It wasn’t long before the “excitement” in the palace began to die down, and the usual mundaneness of it all crept in. The Princess always had a schedule full of paperwork, while the foreigner herself spent a great deal of time keeping busy. Distraction always works as a good way of getting over something.
As for the employees, they were none the wiser. The maid known as Morri disappeared into the night after handing in her notice. They believed she was offered vastly more money by a noble on the coast, a person whose wealth was just newly acquired. What better way to spend it on a servant with royal experience? It gave the faceless servants hope for a raise.
To those who witnessed what happened, she was no better than food for the eagles and the vultures. For the rest of spring, chunks of meat and pieces of bone would find themselves scattered all around the meadow…
“Just put your faith in me, and you’ll live a long and healthy life, Frost. I’ve got the experience of six other lives to fall upon. We’ll get through this easily.”
‘Her saying that doesn’t make me feel great at all. It literally means she’s failed to survive this novel six times already. How can she have such confidence?’
We spoke for hours during and after dinner, albeit neither of us could stomach much. As a matter of fact, any moment we weren't speaking, I was throwing up.
I shared information regarding my world and bits of the novel, although none of it seemed new to her. She shared vague bits of her past, but it was painfully obvious she didn’t want to go into it. It’s understandable. If her first life ended because of that bitch, it’s horrible to think how she might’ve suffered in the other five.
But what concerns me is how numb she appears to it all, especially death. Again, it’s understandable. If she dies, she essentially has a checkpoint back in the past. I don’t have the luxury—
Crack!
‘Goddamn it, Anna! Must you keep whacking that bloody thing!?’
To get my mind off things, I specifically requested a session of boredom, I mean, etiquette with Anna. That cane must be a magical artefact because it will not break, no matter how many times she whacks it against something.
“Madam Frost. You are bleeding again.”
“Who’s fault do you think that is?”
“You blanked out, Madam. Your finger was bleeding long before I woke you up.”
“Eh? G-Guess you’re right… u-urgh…”
…
Before I know it, Anna brings out another bedpan for me. While I’m desperately trying to stop heaving, she cleans the blood from my hand again, a common routine we’ve been experiencing during this training.
‘On the bright side, at least I won’t ruin these clothes. Red was the perfect colour for today.’
Seeing that corpse has mucked up my stomach, so much so that any sight of blood is causing me to heave. I’ve never been squeamish before; this clearly is some subconscious reaction to that snake.
This time at least, I’ve managed to keep it down.
“We don’t have to do this, Mad—”
“No, Lady Anna, we must."
I have to cut off Anna because this is a challenge I must burden myself with; that snake of a maid will not affect me. I refuse to act this way towards human blood. I will get over this, mark my words!
"On the bright side, this is the perfect solution to avoid gaining weight.”
"That's terrible, Madam Frost. But if you insist we continue, then we shall..."
Also, embroidery is a significant part of etiquette, apparently. Considering my handiwork involves piercing myself more than the fabric, this is going to be a challenge.
…
I just can’t understand how something can be this boring. How can sewing patterns into fabric be considered a fun hobby? I must be missing something; how can any woman find this fun?
‘Is the fun part not drawing blood? Fuck! I’d rather fish in an empty pond! Or watch an immortal snail race across an ocean!'
For one to be a lady, they must possess a light smile, an upright posture, and a handful of pricked fingers. With that, this façade is breaking…
“Lady Anna… may I please excuse myself? There is a balcony I must throw myself from.”
“You may not, Madam Frost.”
“But that balcony needs a lady to fall off it! We both feel so incredibly insulted by your dismissal! So much so, I don’t think I can carry on!”
And with that, I put some of this etiquette training to use. Apparently, women in this world always have the right to faint, even if it is due to something stupid like a passive-aggressive comment. A ridiculous act for sure, but with all the blood I’ve lost, I doubt I’m thinking straight.
But my sincere method of acting is met with something other than a blank stare. Behind that hand sits a person physically shaking, trying to hold back laughter.
“Hey hey hey! You’re not allowed to break character if I have to put up with this shit—”
Knock knock! This time around, Anna is saved from my wraith.
“What is it?”
“Mistress Anna, Her Highness calls for Madam Frost. I’m to take her there immediately.”
Behind the door, an almost squeaky femininely voice calls out for me. Yet this voice I’m yet to encounter.
"Madam Frost, you're needed elsewhere."
“It appears so. I hope you know this isn't over, Lady Anna. You may break character, but I will surpass this idiocy…”
[MIND'S EYE][First Name: Anna][Family Name: Whitehall][Affection: 30/100][Traits] [»][Gender: Female][Class: Servant][Age: 29][Trait Rarity] [»][Loyal] [Þ][Stubborn] [Þ][Perfectionist] [Þ]
Spoiler
[TIER][Legendary] [5*][Excellent] [4*][Great] [3*] [Good] [2*] [Average] [1*] [TYPE][Combat: †][Magical: ℑ][Passive: Þ] [collapse]
“If you’ll follow me, Madam Frost. We’re heading to the centre of the palace.”
