It was currently nighttime, after the royal family’s dinner and the Princess went to sleep. That said, Rogan often wonders if she even sleeps immediately after getting in. She must have a lot of things in her mind. Perhaps reading her books to get her mind off things stressful? That was an eternal mystery to him.

He paused and looked up at the dark starry sky and took a deep breath. He recalled when the Princess cried in that garden. It was a terrible thing, so terrible. Not even facing the monsters that hunted her made her shed tears. He never imagined she would ever cry that day, nor did he even ever try to imagine it.

Of all people to make her cry, it was a prince from another nation. No, making her cry like that alone made Rogan feel enraged. He wouldn’t hesitate to hit or cut him down if he was allowed to. However, the Princess prohibited them from saying anything about what happened. He couldn’t properly comprehend why.

She was sullied, tarnished, by the hands of a man who intended no good. How could someone just stand by and let it go on without any response? Any consequences for the culprit? How could she just take it?

He truly could not understand.

Other women would be screaming, would be telling her parents, to tell anyone about the terrible thing done to them. Was it because she was a princess? Was it because it could be a political incident? But there was no point in keeping it. The Empire was the enemy, anyway. Wisteria will reject their proposal for peace in the end. What difference does it make if everything breaks down? She shouldn’t let such a transgression remain hidden.

She’s making it more difficult for herself.

But he should set aside those thoughts for now. There was no point.

He headed straight for the knights’ barracks. Considering that there were basically enemy knights around, he couldn’t help but keep his guard up. Imagine if he just got stabbed in the back. That would be an embarrassing way to go.

When he arrived at the barracks, he went to search for Elson. He found him in one of the quarters, talking with a small group of knights. Rogan casually knocked to interrupt their talk and smiled.

“Hey, Elson. Got something to talk to you about.”

Elson, with a curious look, approached Rogan. “Certainly. What is it?”

“In private.”

“... I understand.”

Rogan led Elson to a secluded part of the barracks, where no one else was present. He looked around to make sure and whispered to Elson.

“I have an order from the Princess.”

“I didn’t expect an order from her in this circumstance…”

“Yeah, well, she tends to be sudden. Anyways, you will keep this a secret to anyone. Not even to the other royal family members.”

Elson frowned in puzzlement. “Why? Even the King?”

“Yes, even the King.”

“He’s not involved in this order?”

He could understand his confusion. But in the times working under the Princess, he better just listen to her and not think too much about it. There’s a reason she alone made this order and did not tell anyone else. Not even the royal family.

“It’s the Princess’s alone. Listen, this is your personal mission.”

“Alright, I’m listening.”

“Pretty soon, the knights may be called to mobilize. To hunt a powerful monster spotted outside the forest or anywhere.”

His eyes widened. “What? Are you sure?”

“I said may. So it may, or may not. She just wants you to know what you should do if it really does happen.”

“How did she even come to think of that happening?”

“Dunno. But she wants you to come with the hunt.”

Rogan genuinely had no idea what led to this. Maybe she did something, or did she see through the enemy? He had no idea at all. No one knows what goes through her mind.

“I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.”

“Of course. So your main objective is to project His Majesty.”

“It’s going to be a monster powerful enough to warrant his help?”

“Not sure. But if he does go, protect him with all your might.”

“That’s a given, isn’t it?”

“Yes, still, he must be prioritized. Don’t focus completely on the monster. There could be a chance it won’t be your only problem. So, protect the King. Flee if you must.”

Elson nodded. “Understood.”

“Be on the lookout always. And remember, absolutely don’t tell anyone about this.”

“Yeah. Got it.” He sighed. “Now this got me worried. Especially that when the empire knights are here.”

“Me too. Even the Princess thinks they’re planning something. We just don’t know what exactly.”

“Could it be that they truly want peace?”

“Nice joke.” Rogan chuckled.

Elson frowned. “... And what will you be doing while I do my task? If it’s going to be dangerous, if something bad is going to happen, I assume you’ll be with the Princess?”

“... She has other orders for me.”

“What?”

“Right? I talked against it, but she’s adamant. Saying she could handle it, there’s no need to worry.” Rogan scratched the back of his head in frustration. “How am I not going to worry…?”

Elson crossed his arms. “... She can fight, she can hold out for a time.”

“Still…”

“She’s as strong as an elite knight, if not stronger. She may hide it, but I know. She’ll be fine. But I still hope she gets protection immediately when in danger.”

“I just keep thinking that the two imperial princes are planning something special for her. I mean, you know how she is. She’s, you know, basically a diamond.”

“Then, all we can do is fulfill our roles as knights of the kingdom.”

Rogan sighed. “... Yes…”

***

Cilas paced through his room, growing impatient, waiting for the usual time for him and his brother to have a meeting in the latter’s room again. This time it was different, though. Cilas was curious and agitated, stemming from his interaction with the Princess earlier.

