Party Swapping With Rin, Chapter 6 (Patreon)

Kazuma looked at the two women before him, and felt slightly dizzy. One was the very image of a royal princess, dressed in green dress with creamy white stockings, a small circlet of silver inlaid with pearls on her head. The other was a scruffy-looking but very attractive adventurer with her hair pulled back in a ponytail, a bushy tail poking out above her skirt. Their faces were so similar they could have been sisters, maybe even twins. 


“I don’t know which one of you to kiss and which to slap,” Kazuma muttered, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. Rin glared at him, while Leonor giggled and winked. 


“See, I told you. Not even your boyfriend can tell the difference between us,” Leonor laughed, waggling her eyebrows at Kazuma. 


Flustered, Kazuma raised his hands. “I can, it’s just…dressed in one another’s clothes… it’s a little off-putting, OK!? What, were the two of you separated at birth or something?”


“Honestly, it’s hard to be that mad at you,” Rin said with a sigh. “When I looked in the mirror, with my hair dyed like this? I didn’t recognize myself.”


“I had to do a double take when I saw you. You’re seriously my spitting image,” Leonore said, rubbing her hands together eagerly. “Now, you’ll stick with the plan, right?”


“I mean, we’ll try, but do you really think any of your advisors will think I’m you?” Rin asked, looking down at herself. “What if my tail pops out at the wrong moment?”


“Tell them it’s your new kink and then insult their intelligence and they’ll just go with it,” Leonore laughed. “Seriously, they’re all so thick-witted that as long as you’re a raging bitch to them they won’t even notice you don’t sound like me at all.”


Kazuma had to disagree. When Leonore dropped the princess act, she sounded exactly like Rin to his ears. It was actually rather eerie. 


“You seriously expect me to just…walk out there and tell everyone I’m the princess?” Rin demanded, planting her hands on her hips and glaring at her doppelganger. “There’s no way that will work! No one will believe it for even a moment! The first person to walk through that door will say-”


As if on cue, the door slammed open, and Taylor strode into the room with Megumin on his back. “Hey Kazuma, hey Rin, we found a good place to let off an Explosion and- Oh! Your Highness! Uh, I mean, Megumin and I were just, uh, just…”


“Vanquishing the forces of evil through the use of the most glorious spell of all!” Megumin said somewhat sleepily. 


“Oh, hello there, Taylor and Megumin,” Leonore said, waving cheerily. “Her Highness was just being a brat, as usual, and wanted to find out how Dust was in the sack. Can you believe she thought I’d slept with him? Ugh, gross.” 


“Wait, really? Why’d she think you would sleep with Dust, Rin?” Taylor said, then flushed. “I mean, uh, Rin is just a commoner. Your Highness.”


“Well, I can’t be the only one with such fantastic taste in men, now can I?” Rin said, frowning at Taylor. “Don’t you recognize me?”


“Of course, your highness. Uh, Megumin and I were just going to bed. Goodnight,” Taylor said, shooting Kazuma a look before hastily extricating himself and his passenger to one of the smaller side rooms.


“See?” Leonore said smugly, turning to Kazuma and Rin, her fake tail swishing back and forth mischievously. 


“That doesn’t prove anything. Megumin was half asleep, and Taylor isn’t exactly famous for his observational skills,”  Rin sniffed. 


“Yeah, and they were just here for a few seconds. Be a lot harder to pull it off if we’d said more than a sentence or two,” Kazuma agreed. 


Rolling her eyes, Leonore gestured to the door. “Fine then. Call for a servant to do something. It doesn’t matter who, they all know me.”


“And I’m sure they’ll see right through it and say nothing because they’re terrified of what you would do if they called your bluff,” Rin pointed out.


Leonore shrugged. “Fine then. Call for Minister Damien. He’s known me since I was in my mother’s womb, and he’s never had time for my games, the stuffy old fart.”


“At last, a sensible adult,” Rin sniffed, and opened the door, poking her head out. “Excuse me? Yes, you, soldier. Will you stop bowing and just listen? Thank you. Go find Minister Damien and ask him to please attend the Princess in the guest quarters at his earliest possible convenience. Did you not understand me? Well, you’re looking at me like I’ve grown a second head! Yes, his earliest convenience. Thank you, guardsman. Wait! What’s your name? Emmet? Thank you, Guardsman Emmet.”


Rin closed the door and smirked at Leonore, who was looking bored by this point. “He noticed something was wrong right away. There’s no possibility this succeeds.”


“That’s because you asked nicely. You’re the princess. You don’t ask, you just tell,” Leonore said with a sigh. 


“Maybe you do, but some of us were brought up the right way,” Rin sniffed, then flushed. “Er, I mean-”


Leonore laughed and waved her hand dismissively. “Oh no, that’s exactly the right sort of energy. You come at him with that attitude and he’ll definitely think you’re me!” 


