The Sun Prince - Re:Zero OC

Finally… I was back home.

Well, not really, since we were still at the capital manor rather than the Barielle estate, but at least everything with Felt was solved… even if it wasn't the outcome I had originally planned.

But… home, huh?

I guess I considered the Barielle Barony as my home now. Or, more specifically… I considered her as my home.

And currently… my home was quite frustrated, at least if those words from before were any indication.

Casting my gaze over to Priscilla, who had been tapping her fingers against the wooden table with a frown since our return, she lifted her head so that our eyes met.

"What is it, fool?" she asked sharply.

"Nothing, Priscilla," I said, shaking my head. "I was just thinking about… well, everything… as well as the talk you wanted to have with me…"

I was really quite worried about that, since she had remained silent during our whole walk back after saying it, leaving me nervous as to what she wanted to say.

"Hmm… yes, there was that, wasn't there…" she said, her eyes narrowing at me. "That was your sister, correct? The slum rat that dared to speak up to a higher being such as I."

"Uhh… yes, she was," I said.

Though I would prefer that you forget that second part, my princess.

"Hmph. Truly, your arrogance matches each other perfectly… unlike your hair colour," she added, pointing to my head with her fan. "So? Will you explain further?"

Right… I had expected something like this.

Breathing out a sigh, I released the illusion magic I had cast on my hair, revealing the natural golden blonde colour, a striking difference to the dark blue I had used before.

It was something I had eventually learned to do after learning how to cast permanent illusion magic, although if anyone was to try messing with my hair too much, it would soon fail, and I could only do it with something that was constant in distance from me, which meant I couldn't make my spear always invisible… unfortunately.

Anyway, it was a useful magic so that I didn't have to constantly reapply the blue dye as I had done in the slums, and it also made it so that nothing would happen if I happened to get my hair wet.

"Hah. Such a farce… and how long have you kept that up?" she asked, reaching her hand out to touch my hair.

"Since I was a young child… when I ran away from home," I said, lowering my head as she continued to pet me.

This… was quite the novel feeling.

And slightly embarrassing, too.

"Hoh? Interesting… sit, Selian. Recall the tale of your past to me in detail. It will serve as good entertainment to get those two scoundrels out of my head," she said, moving her hand from my head to rest on her lap once again.

Scoundrels?

Did she mean Emilia and Subaru?

She did seem pretty upset at them for some reason…

Taking a seat opposite her, just as she told me to, I pondered over how to explain everything.

Well… she had given me her past, right?

And it wasn't like I couldn't trust her…

"My name is now Selian… but it was originally Altair," I said, squeezing my hand into a fist. "Altair Lugunica… the fifth prince of the Kingdom of Lugunica."

Priscilla raised an eyebrow in slight surprise, but from the knowing smile that spread across her face, it was almost as if she had expected something like this.

What an amazing woman…

"Although, I see that isn't a complete surprise for you…" I said with a sigh.

"I expected something to this level. After all, someone fit for my side wouldn't have an ordinary birth," she said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "That said… is your sister a former princess? I do recall something about a lost prince in the past, but not a princess."

"Ah… she was the king, my father's, niece… making her my cousin by blood. So while she was a princess, she wasn't really in line for the throne," I explained. "Aurelia Lugunica was her name."

"I see… and? Does she know? It did not look like it from mine eyes," Priscilla said.

"No… although she might learn if Reinhard explains things to her," I said as I soon wore a frown. "She was only a year old when I took her from the palace and escaped into the slums, so she doesn't remember anything about that life… at least, I don't think she does."

Priscilla raised an eyebrow.

"When you took her?" she questioned.

"Yeah…"

I then proceeded to explain how I was the former keeper of the Dragon Stone, how it had given me those specific instructions, and then the subsequent escape plan I performed to fulfill said instructions.

With each passing memory streaming from my lips, I watched as Priscilla's face brightened up more and more in amusement, with her lips spreading into a wide smile as I finished my tale.

"To think that the royal guards would let one of their royals get kidnapped, and by such a young child no less… how incredibly amusing," she said, chuckling into her fan. "Be proud, Selian. You have graced me with a wonderful story."

"You're welcome, Priscilla," I said, smiling as well.

It was… nice, to talk about my past like that.

Even if things were not the best, considering the state of the nation and my former family falling to illness…

"Indeed… and your perseverance as a mere child is worthy of praise, but…" she said, getting up from her seat and walking over to me.

