I Like You, Your Highness The Princess

Facing Prime Minister Honest's severe criticism, Kaguya prepared for battle and counterattacks, readying her troops for war. Although Kaguya's forces had suffered losses in the previous battles against the northern tribes, their combat effectiveness was not affected in the slightest. If he dared to attack, Kaguya would give him a memorable lesson.

Unexpectedly, Honest's actions were all bark and no bite. Although he had announced that he would punish Kaguya soon, after a while, nothing came of it. Everything in the capital remained the same, and the imperial army showed no signs of mobilizing, as if the Prime Minister had never made such threats.

This left Kaguya puzzled. She had expected some plot from Honest, but after investigation, nothing seemed amiss. Perhaps the only difference was that Honest seemed to be eating more meat than before.

Recently, the situation had been calm, but Kaguya remained vigilant, recruiting new soldiers, gathering provisions, and preparing her army for battle according to wartime standards. Although some may have been alarmed, it was far better to be prepared than caught off guard when war broke out.

Meanwhile, something strange was happening in Kaguya's territory, specifically south of the Princess's palace. In recent times, people had inexplicably disappeared one after another.

At first, it was just one or two missing people, not enough to draw much attention. In winter, many wild animals, driven by hunger, might attack those wandering outside. But soon, the disappearances increased, from four or five people to a whole team of over ten disappearing without a trace, as if they had vanished into thin air.

This caused great panic among the commoners within the territory, prompting many to stay indoors, fearing any unforeseen events.

Due to the severe impact of these incidents, Kaguya dispatched several squads to patrol the area, focusing on locations where disappearances had occurred. However, nothing unusual was found, and people continued to vanish mysteriously, including some soldiers of the Imperial Guard.

"Princess, this is the situation," reported Chief Guard Iyeas solemnly. "We dispatched many squads, but found no clues. I suspect someone is orchestrating these events behind the scenes, possibly under orders from the Prime Minister, but the specific motives remain unclear."

"Continue to strengthen patrols, and ensure spies are placed to catch any potential threats," Kaguya replied sternly. She realized the gravity of the situation; although it seemed inconspicuous, it could greatly destabilize her territory. The unseen and untouchable is often the most terrifying.

If this issue remained unresolved, it would damage Kaguya's reputation, and adversaries might use it to spread rumors and sow discord among the people.

"Understood," Iyeas replied, bowing before hastily leaving.

Watching Iyeas's departing figure, Kaguya sighed. Such chaotic matters were indeed troubling. Open confrontation was manageable, but these covert attacks were truly vexing.

At that moment, a sharp flash suddenly attacked from behind like lightning, aiming directly at Kaguya's back with the speed of a thunderbolt.

Kaguya seemed to sense it beforehand and flicked it away with a quick motion of her fingers. With a crisp "clang," the incoming light trembled and revealed its true form—a sharp longsword.

Before the sword's wielder could retrieve it, Kaguya grabbed her wrist, pulling the attacker into her arms.

Kaguya's mischievous hand instinctively reached out, lightly squeezing the attacker's chest, feeling its softness and firmness.

"Huh, why does it feel so much bigger suddenly?"

After groping for a while, Kaguya realized something was off. It seemed much larger than expected. No matter how much Kurome had grown, she couldn't have developed this much. This person wasn't Kurome.

Kaguya looked down and was stunned to see that the person in her arms was unexpectedly someone else.

"Sayo?" Kaguya exclaimed in surprise.

"Princess," Sayo said, her cheeks slightly red, but she stayed quietly in Kaguya's embrace, showing no intention of leaving.

"Why is it you?" Kaguya asked, bewildered at the long-haired girl in her arms, unsure of what was happening.

In the Princess's palace, the only one who might have tried to ambush her was Kurome, due to their agreement to help Kurome improve her skills. Why was it Sayo today?

"Why can't it be me?" Sayo replied, shyly.

"No, I didn't mean it that way," Kaguya responded, confused by Sayo's behavior, wondering what was going on.

Suddenly, Sayo stood up. Just as Kaguya thought she was leaving, Sayo turned around, embraced her, and pressed herself against Kaguya, holding her tightly.

"What does it mean then?" Sayo's once bright eyes were now misty, and her grip tightened around Kaguya.

"What... what does it mean?" Kaguya stammered, feeling her throat dry and unsure where to place her hands as she looked at the lovely girl before her.

The situation had developed beyond Kaguya's expectations, heading in a strange direction she couldn't quite grasp.

"Princess," Sayo's face flushed as she pressed herself against Kaguya, her skin a lovely shade of crimson. Even her pale neck was tinged with an ambiguous color. "There's something I've wanted to tell you for a long time."

"What is it?" Kaguya asked, clearing her throat.

"You mustn't laugh at me when I say it," Sayo said, embarrassed.

"What is it? Just say it," Kaguya said, swallowing nervously.

"You have to promise not to laugh," Sayo insisted, her eyes locked onto Kaguya's.

"Okay, I promise," Kaguya nodded.

Gathering her courage, Sayo finally said, "Actually, I... I like you, Princess."