The dancing candle flame near the window blew into smoke. Sakiiya’s lips were moving, but I could only hear the crinkling ash falling from the candle’s smoldering tip.

My head drummed with questions and several unsatisfying answers. When did this happen? Why? Who could’ve killed her? But I couldn’t move my lips to ask. All I could think about was the time we spent together that day. She displayed so many qualities I longed for. Her wisdom, curiosity, feminine grace, and cunning. I wanted to learn more about her. I wanted to be her. But now… she was gone.

It was only a game, but why did I feel so… sad?

「Princess Yokalena.」 Sakiiya reached across the table and placed her hand on mine. 「This is a lot to take in, I know, but you must stay strong.」

Strong? Stay strong for who? My absentee father and brother? My abandoning mother? That group of fucking losers that think we’re friends? I put my trust in friends like Chihiro and Toshiaki, and they turned out to be self-centered imbeciles with a hive-mind complex! There was no strong or weak in this world. There were only those that won and those that lost.

And I was born a fucking winner.

「Do you have a name?」

Sakiiya widened her eyes. 「I’m… I’m sorry?」

「I’m asking if you know who did it. Any leads whatsoever?」

「N-no, but if you just—」

I stood from my chair and nodded. 「I’ll be leaving now.」

Sakiiya jumped from her chair. 「W-wait, where are you going?」

「To the capital. I’m sure someone there has some answers.」

「That’s… that’s a terrible idea, Princess Yokalena.」

The door flew open, revealing a large man with a long-crooked nose and receding black hair. He walked over and lifted my hand, giving it a wet kiss. The prickling hairs on his neck and soft exchanges of his tongue felt like a wild animal was lopping at me.

A final kiss on my fingertips made me shiver as he backed away with a woeful smile. 「Bernak’s the name. But Sakii is right, Princess Yokalena. It’s too dangerous in the capital right now. Lots of eyes and ears are perked up, and fingers may point to foreign royalty if given the chance.」

「I don’t understand. Why would they blame her unconscious daughter for their mother’s death? That’s illogical.」 I said.

Sakiiya and Bernak exchanged glances.

「You haven’t told her everything, have you?」 Bernak said with a sigh. He grabbed my hand and perched it on his arm while walking toward the door. 「Come to my estate, my dear. We have much to discuss. But fret not; Bernak is a friend of yours. And I never abandon those precious to me.」

. . .

I sat across a glass table that weaved its way through the wood finish like a river of light, sparkling with a brilliance that mimicked distant stars. The main floor of his manor stretched out vast and opulent, its expanse anchored by a lush, deep red rug that seemed to drink in the light. Around us, history and luxury mingled; paintings rich with color and life adorned the walls, each encased in golden frames. Artifacts, each with a silent story, rested on white pillars that rose like sentinels throughout the room. A blue crystal shielded by blackthorn leaves on a raised pedestal seemed to whisper toward me.

Bernak followed my eyes and nodded. 「Ah, yes. I traded that with a merchant from Rameshtis. It’s said to be a seed from the tree itself, able to grant a wish to those pure of heart.」

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He then chuckled and took his golden cup full of maroon swill and held it to his lips. 「Well, that’s the legend, anyway. No one’s been able to use the seeds for quite some time. They’ve become rare household items for those who can afford adventurers to obtain them.」

Bernak snapped his fingers, and a woman with long ebony hair wearing a tight-fitting black and gold-laced dress walked from his side, carrying a pitcher and glass. Though beautiful, her eyes had a distant stare, like a ghost in an empty shell.

「Tyga, why doesn’t Princess Yokalena hold a glass? We’re in the presence of royalty, and she shall drink like the fine noble she is!」

I glared at Tyga, and she backed away with a bowed head. 「A drink is not what I want. I want to know the details of my mother’s murder.」

「Hm, yes. An unfortunate tragedy it was…」 Bernak said, snapping his fingers. Tyga went upstairs, along with two bulky henchmen posted at the door.