That comment made Rin stew in silence for the next several minutes, until there was a knock at the door, followed by Emmet the guard opening it. “Your Highness? Lord Damien is here, as requested.”


The balding older man stepped into the room, red in the face and puffing slightly. By his expression, he’d run all the way here. “Your Highness…what, exactly, is the matter?”


“Nothing,” Rin said, folding her arms over her (very padded) chest and sniffing. “I just need you to confirm something for me.”


Sighing and mopping his brow, Damien nodded. “And what might that be, your Highness?”


“She doesn’t believe you know the royal person very well,” Rin said, gesturing to Leonore, who smiled guilelessly at Damien. 


“I apologize, my lord,” Leonore said, bowing deeply. “I simply couldn’t believe that the king would run off and leave a princess in charge. I thought surely you must be the one really in charge. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have argued with the Princess when she was having a fit of pique.”


Looking disgruntled, Damien turned to Rin, who was glaring sourly at the disguised princess. “Your Highness…”


“Oh come on, don’t you notice anything different! You supposedly raised ‘me’, so how can you not even tell?!” Rin demanded angrily. 


Damien looked at Rin nonplussed, then bowed. “I am sorry, Your Highness, but I am very busy. If this is about your new earrings, they look lovely.”


“Oh, fine, get out of here!” Rin snapped, and Damien hastily departed. 


Leonore beamed happily. “Well?” 


“Well…I guess it will work. For a day or two, maybe,” Rin said, glancing at Kazuma. 


“Just grouch at people and be a general bitch and no one will notice a thing most likely,” Kazuma said with a shrug. Rin snorted a laugh, and Leonore nodded. 


“Now you’re getting it! But, the deal is two weeks. You give me two weeks of freedom, and I’ll make sure Dust gets back Faitfore. Understand?”


“Can we really do two weeks? Won’t they execute us if they notice?” Rin said, looking pleadingly to Kazuma. 


“It’s up to you, Rin. I’m not the one who will have to do all the fooling,” Kazuma said with a shake of his head. “But this does seem to be the best way to rescue Dust’s dragon.”


Rin let out a long sigh. “Alright. I’ll do it. But you’ve gotta get me out of here if something goes really wrong.”


“Oh relax, nothing will go wrong. My dad and brothers aren’t due back for another month. If things get dicey, pitch a fit and lock yourself in your rooms until they bring you some expensive and rare items to soothe your ruffled ego. Heck, if you really want to make them walk on eggshells, sleep with your boyfriend a few times. They probably already think I had a tryst with him and that’s why he’s sticking around anyway.” 


Kazuma and Rin both looked embarrassed at that. “Uh, won’t you get in troubled for that when your dad gets back?” Kazuma asked. 


“Meh. I’m planning on getting laid during my getaway, so it’s not like they won’t have actual cause,” Leonore said with a shrug. “Everyone has assumed I’m a slut for years, so I figure it’s time to start acting like one.” 


“...right,” Rin said with a sigh. “Well, try not to tarnish my reputation too much…though admittedly, it can’t get much lower now that everyone knows I’m sleeping with Kazuma.”


Kazuma would have been more offended if it wasn’t so true. 


“I’ll see what I can do,” Leonore said, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. 


A short time later, the door opened again to admit Dust, Darkness, Aqua, and Keith all in a group. All of them looked much the worse for wear, save Aqua, who despite reeking of cheap booze was as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as Rin after a good rest. 


“Oh, Leonore, you’re here,” Dust said, smiling at Rin awkwardly. “Uh, good morning I guess. Darkness and I pretty beat, so, uh, we don’t have time to talk now.”


“That’s alright Dust, her royal pain in the backside was just leaving,” Leonore said with a meaningful look at Rin. 


“Rin,” Darkness said, sounding weary but trying to put a good face on things. “We are guests of her Highness.”


“Darkness, it’s fine, but I need to tell you something. Probably Dust too,” Rin said.


“Certainly, your Highness,” Darkness said, smiling gamely. “If this is about Faitfore…”


“It is,” Rin agreed, “But I’m not-”


“Well, I don’t think Kazuma and I need to be here,” Leonore said, taking Kazuma’s arm. “Time for us to have our own party!”


“Yeah, I’m going to hit the hay as well,” Keith said with a yawn. “Come on, Aqua, that was quite the night, especially with you as my wingwoman. You’re not half bad.”


“I told you I was the best! But hold on, why is Leonore with Kazuma? And why is Rin dressed like a princess?” Aqua asked.


There was an awkward silence, and Rin turned to Leonore. “I told you.”


“Aqua, don’t insult her Highness,” Darkness said with a heavy sigh. “She and Rin look similar, but you’ve just had too much to drink.”


“Hey! I’m totally sober! Well, mostly,” Aqua said, frowning at Rin and Leonore. “Can’t you guys tell?”


