Mera glanced at the wooden box in her hands as she made her way back to the princess. It was a bizarre occurrence, one she wouldn’t expect, nor would she ever.

To think that traitor… Allie, would give me something just to make amends.

She had deliberated whether to reject the offering outright. In hindsight, the way she was even thinking of rejecting Allie’s sincerity, made Mera realize that she indeed was carrying resentment towards that girl.

It somewhat disgusted her, at herself. Hating someone was never pleasant, or good. It saddened her to realize that she was carrying such a negative emotion. But upon seeing the deep sincerity shown by Allie, Mera couldn’t find in herself to reject the offering.

And thus, she accepted.

Mera subtly sighed and gently opened the wooden lid.

Inside was a round cake, covered in white and red icing. Cherries were placed on the sides and center. It was a delightful thing to see, very presentable. Although, given the size of the box, this would only be enough for one person, just for Mera.

It smelled good and looked delicious, given the quality, it was an appropriate food for a noble.

Mera closed the box when she arrived closer to her destination.

With a deep breath, she opened the door and entered inside. The wooden box was covered by her hands hanging low, she did it as if trying to hide the box, but she knew not the reason why. It was almost a subconscious action.

She closed the door and faced the princess who was by the table, now lowering the quill and placing it back in the bottle.

“Oh, Mera. So how was she?”

Mera observed the princess as the latter gathered the several sheets of paper together. “She appears to be doing fine. She has been going along fine with her colleagues.”

“I see. Then she’s having a good time. Any more? Anything I should know?” the princess glanced at the object within Mera’s hands.

Mera subtly swallowed. “...S-She… she gave it to me.”

“Oh? For what?”

“A gift of goodwill… wanting to make amends.”

“Huh. I see… It’s food I assume?”

“Yes…”

“That’s good… good. Are you pleased by her gift?”

“I…” Mera sealed her lips, for she had no definite answer to give. Was she pleased? Or merely accepted it because of pity?

“Hm… never mind, disregard that question. In any case, we’re done here.”

The papers in her hand were suddenly enclosed in a transparent crimson ball, and suddenly flames erupted inside. Mera flinched slightly at the sudden appearance of violent flames, turning the papers that the princess has been writing on for days into ashes.

“And there they go~....” Rogan expressed his astonishment. “Is that necessary, princess? You could have kept those. Such a waste of plans.”

“A waste? They’re just piles of paper, sometimes you need to let some things go.”

“Wow, princess. That almost sounded from the heart.”

“Uh-huh. But in seriousness, I already have the plans in my mind anyway. Don’t need to keep these papers that essentially laid potential scenarios.”

“But one you worked on for days to just be burned away…”

“Days? I wouldn’t count I worked on them for days. I was only doing this for like, a couple of hours each day. Rest is also important to me, I’ll have you know.”

“Yes, but that’s not what I was trying to say… never mind. I’ll let this one go.”

The princess smiled slightly and walked to the window, where the ball of crimson opened and the ashes were carried away by the wind into the darkness.

The princess heaved a tired sigh. “I still have a meeting with the bishop tomorrow… I’m going to bed.”

Mera watched the princess closely. Despite saying wanting to go to bed, the princess didn’t seem to be sleepy yet, just tired. Or perhaps she was just hiding it. But the point was, despite going to her bedroom at the right time, the princess’s eyes have darkened a little, and her eyes appeared to always be drowsy.

Furthermore, every morning she seemed to be tired still. The princess was not sleeping very well, that much was obvious. However, she was driving away everyone’s concerns. So Mera and her fellow servants of the princess could do nothing.

They left the study room and brought the princess to her room.

“Goodnight,” said the princess before closing the door.

With the princess resting, Mera separated from the other two and went straight to the maids’ quarters. Unsurprisingly some maids had already arrived, including two of her closest friends.

“Hey, Mera.” Ellie waved her hand.

“Good evening.”

Mera greeted back and she shifted her eyes towards Macey who was already lying down on her bed with her eyes closed. She was still wearing her maid’s clothing, as was the same with everyone, she must be very tired after a long day’s work.

Mera opted not to disturb her.

Ellie eyed the wooden box in Mera’s hands. “What’s that box?”

“Oh this…” Mera sat down on the edge of her bed. “A cake.”

“Cake? Where’s it from?”

“Well…” Mera hesitated for a moment. “It’s from… the traitor, Allie.”

“Oh you mean that cook…? Wait, you received food from the person who legit tried to poison the princess?”

“Um, yes? What, you think she poisoned the cake?”

“It’s a possibility.”

Mera averted her eyes, there was no way Allie would poison the cake. She was with the other cooks, they would be watching her every movement. Plus, why would anyone try to poison a mere maid?

“Well, I don’t think it’s poisoned.”

