The Sun Prince - Re:Zero OC

Two months have passed since the subjugation of the White Whale, and a month since the celebration of it, and in that time… well, not too much had changed.

The initial reforms and construction projects we wanted to start using Priscilla's newfound influence had already been put in place, and with her shining example of governance that had improved the territory's quality of life, as well as the legends about our exploits against the White Whale, the people's love for their Sun Princess had risen to even greater heights.

And as for right now… well, I had just finished drafting a contract for a new residential district, an expansion to the town that would be quickly filled by the new immigrants from the neighbouring villages, and even some people from other domains, with many rural families sending their children that didn't inherit their land to start a new family in the town that served as the capital of the Barielle barony.

Although… even though I called this place a town, it was more apt to call it a small city at this point, although we would need to go through the official channels to be named as one.

But that should come naturally as more moved in, which would only increase from now on thanks to our policies that promoted urbanization.

Honestly… with my memories from earth, once I began to understand more of this world, I was extremely surprised at the amount of rural villages that dotted the nation.

Ignoring the benefits of civil works that could only be expanded on with magic, there was also the threat of monsters that should have incentivized living in large cities.

After all, it was extremely dangerous to live in a town with only one or two good fighters, as the entire village was at risk of being destroyed by an unlucky rush of monsters, especially without the defences that only a city could afford.

And that wasn't even mentioning how useful it was for collecting taxes, how much easier it made it to manage people, how you could easily grow trade and education through centralized markets and institutes… urbanization had many benefits.

And speaking of trade, the promise of Anastasia's connections after I helped with the White Whale had finally been fulfilled, creating an influx to our economy as the Kararagi merchants had agreed to new shops and products.

The deals were all quite in our favour, to be honest, but if I had to guess, it was due to the merchants investing in Priscilla, for if she eventually gained the throne, she would show them favour for their initial support.

Of course, Priscilla didn't work like that, but I decided to not tell them about that little trait of hers in our negotiations.

Such was the art of the deal.

Aside from the development, there had also been an influx in marriage proposals for Priscilla after she was revealed as a candidate for the throne.

After all, even though they couldn't marry during the next two years due to the rules of the selection, there was nothing saying that they could not court her, or even become engaged while they waited to become official.

But instead of me unilaterally refusing those letters, it was now Priscilla who would burn them without even sparing them a glance.

To say I was happy at that… well, that might be an understatement.

And speaking of her… she had much more affectionate as of late.

"Pris…" I said, feeing the light tickle of her hair against my nose.

"Keep holding me, fool… and do not stop until I say so," she said, remaining in my grasp as we laid in bed together, her back pushing further into my chest as she snuggled tight.

To think that a midday nap could feel so wonderful…

But this was nothing special.

After all, we slept in the same bed every night, where I would hold her just like now until we both fell asleep in absolute tranquility.

Although… I do feel like we might have skipped a few steps, considering how we acted now even though we weren't engaged, not to mention how we still hadn't had sex, only having gone as far as kissing.

So I wonder… just what were we, at the moment?

"Haa… just what are you thinking about, Selian?" Priscilla said, turning around to look at my face.

Just how was she always able to read my mind…?

Ah, right, of course… it's because she was perfect.

"Nothing, really…" I said, watching as her expression morphed into a displeased frown. "I… I just wonder what we are… when I'm holding you like this…"

"Hmph. Idiotic as always. You should know exactly what we are. We have already promised as such, correct?" she said, her hand reaching to grasp mine as she raised it between us. "You are mine, just as I am yours. There is nothing more that needs to be added, no?"

"Right… you're exactly right, Pris," I said, shaking my head.

I had nothing to worry about.

We loved each other, and that was all that mattered… right?

"Hmm… ah, I see… are you perhaps wishing for something more?" she asked, a suggestive smile forming on her lips. "You are a man, after all…"

"N-No… well, sometimes, but I am more than fine with taking things slow," I said, lowering my head.

Having to see her breasts so clearly pressed against my chest certainly didn't help the arousal I was beginning to feel right now.

"Is that so? I wonder about that…" she said, her free hand raising to rest on the back of my head. "But you know, Selian… I am not completely uninterested in doing such things with you…"

…Oh.

Well… that was practically an invitation, right?

Then…

Gently pushing my face forward, my lips overlapped hers as we both closed our eyes, my mouth gently sucking on her lower lip as her hand gripped onto my hair.

Ah… this felt different from usual…

It was always exciting, passionate, and incredible when I kissed her, but this… this felt mind-blowing.

I wanted more.

And so, I went for more, gently coaxing her to open her mouth as my tongue gently slid inside, prodding at her own tongue as I felt the two soon intertwine.

