Chapter 68: Bianca del Castana V (part 1)

“Uhmmm…” 

I was awakened from my slumber by a deafening sound that seemed to shake the heavens and the earth in all directions. 

I closed my eyes, attempting to return to sleep, but quickly realized it was futile. 

The sound was overwhelming, akin to dozens of lightning bolts striking simultaneously. 

I wasn’t strong enough to sleep through such chaos.  

“…Umm…”  

I rubbed my tired eyes and glanced at the seat beside me. 

However, Bianca, who was supposed to be there, was already gone. 

In her place, I saw a distinct bloodstain on the bedsheet.  

“…..”  

Staring at the bright red stain, I recalled the passionate night I had shared with Bianca. 

A strange mix of emotions bubbled up within me. My thoughts drifted to how surreal it felt to share such intimacy with Bianca, someone I had known since childhood. Was it truly acceptable to have taken her first like this?  

As I scratched my head, torn between guilt and confusion, a familiar voice accompanied by the clicking of heels broke through my thoughts.  

“Oh, are you awake now? I thought you were diligent, but it seems you’re quite the late sleeper. Hmm, I didn’t expect that. Though, considering it’s still dawn, it’s not surprising you slept so soundly.”  

I turned my head slowly toward the voice and saw a woman I knew well, leaning casually against the doorway.  

“…The princess?”  

Standing there was none other than the imperial princess and the sword master who had taught me the ‘Flowing Star,’ Iris el Devhart.  

“It’s been quite a while since I saw you at Lumentium, Heir Estel. I can’t even remember how many months it’s been since I last saw your face. Personally, I’m very glad to meet you like this.”  

The princess greeted me warmly, as if we were reuniting after a decade of separation. However, the emotion I felt wasn’t joy, but curiosity.  

“…Why is the princess here?”  

No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t comprehend her presence. What reason could the princess, who was supposed to be in the Lumentium imperial palace, have for appearing in this modest cabin where Bianca and I were staying? 

Besides, Bianca had placed a strong barrier around the area, making it impossible for outsiders to enter.  

“Now that’s a strange thing to ask. I personally came to fetch you, yet you don’t even seem glad to see me. Instead, you ask why I’m here. You’re a cruel man, Heir Estel,” she replied, shrugging with exaggerated indignation.  

Despite her words, she didn’t seem genuinely upset.  

“The reason I came all this way is simple. You were kidnapped by Bianca del Castana, so I put everything aside to find you.”  

“…..”  

Kidnapped. 

Strictly speaking, the princess wasn’t wrong. 

The way Bianca brought me here wasn’t exactly peaceful. Honestly, it felt like a miracle that no one had been seriously hurt during the process.  

“I heard about your engagement to Bianca del Castana and hurried to the Marquis of Castana, only to learn you were missing. No matter how you look at it, finding you wasn’t easy. I’ve run to the Estel duchy and even confronted Kyrie el Denaris in the Great Grove for clues. It was exhausting, but seeing you safe makes it all worth it.”  

“…..”  

I hadn’t formed much of a relationship with the princess after returning from the future. Though we’d interacted briefly during my audience with the Emperor at Lumentium, it wasn’t significant enough to call a bond. 

Meanwhile, Bianca and I had already reached the level of familiarity akin to a common-law marriage.  

The thought of the princess leaving her duties at the palace, rushing to the Castana estate, and pursuing us under the guise of a honeymoon trip was absurd.  

Eventually, I came to one conclusion. 

Bianca and I weren’t the only ones who had returned to the past after defeating the Witch of Winter.  

“…Did you remember everything?”  

To my pointed question, the princess nodded without hesitation.  

“Of course. And I know it’s not just you. Bianca del Castana has also returned. Though Ariel Thiers is taking longer to realize it.”  

Listening to her, I realized she must have known for some time that I had returned to the past.  

“Since when did you know?”  

The princess answered calmly, “Ever since you used ‘Flowing Star’ in your duel with Lucian von Tournigen.”  

As I suspected. That duel had given me away.  

“…But you weren’t present at that time.”  

“True, I wasn’t there. However, my eyes were. Let’s just say I was lucky. If the person who witnessed your duel with Lucian von Tournigen hadn’t recognized the ‘Flowing Star,’ I might still be guessing whether you regressed or not.”  

She smiled lightly as she spoke, her expression one of quiet amusement. 

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