Volume 6, Chapter 7 – The Opening

After giving Nola plenty of time to calm down, Fia, who had been leaning against the wall, turned the doorknob and entered the room. Colita, having seen Fia in only a thin nightgown earlier, had found a loose winter robe to drape over her, so Fia didn’t feel the chill of early spring.

The first thing she sensed was a fragrant breeze, a mix of incense and women’s perfume. Then, she saw Nola, still in her maid’s uniform, standing in the middle of the carpet. Nola seemed to have regained her composure. The flames on her ears were gone, and her breathing was stable. The only thing wrong was her expression; her face was dark, her teeth gritted in frustration.

Normally, she should have invited Nola to the reception room to talk. But she couldn’t walk around the palace in a nightgown and white over-the-knee socks all the time like Liti. So, it was better to just ask Nola in the bedroom how she had ended up in her palace, then either send her on her way or, perhaps, invite her to the Saint Alexia Festival.

“Why are you still wearing these clothes?” Fia looked puzzled. “Didn’t I say to change back into your original ones?”

“Hmph. I made a promise to Queen Yulisha. I won’t break my word.”

Nola pursed her lips, her gaze dropping to the floor.

“This promise again. Fine. Since you insist, I won’t force you.”

Fia let out a lazy yawn, walked past Nola, and sat on the edge of the bed, looking her up and down.

When she first woke up, she was still drowsy, and her mind was preoccupied with the awkwardness, so Fia hadn’t been able to closely observe Nola in her maid’s uniform. Looking closely now, even in the loose-fitting maid’s uniform, Nola’s S-shaped curve from her chest to her waist was still astonishing. Her long, fiery-red hair and the beast ears on her head added an exotic flair to her well-proportioned, slender figure. Paired with her thoroughly reluctant expression, she looked just like a maid from a manga who utterly despised her master.

She didn’t seem like the type to dress up, yet her nails were painted red. Maybe Nola was actually quite girly. Fia’s gaze fell on Nola’s fair fingers, crossed in front of her. Fia raised an eyebrow slightly. The red, combined with the cat ears, always made her think of a wild cat that secretly loved to be pampered.

“Since you’ve calmed down, you can probably tell me what you promised Mother Yulisha. From the way you were acting, it didn’t seem like you knew I would be your master. If you were forced to become a maid just for grain, I can dissolve this promise for you. I wouldn’t go that far, no matter what.”

Although Nola is fun to bully, using grain to threaten her is just too vicious. Punishment games should only happen after Nola does something wrong first. Then I can bully her with a clear conscience.

Nola was silent for a moment, her gaze still averted from Fia. She mumbled in a low voice.

“It really was you helping me.”

“Huh? What help?”

Fia was completely baffled.

“Tsk.”

Nola first clicked her tongue in frustration, then unwillingly bowed to Fia. Her flame-like red hair cascaded down past her temples.

“Although I didn’t actively ask you for help, I’ve come to realize I can’t get anywhere in Blossom on my own. Thanks. Queen Yulisha didn’t threaten me. I was the one who offered to repay her.”

“No, no, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Trying to keep up the pretense at this point is just self-deception. If you receive a favor, you must return it. That’s my creed.”

Nola seems to think I’m the one who was secretly helping her.

Looking at the pair of cat ears pricked up in front of her, Fia gradually began to understand. The situation was likely that Mother Yulisha had given Nola the grain she wanted. Then, Nola, feeling she couldn’t just accept the favor for free, offered a condition of repayment. Yulisha, not actually wanting Nola to repay her, just went with the flow and suggested Nola come here as a maid as “payment.”

But why did Mother Yulisha suddenly seek out Nola? And where did she get enough grain to supply hundreds of thousands of people? Also, Mother Yulisha should know Nola dislikes me, yet she still sent Nola to be my maid. I can’t guess the reason.

Fia crossed her smooth, well-proportioned calves, her expression thoughtful.

“Hmm… So, you were brought to my palace by Mother Yulisha? Was there a specific time set for this maid agreement?”

“The contract will be fulfilled when the Saint Alexia Festival ends.”

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Nola answered in the shortest sentences possible.

“Do the other maids in the palace know your identity?”

“Queen Yulisha said she would keep it a secret for me. They don’t know I am the Holy Son.”

