Mistress Of The Evil Forest

Case 163: Confession.

''You know... I've meant to tell you this for a long, long time.''

''...''n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

All of a sudden, the crown princess diverts her eyes as she puts her hands off the table. That makes her impression noticeably softer, and to add onto that, I think I can see a faint hue of red on her cheeks...?

''I... uh... this is quite embarrassing, but...''

I can already feel my body tensing up in real-time. The sight of Sierra stammering, blushing, all the while stealing shy glances at me is absolutely concerning. What in the world is going on?

''For the longest time... I've been...''

I swallow a dry gulp as the princess begins to lightly squirm in place, seeming as though... yes, like she's going to confess love to me. Inevitably, I brace myself for the bomb to drop—right when Sierra's lips part.

With a bashful expression, she utters, ''I've been wanting to pet the owls in your forest!''

''...''

''...''

''...Yes?''

Yes? Owls?

That's... hm... how should I react to this...?

''You mean the snowy owls? The big ones?''

''Yes! Aren't they so fluffy and cute?''

Well, indeed they are, and my siblings are also popular with the citizens of Zircon. Aside from Ariel, even Mister Slen and Skely pet them sometimes. My banshee friend especially loves cuddling with them... wait, is that why Sierra behaves like this?

Considering the two have the same 'Alaina Astra' in their names, I guess it isn't strange that they both love the same thing.

''That's probably fine, but what was that about joining our forces?'' I reply.

''Hm? It means just that. I want to become a part of Zircon.''

At some point, the blush disappears from Sierra's face, and instead, a playful grin creeps up her face. It isn't usual for her to be this enthusiastic outside of solving puzzles or doing other things that she deems 'interesting.'

Nonetheless, although her sudden proposal has caught me off guard, it isn't so bad when I think about it objectively. Having a princess—an insider of the palace—should prove to be beneficial. The only reason we haven't tried to recruit Sierra is because it takes a lot of effort to tame someone as volatile as her.

This proposal itself is the evidence for that. Luxia did not mention such thoughts after the last investigation, so that means she made this decision in just a few days.

Still, this one has bad timing.

If Efil is indeed watching us right now, and if it knows Sierra will be on my side, there is a chance it will try to eliminate her altogether. It usually isn't too hard to tarnish the reputation of a crown princess, let alone someone who appears to be resigning to run away from her responsibilities.

Fortunately, I have prepared some tricks in cases like this.

''No.'' I firmly reply.

''What...''

Right when Sierra's expression crumbles because of the flat rejection, I send my mana into the chess piece held between her fingers. Since that one is made using my mana—my ice—I can do this quite covertly and without much ripples.

Looking at Sierra's slightly dazed countenance, I briskly rise to my feet.

''I'd like to maintain the current relationship with the imperial palace.'' I further remark. ''Remember. Don't try to poke your nose too much into our business.''

''...Understood.''

With that, I immediately teleport back to Zircon.

*****

''Eugh...''

''Good work, my dear.''

Receiving a warm head pat from Efil, the maiden with lush pale blond hair purrs excitedly. Even as its eyes ache in pain, the 'affection' from 'mother' gives the girl a sense of belonging, like she is a part of a big family.

''Now, could you tell me what had happened?'' Efil speaks demurely, its finger running through the locks of the girl's hair.

''A-Ah... the princess tried to join forces with the forest, but she was declined.''

''Is that really so?''

''Mhm. The forest's owner seemed annoyed. She left right away.''

''...I see. Keep monitoring the princess. There might be some tricks involved.''

''Understood... but please let me rest for a bit...''

As the talks calm down, Efil takes a sip of the tea in front of itself.

Lately, that masked figure has been causing quite a bit of trouble, enticing so many shocking incidents that even Efil's plan to corner Amelia Luminous slowly is effectively null. Still, it has been a long time since the demon had the opportunity to 'compete' this intensely.

'It is quite amusing, should I say?'

Nevertheless, even if Silaerob ultimately ruins Efil's initial plan, she has already done something in favor of the demon—spreading blanket pessimism.

In stressful conditions, humans tend to become more susceptible to other negative emotions and manipulation, so this has made the demon's subsequent attempts to destroy society that much more effective.

Blooming a kind, motherly smile on its face, Efil ponders about its exciting time going forward.

'Hm... I might as well play around a bit more. Everything will end when that guy comes anyway.'

Meanwhile, back in the crown princess's bedroom.

Sierra Alaina Astra sits a bit away from the large window, letting her figure drown in the darkness of the room. Hugging her knees, the princess stares intently at the pawn of ice on her hands. In the space voids of moonlight, it is undoubtedly the most brilliant object.

[Act as usual. Time will come when you are called.]

Just like what's written at the bottom of the chess piece.

Sierra doesn't know what makes Silaerob so cautious; perhaps the two's meetings are being observed by a malevolent force, but she decides to follow that person's words for the moment.

''Fufu...''

Nevertheless, it is a sign of goodwill from none other than Silaerob, the mysterious and infinitely intriguing existence that has been bugging her mind for the longest time. By nature, the crown princess loves to immerse herself in mysteries and considers figuring things out her life's greatest pleasure.

Secretly, she has been intently pursuing Silaerob's real identity and goals.

The thought of potentially joining her ranks and being handed the answer to... is a bit disappointing. However, Sierra's curiosity doesn't end there. More than anything, she wants to learn about Silaerob as a person—her origin, her daily life, her relationships, her peculiar subordinates, perhaps the things she would do once she has achieved her goals, etc.

If she can take a step forward, it would be a good opportunity, and if Silaerob is really who Sierra thinks she is, then it would be even better.

'Ah... why didn't I realize this until now?'

Drowned in work and bound by the shackles of revenge, Sierra has exhausted herself to the point of not being able to do what she loves. But from now on... it'll be a feast.

Thinking about such a fun future, the princess unconsciously lets out a faint giggle.

'Oh, but I really do want to pet the owls...'

Beyond all of it, the love for owls remains steady.

*****