SHE WAS LOOKING IN THE MIRROR.
She was at the lake.
She was riding on the back of a gryphon.
She was in a carriage.
She was in the mansion.
She was looking in the mirror.
She was riding her bike.
She was sitting on the curb.
She was at her graduation ceremony.
She was at his funeral.
She was alone.
She was sitting in the dark.
She wasn't alone.
She was looking in the mirror—
—And I was looking back.
“WHO ARE YOU!?”
Kyouka woke up in a cold sweat. She felt like she'd just been watching the harrowing events of the past day like a dizzying series of vignettes, but right at the end there was something else, something that escaped her waking memory, something awful.
But as dreams do, even that fear evaporated soon after waking. Where is this? She found herself sitting on a bed much too large for one person. It was unbelievably soft, and it even had a canopy. To her modern sensibilities, this bed alone was no less fantastic than the carriage.
Oh, I remember now. This must be Henriette's home. It's not just the bed. I should've expected this from the exterior, but inside is just as insane. This has to be a spare bedroom, but it looks like the set of a movie.
It was still night out, but she could see the room thanks to a large window letting moonlight shine softly through the delicate curtains. Just as her eyes glanced over the window, she noticed a thin shadow standing as still as a floating reed.
“Wha—!”
Who the hell!? Kyouka jumped back.
“Nightmares, my lady?”
A familiar face walked out of the shadows and bowed lightly.
“…Rena, was it? Please don't surprise me like that.”
Her appearance might be more striking than Henriette's…for different reasons.
“Apologies, my lady. It was not my intention to startle you. I have been entrusted with your safety for the time being.”
That's all well and good, but did you really have to watch me sleep like that? Come to think of it, this isn't the first time she's acted weird and sneaky. Maybe her character class is actually ninja, not maid.
“Hmph. I only kept watch by your bedside because of the clear distress you were displaying in your sleep.”
Geez. Now I feel bad. She probably washed, changed, and tucked me in.
“Was it that bad? Sorry, my brain's been a mess since I got here.”
“…Is that so?”
Rena's expression never changed, but her probing tone wasn't lost on Kyouka. She looked back at her with an incredulous expression.
“I simply wonder if my lady's memories are all gone.”
“Was it something I said in my sleep?”
“Nothing that I could understand, but it seemed to be meaningful.”
“Guess that makes two of us.”
Rena made no indication whether she believed in Kyouka's amnesia or not, but she seemed to be done with the conversation either way.
“Well, if the nightmares are no longer an issue, I shall leave my lady to your rest.”
“Oh, yeah…thanks, and there's no need to be formal. I'm just a regular girl.”
“…If that is your wish, Miss Kyouka. Excuse me.”
She bowed lightly and left the room, silent as a ghost.
“Her footsteps really don't make any sound, huh. If gryphons, elves, and zombies exist, maybe ninjas aren't too far out there.”
Rena wasn't exactly Miss Congeniality, but Kyouka found her company preferable to dead silence. In truth, she was equal parts terrified of her nightmares and curious about what clues they may hold to her past. She didn't have much of a choice, however, as exhaustion once again claimed her consciousness.
The next day, Kyouka woke up with every muscle fiber on fire—worse than the morning after your first gym class coming back from summer break. She could hardly move and ended up confined to her room for three days and three nights, the average length of a single adult's yearly vacation.
Despite there being dozens of servants at the mansion, only Rena was allowed to interact with Kyouka, so she was tasked with personally caring for the provisionally-bedridden guest. Those moments were excruciatingly awkward for Kyouka, but Rena was outwardly unaffected.
Henriette often came to see her. Though Kyouka saw her as nothing but an otherworld otaku, she was a proper scholar of Traveler history, and the opportunity to learn about Earth directly from a living Traveler was too enticing. Kyouka fought through the lethargy and brain fog and used these conversations to learn as much about Arkadia, this otherworld, as she could.
Though she had no specific memories, the general knowledge of video games, anime, and the like guided her expectations. She wondered what kind of life she led to be so familiar with these things. Magic existed. That was the first thing Kyouka was curious about. Unfortunately for her, however, the forms of magic that were practiced in Arkadia did not function as she imagined.
