Princess in Exile

Author: Yanosho

Episode 1: Encounter

“Hey Sophia, how’s it going over there?”

　

I hear a deep voice over the radio. It’s my trusted partner and martial arts master.

　

“Yeah, I’m fine, Jade. I knocked them all out.”

“…… as strong as ever, Sophia…”

“Thanks to a certain someone. I’ve become so strong that no one will come near me, even though I’m such a beauty.”

“……”

“Come on, agree with me or laugh or something, you’re embarrassing me.”

　

Sure enough, Jade was thinking about the last words I said in self-mockery.

I wanted Jade to laugh because he knows everything.

　

“…… Well, the only people who can beat you are some President’s Secret Service or the Kingsguard.”

“Oh? The other day, when I visited the King of Ishte, the Kingsguard were really weak, you know?”

“…… the Kingsguard there are so strong that they can kill you. …… I don’t know how you and I are still alive.”

“Because we also destroyed their entire intelligence network!”

“You know… with how hard we had to work to put out that fire… you’re going to get nuked one of these days “

“You think it’ll work on me?”

“…… you’ll probably bounce it back. With a kick or something.”

“Yeah, I think so too.”

　

While we were having this conversation over the radio, the target appeared.

　

“Shh! Mark acquired. On my signal…”

“Got it, see you later.”

　

The radio went dead.

Now, let’s get to work.

　

“Wait for me, Princess… I’ll steal you away.”

　

　

　

　

I’m Sophia. Now it’s just Sophia. Sophia, a female thief who steals for a living.

Today’s target, the Princess of the Kingdom of Florenz, which collapsed in a civil war.

As the sole survivor of the exiled country, she had come to this hideout because of rumors of her inheritance from the late king.

It had been rumored for some time. A former princess of the exiled Kingdom of Florenz, whose whereabouts are completely unknown.

However, it is said that she only appears in a certain place “when the silvergrass is in full bloom”.

　

ーーAnd the legacy she has inherited is something out of this world.

　

Flowers blooming in my homeland herald the beginning of autumn.

I thought I would never see or hear it again, but I couldn’t help but be drawn to it.

Above all, the position of “Princess in Exile” has stirred me up beyond my control. More than anything else I’d ever stolen.

It wasn’t about the treasure ーーI wanted to meet her at first sight. And I wanted to talk to her.

　

　

BecauseーーI tooーー

　

　

While I was trying to remember “the past I thought I had erased”, I heard the sound of a door being unlocked from a room not far away from the corner of the hallway where I had been waiting.

Before I could think about it, a young woman who appeared to be a maid came out, ran without making a sound, and just before she knocked on the door of a certain room, I made her sniff some medicine and put her to sleep.

　

“…… Oops. I’m sorry, Miss Maid. Thanks for showing me around.”

　

I slowly put her down on the floor and looked at the door in front of me.

Dressed in the same maid’s uniform that I had obtained beforehand, I imitated the tone of the maid’s voice and knocked on the door.

　

“…… Lady Leila, I brought you some tea.”

　

Then, a childish yet beautiful voice answered from the other side of the door.

　

“Thank you, but I didn’t ask for it!”

　

The Princess – Leila Florenz. She holds the key to her legacy.

She let out a high-pitched scream, and I gently covered her mouth with my hand, and took off the maid’s clothes.

　

“Pleased to meet you, Princess Leila… I’ve come to steal you.”

“…… m, me…? S, stop… no more violence…”

　

ーー!

　

These words made me realize how she had been treated.

I gently cupped her cheek as if to reassure her.

　

“You’ve been treated so badly… how terrible, just because you’re the princess of a fallen kingdom, they took advantage of your weak position…”

　

ーーMemories from the pastーーbefore Jade rescued me, flashed through my mind.

ーーOf the time when I was captured as experimental material. As a lump of flesh with no will, and the subject of constant curious glances.

　

Princess Leila called out to me, wondering what was going on.

　

“—Miss, Thief…?”

“…… I’m sorry, remembering the past… don’t worry…… I don’t know if that’s possible, but at least I will never be violent towards you. I was just curious about you myself. So…”

　

Then, there was a thud …… and the sound of something exploding in the distance.

Without pause, a radio call immediately comes in.

　

“Jade! What was that just now?”

“Sorry to interrupt! We have company! And it’s ‘them’ of all people!”

“Huh? …… Those guys… really…?”

“You guys get out of there somehow! I’ll take care of the guys outside.”

“Okay, I’ll do everything in my power to protect her.”

“…… don’t get too worked up.”

“…… I know.”

　

I know Jade is worried about me.

But right now, my priority is to protect Leila.

She seemed confused, so I gently explained.

　

“Calling to you will be a hassle, so I’ll just call you Leila… as you can see from the situation, it looks like your information was leaked to other savages besides me.”

“ーー!!”

　

Leila’s face stiffened. She suddenly turned pale, and I supported her as if she was about to fall.

　

“It’s okay, I’m here to steal you. Well, I’m also interested in your legacy, but… that’s secondary, to be honest.”

　

I smiled at her and gave her a wink.

　

“But the others… their goal is the legacy you are supposed to have inherited, the legacy of the previous king. They will use any means to get it. And…”

　

After a pause, I continued.