Mera opened the box and showed Ellie the content. “She seemed pretty sincere when she gave it to me.”

“Huh, whatever you say. We can call for a healer when you get poisoned. The moment you start choking even for just a little, I’ll wake Macey the hell up.”

Mera smiled slightly at the concern her friend was showing. “Thanks, but I really don’t think this is poisoned, so there is no need to get all worked up.”

“Can’t hurt to be cautious, Mera. Are you eating that later? Then I guess I should wake Macey before you try to take a bite and you go ‘eeegh-ugggh’ or something.”

Mera furrowed her brows. “You can’t just wake her up, giver her some time to rest.”

“We’re going to eat dinner later anyways, what difference does it make if I wake her up now?”

“...” Technically, there was a difference. The longer one sleeps the better. However, Mera wondered if only a few minutes of difference would be worth it. Either way, she decided to let Ellie be.

“Oi! Macey, wake the fuck up.”

“E-Ellie! Language, language!” Mera frantically warned her, but it fell on deaf ears. The other maids looked at Ellie weirdly.

Macey groaned softly. “Still… sleepy.”

“Come on, get up. We’re going to take a bath and eat anyway.”

“Leave me alone…”

“You can’t just sleep dirty and with an empty stomach.”

“Doesn’t matter anymore…”

“Seriously? Ugh!”

Ellie walked over to Macey and pulled her up forcefully. Macey’s head limped back while her eyes closed.

“Don’t be a baby!”

“No…”

Ellie frowned and moved her face closer to the side of her face. “If you keep this up, I swear I’ll call up Alan,” she whispered to Macey’s ear.

Macey’s eyes snapped open. “Don’t! I’m awake, I’m awake.” she looked around a bit confused then shot Ellie an annoyed glance.

Ellie merely chuckled. “Awesome that worked! Finally I got a weapon!”

“Screw you, Ellie.”

Macey stood up from her bed with a sigh.

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“Language,” Ellie warned with a playful smile.

“Whatever…”

“Heh, in any case, I need you fully awake. Mera was given a cake by that commoner traitor.”

“A c-cake? Traitor? Do you mean the one that tried to poison the princess? Why would Mera even take food from her?”

“Dunno, Mera being a softy I guess.”

“Ugh. Mera…” she gazed at her. “If it is poisoned, be ready to feel some pain if it happens.”

“...” Mera pouted.

“But why did you even take it?”

“... I can’t just reject it, can I?”

“Of course you can reject it… But ugh, whatever, I’m too tired to argue. You’ll be eating it later during dinner?”

“I suppose yes.”

Of course she would, it would be a waste if she wouldn’t.

Mera pulled out a drawer and placed the covered wooden box inside and then closed the drawer. “I’ll be back for it later after bathing.”

***

The high bishop arrived at the palace at the appointed time to meet the princess again. With him, like last time was Astine, beside her on top of the table was a sizable box that she carried. They were the magic items that the princess had requested.

The magic items were not easy to make, not because of the process, but because of the materials they have to use. They were rarer than diamonds. Specifically, the small blue gemstones used to store mana, plain or modified. Fortunately, for all the centuries that the church had existed, and with the support of the kingdom, they had plenty in storage.

The stones were versatile to use, they were even used as sound amplifiers whenever the bishop goes for a mass. However, this was the first time that these many magic items were brought out altogether and stored in a box for just the request of one royal.

Of course, that was not a big issue, as the gemstones used for it were tiny. And the spells imbued in them were quite simple. Given the simplicity of the princess’s demand, Xenous was surprised as he had expected she would require spells that would be quite destructive.

Well, given that she didn’t demand a lot when it comes to the spells, then he shouldn’t worry about it this much. Besides, if she requested more, Xenous would be more reluctant to allow her to use the magic items.

The door opened, and the princess entered inside, but not a smile on her face. Even so, she was still as pure and gentle looking as ever. Shining brightly as the sun.

Xenous bowed his head deeply with a smile.

“Princess, we have what you requested.”

The high bishop indicated the box, and the princess approached. Astine opened the box and inside revealed numerous thin cylinders, made with wood and a little steel. At the tip of each cylinder were small blue gemstones.

“I assume the spells have been imbued?”

“Yes.”

“Very good. And what of my special custom request?”

Xenous pulled out a small box and presented it to the princess. The princess received and opened it. Inside was another cylinder, however, a little different in design.

“Made with a trigger, even allowing those with no mana to use the spell imbued in the gemstone. And the inside is hollow.”

In addition, besides the cylinder was a lid for the gemstone as well, to hide it. The bottom tip also could be opened.

“This will work fine. Thank you, high bishop.”

“My pleasure, princess.”

The princess turned to face her knight. “Rogan, take the box of items.”

The knight closed the lid and carried the box in his arms. While the princess closed her own box and kept it.