Standing in front of me, she placed her fan under my chin, lifting my head upwards so that my gaze met hers, causing me to stiffen in place.

Uh… that look in her eyes was a bit scary… completely different from the amused look she wore before.

"Even if fate worked in your favour in this instance, never listen to that stone, or anything else for that matter, blindly ever again," she said, her authoritative tone leaving no room for refusal. "I enjoy your determination, and am amused at the path you have and will carve out on your own… but to follow the whims of something like that is incredibly boring."

She then lowered her fan as she released a sigh, before she looked down at me once again, a small smirk forming on her face.

"But, if you are ever lost as to what to do…" 

She then leaned down, gripping my collar and pulling me forward so that her lips were right next to my ears.

"Then in that case, simply listen to my divine self instead."

A shiver shot down my spine as I felt her breath against my neck.

My face… it felt damn hot.

"Y-Yes, Priscilla…" I eventually responded after finding my voice.

"Good," she said, letting me go as she walked back towards her bed. "Now, I do have another question. This one regarding your insolent behaviour."

Insolent behaviour?

I was still in a slight daze from her actions, but looking back on the day, I couldn't think of anything specific that she was referring to.

"Fool. I am talking about why you defended that half-devil," she said, sitting down on her bed.

Ah, that.

"Well… she seemed nice enough, and she is a royal candidate," I said, tilting my head in confusion. "Besides, why are you so angered at her? It's an unfortunate appearance, but Emilia-sama is definitely not the witch. I… didn't think you were one to discriminate based on looks."

Don't tell me… was she jealous?

That would be incredibly cute, but she had nothing to worry about.

After all, even if Emilia had a charming appearance, there was only one woman in my heart.

"Hmph. Your idiotic thoughts are showing on your idiotic face, fool," Priscilla said, frowning at me. "And it wasn't for her appearance that I found her unpleasant. Rather, it was the naive, idiotic look in her eyes, alongside the disgusting look in that boy's… like a dog clinging to its master, seeking for a single drop of affection."

Well… I guess Subaru was pretty devoted to Emilia, especially for someone who he hadn't even met properly yet.

But then again… I wasn't one to talk.

"You know… in that case, Subaru and I aren't so different," I said, growing a teasing smile. "After all, aren't I like a dog for you? And I quite enjoy your affectionate side."

Her lips twisted into a scowl, though her eyes showed a certain sparkle of amusement.

"Disgusting. Do not speak such words again, or I will absolutely cut you down," she spat as she turned her head away. "Now, come prepare me for bed as punishment."

"I don't think you know what a punishment is, Priscilla," I said warmly, moving to sit down next to her.

Taking her brush from the nightstand, I gently undid the pins holding her hair in a bun, letting her golden locks cascade over my hands and down her back.

Mmm… she smelled good…

Tracing my hand down to the ends, I then began methodically brushing her hair, just as I had for the past few months, removing what little knots there were as I moved from the tip of her hair to the base.

"So… your sister… she must be important to you, no? After all, you had quite the pleasant look on your face when you explained your past. Especially the parts that involved her," she said, breaking the comfortable silence that had set between us.

A pleasant look?

Well… I suppose I probably did, huh?

"Felt? Yeah… she is important to me," I answered. "It's a bit unfortunate that she's a candidate, or I would have brought her over to join us."

"Hmph. Not even asking me beforehand… how insolent," she huffed, yet still with no severity. "But in that case… why did you not go with her instead? As you said, she will be joining the royal selection as well, correct?"

As she finished her words, I watched as her head tilted down, her shoulders hunching inwards ever so slightly.

I wonder what kind of face she was making right now… was she worried, perhaps?

Well, she shouldn't be.

Hmm… now why did I?

Staying with Priscilla… it simply felt natural.

But I don't know if I was ready to explain that just yet, especially with the entirety of my feelings that would be laid bare.

It felt… a little too embarrassing.

"Why did I not go? Well… to put it simply, you're much hotter-"

My words were interrupted as I felt her elbow dig into my stomach, causing me to wince.

That was some power, my lady…

"Do not spout such idiotic things, fool," she said, her posture back to its usual elegant form.

"Got it, Priscilla…" I said. "But as for why… didn't I promise to stay by your side? I… intend to keep that promise. For as long as fate shall allow me to."

Priscilla hummed in response, signalling me to continue.

"I made sure to teach Felt everything she needed to carry on by herself, so I can trust that she will be fine, especially with the Sword Saint by her side," I said. "But you… you need me, and you're important to me as well."