　

“Maybe the ones coming now are more tactless, low-life, and …… devilishly strong than any other band of thieves.”

　

I’m scared too. This is actually my first time having this sort of encounter. But no matter what, I will protect her.

This is something that only I can do.

And, because it’s me, I can understand her.

In order to calm her down as she continued to tremble in my arms, I looked straight at her again and cupped her cheeks in my hands.

Her eyes sparkled like jewels, reflecting me.

She was pale, but had slightly regained some of her vitality, and the light of the night moon reflecting off her bright golden hair made her look somewhat divine.

　

“I’ve put your bodyguards to sleep, but don’t worry, they’re only unconscious. They’ll definitely come after you eventually, even if you leave temporarily. More importantly…”

　

I looked out the door.

　

“I’ll beat the crap out of them. You hide under the bed…… I’ll definitely protect you.”

“…… y, yes! …… ah, uh…”

“Yeah? What’s the matter, Leila?”

　

As she was about to head to bed, she looked back at me.

　

“I don’t know who you are, but… I know he’s not a bad person……. be careful, Miss Thief.”

　

ーーReally, this princessーー

　

It’s not the time to worry about other people.

In my heart, which should have been frozen a long time ago, I felt like a light was shining inside me.

　

“…… it’s Sophia.”

“What…?”

“Hehe… my name. Just Sophia. Thanks, Leila. Now, please hide.”

“…… Yes! Sophia!”

　

It must have been an emotion that I threw away a long time ago…

　

　

I was extremely happy to see her reaction.

　

“Alright, let’s get going.”

　

I took Leila in my arms and left the mansion under Jade’s guidance.

Until the signs of “those guys” were far away and I reached a place where I was sure it was safe, I fled with all my might, whipping every muscle in my screaming body.

　

ーーWe managed to escapeーー

　

However, I didn’t think I was able to escape completely. It seemed like it was only a matter of time before they found us.

　

　

　

　

　

Episode 2: Escape

I arrived at the place we made a hideout when we came to this country.

After making sure that no one was following us, I finally felt relieved and collapsed on the sofa ーーwith Leila.

　

“Aahーー… finally lost them… you okay, Leila?”

“Y, yes, somehow…”

　

It had been a long time since I’ve been so tense that I was breathing with my shoulders, and I felt very exhausted.

Jade seemed to feel the same way, and even though he looked the same on the surface, I could see that he had a pale face.

We don’t need to dramatize things as it is, we are objectively strong. We won’t lose out in close combat or long range combat.

But the one we just met is something else. It was like a creature from another dimension. I could only think of it as a beast in human form.

　

“…… I never thought ‘Crude’ would show up…”

　

Crude, those guys… they weren’t after valuable treasure.

Rather, he always attacked his more skilled peers, to the extent that he gave the impression that treasures were secondary and he was hungry for violence. And in the process, they preyed on the people who were there.

Just thinking about it makes me break out in a cold sweat.

After a long silence, Jade spoke.

　

“…… He’s after me and you, Sophia. Not the princess over there.”

“…… but that doesn’t mean Leila is safe…”

　

It’s like breathing air, like drinking water.

Killing as if it were the norm. Violating. Trampling down.

They were so vile that it was repugnant.

To make matters worse, they are also a tremendous armed group.

Considering the timing of their appearance before us, it seemed only a matter of time before they located us

　

“Jade…”

“I know. They’ll be able to locate this place soon… we can get some rest for tonight, but tomorrow we’ll have to move somewhere else.”

“Where do we go?”

“…… Let’s see…… it’s a hard place for our pursuers to track…but…”

　

I understand Jade’s reluctance. No matter where you were, it’s only a matter of being fast or slow in the end, and even at this very moment, it seemed that this place was being tracked.

　

“…… it can’t be helped. Shall we go with our number 18 here.”

“…… I hate it… but no other choice.”

“Complaining will only end with us playing with Crude, right?”

“Tch, I know, it’s not something I like… you’re always toying with me, that’s why I hate it…”

“Oh, I know you like it.”

“Um, who likes what…”

　

While Jade and I were having this exchange, Leila opened her mouth.

　

“Ah, um… w-what’s going to happen now…?”

　

A confused Leila looked at us with a small hand raised.

Seeing that, I smiled and said to Jade.

　

“Hehehe, disguises, Dis・Gui・Ses. Leila is so cute, so I’m going all out.”

　

Her flowing golden hair. Eyes like a deep clear sea. Long eyelashes that exude sadness.

Oh, not good. It makes me want to teach her many things.

　

“…Ah, uh, Miss Sophia…?”

“Oh… no, she’s gone to a fantasy world… Lady Leila, if you’re not careful, you’ll have a lot to regret. If you don’t like it, it’s better to say you don’t like it out loud.”

　

Jade seems to be saying something rude.

　

“Hey, Jade? Don’t say things that might make her feel anxious. We’re both women, so there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

“That’s why you’re dangerous…”

“Darl, outsiders should shut it already! I’ll do Jade later too. Oh, or maybe I should show her first? Leila was a princess, so this will be her first time.”

“Bu! Wh, why start with me?! Hey, Lady Leila, help me!”

