"Princess, it seems you have your own problems, but we were wondering if we heard it right… that you are not coming to our grand underground area?" Sveindis Randverse asked from the front of the gathered crowd. Her tone carried careful control, but tension threaded through every syllable. Many people had waited patiently while Princess Natalia resolved her previous matters, and now their collective gaze pressed down on her.
"Miss Sveindis, sorry to change the plan. I will be going directly to the 4th rock. I want to focus on hearing people rather than taking a tour. I am sorry for any inconvenience," Princess Natalia spoke clearly, her voice projecting across the space.
After hearing her words, the reaction was immediate.
"Princess, this is wrong! The underground area is very important!"
"Yes, there are lots of unlawful practices there!"
"PRINCESS, there are many people dissatisfied with your answers! Please reconsider some of the things!"
"Yes, and please don't send those people away! It's not their fault!"
Voices erupted from multiple directions, overlapping in protest. The crowd surged forward slightly, bodies pressing closer as frustration spilled over into their words.
Princess Natalia's jaw tightened. She drew in a breath and raised her voice.
"I HAVE ALREADY SAID I WILL TAKE EVERYONE INTO CONSIDERATION, SO PLEASE BE PATIENT! AND THOSE PEOPLE YOU SAW CAN ACT RASHLY. I CAN'T LET THEM NEAR COMMON PEOPLE AND MYSELF! SO IT'S BETTER FOR EVERYONE TO LET THEM AWAY! NOW, STOP INTERFERING IN MY OFFICIAL DUTY. I ALREADY TOLD YOU THESE ARE NOT SETTING STONES, SO THE THINGS DISCUSSED HERE WILL TAKE SOME TIME TO BE EFFECTIVE!"
Her words rang out with authority, but weariness crept into her eyes. She stood straighter, refusing to let them see how their demands wore on her.
"Right, don't be impatient, everyone! Our Princess is already stressed for her ceremony. She is also doing her best! Why not just wait and see? Maybe our worries will be of nothing if she no longer has the Princess title after her ceremony," 5th Rock Leader Grankell's voice cut through from behind, dripping with mockery.
The crowd erupted again.
"YES, WE SHOULD WAIT!"
"NO, WE CAN'T! OUR HOUSES WILL BE AT A DISADVANTAGE ANYWAY. WE NEED RESOLUTION NOW!"
"NO, LEADER, WE ALSO CAN'T WAIT! EVEN WE HIGHER HOUSES ARE NOT GETTING CLEAR ADVANTAGE DESPITE US SHOULDERING EVERYTHING. THIS IS NOT FAIR!"
The competing opinions crashed against each other like waves battering stone. Princess Natalia's frown deepened, cutting lines across her forehead. She said nothing more. With quick movements, she turned and walked toward her friend group, her shoulders squared despite the pressure bearing down on her. Her jaw remained clenched, tension visible in every step.
.
.
"Miss Emmy, please wait!" Oliver suddenly appeared and positioned himself directly in front of Maid Emmy, blocking her path completely.
She stopped but did not look up.
"Emmy, please calm down and listen to me. I am sorry if I hurt you, but I never touched any woman inappropriately. I may seem like a womanizer, but I am not. Please, let's stay friends like before, I will not pester you anymore, staying friends will not hurt, right?" Oliver moved closer as he spoke, desperation seeping into his carefully chosen words.
"Sigh..."
Maid Emmy still refused to meet his eyes. When she finally spoke, her voice came out flat.
"Young Master, why are you acting like a child? What would your parents think if they saw you like this? They're probably watching you from somewhere nearby, aren't they?"
She turned then, forcing herself to face him directly. Her gaze remained steady, unflinching despite the uncomfortable proximity.
"SO STOP BEING A BRAT AND GROW UP."
Her tone stayed calm. Too calm…...
"I'm just a lowly maid. No matter how much you claim to love me, I can never be your equal. As for being friends? Sure. Why not? Just like before. We talk when necessary."
Her eyes became harder, difficult to penetrate with any emotions Oliver eyes throw at her.
"But I don't want you constantly getting in my face, trying to appeal to me. It's disgusting. Stop it."
