Mistress Of The Evil Forest

N-A 2: The price of love.

''...''

''...''

It's... suffocating.

Under the bright moon hanging in the sky, she and I sit opposite each other. Did I make a mistake by inviting her to this spot?

It is where our little New Year party took place a month ago, after all.

I thought she would relax just a bit if the scenery were nice, but... looking at the crown princess right now, she doesn't seem to be enjoying herself at all. 

Fiddling with the pawn made of ice, Sierra Alaina Astra—my alleged cousin—keeps silently staring into the air, lost in her thoughts.

''So?''

Her cold voice falls.

''Do you truly dare... to covet the crown?''

''...''

In an instant, a terrible chill runs down my spine, causing my wings to involuntarily cower. Facing her imposing silvery eyes, I feel as though a fierce beast has set its gaze on me.

Even if I'm just an ordinary maid... I know a thing or two about how it works. The reason Sierra has summoned me here is to give me a warning.

If I were to declare my intentions of ascending the throne, she would mercilessly use her force to eliminate me and my allies at once. Considering that she has many opportunities in the past to dispose of me even before this rumor blows up, is she... giving me a chance?

A chance to back out. To lay low and live as if I didn't exist.

''I...''

When I struggle to give out an answer, Sierra sneers as if seeing something ridiculous.

''You should feel grateful for that eccentric lady's grace. The one that you are serving.'' She says.

''Lady Luminous...?''

''You truly don't know? If not for her early intervention, you would have been dead a long time ago.''

''...''

So my lady has been protecting me all along...

Maybe she really is a good person, after all. I still don't like her for liking Aurora, but at least... thank you for letting me gather my thoughts, Lady Luminous.

''Enough of this. I will ask this one last time—do you cover the crown?'' Sierra's voice snaps me out. ''Even if I have to turn Luminous Duchy into my enemy... I won't hesitate.''

''I—''

Thinking back, it has been an incredible time so far. From contently settling down as a mere maid... to now being able to contest for the highest status in the entire country seriously.

Of course, I also thought about it deeply.

If I were the empress, taking in Aurora as my little lover would be trivial. Even if Lady Luminous opposes it, she can't do anything against the crown's will.

I would finally have what I want the most. Her mind, her body, her gaze, her thoughts... everything would be mine.

But then again, my reasonings betrayed me.

The moment I become the target, Aurora, my weakness, will suffer alongside me as well. No matter how strong the Luminous Duchy is, no matter how strong Aurora herself is... she can't be safe.

In the first place, is it realistic to expect a nobody like me to be able to top someone as well-established as Sierra? What if, while I was busy competing, Aurora got snatches away from me?

Wouldn't it all be pointless?

So, I have come to a conclusion—the throne is not worth it. 

I would rather be on equal footing with Lady Luminous and compete for Aurora fair and square. This way, nobody will be hurt. 

''I see. Good decision, my dear cousin.''

After hearing Sierra's obviously milder tone, one that is mixed with a pounce of relief, I can finally be at ease. As I try to shake off the tension, Sierra, this time, with a slight grin, pushes the ice pawn toward me.

''Nydia.''

''Yes...?''

''Come under my wings.''

It is a bit ironic since... I'm the one with the wings, but I obviously can't make that joke here. I don't want to, either.

Nevertheless, Sierra's offer is within the range of expectations. She might want to monitor me more closely, as well as use my identity to help her achieve her political goals. If it were known that I supported her endeavor, even the stubborn supporters of my late... father would definitely rally behind Sierra.

''You must have received many gifts from that incompetent brother of mine.''

''...I did.''

''I can give you much more than that.'' Sierra confidently states. ''I can guarantee you a smooth, secure life. Anything you want, as long as it is not outrageous, will be provided. Most of all... I can help you with your little love story.''

''E-Eh?''

How did she... oh, wait... now that I think about it, I didn't make much effort to hide my affection for Aurora... 

Hearing others talk about my love life is embarrassing...!

''Snatching that owl away from Amelia Luminous... might be a bit difficult since that lady is also obsessed with her, but I can at least get you to an equal, if not higher, footing than Amelia.''

''I... I understand. If nothing arises, I will wholeheartedly support you as the heir, so please... keep your promise.''

''Good.''

Afterward, we go over a list of important things before I receive my title as a princess.

''I will assign a trusted attendant to you. If you want anything, tell her.''

An excuse for her to put eyes on me—a shackle.

''Officers from the Intelligence Department will come soon, so prepare yourself. I will find a way to guide you through the process, so don't stress over it.''

...At this point, I suspect Sierra might have a say in this department's decision... well, she is the crown princess, after all.

With that, alongside many more things, the meeting ends successfully with a deal.

''One more thing.''

Before I stand up and return to my room, however, Sierra stops me. Holding the ice pawn, she regurgitates a riddle from... Silaerob? Why did Silaerob give her a riddle?

Either way, she wants my answer as to who should take responsibility for Ra's death in the story.

To say that the riddle itself is too vague... should be common sense. If so, is there a hint I haven't noticed?

''In her words, she did say, 'illuminated by the moonlight, the five set out to defeat the ancient evil,' so could it be Ra's own fault for not disclosing her condition?''

''That's one thing, yes. Otherwise, everybody would just be as liable... unless...''

Simultaneously, Sierra and I turn to the bright, round moon in the starry sky. For some reason, at the back of my mind, I feel as though it is slightly bigger today.

It's chilling. Somehow...

''Well, thanks for the input, anyway.''

''Oh, yes... it was interesting.''

This time, it is not an imagination. I've noticed Sierra's clearly intrigued tone toward Silaerob. I wonder if she is also a fan like Claire.

If so, I hope she can get along with Silaerob.