Though the importance was a bit different from how I felt for Felt…

"…Are you saying that your sister, the slum rat that dared call my chest 'obnoxious', is more competent than I?" she asked with a hint of venom.

Please forget that insult from my idiotic sister of mine, Priscilla…

"No… not that. I just mean that you've been alone for too long," I said, continuing to brush her hair. "Felt already knows that she has me if she needs me, but I want you to know that too. I… I want to make you feel as loved as you really are… and know that I will always be on your side…"

I was met with silence after my declaration, though I did notice Priscilla's back tense at my words.

Eventually, she found it prudent to respond.

"You… you just said quite the dangerous word," she said.

Huh?

What did she-

Oh… 'love'… 

I did kind of let that slip out, didn't I?

"Well… I won't take it back," I said, placing down the hairbrush.

In response, Priscilla turned around and reached out her hand to grasp mine, our fingers intertwining in an instant, as I found myself frozen.

"You… quite honestly, sometimes, I find myself disliking having you by my side," she eventually said, her words shaking me from my stunned state.

Ouch.

Though, from the light blush I noticed on the tip of her ears, as well as how she was purposely still facing forward instead of at me, I had a feeling there was more to it than that.

"And why is that?" I asked.

Her eyes wandered towards me before she looked ahead once again.

"Because you make me feel weak, fool," she said, her head tilting down as she grimaced. "And that… is quite frightening."

I felt my heart squeeze.

This woman… not only did she have the beauty and confidence to make my jaw consistently drop, but she had such cuteness as well?

She truly was divine.

…I needed to match up.

Perhaps… I could make a move here…

"If… if it's so scary, then perhaps I can hold your hand during the night…" I said, swallowing down my nervousness.

"Hah. I am not a child who is afraid of the dark, Selian," she huffed, turning her head away.

Yeah… I figured.

But at least I tried, even if I was sure to think back on my words as a dark memory.

Releasing a small sigh of disappointment, I prepared to get up and leave the princess to herself for bed, but as I went to unlatch my hand from hers… she tightened her grip.

"…Priscilla?" I questioned. "Is it… not time for bed?"

"It is… but did I say that I decline your offer?" she said, sending me a harsh glare that was lacking its usual sharpness. "Put out the candles, you utter buffoon."

Those words, accompanied by those rosy cheeks…

Holy fuck, she was adorable.

But I had a feeling that if I said that, she really would find a way to kill me, or at least hurt me very badly.

"Of course, Priscilla," I said, letting go of her hand before I got up to blow out the candles, while Priscilla got under the sheets.

I highly doubt it would be a good idea to snuggle in with her, despite how much I wanted to, so I decided to pull up a chair next to her bed, returning my hand to grasp hers.

And like that, with a final subtle glare sent my way with those captivating red eyes, Priscilla then fell asleep, with me resting against the chair at her side.

Maybe it wasn't the type of romantic advancements most relationships had… but it was no less exciting to me.

—

A week had passed since the encounter with Subaru and Felt, and in that time, Priscilla and I had returned to the barony.

Our relationship had… taken a step forward, one could say.

It wasn't as if we were together now, but rather, Priscilla felt a lot… softer around me?

She was gentler.

More vulnerable.

It made feel incredibly special.

But as for what I was doing at the moment?

Well… it was simply noting the change in my appearance.

I still had the same short, dark blue hair, although now it was trimmed to look acceptable for someone in my position rather than the choppy style I had worn before. 

And of course, my eyes had remained as the usual ruby red.

No, rather… the biggest change had definitely been in my clothing.

I still wore the same brown light armour that I had gotten during my days wandering the country, marked with countless scrapes and scuffs from numerous battles and regular wear and tear, but now, it was covered with the white cloak that draped over my shoulders, with the inside and outline being a dark red.

And this wasn't any ordinary cloak.

No, this was the official uniform of the Royal Knights of Lugunica… or, at least, part of it.

As it turned out, becoming an official knight was quite easy, with the ceremony ending near-instantly as Priscilla declared me her knight in front of the Sage Council, bringing an end to the debacle.

And… that was it.

No duel, no test of knowledge… nothing.

A bit disappointing, to be honest, but I suppose there was a reason for it, so it wasn't as if they were accepting anyone as a knight.

Anyway, alongside being recognized as Priscilla's knight, I had also gained the status of a royal knight, as well as their uniform… even though I didn't want nor ask for it.

