Volume 4, Chapter 21 – The Princess’s Life, Past, Present, and Future

Night fell.

Just as Anastasia had said, once the nobles in the royal palace learned that Fia, the Eldest Princess, had returned, they swarmed to her like bees to a flower. Everyone was extremely concerned about her memory loss, the only difference being that some expressed it tactfully, while others were blunt and direct.

In a single afternoon, Fia met with over ten nobles. These were not mere candidates like the young nobles who surrounded the Second Prince; they were all influential figures with proper titles.

Among them were high ministers like the kingdom’s Prime Minister, as well as marquises and counts with names so long they were hard to pronounce. Normally, these nobles with their own fiefdoms would be in their own territories, but Silvar had not been peaceful recently. Fia’s return coincided with a time when the major nobles were gathered in the capital to discuss important matters, which was why they were able to meet so promptly.

As for the nobles of lesser status who came after the Royal Consorts, Fia was unable to see them due to time constraints.

The high nobles were different from the younger ones. They didn’t all crowd around at once, bombarding her with questions. They always met with her individually. This wasn’t due to some roundabout noble etiquette, but because even nobles of the same faction did not have completely identical interests. Some questions inevitably involved face and personal gain. Meeting individually saved a lot of awkwardness where things couldn’t be said.

Thus, the higher-ranking nobles met with Fia first, while those of lesser status had to wait their turn. By the time Fia saw off the last count, it was already evening.

Although Fia felt she could continue receiving guests, the Fifth Consort, Yulisha, had firmly turned them away on her behalf, using the excuse that Fia had lost her memory and needed time to adjust, telling them to come back the next day. In addition, Yulisha herself had set an example by leaving Fia’s palace. As a result, Fia was finally free to continue her search for any other clues the princess might have left behind.

The result was that Fia found nothing. Although the palace was full of traces of the princess’s life, that was all there was. Besides that one booklet, Fia found no other instances of the Human Alliance language, or any text that was clearly meant for her.

If the princess hadn’t hidden clues outside the palace, it could only be that she wasn’t very confident in her success, or that she hadn’t had time to prepare a “last will.” In any case, the search for the princess’s handwriting had reached a stalemate.

It was now dinnertime.

“Mmm…”

Gazing at the noble’s dining table, which was covered with a pure white cloth, Fia couldn’t help but marvel at the extravagant lifestyle of the elf nobility. The long table in front of her stretched from the fireplace all the way to the entrance of the dining room, wide enough to host a large banquet.

Although there weren’t enough dishes to cover the entire table, it was definitely more than she could eat by herself. Moreover, the dishes were mostly meat-based; a few bites would be enough to fill her up.

Fia didn’t need to guess to know that it was an accepted rule that the princess would waste most of the food.

As for the types of dishes, there were mostly various kinds of steaks whose names she didn’t know, but which looked appetizing. For example, there were thick steaks and animal legs roasted to a glistening golden-brown, exuding a fragrant, greasy aroma, as well as steaming hot patties made from minced and fried meat.

The steaks alone, placed on a white plate, were already tempting. To make matters worse, the chef had specially placed them on a bed of green vegetables. Garnished with exquisite vegetables like broccoli and lettuce, the simple combination of grease and salt was enough to make one’s mouth water, reminding Fia of some high-class restaurants.

The only drawback was that Fia preferred dishes with stronger flavors. This kind of food, with almost no seasoning or only black pepper and mayonnaise, was fine for an occasional meal, but eating it every day would definitely feel too bland.

Of course, in this world with its low productivity, just having something to eat was a blessing. Seeing the people in Byrne City flocking to eat Fire-striped Frog meat, their ravenous and eager appearance, one would be grateful for any edible meat.

“Is the food not to Your Highness’s taste?”

Noticing that Fia was just staring at her plate, Colita, the golden-haired maid who had been standing by her side, asked. Just as Fia had guessed, Colita was a member of the princess’s organization, her main duty being to relay messages for her and to be on the lookout for any suspicious people who approached.

