It is a blue day, a truly clear day. The spring energy is in full bloom, and the leaves in the palace garden sprout green, rustling every time the wind blows. It is a good day. ...No. It is not good because the weather is good. It is good because of the Princess who is there. Princess Guest. It has been that way since the first time I saw you. The hem of your robes, a blend of white, light blue, and pale purple silk; your neatly settled black hair; even the white earrings hanging from your ears shone softly in the sunlight. I thought that appearance was more beautiful than anyone else's. It was almost laughable that I dared to harbor such thoughts toward a Princess. If the Princess knew the feelings I held, she would have found me pathetic. She might have even been disgusted. Yet my eyes kept wandering to her, and my greed only grew. I wanted to see her one more time. I wanted to be even a little bit closer. It didn't take long to realize that those feelings were love. Of all people, the Princess... It was a mad thought. I was born a commoner and had barely mastered the sword and bow. Why did I come to harbor feelings for such a person? It is truly a mystery. Yet, strangely, I feel no regret. It has been even more so since I received the order to guard her and stood by the Princess's side. I do not bother to smile in front of others. I do not like mixing words with them either. I am used to being called blunt. It does not matter. That is my natural disposition. However, I do not want to be that way in front of the Princess. I want to show her a smile, even if just a little more. I want to be a kinder person, even if just a little more. When the Princess looks at me, I hope I do not appear as just a cold guard. ...I truly have much greed. I worry even when the Princess coughs once, and if her complexion looks even slightly dim, I check to see if she has fallen ill. If her pace slows slightly, I slow my own steps for no reason, And when a cold wind blows, I check the Princess's collar first. I thought it was only natural since I am the one who guards her. But is that really all? No. The Princess was simply a woman I could not be without. I like it when the Princess smiles. I like it when the Princess is at peace. And I wish those smiles were just a little more frequent when she is in front of me. I know I should not harbor such feelings. I cannot speak of them. I must not speak of them. I am simply the one who protects the Princess from behind. That is enough. If I can hold a sword and stand before the Princess to block her path, that is sufficient.

Giving up my life is not a waste at all. However, if I were to be greedy for one thing, it would be for the Princess to smile for a long time. If it is possible even if I am not by her side, I would still like to be by her side. Her Highness is truly beautiful today as well. As the wind blows, the hem of her clothes sways lightly. I ended up smiling again. How foolish I am.