The season is close to ending, yet none would ever forget the events of The Crimson Spring. What was left of the nobility quivered in their shoes, while those of a lesser background rejoiced! The Princess may be mad, but she had listened to those without a voice!
“Hahahaha! Praise be to the insane Princess! Bring the nobility down to its knees!”
“Are we even sure she did it for us? Rumour has it, they’ve been skimming too much off the slave trade. This is punishment to all those involved.”
“Who cares if it’s a punishment? Fuck the rich! Gold won’t protect them from the grim reality of life.”
Her reputation had improved amongst the rabble from this, but of course, the mad Princess has no care for the common folk or the enslaved beasts. They nobles dared to touch something she values, thus her insanity exploded…
Regardless of this, the chaos inside the city has left a huge power vacuum to be filled. In time, the hierarchy of civilisation would stabilise. But for now, the capital had to mourn and cool down.
When one hundred and twenty-two important citizens die in a single night, those responsible need a moment to rest. This wasn’t the only battle the Princess set upon the lords, as they would soon figure out…
…
In the wee hours of the next day, steam fills the bathroom as both of us awkwardly stew together in the bath. Practically pushed inside here together, Anna wasn’t taking no for an answer. Afterall, there is, or was, a lot of ash and blood on both of us.
Ashia only got back a moment ago, and I’m doubtful I’ll find any sleep tonight. Surprisingly, I've managed to keep my sickness of blood down, only because the perfect distraction is ahead of me.
‘She… is simply breathtaking.’
Sure, I could be talking about her beauty through the mist in this very moment, but for now, I have to focus elsewhere for two obvious reasons that bob and float above the water. If I don’t, this awkward moment will turn to fluster.
When Anna and I were finished with our duty, I got to witness a brief glimpse of Ashia’s magic from the highest point inside the palace. Her presence in the capital was akin to Armageddon; every step she took was followed by a fiery tornado that unleashed hell upon the world.
It was so unbelievably epic! One moment, the inferno would burn down everything in its path. The very next, it would disappear, only appearing again when another building stood in the way. It was like witnessing a famous historical event that shall be remembered for generations!
…
But unfortunately, neither of us can find the words to strike up a conversation. I always have a mind filled with conflict, while I’m certain hers is filled with guilt.
I dislike that part of her.
“Frost… I’m—”
“No.”
Her guilty face she only shows to me, I don’t want to see it anymore. I’ve developed a sixth sense for this, and considering this is the first time we’ve spoken since I was ill in bed, I’m not allowing her to stew in pointless guilt. She hasn’t anything to be sorry for!
“No?”
“I refuse it.”
“You refuse what?”
“Your apology. Why do you insist on apologising to me this much? Why is it you feel so guilty towards me?”
“Isn’t it obvious, Frost? This palace should’ve been the safest place for you, yet my own arrogance has led t—”
I can’t help but approach her in the tub, even going as far as to put my finger up to her mouth. I know I’m getting too close for my own comfort, but her depression outweighs any degeneracy. I’m not asking for her happiness, but I will do anything I can to make her feel at least content.
“Stop apologizing, okay? Did you really think I came here not expecting things to turn chaotic? This is nothing!”
I came into this life fully expecting the odd assassination attempt, yet the only one I’ve encountered thus far was fake! I can’t say every experience has been great; my dislike of blood and the Princess’s memories are hard to stomach. But for the most part, things have been okay. Dealing with the odd scheme is second nature now!
“Your father is the King, yet he’s made no attempt on my life to sort the heir issue that comes with this marriage. The Queen was literally described as an evil villainess in the novel! Yet, she even helped me when I was sick.”
“I can handle you apologising for getting carried away now and then. However, we’re going to have serious problems if you keep feeling guilty about my commitment.”
Ashia continues to frown, yet I can feel her sorrow slowly sinking away beneath the bubbles. Now, she’s even willing to question me more.
“Why did you come here, Frost? Your commitment… it had to be more than just the dowry.”
“You want my honesty?”
“Of course.”
“Curiosity. In the novel, your death was left up to interpretation. I wanted to see what would happen…”
It’s a harsh answer, but it’s true. The original Frost’s feelings for Ashia didn’t overrule my own to begin with; I’m helping her because I want to. Both of us may care greatly for Ashia, but things are different.
Frost idolises Ashia to the point where she believes it to be love.
The connection I have with Ashia… it hurts. If I ever have to choose her or the survival of the entire world, there is no choice to make.
“And if I can… prevent your death. My feelings are drastically different now, but that was the gist of it.”
My answer appears to cheer her up more, as if a huge weight has been lifted off her shoulders.
“So… Frost’s devotion wasn’t a factor?”
“Nope. If she had played any part in my decision-making, what do you think would’ve happened on our wedding night? Neither of us would’ve slept.”
Now I’m able to even get a chuckle out of the sorrowful Princess! This is the Ashia I prefer!
However, being this close to her now that the awkwardness is gone, especially when both of us are completely undressed. I must back away immediately!
But of course, the demon inside of her senses my hesitation! In her infinite wisdom, she decides we weren’t close enough!
“You should listen to that voice inside you sometimes.”