“I’m flattered, but you must be mistaken. Surely you can see how much bigger her boobs are and the tail,” Leonore laughed, putting her hands on her chest, which they’d had to tightly bind. 


“I know pads when I see them,” Aqua said with a smirk. “It’s a dead giveaway.”


“Uh, you know…they do look…did you swap?” Dust asked, looking confused. 


“What do you think?” Rin demanded, glaring at Dust.


He immediately wilted. “Sorry, Leonore! I’m tired, that’s all. Aqua’s just joking I’m sure.”


“I am not!” Aqua huffed, stamping her foot. “They switched!” 


“Keep it down. That’s what we have to talk about,” Kazuma hissed. “Look. Here’s the plan…”


Kazuma quickly laid things out, causing Aqua’s smugness levels to reach new heights, and Dust to cry tears of relief.


“Thank you both,” Dust sniffed as Darkness hugged the weeping knight. “I…I really appreciate it. To finally save Faitfore, to know she’s OK…it means everything to me.”


“Don’t mention it,” Leonore laughed. “It’s a vacation for me! And Rin gets to be royalty for a fortnight. It’s Win-Win!” 


“You two will stay with us,” Kazuma said, nodding to Darkness and Dust. “Keith, you, Taylor, Megumin, and Aqua will keep an eye on Leonore. Don’t let her get into too much trouble.”


“But don’t tell Taylor and Megumin. It’ll be more fun if they have to figure it out themselves. I wanna see how long I can keep them going!” Leonore giggled. 


“Hehe, that does sound fun!” Aqua agreed.


Keith mostly just looked exhausted. “Uh, sure. But I mean… I won’t get in trouble for less majesty or whatever if I mouth off to her or stare at her ass for too long, right?” 


“It’s lèse-majesté, and I think that will have to be one of the ground rules,” Darkness said, eyeing Leonore suspiciously. 


“Perish the thought! In fact, if you ask nicely, I might even let you slap the royal ass,” Leonore teased, turning her rear towards him and swishing her tail.


Keith looked at her face, then her rear end, then, without warning, he did slap her ass, making everyone else gasp in shock (except for Aqua) and Leonore let out a startled cry. 


“Oh! Oh, you…you actually did it,” Leonore said somewhat breathlessly. 


“I’ve always wanted to slap Rin’s ass, but I figured she’d fireball me if I tried,” Keith mused. “Seemed like a good opportunity. Say, how’d you get the tail to work?”


“It’s…it’s enchanted. I know Advanced Magic,” Leonore said, blinking a few times. 


“Oh. Uh, so you know fireball too then?” Keith swallowed and turned to Aqua. “Res me when I die, OK? I know you’ve done it before.”


“I’m not going to kill you for that,” Leonore laughed, then grabbed Keith’s hand. “In fact, you seem like just the sort of guy I was looking for! Come on! Let’s go have some fun today and leave tomorrow!”


Despite having looked on death’s doorstep a moment later, Keith brightened immediately. “Well, OK! Come on, Aqua! We’ve got a princess to corrupt!” 


“Hey, as a goddess, I purify things, not corrupt them. But have you ever considered joining the Axis Cult?” Aqua asked as they headed for the door. 


“You know, I never have. Sell me on it!” Leonore said as they headed out.


“You, uh, think they’ll be alright?” Kazuma asked plaintively as the door shut. 


“No, but Aqua can bring them back if they die, so there’s that,” Rin sighed. “Well…now I guess I have to see if I can get through one day as a princess.”


Steeling themselves, Kazuma and Rin exited the visitors' suite. A moment later, two guards fell into step behind them, looking fairly bored. Rin glanced nervously at them, and both guards saluted. 


“Princess,” the older of the pair said, saluting again. 


“Er…” Rin glanced at Kazuma, then straightened her back and cleared her throat. “Take us to my quarters at once! And summon Minister Damien again. Uh, the old fart.”


“Yes, Princess,” the guard said, wincing at having to once more interrupt the minister’s day. The two guards quickly played rock paper scissors, with the winner taking Rin and Kazuma to Leonore’s chambers, while the loser went to find the ever-harried Damien. 


Leonore’s chambers were as opulent as Kazuma expected, and even more frilly and girly than Iris’ rooms were. There was lace, and ornate wall hangings with pictures of flowers and beautiful maidens everywhere, along with everything in gold and green, her preferred colors. There was even a full garden with a fountain full of goldfish, with fruit trees and blossoming flowers that had to be carefully tended by a horde of gardeners. 


For the moment, Rin just went over to Leonore’s desk and began rifling through her papers. “Hair stylist appointments, manicure appointments, daily rides, minstrels, having her portrait done…where’s all the important stuff?” Rin muttered, paging through things. “Has she responded to any of these letters from her father and brothers? They’re all about playing in the El Road casino, so maybe not, but you’d think she’d at least reply to a few of them…”


Kazuma began sorting through Leonore’s letters as well. All of it was for various beauty routines or types of entertainment. There were letters from her father and brothers, but also various requests and correspondence that Leonore shoved into a wadded pile in the corner of the desk, apparently without replying to one of them. 