This was due to being the official knight of Priscilla, a royal candidate, as well as the praise that Crusch had apparently given me for my aid against the Great Rabbit.

Again, I had no want of being a royal knight.

I was Priscilla's, not the kingdom's… although I would help whenever it was needed.

But that was just something anyone with my power would do.

But still, despite my hesitance at having that title… there were some perks to being a royal knight that I couldn't ignore, hence why I had accepted the position, as well as the reason I was wearing the uniform's cloak alongside my usual casual gear.

The white was a bit unfortunate, as it would surely get dirty quite quickly, but to be honest… it didn't look bad on me.

No, rather… like this, wasn't I quite handsome?

"What's with that annoyingly self-satisfying look?"

Hearing the familiar voice, I straightened my back in surprise as I saw Priscilla enter the room through the reflection of the mirror.

"Oh my? Who knew you were so vain, Selian… is your figure something to fawn over that much?" she said, unable to hide the teasing smirk on her face. "Although… I suppose I also enjoy your appearance… but not to that extent."

Priscilla!

Please, I'm already dying of embarrassment here!

Seeing my head slumped down in defeat, Priscilla released a small giggle that, once again, made my heart race as she walked over to me.

Just like every other part of her, I really did love her laugh…

"Well, if you are going to take that much care for your appearance, at least be sure that you are wearing it properly," she said, reaching out her hand to adjust my collar.

She really was too much…

"I… just find it a bit restrictive around my neck," I said.

"Are you a child? Deal with it," she said, finishing her work and tightening my collar, as she then looked into my eyes with a pondering expression.

"Umm… Priscilla? Is something wrong?" I asked.

Perhaps she was beginning to grow feelings for me, and they had finally boiled over to the point of having them expressed?

"Hmm… I am simply wondering if I should call you 'Altair' now that I know your real name," she said, humming to herself.

My hopes were quickly dashed.

A shame.

"Well… I don't really care," I said. "You can call me whatever you wish, Priscilla."

She narrowed her eyes at me.

"No… I think I'll keep 'Selian' for now, although 'fool' more aptly fits your stature more often than not," she said, nodding her head in agreement to herself. "Ah, and you will also maintain your illusion magic on your hair."

"Uhh… sure, but… why?" I asked, tilting my head. "Does my real hair bother you that much? Or are you worried about my origins being revealed…"

I had kept the illusion up anyway, but I was confused why she specifically wanted me to have it remain.

"Hm? No. I simply think that it will be amusing when the truth of my knight is revealed in full upon my ascension to the throne," she said with a smile. "Ah, and it is much more amusing for only me to know in the meantime. That is the more important reason."

Right… it would be that.

Although… when she eventually did, I would rather be standing at her side as something more than just her knight…

"Did you say something?" she said.

Oh… did I mumble that out loud?

Well… even if it was embarrassing, it was best to make my intentions clear, right?

Victory comes to those who dare… or, something like that.

And I had already said more embarrassing things in front of her.

"At that point… I would rather be your king than your knight," I said.

I felt my heartbeat pound in my chest, a subtle dread beginning to rear its head as I worried about the possible repercussions.

Returning my gaze that had unconsciously averted from Priscilla back to her face, I watched as her smirk grew with each passing second.

"How incredibly arrogant… but I do enjoy seeing you like this," she said, taking out her fan as she placed it under my chin. "That wish of yours has a possibility to come true shall you continue to make my heart flutter. Just be sure to keep exciting me, fool."

Yeah… I really was a fool.

"Still… I'll try my best to make you fall for me completely," I said, staring into her slightly surprised eyes. "No… I will make you fall for me…"

…Fuck, that was embarrassing.

Perhaps I had read one too many of such romantic novels in the manor's library…

"Hmm… such confidence and assertiveness bordering on insolence… it pleases me," she said, taking my hand as she turned around. "Now come, fool. It's about time we take a walk to ensure those foolish commoners haven't lost themselves in my absence."

And so, with that, she then dragged me out of the door, my hand barely being able to grab my spear leaning against the wall as we left my room.

As a knight, I should really be escorting her from her side or her front, yet throughout it all… I couldn't do anything but focus on her hand intertwined with mine as she led the way.

—

"So… Priscilla… now that you've been confirmed as a royal candidate, should we start thinking of what our camp should do?" I asked as we walked down the familiar street.

The town surrounding the Barielle manor had grown a bit, having become the heart of the territory due to the proximity to the beloved 'Sun Princess', her knight, which was me, and our generally urban-focused reforms concerning education and city services such as plumbing and the like.