She stepped backward, creating physical space that mirrored the emotional gulf between them.
"This is the real world. Step out of your rich, imaginary one."
Oliver felt the words hit him like physical blows. He forced his mouth into a smile, though his ears buzzed and his heart refused to fully process what he had just heard.
"Emmy... I guess what you said is true," he said softly, each word requiring effort to push out.
His smile wavered, threatening to crack entirely.
"You never paid me any attention from the very beginning, did you? Even when I was younger, every time I came to the palace, you never really looked at me."
His voice lost all pretence, becoming blunt without any hope for any positive end. Pain bled through every syllable despite his attempt to sound casual.
"Hmm, of course. I told you that I just realized your name was Oliver at Princess's birthday. I am a woman who keeps her head down and just works. And you acting like this disturbs me a lot. I am grateful to you, but please, let's not cross the line."
Maid Emmy bowed with perfect form; her movements practiced from years of service. Then she turned and walked away without a backward glance, her posture fully rigid and unyielding to any words he may say next.
But He never did.
Oliver stood frozen, his gaze locked on her retreating back. Part of him hoped desperately that she might pause, might turn around, might give him some small sign that she felt even a fraction of what he did.
But She never did.
He remained in his daze until Youngest arrived with Miss Phoebe's husband. Oliver's smile returned naturally to his face as he explained the situation. The man listened, then sighed in relief, and the conversation flowed onward, while Oliver played his emotions well, trying to disregard her words as if nothing had happened just few moments ago.
Meanwhile, after returning to where the royal maids were gathered, Maid Emmy cast a brief glance in Oliver's direction. She saw him smiling as he spoke with the others, his relaxed expression made her frown for just a millisecond, but she somehow knew he is facading his smile.
Was I too harsh?
No, Emmy. It's good you spoke early.
This childish love of his has to be stopped before I get tangled up in it.
Good job. Now you can focus and work just like before.
She exhaled softly, allowing a quiet sigh of relief to escape her chest.
But her fingers, unnoticed even by herself, had clenched tightly at her sides. Her knuckles slowly turned white as blood fled from the compressed flesh.
.
.
"Sigh, these people will never be satisfied. Don't worry, Natalia, you did great! If I was in your place, then I would have kicked them from the ROCKKK!!!! Humph! Not being grateful for what they have," First Female Friend spoke while watching many people still sitting around, continuing their discussions in tight clusters.
"Yes, don't worry! Just do your best and trust yourself," Little Man held Princess Natalia's hand gently and spoke with warmth, his eyes filled with genuine affection and support.
"Hmm, yes. Thank you, guys, for being here. Otherwise, it would have been tough," Princess Natalia said, gratitude softening her voice. She squeezed their hands, drawing comfort from their presence.
They settled down to rest for a while, their quiet conversation a balm against the harshness of the earlier confrontation. The mood gradually lightened as they talked, though shadows still lingered in Princess Natalia's eyes.
.
.
NOM NOM NOM!
"Mother Isafold, what should I do? Big Sister is going to 4th rock….. NOM NOM….. and you will be alone. NOM NOM GULP GULP!"
Big Guy, as always, continued eating while attempting conversation. Food occupied his mouth as much as his words.
"Ara, don't worry, son. I will be fine. Go protect her by standing beside her. Zack told you to stay with her, right? So stay with her. I will be fine," Mother Isafold said gently. She reached out and cleaned his attire with maternal care, brushing off some food crumbs that had fallen during his enthusiastic eating.
"Hmm, fine then. I will go with her," Big Guy said, standing up. His massive frame towered over Mother Isafold as he rose to his full height.
"And don't think too much. Your big sister is doing her best in her own way. Stay with her despite your irritation," Mother Isafold spoke softly, her eyes getting a little sadder.
Big Guy looked back at her for a long moment, his expression shifting as he processed her words. Then he nodded firmly, accepting the wisdom she offered.
.
.
"KYYAAA! HAHHA! CHASE ME!!"
"WAIITT!"
"HAHAHA!"
Happy laughter filled an empty space where many girls and boys ran around together, their joy infectious to others. Pets bounded alongside them, tails wagging and bodies moving in playful circles.