“Ugh, she’s saddled me with all kinds of work, I should have known,” Rin muttered, looking through the letters. 


There was a knock, and a moment later, Damien entered. He paused on seeing Kazuma, his eyes narrowing. “Leonore. A man in your chambers? A foreign man?”


“Get used to it, I stole him fair and square,” Rin said, looking up from the letters. “Lord Damien, where is my daily schedule?”


Damien opened his mouth to argue, then paused, his head tilting to one side. “Your…daily schedule?” 


“Yes, my daily schedule. Not just my beauty routines, though I want a list of those compiled, this place is a mess and I’ve let it go for far too long, but the more important things. Where are the lists of petitioners, the reports on military readiness, the…the palace reports! Have you been hiding them from me?” Rin asked suspiciously, 


“Uh, no, I haven’t, your highness, you simply…what has brought this on?” Damien asked, his brow furrowing in sudden suspicion as his eyes darted to Kazuma. “Did he put you up to this?” 


“Hey, I’m Japanese, not Belzergian,” Kazuma said, raising his hands. “I’m just here to, uh, give advice.”


On hearing ‘Japanese’, Damien suddenly brightened. “Oh, you’re a summoned hero from another world then? What is your Divine Blessing?” 


“You don’t want to know,” Kazuma said, thinking that Aqua was probably with Keith and Leonore in some dive bar at that very moment. “It’s a pain in the ass, but it can be pretty powerful.”


“Hmm,” Damien turned to Rin, his brow still furrowed. 


Thinking quickly, Rin blurted, “I’m jealous, OK? Dust ditched me for Darkness. Said she’s more responsible. It’s probably just because she has bigger boobs than me, but screw him! I’ll show him I’m the best damn princess there is, and make my father and brothers regret leaving me here by running this kingdom so good, people will want me as queen!” 


Damien blinked a few times, then shrugged. “Very well, I’ll have a schedule drawn up and put on your desk immediately. You truly wish to hear petitioners?”


“Why does it matter what I want? It’s my job. Why else do people put up with me?” Rin asked, her own brow furrowing. 


“Why indeed,” Damien muttered under his breath. “Will that be all, Your Highness?”


“One other thing. Dust, I mean, Sir Cheruka’s dragon, Faitfore…is she secure?” Rin asked.


“I haven’t received word back yet, it’s been less than a day, Your Highness,” Damien said in exasperation. “But last I heard, she was still in the retreat in the mountains.”


“Well…I want her brought somewhere closer! Somewhere we can keep an eye on her,” Rin said.


“Yes, yes, of course,” Damien groaned. “I’ll send another messenger.”


“Good. Thank you, Lord Damien. I know I’ve put you through a lot today. But I appreciate the steadfast work you do for the Kingdom,” Rin said gently, smiling at Damien. 


The man’s mouth flopped open, and he goggled at Rin for a bit. Kazuma felt his heart stop, and Rin paled as well. Had she just completely blown their cover?


“I…Thank you, your highness,” Damien managed after a moment. He scrubbed at his eyes, which had suddenly gone red. “If…if you will excuse me…”


With that, Damien hastily strode from the room, leaving a relieved pair behind him. 


“Oh, thank Eris, I thought I’d blown it completely,” Rin groaned, slumping into the chair at the desk. Kazuma went over and rubbed at her shoulders, making Rin sigh and slump forward even further. 


“You did great. Leonore probably makes Damien cry all the time.”


“Probably not because she complimented him though. What a bitch. A lazy one too. Does she just lounge about all day and demand to be pampered?” Rin groaned as Kazuma continued his ministrations. “Don’t stop that though. I feel like being pampered just now.”


Which was why Minister Damien found them with Rin half out of her dress with Kazuma massaging her back still when he returned about ten minutes later.


“Your Highness, please, try to be more discreet,” Damien groaned, covering his face with his hands. Not in embarrassment, more exasperation, as Rin hastily put her dress back on with Kazuma’s help. 


“I, um, yes, er…is that my schedule?” Rin said hopefully, quickly straightening her gown. 


Damien nodded, coming over and putting a stack of parchment on Leonore’s workspace. “Yes. Though, I must ask…do I need to get you a contraceptive potion?”


“W-what?! N-no, I, um-” Rin stammered, then took a deep breath. “What I do is my own business, Damien, and you’d do well to not forget that!” —She then blushed. — “but, uh… Forget what you saw just now. I d-d-demand it!”


“I won’t. I’ve been expecting you to find someone to sleep with since your father departed a week ago. A foreigner is a questionable choice, but at least he doesn’t appear as thick-headed as Rein was. Plus, Divine Champions can be quite the asset, so you could do worse. Even if I thought you’d go for someone prettier,” Damien mused. 


