“Lie down!”

“But you’re injured…!”

A red stain was spreading across Geraldo’s shoulder. However, Geraldo didn’t seem to care. Instead, he went to scan their surroundings.

“It’s just a scratch, more importantly—”

“—You saw it coming? Color me surprised.”

A voice could be heard from the direction of the lake. In surprise, Geraldo loosened his grip. There was no sign of a continued attack, anymore. Natalie raised her head and was shocked.

All of the destroyed walls, including the cobblestone road, had been wiped out. Corpses were strewn around. As they were charred, she didn’t know if they were of their allies or enemy. Upon witnessing that scene, Geraldo clicked his tongue.

“I see. Is it because you’re a descendant of the Dragon God? I should praise you, then.”

A cheerful voice, which was out of place, could be heard from above. Natalie took a breath, before following Geraldo’s line of sight.

Despite not riding a dragon, a man was floating above the lake.

The same man had shot those arrows. Somehow, the aura he exuded convinced her of that. It was something that even Natalie, who didn’t possess magical power, could feel—

—it was as if she was seeing her half-brother, the Dragon Emperor.

While looking straight at the man, Geraldo stood up.

“Why are you here?”

“You don’t have to be so cold? I even came all the way here because I was worried about you.”

The man who landed on the eastern styled house, which no longer had a roof, lifted his head.

His blond hair shone under the sunlight. His eyes were black. Natalie snuck a glance at Geraldo who was beside her.

They had matching eye colors.

“Why are you here—!?”

“I thought that rather than letting them kidnap her, I’d just kidnap her myself.”

“Don’t be ridiculous!”

“I see that you still can’t take a joke, my adorable son.”

The raw emotion in Geraldo’s eyes—it was hatred. Upon seeing that, the eyes of his father tingled with pleasure.

“In the first place, you shouldn’t have gotten engaged without your father’s knowledge? Well, you’re 15-years-old, so it’s understandable. Perhaps, you were embarrassed. Still, you’ve made your father sad. No way, did you also keep this a secret from Faelis?”

“Don’t you dare speak her name!”

Geraldo dropped onto a knee. Startled, Natalie approached him.

“W, what’s wrong?”

“Is this what they’d refer to as a rebellious phase? Raising a boy is difficult.”

Apparently, it was the man’s doing. As he descended from the top of the stairs, the man stared at Natalie.

“Hello, princess from the land of the Dragon God, welcome to my country.”

—Rufus de Kratos. Geraldo’s father, Kratos’ present king.

“…Run away.”

While kneeling, Geraldo spoke to her in a low growl. He was sweating profusely. He seemed unable to move. Perhaps, it was the work of magic.

However, Natalie couldn’t move. By merely being pointed at by Rufus’ long index finger, she was already trembling. Thus, she could only stare at him.

“Don’t be afraid. I just want to talk to you, daughter of the Dragon God.”

‘Daughter of the Dragon God.’

That’s right. I’m a descendant of the Dragon God. I’m a princess of the Rave Empire.

With determination, she stood up. Then, she proceeded to gracefully bow to him. She gave one so beautiful, no one else could hold a candle to it.

“I’m honored to meet you, Your Majesty the King. My name is Natalie Theos Rave.”

“How wonderful. Previously, you managed to sense my magical power, didn’t you? You seem quite promising.”

Rufus stopped at the bottom of the stairs and let out a low laugh.

“Perhaps, you might end up referring to me as ‘father-in-law’? Therefore, would you like to visit my palace?”

His ‘palace.’ Undoubtedly, it was the Southern King’s back palace. Rumors said that upon entering said place, no one was able to leave. As if making fun of her, Rufus tilted his head.

 “Are you afraid, perhaps? Is the sister of the Dragon Emperor afraid of the Goddess’ husband?”

“I accept your invitation.”

“Princess Natalie—!”

Beside Geraldo who shouted, Natalie dignifiedly raised her head.

“Hence why, release Prince Geraldo. He seems to be suffering.”

She didn’t know what kind of expression Geraldo was making. However, Rufus laughed happily with his eyes wide open.

“My, won’t you look at this? Such a kind girl you are, to worry about my son.”

“…Princess!”

“You’ll ensure my safe return, won’t you?”

She didn’t know what was going to happen. She didn’t know what the man in front of her was going to do. She didn’t know whether or Geraldo and his allies were his match.

Still, Natalie took a step forward.

“Please guide me, Your Majesty the King of Kratos.”

“Welcome, Princess of the Rave Empire.”

The ground under her feet started to glow. Particles of light started to swarm around the tense Natalie. That was her first time witnessing it, a teleportation spell.

He is capable of such magic?

Then, when time was about to run out.

“…Natalie!”

Forgetting the honorifics, Geraldo shouted.

Somehow, it felt strange. Thus, Natalie laughed.

Before she could see his face, she had already disappeared.

---

***T/N: Na, Natalie, I’m telling you, don’t fall for this sonnuvabi–

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