“Noisy, you’re so troubling, aren’t you? Be quiet, let’s go over there.”

“Y, you, you idiot, no, stop it, I don’t want it anymore!”

“It would be Jade who is the idiot… now, Leila, just wait a little while, I’ll get Jade into disguise.”

“…… Yes…”

　

She doesn’t seem to be able to fully grasp the situation, but I’m sure she’ll feel more at ease when she sees Jade.

I put Jade in a chokehold and moved to the next room, where I transformed him into a different person as usual.

　

“Gu, aah!! Wait, t, too tight! M, my ribs are breaking!!”

“Jade, your ribs aren’t that soft, are they?”

“M, my skeleton is changing!! I, I can’t, gu, gaaah!”

“Fuh, it’s in, it’s in. Fufufu, and now…”

　

Just like that, Jade’s disguise was completed in 20 to 30 minutes.

　

“…… Hey, say something, Sophia! Don’t take pictures!!”

“Because you’re a lady for all intents and purposes. I’m so proud of my skills… so enchanting. Leila? You can come in here!”

“Oh no, d, don’t call her!”

　

Leila walked in, looking curious, and when she saw the person who used to be Jadeーーthough thanks to my unique skills, there was no sign of him at allーーshe let out a cry of surprise.

　

“Huh!? A, are you a guest!? Excuse me, my name is Leila from the late Kingdom of Florenz.”

“Hey, Lady Leila, it’s me, it’s me…”

“Huh? That voice, Mr. Jade!? Eh, eeeeeh!??”

　

Leila, who had mistaken him for a lady at first glance, began to introduce herself and I watched while holding back my laughter. Jade looked embarrassed, his cheeks flushed.

　

“Ah, uh… e, even his skeletal structure looks different…? Are, are you a wizard?”

“Hehehe, I’m good at what I do. Disguises are what makes a thief a thief.”

“D, damn… y, you squeezed the corset so tight that my bones are creaking, you idiot.”

　

After hitting Jade’s back with such force that I thought stars must have flown out, I winked at Leila and she laughed hilariously.

　

“…… And yes. That was still in Jade’s voice.”

　

Realizing that I had forgotten the voice changer, I hid it around the neck of the dress Jade was wearing.

　

“Alright, now you’re a noblewoman. Now, next up is Leila. Leila and I will dress up as men.”

“Why, dressed as a man!?”

“Yes, I thought it would be nice to have servants for this lady. I can change your voice, so no one should recognize you.”

　

Just like that, Leila and I transformed into handsome butlers, and after playing a little role-playing with the beautiful Jade, we went to bed early to recover from our exhaustion.

Nothing guarantees tomorrow.

We had no choice but to escape on our own.

They will definitely find us. We need to buy a little time, and get rid of them without fail.

I held up a keepsake sword that I didn’t take with me to Leila’s mansion.

Illuminated by the moonlight, it radiated a divine light.

　

　

　

　

Episode 3: The Past

Perhaps thanks to the disguises, we spent many days without any sign of our pursuers.

While we continued to be careful, Jade and I continued to act as usual to keep Leila distracted.

Although dressed as a man and a woman.

Of course, this wasn’t the first time Jade and I had used disguises.

Jade, who had been so reluctant, naturally behaved like a lady when we went out into the city, and Leila and I acted like servants, as if we had been in that relationship for a long time.

I had to hold back my laughter as I watched the young men blush at Jade’s incredibly beautiful smile.

But honestly, Leila and I secretly told each other that that smile was dangerous.

There were times when that smile made even me blush.

I made him disguise himself, though.

　

　

　

But of course, such a calm peace could not last long.

As we were walking around the city, Jade spoke to me in a low voice.

　

“Two behind on the right, three on the left.”

“…… yes, I see them. They’re here.”

“I can’t do anything flashy in this outfit. Sophia, I’ll leave it to you. I’m going to take Lady Leila and run.”

“Leave it to me. Five people is easy enough to make me yawn.”

　

At the right time, I turn into a narrow alley just between the shops.

Then, five goofy pursuers who had forgotten to muffle their footsteps rushed in.

Looking down at the place from the roof, I sneaked up behind them and brought my sword down on them.

They put up some resistance, but I defeated them easily, probably because they were still doing reconnaissance.

　

ーーI’ve cleaned things up for the time being, but… it’s only a matter of time.

　

I tied up the men who were passed out at my feet, and secretly placed ultra-small wiretap into each of them.

This will make it easier to tell if there is any movement on the other side.

Soon after, I joined the two and suggested changing our disguises.

Jade would be a knight of the kingdom, dressed as a man, not as a woman.

I’m a dancer.

And I decided that Leila would be my sister, a fortune teller.

I also changed the color of her skin, eyes, and hair, and changed the tone of her voice again.

　

“Alright, that’s it. Jade and Leila are perfect.”

“Phew… I’m finally freed from corset hell…”

“Oh, it looked good on you, you know? It’s enough to make both men and women fall for you.”

“…… I’m not happy even if you say that… I’m just fine the way I am to begin with!”

“Ohoh? Jade, have you been hooked by the charm of cross-dressing? It was a pleasure to be seen as a beautiful woman, wasn’t it?”

“I, it wasn’t!”

“Heh, well, let’s just call it what it is.”

