The two brothers never meant to offend.
They descended from the historic Amsterdam family, their bloodline was just as pure as any other noble family below the royals. History documents the Amsterdams as advisors, even serving royals for a time, yet King Archibald III had no such desire for the opinions of the noble class. Thus, their sights aimed for Crown Princess Ashia instead. However, choosing someone infamous for manic instability was a decision that would cost them everything.
The goal of the brothers was simple but righteous: to solve the kingdom’s bleak future. Anyone with knowledge regarding finance knew the future looked bleak, so what better way to garner favour to help solve the problem?
Naivety clouded their minds, especially when the Princess knew of those that gave suggestive whispers to the boys. Now, with their fates being lauded over by a foreigner, would she decide to grant them mercy? Or leave their heads hanging…
“Well done, Frost. I feared you wouldn’t catch on, but every day you continue to impress me.”
Now just the two of us inside the throne room, the sunlight quickly returns, and we both can’t help but smile and chuckle together. It’s surprisingly fun holding the lives of two people in your hands… guess I’m already being corrupted by power, huh.
“I couldn’t ask for more, you’re even wearing the colour of the kingdom. You couldn’t look better if you tried.”
‘Of course, the Princess with red hair would like red. I’ll definitely keep that in mind.’
I’ve only just realised how both of us look, considering the amount of crimson on both of us. It’s almost like a couple wearing matching outfits in a way. Maybe I’d find it cute, if she weren’t flirting like a dumbass.
“Are you being serious? You know Anna picks out outfits for both of us.”
“Heh, I do. Just take the damn compliment, Frost.”
“And make it that easy? Where’s the fun in that?”
[MIND'S EYE][First Name: Ashia][Family Name: Koenig][Affection: 45/100][Traits] [»][Gender: Female][Class: Royalty][Age: 25][Trait Rarity] [»][Swordsman] [†][Cursed] [Þ][Pyromaniac] [ℑ]
Spoiler
[TIER][Legendary] [5*][Excellent] [4*][Great] [3*] [Good] [2*] [Average] [1*] [TYPE][Combat: †][Magical: ℑ][Passive: Þ] [collapse]
‘Her affection still grows, I wonder what my number would be if she could use Mind’s Eye? Around the same?’ Maybe a tad higher?
Still somewhat smiling together, I’d love to spend all day like this, but work awaits.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m more than happy to be a part of your acts. But I’d like some context at least.”
In the end, my handling of that situation just involved sending the two nobles into the dungeon… for now, at least. My mind is subject to change, but I need more context.
Besides, does anyone really care about two throwaway characters, not relevant to the novel’s plot whatsoever?
…
I sense the irony…
“What would you like to know, Frost?”
“To start with, are you purposely trying to aggravate the nobles? Did they really suggest sending ships to enslave the North?”
She ponders for a moment, places both hands on my shoulders, then returns to that face of pure expressionless. Out of all the acts I’ve experienced in her presence, this is the one I like the least.
“In a sense… those brothers indirectly suggested it. In order to rebuild the failing economy, they requested ships built for the purpose of acquiring and transporting slaves. Where would he have sent them?”
Let’s give it some thought. The kingdom is connected to the Northern Ocean, so if they’re using ships, that would leave three places in close reach.
In the east, the elven jungle sits. However, from what I’ve read on this world, elves are close to extinction. The exact reason is hard to find, but it sounds like the kingdom had a huge part in that.
The coastline to the west sits alongside an active volcano; that demonic land is far too poisonous if we’re heading there this early in the story.
Thus, that only leaves the unmapped north in close distance. The Northern Isles, the birthplace of Frost Muntjac herself. No wonder Ashia called for me, those boys are morons!
“There’s tension rising, Frost. The nobles usually aren’t this forward. But we can crush them easily, especially when you make it this fun.”
Her smile returns, and her arms gradually move down to my hands. However, said smile turns upside down when she feels all the band aids on them. I was purposely trying to keep that hidden.
“Frost... just what have you been doing?”
“I tried embroidery today. As you can see, needlework suits me.”
Said smile returns, only for it to be backed by an intense anger. With her eyes closed, body physically shaking, and the fact that she’s turned away… I’m afraid.
“Anna made you do this? Hmm… it appears I’ve let her sense of duty run out of control. This won’t happen again...”
“Mark. My. Words.”
“No! P-Please calm down, Princess! I s-suggested we try this while we're getting dressed. That’s probably the reason she picked out something red.”
To see so much anger radiating out of someone with such a bright smile, I can’t help but reach out to her. To think that just a little blood on my hands is enough for this, Anna must be protected!
Thankfully, it appears to calm the beast somewhat, but now a different problem arises. Is she taking this opportunity to caress my hands?
“Heh, you look at me like I’m going to reprimand both of you. I’m fiercely loyal to my allies, I’ll have you know.”
“I never implied you weren’t. Be honest with me, did the thought of cutting her hands in return go through your mind?”
“…”
With her looking away in an almost guilty fashion, I knew she’d be like this!