There was no malleable energy that permeated the world—no mana, no ki. Even universal methods or rules for practicing magic didn't exist, and although there were a few places where magic was taught, a unified body of knowledge or teaching methodology was absent.
It became clear to Kyouka that magic in Arkadia was not a convenient superpower that anyone could learn, that acted according to well-defined rules, and that she herself would inevitably master as the familiar otherworld stories often went.
When asked about the availability of magic items such as healing potions that could help in her recovery, Henriette briefly considered but ultimately rejected on the basis that she had no idea what effect they may have on the body of someone from Earth, and Kyouka's condition wasn't serious enough to warrant experimentation.
When she finally felt well enough to leave her room, Henriette said she was free to move about the mansion as she pleased though it would not be wise to explore the grounds outside unaccompanied. Rena advised her to avoid being seen by the servants or any other guests that may be visiting, so she tried to move around stealthily as a game.
Kyouka pressed both of them on why there was a need for such secrecy, but the explanation involved the complex political and historical circumstances of this world. It was far beyond the capacity of a high schooler who had never even paid attention to the politics of her own world to comprehend.
The gist of it, to the best of her understanding, was that while the how of the Travelers' arrival in Arkadia was shrouded in mystery, the why—their purpose—was clear. In times of great need, the Travelers would come to fight off evil. Kyouka's presence indicated that something terrible was coming; she had to be protected at all costs.
In her mind, she understood that she wasn't there as a tourist. On the contrary, she had been burdened with immense responsibility, but it was too unreal for her to truly understand.
As an avid reader of otherworld fiction herself, it should've been a familiar set-up and one not altogether unwelcome. By the machinations of fate, not only did she inherit the mantle of savior, but she'd even lost any memories that could anchor her heart to home.
She hadn't manifested any powers that would allow her to be a hero, but in every other respect, the path was clear for her to live out the idle daydreams of her youth. And yet…she felt neither naive excitement nor rational fear. In her quiet moments, she pondered this incongruence, this wrongness.
The dull clanging of steel echoed through the hall. Rena's expression showed no signs of distress even as she parried Henriette's sword at the last possible moment. Henriette smiled wryly, dodging the counter-attack by a hair's breadth.
Are they crazy? Though the practice swords were blunt, they were still swinging solid steel at full speed with no protective gear. Then again, I can't see any scars on their faces. Their fluid movements indicated that, to some extent, this sparring session may be at least partially choreographed. How long have these two known each other to achieve this level of synchronization?
Suddenly, Henriette's demeanor switched from leisurely exercise to complete focus. Her measured, precise strikes picked up in intensity. The gap Rena had to launch her own counterattacks disappeared. Her expression was unmoved, but the change in her defensive strategy from parrying to dodging showed she wasn't confident in her guard's ability to withstand Henriette's fierce blows.
Rena tried to create distance as thrusts and slashes rained down on her. Still, Rena's managed to avoid everything. Is her strategy to just wait until Henriette gets tired of attacking? Kyouka soon realized that Henriette hadn't been swinging recklessly when Rena got backed up against the wall.
This time it was Henriette who took a step back. Rena could now only to either side, and Henriette was patiently waiting for the moment to strike. Betraying Kyouka's expectations, however, Rena thrust straight at Henriette's throat.
“Wait! Stop—!”
Kyouka shouted, in disbelief that they'd take training this far. Rena's blade stopped an inch from Henriette's skin. A tense moment passed, and Kyouka forgot to breathe. Finally, the two relaxed, defrosting the frigid atmosphere. Kyouka heaved a sigh of relief. Is it always like this?
“You got me again!”
Henriette was all smiles. Rena's only response was an exasperated sigh. Kyouka was confused as to what exactly their dynamic was. It didn't seem like they were simply master-servant, largely because Rena was just unreadable in general.
“How did you two get so strong?”
Kyouka wondered out loud. Henriette glanced at Rena, but she just ignored the question and started tidying up the training ground. The two looked at each other and shrugged, Kyouka already used to Rena's enigmatic attitude.
“Weeeell, I do not claim to be of equivalent talent. Of course, I owe what meager skill I have acquired in my short life to the guidance of my excellent teacher and her wealth of experience!”