“Oh, this round ball…?”

“Hmm?”

　

Jade, who is used to it, doesn’t say anything in particular. Maybe he was relieved that he wasn’t cross-dressing.

Leila was set up as a fortune teller, so she was interested in the orb she was given.

　

“Oh, it’s the real deal. There are a lot of imitations out there, but it seems like it has the power to react to magic and see into the future.”

　

Leila, who was staring intently at the transparent orb, seemed to sense something in my words.

　

“…… um…… the secret I’ve been keeping from you…”

　

She seemed reluctant to say it, but she was about to tell me something important.

Jade and I listened intently to her.

　

“I… no, we, the members of the Royal Family of Florenz… are born with magical powers.”

“…… Really?”

　

ーーThere are people who can manipulate magicーー

　

Even in my country, I had heard rumors about it, but I had never actually seen it.

　

ーーNot even me back then.

　

Then Leila quietly began to meditate… slowly, the orb was enveloped in light.

　

“Wow… this is happening…”

“…… amazing… you really were…”

　

Leila illuminated the orb with magic.

In contrast to our surprise, Leila, who was quietly filling her orb with light, opened her eyes that had been closed in surprise and said this:

　

“ーーI feel the presence of many strong, ominous people… perhaps, in the not-too-distant future, they will come upon us…”

　

With a bead of sweat on her forehead, the glowing orb in Leila’s hand reflected, ‘those guys’…… who had come after me and Jade the other day.

In the center of the image was a large man with a physique that seemed to be twice that of a human.

The moment I saw that, a severe chill ran down my spine.

　

“…… I guess they followed us after all…”

“Even if I look at it again… that’s not human. In many ways.”

“I agree. But we have to do it. Me and Jade.”

“Yeah. To protect Lady Leila. And… for you too.”

　

Jade patted me and Leila on the head. His face showed a sense of reassurance and determination to die.

　

“…… I abandoned myself a long time ago. Now I have Jade and someone I want to protect. That’s enough.”

　

When I close my eyes, I can still remember it vividly.

The kingdom where I was born. The burning castle.

And my father and mother letting me escape.

My precious parents desperately trying to protect “my secret”.

I shook it off and chose to live my own life.

　

　

　

　

But when I survived, the demons of the research institute were waiting for me.

　

　

I cursed them. I cursed everything. The neighboring country that killed my parents, and invaded my homeland.

The people in the research institute who toyed with me, tinkered with me, exposed all my secrets, and devoured me to the bone.

In search of eternal life, the director and his researchers went insane.

I was just a toy. A guinea pig.

After my secret was revealed, I was called a “living perfection”, and with bloodshot eyes they played with my naked body, my genitals and my private parts.

Day in and day out.

It was the beginning of hell, called research.

　

　

Someday I’ll kill them all.

At that moment, I abandoned the fact that I was a princess. Even if I fall into the path of the beasts, I will kill each and every one of them with my hands in the cruelest way.

After Jade picked me up, I dedicated my life to killing them all.

I risked my life to learn the sword and the gun. I was often mortally wounded. But it was nothing. I thought revenge was all I lived for. That’s why pain was a feeling that was both familiar and distant.

When Jade decided that the time was right, I used the clues he had prepared to go door-to-door to the former researchers’ homes and brutally slaughter them.

I retaliated in kind for what had been done to me. With a sword. With a gun.

I spent as much time as possible slashing and shooting, not caring if the walls were covered in blood.

　

　

　

Butーーno matter how many people from the research institute I hunted down and killed, I never felt any sense of accomplishment.

Kill, kill, kill.

No matter how much I killed, my empty heart was not satisfied.

When I finally found the former director, the only one left, trembling with fear, I reenacted the humiliation I had once suffered with a sword and a gun.

I slashed out the exact same spot with my sword, cut off both hands and legs, and cut off his ears and nose. I cut off his nose and cheek, and gouged out his eyes.

And yet he was still alive. Moaning and groaning, he was still alive.

Miserably, like a worm.

Even though it was a mere thing, a lump of flesh, it was arrogantly screaming, bleeding, and pleading as if it were a human being.

Even though it’s a bug.

Even though it’s a maggot.

　

　

ーーHave I been harboring hatred for such a thing all my life?

　

　

At that moment, I felt that I myself, the very person I had been protecting, was going to collapse with a bang.

I’ve always hated it. I thought about killing it every day.

But in front of me was a lump of flesh that looked like it would perish easily, like a winged insect, and I was swallowed up by my own madness. I couldn’t hold back.

Bloody, I quietly told the barely alive former director of the research institute, now just a lump of flesh, to bite off his tongue and commit suicide.

I’d lost the will to take matters into my own hands.

　

　

But it didn’t seem to work.

　

ーーEnough is enough. Can’t you even kill yourself?

　

Bored, I thrust my sword through his jaw and into his brain.

When I was done, I threw my sword and gun to the floor, fell to my back and looked up at the ceiling.

　

　

It was over. All of it.

For this day, I have lived.

Enough…… no more.

　

　

My own bloodied self.

My father and mother, who would never have wanted me to live this life.

My parents allowed me to be me because they affirmed that I was different from others. They allowed me to be a normal person.