Colita’s question made the other maids standing by the wall tremble. Tonight’s meal had been prepared by them. In the past, although they wouldn’t be fired if the food wasn’t to the princess’s liking, if Anastasia noticed that the princess had a poor appetite, those maids would lose their day’s wages.

Fia shook her head lightly.

“I’m fine.”

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“Then was it the discussions with the nobles this afternoon that upset you? You can tell me about it. Although I cannot solve your problems, I can be a listener.”

“It’s not that I’m upset…”

As she had expected, her interactions with the high nobles had not made her feel uncomfortable. Just as she had a high tolerance for horrifying things, she didn’t feel any pressure when talking to high-ranking nobles and ministers, even though she knew who they were. Subconsciously, there was always a thought of “this is no big deal” or “they’re just ordinary people.” Fia was certain that this thought did not come from the princess’s position, but from something deeper, a higher level, just as she had no interest in the position of king. She had already been to a higher place.

But what that higher place was, Fia couldn’t say. This feeling, like blind confidence, both troubled her and genuinely helped her overcome her stage fright, so she didn’t pay it too much mind. After all, being able to speak fluently in front of high nobles was an excellent skill.

And in the face of the nobles’ and ministers’ worries, Fia’s performance was the same as it had been with the young nobles. As long as she put on an impressive display of magic and claimed that her abilities had only grown, their worries would be greatly reduced.

The princess’s past persona as a cold and taciturn person was a huge help at this moment. The nobles and ministers were afraid that asking too many questions would displease her, so they always stuck to the main points and didn’t ask any details that would give her a headache.

“If it’s neither the food nor a troubling matter, then is it because…?”

Colita’s face showed a look of confusion.

Fia sighed lightly.

“I was just wondering if I’m the only one eating tonight.”

Eating alone was too quiet, and with so many maids staring at her from behind, it was uncomfortable and the atmosphere was very strange.

Colita bowed gracefully, in a manner befitting a royal maid.

“You have always been this way. If you wish for company, I can have someone invite the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Royal Consorts to dine with you.”

“No, that’s… that’s not necessary.”

For one, it would be too much trouble for Mother Yulisha and the others. And two, she was a little afraid of being force-fed.

If she were alone in the dining room, or if this were a picnic, she could have, with the thought that “no one will see me acting spoiled,” blushed and eaten the food her mothers fed to her. But there were at least five maids standing guard in the dining room. For her, the Eldest Princess, to be fed by her many mothers in front of so many maids, she felt she would be secretly ridiculed for “regressing to a child after losing her memory” or “being too childish.”

Damn it.

If she were a little girl under the age of eight, she wouldn’t have to worry about this and that and could have gladly accepted it all. Since she would be a little girl, the maids would just think that she had a good relationship with her mothers and wouldn’t think she was being childish.

Dammit, dammit, why couldn’t the princess be a little younger?

As Fia was deeply regretting this in her mind, Colita’s eyes darted, and she continued to suggest.

“Then… shall I invite His Highness the Second Prince or Her Highness Liti over? If His Majesty were in the palace, he would surely be with you today, but unfortunately, he went south a few days ago. The kingdom has not been peaceful recently; there have been earthquakes everywhere.”

“Hm? Everywhere? Are there also canyon-like fissures, or should I say, abysses?”

Fia’s words made Colita’s eyes widen in surprise.

“Your Highness already knows? This matter is a secret; it has not yet spread in the capital.”

“Hah, on my way back, I encountered one. It swallowed at least a thousand monsters in one go. I thought it was an isolated incident. So it’s been happening all over Silvar.”

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“I am not clear on the specifics, but recently even the rural nobles from the border have come to the capital to discuss important matters. I imagine it is not a simple matter. But as long as His Majesty returns, everything will be resolved. Your Highness need not worry too much.”

I hope so.