At Kyouka's befuddled expression, Henriette gestured with a smile towards the elf maid quietly putting practice gear away.
“Really? But you look the same age.”
Of course, Kyouka had already expected Rena to be older than she looked. Still, she didn't want to presume to understand the ecology of elves in this world, and it felt rude to ask unprompted. Surprisingly, Henriette didn't answer: she just gave Rena, who was obviously eavesdropping, a knowing look.
“Hmmm~it seems you two still need help…what was it? Breaking the rice? Oh, how about you have Rena show you around town?
It's 'breaking the ice,' but she's cute so I'll leave it alone. Wait…around town?
“That sounds nice, but is it okay for people to see me?”
“Why of course! You are my guest, a very important guest whose destiny is tied to the fate of the realm, yes, but a guest—not a prisoner. Being far from the capital and not sharing a border with The Empire, my domain is quite…uneventful. Besides, under Rena The Windwalker's protection, nevermind the odd ruffian, you need not fear even a platoon of knights! Go on, now. The both of you could use a change of scenery.”
Was she just teasing Rena at the end there? No, I've seen her in action; there can't be that many people who could take her in a fight. Yeah…nobody besides these two should even know what I am to target me in the first place. What's the worst that could happen?
“Well, if you put it that way…”
Henriette looked like she was having fun even though she wasn't going with them. Rena, through her icy gaze, betrayed a hint of exasperation.
Henriette had another servant chauffeur the two to town. Kyouka noted that it wasn't the white carriage she had ridden on the night she arrived. I guess it's for her personal use?
Of course, Rena wasn't much for conversation. To distract herself from the awkward atmosphere, Kyouka watched the passing scenery. The mansion was on a hill on the outskirts of the city. She'd failed to notice when riding on the gryphon, but the city was much larger than she expected it to be.
The architecture's superficial similarities with pre-industrial Europe and the expectations set by fantasy fiction led her to believe the city would be equivalent to a quaint town by modern standards. No, this was a proper city. She became acutely aware that she wasn't in her world's distant past, she was in their world's modern day.
A thin veil of cloud diffused the noon sun's harsh rays, the town blanketed in the gray light of fall. There was a nip in the air. Kyouka wore a stylish coat that, as a humble high schooler, made her feel excessively self-conscious. She was reluctant to accept something from the princess' own wardrobe, but Henriette insisted since everyone else in town would be wearing something for the weather.
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
After getting dropped off at the station, Rena led her by the hand so as to not get lost in the crowd. It was an unexpectedly cute gesture. From time to time, Kyouka did wonder if Rena was more like a caretaker than a simple servant. Evidently, she was used to taking care of others.
“So…where are we headed?”
Rena didn't hold back her sigh.
“If we must do this, you might as well learn something useful.”
“Oh, like a historical tour? That's pretty normal for a school field trip.”
Abject bewilderment crept through the elf maid's poker face for just a moment.
Don't assume I understand any of that weird Earth-talk like Henriette. Kyouka had developed a habit of imagining what Rena's surprisingly numerous micro-expressions meant. Blink, and you'll miss 'em.
Rena took her not on a sightseeing tour but on a pragmatic one. Kyouka had to familiarize herself with all the important locations for day-to-day living: the colorful central market where local farmers sold familiar produce next to strange and exotic items brought in by traveling merchants, the massive post office that sadly didn't employ any owls as letter carriers, the alchemist's shop stocked with bottles and jars of mysterious liquids and reagents that filled the street with clashing scents and odors, and many more small or hidden but useful places to know.
The city was built on hilly land, with streets going up and down steep slopes. This should've made it difficult to traverse by foot or by horse, but much to Kyouka's surprise, a cable car system existed. To her knowledge, this world did not use electricity or even steam power.
In the mansion, the baths and ovens burned wood normally, but all the lights were lit with Heliorite. Large slabs of yellowish rock were left out in the garden to bathe in sunlight. When the rocks turn orange, they're ready to be brought into a shed or basement for storage. Warm to the touch and soft like clay, small chunks can be taken and used as fuel for lamps. If left out in the sun too long, Heliorite turns crimson and brittle, wildly throwing out sparks instead of burning when lit.