ButーーI couldn’t forgive them. The people at the research institute…and myself, too, for losing myself in revenge.

　

　

I wanted it to end.

Because I couldn’t find any more meaning in life.

Butーーjust as I was about to decapitate myself with the sword that was a memento of my father and mother.

　

　

Jade was the one who stopped me.

　

　

　

　

It was when I heard the rumors about Princess Leila that a light shone in my troubled heart.

Our circumstances were similar. I thought that perhaps she had experienced the same pain.

Losing her country, fleeing from her pursuers, and living in fear, not knowing when the end would come. If she was caught, she will be killed alive, and she will die without being killed. I felt that she might be trembling with such fear.

So I wanted to steal her.

Maybe I wanted to talk to her, and through her…… I wanted to be saved myself.

　

　

Crude was projected on the orb.

If she gets caught, she will definitely suffer the same as when I was at the research institute.

I wanted to save Leila, even if it meant sacrificing my life.

　

　

　

Seeing me trembling, Leila smiled.

I felt that Leila had lit up my heart.

I never want to lose this warm feeling.

We left the place, ready to meet the attack.

　

　

　

　

Episode 4: Collision

We ambushed Crude in a seaside warehouse.

In reality, the plan was for Leila to escape by boat to another country.

I didn’t want to put Leila in danger.

I wanted my precious Leila to be far away from the world covered in blood and gunpowder.

To be honest, I certainly thought Leila’s magic, and the power of the orb from it, would be a great help against Crude.

But still, it was up to me and Jade to confront Crude.

Yes, we are thieves. Treasures should always be kept somewhere safe.

　

　

　

ーーBut.

　

“…… Are you sure about this, Leila?”

　

Inside the warehouse, Leila watches the Crude gang through the orb.

No matter how much we tried to convince her that Leila’s attendants would eventually find her.

Still, Leila did not leave us.

She took her gaze away from the orb and looked back at me. Leila’s eyes were a deep blue and so beautiful that they almost sucked me in.

　

“…… I was certainly kidnapped by Sophia and Jade. I am a former member of the Royal Family, and now I don’t even have a country to return to. Living hand-to-mouth, I finally found a place that I thought was safe and settled down.”

　

Leila turns her eyes away from staring at me and looks back at the orb.

　

“At first, I was scared. I thought the days of running were about to come again. I thought that I had to escape somehow so that the ‘secret’ that my parents risked their lives to protect would not be revealed. But…”

　

Once again, Leila looked at me… and then at Jade.

　

“That you are both trying to protect me. And….. both Sophia and Jade have hurtful pasts… I felt that after suffering in the same way and overcoming it, you are now living in the present. From Jade… of course, Sophia too… what I felt directed at me was not hostility… it was a much warmer feeling. That’s why I… I want to be with you two. Even if I’m a rootless plant, I can still be of use. That’s what my parents left for me, and that’s what I can do… so, I’ll stay here. I want to make sure you don’t die. So that after we get through this, the three of us can laugh together…! Because…… it’s been a really, really long time since I’ve had this much fun laughing…!”

“…… Leila…!”

　

What she carried, the treatment I received in the past, my position, and many other things were mixed together…

I wiped away tears, barely keeping her from seeing them.

　

“…… Hehe, thanks. Well then…… it’s fine, really?”

“Yes! Let’s all get rid of that ‘big man with a beard’!”

“But… Hahaha, yes, haha, that’s right, let’s just get rid of that vulgar bearded bastard.”

“Fufufu… is there such a thing as a classy or vulgar beard? Jade…”

“Hey, mine is classy, his is vulgar. It’s pretty obvious, right?”

　

Jade, who had a proud look on his face, winked at me and we all laughed again.

I got it. Once we’re all done with this, we can go home. Even if you don’t have a place to go back to, you can just look for one. Just make it. Even if we are rootless plants, we still have a place to return to.

　

　

“…!! Everyone, they’re coming!!”

　

Boom… Boom……!!!

With a loud bang, the door was destroyed and fell from the top.

Appearing in a cloud of smoke was Crude, who had been reflected in the orb until a moment ago, and a few of his cronies.

At that moment, I took advantage of the slight opening and shot at the pistols held by the men ahead of Crude, knocking them all to the ground.

Crude, who was twice their size, appeared as they screamed in pain after being shot through the back of their hand.

　

“…Tch, useless. Move aside you scum… hehehe, we meet at last…”

　

Loosely grown hair, beard, and a slit left eye.

And bloodlust radiating from his whole body.

His appearance reminded me of a war veteran, and I felt a cold sweat run down my spine.

　

“As expected, Sophia…and Jade…hahahaha, my blood is seething…”

　

He doesn’t seem to care about his wounded minions and just stares down at us.

　

“…… Crude…!”

　

The Crudes were unlike any of their peers. They were unified by force and fear, like a well-organized army.

In fact, they were a bunch of maniacs whose only purpose was rape, extortion, and genocide ーーrather than purely theft.

These people see human life as nothing more than a pebble.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a woman or a man, if they have a good face or physique, they’ll be raped, and once bored, they’ll be killed.

I steal vividly and with splendor. Stealing from some privileged classes, who extort money from their misdeeds.

I don’t necessarily have an aesthetic to it.

