After some time passed, suddenly many people in line came inside the meeting area, surrounded by lots of Queen's guards. The atmosphere shifted right away. Tension crackled through the air.
"Hmm, they look like..." Rugged Woman and Subordinate Woman thought of something, then looked at Miss Expert with growing concern spreading across their faces.
"Didn't Boss say to not be serious and be lenient? Then why are they coming here in front of their families and others? This isn't good!" Subordinate Woman protested in a loud voice, alarm clear in her tone.
"AGH! Sorry, Miss! I tried, but the Princess didn't listen to me!" Miss Expert apologized, fear becoming more visible in her eyes as she bowed her head low.
"Huh? What? Why is Princess not listening? Boss risked his life for those names and she can't even listen to what you have to say?" Subordinate Woman looked at the front in confusion, her brows pulling together.
"Because she's a Princess, that's why," Rugged Woman spoke with slight frustration coloring her voice. "I heard her talk, and truthfully, I'm not really impressed with her way of dealing with things. She's determined and strong in her viewpoints, but somehow I feel like I'm listening to a trained Crown, not a person living in this city."
"Grandmother!" Miss Expert's voice cracked as she saw her grandmother walking slowly at the front, guided by her sisters. Grandmother just sweetly smiled and waved at her with a gentle hand. Miss Expert's eyes filled with tears, worry gripping her heart painfully in her chest.
On the raised platform, Princess Natalia smiled as she stopped taking questions. Her voice rang out clearly across the gathered crowd. "It seems we have some guests who have arrived. Please bring them forward and let the people here see who they are."
"Hmm, what? That's my father-in-law!"
"Hey, my wife!"
"Son!"
"Uncle!"
"Sister-in-law!"
"Mother!"
Many surprised voices erupted from all over the seating area. Confusion spread like wildfire through the crowd, mixing with alarm.
Fifth Leader's face grew dark as he looked at Sveindis, who equally frowned. Her expression came out tight with displeasure.
Mother Isafold glanced at Sveindis and smiled slightly, seeing her reaction, but then stared worriedly at Natalia. Concern etched itself deep in her features.
"Ahm, to give you context, there was some weird product going around this rock where people taking it act strangely for some time. It also seems to enhance their emotions and whatnot. It's still under investigation, but one thing is for sure. The product is created with similar energy TO THE ONE WHO TRIED TO KILL ME AND MY SISTER ON MY BIRTHDAY NIGHT!"
Princess Natalia's voice rose with righteous fury.
"AND I WILL NEVER FORGIVE ANYONE SUPPORTING OUR ENEMY! TRYING TO KILL A PRINCESS IS AN OFFENSE NO ONE CAN GO UNPUNISHED FOR!"
After she spoke, heavy silence fell over the room. Then suddenly, many people got angry and shouted in desperate protest.
"WHAT ARE YOU SAYING? THAT'S MY MOTHER! IT'S CLEARLY SOME CONSPIRACY! WE ARE INNOCENT!"
"NOOO! MY WIFE JUST LOST HER SON! SHE'S JUST DEPRESSED AND WAS TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF! PLEASE DON'T PUNISH HER!"
"SON, NOOOO! HE'S JUST A MINOR! HE DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING!"
Many angry complaints were shouted throughout the hall. The guards tried desperately to keep them calm, their voices barely cutting through the chaos. Taking advantage of the disorder, suddenly one of the men in the line rushed toward the Princess in anger, moving in a frenzied daze.
"GRR! You BITCH!"
"KYAA!!"
Seeing this scene unfold, many people screamed in terror.
"Natalia!" Little Man, standing on the side, rushed toward her with explosive speed. He grabbed her waist firmly and pulled her back in a protective motion, letting her hide behind his huge body like a shield.
The man growled in wild anger, but as soon as he came slightly close, Big Guy rushed forward with surprising speed for his size.
THAAPP!
He grabbed the attacker skilfully, and TAK! hit his leg, then laid him down on the ground. He held him there immobile with his weight alone.
"MONSTER!"
"NO! HE JUST GOT SHOCKED! PLEASE DON'T HURT HIM!"
The place turned into absolute mess. Voices overlapped in panic and confusion, creating a wall of noise.
Little Man glanced at his side and patted Natalia's waist gently, speaking softly near her ear. "Go ahead, do your thing. I'm with you."
"Hmm." Natalia looked up at him and smiled warmly. "Thank you for being here." Then she smiled, though her expression darkened as she muttered under her breath, "Unlike someone who didn't come. Humph!"
