Chapter 35: Maiden! You! Crave Power?

Klath and Princess Komor drove all the way to the manor gate. Along the road, we’d chatted about all sorts of ways to win girls over. I suddenly felt like we’d met too late in life—I nearly suggested swearing a blood oath as sworn brothers. Then it hit me: wait, we’re already fellow disciples! And Komor, though she’s into girls, is still a girl herself!

I led Komor into the courtyard and bumped right into little Bobo, who was having a blast racing around. It’d been a while since I’d seen her, and this tiny driver had already mastered new drifting tricks. The young ones really are impressive!

“Big brother, you’re back~” Bobo pulled off a perfect bird’s-nest drift and stopped smoothly before me. She’d gotten so skilled—but what about that “accident” two days ago when you crashed into my little five-door car?

“Yeah, I’m back. Bobo, meet Sister Komor. She’ll be staying with us for a while.”

Bobo tilted her head, sizing up Komor Alargon. Her eyes darted, then her lips puckered. “Hi, Sister Komor~ Daddy…”

I clamped a hand over Bobo’s mouth lightning-fast. Hah! Trying the same trick twice on me? I dreamed of becoming a Saint Seiya warrior as a kid. Did you think I’d fall for the “is she my new mommy” trap again?

“A mermaid?” Komor, clearly well-traveled, frowned. “What’s a mermaid doing here?”

“Big brother, this sister’s so rude! Bobo greeted her, and she ignored Bobo.” Bobo’s mood plummeted. Was it because she’d failed to trick me? Should I apologize?

“Sorry, Bobo. My bad just now. My name’s Komor—Komor Alargon. I’m really happy to meet cute little Bobo.”

“Mmm~ Bobo’s full name is Polire Skodami Alkhams Poseidon. Bobo’s happy to meet you too.”

I heard Komor suck in a sharp breath. Mission accomplished. I turned and handed Bobo a bag of snowball dumplings—specially stuffed ones I’d asked the convenience store owner to make. “Here, I brought your favorite snack from when I was little. I’ve got important stuff to handle now. Go play!”

“Wow! Big brother’s the best! Bobo loves you most!” Bobo hugged the snacks tight, hopped onto her Deep Blue Heart, and wobbled off.

“She—she’s!?”

“Yep, exactly who you think.”

“How is she here?”

“Heh, secret.”

I didn’t explain further and strode toward the courtyard. Komor wasn’t letting go. “Fine, I know who she is. I won’t ask why she’s here. But what’s that floating water-element thing under her?”

“Oh, just a little gadget I whipped up. Lets Bobo move freely without legs. Saves tons of babysitting time. Handy and humane, right?”

“Are you joking? Do you realize how vital this is to the Seafolk? How devastating it could be to human civilization? It might shatter the fragile balance between humans and Seafolk—and spark a racial war!”

“Are *you* joking? Think I don’t know that?” I grinned at the princess. “You’ve got quite the big-picture view, Your Highness. Doesn’t match your infamous ‘Second’ Princess rep at all~”

“I… hehe, Senior Brother’s teasing. I’ve got no big-picture view—just silly thoughts! Don’t make fun of me… I’ll blush.”

“Is that so?” I didn’t argue, leading her deeper inside. We “just happened” to bump into Cindira practicing battle techniques in the yard.

“Cindira! Come meet a new friend!” I called out.

“Ah! Klath, you’re back. Is this Princess Komor?”

“What battle technique was that just now?!”

“Ah… sorry, Your Highness. It’s my family’s secret art. I can’t share.”

“May I ask your full name, Miss?” Komor’s expression turned serious.

“Hehe, Cindira Purple Judas Amodeir, at your service.” Cindira bowed.

“Oh! The radiant Purple Judas… Komor Alargon apologizes for her rudeness earlier.” Komor bowed back. “Your bravery defending the poor is admirable. But I heard you destroyed your Battle Aura Vortex for innocent civilians. Just now, though…”

“Oh, that’s all thanks to my Klath~ He gave me everything back. I’m all his now~” Cindira wrapped her arms around my right arm. Stick to the script, sis?!

“Ahem, let me translate.” I yanked my arm free from her ample chest, facing Komor’s suspicious glare. “I healed her Battle Aura Vortex and restored her body. She swore loyalty to me—but I didn’t accept.”

“Cindira, I’ll take the princess to see the Old Mage. Finish training, then go shower. Dinner soon.”

“Will you peek?”

“Nope!”

