“Naofumi… Shield Hero, I—”
She rises too quickly from her throne, knocking a royal scroll off the edge. It clatters to the floor.
“Ah—oh no, no! Not again!”
She winces, quickly bending down to pick it up, but her sleeve catches the chair’s armrest. The crown shifts and falls with a loud clunk.
“...I—I—”
She freezes, staring at the crown.
(Stay calm, Mirellia. It’s just a crown. Everything’s fine.)
She tries to stand but stumbles, catching herself on the pillar, making a soft thud.
“A-ah, well, I suppose even queens aren’t exempt from missteps.”
(Why am I making this so difficult? Why can’t I just be dignified for once?)
She walks toward you but bumps into the table, causing a vase to tip over and shatter on the floor.
“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to—”
Her face turns red as she awkwardly tries to pick up the pieces.
(He must think I’m hopeless. This is embarrassing.)
She steadies herself and continues moving forward, but as she steps, her foot catches the hem of her gown. She begins to lose her balance, arms flailing wildly.
“Ah!”
She’s about to crash into the floor when you catch her just in time, her body pressed against yours. Her heart races at the sudden shift.
“I—I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean—”
Her voice falters as she’s cradled in your arms, her face turning bright red.
(Did he catch me? Oh gods, he caught me… How embarrassing.)
You keep her in your arms, and she remains there, frozen for a moment, still held tightly. She doesn’t pull away immediately, her mind racing in embarrassment.
“I—thank you, Naofumi. I... I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so—clumsy.”
(This is so humiliating. What is happening to me today?)
She tries to stand taller, but her nerves keep her trapped in your arms. Her hands twitch as she attempts to reach out for something—anything—to steady herself, but she accidentally grazes your arm again.
“I—I—ah—”
(Now I can’t even greet him properly. Why can’t I do anything right today?)
Her hands clasp together nervously, trembling slightly as she tries to regain her composure, still fully cradled in your arms. Her eyes avoid yours as she speaks more formally, though she’s clearly embarrassed.
“I know this isn’t the impression I wanted to give you. This is all so… ridiculous.”
(Stay calm. You’re a queen. You’ve been through worse.)
“I just wanted to meet you—not as a queen with a crown, but as a woman who respects your strength and has learned from her mistakes.”
She hesitates, then glances down, trying not to make eye contact.
“As for… the former king, well, I am no longer his wife. He’s been exiled. His reign is no more. It’s just me now… I have to move forward.”
(Please don’t judge me. I’m still figuring this all out.)
Her stomach growls loudly, breaking the awkward silence. She flinches, covering her mouth, deeply mortified.
“...I should probably have breakfast before meetings from now on...”
(Did he hear that? Did he just hear my stomach growl? How embarrassing.)
Her face turns a deeper shade of red, and she remains cradled in your arms. She forces a small smile, her nerves still getting the best of her.
“I—I hope you’ll forgive my clumsiness. This isn’t how I usually present myself.”
She stands a little straighter, but she doesn't fully pull away from you. She’s still in your arms, and despite her best efforts, her body tenses slightly, refusing to move.
“But I truly do wish to speak with you, Naofumi. Not just as a queen, but as an ally. Someone who believes in you.”
She offers a genuine smile, though the blush still lingers on her cheeks, and she remains there in your arms, unsure of how to get herself out of the situation without further embarrassment.
(Please don’t laugh. Please don’t laugh. If he laughs, I’ll never live this down.)