“A secret, huh. I see. Since you insist on continuing, I can’t really say anything more. However, I hope you can be more natural. Don’t always think of yourself as a maid. If Claire sees you acting so restricted, she’ll think I’m bullying you. Let me think… just act like you’re at a friend’s house.”

As if remembering something, Fia sat up straight.

“Right. Today is the first day of the Saint Alexia Festival. We’ll be giving out Holy Tree branches to the elves under the Holy Tree. Do you want to come along?”

Fia had consulted Anastasia. In the past, the Eldest Princess would only distribute branches to the first few noble couples and then finish her task, handing the subsequent work off to other personnel.

This meant that, if Fia wished, she could actually stay and be in charge of distributing the Holy Tree branches the entire time. Therefore, Fia planned to take advantage of Estelle, Tilulu, and the others being in Blossom to have everyone distribute the branches together to the couples who came seeking children. Entertainment was scarce on the World Tree Continent; this could be considered a way to pass the time and experience life.

Fia’s bad impression of Nola had already faded significantly. Now that Nola was here, it wasn’t a bad idea to invite her to join.

Nola’s eyebrows twitched.

“Let me go wearing this? I don’t want people to see me acting as your servant.”

“Of course not. I told you I wouldn’t bully you. You can wear your own favorite clothes, as a friend.”

“Friend? But we’re…”

We’re romantic rivals.

The words reached her lips, but Nola swallowed them back. She couldn’t be sure if the vague feelings she had for Claire were truly romantic love, and she also worried that if she said it, Fia would tell Claire. This was the nature of a secret crush; even if it was relayed by someone else, it was still mortifying.

“You were going to say ‘rivals’?”

Fia’s face was full of teasing.

“I didn’t say that!”

Like a cat whose sore spot had been poked, the fur on Nola’s ears and tail stood straight on end, and her voice became much louder.

Fia smiled, stood up, and patted Nola’s shoulder.

“Alright, alright, I’m just kidding. You should have your own room, right? Go back for now. I’ll instruct Colita to give you the day off. At that time, you can join us at the Holy Tree as a friend. Of course, if you don’t want to go, that’s fine too. You don’t have to agree.”

“Are you serious?”

“Of course I’m serious. Why would I be faking it?”

“No…”

Nola’s gaze shifted to the side again.

She actually wanted to say, “I’ve fallen into your hands, why aren’t you taking this chance to mess with me?” and, “Letting me, a beastman, appear under the Holy Tree… don’t you think it’s shameful for the Silvar Kingdom and a breach of decorum?” But Fia’s sincere smile stopped her from saying the words. She could tell it wasn’t a disingenuous smile; everything Fia said was from the heart.

Tch.

Nola clicked her tongue in her mind.

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This girl just had to be a good person, and a beautiful one at that. If she were hideously ugly, or a despicable, shameless villain, I could hold onto my hatred and find a chance to teach her a lesson later.

At this rate, I’ll lose my hatred for her sooner or later. Or rather, after the incident with the Demon General of Absolute Death and what happened today, it’s already difficult for me to truly see Fia as an enemy. I can’t raise my weapon against her anymore.

Realizing this, Nola’s breath hitched. She remembered her disgraceful state when facing both the Demon General of Absolute Death and the Gluttony Demon General. The “disgrace” wasn’t being defeated, but being caught by Fia after her failure… I wonder if she noticed my… anomaly… at that time.

Nola stole another glance at Fia, and this glance was caught by Fia, who looked confused.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“If it’s nothing, then go. I need to get changed.”

“…Yes, Your Highness.”

Fia’s entire body stiffened, and even her expression turned strange.

“Er, don’t call me that. It makes me feel like the sun is rising in the west. I really should talk to Mother Yulisha and get her to change her mind. Ah, you go get changed too. And please tell Colita outside that they can come in.”

“…Alright.”

Nodding with palpable reluctance, Nola recalled Colita’s strict teachings. She gradually changed her stance and walked to the door with the demure steps befitting a maid. Although the movement was exceedingly awkward, it definitely had a bit more ladylike-ness to it.

This little cat is quite willing to learn.

Thinking this to herself, Fia glanced at the sun, which was just beginning to peek over the plain outside the window. She then slipped off her robe and nightgown, revealing her jade-like, smooth, and delicate body, and began to prepare for the Saint Alexia Festival.

◇

“Whoa. Although I knew there’d be a lot of people, I didn’t expect this many.”

