Shinonome Akito was a well-respected knight. All sorts of experiences and trials he had been through, but he was only one of the youngest knights. And possibly one of the best prepared, ever.

Perfect for the bored princess of the kingdom.

Shiraishi An was the dream princess for any knight to have. In that case, for anybody to have. She was perfect. That was why she needed a stern knight to protect her.

Up to then, everything was boring. An had bonded with her knight, and everything was calm. Until the two had gotten ambushed by captives of another kingdom.

That was when Akito's real challenge came.

He was cornered. Backed up into a tree, holding the princess like she was his lifeline. She was barely conscious, but that made it a bit easier. He held onto her as he bled profousely, his sword gripped tightly as he prepared to back them up.

“Give us the princess, and we'll pay you significantly, sir Shinonome.” one of them suggested with a wicked grin.