Because This Body Was Raised Too Precious
Because This Body Was Raised Too Precious
Chapter Title
Chapter 1
One, two! One, two!
The sharp prow of the galley sliced through the dark blue sea with powerful force. The sailors’ strong shoulders and chests glistened with sweat as they rowed in perfect rhythm.
The voyage had been smooth from beginning to end. Had the sailors’ earnestness touched the hearts of the gods? A gentle wind had propelled the ship forward, and the snow-white sails had remained taut and full of spirit the entire way.
“As I thought, our Kepet Kingdom is indeed blessed by the sun god. Isn’t that so?”
Nefetia, princess of Kepet, stood at the prow gazing at the horizon and murmured with a smile.
“Your words are correct, Your Highness!”
The attendants arrayed behind the princess bowed their heads in perfect unison.
Of course, their confidence was well-founded. The galley of the Sand Kingdom had not encountered even a single cloud since leaving their distant homeland and approaching Credo Island.
“How could there be any trouble when the princess is aboard this ship?”
“Exactly! Nothing to fear!”
Nefetia listened absently to their familiar fussing and turned her gaze toward the distant sea.
“I’ve stared at nothing but sea for days, yet I never get bored. It’s never boring to look.”
Nefetia braced her hands on the rail and leaned forward, looking down at the waves. She loved watching the white foam crash against the prow and scatter.
The attendants stood a respectful distance away, giving her space. None showed signs of exhaustion despite serving her from dawn until now. Their sincerity was clear—they truly enjoyed attending to their beloved princess.
It was only natural for Kepet people to adore and support the kingdom’s sole heir, Nefetia Himedin.
Intelligent and quick to learn, bold and brave in character, she possessed every quality needed to rule. She could hit the center of a target with a bow, and her slender, agile form had won the chariot races more times than anyone could count.
Her sun-bright eyes shone with intelligence, her white teeth flashed in a cheerful smile, and dimples danced at the corners of her mouth. Her softly curving lashes and glossy black hair added an air of vivacity and health that drove young nobles wild with envy.
Nefetia Himedin had been born and raised receiving nothing but the best the world had to offer. She was precious—too precious. No one could touch her…
“Nefetia! Watch out!”
A single cry shattered the peaceful moment. An old woman with white hair rushed over, grabbed the princess’s arm, and pulled her away from the railing.
“Ah, Aunt Shadia.”
Nefetia’s good mood vanished. She freed her arm with a sigh. Unlike her calm princess, Aunt Shadia’s face had turned ashen with worry as she scolded her.
“Please, Your Highness! How many times must I tell you to be careful!”
Her anger spilled over onto the servants.
“What do you think you’re doing?! You weren’t watching the princess closely! You should have stopped her the moment you saw danger!”
Shadia brandished her staff, and the servants shrank back. This woman, who had joined the journey with the Kepet kingdom, was the big sister of King Mahati. When they could hardly breathe from fear, Nefetia stepped forward to mediate.
“Aunt, what are you worried about? Am I going to fall into the sea?”
…Yes. That’s exactly right.
Shadia gripped her staff tightly. The servants stared blankly while the princess, who looked completely unconcerned, glared back with a grumpy face. Shadia’s stomach churned.
No one here understood her fear for the princess’s safety. Why? Because everyone believed that the princess, blessed by the sun god, could never come to harm!
“Your Highness.”
Shadia sighed deeply.
“I know very well that Your Highness’s body is protected by divine power.”
That was true. Half-human, half-divine, the only one of her kind. The one who would bring glory to the throne of Kepet…
At the heart of this fervent worship lay the special oracle that had spoken the moment Nefetia was born.
“A great king is born once every thousand years. She will write a new history.”
“This old woman is constantly forgetting that astonishing prophecy because she worries too much. Please forgive an old woman’s delusions.”
“I willingly forgive your rudeness. But Shadia, you must remember this well.”
Nefetia replied haughtily.
“I, who was born receiving the fate of the heavens, must never forget that I am different from ordinary people.”
“…Yes, Your Highness.”
Shadia forced a smile. Having traveled with her for so long, she felt she was older than one hundred.
She, too, was a descendant of royalty, so doubting the oracle was unthinkable.
The problem was simply that the devotion had grown excessive.
In her youth, after her youngest sister Mahati ascended the throne, Shadia had left Kepet. She joined the nomads, traveled the distant world, and met countless people. Only after escaping the kingdom’s closed nature did she truly see another world and stop thinking that Kepet alone was superior.
One day, a letter arrived from the homeland she thought she would never return to.
“My dear sister, please come to Kepet. Your help is needed.”
Though she was much younger, Shadia had always seen her as a daughter rather than a sister. Long hesitant, she finally answered the king’s summons because it was Mahati’s call and not her brothers’.
“Your Majesty, how may I serve you?”
“Shadia. The World Alliance Training Competition will soon begin. Like the other princesses and princes, Nefetia will stay there for a time. Please bring Nefetia there.”
“The training competition… I will not be able to stay there with her during the event.”
“Exactly. Shadia.”
“Then Your Majesty wishes me to escort the princess to Credo Island?”
“Precisely. Shadia. I need someone I can trust with my treasure.”
At the time, the first thought that crossed her mind was, “Why?”
If she was to accompany the princess to the island, why call for her older sister who had been out of contact for so long?
The people dreamed of a hopeful future thanks to the oracle, and the throne of Kepet grew stronger every day. Did it mean that Mahati had no one reliable at her side?
Just as she wondered if that was truly all her duty, King Mahati spoke again.
“The moment that child returns from the Credo Island training competition, there is something I must do. And I want you to help with it. It may be even more important.”
At those words, Shadia’s heart dropped. The king’s face was dark, his eyes shadowed with deep worry.
“Do not tell Nefetia about this for now. She will dislike it intensely.”
***
“Land! Credo Island!”
A loud cry came from the mast.
Nefetia, who had been resting her chin on the railing, looked up with delight. Squinting, she scanned the horizon for a long time until a tiny speck finally appeared on the horizon. Was that Credo Island?
While Nefetia was full of anticipation, Shadia beside her murmured with concern.
“It’s been six months, Your Highness. You will be living alone without me or the other attendants. Will you be able to manage?”
“Again with the nagging, Aunt Shadia. I’ve told you countless times—I’m under the special blessing. Nothing can harm my body. And why do you speak as if I will be alone? Other kingdoms will also send their princesses and princes. So, me and…”
“‘Equal beings,’ Your Highness.”
Ah, there it is. Nefetia smiled brightly and nodded.
“It feels so strange. How can that be? How can we be equal with them? That’s absurd.”
“No matter. Just be moderate with them, Your Highness. Keep some distance and maintain proper etiquette.”
“Be moderate? How can I do that, Aunt Shadia!”
Nefetia said seriously.
“The benevolent sun god illuminates not only Kepet but the entire world, doesn’t he? He sheds bright light like a blessing even on a pile of trash, so he is merciful to those less than me. Therefore, I should approach them generously and treat them kindly. After all, I must become their ‘friends.’”
Oh, gods!
Shadia’s hand clenched her staff as if it would snap. Was it really all right to leave the princess here?
The future worried her. After the competition, would there be no war—only peace? Or something far worse?
Shadia gave a heavy sigh and instructed the crew to prepare to disembark.