Ordinary wax candles also existed and could be used for decorative purposes, but Heliorite was prefered for general illumination because it burned brighter and didn't create smoke though the flame did give off a peculiar, alcohol-like smell.
Rena explained that Ichor, an energy-dense fluid derived through alchemy from rare minerals only found deep in the abandoned dwarf settlements, was invented about a century ago, and the cable car was just one of the new technologies that were gradually transforming society because of it.
The very city they were in used to be much smaller before cable cars made traveling up and down the steep hillsides trivial. There was even a separate line just for transporting goods instead of people, so the streets were free of horses and mules.
Their last stop was the town guard barracks because its location near the city's main gate put it on the opposite end of the city to the mansion which was all the way back at the border to the Whispering Woods.
Broad and imposing, the barracks gave a fittingly austere impression with bare stone walls contrasting the red brick facades of most buildings in the city. Stern-faced men in dark uniforms abounded. There was no need for the two to go inside, so Kyouka thought they'd be on their way home in a second, but her guide was silent.
“Is something wrong?”
“……”
“Hey, what's up?”
“Apologies. This will only be a moment.”
With no further explanation, the elf maid walked towards the stone building. For just a split second, Kyouka caught a wistful expression on her face. What the hell was that? She watched on in anticipation. Of course, everything here was mysterious to her, but as an elf, Rena represented the link between familiar Earthly fantasy and the fantastic reality of this world, but she never talked about herself and it felt rude to ask someone else. This felt like a chance to finally peek behind the poker face.
Rena didn't enter, however, nor did she approach any of the guards outside. Instead, her target of interest seemed to be a random civilian who had just exited the building. Does she know that guy? Upon closer inspection, Kyouka realized that the man's ears were just like Rena's. A-another elf!
This was her first time encountering one aside from Rena, and he looked much more ordinary than the blue-haired, golden-eyed maid with the face of a doll and the aura of an antique katana. Her curiosity boiled over. She thought about getting closer to listen in on their conversation, but a tugging at her sleeve stopped her in her tracks.
“Big sister…have you seen Stripey?”
Kyouka looked down and saw a little girl pulling at her coat. She crouched down to meet her eyes.
“Hey, need something?”
“Stripey…looking for Stripey…”
Sounds like a pet's name.
“What does stripey look like?”
“Big sister will help? Thanks! Stripey, he's, he's orange with brown stripes and he's fat 'cause he likes butter.”
“That sounds like a cat.”
“Yeah! Big sister, you know about cats?”
“Sure? They were everywhere back home.”
“Wow! Cats everywhere? Big sister must be a princess!”
Wha—are we even talking about the same thing? What's going on with cats in this world? Wait a minute…
“Hey, what's your name? I'm Kyouka.”
“Lily!”
Lily's troubled expression from when she first called out had completely brightened up. Kyouka had no memory of whether she was used to interacting with kids like this on Earth, but there was no sense of discomfort. She pointed towards the town guard barracks.
“Have you tried asking there?”
It was a lot more intimidating than a neighborhood police box in Japan, but
Kyouka's common sense told her that was the first place to go looking for a missing cat. Lily gave a complicated expression and shook her head.
“Lily already went…”
“Oh…”
Did they try and fail to find Stripey or did they not give her the time of day at all? Seems like it's a no-go either way, huh. She looked over at Rena still deep in conversation whoever that other elf was then down at Lily's pleading face and sighed internally. Alright, then.
Every minute or so, Kyouka mentally checked for the feeling of a small hand held firmly in hers. Following Rena's example, she kept a steady grip on Lily's hand as the little girl guided her through winding alleys.
Buildings that were much less uniform in size and shape than those of a modern city covered the streets in strange, oddly-angled shadows. The sinking sun lengthened these phantoms under a red sky. It was all starting to give Kyouka the creeps, but her much younger companion pulled her forward without any hesitation.
To pass the time, Kyouka asked Lily all about Stripey and herself. Lily came to this city three days ago with her brother who drives wagons for the merchant's guild. They should've left for the next job already, but when they woke up the other day, Stripey had disappeared. Because they were staying at the inn outside the city wall, they feared Stripey might've wandered into the surrounding woods, but even after searching together all day, the cat was nowhere to be found.