We continued to make out, exchanging just as much love as we did saliva before we eventually separated, the two of us gasping for breaths as we stared into each other's eyes.

Just as enchanting as ever… and with those flushed cheeks and dazed expression…

Yeah, I don't think I would be able to hold back today.

I slowly reached out to caress her cheek, my fingers gently tracing along her neck as my thumb brushed along her lips before suddenly pushing forward, her mouth quickly opening at the gesture as she began to gently suck on it.

Wow… those sunken cheeks… that upwards glance… while I had been spellbound by her on more occasions than I could count, as had many others… I doubt that Priscilla had ever looked more seductive than she did right now.

I used my other hand to wrap around her waist, tracing down her back as I eventually found her bottom, my hand covering the captivating feature as I gently squeezed.

"Mmh~"

…And the action had apparently elicited a moan from my Priscilla.

Did she like it?

Then… maybe she would like this as well-

Knock! Knock!

"Priscilla-sama! Selian-sama! May I enter?" Schult's voice said, interrupting our affection.

Both Priscilla and I immediately paused, staring at each other once more, this time in surprise rather than arousal, before Priscilla eventually pouted with her cheeks still flushed.

'Sorry,' I mouthed, slowly taking back my hands. 'But I doubt he would come for nothing…'

'This isn't over,' she mouthed back, pulling me into another kiss before she sat up on the bed.

Raking her fingers through her dishevelled hair, and taking a short breath to compose herself, Priscilla then looked to the door as I also stood up.

Ah… my pants… well, I would have to deal with that later.

"You may, Schult," she said as the door opened to reveal the boy. "But just why did you disturb us?"

"A-Apologies, but we have a guest, indeed!" he said.

"Oho? And who is this guest?" Priscilla asked, raising an eyebrow.

So she seemed completely composed now… no, actually, I could see that her legs were unusually pressed together, so maybe that wasn't the case?

"I-It's one of the other candidates, Felt-sama, and her knight, the Sword Saint," he said, bowing his head. "They wish to speak with you as urgently as possible!"

So my beloved little sister finally decided to pay me a visit… although I was happy, I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed at the timing.

—

"Ah! Brother!" Felt exclaimed, running over to give me a hug, only to be stopped by Reinhard, who had reached out to grab her by the scarf.

I see he had finally learned how to deal with Felt properly.

"Felt-sama… while I admire your excitement in seeing family, this is a formal meeting first and foremost, so please do wait until later for such things," he said calmly. "And on that note, thank you for meeting us today, Priscilla-sama, Selian."

Bowing his head, Reinhard then turned to Crusch, who was standing at Priscilla's opposite side after being called back from organizing the town guards.

Unfortunately, with Ferris taking control of the newly improved hospital, he couldn't be here to greet these two as well.

"And you must be the new knight I have heard about… Crusch-dono, correct?" he said.

"Yes, but my name is of no importance," she said, shaking her head. "That aside, for what reason have you come to meet us today? And without a letter, no less? I understand that Felt-sama has a connection to Selian, but even still, this feels quite… abrupt."

"Yeah, don't worry, I'll explain," Felt said, brushing off Reinhard's hand before she looked to Priscilla and me. "But still… just what is with you two? It almost looks like-"

"Just get to the point, girl," Priscilla said, narrowing her eyes as she flared out her fan to cover her flushing cheeks.

Right… there was that which had just been interrupted…

Felt couldn't actually tell, right?

"Hm? Well… I guess you can keep your secrets," Felt said, shrugging her shoulders. "But as for what we came for, well, basically, we had some trouble around our territory with an underground crime group, and found that the top brass are hiding in the outskirts of your domain. So, ya know, we kinda need your help in dismantling them so we can take them out at their roots."

"I see…" Priscilla said, narrowing her eyes. "To have come to the lord of the domain before narrow-mindedly rushing forward without my permission… I commend you for taking the proper steps. It seems that you have at least a small hint of wit about you."

Indeed… something like that would be what worried me most about Felt, as heading into another noble's territory to fight without informing them, even with the best intentions, could easily be seen as an invasion.

"Yeah, yeah, you damn condescending bi… woman. This whole run around is so damn annoying," Felt complained, stomping her feet in frustration. "Once I become Queen, I'm definitely getting rid of this shit!"

"Hmph. What a nuisance. Selian, I will have you go in my place, so please escort them until they finish their business," Priscilla said, narrowing her eyes at Felt. "I quite dislike having rats in my backyard, after all. Especially without a guard."

Ah… so she wanted to give me time to spend with Felt… my lady really was the best.

"Are you sure you'll be alright without me?" I asked.