“The centre? Which room?”
“To Her Highness’s throne room. Inside, she is currently entertaining guests.”
‘Okay, this could be intriguing…’
And so, I’m guided by a cute new face through the palace towards my wife. The journey shouldn’t take too long; the palace itself is shaped like a stretched H, so getting to the centre should be quick. I can’t say for certain, but with this palace so empty, it should be easy. Since we do not need most of the empty rooms, the entire western side of the palace is a dusty nightmare.
I haven’t a clue why my presence has been requested though, but I’m eager to find out. As we pass on by, it’s also a good chance to investigate this person.
“You’re new here, aren’t you? Care to share your name?”
“It’s Ellie Ramshackle, Madam Frost. Several others and I were sent here from His Majesty’s palace upon request a couple of weeks ago.”
‘Maids are being sent over here? That’s NOT suspicious at all…’
Maybe it’s down to my experience with that snake, but now I can’t help but look at these servants the same way. They make me anxious…
There’s also another reason for my paranoia. I’m reminded of the words Princess Ashia spoke.
“Look into the shadows when you pass the halls, you’ll understand what I mean.”
If you make it obvious, you’ll never notice them. However, if you’re subtle enough, listen intently, turn around quickly, and squint just at the right time, you’ll notice light footsteps and catch a glimpse of a robe or two...
'Ha! You two can't hide from me. I know you're following along.'
It goes to show how “empty” this palace is. The question is, are they truly protectors? Or is their purpose more focused on espionage?
‘I’ve got to stop this now. The Princess doesn’t have time to manage a secret organisation. Or does she?’
Either way, this maid is only adding to my unease. Unfortunately, things only get worse when the maid suddenly stops. We’re only a corner away from the throne room now.
“This may be out of turn, but may I speak freely, Madam Frost?”
There’s something iffy about her. Literally the first thing she did in my presence was to look away. Even now, her violet eyes continue to gaze away. It’s as if she’s searching for the perfect moment for all eyes to disappear…
“You may.”
Fear rapidly grows deep inside me. This will not be my ending! Anything she throws at me, I’ll dodge!
Before I get the chance, the maid named Ellie makes her attack. Taking a deep breath, she steadies her resolve and focuses her sight solely on me. Then, she practically leaps at me…
“I freaking love you and Your Highness! To go to such great lengths with your love! You may not have noticed me, but I was at your wedding!”
“She is like. “You can’t stand in the way of our love, priest!” And you are like, “I don’t even need to get involved, the woman I love will win our battle!” Your eyes scream with passion, while hers burn with fire! If only I could’ve served both of you sooner!”
…
I’m locked in place as the woman loses all composure. It’s as if she treats us as idols while she’s an obsessive stalker who buys all our merchandise. It’s ridiculous!
As soon as she switches that on, a breath or two later, it’s swiftly back to the calm and composed maid that was just here.
“Ahem… my apologies. We shouldn’t leave Her Highness waiting.”
‘I agree… now I’ve got a different problem. This is all an act, right?’
[MIND'S EYE][First Name: Ellie][Family Name: Ramshackle][Affection: 15/100][Traits] [»][Gender: Female][Class: Servant][Age: 19][Trait Rarity] [»][Energetic] [Þ][Performer] [Þ][Cleanliness] [Þ]
Spoiler
[TIER][Legendary] [5*][Excellent] [4*][Great] [3*] [Good] [2*] [Average] [1*] [TYPE][Combat: †][Magical: ℑ][Passive: Þ] [collapse]
‘That doesn’t help. She may be energetic, but those words may hold deception. Also, if she loved us that much, fifteen affection seems low, right?’
It’s that Performer trait that makes it hard to understand if she’s genuine or not. For now, I’ll err on the side of caution and listen to the Princess.
‘Never trust anyone inside this place, apart from Anna…’
“Y-Your Highness, we n-never meant any disrespect!”
“Yeah! We o-only wanted to help. That’s a-all this is!”
When the maid completes her escorting duty, what awaits me now is quite a peculiar room. Almost as long as a corridor, yet as bright as a greenhouse, marble pillars outline every window, as well as crimson curtains almost directing the visitor towards the throne.
It’s surprisingly modest considering the rumours I’ve heard. Once upon a time, this entire room was coated in gold. It’s still impressive, but not as much as it could be.
Right in the centre of it all, three people inhabit the room. Two kneel in fear on the floor, while a much prettier one grows angrier by the second.