After these guys appear, really, there was nothing left.

They were different from the rest of their peers.

They were a force that neither the police nor the military could easily penetrate. That was the Crude gang.

　

　

“Hehe, what’s up Sophia… you don’t have to be so uptight… let’s get along and play together.”

　

Crude gave a vulgar laugh and looked at me like he was licking me all over.

Suddenly, memories of the research institute flashed through my mind and I shook my head to shake them off.

Trying to keep the tension out of my voice, I tried to talk down to Crude.

　

“Unfortunately, I don’t have time for this, and neither does Jade. We’re going on vacation after we beat you up. Will you please get out of the way?”

“Don’t be so cold, Sophia… even if you have nothing to do with me, I have something to do with you…”

“Persistent guys are hated, didn’t you know?”

“Hahaha, I don’t know. I like to force fuck people who hate me.”

　

Even though he was still defenseless, he could feel the incredible fighting spirit leaking out of him.

My instincts tell me that this is someone I shouldn’t confront.

There is no escape. That’s why I have to defeat this opponent here and now.

Sweat beads on my forehead.

I can feel my heart rate rising…

Although I had never fought him directly before, I felt that Crude alone was more of a threat than any kingdom’s guards.

I took a deep breath and readied my gun.

　

“Sophia, I know you’re good… and I’ve always wanted to fight you once. Come on… let’s have some fun!!”

　

Bang!!

　

As soon as he finished speaking, I shot a bullet at Crude’s heart.

However, it was easily dodged.

Dodging my shot, Crude approached me with an agility that was unimaginable considering his size, and threw a fist at me.

Barely dodging it somehow, I moved away again.

…… Strong……

As I breathe with my shoulder, Hahaha, Crude laughs happily with his mouth open.

　

“You’re really strong, Sophia… no man has ever managed to avoid my fist… it’s the first time, I’ve never been so excited… Hahaha, I’m on a rolling boil… so crawl over so I can fuck you.”

　

The way he stuck out his tongue and licked his lips gave me chills.

　

“Ha! Spare me as your partner. You give me the creeps. I’m more into cute girls.”

“What, that’s your thing… Don’t worry, I can’t wait to watch you girls do each other.”

“Why do I have to be watched by someone like you… nuy!!”

　

The moment I finished speaking, I aimed again just a few inches to the side of Crude.

At the same time, Crude lunged at me and was about to throw his fist at my stomach.

　

Chun……!!

　

“Ugh… to think that you would hit me with a ricochet… the rumors… they were actually true…”

“…haa…haa…”

　

The second bullet ricocheted off the wall… creating a hole in Crude’s right ear.

　

“Huh… Hahahaha…… Hahahahaha! It’s been a long time!! This feeling!! This feeling is different from dealing with small fry!!! Good, I’m getting more and more tempted to fuck you.”

“Tch… perverted son of a bitch……”

　

It certainly hit his ear, and a huge amount of blood is pouring out.

However, he does not care at all and does not try to break his fighting stance.

If this continues, the situation will only get worse. In terms of physical strength, Crude definitely has the edge.

If Crude catches me and Leila…

I shudder at the thought of what will happen next.

The nightmarish days of being trapped in the research institute are coming back to me.

I’ve had enough. The days of being toyed with. I was rescued from that, became strong enough to survive, and was able to make it through.

But…… I have to protect Leila.

She was the one I stole.

I swore to protect her.

　

　

　

But the stalemate didn’t last long.

It’s true that I’m slowly chipping away at Crude’s strength, but I can’t beat the difference in size.

Little by little, I was getting hit by his fists, and I staggered to my knees.

　

　

Not good. At this rate, Crude will have the advantage.

I’m confident in my martial arts skills, but this guy is on a completely different level.

Crude, who was watching me, shouted at Jade, who was looking for an opening, without looking anywhere.

　

“Hey Jade, are you just watching? Or are you next in line after Sophia? Well, let’s have some fun with the three of us… Hahahaha, I’m going to fuck you too.”

　

Jade responds to Crude’s vile words.

　

“…… I’m sorry, but you’re not my type. You’ll have to find another guy.”

“I enjoy fucking guys like that… whether it’s a man or a woman… Hey, Sophia Ardis, who was hailed as the ‘Incarnation of God’.”

“……!!!!”

“Bastard! Why would you do that!!?”

　

I was stiff and speechless.

Jade raised his voice.

As if mocking us, Crude continued.

　

“Hahahaha, the fallen princess, a perfection that surpasses humanity. The Incarnation of God. I had a little fun with the guy from the research institute for a bit, and he was babbling on and on, you know? Told me your secret. Everything. Yes. Hahahahaha “

　

……

　

I can’t make a sound. I felt an emotion welling up from the bottom of my heart that even I didn’t understand.

　

“You seem to be doing a lot better, Sophia. The secret of your body didn’t surface at first glance. But when the guys at the research institute thoroughly investigated the ruins of the fallen castle, they found a glimpse of it… That’s why your secret was revealed. I know you are ‘perfectly amphoteric’!!”

“Tch… said too much…!!”

“…… Ms., Sophia……”

　

I can hear Jade’s voice and Layla’s voice in the distance.

Even Crude’s voice didn’t seem to be right there.