For some reason, Fia had an ominous feeling.

The Abyss had existed on the World Tree Continent long before the many living beings had moved here from the primordial continent with the gods. And in the past tens of thousands of years, no new abysses had ever appeared. Now, not only was the chaos that had been confined to the primordial continent being controlled by the Darkborn, but abysses were also suddenly appearing on the World Tree Continent. If one also counted the withering Holy Tree, the three things together seemed to be a premonition of something, making one feel uneasy.

The Milcandis Holy Kingdom had received a divine oracle. This prophecy of doom shouldn’t come true.

Even if it did, please let it wait a few thousand years until after I was dead.

Continuing to think about it wouldn’t lead to any conclusions. She still knew too little. And more important than long-term matters was to focus on the present.

First, she had to prepare for the court audience with the nobles and ministers tomorrow. Then, she had to get in touch with Erin Slate. After that, she had to investigate the Holy Tree and find a way to restore the Holy Tree Dance to communicate with the Elf God. And at the same time, she had to continue her search for Claire, resolve Anastasia’s predicament, and so on. There were so many things to do it made her head spin.

Resting her head on her left hand, Fia fiddled with the fork on her plate with her right, her brows slightly furrowed in thought.

“How is the matter I asked you to handle this afternoon?”

“The notice has been posted by the guards. The members of the Second Squad of the Imperial Guard, who are responsible for your safety, will also go to the commoner’s district during the day to look for the girl you described. If that woman named Claire is in Blossom, we should be able to find her in a few days.”

“Remember to inform the city gate soldiers in advance, so they don’t turn Claire away when she arrives.”

“Understood.”

“Also, what about Anastasia? Why isn’t she back yet—”

Halfway through her sentence, Fia suddenly sat up straight. Anastasia had the Sinner’s Mark and was a member of the Imperial Guard. It was possible she didn’t live in her palace like the other maids.

She turned to Colita, her tone a little more serious.

“Where is Anastasia?”

“She should still be at the military headquarters.”

She had entered the Royal Castle at ten in the morning, and it was now seven in the evening. Anastasia should have been back by now. Fia couldn’t help but have a bad feeling.

“Still at the military headquarters? What about Liti?”

“That… I don’t know. I was busy with the tasks Your Highness assigned me all afternoon.”

Take me to the military headquarters— The words had not yet left her mouth when the sound of footsteps approached, and several people appeared at the entrance to the dining room.

Besides Anastasia, whom Fia had been thinking of, there was also Milu and the Fifth Consort, Yulisha. There was no sign of Liti.

Judging by their positions, it seemed her mother had brought Anastasia and Milu to the palace. Both of them had changed into black maid uniforms with white frills and a maid’s headband, complete with high-quality white garter stockings. Just standing there, they were a pleasing sight.

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As if embarrassed, Anastasia clasped her hands in front of her waist, her slightly flushed face turned to the side.

“Your Highness…”

In contrast to Anastasia’s bashfulness, Milu, to the stunned expressions of the other maids, trotted over to Fia in her student-style, round-toed leather shoes. She looked at Fia expectantly and, as if to show off her new clothes, spun around, making her maid’s skirt flutter.

“Master.”

She probably wanted her to praise her.

Fia smiled and patted Milu’s head.

“It suits you very well, Milu. Very cute.”

“Mhm. It’s just not convenient for using a sword. From now on, I’ll wake Master up dressed like this.”

Waking me up every day… if I were woken up by such a cute little maid, I would definitely be tempted to oversleep and tease her.

—Just the thought of it was delightful.

“Your Highness, this girl is…”

Although she was wearing a maid’s uniform, any maid with a bit of discernment could tell that Milu was not one of them. Colita looked at Milu with a smile, as if she were a guest.

“Ah, I forgot to introduce you. This is my…”

“Slave.”

While Fia was thinking, Milu suddenly interjected. The answer made Colita’s facial muscles twitch, and her smile became a little awkward.