He could sense the unease from her. Her restrained smile, her eyes darting around. But she still tried her best to be friendly. He had no idea what happened, but it could be from when Alistor and the Princess went to the garden. There was nothing else, it was the last time they interacted.

What did Alistor even do to cause that from her?

He better not haven’t done anything that jeopardized everything.

What if he did something to her displeasure? Or if it was even worse? She was awfully quiet about it. She didn’t seem to have said anything to the royal family. Then was it not too terrible then? But why was she acting so strangely?

From the looks of it, she didn’t want to talk about it. More than that, wanting to avoid Alistor when they just appeared to be having a good development in their relationship? Yes, something that shouldn’t happen, happened.

He must have an explanation for this.

Thus, when it was time, he quickly headed for his brother’s room and barged the door open with glaring eyes. After closing the door, he stomped towards Alistor who was casually looking out through the window.

“Why are you being noisy, little brother?”

“The hell with your condescending tone. What happened to you and the Princess yesterday?”

Alistor slowly turned to face him and raised an eyebrow. “What? We ate together.”

“Stop with the crap.”

“Why are you so worked up?”

The way he acted all clueless only served to make Cilas feel more annoyed. He just felt he was hiding something.

“What did you do?”

“Nothing important happened.”

“Don’t think I didn’t notice how the Princess has been acting.”

“What?”

“I returned the book I borrowed, we talked. She was acting strange.”

“That’s it?”

“I know you did something that you shouldn’t have.”

Alistor crossed his arms with an exasperated sigh. “As I said, everything’s fine. Nothing happened, right? Then there’s nothing to be concerned about.”

Cilas’s glare intensified, and he took a step forward. “You could have done something to ruin everything we are trying to achieve. You better tell me what it is.”

If Cilas knew what it was, then he could at least prepare himself for it. Or perhaps do something about it, to remedy whatever damage his brother had caused. He shouldn’t even hide something crucial to his ally in this mission. They should be aware of each other’s actions, especially the critical ones. Especially mistakes.

“What I did, what we did, is none of your business, little brother.”

“Dammit, Alistor.” He grabbed his brother's shirt collar in his anger. “I hope you didn’t do something stupid.”

Alistor’s face grimaced in displeasure and forcefully shoved Cilas’s hand away. “Don’t you fucking dare, you don’t stand a chance against me. As I said, everything’s fine. Did she complain? Did she report anything? Nothing.”

Cilas clicked his tongue. “You’re not telling me the whole truth.”

“Aren’t you getting all protective? Yes, protective of her. Ridiculous. Dipping into my sauce.”

“Dipping into your s-sauce?” He couldn’t believe he just said that. “Be more respectful, Alistor. She at least deserves that.”

What a repulsive thing to say about her. Cilas was so disgusted that he wanted to punch Alistor in the face. But he just couldn’t. They were in a foreign place. And ultimately, they were allies. Best not to escalate this.

“Hm. I suppose you’re right. But she’s mine, nonetheless.”

“She isn’t yours.”

“Whatever, little brother. If that’s all you came here for, you can go.”

Cilas clenched his fists as he glared at Alistor, as the latter returned to face the window. They were supposed to be working together on this mission. But he found it hard to coordinate with him. No, it was basically impossible now. Even Alistor didn’t want to work with him anymore.

Fine then, do whatever you want.

Alistor was the leader of this mission anyway, he should just let him handle this.

“Oh right,” said Alistor. “They are starting on their side. Better get ready yourself, we could be starting soon.”

“... Right. Just don’t do anything foolish in the meantime.”

“Foolish? Or something that makes you feel jealous.”

Cilas silently fumed. “Don’t make shit up, Alistor.”

With that, not an effort to hide his displeasure, Cilas left the room.

***

I awoke early in the morning, earlier than usual. Which was actually the usual, but then I got into this world where that stopped being the usual. But now I gotta get back to that old usual. So gotta get used to the usual again. Or not, who knows, as usual.

I felt the time of the thrill was nigh. Very soon, I’ll find out if everything will unfold as I designed it.

I! The grand architect! I! Who um…. The great designer! The player of idiots! And uh… Yeah, I got nothing… Forget it. Anyways, considering that I awoke early, all I could do was sit by the window. To feel the fresh cold breeze, the beautiful view, the beautiful me — oops, didn’t mean to include myself there. Hehehe.

A bird landed on the windowsill. I frowned. Birdie, you’re blocking my view. Get the fuck out of the way or I’ll kill you~. As though sensing my killing intent, it flew away. I couldn’t help but smile. Do not disturb me, because, you could say, this was my meditation before it goes. Huh, guess meditations aren’t bullshit, all to their own, I guess.

Nah, I’m bullshitting.