Instead, a throbbing feeling was welling up from within me.

Without realizing it, Crude proudly began to babble on and on, revealing the past that I had hidden, that I didn’t want anyone to know about.

　

“The director of the institute thought, ‘We can create the ultimate human race’. But in reality, you were nothing more than a flesh toilet. Can you ejaculate and impregnate yourself? Will the child you give birth to be a hermaphrodite?”

“Stop!!! Don’t say another word!!”

　

He didn’t listen to Jade’s repose, and kept talking about what had happened to me.

He did it on purpose so that Leila could hear. To let her know how filthy I am. That’s how it seemed to me.

Black. Red. Those two colors filled my insides.

Before I knew it, I had drawn my sword and was attacking Crude.

　

Gin!! The sound of blades colliding with each other.

　

“Haha, you’re finally getting serious…”

“…… Shut up…”

“You were raped by men over and over again, impregnated, and forced to bear children. You were forced to have sex with women and to conceive children. Even if it broke your spirit.”

“Shut up…”

Giin……!!

　

The sword sliced through the tendons of Crude’s dominant arm.

Despair and fear, an endless hell. After crawling up from the bottom, my hatred for this man who pushed me into hell once again bubbled up, and I cut through Crude as if the sword was drawn to his vital points, only seeking this man’s blood.

　

“Ugh… Hah… Oh, argh… As expected…… this story was the limiter… Fuhahaha, former princess, how did it feel to continue tasting the pleasures of men and women?”

“Die.”

　

Beheading. I thrust my sword with that intention.

However, Crude, who used both of his arms as shields, was able to barely protect his neck at the cost of both of his wrists.

　

“Ugh, aaaaahh Hah… strong…… so strong… the pleasure of being soaked in sex, having your ass and cunt stuffed full of cum, and thrusting your own cock in turn … Hahaha, who would believe you were a princess, you looked more like a beast, hah, hah… guah!!!

“…… scum…”

　

The bullet fired by Jade pierced Crude’s brain.

After his body bounced heavily, he never moved again.

I was in the form of a dancer, dyed a dark red with blood.

I didn’t careーーno, it didn’t matter that Crude was already dead, I kept cutting through him.

　

Zak…… Zak…… Zak……

　

I gouged out his eyes. Sliced his nose. Cut off his ears. Slashed his cheek and cut his brain in two.

　

“Stop! Sophia!! He’s already dead.”

　

Still, I can’t stop. Jade’s voice is muffled and inaudible.

　

“Die… die… die… die…”

　

I stabbed him in the heart and ripped out his internal organs.

His arms fell from his shoulders and his legs flew off the base.

I couldn’t stop even though a lot of blood flowed and fell all over my body.

I cut off his groin and penetrated him up to his anus.

I thrust the sword into the place where a woman’s genitals would normally be and stirred it around again and again.

Tired of that, I kept thrusting my sword into the place where his private part had been, which had been cut open and was now a blooming flower of blood.

The pelvis shattered, a large hole opened, and the floor began to be visible.

Still, I couldn’t stop. I wanted to find more to slash and dismember every part.

　

“That’s enough!!”

“Please stop!!!”

　

I was put in a chokehold from behind.

It was Jade… and Leila, shedding tears.

　

　

　

　

Final Episode: Princess in Exile

For a while, I couldn’t recognize Jade and Layla in front of me.

The two of them, who hugged me without hesitation while I was covered in blood, were also stained with blood.

　

　

Why are they interrupting me?

I need to shred this flesh into pieces.

I shook them off, faced the lump of flesh that was Crude once again, and raised my sword.

　

“No, please stop!! Just, don’t hurt yourself!!!”

“ーー!!!!”

　

At the very end of the swinging sword, Leila spread her hands wide.

She was crying a lot.

　

“Enough… stop…you, poor thing… it’s too much…”

　

Leila hugged me and was in tears.

For me.

She was crying for me.

　

“Sophia… your anger, your despair and your hatred, all of it… I can feel it all…… it’s awful, isn’t it? This is not something a human would do… you were a princess… and such a terrible thing was done to you…”

　

Gradually, my vision began to clear.

The black and red feelings of hatred that had enveloped me seemed to be purified by Leila’s tears.

　

“…… Lei, la…?”

　

When I finally realized that it was Leila herself in front of me, she hugged me even tighter.

But—

　

　

“…… back away, Leila.”

“I don’t want to.”

“…… You heard…… I, I’m unclean in body and soul… like he said, I’m a beast… you shouldn’t touch me.”

“ーーNo, that’s, not true!!”

　

Pan!!

　

For a moment, I didn’t know what had happened.

She slapped my cheek as hard as she could.

Leila, who was in tears, red in the face and angry, hit me again.

　

“Who’s the beast!!!! Who is the unclean one!!! You are Sophia Ardis, Princess of the Kingdom of Ardis!! You are Sophia, a thief who survived such terrible things and saved me from my days on the run!! I will never allow you to degrade yourself!!!”

　

She was crying.

Leila was crying for me.

She told me that I, who had been defiled by sin, numerous experiments, and rape, was unblemished.

She told me I was the Princess of the Kingdom of Ardis.

My late father and mother left me and accepted my body. I was born a perfect hermaphrodite, this life.