She stepped forward with confidence radiating from her. Little Man stayed close to her. He kept his hand on her back, ready to protect her at any moment.
"PLEASE CALM DOWN!" Princess Natalia's voice commanded attention from everyone in the room. "AS YOU SEE, THEY ARE VIOLENT AND UNPREDICTABLE! I CAN'T LET THEM GO UNPUNISHED, BUT I HEAR YOUR PLEAS! THEY ARE LOVED ONES OF YOURS, SO I GIVE YOU A CHANCE TO SEND THEM AWAY FROM THIS CITY! THAT IS THE ONLY THING I CAN ALLOW! IF NOT, THEN I WILL KILL THEM!"
Princess Natalia looked at Big Guy with a meaningful glance, her eyes coming out sharp and commanding.
"Huh? But Big Sister Nat, I've seen people like them before, and they can be innocent!" Big Guy said, doubt filling his eyes. His voice came out uncertain not wanting to follow her order.
"TSK!" Princess Natalia was about to shout in frustration when Little Man leaned closer from the side, patting her waist in a soothing manner. "Calm down. I'll go, okay?"
Little Man smiled at her with reassurance and walked forward, taking out a small dagger.
KCCK!
He stabbed the man's neck swiftly, ending his life without any hesitation. Blood sprayed across his sleeve as the body went limp under Big Guy weight.
Big Guy just stared in shock at what was happening, his eyes going wide in shock.
Little Man smiled calmly and came back, his sleeve stained with blood. "Ah, sorry, you got dirty." Princess Natalia spoke in apology, noticing the red splatter.
"It's okay. Anything for the Princess," Little Man spoke with a smile, standing beside her in a protective stance.
"Thank you!" Princess Natalia spoke sweetly, then turned to look at the crowd with steel hardening in her eyes.
Some people sighed with relief, but others looked worriedly at their loved ones. Fear mixed with desperation showed clearly on their faces.
"Don't make the MISTAKE of UNDERESTIMATING ME!" Princess Natalia's voice rang out powerfully across the courtyard. "I AM NOT MY MOTHER! I WILL REMOVE ALL WEEDS TRYING TO COME CLOSE TO ME! I AM WARNING YOU NOW! ANYONE WHO IS BEHIND THIS MESS, DON'T DARE TO HARM MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY!"
She glared at everyone, her gaze sweeping across the courtyard like a blade. It stopped at last on Fifth Leader, who just smiled coldly, watching all of this unfold with calculated interest in his eyes.
"Now I will call the names. Raise your hands if you are present. If not present, then their family members should decide on what action to take before today's day is over. And starting from tomorrow, I don't want to see their faces here. Otherwise, I WILL KILL EACH ONE OF THEM!!!"
She threatened clearly, her voice leaving no room for doubt. Then she started speaking names one by one.
The atmosphere among the houses changed dramatically. The mood became heavy and oppressive, weighing down on everyone present. But Princess Natalia didn't stop, her voice staying unwavering.
Shit, I'm sure she forgot to erase her name, and I couldn't find her here. Where is she? She promised me that she wouldn't take these things anymore. I can just hope...
"MS. PHOEBE—Phoebe MacManus of MACMANUS HOUSE. HMM, NOT PRESENT. NEXT..."
"GAHH!!! There she is! She forgot!" A strong muscular short man face-palmed his forehead and sighed deeply while sitting in the middle rows. His shoulders slumped in defeat. What have you done, my wife? After so many long years, I finally got you, and now... "TSK! No, I won't give up! She hasn't done anything wrong! And our house has been loyal to the Queen! This is unforgivable!"
The man glared at the Princess, thinking of complaining to the Queen. Many other people present felt the same way, except for a few who were okay with sending their loved ones away.
Princess Natalia spoke many names, finishing it swiftly and with efficiency. "NOW GO AWAY AND PACK YOUR THINGS!"
"Good job, Princess! Now you're being worthy of this name. I never thought the stupid-looking girl sitting beside me in class could be so good. I'm impressed," Little Man teased her from the side, his tone coming out playful.
"Geez, we're not in class, so stop it!" Princess Natalia shrugged off his teasing as she looked at the people gathered before her. "Don't worry because they will be treated properly, so after this meeting, you guys can meet with them. Now some time is left, so ask more questions or say ideas that you find can help this CITY!"
A series of heated discussions followed, voices rising and falling throughout the hall in waves.
.