As it turns out, magicians were quite useful for civil works when you knew how to use them effectively, and not purely for combat as many other places do.

And with Priscilla having her personal army, the so-called Crimson Battlefront, stationed across the border and rural towns, the issues concerning the skirmishes with the neighbouring Vollachian Empire and other bandit groups on the outskirts of the territory had been all but removed.

All in all, in terms of displayed governance and leadership, there was no candidate that could match Priscilla Barielle at the moment, and that would likely continue into the future, with me supporting her at her side.

But still… should we not plan for anything else despite this advantage?

She was a foreigner, after all, so at the moment, it was likely that Crusch would be the most 'trusted' candidate among the populace, with the other rumoured candidate, Anastasia Hoshin, having the advantage in overall reach with her company's wide network.

"Do not delude yourself with such worries," she said after I had voiced my concerns. "Opportunities will come without fail. After all, it is the world that turns in my favour, and I have decided that I would like to take this nation as my own."

"Yeah… I know, but… do you think we should aim for a grand feat to cement ourselves? Like taking down a Great Mabeast or something," I suggested.

"Hah. You've pleased me with your grand ideas, but it would be prudent to wait until the selection officially starts for such desires," she said, shaking her head.

Well, now that Reinhard had taken Felt in, it was only a matter of time before her candidacy was confirmed, and the selection officially began, so I guess that could wait until then.

With the two of us walking side by side, we eventually reached the outskirts of the town, as we then headed to the top of a nearby hill.

As I began to prepare the basket of food that the maids had so graciously prepared at my request, Priscilla delicately took a seat on the laid out blanket, watching me with a look of intrigue.

"So… this 'picnic'… what exactly is it?" Priscilla asked.

"It's simply eating outside. A casual way to enjoy the day with another," I said, looking up at the beautiful, clear blue sky. "I… sometimes did this with Felt, though it was on roofs in the slums rather than on a hill like we are now. But I believe this is better."

And what a perfect day to introduce her to the custom.

"Hmm… I see," she said, tucking her hair behind her ear. 

We then began to eat in relative silence, exchanging a few words about the state of the town we had just seen as we went through the delicious prepared food.

Damn… those maids really were amazing.

I should do this more often.

Once the basket was emptied, Priscilla cleaned herself up with the sophisticated and neat motion of her handkerchief before speaking.

"Even if it seems like an activity meant for commoners, I do have to say that I enjoyed it," she said as she looked at my belt. "Hmm… and Selian. You brought your flute, I see."

That I did… though, that was more of me forgetting I had hooked it onto my belt rather than anything intentional.

"Play for me. The sounds of a passing breeze can only entertain me for so long," she demanded.

"U-Uhh-"

"That is an order, not a request, Selian," she added, cutting me off.

Haa… alright.

Even though I wasn't completely confident yet…

Raising the flute to my lips, I blew gently across the mouthpiece as I began to play a song.

I was by no means an expert, but at least now, I knew a few melodies that were pleasing to the ears, and that I was able to repeat continuously for a resemblance of a relaxing tune.

At least… I thought so.

Though, maybe I should see if there were any musicians in the capital next time I went.

It was always best to strive for improvement, right?

But then again, I would prefer to practice alone for something like this.

These notes were only for my beloved's ears, after all.

Anyway, after I was done, Priscilla moved her gaze from the distant hills over to me, her lips curling up into a pleased smile.

"That was much better than before," she said.

"Well… I've been practising, so I hope so," I said. "You wanted me to get better, after all…"

Priscilla's smile grew even wider before her expression froze, a brief flash of red appearing on her cheeks as it went back to normal an instant later.

What?

Was she-

"Excuse me for a moment," she said as she then slowly leaned down, placing her head on my lap. "A-As I thought… this is more comfortable."

…

Uh… huh?

"That idiotic look again… are you truly so easy to fluster?" she said, turning her head to look up at me with a teasing smirk. "Now, continue playing that soothing melody, and consider yourself lucky that I have decided to use you as my pillow for the moment."

With that, she turned her head to face the distance once again, slightly curling her body closer to me as she snuggled her head against my thighs, as if searching for the most comfortable spot.

This… was really too much.

Lucky? Yeah, I was definitely lucky.

But her resting there… it could quickly become problematic if my body caught up to the thoughts in my head.

So… clear your mind, Selian.

Clear your mind and play, just as she ordered you to.