“I prefer them scruffy and smart, not pretty and stupid,” Rin snapped, and Damien gave her a weary smile. 


“Well, at least you learned. Try to be discreet. I’ll change the maid’s schedule so they visit you later, but Tiana and Marie are going to figure it out. Have you thought of a suitable bribe?”


“My lady’s maids,” Rin muttered, and Damien nodded encouragingly. “No. Can their… discretion…be purchased? Or should I give them a couple of weeks of vacation?”


Damien considered that. “They can be bribed into silence. Just don’t be too overt. We’ll deal with your father when he returns, but frankly it’s well past time you got married, and none of your father’s nobles will touch you. A foreigner who is a divine champion with ties to Belzergian royalty isn’t the worst choice.”


“M-marriage?!” Kazuma spluttered, taken aback. He loved Rin, but she was currently pretending to be Leonore! And either way, he wasn’t sure he was ready for that yet anyway.


“Oh, yes,” Damien said grimly. 


“Oh, yes,” Rin said even more grimly, and Kazuma gulped. 


“Damien, will you be so kind as to let me have a…private conversation with Sir Sato. I think he needs to more fully understand what situation he’s in,” Rin purred. 


“Yes, Your Highness. But please, do inform your father at least. You know what sort of temper he’d be in if you sprung this on him when he returns,” Damien sighed, then departed once more. 


“Uh, look, Rin, I, uh,” Kazuma stammered, backing away warily. 


“Lenore, Kazuma. Don’t forget it,” she said sternly. Then she giggled and leaned back. “Got you.”


Kazuma breathed a heavy sigh of relief. “Oh, thank goodness. Look, I, uh, I don’t want to marry Leonore, and, um, it would be a bit sudden…”


“It would be. But don’t think I’m going to let you just keep screwing me for funsies forever. I expect you to get serious about this, because I am,” Rin said. 


“You, uh, mean the pretending to be the Princess thing, or-”


“I mean marriage, Kazuma. I might not be a princess with a royal dynasty on her mind, but I’m not going to let you milk the cow forever without buying it,” Rin said, folding her arms over her chest. That did interesting things to her figure with the padding they’d added to the dress, as Leonore was far bustier. 


Thinking quickly, Kazuma crossed the room, putting a hand under Rin’s chin. This had to be an event flag. “I don’t love Princess Leonore though. I love Rin the Trash Panda.”


Rin’s skirts rustled as her tail flicked back and forth, but she frowned at him. “Well, it’s easy enough to say those words, but-”


“And when we get back, we should get married,” Kazuma blurted. He felt his heart lurch the moment the words were out of his mouth. He’d known Rin for over a year, but they’d been dating for less than a month! She was going to slap him, or worse, laugh at him. He would ruin everything like he always did, and-


“Yes!” Rin gasped, and then kissed Kazuma hungrily. What little sense he had flew right out of his head, and Kazuma hugged her tightly as they devoured one another for a few moments. Kazuma’s hand went exploring, finding Rin’s tail as it popped out from under her skirts.


“That feels good, Rin groaned. She turned around, leaning over the desk. “Lift my skirt up. Let my tail free.”


Kazuma complied, though he also cast a quick Steal, giving him much more to see. He leaned in, kissing Rin’s mound and making her groan, before using his fingers to stroke it until she was sopping wet. 


“Stop playing and do me,” Rin demanded, gasping as Kazuma shoved two fingers in. “Kazuma! I…I need you!”


Kazuma spared a moment to lean over and kiss Rin. “I love you too.” Then he pulled down his trousers, already so hard he felt like he was throbbing, and thrust himself into Rin. She bucked against him wildly, and Kazuma completely lost control. It was a mad minute that ended with the chair knocked over, and Rin grabbing the desk and moaning as Kazuma pounded her from behind. She finished right before he did, grunting as he filled her completely. 


“That…that was good,” Rin slurred, sagging against the desk and sighing. “I…I love you, Kazuma. I will marry you.”


“You…you’ll be Mrs. Sato,” Kazuma said, as post-nut clarity began to take hold. “Like…like my mother.”


Rin snorted, then flicked Kazuma with her tail. “I hope that’s not who you think of when you’re humping me senseless.”


“No, I uh, I just…it doesn’t…feel real,” Kazuma stammered.


“No, it doesn’t,” Rin agreed, smiling at him. He leaned over, smoothing a bit of sweaty hair otu of the way and kissing her.

“Right, help me get cleaned up before they come check on us,” Rin said after the kiss. “Where’s the chamber pot? These dresses are always a pain to go in.”


They didn’t find a chamber pot, but they did find a flushable toilet that appeared to run on some sort of water spell. Kazuma found the design primitive, but Rin was fascinated and intrigued. “A toilet with running water to take away your business? Now that’s impressive.”


