Chapter 4 – So I’m the Ultimate Simp King?!
“Commander, you mustn’t! We have urgent business, don’t we? We even skipped the Duke’s banquet for it… I’ll send someone separately to assist this lady, so please, let’s go for now.”
The man at his side hurriedly stepped in the moment I was helped to my feet. But the response he received was immediate and firm.
“No.”
The refusal was so sharp that the guard looked flustered. His gaze flicked toward me as I awkwardly slipped my heels back on.
“If you get involved in something unnecessary…”
Despite the concern, the man said nothing more. Instead, he gently supported me and led me toward the horse. Then, in one smooth motion, he lifted me up onto the saddle.
“I cannot simply pass by someone who is injured.”
He mounted behind me and spoke coldly to his subordinate, then turned to me with a completely different, gentle tone.
“Hold on tight.”
With a light kick, the black horse surged forward.
The wind howled past my ears as we sped through the night, but I couldn’t even move my eyes.
Because of what I’d just heard.
We skipped the Duke’s banquet…
Emma’s voice echoed in my mind—complaining endlessly about an important guest who hadn’t attended.
And a commander…?
I bit my lip hard.
No way. That’s the commander of the Raeren Holy Knights.
Raeren Bernhardt.
Even I, who had been practically confined in the duke’s estate for two years, knew that name.
A legendary figure. The hero of the war.
And—
The most handsome man on the continent.
Loose golden hair. A white uniform covered in medals. A face so beautiful people called him an angel.
…Yeah.
That checked out.
I should’ve recognized him immediately.
Still, this might actually be lucky. Just like Pelliert, he had been away at war for two years. There was no way he’d recognize me.
…Hopefully.
I pulled the hood deeper over my face.
After some time, the horse finally slowed to a stop before a large iron gate.
Beyond it stood a high wall and a domed structure.
“This is a private knight training facility. It receives support from the Holy Knights. There is a physician stationed here at all times.”
The guard sighed, still displeased, but knocked heavily on the gate.
Raeren dismounted effortlessly. I took the chance to study his face properly.
Golden hair like flowing sunlight.
Clear blue eyes like the ocean.
A sharp nose… and even a scar along his jawline only added to his calm, refined aura.
…Okay, I get it now.
No wonder the maids were screaming about him.
Several knights opened the gate.
“Welcome!”
They saluted immediately upon seeing him.
“Commander, what brings you here?”
“There is an injured person.”
Raeren gestured toward me.
“Take us to the physician at once.”
Under the bright lamps, my torn dress and bloodied feet were clearly visible.
The knights froze.
“…Please record the visitor’s name and identity in the logbook.”
“No. I do not wish to leave a record.”
His answer was absolute.
The knights hesitated.
“This is private property. We must follow procedure…”
I made a quick decision.
“You’ve already helped me enough. I’ll go from here alone.”
I whispered so only he could hear—but he didn’t budge.
“If there is a problem, I will take full responsibility.”
And just like that—
The gates opened.
Wow.
His authority was unreal.
As we passed through, a wide path stretched ahead. The sound of hooves echoed softly over the damp ground.
Thank god it was him I ran into.
Relief washed over me.
Soon, a small, well-lit building came into view.
“Careful.”
Raeren dismounted first and reached out his hand.
I took it and climbed down—
“Aah!”
Pain shot through my heels the moment I touched the ground.
I staggered.
“This won’t do.”
Before I could react—
My body lifted into the air.
“…W-what?!”
He had picked me up. Completely.
Ding!
「‘Ultimate Simp King’ has purchased your shares. 100… 200… 300 shares!」
What?!
Another message exploded across my vision.
「AHHH!! A PRINCESS CARRY?! THIS IS ILLEGAL!! EVERYONE SCREAM!!!」
“Ah!”
A small scream slipped out of me in shock.
Raeren immediately stopped.
“I’m sorry. Am I holding you too tightly?”
“N-no! Not at all!”
I shook my head frantically.
“It’s so comfortable I might fall asleep!”
…Why did I say that?!
Ding!
「100 shares sold!」
「A man like that? Not my type… ★」
STOP.
My face burned as Raeren carried me inside.
The smell of herbs filled the air as a doctor approached.
“Is this the patient? Please come this way.”
I tugged at Raeren’s sleeve.
“I can walk now. Please put me down…”
But he shook his head.
“That would only worsen your injuries.”
His golden hair brushed lightly against my chin.
“And you are not heavy at all, so do not worry.”
Ding!
「100 more shares sold!」
「‘Not heavy at all’… replay… replay… replay…」
I’m going to die of embarrassment.
“If it’s not too rude, may I ask what happened?”
I forced a smile.
“Well, I—”
Ding!
「Making eye contact = guilty. Smiling = guilty. If they don’t marry, life sentence!!!!!」
WHAT?!
My words got stuck.
“I might be able to help. My name is Raeren Bernhardt.”
Ding!
「‘Ultimate Simp King’ buys another 100 shares!」
「Commander, need another horse? I barely eat hay…」
「Marry him!!!」
“SHUT UP!”
I snapped without thinking.
“Why are you all so noisy?!”
…Oh no.
I froze.
Silence fell.
Raeren stared at me, clearly shocked.
I panicked.
“N-no! I wasn’t talking to you! The ringing—it’s just really loud—!”
I’m digging my own grave.
I clamped my mouth shut.
“…I’m sorry.”
His voice dropped.
His eyes lowered slightly, the corners turning down.
“…I must have been talking too much.”
…Wait.
No.
That’s not what I meant.
Oh no.
Oh no, what have I done.