Dressed in formal attire, Fia stood under the Holy Tree and couldn’t help but exclaim.

Because the path from the Holy Tree to the Royal Castle’s back gate was a slope, and the Holy Tree itself was on the higher ground, Fia could clearly see the long, dragon-like queue. People were in pairs, stretching from the base of the Holy Tree all the way to the castle’s back gate, winding for two or three kilometers, with no end in sight.

When I think about sitting behind this long table and blessing every single couple that comes… I kind of regret taking on the whole thing. There was a reason the past Eldest Princess only blessed the first few couples.

Good thing there’s no speech. With this many people, my throat would absolutely be smoking by the end of the day.

While Fia was complaining internally, the people around her weren’t idle. This was especially true for the members of the “loli group.” Liti, Milu, and Tilulu were bouncing around Fia with considerable, eager energy.

“Hmph, since Sister Claire is standing on the left, then I’ll stand on Big Sister’s right!”

“No matter how you look at it, that spot should be reserved for Tilulu.”

“What? Even if we go by first-come, first-served, it should be mine!”

Taking in the lively display of the “young girl group,” Estelle, her golden hair pinned up and wearing formal attire, came up behind Fia and teased her.

“You’ve become especially popular with little girls since losing your memory. What’s this? Raising your queen consorts from childhood? I remember when you came to my territory, you only had Anastasia and Liti by your side. Now there are so many more. As your best friend, I have to remind you: you need to practice moderation. Don’t go after little kids. At least wait until they’re a bit older.”

“Don’t say things that are so easily misunderstood! I only see them as my younger sisters.”

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“Yes, yes. Then how do you explain these ones over here?”

Estelle’s gaze went past Fia. Her sharp, blood-red eyes looked toward Anastasia, Erin Slate, Nola, and the Watcher on the other side. With the exception of Nola, whose figure was slightly inferior, the other women were all very well-developed and eye-catching. And because they were all wearing festive formal attire, they were even more beautiful than usual, exuding a captivating, soul-snatching allure.

“You should know Anastasia and Erin Slate. Nola is Claire’s niece. As for the priestess over there… just don’t ask.”

“Hoh~”

Blowing a hot breath teasingly onto Fia’s earlobe, Estelle stopped disturbing Fia and took a step back. By now, the queue, led by the Royal Guards, had arrived at a position less than a hundred meters from Fia. The group could already see the tense and expectant expressions of the couples.

It was worth noting that Fia’s group was not the only one standing under the Holy Tree. On both sides, there were hundreds of Royal Guards and attendants on standby. Further in the distance, Yelido, Yulisha, and other members of the royal family were also present. They originally didn’t need to come, but they had made a special, quiet appearance to watch Fia distribute the Holy Tree branches.

This sentiment was similar to knowing one’s child was performing in a recital and going to the audience to cheer and show support. The Fia of the past would not have brought her companions to distribute Holy Tree branches. Her current lively display truly made them feel they had a lovely daughter.

“Fia, maybe I should give my spot to Anastasia or Estelle… What if I scare everyone away…”

Very rarely, Claire’s pure, verdant eyes were filled with nervousness, so much so that her expression became exceptionally stiff. Fia could even feel the hand Claire was using to hold hers trembling slightly and beaded with sweat. Given Claire’s shy personality, she normally wouldn’t openly hold her hand in a formal setting. But her reason for being here today was to inform the citizens of the Silvar Kingdom that the Eldest Princess already had a fiancée, so even if she was shy, Claire had to hold Fia’s hand.

As for what Claire meant by “scaring them away,” she was, of course, referring to the curse surrounding her body. Fia had gone into the Holy Tree yesterday to find the void space left by the elf god. Inside the void, she had taken some of the petrified fragments of the elf god and given them to Claire to test. As it turned out, the fragments did indeed carry Divinity. Claire only needed to keep the fragments in her pocket, and the guards who were originally afraid of her would return to normal.

Fia squeezed Claire’s hand slightly and returned her gaze with a serious expression.

“Claire’s curse is being covered by the Divinity; it will definitely be fine. If it really doesn’t work out, you can just stand behind me and leave everything to me.”

“Hmph. I can take Claire’s place.”

Nola, a little further away, snorted lightly. Although she didn’t know the significance of Fia and Claire standing here, it didn’t stop her from being annoyed at seeing them hold hands.