“M-Must you do that in here!? A-Ashia!”
“Heh, I’d apologise, but I’ll be told off if I do. Besides, it’s not genuine. I guess you’ll just have to make do with me.”
“I g-guess I will…”
There’s a moment for her flirting, not when both of us are this close in the bath! I can blank it when things are awkward, not when I can feel her breath on my neck!
But hey, happy wife, happy life… I guess. Someday she’s going to regret being such a tease. There is a limit to how much I can hold back!
“S-Seriously though… where do you find the strength to fight through life? And to even find the time to flirt while you’re at it.”
Seven lives, yet she’s still able to complete missions, crack jokes and flirt like this. It’s inspiring.
“Heh, things are easier wi—”
“Ashia… I’m serious. All the times you’ve died, and you still power through like this. You’re far stronger than you can imagine.”
My words come from a place of honesty, but this appears to push her back into the pit of despair. Now I regret asking.
“This isn’t strength, Frost. If I had the chance to surrender, what makes you think I wouldn’t take it?”
I… fuck. I wished to forget this key fact, but what would she do if given the chance to stop regressing? If she has the possibility of a final life? Someday I’m going to be faced with a decision that might destroy me…
“I… kinda presumed with the way you treat me, things would be different.”
“They are different. I’m committed for as long as I can be, devotion only lasts a lifetime. I’m not optimistic enough to think this curse is ending anytime soon.”
This is so goddamn conflicting! She plays my heart for a fool, yet still wishes for the sweet release of death!?
“Just go back to flirting. I’d rather my heart flutter than ache…”
Bang bang bang! A loud and obnoxious knock pounds against the door, and before we know it, it’s being slammed open, presenting a familiar face through the mist…
“Yoo-hoo! My Mistresses! You need any help? All that blood and ash must be a bitch to scrub off!”
Without any confirmation, the maid barges into the steam-filled room, yet the Princess appears unamused. I know I’ve met this woman before… but where was it?
‘The memory! It was inside Ashia’s memory! It’s that assassin!’
The most recent memory, she began training Ashia and apparently met the original Frost down in the red-light district. And to think such a nutjob is now a maid of all things!
‘This is troublesome. Do I pretend to know this woman? Or act completely oblivious?’
From Ashia’s perspective, this should be the first time we’ve met. So, maybe playing dumb is the right move? Maybe it will be easier to just ask.
“Ashia?”
“Heh… she’s complicated, Frost. It may be easier if she just gives an opinion.”
“My opinion? She’s awfully boring, considering THOSE rumours. You’d think someone like her would be all over you by now. I was half worried you’d be in the middle of humping!”
‘Boring? Humping!? This woman is dangerous…’
[MIND'S EYE][First Name: Nova][Family Name: Midnight][Affection: 35/100][Traits] [»][Gender: Female][Class: Nobility][Age: 18][Trait Rarity] [»][Assassinator] [†][Swordsman] [†][Lucky] [Þ]
Spoiler
[TIER][Legendary] [5*][Excellent] [4*][Great] [3*] [Good] [2*] [Average] [1*] [TYPE][Combat: †][Magical: ℑ][Passive: Þ] [collapse]
‘Is this woman a tsundere or something!? Her affection is way too high to begin with!’
Don't even get me started on the fact Nova's class states she's a member of nobility. You'd think she could be a spy from the other side, but living through that poisoning memory makes me doubt it.
But then again, the Queen has the royalty class yet was born with common blood. Maybe it can change through external factors like marriage? The system was always left purposely vague in the novel.
While I’m scanning her, I might as well check another that will make my heart throb…
[MIND'S EYE][First Name: Ashia][Family Name: Koenig][Affection: 65/100][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]
‘Will you please just slow down in your liking of me, Ashia!? Wait, her magic has levelled up?’
Considering how much of the city she burnt down… yeah. I can see why it’s levelled up.
The concept of magic hasn’t been explicitly explained yet, mainly because the original novel kept it vague just like the system. However, I've been doing my own research.
From what I’ve read about, those with magic can use up a certain amount per day, with the pool vastly expanded by ability. Or, from what I suspect, trait rarity has a massive impact on the size of the magic pool.
I’m not sure on the exact amount, but I’ve heard rumours that a master magician is capable of expending ten-thousand times the amount of a basic magician. So, maybe each trait tier expands the pool ten times the previous tier? Either way, Ashia is an overpowered badass.
When it comes to what an aura is, that energy is a byproduct when magic is released. You could compare that to a feeling of immense dread that fills the opponent with fear, or even chokes them depending on the circumstances. I’ve experienced this firsthand through Ashia’s anger and depression when I was sick.
But I’m getting distracted. For the average person like myself, magic is impossible. Compared to the majority of the population, my traits aren’t half bad. It's one of the reasons I spend so long attached to my bow. I have ability to defend myself, but compared to any major character, I'm weak.
“*Sigh*… you never change. Do you think you can defend Frost at least?”
“Not really. You know I find attacking far more agreeable than defending!”
I… this woman puts me in a daze. It’s as if she’s purposely trying to disagree with everything being said, to the point where it feels forced and “against the norm”. Who even acts like this?