“Think about it, your darling wife that you care for so much, she suffers greatly! Think of the scandal that’ll come out when people learn she’s been working so hard, her hands practically weep with blood!”
My sarcasm isn’t meant to come across as snarky; rather it’s for the sake of appearance. If this were to get out, it would only damper her reputation even more. Yet, I already know that doesn’t concern her.
It gets a little chuckle out of her at least, so I’m happy with my shoddy performance.
“Heh, I try not to be a hypocrite, Frost. I’ve spent hours swinging a blade till my hands fill with blisters, only to stop when there’s more flesh than skin. Or run until my boots fill with blood. Life… is a challenge. Sometimes you have to be hypocritical...”
Every time I hear something that sounds like an incident from her previous life, I just want to hug her tightly. Yet with the deviant Frost inside of me, there is no such thing as a reassuring hug.
“Might I suggest you wear gloves if this has to continue? Or just don’t continue it? Embroidery isn’t a skill you’ll find much use in.”
I wish it were that easy, but Anna has awoken a fire inside me that no water will put out. I’ll listen to her advice, but I’m choosing to ignore it.
“Thanks for your concern, but your situation is more problematic than my own. Are you sure pissing off those with wealth is the play? I’m happy to act as bait if that’s the plan.”
That’s why I was sent over here, right? A foreigner with no significance interfering with palace politics, this will become a scandal. Even if those boys are insignificant, it feels like the start of something bigger.
But for some reason, the Princess seems insulted by such a suggestion.
“Frost, I may not have made it clear, but our fates are linked. Even if you had turned down my proposal, I’d have kept watch over you.”
“So… you planned to stalk me?”
“Heh, in a sense. What do you think happens to me if you were to die? I’d be devastated, but that’s only half of it. The cycle begins anew if you pass.”
It takes me a moment, but when I realise what it is she’s implying, it takes all my might not to hit something.
“Your life resets even if I die!? What kind of bullshit is this!?”
This goddamn piece of shit novel! Why has it turned out like this? Getting to the ending would’ve been simple. Sure, war would’ve broken out, thousands of innocents would die, but at least there would’ve been an ending!
For all intents and purposes, she is the main character in this tragedy, while I’m just an onlooker recruited for this one act. Does continuing as a side character bother me at all? Not at all! I just wish for her to be happy.
But there is one question I refuse to ask… is it a final life she seeks? Or is it eternal rest she’s willing to give everything up for? Either way, I’m helping her to the end, whether it's happy or bitter.
“Heh, it is bullshit, but this time there’s a key difference. I’ve far more motivation in this cycle.”
“Why’s that?”
A question I immediately regret when she responds by moving my cut hands behind my back, then places her chin in whispering distance to my ear.
“Heh, you really want to know? Or are you purposely acting dense? Either way, both are cute.”
“I-I… w-we’ll t-talk later, Your H-Highness.”
And with that, I have to shake my head and leave immediately. Hearing her voice so close, yet so seductive, puts me in a trance.
‘Pull yourself together, idiot! Survive the ending first, then we can reevaluate our position. I’m not letting you run around like a gremlin, Frost!’
Could this be the infamous foreigner from the north feeling flustered? Maybe a slight amount of shame mixed with embarrassment? No. I know of no such emotion.
I do know the feeling of a mind in internal conflict.
The me from Earth, that “Frost” doesn’t want to get involved with someone cursed. Just imagine how hard it would be for a regressor to be in a relationship. She could spend an entire lifetime in love, then the next life, everything begins again. Some may call that romantic, but it's essentially having a lover with amnesia. In my case, it’s even worse. I’m only here for one cycle.
It's cruel to her.
The other me, the Frost deep within… she has plans and desires. Let’s do something stupid and imagine a scale from one to a hundred. A scale of love, so to speak…
Hand holding would be relatively low down on that chart, and the further we progress, you’d progress to more intimate acts. Flirting, seductive whispering, simple hugging. These are the safer acts.
As we’d progress up the scale, we’d have different types of kissing, intimate massaging, making out, bathing together. Basically, anything good apart from sex itself, this is where it would sit.
At the very top of the scale, we get onto the topic of lovemaking. It begins as basic missionary, then hits levels that would make anyone blush. These acts are NOT safe.
Must I say where the original Frost is on that scale? The fact this heart flutters just looking at Ashia should tell all...
‘No! You pounce on her, I swear we’re doing etiquette training every day this week!’
…
‘Oh… that kinda works. I thought your libido was endless, I stand corrected…’
“Madam Frost… Madam Frost? Can you hear me?”
‘I don’t know what to do! I’m not trained for a scenario like this!’
I’ve spent my entire life in a lesser role serving those of higher status, and today should be like every other. But I find myself in a completely new situation. This is terrible new ground!
Things began as usual. At four o’clock sharp, my earliest duty is to assist Headmistress Anna by preparing clean silverware and readying the dining hall. Once Her Highness eats, it’s time to clean the plates and cutlery, then prepare the same for brunch. Or in this case, Madam Frost’s breakfast. Nowadays, I’m to escort her around the palace.
