The Banished Prince's Survival in a Romance Novel

The Vermillion Princess took charge of the tense situation, issuing orders for the soldiers to arm the civilians with makeshift weapons and organize a basic defense. Meanwhile, she and her head maid, Niwa Yori, approached Rin, who was busy reinforcing the town's defenses with his earth magic.

Rin worked silently, shaping the ground with precision. Massive layers of walls began to form, rising one by one around the perimeter. His actions spoke louder than any apology, but as soon as he noticed the princess, he paused and bowed.

"Vermillion Princess," he said with sincerity, "I apologize for my earlier behavior. I let my frustration show when I shouldn't have."

Rei studied him for a moment, noting the calm resolve in his expression. Despite his earlier outburst, he was now focused entirely on ensuring the safety of everyone in the town. "Your words were harsh, but they weren't without truth," she replied gently. "Still, I'm glad to see you helping."

Rin resumed his work, the earth beneath him shifting and molding into fortified layers. From the original steel wall, he had now built five sturdy layers of defense. Rei watched in awe as he effortlessly shaped the terrain, his magic moving like an extension of his will.

"Your skill never ceases to amaze me," Rei remarked. "It's hard to believe you're just an apprentice of the White Elder."

Rin chuckled lightly. "I've had my share of practice." He paused for a moment, then added, "As for the civilians… It's just human nature. Fear makes people act irrationally. I've seen it before, and I've learned how to deal with it."

Rei nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It must be tiring, seeing the same patterns over and over."

"Maybe," Rin admitted, smiling faintly as he created another layer of walls. "But it's also an opportunity. If I can make even a small difference, it's worth the effort."

Their conversation shifted to the plans for the coming hours. Rin explained his intentions, his tone steady and confident. "Once the next demon attack starts, I'll stay long enough to wipe out the first wave. That should give everyone here enough time to prepare. After that, I'll leave the town to hunt down the dark magician. If I can destroy the artifact he's using, I can trigger the teleportation and send everyone back home."

Rei's eyes widened slightly at his bold plan. "That's a dangerous move, Rin. Are you sure you'll be alright on your own?"

He gave her a reassuring smile. "I've handled worse. Besides, I trust you, the head maid, and the soldiers to hold the line. You're stronger than you give yourself credit for, Vermillion Princess."

His words brought a faint blush to her cheeks, but she quickly composed herself. "Then we'll hold the town as long as we can. Just… make sure you come back alive."

Rin gave her a nod and turned his attention back to the walls, the conversation leaving a renewed sense of determination in both of them.

After completing the final layer of reinforced walls, Rin let out a deep breath and slid down to sit with his back against the cool, solid structure he had created. The weight of the situation hung in the air, but for now, he could afford a brief moment of rest.

Rei noticed him sitting there and quietly approached, taking a seat beside him. Niwa Yori followed closely, her watchful gaze never straying far from her princess. In that moment, there were no titles, no distinctions of rank or status—just three people trying to survive and prepare for the inevitable.

The flickering light of torches cast soft shadows across the tired expressions of those around them. After a moment of silence, Rei turned to Rin, her curiosity evident. "Why are you so strong, Rin?" she asked, her tone softer than usual.

Rin closed his eyes for a moment, leaning his head back against the wall. The question lingered in the air before he finally answered. "It wasn't a pleasant road that got me here," he said quietly. His voice held a weight that made Rei and Yori listen intently.

"I had to grow up quickly… because there were people I cared about who needed protecting," he continued, his words carrying an unspoken sorrow. Though he didn't elaborate, Rei could tell there was a deeper story behind his statement—one he wasn't ready to share.

He looked out at the night sky, his violet eyes reflecting a calm resolve. "The world is cruel," he said after a pause, "but it shows its beauty when you can endure and see it through to the end."

Rei watched him closely, her heart moved by his words. She saw a depth in Rin that she hadn't fully understood before—someone who had faced hardship yet still found the strength to move forward.

"For that reason," Rin added, "I live. Not just for myself, but for the hope of something better, no matter how fleeting it might be."