‘I can tell I’m going to enjoy this…’
“Disrespect? Help!? What you two suggest is akin to treachery! Is that why you decided to present me with this suggestion rather than the King? To garner my favour?”
“Y-Yes! It’s on your s-shoulders to g-guide this kingdom forward! With your leadership, w-we won’t repeat his failure!”
“And yet, you suggest something which would force me to the position he was in! Nowadays, the King would never sign off on such a moronic—"
Princess Ashia finally notices me chilling by a pillar, and her annoyance disappears in a moment. It’s a shame, really, she’s hot when she’s in a mood. What is the matter with me?
“Frost! If it isn’t my brilliant and adorable wife! You’ll never guess what these two brothers have come up with?”
As the mad Princess hops out of her seat, sweat runs down the kneeling nobles' faces. Whatever it is they’ve done, the regret they show is obvious.
“These “steadfast” and “dutiful” nobles have suggested a way we can rebuild the failing economy! There’s just a small catch…”
It would take a complete moron not to figure out just how strong this sarcastic act is coming across. So much so, I want to join in.
“Which is?”
“How does my wife feel about the enslavement of your birthplace? Just imagine how many people the kingdom could sell if we sent ships to the Northern Isles!”
“We n-never s-suggested s-such—”
“SILENCE! You two idiots will not deny this! It’s only fair that the person who represents the region decide on the punishment, correct?”
Ashia’s voice rises as her act briefly drops. Seeing her holding this real anger is slightly off-putting, mainly because I know how emotionless she can be to these sorts of things.
How should I play this? With the limited information I’ve been given, these two are due for a one-way trip to the underworld, correct? I think I’ll sit on the fence for now, rather than make a decision I’ll regret.
“My darling, there isn’t a single thing I wouldn’t do for you! Please, their fates rest in your hands. Decide how harshly they should be taken care of.”
This act feels so over the top, as she’s an actor and I’m the only person in the audience! And yet, it’s so damn hot! She has no right to be like this...'
“I suppose a merciful lashing isn’t enough for something of this gravity?”
“Only a lashing!? You are far too kind, my merciful wife. He suggests the enslavement of your entire people, and you suggest a lashing!? How forgiving and benevolent you are! This kingdom and I don’t deserve you!”
It’s taking all my willpower not to blurt out laughing. This act will surely get stale soon, but for now it's great.
“Hmm… would a beheading be more reasonable? I guess we could always crucify them if you’d like. Oh, and butcher every member of their family! We’ve got to send a message, right? There are too many options!”
“I’m liking your thinking, Frost! Better yet, why not enslave the entire family instead? An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.”
Looking up at the two insane lovers, the brothers could barely form a sentence, just witnessing such a maddening presence gave them intense fear. While the foreigner’s response caused great distress, when faced with the Princess's enslavement, the taste that was left made both brothers want to puke.
“I-I… Your H-Highness! A-Anything but that! O-Our sister hasn’t s-seen her fourth winter y-yet!”
“N-N-No one else is i-involved in this! Our f-family has n-no clue we’re here! D-Don’t hurt them!”
‘Oh shit, maybe we came on too strong. I’m not actually suggesting we do this!’
I guess my change of personality hits a real nerve with them. I guess it is common practice in a world like this. For the lowest of punishments, an example being thievery, it comes down to a choice.
First offence... pay the fine, or lose a finger. Second offence… fine or your hand. Third offence… fine or an arm. It’s barbaric, but fitting considering the setting of the world.
However, the harshest of punishments, an example being treason, that uses torture alongside the entire bloodline being condemned to death. It’s gritty, yet awfully realistic.
Regardless, it makes no difference when multiple armed figures rush into the room. As if the sun itself hides from their presence, light disappears from the window-filled room, and the curtains finally draw a close to our act.
Both idiots are swiftly tied up and dragged away, leaving a trail of tears behind and disappearing pleas that fade into the halls.
…
While they may now be gone, my wife’s annoyance remains. Some of her mutters you can hear, but most of which are said under her breath.
“Despicable… they haven’t a clue how much mercy they’ve been shown. They’d wish for enslavement if they could remember anything from the last life…”
[The Unboxing]
Spoiler
‘Hell yeah! It’s the little luxuries in life that can make all the difference!’
On an unremarkable day in an unremarkable month, a spiky-haired tomboy shifts through a box, unable to contain her happiness. While usually not having a care in the world in regards to clothes, today is different from usual.
“Pants, goddamn pants! I could literally climb a tree, hang upside down from a branch, then shoot my bow while wearing these!”
It takes a moment for her excitement to die down when she realises just how underdressed she is. Having a history of public indecency, her disgraceful appearance isn’t unsurprising.
‘Stop trying to corrupt me, Frost! The pants are staying on regardless of what you want…’
[collapse]