“Eh, not really. Everyone in Japan has one of these,” Kazuma said with a shrug.


Rin eyed him skeptically. “Sure, they do, Kazuma.”


“I’m serious!”


“Next you’ll tell me everyone can control the temperature in their house with a magic box.”


“Funny you should mention that…”


Once Rin was sorted out again, she and Kazuma set to work reviewing the schedule and petitions that Damien had delivered. Kazuma helped sort them by priority in three piles, with the most frivolous being discarded outright, a middle stack of important but not serious ones, and a third of vital significance. 


They were still working on it when two women entered the room, both dressed in fine but modest gowns. They looked to be around Kazuma and Rin’s age, late teens or early twenties. 


“Ah, there you are. This is Kazuma, my…ah, knight. Introduce yourselves, please,” Rin said, nodding to the girls. 


“I’m Tiana Pendragora,” the first said. She was a dimpled beauty with soft brown hair in a delicate bun on her head. She was a bit taller than Rin, though her shoes were flat with no heels. “Daughter of Duke Pendragora. It’s a pleasure, Sir Kazuma.”


“I am Marie Mayden, sister to Count Mayden. Honored, I’m sure,” Marie said, though she sounded bored. 


“Pardon me for asking, but…what are you doing, Your Highness?” Tiana asked, peering over Rin to where they were sorting the papers.


“Ah yes, I need your help with this. Each of you, take a stack. I’m considering rejecting these outright, Tiana. Look over them and make sure that one of these isn’t from a moron who is too important to just ignore their nonsense. Marie, check these for the same, only these are ones I might hear, but if they’re from someone important or it’s more dire than it looks at first glance, they’ll go to the priority queue. If they’re senseless, drop them to the rejects.”


Both of the ladies in waiting goggled at Rin like she’d grown a second head, blinking in astonishment. “I’m sorry, what?” Marie managed after a moment. 


“Did you not hear me? Look over these for anything important I missed before I give my list of the petitions I’ll hear to Lord Damien,” Rin said somewhat more tersely, waving a stack at the two gobsmacked girls.


“Er, yes, Your Highness,” Tiana said after she shook her head, accepting the stack and leafing through it. Marie was still looking at Rin like she’d sprouted wings, but she took the stack. After a few minutes, Tiana spoke up.


“Um, your highness, I know this request sounds silly, but…it’s from Lord Farquad. He’s the largest tenant holder in the capital. Best to keep him happy, even if he is a short little ass of a man.”


“Right, put it in the priority queue. I’ll smile and nod and find a way to get his stupid request for a theme park modeled after himself lost in development hell,” Rin said, pointing to the priority pile.


Marie and Tiana both exchanged a startled look, then Marie coughed and said, “Um, this request from Sir Rebral…I know it seems like it’s not terribly important, but he’s in charge of keeping the dragon eggs warm. His request for more timber rights is absolutely vital if he’s to fulfill his job.” 


“Excellent, priority queue for him as well then, good work,” Rin said absently as she scribbled some notes for herself on a pad of paper, quickly describing both noblemen. 


They spent over an hour working on the reports, until Rin and Kazuma were both starving. “Send for lunch, I think it’s time we had a break,” Rin groaned, standing and popping her back. “Ugh. I hate sitting for so long. This is why I prefer to be out of doors.”


“We…we could go riding, your Highness.  You usually take a morning ride,” Tiana pointed out.


“No time for that. We’re terribly behind on all this work, and I haven’t even reviewed the castle finances yet. Kazuma, how’s that going?” Rin said absently. 


“I’m pretty sure your head cook is embezzling funds,” Kazuma said, tapping the pages. “He’s ordering very expensive spices like clockwork, twice a month. But I took a look at the menu: he’s not using nearly as much spice as he’s ordering. Spice is easy to move and even small amounts are expensive. Eggs to eris, he’s swindling you something fierce.”


“We will inform Lord Damien immediately. And we’ll need to do an audit of the castle accountants. They should have noticed something this blatant,” Rin said firmly. “Speaking of spices though, how about a nice curry for lunch?”


“Sounds good to me,” Kazuma agreed easily. 


“Two spicy curries, with rice. And whatever the two of you are having. Oh, and something cold and sweet to go with the curry. Thank you, Marie and Tiana. We’ll take an hour for lunch then get back to work,” Rin ordered. “Kazuma and I will relax in the garden until the food gets here. You can join us when the food arrives.”


“Spicy…curry? With rice?” Riana repeated slowly. “That’s what you want for lunch?”


“Yes, does the cook not know how to make something so basic? If he’s going to rob me, he should at least be good at his job,” Rin said with a frown. 


“Er, yes, of course, Your Highness. I’ll see to it they send up the very best sweet wine with the food,” Marie said, then she and Tiana hustled off. 


The garden was cool and relaxing, and Kazuma and Rin enjoyed the tinkling fountain as they took a much-deserved break. Tiana and Marie returned with servants bearing the food, but also with Lord Damien in tow, along with an elderly woman in priestly raiment. 