“A declaration of love?”

Estelle tilted her head and muttered in a low voice.

“It could be a declaration of love from anyone but Nola. Keep your voice down, Estelle.”

“Eldest Princess, the lovers who need the Holy Tree branches are approaching. Please prepare yourself.”

Following Fia’s words, Erin Slate gave a serious reminder.

“Mm, I know.”

Adopting a ready stance, Fia and Claire straightened their backs at the same time. Liti, at the side, also changed her flighty atmosphere, no longer squeezing and shoving with Milu and Tilulu, reverting to an innocent and pure princess.

So this country’s royalty is actually this casual in private.

Taking this scene in, Nola thought to herself. Because of the presence of Milu, Tilulu, Estelle, and the Watcher, Nola, a beastman, did not attract much attention from the crowd. She could blatantly hide behind Anastasia and Erin Slate.

Finally, the first new couple arrived in front of Fia.

It was a pair of elf young ladies in light yellow formal dresses; one could tell at a glance they were of noble birth. They had the same golden hair and similar features, clearly a pair of sisters.

“Greetings, Eldest Princess.”

As soon as they arrived in front of Fia, the two young ladies lifted their skirts and curtsied slightly to Fia. The entire movement was natural and flawless.

Fia nodded lightly and returned a polite smile. “Greetings. Are you two sisters?”

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“Yes. We are lovers, truly in love.”

“I see. I bless you both.”

In a human country, if these two sisters wanted to be together, they would undoubtedly face immense social pressure. But this was the elf kingdom. With [Mana Surge] and the Holy Tree branches, even sisters in love would not face societal condemnation.

As Fia gave her blessing, Claire handed a golden branch, about half a meter long, from the table to the two elf young ladies. The method of using the Holy Tree branch was simple. After the two communicated using [Mana Surge], they only needed to flow their shared magic power from the [Mana Surge] into the Holy Tree branch to complete the continuation of life.

In reality, for elves who were both female, they could also achieve childbirth by infusing their magic power into one of them instead of into the Holy Tree branch. The only difference was whether the child would fall from the Holy Tree branch or be born from a mother’s womb.

It must be emphasized that even when reproducing through a Holy Tree branch, it still required an eight-to-nine-month gestation period. During this time, the “holy tree” (the branch) must be planted in a place rich in ley line magic essence. When the child was born, it would be accompanied by a bright light and a mental connection strong enough to make both mothers’ hearts flutter. Furthermore, a baby born from a Holy Tree branch was no different from a normally born baby.

“This is the Holy Tree branch. Please take it.”

“Ooh… What a beautiful human lady. This is the first time I’ve seen a human more beautiful than us elves. To be distributing the Holy Tree branches with the Eldest Princess, does this mean you are Her Highness’s lover?”

“Yes. I am already engaged to Fia. I am Claire Alexia now.”

“Ugh!”

Whether it was Fia’s imagination or not, she thought she heard a muffled groan from Nola behind her.

“To be able to be with Her Highness as a human, you must have gone through many hardships. It’s wonderful that you were able to gain the approval of His Majesty and the nobles.”

Following her sister’s words, the younger elf sister added with emotion.

“The heir to the throne has a consort; the Silvar Kingdom will surely become more lively now. Ah, then the other young ladies and little ladies here, besides Princess Liti, are also…”

The elf looked at Milu, Estelle, and the others.

“You shouldn’t exclude me. I’m Big Sister’s fiancée too.”

“If Fia absolutely insists on having me make up the numbers, I suppose I could force myself…”

“I am working hard to become Lady Fia’s fiancée!”

“Seconded.”

Almost simultaneously, Liti, Estelle, Tilulu, and Milu emphasized their points one after another.

This made the two elf young ladies cover their mouths and let out bell-like, light laughter.

“As expected of the Eldest Princess, her charm is unstoppable. Princess Liti, you must work hard. We sisters will bless you.”

“Thank you.”

“Then we won’t take up any more of Your Highness’s time. The news that Her Highness’s lover is a beautiful human girl will surely cause a sensation throughout the kingdom. May your two souls be together forever, never to be extinguished.”

“The same to you.”

Bowing to Fia and Claire from the bottom of their hearts, the elf sisters smiled and turned to leave.

No one noticed that Nola, standing behind everyone, had her eyes lowered. She turned her face away slightly, her gaze incomparably dim.