“Sigh…”

“Sighing won’t work!” Cindira’s been acting weird lately.

“Aren’t we going?” Komor sounded disappointed too.

“…” Forgot this troublemaker was here. And since when did “I” become “we,” Your Highness? You’re getting cozy fast.

I sped up toward the magic lab, ignoring these headache-inducing girls. Komor grabbed my shoulder, eyes locked on mine.

“How did you do it?”

“With your IQ, it’d be hard to explain.” I dodged.

“Was it luck or skill?”

“Not bad for the ‘Second’ Princess~ You hit the nail on the head. It started as luck—but with relentless effort, it’s skill now.”

“Why tell me this? Spreading it could bring endless trouble—or get you killed! What’s your goal?”

“Who knows? To the ‘Second’ Princess who chose to give up but can’t let go…”

“…”

At the lab door, I kicked it open. “Master! I brought your precious apprentice!”

“Brat! Use your hands to open doors, feet to walk! No manners?!” The Old Mage lounged in the massage chair I’d gifted him.

“…Master, you were lying here when I left three prayer-hours ago. Still at it? Keep up appearances—your disciple’s here!”

“Ah? Komor, you made it? Rough trip.”

“Yes, Teacher! I brought rare magic texts and materials from the Imperial Capital. They’ll arrive with my luggage soon.” Komor seemed tense.

“Eh, whatever~ You’ve traveled all day. Rest up. Klath, show her to her room. Call me for dinner.” The Old Mage sank deeper into the chair, waving lazily.

“Sigh… a legendary mage, ruined…” I shook my head, pulling Komor away as she stared at the lab’s left-side cabinet.

“Those… those things you made?”

“What things?”

“The stuff in the cabinet!”

“Oh, just trinkets.”

“Trinkets?! Are you kidding? If those Rune Engraving Tools work half as their labels claim, they could reshape nations—or the world! If the Holy City Inquisition or Dark Brotherhood finds out, they’ll send every fighter to erase you!”

“Hmph! I never joke! They’re trinkets—to me, at least. Stop acting wise after ten years as a goofball.”

“What do you mean?!”

“Hehe, maiden! You! Crave power? I can give you power—unmatched power, world-shattering power… revenge power!”

Komor froze, torn. For ten years, she’d been crushed by her elder brother, forced to play the unreasonable “Second” Princess. Every day, she watched the man who killed her beloved senior sister—powerless. She’d almost convinced herself to let go… but now, a chance to fight back? Anyone would spiral.

“No need to answer now. I’ve got time—but yours is running out.” I softened, seeing her near breaking point. “I won’t push you. But I can’t wait forever.”

“…I’ll think it over…” she choked out.

“Princess! You’re finally here!” Monaluna burst from the villa door, spotting us. She sprinted over, hugged Komor tight, and nuzzled her face. I blinked—wait, which one’s the girl-crazy one again?

“Nana, I missed you too~” Komor wriggled free, swinging Nana’s hands.

“You two get along so well!” I sighed.

“Ha! Klath, found you! Where’s my handkerchief? You promised to wash it yesterday—why’s it gone?”

“That…” I glanced at Komor. Her face stiffened, sweat beading on her forehead. Pathetic.

“Give it back! It’s my favorite.”

“Speaking of handkerchiefs—I passed a clothing store today. Saw a hairband that perfectly matches your hair color. Bought it for you.” I pulled out a neatly wrapped box.

“I’m talking about my handkerchief! Wow, it’s gorgeous!” Nana instantly forgot the handkerchief, dazzled by the gift.

“Komor, help Nana put it on?”

“Ah? Oh, right!”

“Thanks, Princess! Klath! Do I look good?”

“Of course. Why ask a question with only one answer?”

“Hmph! Smooth talker.”

“Nana, I gave you a gift. Shouldn’t you return one?”

“Ah! I didn’t prepare anything…”

“I really liked that handkerchief.” I grinned at her.

“Mmm… fine, it’s yours. Keep it safe! Princess, let’s go inside~”

“Okay, Nana. Go ahead. I need to talk to Klath.” Komor’s face darkened.

“Alright! Hurry up!” Nana skipped inside, beaming.

Komor stared at me intently, then bowed deeply. “Please… grant me power.”

“Huh? You decided fast. Alright! With my *Rune Engraving Programming Studies*, I’ll help you crush every enemy!”

“Uh… not that kind of power…” Komor flushed.

“Huh? Then what?”

“Your… ‘girl-winning skills’!”

“I fell for your nonsense…”