“Good afternoon, Your Highness,” Councilor Damien said. 


“Lord Damien. Introduce your companion for Kazuma’s benefit,” Rin said smoothly. 


“This is Archbishop Felicity, Sir Kazuma,” Damien said, and the woman bowed. “I brought her to check on Your Highness’ health.”


“Why? I’m perfectly fine,” Rin said, eyeing Felicity skeptically. 


“It won’t take but a moment, your Highness,” Felicity said, smiling so that her eyes crinkled slightly. 


“Well, you’re not doing it. I want lunch, and I want it now. Where’s my curry?” Rin demanded, shifting away from the Archbishop.


“Your Highness, I-” Damien began, but Rin shut him down. 


“Don’t you Your Highness me, Damien. I’m not a little girl anymore, and I’m starving. Lunch before any other discussion,” Rin snapped.


Damien sighed, but motioned for the food to be laid out. Two steaming bowls of curry, with a heaping platter of rice. Kazuma’s mouth watered at the scent of it, and he eagerly reached for the bowl.


Rin smacked his hand. “Manners, Sir Kazuma. This is a palace, not the barn you were born in.”


“I was born in a hospital like a civilized person,” Kazuma said with a snort, but he put the napkin around his neck, while Rin put hers daintily on her lap.


“Won’t you join us for lunch?” Rin said, gesturing to Damien, Felicity, and her handmaidens. 


The servants produced more curry as if by magic, and everyone sat down for a hearty lunch. Rin and Kazuma made some small talk, but mostly listened as Marie and Tiana chattered, and Damien and Felicity brought up several important goings on in the kingdom and castle. Darkness’ arrival and their party was a major subject of discussion, and Kazuma and Rin listened carefully. 


“We have to be cautious with the Belzergians,” Damien said, his eyes flitting to Kazuma. “They have earned their reputation as warriors. While our dragons give us an advantage, they’re no match for a Crimson Demon, especially not one that’s slain several Generals of the Devil King. There are historical accounts of attempted raids on their village, and it did not go well for us.”


“No need to antagonize them, they’re our allies and a shield against the Devil King. Our prosperity is bought with their blood,” Rin pointed out. 


“That is…a very enlightened way of viewing things,” Damien said slowly. 


“It’s also boring,” Marie said with a roll of her eyes. “Sir Kazuma, you have to tell us, what is the fashion in Belzerg’s capital. Is it true they’re still wearing those awful collars all the time?”


“Yes, those hideous things went out of fashion ages, ago,” Tiana tittered.


“Never mind the barbarians, what’s been happening in the castle? I want to hear something juicy,” Rin said. She listened to the gossip raptly, and Kazuma knew she was filing it away for later. 


Once an hour had passed, Rin abruptly stood. “Lord Damien, I want you to look over the priority petitions, and advise me on how to handle them.  Since the petitioners will be presenting this afternoon, we’ll have to make it quick.”


“You…will hear the petitions yourself?” Damien asked, starting slightly. 


“Of course I will, everyone else is gone, aren’t they? My father and brothers will be gone for weeks yet, and someone has to hear the petitions in the meantime,” Rin pointed out. “Now come, we’ve only a couple of hours.”


Damien and Rin hashed out which petitions to hear in about an hour, after which she sent him away to get dressed for the petitions. Marie and Tiana hesitated, especially when it became clear Kazuma was not leaving. 


“He’s staying,” Rin said, sticking her jaw out stubbornly. “Also, there is something I need the two of you to keep quiet.”


“We won’t tell anyone you’re sleeping together,” Tiana sighed, and Marie smirked. 


“Not that, though, ah thank you. I mean…this,” Rin flipped her skirt over, revealing her tail, which caused both women’s eyes to bug out. “That damned Crimson Demon cursed me, and I haven’t worked out the counterspell yet. Don’t breathe a word of this to anyone, please. It would be deeply embarrassing to the crown and myself personally.” 


“I…I suppose it would,” Tiana said, while Marie just shook her head silently. 


“I will see to it that my thanks are expressed most profusely if you keep this quiet. I’ll sort it out in a week or two,” Rin promised. 


“I…whatever you say, Highness,” Marie said. Then she looked at Kazuma. “You’re really going to let him see you get changed?”


“Considering I’m planning on letting him see me while naked later, yes,” Rin said flatly. “Now hurry it up, I want to look my best for the petitions.”


The petitions took the rest of the day, and were exhausting, but Rin performed excellently. She mostly gave the verdicts Damien had advised, though she did make several adjustments when she saw fit, especially to help the poor and needy, even at the expense of the rich and powerful on occasion. 


At the end, Damien approached once the throne room was empty. Rin bristled slightly. “I don’t want to hear any lectures at the moment, I’m exhausted. You can counsel me in the morning.”


