Princess Guide

The carriage entered the Royal Capital in the afternoon.

Sunlight poured down from the sky, illuminating the stone walls of the ancient city and making the mottled marks exceptionally clear.

The streets were wider than when Higashino Makoto last visited, and the buildings were also neater than before.

"Mr. Higashino Makoto, you seem to be in a good mood."

"Yes, the Royal Capital has changed."

What has changed?

"It's cleaner, tidier, and there are more people than before, and you can see the expressions on people's faces. Before, they were numb and empty; now there's light."

Higashino Makoto's lips curled up slightly.

"Not bad, it seems Zanac did a good job."

The carriage stopped in front of the inn.

Higashino Makoto jumped off the carriage, his long, silvery-white hair swaying gently in the afternoon breeze.

Shinano followed behind him, wearing a simple black dress, her long silver hair tied in a low ponytail, and her purple eyes half-open and half-closed, with a dreamy look as if she had just woken up.

Rem stood at the back, her blue eyes looking around curiously.

"Mr. Higashino Makoto, where are we going now?"

"Go to the hotel first. Put down your luggage, then go see someone."

"Who?"

"The Re-Estize Kingdom's Renner, Renner Thiel Shardon, Lyle Vansef."

Rem frowned slightly.

"That princess who was called the 'Re-Estize Kingdom's treasure,' I remember you mentioned her, she was very intelligent?"

"Extremely intelligent. To ordinary people, they're like monsters."

Higashino Makoto's tone was flat.

"So intelligent it's frightening."

"Sigh, but Rem still thinks you're better, Higashino- sama!"

Higashino Makoto chuckled and patted Rem's short blue hair.

I know my own limitations; I'm definitely outmatched in terms of Wisdom.

"Ha, if it's a contest of strength..."

He turned and walked towards the hotel.

Rem watched his retreating figure, a complex light flickering in her blue eyes.

Shinano walked up to her.

"Miss Rem, are you worried?"

"A little."

"Don't worry, the adults can handle it."

Rem looked up at those purple, half-open eyes.

Aren't you worried?

"Don't worry, because the adult is stronger than anyone imagines. And—"

She paused.

"That princess, I've heard Kurumi mention her. She's not an enemy, she's just too lonely."

Rem stared at her for a long time.

"... Rem believes in you."

The two followed.

The hotel wasn't big, but it was very clean.

Higashino Makoto booked a room, and Shinano and Rem stayed in the next room.

After putting down his luggage, he stood by the window, gazing at the palace tower in the distance.

"Shinano, you should rest for a bit. You look like you're about to fall asleep. Rem, you stay here too."

"Sir, what about you?"

"I'm going to see the Renner."

A slight smile played at the corners of his lips.

"Kurumi said she had arranged a tour guide for me, but I never expected it to be her."

Shinano looked at him, a hint of confusion flashing in her purple eyes, but she nodded.

"Yes, sir."

She turned around and walked out of the room. Her footsteps faded into the distance.

Rem stood still, her blue eyes fixed on him.

"Higashino."

"Are you sure you don't need Rem to come along?"

"No need, I'll be back soon."

He turned around and walked towards the door.

"Wait for me here. Don't wander off."

"Yes."

Higashino Makoto left the hotel and walked into the streets of the Royal Capital.

He walked through several streets and entered a quiet alley.

Deep in the alley, a wooden door was ajar.

He pushed open the door.

Inside the gate was a small courtyard.

A cherry blossom tree stands in the center of the courtyard. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and the petals fall in the wind like pink snowflakes.

A figure stood under the cherry blossom tree.

Her long, golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, shimmering softly in the sunlight.

Her blue eyes were clear and bright, and a faint smile played on her lips. She wore a simple white dress that reached her ankles, with a silver ribbon tied around her waist.

Renner Thiel Shardon Lyle Vansef.

The Renner.

"Mr. Higashino Makoto."

"Have you been waiting long?"

"Soon."

Kurumi told you I was coming?

"This is only part of it. Don't let my appearance fool you, I know everything about the Re-Estize Kingdom."

Higashino Makoto looked at her.

Did you come alone?

"Yes. My brother is very busy with state affairs, so I've come to accompany him as his guide."

"Tour guide? You?"

A princess who spends a long time in the palace?

Higashino Makoto wanted to refute her.

Considering her talent and her involvement in the Re-Estize Kingdom's transformation during this period, with her Wisdom, she probably already has a clear understanding of everything in the Re-Estize Kingdom.

Am I not good enough?

Higashino Makoto did not answer immediately.

He looked into those blue eyes. In those eyes, there was expectation, nervousness, and an indescribable feeling, like a drowning person finally seeing the light of the shore.

"Okay, let's go."

Renner's lips curled up slightly.

"Good."

She walked to his side and walked out of the courtyard with him.

"Mr. Higashino, do you know how long I've been waiting for you?"

"Wait for me?"

Yes, I'll be waiting for you.

"Why?"

Renner remained silent for a moment.

"Because I want to see you, I want to see the person that Kurumi is willing to follow."

Higashino Makoto glanced at her.

What did she tell you?

"In the Imperial Capital, I had the honor of exchanging a few words with her. About you, about the Black Cross, about this world."

She paused.

"And about myself."

"You yourself?"

"Hmm. Miss Kurumi noticed my unusual behavior immediately, she sensed my loneliness..."

Her voice was soft, and her eyes sparkled.

She said, "I don't need to feel alone. Novas Etier has many people who possess Wisdom no less than mine. I have kindred spirits!"

Higashino Makoto remained silent.

The two walked in silence for a while.

"Higashino, do you know why I've come to see you?"

"Aren't you a tour guide?"

Renner chuckled softly.

That's an excuse.

She stopped, turned around, and looked directly at him with her blue eyes.

"I came to see you because I want to join the Black Cross."

Higashino Makoto looked at her, waiting for her to continue.