Just before the castle fell, my father and mother risked their lives to cast a secret spell on me.

She was willing to accept my father, my mother, and me as we are.

Is it because we have the same situation of having been driven out of the country?

No, I felt like that wasn’t all.

　

“…… When you stole me. When you disguised me. When we went shopping. When we went to bed, and told me stories. Everything… you saved me. I was born into a family with magical powers, and just like you, my late father and mother temporarily sealed my magic in order to spare me from military use… you melted my anger and heart… you were the one who saved me!! Revenge is not everything. It was you, Sophia, who saved me from the fear of being caught again and from the desire for revenge!! I will never let you say that you are a beast!!”

　

Oh I see…

Leila, is just like me…

　

　

Garang, and I drop my sword. With my bloodied hands, I hugged Leila back.

Leila looked up and stared at me with her deep blue eyes. I was covered in blood… but before I knew it, I was crying too.

　

“…… I….. all my life, I have lived only for revenge. I cursed this body. I cursed the country that killed my father and mother. I cursed everyone at the institute. I got rescued, gained strength… but when I killed them all, I had nothing left. With this body that has been raped, I can no longer conceive or become pregnant. It’s just that I have the genitals of both sexes fully developed. But…… just for that, why did I have to be treated like that… I was just a person, just like everyone else. That’s what I believed. But…… to the crazy people who wanted this body, I was just a tool… when everything was over, time passed, I was finally able to let the memories sink in deeper and deeper. At the time… Jade and I started taking money from villains and giving it to the kids living in the slums. At least… I thought I could wash away my sordid past. So….. I… I’m not on equal footing with you…. I killed people, many people. I brutally slaughtered them. I killed them all…? How could I be that …… with you…”

“That doesn’t matter!! You saved me!! Because of you, I can affirm my past. Because you are here, I feel happy for the first time since my country was destroyed!! No matter how many people you have killed or how terrible things that were done to you, the one who saved me was `you now’!! In the same way, I think that it is precisely because we have been forced to leave our countries that we can thaw each other’s frozen hearts!!! Isn’t that right!? Sophia!!”

“…… Lei, la……”

　

This girl… even if she knows my past… even if she knows my sins… she still says she will forgive me.

She says we’re the same.

Tears, I was flooded with tears.

　

“Oh… really…… fine, nu…? I …… am, what…”

“Please don’t say it… now that you are here. You saved me. That’s the only fact that matters… This time, I want to save you…”

　

Thump, my heart raced.

What is this feeling? The exact opposite of hatred, a warm feeling.

This feeling that makes me so happy to see her.

　

“Sophia… I’ll go with you.”

　

She looked up and looked straight at me with her blue eyes.

She’s not joking.

　

“…… You’re not going to be a respectable person, you know?”

　

I said it as a final confirmation of intent.

But.

She smiled and held up the item in her hand.

　

“Have you forgotten? I can see into the future with this orb, right? I mean…… no matter where you go, I’ll never let you escape.”

　

Haha. I lost.

I hugged Leila as hard as I could.

　

“It’s no use with this girl… are you sure?”

“Yes…… I only have you. I absolutely…… won’t let you go.”

“Hmm? That’s…”

　

Jade, who had lowered the gun he was carrying, laughed and tapped me on the shoulder.

　

“I, it hurts, Jade! What is it?”

“Hahahahahahaha!!! This young lady has a cute face and is strong-willed, isn’t she? Well, maybe even Sophia the demon will finally learn to love others!!”

“…… Mr. Jade? Outsiders, please keep out of this. It’s between me and her.”

“Huh? H, hey! What are you talking about? Also Jade, what do you mean by ‘Sophia the Demon’!!”

“Sophia… shall we stay at a place with a beautiful night view tonight?”

“Huh? That’s fine, but… What, hey Lady Leila? Your face is too close…?”

“Ufufu, it’s just your imagination, Sophia… but the night is long. Take your time, okay?”

“Eeeeh? I, I, I’m not sure if you really mean that. Wait a minute, I’m not ready for this…”

“Now, everyone, I’ll take care of the corpses with my magic, so let’s get on with it!!”

　

My face is kind of hot.

I’ll admit it. It’s such a fulfilling thing……

I was so pissed off when Jade looked at me with a smirk on her face that I slashed at him with my sword.

I’m sure it was obvious to both Jade and Leila that it was an attempt to hide my embarrassment.

　

　

In any case, I think I can finally forgive myself.

As for Leila’s feelings… to be honest, I’m really happy.

　

With Leila… and Jade.

I can finally live a new life.

I can finally leave the past behind.

I got an irreplaceable partner.

　

Yes, I was convinced.

　

　

　

After leaving the warehouse, a beautiful moon was reflected on the beach.

　

“…… beautiful…”

“…… You are 100 times more beautiful, Sophia…”

“Hey, Leila…”

“Tonight… I won’t let you sleep.”

“Hmm, mm… ah!”

　

Leila covered my lips with hers and since she was a better kisser than I expected, I was so embarrassed that I collapsed on the spot, and Leila carried me on her back, and I was taken to a room on the top floor of the inn…

　

…… I won’t tell you anything beyond that.

　

　

　

Fin