Her fan instantly lashed out to smack my cheek, but not hard enough to leave a mark.

"How idiotic. I can handle myself just fine without you," she said, looking away. "But… do return to me at once… the Duchess and the maids are not nearly as skilled at doing my hair… not to mention the comfort of you being at my side in bed…"

"Wha-!?" Felt exclaimed.

Priscilla… did you really have to say that with them there?

But still…

"I understand," I said, kneeling down as I took her hand in mine. "Then, I will return as soon as possible, my lady."

And planting a soft kiss on her knuckles, I then stood up, sending her one last smile before making my way down to Reinhard and Felt.

"Well, if it is an underground criminal organization, then we should strike as soon as possible before word of your arrival causes them to flee. Do you have some supplies for me, or should I gather my own?" I asked.

"W-We brought extra supplies, so there is no need to worry… and yes, we can leave at once," Reinhard said, bowing his head to Priscilla once more. "Then, I shall prepare the carriage. Thank you for your assistance, Priscilla-sama."

"Hmph. Just make it quick, Sword Saint," she replied.

And with that, we headed outside, with my dragging the stunned Felt along with me, before we eventually reached the carriage, the three of us settling in as the coachman with greyish hair with pink ends set forward.

"W-What… oh… we're here now," Felt said, having finally come back to reality.

"Yes, we are… and just how far away will this group be, Reinhard?" I asked the red-haired young man.

"Hmm… it would normally take a few days, but we should reach there by sundown," he replied.

…What did that mean?

"Wait! Hold on a moment! There's something more important here!" Felt said, looking over to me with wide eyes. "Brother… you and her… you've gone that far!? Will I be an aunt soon!?"

I nearly choked at the implications.

"W-What? No… no, we haven't done anything like that yet," I said, shaking my head.

Although… if we hadn't been interrupted…

"'Yet', huh?" Felt said with a raised eyebrow.

Umm… I really didn't want to have these conversations with my little sister of all people…

Luckily, Reinhard was here to save me.

"Moving on from… those topics, I do have to apologize for not seeing you sooner," he said, nodding my way. "I have heard the tale of how you landed the killing blow on the White Whale… for that, I have to thank you, as both a knight of the kingdom, and as me personally."

Ah… right.

The previous Sword Saint that had been killed by the White Whale, Theresia van Astrea… was Reinhard's grandmother.

"Of course… and… she has been avenged. Both Wilhelm-dono and I made sure of that," I said, nodding to him.

He smiled back, though… it didn't feel as happy as I would have thought.

"I see… but it was me that killed her, not the White Whale… so it is difficult to call it true revenge," he said, looking downward.

Huh?

What the hell did that mean?

"Tsk. Spouting that idiotic shit again… didn't I order you to quit with that?" Felt said, crossing her legs as she frowned at Reinhard.

"Ah… apologies, my lady… I had forgotten," he replied.

"Then don't do it again," she said firmly.

And with that, a gentle silence settled on the carriage as we continued down the road, swiftly and smoothly.

Actually… a little too swiftly and smoothly.

"Uh… how are we going so fast?" I asked, looking out the window to check that I wasn't hallucinating things.

Nope, we were definitely going fast, and dirt roads weren't meant to feel so gentle, especially at this speed.

"Ah, that would be due to my Divine Protection of Travelling," Reinhard responded with a smile. "It allows any transportation that I am using to operate much more effectively."

"The Divine Protection of Travelling… wasn't your Divine Protection the one of the Divine Protection of the Sword Saint?" I asked, confused.

"Ah, well… I do have that, but it isn't the only one in my repertoire," he said, scratching his head. "There is the Divine Protection of Anti-Magic, the Divine Protection of Wind Absorption, the Divine Protection of Arrow Evasion… amongst many others."

"I… see…" I said, my eyes wide in surprise. "That's… quite a lot."

"Hah. That's an understatement. If you want to try to understand that guy, just don't. Be like me and just not worry about it," Felt said, shaking her head as she moved closer to me. "That aside, how about you tell me some stories! You said we could talk after we met, but we never could, and now we finally have the time!"

"Ah… right. Well, there's quite a lot I can choose from, though some are quite boring," I said.

"Heh. You fought the Great Rabbit and the White Whale, so I doubt that," she said, leaning her head to rest on my shoulder. "Just say 'em, okay?"

"Yes… understood, Felt-sama," I replied with a smirk.

In response, she struck out her elbow, but my hand was able to catch the blow in time.

Honestly… this truly reminded me of the times before the royal selection, where she was always the curious little kid, wanting all the tales I could possibly tell her at bedtime…

But if she wanted some stories, then I would try my best to provide her of them.

