Mistress Of The Evil Forest

S-A 3: To the bitter end of it… right?

''Hah...''

Sunset.

As I sit beside one of the few rivers flowing throughout the capital of Astra, the warm, ripe rays of light pour over my being. Seeing the ragged appearance of myself on the calm water's surface, I can't help but question my resolve.

It has been a lot recently.

Really, a lot.

Thanks to those damned demons showing up one after another, the palace has been experiencing a severe shortage of manpower. Hiring new people is already troublesome considering the current national budget situation, but even worse for me, I can't let other people do my job.

Most of the documents that I've been working on contain confidential information, the kind that shouldn't be leaked to outsiders, especially enemies of the state. Because of this, I have too much to do, but such are the responsibilities of the crown princess.

With more and more work piling up day after day, I barely get any sleep, let alone time to relieve stress. Thinking back, I should have just gone to bed instead of wasting my precious break out here. What was I thinking? 

What else? 

I haven't been able to pay attention to what I'm actually interested in. I heard a mysterious tower was built within Zircon a while ago. Is that woman planning something again?

No matter how much I learn about her, it seems as though there's more to know—such a curious existence. We haven't seen each other for a bit, though. I wonder what she is up to right now.

''...''

...Really, what am I doing out here?

As I let out another sigh, the catalyst for all of this comes to mind. It's all because of the throne, yes.

I am fully aware that I'm better than most people. Physically, magically, academically, and socially. Members of the imperial family often have these qualities, but mine are by far the most prominent. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

I might have caused my idiot brother to get jealous sometimes when we were younger, but it would be just about cute if things stopped at that. As we grew, our core values started to change, and we began to align ourselves with different causes and beliefs. So, we naturally found ourselves within different factions.

Even if the innocent child back then, who was still my brother, didn't intend it, there were multiple attempts made on my life, whether by his associates or by the people who wished to use him as a shield.

I repeatedly swore that I would get back at them—that once I was the empress, I would make their life miserable as they did so to the younger me.

It was completely out of spite, but I decided I wanted the throne at that moment. 

But... is it worth it anymore?

With great power comes great responsibilities, and if I think about the calamities the empire would soon face, why should I insist on burdening myself?

What, just to get some petty revenge done?

But then, what about the efforts I've made for the better part of a decade? All the nights I spent studying, the hours I spent training until my bones wore off—what about them?

No, I have long known that being controlled by the past like this isn't good. However, that rational side of mine can't win against the ghost of vengeance inside my mind yet.

I want revenge on people who tried to kill me, and I need it. 

''Hah...''

''Nn.''

''...?''

Suddenly, an ice cream appears in my vision, blocking the hideous reflection of myself on the water. Tracing back the hand holding it, I find myself looking at a maid with... wings. Both her white hair and feathers take on a warm shade of the sunset, one identical to the color of her eyes.

Like snow before night falls.

Well, I guess she is a snowy owl, but...

''What is this?'' I ask.

''Ice cream.'' The girl says nonchalantly, licking her own one.

''Why?''

''It's getting hot lately.''

''...''

I have not interacted much with this person, but she has an interesting way of asking, 'Do you want to talk?'. Sure, I'll go along with it.

So, without saying a word, I take the dessert and make room on the bench so she can sit, too.

''What are you doing out here?''

''That.''

What she points to is a small shop on the other side of the river, with a sign saying 'Cat Café.' Beyond the glass, I can indeed see the usual peers this woman would often be with.

Even my cousin.

She really is enjoying herself out here, isn't she? Meanwhile, I'm...

''Is there something bothering you?''

''Why do you care?''

Ah.

Oops. I just blurted that out without thinking. I can't be a jerk just because my mood is not great. 

However, as I turn to the maid, hoping she won't get as hurt, her face is still indifferent. Then, she takes another bit out of the half-eaten ice cream cone and nods,

''Because you are the crown princess.'' She replies. ''Troubles come when something happens to you.''

''Hah. You think so?''

''Mhm.''

''I'm not the only person who can bear the weight of the crown.''

''That's right.''

''So then...''

...Huh?

My eyes widen the moment I realize the implications behind those words. The woman, who I thought was just an ordinary maid until this moment, squints her eyes knowingly, looking as if she has already seen through my entire being.

Wait.

I know this.

This subtle sensation of vulnerability that I feel whenever I am in front of a higher being, whether that would be a grandmaster of immense prowess or... a ruler.

''Don't get too caught up in the past.'' The maid—Aurora, softly says before rising to her feet. ''What's important is the future, and only you get to decide it.''

''What are you—''

''Then, I shall excuse myself here, Your Highness.''

In an instant, that brief aura disappears into thin air, and the maid promptly turns her back to me, walking leisurely across the short bridge to the other side of the river.

Left behind with nothing but a mess of emotions and thoughts, I hardly move on for a while.

''...Hah.''

Now this... this is interesting.

No, really.