「Do you want to excuse your maid? This is precious information I’m about to share.」

I glanced at Agnelov, standing beside me, her hands clenched over her stomach.

『It’s not that I don’t trust you, Agnelov, but this information might be dangerous. Could you wait for me outside while we talk?』

『Of course, Princess Yokalen. I’ll be outside until I’m needed.』 Agnelov bowed her head and walked out the front door.

「Now then, according to Sakiiya, before she rescued you from the capital, you were unconscious after the Ushur’s coronation. Does that sum up your recollection of the past few days?」

I nodded. 「Sure, let’s go with that.」

「I see. Well, an unfortunate set of events occurred in Phoenia about two days ago. Several Patricians and royal figures fell victim to murder, while the Royal Guard divided its allegiance among various houses, leading to an insurmountable bloodbath between them. All the while, rebels have taken the King hostage in his castle in a coup d’état.」

「Are you suggesting a connection between these situations?」

「Hm, perhaps. The Ushur’s coronation was used to bring together the nations on the Vogran peninsula to settle disputes, as a great war was on the horizon. However, there were also talks of trade agreements between countries such as Inascovia and Enforia for precious materials for reasons I’m not sure of.」

「So what would murdering my mother have to do with these trade agreements? Wouldn’t it be beneficial to keep her alive?」

「It’s only a rumor from some of my associates in the capital, nothing more. Your mother’s murder could be completely unrelated.」

I didn’t care about this coup or whatever else they were doing. I just wanted to find the piece of shit who killed Cheykina.

「Can you tell me anything else about the how and when of my mother’s death? Any details that could help me find the culprit?」

Bernak’s eyes widened. He chuckled while walking over and stood behind me, placing his meaty hands on my shoulders.

「The rumors are true that Inascovians are as cold as ice. Despite only learning about her death moments after coming awake, you’re ready to take action. While I applaud such pro-activeness, it would be best if you stayed in Lanier with me.」

「And why is that?」

「Well, there’s a rumor that your father has gone missing. Your sister said she would investigate the matter but hasn’t returned after she delivered you alongside Sakiiya.」

Why would he vanish right after her death? He didn’t think to track Evonika or me down after hearing about this coup or whatever. Some fucking father and husband he is. Though, what could Evonika be doing at a time like this? She’s not the type to act without reason, so she probably figured something out.

「Why did that knight rescue me, anyway? I don’t think we’ve ever met before.」

「Ah, yes, but you’re both an acquittance of Miinareen. After slaughter rampaged the streets, Miinareen pleaded for Sakiiya’s help in rescuing you. I agreed, hoping we could… help each other out.」

「So, you had an ulterior motive for helping me?」

「You are royalty, my girl. Rescuing you had much more at stake for me, so I couldn’t do it simply in goodwill. I’m sure you can understand.」

I didn’t like the way he was framing things, but sure, I could understand that approach. But what could he want from me? I couldn’t employ diplomatic relations if Phoenia’s monarchy were in a wreck. Did he want money? Though it seemed like he was flooding with revenue already.

「And you may ask yourself, ‘What could this humble old man need for such services?’ Well, truth be told, I’ve wanted to restore my house to honor for some time now. The King once held us in his good graces, but after his wife died, he swept us under the rug, so to speak. With the help of a royal figure and Ushur candidate, I believe you can help me greatly.」

I didn’t like being forced into desperate situations, but what choice did I have? If I fled to the capital for sanction, who knows what kind of group or leader is retaining the King right now? And I didn’t have any allies I could trust to keep me safe. The only person I had on my side was Agnelov. But I couldn’t risk putting her in danger, so I could run off and be reckless.

Until I retrieved more information, it was probably best for me to stay put. I just hoped I was making the right decision. Is this what she would’ve done?

「I… I understand. What do you need me to do?」

Bernak’s plump cheeks wrinkled into a sinister smile as he tightened his grip on my shoulders. 「I’m glad you see it my way, Princess Yokalena. Come, let me show you around your new home.」