Riser
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🕑 Added 2025-04-27 01:22:10 +0000 UTCEP.1 The Princess’s Secret Hobby
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A night shrouded in deep darkness.
There are people who must stay awake while others sleep.
Even at night, patrols must be carried out.
That’s my job.
“Hoo... I’m so sleepy...”
Even with the lights out, the palace is still quite splendid.
But that novelty only lasts the first few times.
Now, I’ve gotten so used to it that it just feels ordinary.
All I feel is the drowsiness washing over me.
“No matter how much I prepare, I guess it’s inevitable to feel sleepy after waking up.”
Maybe it would be better if I had someone to talk to.
Patrols are supposed to be done in pairs, after all.
If I hadn’t lost that bet, I probably wouldn’t be this sleepy right now.
“Nelson, that guy is just too good at betting.”
I’m just an ordinary soldier.
Not a general, not a noble.
The things I can enjoy are extremely limited.
If I make a mistake, I could lose my head.
“Being a palace guard is a kind of success, I suppose...”
I’m never hungry or anything like that.
The treatment is better than that of a regular guard.
But a soldier is still just a soldier.
No one pays more attention to me than they do to the passing maids.
“Still, I’m just so sleepy today... Better to take a nap than get caught dozing off on patrol...”
A sweet temptation creeps into my mind.
Even the moonlight is hidden behind clouds.
No one would know if I took a quick nap.
“I should have asked where everyone goes to rest.”
Unfortunately, I don’t know any safe places to rest.
It’s a belated regret, and the drowsiness just gets worse.
“I’ll just rest somewhere secluded. No one’s going to be out sightseeing on a night like this.”
What I saw was the garden.
The tall grass and flowers are perfect for hiding someone.
Even if someone tried to find me, they’d have to come into the garden.
But who would come to the garden at this hour anyway?
Nodding off, I headed into the garden.
As long as I can hide my body, I can sleep anywhere.
Rustle
“Hm?”
Suddenly, I heard the sound of something brushing against the grass.
Was it the wind?
But strangely, my sleepiness vanished completely.
‘No way... is someone there?’
Who would be in the garden at this hour?
As I thought about it, my role as a guard came to mind.
‘Is it an intruder?’
I felt the hair on my body stand on end.
I never thought I’d actually experience something like this.
My senses sharpened, and I felt something.
There was definitely someone there.
“Who’s there...”
My first words lacked confidence.
I wasn’t sure there was really someone there.
But in response came an even louder rustling.
Rustle !
“Ugh...”
I definitely heard it.
A soft gasp.
The high pitch made it clear it was a woman.
‘If it’s a woman, even as a patrol guard...’
I couldn’t back down anymore.
Now that I was sure someone was there.
“Come out this way!”
The second time, I spoke with conviction.
But still, there was no answer.
Instead, the commotion only grew.
“Ugh...”
Rustle rustle
The sound of a body brushing against the bushes.
I couldn’t leave it alone any longer.
Afraid she might run, I stepped forward.
“I know you’re there! If you don’t come out quietly, I’ll consider you an intruder.”
“W-wait... please...!”
Finally, a beautiful voice reached me.
Just hearing it made me think of a beauty.
But something felt off.
It sounded familiar, somehow...
“If you answered, come out quickly. I need to check your identity first.”
“I... I can’t come out right now... uh...”
Her voice was so quiet I could barely hear it.
But I couldn’t go easy on someone whose identity I didn’t know.
“If you won’t come out, I’ll have to drag you out and report you myself.”
“I-I’ll come out! I really can’t be seen...”
At my final warning, the mysterious person revealed herself.
“Huh...?”
What appeared was a naked woman.
And a very beautiful one at that.
My brain refused to process such an unexpected situation.
“Uhh...”
Flushed cheeks.
Long blond hair down to her hips.
Orange eyes reminiscent of a tangerine.
A perfectly smooth... private area.
“Wait... uh...”
My mind couldn’t process it.
I definitely knew this person.
Someone I shouldn’t not recognize.
But I had plenty of time to think.
“...Lady Elena.”
The one destined to be queen.
The princess, first in line for the throne, was standing before me.
And she was naked.