Rei lowered her gaze, absorbing his words. She admired his conviction and the quiet strength he carried, even in the face of adversity.

Yori, who had been silently listening, finally spoke up. "You're an unusual man, Rin. Most would have given up long ago."

Rin offered a faint smile. "Maybe I'm just stubborn."

Rin turned his head slightly to look at Rei, his expression curious yet calm. "What about you, Vermillion Princess?" he asked, his tone carrying a hint of genuine interest. "From what I've heard, you were born into one of the most prominent families in the Hoshimi Empire. And now, your position as a princess consort… it's like you've given yourself to the crown prince for the sake of the empire."

Rei blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in focus. She hesitated for a moment, as if weighing her words carefully. Rin's violet eyes didn't waver, quietly encouraging her to speak her truth.

"What does it feel like to bear that title?" he continued, his voice soft yet probing.

Rei glanced at the ground, her fingers brushing lightly against the fabric of her dress. "It's… complicated," she admitted, her voice quieter than usual. "Growing up, I was always told that it was my duty. That being a princess consort wasn't just a privilege—it was a responsibility to my family, to the empire."

She paused, her gaze distant as if recalling a memory. "I won't deny that I've struggled with it. Sometimes, it feels like I've lost the freedom to decide my own future. Like I'm just another piece in a larger game."

Yori placed a comforting hand on Rei's shoulder, but the princess shook her head gently and smiled. "But I also know that this title isn't just about sacrifice. It's about protecting those who can't protect themselves. It's about ensuring that the people of the empire have hope, even if it means putting aside my own dreams."

Her amber eyes met Rin's, filled with a quiet determination. "It's not an easy path, but it's the one I've chosen to walk. And as much as I sometimes question it, I've learned to find strength in the people I meet along the way."

Rin studied her for a moment, then nodded. "That's a heavy burden to carry," he said softly, "but it seems you've found a way to bear it with grace."

Rei chuckled lightly, a bittersweet sound. "I don't know about grace," she replied, "but I try."

Rin leaned back against the wall, gazing up at the eerie sky of the subspace. His thoughts wandered as Rei's words lingered in his mind. She embodied a sense of responsibility he had once turned his back on, and yet, instead of feeling guilt, he felt... relief.

He was one of the imperial princes. Born with a duty to serve the empire, to carry its legacy. But he had chosen to walk away from that life, secretly becoming a commoner to escape the stifling expectations. He'd wanted freedom, a chance to live for himself rather than for a crown.

And now, sitting beside the Vermillion Princess, he found himself reflecting on his choice. Rei was walking the path he could have taken, a path of sacrifice, duty, and unwavering commitment to the empire. Yet, unlike him, she bore it with pride and resolve.

Her strength, her determination—it was inspiring.

A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at his lips. *She's the kind of person the empire needs,* he thought. *The kind of person who can carry its future forward.*

He was happy with his life as a commoner. The simple joys, the sense of freedom, and the ability to forge his own destiny—it was everything he had wanted. But seeing Rei, he felt a newfound sense of reassurance. The empire, with her at its side, didn't need him to return to the chains of royalty.

As the two sat in silence, Rin's gaze shifted to Rei, who was now quietly observing the flickering barrier in the distance. For all the chaos they were trapped in, she still exuded a sense of calm and purpose.

"Vermillion Princess," Rin said suddenly, breaking the quiet.

Rei turned to him, her amber eyes curious.

"I just wanted to say… you're doing well. For the empire, and for yourself."

Rei blinked, surprised by the rare sincerity in his tone. Then, a small, grateful smile graced her lips. "Thank you, Rin. That means a lot."

In that fleeting moment, Rin felt a strange sense of peace. Even if he had chosen a different path, perhaps his decision to step away had allowed others like Rei to shine.

The dawn light painted the sky in muted shades as Rin prepared to leave. Sitting calmly near the gate, his decorated blade rested at his side, and his demeanor exuded a quiet confidence that put most of the people at ease. Yet, for the Vermillion Princess, there was an undercurrent of worry she couldn't shake.