Thinking there might be a chance Stripey snuck through the city wall, they came to look earlier that day. After coming up empty-handed again, they turned to the town guard, but the barracks were in a stir. The guards seemed to be occupied with something else, and the travelers who came to report a missing cat weren't paid much attention. Seeing Lily dejected, her brother went back to try talking to the guards again.
“…And that's when you saw me.”
“Yup!”
“Say, why me? I'm a stranger, and there were other people around.”
“Hmmm…Lily and big brother go to many places. Dunno how to make
friends…but big sister felt like a friend.”
M-me!? Really…did I have younger siblings or something?
“Don't worry, we'll definitely find Stripey! And when we do, let me pet him.”
Lily's unclouded smile stirred Kyouka's maternal instincts. Since she arrived in Arkadia, she was just being protected one-sidedly by Henriette and Rena. There hadn't been anything she could do herself. This kid chose me; I want to be of use. She held that small hand tightly, and so they say the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day.
“—But it is getting dark. Wouldn't want to worry your big brother, yeah? Let's
try again tomorrow.”
“Promise?”
“Pinky swear.”
“Pink…y?”
Oh. Yeah, of course.
“It's something we do where I come from. We hold our little fingers out like
this…”
Away from the bustling streets, in a tranquil corner where walls of red brick shielded them from the cold evening wind, the two shared what might be the first pinky promise in the history of Arkadia.
Kyouka was fascinated by the sight of lamplighters throughout the city, up on their ladders, lighting the street lamps one by one by sprinkling the heliorite inside with poincy dust, a rusty red powder derived from alchemically-altered plants that burns on contact with the rock.
As the pair strutted down the illuminated street, Lily waved shyly at an elderly lamplighter. He waved back with a big smile. After making one friend, it seems like she's starting to come out of her shell.
The soft, warm glow of the street lamps under the purple twilight sky gave Kyouka an overwhelming feeling of serenity. She was undoubtedly grateful to Henriette and Rena. Thanks to them, her safety and comfort was ensured despite her being a stranger in a foreign land.
Her memory loss also protected her in a roundabout way. There was a limit to how distressed one could feel over a separation from loved ones you had no recollection of whatsoever. Still, an unpleasant something gnawed at her heart though she dared not put a name to it.
Looking inward, she didn't know who she was. Looking outward, she knew nothing of the dark corners of this world. Someday, she would have to confront both these things. The best she could do was face every day stoically, unable to confide in anyone.
For just this moment, however, none of that mattered. She could feel from the bottom of her heart that there was good in this world. The destiny of a Traveler was a heavy burden, that alone has been made abundantly clear to her, but if there were something here worth protecting, then maybe the cross was worth bearing.
They returned to the town guard barracks. From a distance, Kyouka could spot Rena waiting with her usual poker face, but crossed arms indicated she was not pleased. Crap. I shouldn't be walking around unsupervised. Wait, is that the elf guy from earlier? He's still here? Suddenly, Lily ran straight towards them.
“Big brother!”
Wha—big brother!?
“Lily, where have you been?”
He wore a stern expression, but his tone betrayed his feelings of relief.
“We were looking for Stripey!”
“We?”
He looked up and stared at Kyouka with a complicated expression. He seemed more confused than mad. Naturally, he knew Lily didn't have any friends, but it wouldn't make sense for a kidnapper to bring her all the way back here to what's essentially a police station.
“Yeah! With big sister Kyouka!”
“Sorry, I wasn't much help.”
“…No, thank you for keeping her company. I'm Conand, Lily's older brother.
Rena told me all about you, Miss Kyouka.”
All about me? I thought that was supposed to be a secret…even told Lily I was a traveling magician, had to pull out my thumb and everything. Kyouka then remembered Rena had been standing there silently stewing the whole time. Don't let her get a word in! This is your only hope!
“Miss Kyo—”
“Sorry, won't happen again!”
Kyouka clasped her hands together and bowed her head.
“I'm safe, right? No need to worry the princess…unnecessarily.”
