Nami

“Meow, meow,” Yuki cries while watching me open a portal to the Kingdom of Angels.

“I will be back soon, Yuki. Please wait for my return,” I say, patting the Cat Guardian’s head and smiling. “Make sure to get plenty of rest because we will be traveling to the Kingdom of Demons this afternoon, okay?”

“Meow,” he responds before jumping onto my bed and lying down, letting me know that he understands.

I nod in approval and step into the white portal, taking deep breaths to calm my nerves as anticipation and nervousness begin to get the better of me.

* * *

“Princess Nami.” Sir Seichi, the commander of the Knightly Order, who also happens to be my brother Sora’s childhood best friend, greets me the second I step out of the portal.

I hold a strand of my white hair and glance over my shoulder, smiling softly as I see my light blue wings fluttering gracefully on my back.

Ah, I have missed my wings. Being human has its charm, but my comfort truly lies in my angel form.

I inspect my white robes embroidered with light-pink thread, the latter forming delicate flower designs along the hem and both long sleeves.

“You look truly magnificent, Your Highness. You have blossomed into a delicate and beautiful young lady.” Commander Seichi showers me with praise as he falls to one knee, bowing his head and placing a hand on his chest, greeting me with utter respect.

The fact that I have to cast aside my nonchalant manner and put on my princessly mask to speak to him bothers me a bit. Whenever I interact with Father, Mother, and the other angel nobles, I need to be regal and behave and speak like a perfect lady—the same rule applies when I interact with my brothers in public. When Sora, Souma, and I are in the privacy of our own space, we act more like caring and loving siblings, allowing us to be much more casual and whatnot.

Noticing that the commander is still kneeling, I say, “There is no need for such formality. Please, rise.”

As he immediately obeys, I take a moment to inspect his frame—his long, silky light-blond hair, the youthful, perfect features of his flawless face, and grey eyes make him a desired and admired angel lord amongst the angel ladies. His light green wings befit the commander of the Knightly Order, as well as a member of the second-highest-ranking noble family in the kingdom, drawing both jealousy and admiration from the nobles and commoners alike.

His father, Teruo Hamada, serves as the grand master of the knightly order and is my father’s right hand—both father and son have been around the castle for as long as I can remember.

“Your Highness, how do you fare? I had not anticipated the pleasure of encountering you here today,” the commander continues, grinning, looking as handsome as always in his uniform composed of dark blue pants, a light blue and white surcoat, and a dark blue mantle with a golden brooch displaying the kingdom’s crest.

“In truth, I have arrived unannounced, as the weekend in the angel realm was not in my plans. However, there is an urgent matter that I wish to discuss with the king, and it cannot wait,” I assert, clenching my fists in determination to give myself the courage to tell my brother everything about Yusuke and my visit to the Kingdom of Demons.

The commander tilts his head to the side, reminding me of a certain demon who does the same thing whenever he is curious, confused, or asking about something. I end up giggling as my own mind betrays me, making a mental note to share that observation with the one and only when we meet in Tokyo.

“Are you… giggling?” Sir Seichi asks, wide-eyed, his mouth agape.

I frown, confused. “Why do you seem so surprised?”

He bows. “My apologies, Your Highness. It was not my intention to offend you.”

I shake my head. “You did not offend me. I am simply curious as to why my giggling seemed to surprise you.”

He glances up at me, relieved. “It is just that…” He runs a hand through his hair, averting his eyes from me. “I have never witnessed you giggling before, and I was taken aback by how beautiful you look when you do so.”

I blink several times, my brain struggling to process his words.

Is my brother’s best friend flirting with me? Has my life turned into a rom-com?

I learned the term rom-com from a magazine featuring love and flirting, and I have wondered ever since what it actually means—not that it matters, but according to Aimi-chan, I started living a kind of rom-com story the moment I met Yusuke for the first time; go figure.

“Little sister?” Sora appears behind the commander, as stunned by my presence as his servants following him are. “I must admit, your visit this weekend has taken me by surprise. It is a welcome one, of course, but not quite what I was expecting. I trust there is a delightful reason behind this unexpected rendezvous?” He smiles politely.

I wave at him, my face immediately breaking into a grin as excitement overwhelms me. I cast aside decorum and run toward him. “Sora,” I squeal, wrapping my arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. “I have missed you so much.”

To say that my brother is taken aback by my warm and friendly greeting is an understatement.

“Na-Nami?” he stutters as he wraps his arms around me, hugging me back. “I have missed you too,” he whispers.

“Princess Nami.” All of my brother’s servants present bow respectfully as I release their master, prompting me to smile in return to let them know that I appreciate their gesture.

“Why did I not receive such a delightful reception as the king did, princess?” the commander pouts, scowling at me while pointing toward Sora. “I would have embraced you warmly as well.”

Sora glares at his friend, hissing, “Seichi, my oldest and dearest friend, would you truly dare to disrespect your king so? My little sister is off-limits. Do not jest about laying a finger on the princess, or you may find yourself facing consequences that even our friendship cannot shield you from.”

My brother is really, really angry.

The commander puts his hands in front of his chest in a defensive gesture. “My sincere apologies, Your Majesty. I would never disrespect you or Princess Nami.” He bows.