Fia quickly explained.

“It’s not like that. Milu doesn’t have a slave contract. She’s more like my younger sister.”

“Don’t want to be a sister.”

“Then she is someone who, while not a princess, should definitely not be treated as an ordinary maid,” Colita concluded, neatly ignoring Milu’s protest.

During this time, Yulisha had also led Anastasia to sit opposite Fia. But only Yulisha, who was wearing a white gauze dress, sat down.

“Mother Yulisha is…?”

Knowing that Fia was asking about her reason for coming, Yulisha, with the air of a noble lady, looked helpless.

“I knew you would be worried, so I brought Anastasia over for you. She feels she has caused a lot of trouble for you and Liti and was too embarrassed to see you. It seems I guessed right. You haven’t touched the food on the table. It just so happens I haven’t had dinner either. May I eat with you, Dofi?”

“You don’t need to ask me for something like that, Mother Yulisha. You are always welcome here.”

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“Is that so? You’ve really changed, Dofi.”

With a happy and gratified smile, Yulisha had Colita bring her a set of tableware. As for the maids in the dining room who were surprised by the newfound intimacy between Fia and Yulisha, they were ignored by the two of them.

“Thanks to Liti’s pleading, the people at the military headquarters have decided to wait until they see you tomorrow before deciding how to deal with Anastasia. But the military is different from other places; the people there have always been rigid. Anastasia’s matter will not be easily resolved. Although my family is part of the military, my father will not be swayed by me on this matter. I can’t be of much help. You’ll have to think of something tonight, Dofi, to persuade those stubborn old men in court tomorrow.”

“Leave it to me. I already have a rough idea.”

Yulisha raised an eyebrow, a little surprised.

“What method? The people in the military do things by the book. In the past, before you became one of the masters of the Three Main Towers, they didn’t give you much leeway. You’d best not hope to persuade them with sophistry.”

“I can just use my fists, right?”

Since she couldn’t remember who any of them were anyway, she had no psychological burden about hitting them.

To Fia’s surprise, her mother not only didn’t dissuade her, but her eyes lit up.

“Ho, as expected of my daughter, you have my spirit. But can you win? Those old fossils have been in the military for so long for a reason. Although I heard from the Prime Minister that you can cast a Fourth-Rank fire rain without chanting, Dofi, two fists are no match for four hands. There are many people in the military.”

“You underestimate your daughter, Mother Yulisha.”

Unconsciously, Fia had already stepped into the role of a daughter. She continued without realizing it.

“It doesn’t matter how many of them there are.”

Anything that could be solved with fists was definitely easier than using words.

“Your Highness should still think it over…”

“This is none of your business, Anastasia.”

Before Anastasia could finish, Yulisha frowned and told her to be quiet. Just because she had brought Anastasia before Fia didn’t mean she had easily forgiven her. She was merely trying to please her daughter.

Anastasia had no choice but to close her mouth.

This conflict made Fia feel a little awkward. She wanted to help Anastasia, but she also understood Yulisha’s feelings as a mother. She shot Anastasia an apologetic look and quickly changed the subject.

“Mother Yulisha, where is Liti? She should have been with Anastasia.”

“Ah, she’s in her own palace. Unlike you, Dofi, she doesn’t have much authority in the palace. She was kidnapped by the traitors and taken to the Milcandis Holy Kingdom because she was being playful. Now that she’s finally back in Blossom, what awaits her is not only a physical examination but also a scolding. I heard the Third Consort has been crying and scolding her since this afternoon, and she hadn’t stopped when I came here just now. You could hear her shouting from halfway across the palace.”

“Somehow, I can imagine…”

Fia could already picture Liti kneeling before the Third Consort with her head hung low, miserably enduring the scolding.

Although it was pitiful, since Liti had been kidnapped because she was being playful, it was probably for the best that she got a good lesson. If she hadn’t met her, Liti might have already become fodder for chaos. That was not fun at all.