Rena sighed deeply.
“…Surprisingly shrewd. Perhaps you would be more suited to the royal court than the battlefield.”
A rare compliment? I'll take it. Suddenly, she felt a tug on her sleeve.
“Big sister won't come again?”
Lily looked up at her, then at her big brother, and finally at Rena whose poker face faltered for a second. Kyouka, finding this supremely amusing, looked at her with an exaggerated pleading expression too. Rena pinched the bridge of her nose and let out an even bigger sigh, utterly defeated.
“Perhaps if I accompany you, but—”
“I'll think of a cover story to tell Henriette. Leave it to me.”
Lily imitated Kyouka's thumbs-up pose and smug expression.
“You've gone soft. This is far from the image I had of Rena the Windwalker.”
“And you were of absolutely no help, big brother.”
Conand shrugged.
“Hey, she finally made a friend. Miss Kyouka seems nice. You gotta pick up the
winklewomp when willowack runkles, right?”
“…Yes, I suppose.”
She understood that? Is that elf thing? Speaking of elves…
“Hey, is Lily an elf too?”
The warm atmosphere immediately froze over. Conand looked troubled, and
even Rena's eyes widened subtly. Oh. That was bad, wasn't it?
“What's an elf?”
You made the mess. Better clean it up yourself.
“Oh uhh I meant can Lily uhh do The Elf? Yeah, it's uhh a dance from my
hometown!”
Kyouka desperately waved her arms around like a demented chicken. Everyone
else stared at her stone-faced, the two adults feeling sorry for her and the kid having no idea what she's witnessing. This is for the best. Travelers carry a heavy burden…
“Sorry about earlier.”
The city lights shrank into the distance like stars. Only the coachman's lantern lit the dark road ahead.
“Which part?”
“Don't tease me. I know I did something stupid.”
“I believe, given your unique circumstances, such things can't be helped. Seeing The Elf, an exotic dance from another world, was quite educational.”
“Please just stop.”
She's gotten way too comfortable with the teasing. Does she take after Henriette or is it the other way around?
“On that subject, Miss Kyouka…”
“…Yeah?”
“Does Earth…not have my kind?”
Huh?
“Was that a strange question?”
“No, no actually…”
Does Earth not have elves? Well, there shouldn't be any walking around your neighborhood, but we do have a conception of elves. It's imaginary, but that fantasy seems to match up pretty well with the reality of this world—so far.
“Only in legend, I'm afraid. I still don't know how much of that applies to Arkadia.”
“And the only one you could have asked was not very approachable.”
“T-that's—”
A small chuckle. That was it. Blink, and you could easily miss it. Rena just smiled!
She's pretty cute when she doesn't look like she's plotting your downfall.
“Perhaps being visited by the past has disturbed my emotions. Worry not, that brat would not hold such a small matter against you.”
I assume she's talking about the brother?
“Then, I'll take advantage of your mental state and approach you now while your guard's down.”
“Very well.”
For the remainder of the ride back to the mansion, the two talked—really talked—for the first time. Elves in Arkadia have a long and complicated history, much of which is shrouded in mystery to present-day elves, nevermind humans.
Rena never took much of an interest in such topics, her purpose in life having been clear from birth, but what most elves did agree on was that they originate from the land of Sylvania beyond the Whispering Woods. A massive, largely impassable forest covers the eastern lands of the continent. The lost elven homeland was somewhere deep in there.
What drove the elves out in the first place, and what's keeping them from returning now, is a contentious subject. Regardless, the elves spread to the neighboring kingdoms around five centuries ago. Monarchs at the time were fascinated by these visitors because of their seemingly unnatural youth.
Rena's grandparents swore fealty to the Astre king, and they were granted status in exchange for service. Rena herself has been serving as Henriette's personal attendant since the princess was just nine years old. Kyouka felt that asking Rena's own age would be pushing her luck.
Conand was an old acquaintance from before she met Henriette. She didn't know he had a younger sister, and yes, Lily obviously wasn't an elf though the kid herself did not seem to be aware there was a difference between elves and humans anyway. They could be half-siblings or even adopted siblings; Conand didn't mention anything to her.