Sora huffs, “Very well.” He then glances at me, his expression softening. “Are you staying here until tomorrow night, Nami?”

“I am not, but I would like to speak with you now if you have the time,” I say, hopeful that he is free and can spend some time with me before I lose my courage and flee back to Tokyo without accomplishing my mission.

My brother is pensive for a brief moment before ordering one of his servants to cancel his next royal appointment. Then, he orders the others to prepare the gazebo in the Daffodil Garden for a casual tea gathering, and they obey immediately.

“Let us have tea in the Daffodil Garden in thirty minutes, little sis.” Sora smiles and walks away without giving me the chance to thank him for granting me some of his precious time.

Once it is just the two of us again, Commander Seichi comments, “I can see that the human realm is working wonders for your soul.”

“Pardon me, but could you elaborate on that?” I ask, my eyebrows furrowed.

“Your display of emotions enhances your regal charm even more than before your sojourn in the human realm, Your Highness,” he states, winking flirtatiously as his lips curl into a broad smile. “Now, if you will excuse me, duty calls, and I must return to the Knightly Order pavilion.”

I watch him bow and waltz away in silence, still dumbfounded by all his praise and flattery.

Has he always been like that?

Not that I mind his behavior, as I believe any angel lady would be more than happy to receive compliments from him.

“Princess Nami? His Majesty has instructed me to assist you in preparing for your tea,” one of the female servants informs me, her voice low and respectful.

I nod in response and follow her to my chamber, feeling both excited and apprehensive about the conversation I am about to have with the king of the Kingdom of Angels.

* * *

“You look absolutely lovely in that robe, Your Highness,” the sweet servant remarks, her green eyes shining with wonder and admiration as she gazes at me.

“Thank you.” I smile at her through the mirror. “Though I have no recollection of ever acquiring this robe before.” I frown, digging through my memories to recall how I came to possess it.

The robe is white, adorned with golden and light blue embroidery around the waist, forming a beautiful belt of flowers and leaves.

Although the morning sun is warm, the natural cool breeze coming from the water fountains scattered around the garden prompts me to put on a white hooded cloak decorated with light blue diamonds.

In the Kingdom of Angels, angels walk barefoot—our feet never get hurt, regardless of the circumstances, and they never get cold, even during snowstorms.

The kingdom is naturally blessed with colder weather and has never experienced hot temperatures, which is why I despise hot weather; so much so that I almost had a heart attack when I learned that Tokyo goes through a season called summer every year, which apparently reaches scalding temperatures, turning daily life into literal hell.

I am so not looking forward to spending my days in Tokyo during the so-called summer…

I cringe at my reflection in the mirror, dreading the thought of sweating, panting, and taking ten cold showers a day just to survive what could easily kill me—even though there are still two months left until August, and I might receive permission to move back to the castle permanently by then.

Fingers crossed that the attacks stop before summer.

“Princess Nami, is there anything about your robe that does not meet your preferences or liking?” the servant asks, sounding and looking worried.

Before I can respond, my mother bursts through the door and approaches me, her disapproving expression making it clear that she is not pleased by my sudden visit.

“My lady.” The servant bows, lowering her gaze.

“Mother.” I nod slightly, my heart turning stone-cold in an instant.

“What are you doing in the angel realm, Nami? Why did your brother cancel an important royal appointment to have tea with you?” Mother barks, her tone and the rage in her eyes contrasting with her impeccable posture and delicate appearance.

At forty years old, my mother, a former queen of the Kingdom of Angels, looks immaculate with her short white hair, light blue eyes, and matching light blue wings—the latter used to be a light shade of green but turned light blue when she married Father, who carries the blood of the royal family.

“I have arrived to address a matter of utmost confidentiality with my esteemed brother, Sora. My sincerest apologies for any unintended disturbance to his schedule. I regret any inconvenience caused.” I apologize automatically, though merely for show.

“What matter do you wish to discuss with him?” she pries, glaring at me with such intensity that my soul almost leaves my body.

I take a deep breath and reply, “I regret to inform you that I cannot disclose the details at this moment.”

I am dead.

Mother narrows her eyes, turns around after a couple of seconds, and leaves the room, allowing me to breathe a sigh of relief and feel proud that I have managed to maintain my composure without revealing anything despite the pressure.

Does Mother hate me? Has she always hated me? Is that why I was so sheltered growing up?

I cannot help but wonder silently, sadness settling in my chest as I think about all the families I have seen in the human realm having fun together.

“I do not wish to overstep my bounds as a mere servant, but may I humbly express my honest opinion to you, Your Highness?” The servant glances at me through the mirror while brushing my hair with a golden brush.

“Yes, you may.”

“Your mother is deeply fond of you, yet she restrains her emotions due to her position as the former queen of the Kingdom of Angels. I implore you to be patient with her,” she pleads. “Her concern for your safety is genuine, and she even sought permission from your father and your brother to visit you in the human realm. Though, regrettably, her request was dismissed due to concerns about potential dangers.”

“Mother expressed a desire to visit me in the human realm?” I gasp, shaken to the core, but in a good way.

“Yes, she did, Your Highness.” The servant smiles.

“Thank you for informing me.” I return the gesture, the sadness in my chest turning into a gentle warmth in my heart.

* * *