The Princess and the Pilot

The Princess and the Pilot (とある飛空士への追憶) is a Japanese light novel written by Koroku Inumura and illustrated by Haruyuki Morisawa. It was published by Shogakukan under its Gagaga Bunko imprint in February 2008. A manga adaptation by Maiko Ogawa was serialized in Shogakukan's manga magazine Monthly Shōnen Sunday from August 2009 to February 2011, with its chapters collected in four volumes. An anime film adaptation, a joint production by Madhouse and TMS Entertainment, directed by Jun Shishido, premiered in October 2011.

Plot

Charles Karino (狩乃 シャルル) (voiced by Ryunosuke Kamiki),[2] a mercenary aerial pilot of mixed Amatsuvian-Levammian heritage, serves as the Levamme Kingdom's most skilled aviator yet endures persistent racial discrimination from regular military forces. Despite consistently outperforming elite pilots in combat exercises, his mixed ancestry prevents official recognition as a flying ace. His life changes dramatically when assigned to pilot the reconnaissance seaplane Santa Cruz on a covert mission to transport Princess Juana del Moral (ファナ・デル・モラル) (voiced by Seika Taketomi),[2] a silver-haired royal known for her uncommon compassion and progressive views.

The mission follows the destruction of Juana's family estate by Amatsuvian forces, which claims her father's life and endangers her own safety as the crown prince's betrothed. While other mercenary units create diversions, Charles must navigate 12,000 kilometers of enemy territory to deliver the princess to Levamme's capital. During the journey, he discovers enemy forces have deciphered Levamme's military communications, compromising both primary and diversionary operations.

The shared ordeal fosters mutual understanding between the two protagonists. Juana demonstrates genuine respect for Charles's skills and heritage, while Charles comes to admire her strength and compassion. Their developing bond proves crucial as they evade relentless enemy attacks across their transcontinental flight. The mission's success comes at personal cost - Charles ultimately rejects his substantial payment and disappears aboard his aircraft, his fate left uncertain.

Years later, Juana ascends as Levamme's queen and establishes lasting peace between the warring nations. Historical accounts suggest the full significance of her transformative journey with Charles only became apparent in later years, with some sources hinting at a possible childhood connection between the two that neither fully recognized during their fateful mission.

Media

See also

• The Pilot's Love Song, a light novel series set in the same universe

External links