When they finally arrived, Henriette was waiting outside.
“We have returned, Your Highness.”
“Welcome home, both of you. Well? A refreshing change of scenery, I hope.”
“Very. Thanks for letting me roam freely like that.”
“Freely?”
“Just an expression! Right. It's an Earth thing, you know? Haha…”
“Yes, Miss Kyouka is quite the teacher of Earthly culture. How about showing Her Highness that dance?”
“You—that's a low blow! What if she gets curious!”
“What's the harm? Half the city already bore witness to your performance.”
Henriette nodded to herself with a satisfied smile as she watched over the two.
“Well, as long as they had fun.”
“Okay, that's it! I don't care if you're the—what was it he called you?
Windwomper? Hand me a sword; I'll awaken my Traveler powers if I have to!”
“It was Windwalker…and while I would happily settle this now, I must take my leave for the night.”
“…What? You got an early bedtime or something?”
“Aside from attending to Her Highness' personal affairs, I also serve as head maid of the mansion. After a day of babysitting, I must inspect the work that was done while I was away. Excuse me, Your Highness.”
“She ran away.”
“I am certain there shall be plenty more bonding opportunities.”
“Is that what that looked like? Well, she promised to come with me again tomorrow.”
“Back to town? That Rena did? My, my…”
“It's a long story.”
“Do tell! But first, the bath should be ready. Take your time. You still need to think about how to hide parts of the story I should not hear, no?”
What!?
“How did you…”
Were we being followed? No, can she read minds?
“Of course, my dear Kyouka. You told me just now—with your reaction.”
Henriette's mischievous smile contrasted her refined features. Alone in front of those bewitching blue eyes, Kyouka tried to avoid looking directly at them.
Without Rena here to be a bigger weirdo than me, I'm starting to get self-conscious.
“Oh, but where do you two plan to go tomorrow? Within the walls, I assume?”
“Probably, yeah.”
“Hmmm…I suppose it should be fine, then.”
“Why? Something wrong?”
“No, no—almost certainly nothing to worry about.”
Almost certainly?
“As you know, I often entertain important guests here. Though my father did not officially place this domain under my direct governance, I would rather not spend my time idly as an aloof princess.”
Kyouka thought back to the image of Henriette swinging a sword with the tenacity of a power saw. Yeah, no kidding.
“Earlier today, a representative from the merchant's guild came to me with a bit of a strange concern. A small matter, really…but macabre and unsettling nonetheless.”
Hm? Didn't Lily say her brother worked for the merchant's guild?
“Some of their horses which were under the city's care in the station. No, not the one you likely saw today. The one outside the main gate, yes. Well, some of those horses were found in an unfortunate state.”
'Found,' so they weren't stolen. Then…
“Was it wild animals?”
“Good intuition.”
Simply dying of accident or illness wouldn't be all that macabre, would it? They had to have found the corpses in a brutalized state. Kyouka recalled the gryphon she encountered upon her arrival in Arkadia. Yeah, something like that could easily rip a horse apart.
“Unfortunately, there are no predators big enough to hunt horses in the surrounding woods. The reason, I believe, you are already well-acquainted with.”
“Oh. Yeah, that makes sense. It would be the apex predator pretty much anywhere, huh.”
“Indeed, and as Thera is my personal companion, her diet is well-regulated and most assuredly does not consist of horses that are the property of someone else.”
Ahh the guy from the merchant guild must've brought up their suspicion that the princess' pet gryphon did it. Wait, wasn't it trying to eat that weird goat-looking deer thing? Unless…those things are its 'well-regulated diet.'
“Maybe something wandered into the woods? Or a group of somethings? Sorry, I don't know what kind of animals you have around here. On Earth, my first thought would be wolves or something similar.”
“Fascinating! That refers to the large, wild dogs, yes? They certainly exist, in abundance depending on the region. That said, this could not have been the work of any number of feral dogs.”
“Why not? Wolves are pretty ferocious.”
“Yes, I've heard. They can be quite the handful in more rural areas. It is my understanding, however, that they simply eat their prey like any other predator.”
“…What do you mean?”
“You see, the horses were found in pieces—dry. Not a drop of blood left.”