"Why was Miss Phoebe's name still said when Boss instructed us to remove it? She risked her life for these names! The least she deserves is not bringing humiliation to her husband and her house!" Subordinate Woman spoke in anger, her fists clenching tight at her sides.
"I'm sorry! Really sorry!" Miss Expert bowed deeply again and again in apology, guilt weighing heavy on her shoulders.
"Sighhh... Youngest, can you go find out where Ms. Phoebe MacManus's husband is and tell him to come here? Tell him we have information about his wife," Oliver ordered calmly, his voice staying kind despite the mess he is witnessing. Youngest swiftly moved among the crowd, disappearing into the crowd.
"Miss Expert, don't apologize. We tried our best," Oliver spoke softly, warmth filling his tone. "Please call your grandmother here and let her sit with us."
Miss Expert nodded with gratitude showing on her face and brought her grandmother over with her sisters. The other people stayed outside in the carriages, surrounded by many guards keeping close watch.
.
After the time was finished, Princess Natalia said, "That's all for now. I know not everyone is satisfied, but I will surely work slowly on everything and will make this city a better place to live in. Thank you for now!"
Princess Natalia bowed respectfully as everyone stood and clapped for her. Applause echoed through the courtyard with claps getting superimposed creating a wave of appreciation.
"Hmm, thank you. Now please enjoy the food and music arranged by our Leader for you." As Princess Natalia was about to turn away and get down by holding Little Man's hands, suddenly someone shouted, "SING FOR US, PRINCESS!"
"YEAH, SING! SING! WE HEARD YOU ARE QUITE PROFICIENT, SO SING FOR US!"
Many happy Crown people said loudly, trying to create a festive atmosphere that would lift the heavy mood.
Princess Natalia looked surprised, not knowing what to say. Her eyes went wide with confusion.
Little Man smiled and pulled her onto the stage. Without waiting, he stood in front of the speaking tool and spoke to the crowd. "Dear Guest, Princess spoke a lot in these few hours, so she must be tired. Why not we dance for you and give you guys something beautiful to praise?"
"DANCE! DANCE! DANCE!"
"YES, DANCE!!" Many voices erupted and shouted enthusiastically, filling the air with excitement.
"Hey, what are you saying on your own?!" Princess Natalia protested, embarrassment flooding through her. Her fingers pinched his arm hard enough to leave marks.
"OW! OW! Hey, just like old times!" Little Man laughed through the pain, rubbing his arm where she'd pinched. "We've danced quite a lot together….. Clearly, only I can match your dancing talent. So, why not show the world the Princess's grace? Come on, it'll be fun! These guys won't leave you alone without seeing something."
His voice dropped lower, more intimate which was only meant for her.
"Or would you rather dance with those men?"
Little Man glanced deliberately at some rough-looking guys who were staring at the Princess. Their sharp, hungry gazes made their intentions all too clear.
"AGH! Fine, fine! Just once!" Princess Natalia shook her head in resignation, though her lips curved into the smallest smile.
She and Little Man moved to the center of the courtyard. The crowd parted for them like water, creating an open area. They stood face to face, close enough that she could feel the warmth coming off his body. His hand slid to her hip, fingers settling against the curve of her hip in a possessive touch, while her hands glided up to rest on his broad shoulders. Both looked at each other, memories of countless dances flooding back through their minds.
Just like old times.
They smiled softly at each other and the music started with slow, sensual rhythms. It pulsed through the air like a heartbeat.
The dance began, and Princess Natalia moved like water, her body flowing with the practiced grace of someone who'd trained for years. Every movement came out graceful with no empty movements. Her hips swayed in slow circles as Little Man's hands guided her, his palms sliding from her waist down to the flare of her hips. His fingertips pressed gently into the soft fabric covering her curves.
She turned in his arms, her back pressing against his chest for a heated moment before spinning away. Her hair swept across his face. The scent of her filled his senses, making his grip tighten slightly. When she came back to him, his hand traced up her spine, making her arch just a bit. Her body responded to his touch like they were made to move together.
Little Man guided her with expert skill, his hands exploring as they moved. He caressed her arms as they extended with grace, his fingertips trailing down to her wrists before he pulled her close again. Their bodies pressed together, her soft curves fitting against his solid frame. Then he spun her out, creating distance, only to draw her back in with a pull that made the watching crowd hold their breath.