[a/n] *cough* redditors *cough*
“This here is Nova, Frost. You can put as much faith in her as you can in Anna.”
“Heya! Pleasure to make your acquaintance! When push comes to shove, please know I won’t hesitate to let you die!”
…
I… again I’m confused. This woman who definitely has a screw loose, is as trustworthy as Anna!? I’ve seen how she acted in a previous life; her death was legendary. Being a badass doesn’t guarantee loyalty!
But I’m loyal to Ashia, so I’ll trust in her judgment.
“She’s somewhat of an assassin, Frost. They tend to lack a basic understanding of etiquette and humour.”
“Hey! That’s unfair! I’m not messing around; I’ll totally let her die! Even if you order me not to!”
I can already tell she’s going to be a bundle of exhaustion, especially if Ashia is already eyerolling the new maid.
‘Oh well, better her than the others that fester. Now I feel sick again…’
“Jeez, she really is boring! We used to bump heads all the time; she even shook in front of me with fear! Although she was always drunk, and reeking of sex…”
‘Oh Frost… how many women did you sleep with in the burrows? You know you don’t deserve Ashia, right?’
Looking towards Ashia, who briefly shakes her head, I presume this means Nova doesn’t know about the past life thing? And the fact I’m technically not Frost? If Anna doesn’t know, it’s safe to presume she doesn’t either.
“It’s as if she doesn’t fear me anymore. Look how much you’ve grown up! Ashia, you’ve bagged a keeper here! Why is it you two haven’t humped yet? You’re both married, so it can’t be something like practising abstinence…”
“Unless... you’re purposely waiting because you’ve heard the rumours!? Ashia, you know the moment that spark ignites; you’ll never be able to escape her clutches! Those in the burrows couldn't escape Frost!”
…
‘I may need to dispose of this woman.’
Nova is far too dangerous. She may jest, but she’s hitting places too close to home. The moment I stop holding myself back, I doubt Ashia would want to escape from my “clutches”. This woman needs to shut up!
“You done, Nova? Is there a reason for you to interrupt us like this?”
“Of course there is! Anna and I had a little bet, you see. One of us cleans THAT room, while the other cleans you two!”
“You’ll never guess who won with tails!? Five rounds in a row, no less!”
“Shit.”
A sight I’m yet to witness appears on the Princess’s face. To describe said emotion as fear would be an understatement. Rather, it’s pure trauma.
‘Ashia! This can’t be that bad, right? Right!?’
“Now, who gets to go first!? I’ll have you two cleaner than a baby still inside a mother’s womb…”
‘I… feel like my bones have been sanded down. What the heck was that!?’
Every day, a lady is expected to bathe, and it doesn’t matter how many times I’ve refused help in the past; Anna always assists. We’ve gotten to the point nowadays where I’ll handle everything, apart from the upper reaches of my back. Cleaning is boring, but good.
Nova however, is meticulous. I feel like I’ve just been washed by a machine! I won’t have to clean for another month if she’s in control! It’s traumatising!
“That… was an experience.”
“How could I make this mistake again? Nova was barred from bathtime for a reason.”
“You’ve made this mistake before? In a previous life?”
“I’d rather not talk about it. She always gets too involved!”
Regardless, both of us are now clean and trying our hardest to hide the trauma behind smiles. The best course of action would clearly be to eat our problems away, right?
Sure, we haven’t had a lick of sleep, and we’ll have to make it ourselves due to Anna still handling clean-up. Cooking breakfast together could be a fun experience, though.
Except, before we can make our way there, a royal knight stands in our way, clearly stressed to the point where there is sweat on his armour!
“Your H-Highness. You are o-ordered immediately to visit His Majesty.”
‘Is he stuttering out of fear to the King? Or is it down to Ashia?’
“I presume Father is currently smacking his head against the wall?”
“E-Erm… those are y-your own words, Y-Your Highness. If you are asking whether he is stressed or not, then yes, v-very.”
To see a tiny smirk appear on Ashia’s face, there definitely is a part of her that enjoys the chaos, but so do I. Although… I think it’s best NOT to give her father a heart attack this early in the story.
“Care to tag along, Frost?”
“Sure…”
‘I know I shouldn’t intervene, but my curiosity outweighs any awkwardness…’
[Trauma]
Spoiler
“Now, am I starting with you, Madam? Or shall I begin with Her Highness?”
Several days after the purging, Ashia and I bathe together once more as a way of saving time for the limited staff we have left.
“Ladies first, as the expression goes.”
“Heh, don’t think I’m letting that pass. You’re far more ladylike than I, Frost.”
I’m usually not the type to let words get to me, but Ashia’s words cut deep. I’m the one who used to be male, yet what she says is clearly true.
“Then we’ll go in alphabetical order?”
“Heh, okay dokey, Frost.”
Agreement made, a potential argument cut short, life is good!
It should be good, until Anna pulls out a sponge on a stick…
“Throw away that blasted thing!”
“A-Anna!”
Trauma gets the better of us, and we end up shaking in a corner together. I’m not sure we’ll ever look at a sponge the same way again…
[collapse]