Alfie arrived and stood at the edge of the scene, watching Little Princess as she played with complete abandon. She looked genuinely happy, her small body moving freely as she ran with her friends. He smiled at the sight, content to simply observe. He made no move to interrupt her joy, waiting patiently instead.
Little Princess, while running around in pure happiness, caught sight of Alfie standing there. She stopped mid-stride and came over to him, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she tried to catch her breath.
"What? Is it over?" she asked between huffs, sweat glistening on her forehead.
"Yes, it's over. Big Sister Nat decided to visit the 4th rock. Let's go," Alfie spoke as he turned around, preparing to leave.
"Umm, is it necessary for me to be there? I mean, I just have to sit there. It's boring!!!!.... I am having lots of fun here with my friends!! We even decided to go to the 3rd rock underground area to have fun! It's my first time having so much fun! Otherwise, every day is just practice and studies. I am bored," Little Princess spoke sweetly, maintaining her smile. But the light inside of her eyes seems to struggling a bit to maintain the intensity her face shows.
"Huh! I understand that you are having fun, but you can choose another day. At least seeing what is happening around will help you," Alfie responded reasonably, trying to find middle ground.
"For what?" Little Princess's expression shifted suddenly, sadness washing over her features. She spoke quietly, her small voice carrying unexpected weight. "For what do I need to learn all that when my road is not being a Princess or a Queen? I am sure Big Sister will do great. What is the use of me being behind her?"
The seriousness in her tone caught Alfie off guard.
"Huh? What are you saying? Learning and helping her around is good, right?" Alfie asked, confusion creeping into his voice.
"Hmm, maybe. But suddenly, I felt there is not any place for me at that place. I don't want to go with her. If she asks, just say I am not feeling well," Little Princess spoke. Her eyes looked tired, slowly dimming out from all the shininess she possessed.
"But I have to protect her. Big Sister Nat sent back the expert Queen guards. Big Guy is alone with her. And I can't leave you behind. Come, at least stay close to me like you did here" Alfie tried to persuade her gently, concern growing in his chest.
Little Princess shook her head with firm determination.
"Don't worry about her. The normal guards are strong, and with so many people around her, no one will attack her. She even has her friends with her….. You Just stay with me. I want to go with them to the 3rd rock."
Her lips smiled brightly, but her eyes remained completely devoid of light. The disconnect between her expression and her eyes created an unsettling contrast.
Alfie felt something fundamentally wrong in the air, though he couldn't name exactly what. Rather than argue further, he simply nodded in agreement after thinking a lot.
Little Princess's smile brightened genuinely then. She turned and ran back to her friends happily, her laughter ringing out once more as she rejoined their games.
"Sighhh... what's wrong with everyone?"
Alfie muttered under his breath as he walked away from the playing children.
"Ever since we came here, everyone's been acting weird. Is there some kind of energy around that I can't sense? Should I check the perimeter?"
He frowned, thinking through his options.
"Hmm... but doing it alone is boring. Big Guy can't come with me."
His thoughts jumped to different possibilities.
"Even Brother Oliver is acting strange. Big Sister Fia and Maren should be free since they should not be going to the arena now.... hmm, no…. They'll probably be helping Mothers. So forget it."
His face twisted with annoyance.
"And where is that bastard Gloomy? He's spending way too much time with those ladies. At this rate, he'll actually turn into a woman! I need to save his manliness even if it is small !!"
Alfie let out another heavy sigh, frustration building.
"Brother Zack is injured, Big Sister Sasha is with him... sigh. Despite having so many friends around, I'm somehow all alone."
He paused, feeling the irony settle over him.
"Now even I feel weird."
"GAAH!! This is so irritating!!"
Still muttering complaints under his breath, Alfie turned back and headed off to inform Big Guy about the situation with Little Princess.
.
.
"Let's go, Princess Natalia."
Little Man extended his hand near the carriage entrance, his posture perfectly gentlemanly.
Natalia smiled warmly at the gesture and placed her hand in his as she stepped up into the carriage. Her friends followed, settling in around her. The carriage lifted smoothly into the air, beginning its flight toward the 4th rock.
.
.