Natalia's figure swayed in a way that made every man's eyes lock onto her, unable to look away from her seductive movement. Her hips rolled with each beat, the fabric of her dress clinging to every curve as she moved. Her legs extended and crossed with smooth grace, muscles flexing beneath her skin. Little Man's hands kept moving with practiced ease, sliding along her waist, gripping her hips to guide her movements. His fingers spread across the small dip of her back as he gently lowers her toward the ground then pulling her up against him again.
With each gentle but deliberate touch, Little Man made every watching man burn with jealousy. His palm cupped her hip, thumb stroking the spot just above her pelvic bone. When she turned, his hand glided across her stomach, feeling the flutter of her breathing beneath his fingers. He pulled her back flush against his chest, his arm wrapping around her waist in a possessive hold while his other hand caught her hand, their fingers intertwined as they moved as one.
Her seductive hips sways, her thighs trembling after getting held tightly by his fingers, her chest rising and falling with each breath as his arms wrapped around her shoulder, the elegant curve of her neck when she bends gracefully, her flushed face when he lifts her up to let the whole crowd see her beauty. All of this…All of her beautiful dance movement showed breathtaking beauty as she moved across the ground with fluid motion. The way her body responded to his touch looked like watching art come to life.
Their movements grew more intense as the music built higher. Their dance moves became more closer, more intimate. Their legs moving faster and faster as their body stick close in a complex seductive couple dance, each movement, each point of contact sent heat racing through them both.
As the slow rhythmic music reached its peak and began to fade, Princess Natalia struck the classic ending pose. A deep, dramatic dip. Her body bent backward in a perfect arc, her spine curved with grace, her chest lifted toward the bright blue sky. Her legs were caught and held firmly by Little Man's strong hands. One gripped her thigh just above the knee, the other supported her smooth sweaty back. His fingers spread wide across her heated skin through the thin fabric.
Both of their breathing came out hard and ragged. Their chests rose and fell rapidly from the exertion and the charged intimacy of their dance. A thin sheen of sweat made Natalia's skin glow in the sunlight.
Natalia's face burned with heat, her cheeks flushed deeply as she smiled. Her lips parted slightly as she tried to catch her breath. Her neck tilted down in the elegant pose, her hair cascading like a waterfall, but her eyes suddenly flickered open when she felt his face lower close to hers.
He leaned in, his lips brushing the delicate shell of her ear. His breath came out hot against her skin as he whispered words that she never expected she would hear at this moment.
"I LOVE YOU, NATALIA."
"Huh?" She looked up in surprise and saw Little Man looking at her with love filling his eyes. The words were full of warmth, full of love, full of hope.
"What are you saying?!" she asked in a low, shocked voice.
Little Man straightened her up gently and tenderly grabbed her waist, pulling her close to him. "Don't be surprised. I've always loved you for a long time. Can't you see it in my eyes, Natalia? I love you a lot."
Little Man swayed softly with her to the slow rhythmic music, not moving much. Just a soft intimate couple's dance.
Natalia's breathing became harder. She wanted to run away, but seeing people's gazes fixed on them, she just stayed put. Her face looked up, close to his face as she spoke with breath coming out unevenly. "Aren't we friends? Why are you suddenly saying this? We had such a good friendship! If you speak like this, then everything will be ruined. Don't do this."
Princess Natalia, completely red, tried to maintain some distance, but he brought her closer. Her breasts pressed against his chest as he gently touched her lower back and helped her sway her hips in rhythm with the music.
"Why are you pretending? Didn't you already have a clue? We've been together for a long time in school. I spend most of my days with you. Can't I have the right to love you? Is it wrong to love a beautiful, talented Princess?" Little Man gave her a graceful spin, his hand staying firm on hers.
"I didn't say that, but I... I... sigh. Sorry, I have my suspicions, but I don't know….. I don't love you. Sorry….." Princess Natalia spoke while thinking of Zack, her heart tightening in her chest. Agh! Zack will kill me! She shuddered in fear at the thought.
"Hmm, I know you don't, but still, I love you and want to be with you." His voice came out low filled with his feelings. "You're a Princess, so you can have as many husbands as possible. I'm not saying to accept me right away, but at least from now on….see me as a MAN, not as a friend."
Little Man tightened his grip deliberately, pulling her body flush against his muscular chest. His fingers slid lower on her back, boldly grazing the upper curve of her ass. He pressed his fingers into the soft flesh through her dress.
"AAH!" Natalia gasped at the intimate touch, her breasts pressing harder against him. "I don't think..."
"AHH!"
Little Man didn't listen to her protests. As the music suddenly sped up, faster now with driving beats pulsing through the air, he made Princess Natalia match his pace.