Before I knew it, it was time for breakfast, and so I did that with my family. I just have to say, it’s pretty good that we’re eating together and without the guests. That would leave a nasty taste on my tongue. Would be too tiring to try to keep smiling.

As we got to eat, I was waiting for the sort of news I was looking forward to hearing. But when breakfast came to an end, nothing. Quite disappointing, it’s worrying the grand architect that her designs would fall apart. Get torn apart by the foreman, or the engineer, or whatever… But I guess they need time to start working.

Hm.

Sometime after breakfast, I didn't want to do anything stressful, so I headed for the library. The silent library. My sanctuary. Gonna read some more books. Yeah I have a few in my other room that I haven’t read yet… A few’s putting it mildly, but won’t hurt to get a few more…

On my way there, I stumbled upon the person I didn’t really want to meet right now. But it was inevitable, so I have been expecting this would happen sooner or later. Namely, Alistor, the prick. The fuck that touched me in a way I hated. I, with the most sacred body of all, and he dared touch me.

Despite my feelings, I hid it all in my soft and innocent face.

“Princess Estelia,” he said with a serious expression.

“... Prince Alistor.”

Taking a glance at my servants, I sensed their growing tension. Rogan especially had his hand close to his sword, like he was preparing to strike whenever. I wanted to chide them, but now was not the time to do so.

“Princess… I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”

“I-Is that so? If it is about the incident, I already told you. I have forgiven you.”

Which was bullshit, of course. Forgiveness? For someone as unworthy as him to touch me in such a manner? As if. I am not one to easily forgive, nor did I even ever have the intention of forgiving him.

“I-I see. Of course. But I still feel bad about it…” He looked at my servants. So they won’t get the whole idea of what happened, it would appear he was being careful with his words. “I was hoping to do something to make up to you. To make up for my mistake.”

I shook my head. “Please, there’s no need for you to do such. Bearing in mind your status, you do not have to worry about such things. Please, worry about something that matters more than me.”

He took a step forward. “Don’t say that. You greatly matter to me. You matter, Princess.”

Oh wow, that’s so sweet. That’s a good one, it’s gonna make me blush like a young teen.

Not.

Actually, it made me wonder how sincere those words were. I got the feeling that he was just saying those so he could go back to my good sides. No, that’s definitely it. The way he interacted with me, it’s something so off. He was unlike Lucious who had loved me since childhood. The way he interacted with me was different. Unlike Mera who was infatuated with me, which I didn’t mean, but it was also my fault! And then Alistor’s younger brother, Cilas, who was clearly sincere.

No, perhaps Alistor was sincere in his feelings, somewhat. But he had malevolent intentions. Oh my, how could someone have such evil intentions on me? That’s just bad.

“I-I…” I lowered my gaze. “Prince Alistor, t-there are others that matter more.”

“Okay… But right now, for me, you matter the most.”

I glanced away. He’s just gonna be stubborn about this. What to do, what to do. I didn’t really want him to come to the library. That’s my sanctuary. I didn’t want him to ruin it. Hm. But first, I should keep my servants away, don’t want them to get too passionate about this.

I turned my head towards them. “If you would please give the two of us a moment of privacy?”

My servants frowned as they looked at each other, hesitant. But it was my order, so they moved away, but still kept watch from afar. Quite a protective bunch, oh well…

I faced Alistor while clasping my hands, giving off a nervous impression. “I’ve been thinking about what happened… Is it the truth that… that you like, like me?”

He smiled softly. “It’s true.”

“I see… Like as a friend?”

He chuckled with a shake of his head. “It’s more than a friend.”

“I see… I… I don’t know how I should respond.”

“... Perhaps start with being honest about what you feel?”

Really? Then can I start stabbing you in the throat?

If he offers, I’ll do it, why not? But stabbing would be quite a bit boring, wouldn’t it?

“I don’t… don’t know my feelings about this.”

“You have plenty of time to think and process.”

I looked away. I have plenty of time to think and process how to kill you.

“Yes… That aside, you don’t have to do anything, Prince Alistor. To make up for your mistake. I insist.”

“... Very well… If you say so. I’ve been thinking, would you consider a vacation in the Empire?”

Oh wow, I didn’t expect he would ask such a question. But seriously? You’re planning to invade my kingdom, what’s the point of doing that? Why would I even do that? Fucking prick.

“I don’t know… I’ve always been at home. Your empire is so far away.”

“I see.” He nodded. “You’ll like it there. There are so many things to see, things I want to show you.”

“I don’t know. But it’s too early to think about such a thing.”

“Really? Hm. Very well. But, if you want to, feel free to tell me.”

I meekly nodded.

“Then, Princess, where are you going?”

“... Oh, just for personal matters.”

“I see…”

“What about you?”

“Still thinking about it.”

“Oh… Then, I suppose this is when I’ll excuse myself, Prince Alistor.”