I’m usually not involved in much regarding the wedded couple; my main duty inside the palace is to pass laundry to the other maids and make sure the rooms the inhabitants visit are sparkling clean. It may sound like a daunting task, but when you realise I’m not allowed to touch the unused rooms, and there are multiple maids for cleaning, my job is easy!
So much so, I’m given escort duty when I’m free. The job of an escort is simple really, stay in the background but make sure the person you’re serving has all they need. If they need a drink, tell Anna. If they wish for a snack, Anna again. If they desire a book, then go to the library and get it for them. These are the basics of the role.
But Madam Frost… doesn’t require anything. After she finishes breakfast, she spends time shooting. When she wants arrows, she does it herself. If she needs a drink, she’ll see Anna herself. I’m a maid who spends more time NOT serving!
‘Her Highness really gives Madam Frost free rein, huh. She’s missed that target so much that the pillar is in terrible shape!’
One might think she’d spend her time walking the gardens or visiting tea parties with friends, but she does nothing of the sort. Her mornings are spent training constantly, and then the evenings are spent doing the same.
When she’s finished with lunch, this is when she’ll spend hours reading.
I expected her to either read about tales related to war or maybe a romance novel or two, yet there isn’t a single book Frost won’t read!
Non-fiction, philosophy, politics, romance, mysteries. It’s as if she’s made it her duty to read every book inside the palace’s library!
‘I don’t get it; does she not have any preference? Or is she desperately trying to broaden her horizons?’
This is an average day for Madam Frost, at least it’s an average day when Her Highness is too busy to visit. When the lovely couple end up together, that’s when things get interesting.
But unfortunately, we still find ourselves before lunch. I’m to tell Madam Frost that salad is to be served today. The issue? She’s currently sleeping in the garden of all things!
‘She’s going to kill me if I wake her up like this!’
I’m supposed to act as a messenger, but waking a royal is Headmistress Anna’s job! What’s worse, waking a royal without permission is akin to treason! She didn’t know Madam would be sleeping, so I don’t have the order to act!
Also… who wants to be woken up and told salad is their next meal!? I’d want to punish someone for waking me up for that!
But thankfully, my indecision is met with a tap on my shoulder.
“You ca—"
“E-EAK!”
I’m utterly terrified! A moment ago, in the far reaches of the Princess’s gardens, it was just Madam Frost and me. Yet she can make her way over here as quiet as a mouse, as stunning as a Goddess, all the while carrying a glass of water as well!? It’s totally unfair!
Both of them are even wearing pants today! Pants! The Princess doesn’t even allow horses near her palace! They’re wearing them as a fashion statement! It’s absurd!
“Y-Your Highness, I’m so s-sorry! You scared the life out of me!”
Usually, the Princess will grow a smile if the chance to scare Madam Frost arrives, yet to anyone else, she remains as emotionless as a statue. She is terrifying!
“You can leave, Ellie. Actually… you should leave. I’m sure Anna will find a use for you.”
“Of c-course, Your Highness! I’ll make my exit immediately!”
As I scamper off back to the main building, I take a moment to catch my breath. If she were in a bad mood, my head would be on a pike! You have no idea how close I was to dying!
‘I dodged an arrow there, she’s terrifying! I’m not sure how the other servants have survived inside this place!’
Today, my fear betrayed me, but tomorrow is a different day. I will fulfil my duty! As the one and only Ellie Ramshakle, I won’t allow fear to strike me down! There are far greater people to fear in this world than Her Highness.
‘I’ve got to get closer to Madam Frost, no matter what it takes! It’s my only mission…’
[Mortifying]
Spoiler
“Now Frost… what am I going to do with you? This is awfully reckless.”
Immediately, the Princess senses the opportunity to strike, preying on an unconscious target is something that she would never think twice on. Just think about how devious she could be to wake her wife up?
Except Frost is someone who is positively boring.
“You pour that water on me, I’m enacting the forbidden art of wife beating.”
But of course, the foreigner isn’t careless to sleep alone in the middle of the garden without protection… is she? Was she even sleeping? Or just resting her eyes?
“Heh, it wasn’t my intention. How did you know it was me?”
“Your scent gives you away… and no, this isn’t an opportunity for teasing. I’ve spent enough time around you NOT to notice that perfume. It’s good.”
The Princess always sticks with one perfume, and today is no different. Grown within this garden, the flower is unremarkable in colour and scent, but becomes fairly noticeable to the people she spends time with.
“Heh, must you be so nice and boring, Frost? Now I’m seriously contemplating spilling this over you.”
…
Ignored but clearly loved, the Princess suppresses her urge to wet her lover. When a simple yawn can overwhelm all desire for teasing, it’s obvious the mad Princess would let her get away with murder.
“Any particular reason you kept the maid waiting?”
“Call it a test of my own. Anyway, I could immediately sense the disappointment in her voice. One might say it’s immeasurable.”
Taking a deep breath and steadying her nerves, Frost is about to reveal something that will put both her and Ashia in a trance.
“Today… must be vegetable day.”
“Shit.”
“Shit indeed…”
[collapse]