This time, his strength got put to the test as he SHOWED his skill. His muscular arms flexed as he lifted and spun her through various complex moves. His hands gripped her waist, her hips, sliding along her sides and thighs as he guided her through the dance. She spun away and came back, her body pressing against his. Breasts to chest, arm to arm, leg to leg, her soft curves moulding to his hard muscles.
Princess Natalia followed his lead with expert precision, showing great flexibility and stamina. Her body moved like liquid grace, legs extending in beautiful lines. Her dress clung to the curves of her breasts, waist, and ass as she moved. His hands roamed with possessive intent, gripping her thigh when he dipped her low, cupping her waist when he lifts, sliding across her lower back when he spun her around and occasionally grazing her ass as they moved together in the heated rhythm.
When he pulled her close for the final move, her body slid against the full length of his. Every curve dragged along his muscular frame. His hand splayed across her stomach, the other gripping her hip as they swayed together. Her back pressed to his chest, his breath coming out hot against her neck.
Slowly, the music faded as both breathed hard. Their chests rose and fell rapidly. Sweat glistened on her neck, making her cloth damp a little. They stood perfectly still, bodies close, hand in hand with fingers intertwined.
After a moment of silence, they woke up from the trance after hearing the loud clapping of the people.
They turned and bowed to the crowd, who clapped with thunder appreciating their dance. Whistling filled the air at the sensual display they'd just witnessed.
"WOW! THIS IS THE BEST DANCE I HAVE EVER SEEN!"
"MY FACE FEELS BURNING! ARE YOU SURE THEY ARE NOT A COUPLE?"
"WHAT A SEXY DANCE! I'M IMPRESSED!"
"I GUESS THE PRINCESS HAS THE SUPPORT OF THAT YOUNG MAN'S HOUSE! HER FUTURE IS SECURE EVEN IF SHE GETS DETHRONED!"
"SUCH A PERFECT COUPLE! BOTH LOOKING LIKE THEY WERE MADE FOR EACH OTHER! SUCH SKILLS!"
Princess Natalia listened to the praises, her face getting redder and redder with each word.
"Do you have a man?" Little Man asked without looking at her, grabbing her hand tight. His grip came out possessive.
"Ah!" Princess Natalia struggled for a bit, her head down as she thought for a while. Sorry, Zack. I can't announce our relationship yet. You can beat me afterwards, but for now, let me deal with it. Princess Natalia thought, guilt flooding through her like a wave. Then she shook her head firmly. "NO, I DON'T!"
"Hmm, then please consider me. I will take care of you. My house will always stand with you. I love you, so respect my love confession, and at least just for today, try to see me as a man." Little Man spoke while gently guiding her down the path, his hand never leaving her waist.
"Sighhh, fine, but I'm a harsh critic. You know that, right?" Princess Natalia smiled sweetly, giving in slightly.
"Hehe, I know!" The man smiled warmly and gently guided her toward her seat, where her friends teased her from afar about her dance. They giggled and made exaggerated swooning gestures.
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END OF CHAPTER
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Author Blabbering
Telling a lie a thousand times can make it feel like truth.
That's not poetry—that's psychology.
When you repeat something again and again, your mind stops questioning it. It accepts it. Negative self-talk is not "being realistic"; it's training. If you keep telling yourself I'm not good-looking, I'm a failure, I never succeed—your brain slowly rearranges your behavior to prove you right. Posture changes. Effort drops. Confidence leaks. And one day you look at the result and say, See? I was right.
But you weren't right. You were just consistent.
The mind is obedient, not intelligent. It believes repetition more than evidence.
Say I'm a failure often enough, and you'll stop trying.
Say I'm weak often enough, and you'll avoid challenges.
Say I'm unlucky often enough, and you'll miss opportunities standing right in front of you.
But here's the part people don't take seriously enough—the same system works in the opposite direction.
Say a good truth.
Not fantasy. Not arrogance. A direction-setting truth.
I am already improving.
I am becoming stronger.
I have already succeeded.
I am the kind of person who finishes.
I already ran 10k.
Your brain doesn't argue. It adjusts. It looks for proof. It nudges you toward actions that match the identity you repeat.
This isn't magic. It's identity-based psychology. Humans don't rise to goals—they fall to the level of the story they tell themselves.
So be careful what sentences you rehearse in your head. You are always listening. Your mind is always taking notes.
Use it wisely.
Because the most powerful voice you hear all day…
is your own.