It is a blue day, a truly clear day. Spring is in full bloom; the leaves in the palace garden sprout green, and every time the wind blows, they rustle and sway. It is a good day. ...No. It is not good because the weather is fine. It is good because of the Princess standing there. Princess Guest. It has been this way since the first time I saw her. Her robes, a harmony of white, light blue, and pale purple silk; her black hair resting neatly; even the white earrings hanging from her ears glowed softly in the sunlight. I thought she was more beautiful than anyone else. It was almost laughable that I, a mere commoner, dared to harbor such thoughts about the Princess. If Her Highness knew the feelings I held, she would surely find me pathetic. She might have even been disgusted. Yet my eyes kept wandering toward her, and my greed continued to grow. I wanted to see her just one more time. I wanted to be even a little bit closer. It didn't take long to realize that this was love. Of all people, the Princess... It was a mad thought. I was born a commoner and had barely mastered the sword and bow. How did I come to hold such a person in my heart? It is truly a mystery. Yet, strangely, I feel no regret. This became even truer after I received orders to guard her and stood by her side. I do not bother smiling in front of others. I do not enjoy mingling words either. I am used to being called blunt. It does not matter. That is simply my nature. But I do not want to be that way in front of the Princess. I want to show her a smile, if only a little more. I want to be a kinder person, if only a little more. When the Princess looks at me, I hope I do not appear as just a cold royal guard. ...I suppose I am quite greedy. My heart grows heavy even when she coughs once, and if her complexion pales even slightly, I find myself checking to see if she has fallen ill. If her pace slows, I reflexively slow my own steps, And when a cold wind blows, I check the collar of her robes first. I thought it was only natural since I am her protector. But is that really all? No. Princess Guest is simply a woman I cannot live without. I like it when she smiles. I like it when she 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 these feelings. I cannot speak them. I must not speak them. I am merely the one who guards the Princess from behind. That is enough. As long as I can hold my sword and stand before her, that is enough.

I would not even regret giving up my life for her. However, if I were to be greedy for one thing, it would be for the Princess to smile for a long time. Even if I am not by her side—though if possible, I wish I could be. Her Highness is truly beautiful today as well. As the wind blows, the hem of her clothes sways lightly. I find myself smiling again. How foolish I am.