Because of my own orders.
“Unfortunately... uh... it seems you recognize me.”
“Well, uh... it would be hard not to...”
It was an awkward situation.
Normally, we wouldn’t even be able to talk.
But right now, I couldn’t stand the silence.
“Why are you here...?”
I didn’t ask why she was naked.
That might get me in real trouble.
“...Are you the patrol guard?”
The princess tried to act nonchalant.
But no matter how good her acting, she couldn’t fully hide it.
Her cheeks were still red...
“Yes! Y-yes, I am...!”
Even if she’s naked, she’s royalty.
I tried to show proper respect.
“...”
“...”
Another awkward silence descended.
If anyone else saw this, they’d call it bizarre.
A mere soldier bowing to a naked princess.
‘Am I in big trouble?’
A lowly soldier saw the princess naked.
Even a rumor could get me beheaded.
If it really happened, there’d be no question.
She could have me killed in secret and I wouldn’t be able to resist.
“What do I do... no... maybe this is actually good...”
“Um... Lady Elena, I was just doing my duty as a patrol guard...”
“Just bow your head for a moment.”
I had no choice but to obey.
While I bowed my head, the princess muttered something in a voice too quiet to make out.
She must have been deciding what to do with me.
‘I never thought I’d lose my head over something like this...’
No matter how I thought about it, there was no answer.
If I were her, I wouldn’t let me live either.
“Alright. I’ve decided.”
“Just spare my life...”
The princess’s naked body was valuable.
Valuable enough to risk my life to see it.
But dying for real was a different matter.
I was ready to grab her skirt no, even her legs to beg.
“Don’t worry. I won’t kill you.”
“Yes...? I mean... I’m glad you’re sparing me, but...”
She’s sparing me?
I was more confused than relieved.
“Come to my room.”
“Ah... as I thought...”
Isn’t this that trick?
Saying she won’t kill me, only to quietly get rid of me.
Otherwise, there’s no reason to summon me to her room.
“I-I’ll never tell anyone! Not even my ancestors!”
“That’s a given. And I’m not calling you to kill you.”
“Then...”
“Relax and come. I just had a fun idea.”
It was a face I’d never seen before.
The princess smiled mischievously.
To me, she looked like a mischievous succubus.
It was a rude thought, but I couldn’t help it because of her changed demeanor.
“Understood. Then, when should I come tomorrow...?”
“Tomorrow? There’s no time you could sneak in tomorrow.”
My mind was so confused I couldn’t understand.
What was she trying to do?
“Yes? Then...”
“Follow me now.”
“Now?!”
I shouted without thinking.
The princess was naked.
What if someone saw us walking together?
Just imagining it was terrifying.
“No, uh... I mean, since you’re like that, maybe we should wait until tomorrow...”
“So you are going to get rid of me after all...”
“N-no! I’ll follow you! Then at least take my clothes...”
“It’s fine.”
“What?”
I couldn’t understand.
She refused the clothes I offered?
So she’s going to her room naked?
She might get caught.
“What on earth...”
“It’s a play I’ve always wanted to try. Hehe... It’s a little embarrassing, but...♥”
“What if someone else sees you...?”
“Then I’ll just say you tried to assault me.”
That’s unfair.
If that happens, I won’t survive.
It wouldn’t just be the guillotine.
Even tearing me limb from limb wouldn’t be enough.
“No, Princess...”
I could only look miserable.
“Shall we go, then?”
“...Yes.”
“This is a rare opportunity, so take a good look.”
“What do you mean...?”
“It’s not every day you get to see the naked body of a princess someone who will be queen someday, no less.”
My eyes went to her without thinking.
I tried to ignore it, but she drew attention to herself.
Her soft skin filled my vision.
Swallowing was... inevitable for a man.
“Hehe... It seems you’re suited for this. Still, staring like that makes me shrink back a little. It’s a bit embarrassing.”
“Ah... s-sorry.”
“No need to worry. Just follow me.”
“Just like this...?”
My eyes went to her again.
But the princess ignored me and walked on.
The seductive look she gave me over her shoulder was breathtakingly beautiful.
‘I feel like I’m doing something I shouldn’t...’
But I had no choice.