She had been watching him carefully, studying his every move since he arrived. He was like an enigma—aloof yet reliable, lighthearted yet deadly serious when the situation demanded. Rin was undoubtedly the most dependable person she had ever encountered, and that thought unsettled her in a way she couldn't quite place.

With the morale in the camp at a low point and supplies dwindling, the people's survival felt tenuous. Yet, here Rin stood, ready to charge headlong into the demon wave as if it were a mere inconvenience.

When she approached him, Rin glanced over his shoulder and offered her a small smile, one that carried a mix of reassurance and unspoken determination.

"Let's see each other in the real world again, Princess," he said, his voice steady but warm.

Rei felt her heart tighten as she opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Rin turned away and leaped effortlessly over the wall.

From her vantage point, she watched as Rin charged toward the oncoming wave of demons. His lone figure was a stark contrast to the horde of monsters rushing toward him, yet there was no hesitation in his movements.

The air crackled faintly with energy as Rin's blade glimmered faintly with mana. The first demon lunged at him, only to be sliced cleanly in two with a single precise stroke. He moved like a storm, every slash of his sword cutting through the wave of low-class demons with deadly efficiency.

The Vermillion Princess gripped the edge of the barricade as she watched, her breath catching with every movement Rin made. Despite his calm demeanor earlier, she hadn't fully grasped just how powerful he was until now. He didn't simply fight; he dominated, each strike eradicating another foe without wasting an ounce of energy.

The soldiers and civilians on the wall stared in awe, their previous doubts and fears momentarily replaced with admiration and hope.

But as the wave continued, Rei's gaze didn't waver. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she silently willed Rin to succeed. She knew he would—there was no room for failure in the way he carried himself—but that didn't make watching any easier.

With every demon he cut down, Rin carved not just a path through the wave but also a fragile hope for survival among those he left behind.

As Rin moved into the center of the demon wave, he took a deep breath and focused his mana, channeling it into a high-level spell. The air around him crackled with energy, and the ground trembled slightly as he raised his blade. A surge of power exploded from his form in a blinding flash of light, and in an instant, the entire area before him was wiped clean of demons. The ground was scorched, and the wave of monsters was reduced to nothing more than a field of smoldering remains.

For a brief moment, there was silence. The demons that had once threatened the town were now gone, leaving behind only the echoes of Rin's power. Rin didn't stop to admire his work. He didn't even hesitate. With a single fluid motion, he turned on his heel and dashed toward the dense forest ahead, his figure vanishing into the shadows.

Back at the town, the people stood in stunned silence, staring at the aftermath of Rin's assault. His demonstration of power—swift and overwhelming—had not only obliterated the demon wave but also instilled a sense of awe and respect in the hearts of the survivors. The soldiers, the civilians, even the Vermillion Princess, could hardly believe their eyes. The hope that had been slowly waning within them had been reignited by the sheer force of Rin's actions.

With a newfound strength, the Vermillion Princess took charge, rallying her people into action. The barrier Rin had created earlier was still holding, but now, they had time to reinforce it further. She issued orders to the soldiers, organizing them into defensive positions and ensuring that the civilians were given weapons and training to defend themselves.

Under her guidance, the camp's morale soared. The sight of Rin's strength, and the time he had bought them with his devastating attack, had given them the motivation to push forward. It wasn't just about surviving now—it was about fighting back.

Rei glanced toward the forest where Rin had disappeared, her expression a mixture of admiration and concern. She couldn't help but feel a sense of trust in him, as though no matter how dire the situation, he would find a way through.

But there was still a long road ahead. The dark magician had yet to be dealt with, and the demons would be back soon. The clock was ticking, and they had only three days to survive.

"Prepare yourselves," she said, her voice firm yet calm. "We have a chance now, thanks to Rin. Let's make sure we don't waste it."

And so, the town of survivors began to prepare once more, fortified by Rin's actions and the promise of hope that had been rekindled.