The bishop then continued. “The men have been selected, twenty in total. Our number is not as great as the knights I’m afraid, so I can only get this much. However, to compensate, I will be participating.”

“You? Are you strong?”

“Yes. I am the mentor of my soldiers after all.”

“I see. Then I hope you can move fast.”

“I am fully capable on that part, despite my age.” he chuckled.

“Splendid. Then as planned, send your men here for a meeting with the knights, the full details of the plan will be discussed by me.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

And they spoke a little more for the finer details.

***

Meliya chewed the food in her mouth, as her eyes subtly glanced at her youngest child, the daughter, beside her. Her eyes drooped in concern upon seeing how lightless Estelia’s eyes were compared to before. Meliya has been observing her dearest daughter for a while now and was beginning to notice the darkening under her daughter’s eyes more.

She had also noticed that Estelia has been acting strangely these past few days, but she could do nothing about it when her daughter seemed to be pretty busy herself. And also, Meliya didn’t know how to help her daughter, given the plight she was in. She could not find the ones hunting her daughter. Even the past that involves the gods, there was nothing else to find anymore.

She couldn’t feel more disappointed in herself.

She had brought her concern to her husband of course, but Estelia has been hiding her difficulties. It pained Meliya’s heart upon seeing her daughter like this.

When their dinner was done, Meliya went straight for her and her husband’s bedroom. However, she alone arrived first, as Leodoule still had one thing to finish, but he should come back at any moment. Meliya sat down on the nearby desk, with a small mirror standing on top of it. She stared at herself while pondering, twirling her silvery hair around her finger.

She was worried about what was to come, scared even. Why couldn’t Estelia just stay home where it’s safe? It has always been that way, and everything was peaceful. Estelia would have nothing to worry about. She was safer inside the confines of their home.

It may be cruel to keep her here like a bird in a cage, but it was the best and safest option. She will have a quiet and pleasant life. She could eat what she want, read what she want, sleep, or rest anytime she want.

That was times better than being out there, outside, where her life was at stake.

And, Estelia never complained about being sheltered in the palace.

Why now of all times?

She sighed.

And at that moment, the door opened. She turned to see her husband entering.

Leodoule wrinkled his brows after closing the door, noticing something strange about Meliya.

“Is something concerning you, my love?” he asked as he approached her.

He pulled a chair and sat down beside her before grasping her hand with a worried expression.

“Tell me…”

“It’s… it’s Estelia…”

“I see…”

“Please do not allow her to do something this dangerous…”

Leodoule lowered his head. “It is what she wants… I don’t know what she will do if I deny her of this.”

Meliya held back the tears coming out of her eyes. “... Her health… she definitely is not sleeping properly.”

“...”

“This whole situation is bothering her so much… why do the gods allow their child to suffer like this…?”

“...” Leodoule could say nothing but only slowly wrap his arms around his wife.

Meliya closed her eyes, finding small relief in the warm and soft embrace of her love. But that could not rid the fear and concern she had for her dear daughter.

“... I want to do something for her… before…”

She moved back and looked her husband in the eyes. “I wish to visit Estelia… now.”

“Now? But she’s in her room, she might be asleep now.”

“Leodoule…”

“... I suppose… she might still be awake. Very well, go to her.”

With a nod, Meliya rose from her seat and left the room, heading to her daughter’s. When she arrived, she grasped her fingers and took a deep breath. It was then she noticed a faint hint of light coming through the small gaps of the door. Meliya closed her eyes, this could mean Estelia was still awake.

Once she opened them, she knocked gently on the door.

“Estelia, it’s me your mother.”

It was silent for a short while until the door clicked open, and Meliya was greeted by her daughter’s wide and gentle eyes, curiously looking at her.

“Mother…? Why are you here…?”

Meliya tenderly smiled and patted Estelia’s head. “And you are still awake.”

“...”

“You can’t sleep, am I right?”

“... I am alright…”

“No you are not. How many nights have you not been sleeping properly?”

“...”

“Come on, tell me, dear.”

“A few nights now…” she looked away.

“Oh dear… are you terrified…?”

“ — No I’m not.”

Meliya was quite taken aback by how abrupt her answer was.

“Alright…” Meliya entered the room, to Estelia’s confusion. Then she sat on Estelia’s bed. “Let’s have an honest talk, share to me your feelings…”

Estelia seemed to hesitate, but in the end, closed and locked the door and walked over to the bed.

Meliya patted the bed. “Lie down.”

And her daughter did. Meliya removed her sandals and lay on the bed beside Estelia.

“Tell me what’s troubling your mind…”

Meliya was well aware of her troubles of course. But she wanted Estelia to share them herself.

“...”

But there was no answer. Estelia, while her body facing her mother, was looking away.

“Tell me what has been happening to you all these nights…”

“...”