And so, I did. Recounting a few of the more exciting moments of my journey through the nation, rambling on until, eventually, Felt found herself falling asleep.

"She must have been quite tired…" I mumbled, gently lowering her head to rest on my lap as she then curled up beside me.

"Well… Felt-sama was quite excited to come here and see you. So much so that we ended up riding through the night at her order, so I am not surprised," Reinhard said with a smile.

This girl… well, that sounded just like her.

But… now that we were alone…

"Reinhard… I have been told that my Divine Protection is similar to the Divine Protection of the Sword Saint… do you think you could give me some advice, such as how you use it?" I asked.

"Your 'Divine Protection'…? Ah, sure… as for how the Divine Protection of the Sword Saint works, it is difficult to explain. It allows me to reach the pinnacle of swordsmanship, and grants me the ability to see the trajectories of incoming attacks, with the spirit of the Sword God showing me how to optimally deal with such attacks."

"Really? So it focuses on sword skills… but that doesn't sound like mine at all," I said, eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

Didn't Beatrice, that Great Spirit, say it was similar to the Divine Protection of the Sword God?

Was she mistaken?

"Oh… so you mean the mana control part… well, I can't comment on it too much, as it is something more instinctual, but in short, it allows me to pull mana towards me and take control of it," he said, tilting his head in thought. "If I were to put it into words… the feeling would best be described as 'becoming one with the world', if that makes sense."

"I… see… thank you," I replied, leaning back into the seat.

Feeling like one with the world… it was quite cryptic, but I got the essence of it.

It was similar to how I felt when I struck the White Whale.

But to do it consistently… I wonder if I can do that as well.

I hope that I can see an example to build on in the upcoming fight.

—

I watched on with an expressionless stare as the dust settled on the destroyed building, it's foundation having been cut in half with one slash as the numerous thugs and bandits laid dead, their bodies spread across the ground.

And the cause of all this destruction was, of course, Reinhard.

It only took a few minutes after we arrived when the bandits refused to submit, drew their swords, and then… that was it.

He dealt with them so easily, that it was finished before a fight could even really start.

I didn't have to do anything, and more than that, I didn't even get to see his skills.

"I… can't help but feel like I was a bit useless here," I replied.

"Nonsense. This was our mess to dealt with, and we needed you here to serve as the barony's witness," Reinhard replied.

"Well… I guess that is true, but-"

My words cut off as I felt… something.

A presence… a subtle sensation of discomfort.

There. Close to the destroyed building, but moving away.

Was there someone trying to escape?

But I had no clue as to where, and I wouldn't have time to prepare my teleportation.

Wait… this was a chance, right?

What Reinhard said… becoming one with the world…

'Becoming one' is akin to 'connecting', right? 

And that very word was the foundation of my understanding of Yang magic.

Connecting with the world… feeling the mana…

Time resumed from it's seemingly paused state as I instinctually felt where the presence was, and then… I appeared in front of that place.

I didn't release any mana in preparation… no, I simply used the ambient mana in the world to connect to this place.

I then thrust my spear outward, feeling it sink into something as a figure soon appeared out of nothingness, his neck run through by my spear tip as he crumpled to the ground, dead.

But damn… my gate… that took more out of me than normal.

So… did activating my Divine Protection use my mana? And at a higher rate than normal?

Perhaps… but I was able to actively use it under a controlled circumstance.

Even if this didn't really change much from my usual combat style, this opened up some new possibilities… I definitely had to train with this.

"That was impressive," Reinhard said, walking over to me as he looked down at the corpse with a grimace. "To think they would have someone capable of such an invisibility spell… I suppose this is how they have evaded the knights thus far."

"Yeah… I guess so," I said, flicking the blood off of my spear.

"Indeed… but you did well in sensing him. Perhaps we should spar sometime," he said with a smile.

"Yes… perhaps the next time we meet," I said, giving him a smile in return. "Although, it would be best that we return to the town for now, if that is alright."

"Huh!? What's the rush!? Tired of me already?" Felt said, walking over with a frown that quickly transformed into a teasing smirk. "Or… maybe you're just missing being in a certain someone's bed~"

This little shit… but she wasn't wrong.

"Yes… that is part of it, I admit…" I said, shaking my head. "But I'm more worried about her killing someone in anger if they upset her."

The two paused, their faces going slack as Felt tilted her head.

"Umm… you… you're kidding, right?" she said.

I simply looked away.

While I could trust Crusch, Priscilla was quite quick to anger, and when she didn't have me at her side to soothe her during and afterwards… well, I wasn't sure just how she would curb her frustration.

"…Oh," the two said in sync.

Yes… 'Oh'.