"Huh? Why is she going away from the rock?! GAHH! Oye, Maren, wake up!"
Fia, who was completely drenched in sweat from her workout, kicked the sleeping Maren's back hard.
"OWW! WHAT?! WHAT?! ENEMY ATTACK?! WHAT HAPPENED?!" Maren shot up in alarm, her body tensing for battle before her mind fully processed where she was.
"GAHHH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! WHY ARE YOU DRENCHED IN SWEAT WHEN YOU SAID WARM UP?! YOU BITCH, DON'T BLAME ME IF YOU GET TIRED OUT DURING YOUR FIGHT!!" Maren roared as she took in Fia's condition. Sweat dripped from every part of her exposed skin; her workout having clearly gone far beyond a simple warm-up.
"Shut up and look there!" Fia grabbed Maren's cheeks firmly and turned her face forcefully toward the flying carriage in the distance.
"WWUTT?! TKKK! FOOCCCKK!!" Maren tried to speak, but with her mouth crushed between Fia's hands, the words came out muffled.
"Nat is backstabbing us! She ran away! Now what do we do?" Fia asked in a daze, though her hand still gripped Maren's face tightly without seeming to notice.
"RRALLEESS MMEE BWWITTTHHH!" Maren roared through the compression, struggling against the hold.
"Ah, sorry, sorry!" Fia smiled sheepishly and released her grip, stepping to stand beside her friend.
Maren's eyes twitched with irritation as she took in Fia's drenched top. The fabric clung to her body, outlining her defined abs in sharp detail. Drops of sweat continued dripping steadily from her fingers.
"Geez, cover yourself up!" Maren grabbed the shirt she had been sleeping on and threw it back to Fia.
"Oh my, before wearing this, let me soak my sweat on you! Hehehh!" Fia laughed with evil delight as she moved closer, arms spreading for an embrace.
"GAAH! DÉJÀ VU! NOOO!" Maren scrambled to her feet and bolted toward a so called exit.
"WAIT! DON'T RUN AWAY, MY SWEET MAREN!" Fia happily gave chase, her laughter echoing across the space not wanting to let her run away.
Maren ran fast, but she couldn't truly outpace Fia's longer stride. Suddenly, her eyes caught movement at the entrance. Many people were filing in. Her focus sharpened instantly. She spun around, grabbed Fia's outstretched hand, and pulled her into a nearby structure to hide.
"Hey, wear the cloth! People are coming!" Maren urged in a harsh whisper, quickly sitting down on the floor. She pulled Fia down beside her.
Fia simply smiled, clearly amused by Maren's flustered reaction to the situation.
"What are you staring at?! Wear it!" Maren hissed urgently, glancing up to track the incoming people's positions.
"Hehe, you look cute when your face gets all flustered," Fia teased while poking at Maren's cheeks playfully.
"Geez," Maren said, embarrassment coloring her voice. She looked at Fia to respond, but her eyes involuntarily focused on the visible cleavage where sweat had gathered. Her throat went dry. She couldn't seem to pull her gaze away.
Fia noticed where Maren's attention had fixed. Embarrassment flushed across her face as she lightly smacked Maren's forehead.
TAAK! OWW!!
"Stop staring! Bad manners!" Fia said, her face turning red. She quickly pulled the shirt back on, covering herself.
Maren rubbed her forehead with an embarrassed smile but said nothing in response. They waited a moment longer, then slipped back outside once the coast seemed clear. Both carried slight flushes on their faces.
"Now, where is my stupid father? Did he finish the whole kitchen or what?" Maren looked around, scanning for any sign of him.
After a short while, her father emerged from the gathering courtyard, waving at them with characteristic cheerfulness.
"Hey there, my beautiful daughters! Guess what? It was a mess, and Nat decided not to go. I guess we have to check on your mother and help them out," he said brightly.
"I know that already. Let's go, and tell me what happened inside," Maren said, already starting to move.
She and Fia listened as her father recounted the events while they swiftly made their way to the underground area, running together in a hurry.
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END OF CHAPTER
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Author Blabbering
What did you watch in recent times that you loved very much? Can be anything! Anime, movies, shows, drama etc etc.....
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