“Dear,” Meliya gently touched her daughter’s cheek and then pushed her hair aside with her finger. “You do not need to hold back your feelings from me. It is not always good to keep your feelings hidden, even more so to your mother.”

Estelia closed her eyes, and a moment later, she spoke gently. “I can’t sleep, mother… It’s hard. So hard. My mind cannot rest.”

“Are you scared…?”

“I am not afraid. I am… only irritated.”

Meliya’s eyes widened slightly, and then she wrapped her arm around Estelia. She felt Estelia flinch for but a moment.

“Why?”

It was silent for a few seconds before her daughter replied. “Because of them… all of them. They… they are getting in my way…”

“...”

Meliya glanced at Estelia’s face, she was upset.

Estelia lowered her head. “Why is it so hard to achieve…?”

Meliya’s heart pained to hear the sadness in Estelia’s voice.

“What is it that you want, my lovely daughter…?”

“...”

There was no immediate answer from her daughter. Could it be because she found it hard to express it in words? Or perhaps because she was hesitating to answer. But Meliya waited.

And then, Estelia’s answer came in a small voice.

“... I only want… to live.”

Meliya fell into puzzlement. She could not understand what Estelia meant by it. Was she not living already? Was she not here beside her? She was able to eat and drink, smile, and talk.

She was alive, and have a good life here. Is that not living?

Was she such a failure of a parent that she couldn’t even understand what her daughter deeply wanted?

“Estelia, what do you mean…?”

There was no immediate response, and when it came, it was not what Meliya was seeking. “... I want to sleep. Mother I…” Estelia looked up at her. “... no… never mind…”

Meliya tenderly smiled. “...Shall I sleep beside you tonight?”

Estelia lowered her head, then she meekly nodded her head. Meliya’s heart grew warm.

“Then I will do so. And to help you sleep, I will tell you a story.”

Meliya caught a glimpse of her daughter’s small smile, and it brought her relief. It reminded her of when Estelia was still so young, how she asked often for stories to tell before going to sleep. Conjuring that image of that small Estelia brought her a good sense of nostalgia. A beautiful memory.

“Close your eyes then. I will tell you a story about a baby goose…”

It was a short story she once read recently. She glanced at Estelia for a moment before continuing.

“There was a baby goose, a gosling, traveling the land with her family. The family, two brothers, and two sisters counting our little gosling, along with them, their father and mother. There was a tale of a paradise they heard, a paradise for their kind, where it was rich in water and fruits, a world filled with green life, and a place of safety. But the travel will be long, and dangers linger.

“And yet they braved on and walked through the dangerous terrains. The goslings trailed behind their parents, as the latter led the way. And then, they were met with a challenge beyond their hands to overcome. A beast with fangs for teeth, and razor-sharp claws, appeared in front of them. The father goose stood in front and begged his family to run away.

“And so they did. But a few seconds later, the beast stood in their way again. And so the mother begged her children to run away. And so they did. But several seconds later, the beast appeared again. Children as they were, they froze in fear, having no idea of what to do. And so, the beast struck down one of the sisters, then one brother. And so, one remaining brother of our baby gosling told her to run away. And so she did, alone.

“Minutes passed, but the beast did not appear, seemingly its hunger has been sated. The baby gosling cried the loss of her family. However, it remembered the paradise she heard. And so, as if carrying her family with her, she moved forward. No matter how hard the terrain, how beasts roamed around her, she kept moving forward. Even if hunger or thirst strikes, she never gave up.

“It was unclear how long it took, but before she knew it, she had arrived at her destination, greeted by a rainbow-colored bird. And indeed, it was paradise. She rested, ate full, and drank full. She felt sad still, that her family was not there with her. But in her sadness, she met others of her kind, and she made friends.

“Her loneliness was rid of because of the presence of her friends. Who was once alone, now has friends she could talk and eat with. The pain of the loss of her family was ever present, but with her friends, she formed another family, and with joy and life filling her heart, the young gosling smiled.”

Meliya quietly stared at her daughter, who, to her relief, was now sleeping. Seeing Estelia’s adorable face resting, Meliya smiled.

My little baby…

Estelia will always be her dear baby girl, no matter how much she had grown. She gently kissed her daughter on the forehead, while keeping her in her arms.

I hope you will be as strong as the baby gosling… no matter how painful the journey in this life may be, please do not give up, and keep going for your goals.

With the hardship her daughter was facing now, Meliya prayed that Estelia would be able to steel herself and get through it all.

Meliya rested her head on the pillow beside Estelia and closed her eyes. She knew that Estelia would be more at ease if she was beside her, and she would do it just so her daughter could get a pleasant sleep. Her husband might still be waiting in their room, but surely he would have realized by now.

With a small smile, Meliya slowly drifted off to sleep with Estelia in her arms.