“You won’t,” Damien said and rested a fatherly hand on Rin’s shoulder. “Good job. That was…that was what I’ve wished to see from you, what I knew you were capable of, since you were a child. It was my pleasure to advise you this day, Your Highness.”


Rin brightened at the praise, then winced as her skirts swished slightly, though the minister didn’t notice. “Why, thank you, Lord Damien. It means a lot hearing that from you. I know I haven’t always been the best princess, but…well, seeing Dust…it’s made me want to change my perspective. Now, I have to get ready for dinner with him and Lady Dustiness. I will see you on the morrow.”


After that, both Kazuma and Rin changed into something less formal and met with Darkness in Leonore’s quarters for a private dinner. 


“So, how did it go?” Dust whispered looking around. “With, you know…”


“Quite well, Dust. Now don’t go spoiling anything,” Rin said, glaring at him. “Speaking of, where’s…Rin?”


“She came back long enough to get…her…belongings, then departed with her party for Arcanretia of all places,” Darkness said with a sigh. “I suppose it’s a good enough vacation spot.”


“Sheesh, the Axis Cult HQ? Wasn’t your last visit there…troubled?” Rin asked, looking to Kazuma. 


“Eh, I’m sure they’ve mostly forgotten about it by now. As long as Aqua keeps her big mouth shut, it will be fine,” Kazuma said with a shrug. 


Rin gave him a flat look. “When has Aqua ever kept her mouth shut?”


“Uh, never. Well, shit,” Kazuma sighed. 


“Hopefully Taylor can keep them out of trouble. He’s usually got a good head on his shoulders, but ever since he met Megumin…” Rin shook her head. 


“He’s fallen in love,” Darkness said, a smile playing on her lips. “Both our parties have.”


“Funny how that worked out,” Dust laughed, throwing an arm around Darkness and kissing her on the cheek. “But I’m glad it did!” 


After the late dinner, Darkness and Dust went back to their chambers. Kazuma went as well, though when he was back in the rooms, he bid them both goodnight, then turned on lurk and snuck back across the castle to Leonore’s chambers. 


He found Rin sitting before a vanity, dressed in a thin nightgown, laughing with Marie and Tiana as the three of them chatted and the two maids brushed Rin’s hair. 


“She really cursed your breasts as well?” Tiana asked. 


Rin sighed and nodded. “I made the mistake of pointing out I was more beautiful and well endowed, and that little gremlin’s eyes glowed red. The next thing I knew, I was nearly as flat as she was and had a tail!” 


“Barbarian! Even worse than the ordinary Belzergers,” Tiana said with a dramatic shudder. 


“Yes, quite. Well, I’m ready for bed. Good night, you two,” Rin said. The lady’s maids bid her goodnight, then left for their room one door over. 


“I know you’re there, Kazuma. Enjoying seeing Tiana and Marie in their nightgowns,” Rin said, running the brush through her hair a few more times.


Kazuma delurked, grinning and leaning against the four poster bed. “Hey, I agreed to marry you, not blind myself. Nice thinking, but Megumin will blow her lid when she finds out you blamed her for all these curses.”


“Are you kidding? She’s a Crimson Demon. She’ll probably invent a few new details about our epic magical duel and how she triumphed over me,” Rin laughed, watching Kazuma in the mirror. 


“Yeah, sounds about right,” Kazuma agreed, coming over to Rin. He wrapped his arms about her and kissed her as she leaned into him, her tail wrapping about his led. “How are you?”


“Exhausted. Two weeks of this act…ugh. At least Tiana and Marie are lovely. They’ll be a big help,” Rin sighed as Kazuma trailed kisses down her neck to her bare shoulder. “Mmm. Take me to bed.”


“So I can ravish you?” Kazuma asked, grunting as he scooped Rin up in a bridal carry.


“Twice in one day? My my, aren’t we randy,” Rin giggled. 


“I could make it three, but I think we’re too tried for that,” Kazuma said, then laid Rin out on the bed. She helped him out of his clothes, and he soon had her stripped. They kissed, Kazuma laying atop her and cuddling for several minutes on the soft feather mattress. 


“It’s like being on a cloud,” Rin sighed happily. “Almost makes it worth this royal farce.”


“I could get a bed this soft,” Kazuma pointed out.


“Hmm, we should, as a wedding gift to ourselves,” Rin giggled, then pulled Kazuma down towards her as she spread her legs. 


He took it much more slowly this time, using his hands first as Rin sighed with pleasure, then finding a steady rhythm as the two of them swayed together on the bed. They switched positions twice, cuddling and kissing amidst the extravagant covers, until they finished with their arms and legs entwined in a mess. 


“I…I love you,” Kazuma gasped as he bucked against Rin.


“I love you, Kazuma,” Rin whispered, pulling him tight against her. They lay like that, grinning stupidly at one another, until they both drifted off to sleep.