“Uh.” He seemed surprised. “Mm, okay. See you then.”

I stepped to the side and gestured for my servants to come. And with that, I left the prince behind and headed straight for my destination. Glad that was over, wew. I don’t like him at all. Don’t want him getting in my way of shopp— browsing… Book browsing.

Upon arriving at the library, a genuine smile curled on my face. The place was silent, so peaceful. Best place for a serene time, truly. Walking around, Mother didn’t seem to be around. Oh well…

Time to go browsing, to add to my book collection where I’ll only read half.

***

Night came, and the family gathered to have our dinner. The dishes prepared were quite nice, with most I was already familiar with. I’m not one to be choosy though. As long as it's delicious, I’m fine with it.

As we ate, Father spoke.

“I was informed of trouble just outside the capital.”

Mother paused. “What is it?”

“There’s been sightings of a powerful monster running rampant by the road.”

“It’s by the forest again?”

“Yes.”

“Are you going?”

“It’s still being verified, we’ll see sometime tomorrow if I’m leaving. But from what we know, it’s a stonehide.”

“Woah.” Estevan lowered his spoon. “One awakened? That is a difficult monster to deal with.”

Stonehide, huh… Sounds strong. From the name, I sort of can tell what it could be. But I never heard of such a monster. Didn’t get mentioned in the books I read. Well, not like I read plenty of books that mention monsters.

“Stonehide? Isn’t that the monster that mostly sleeps? That hibernates?” Eleden asked.

“Yes,” Father answered. “But it’s not unusual for one to awaken at some point.”

“Yeah, monsters sometimes accidentally stumble on one and end up disturbing them,” Estevan added.

With my growing curiosity, I couldn’t help but ask about it. “What exactly is a stonehide?”

Father smiled. “A stonehide is a four-legged monster, with stones embedded on its body like armor. It’s a fairly big creature, almost as big as the one you saw in the arena.”

Oh damn, rocks for body armor? That’s a difficult opponent.

“It’s not easy to damage it with its armor. Not only that, despite its size, it’s quite agile. Normally lurks in the Elgion forest, like the rest of the more dangerous monsters.”

“It hibernates?”

“Yes. After a certain amount of time, it awakes and hunts other monsters to eat. After one or a couple, it goes back to sleep. It’s a harmless monster when it isn’t disturbed.”

“Then why shouldn’t we just wait for it to go back to sleep?”

I mean, if it wasn’t included in my plan, and it was just any normal day, it would be safer to just let it be. Considering that it loves to sleep, like me.

“It normally stays in the forest. And currently it’s wreaking havoc. That’s not a good sign, and it means that it was disturbed.”

“So what if it's disturbed?”

“If its hibernation is interrupted, it goes crazy. It gets, in simple words, a bad temper. In some cases, it stays in the forest for days as it goes on a rampage. But in rare cases, it ends up outside.”

“Days before it calms down?”

“Yes.”

Talk about waking up on the bad side of the bed. I mean, kinda understandable. We people often get pissed when we get woken up so suddenly.

“So if it continues on its rampage…”

“We have to deal with it.”

I faintly nodded.

“It’s a powerful monster, Father,” said Estevan. “Should I come with? When you go hunting.”

“If I do go, I want you here. We have guests to think about.”

“... Very well.”

“I need you here. Like the hunt before, it will likely take more than a day.”

Estevan nodded.

“Speaking of guests, isn’t it tomorrow we’re planning on telling the guests our decision?” asked Mother.

“Oh yes…” answered Father. “So I shouldn’t go, after all?”

“You should go, Father,” I said. “If you’re there, we can expect fewer casualties than necessary.”

“But—”

“We’ll tell them we’re delaying our response. They’ll understand you have to take care of a monster.”

“... I suppose.”

“We’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

“Alright… I do hope I don’t need to go and the monster goes back to the forest.”

It going back to the forest would be unlikely. But this was going according to plan. And I couldn’t help but smile inside. The grand architect’s design is coming to light!

Once dinner was done, I went back to my room. Time to sleep, you know. But I’m still not going to sleep. After saying goodnight to my servants, I made sure to lock my door. I also locked the window and closed the curtains.

I approached one of the drawers and crouched down. On the lowest one, I pulled the drawer all the way out and carefully placed it down on the floor. Sticking my hand into the empty drawer opening on the cabinet, I pulled out the bag hidden underneath.

My secret stash.

I walked to my bed and removed the bag’s contents. My daggers. Hm, I wouldn’t be using my full set of gear. I’m going to be less conspicuous.

I grabbed one.

Now then, which of you beauties are coming with me?

Are you sharp enough? Surely I have not neglected you much?

Oh, thinking about it, I might finally get to use my Armament Magic on you.

Ooooh, so excited.

And thus, I made my preparations and some practice.