N-A 2: The price of love.
''...''
''...''
It's... suffocating.
Under the bright moon hanging in the sky, she and I sit opposite each other. Did I make a mistake by inviting her to this spot?
It is where our little New Year party took place a month ago, after all.
I thought she would relax just a bit if the scenery were nice, but... looking at the crown princess right now, she doesn't seem to be enjoying herself at all.
Fiddling with the pawn made of ice, Sierra Alaina Astra—my alleged cousin—keeps silently staring into the air, lost in her thoughts.
''So?''
Her cold voice falls.
''Do you truly dare... to covet the crown?''
''...''
In an instant, a terrible chill runs down my spine, causing my wings to involuntarily cower. Facing her imposing silvery eyes, I feel as though a fierce beast has set its gaze on .
Even if I'm just an ordinary maid... I know a thing or two about how it works. The reason Sierra has summoned here is to give a warning.
If I were to declare my intentions of ascending the throne, she would rcilessly use her force to eliminate and my allies at once. Considering that she has many opportunities in the past to dispose of even before this rumor blows up, is she... giving a chance?
A chance to back out. To lay low and live as if I didn't exist.
''I...''
When I struggle to give out an answer, Sierra sneers as if seeing sothing ridiculous.
''You should feel grateful for that eccentric lady's grace. The one that you are serving.'' She says.
''Lady Luminous...?''
''You truly don't know? If not for her early intervention, you would have been dead a long ti ago.''
''...''
So my lady has been protecting all along...
Maybe she really is a good person, after all. I still don't like her for liking Aurora, but at least... thank you for letting gather my thoughts, Lady Luminous.
''Enough of this. I will ask this one last ti—do you cover the crown?'' Sierra's voice snaps out. ''Even if I have to turn Luminous Duchy into my enemy... I won't hesitate.''
''I—''
Thinking back, it has been an incredible ti so far. From contently settling down as a re maid... to now being able to contest for the highest status in the entire country seriously.
Of course, I also thought about it deeply.
If I were the empress, taking in Aurora as my little lover would be trivial. Even if Lady Luminous opposes it, she can't do anything against the crown's will.
I would finally have what I want the most. Her mind, her body, her gaze, her thoughts... everything would be mine.
But then again, my reasonings betrayed .
The mont I beco the target, Aurora, my weakness, will suffer alongside as well. No matter how strong the Luminous Duchy is, no matter how strong Aurora herself is... she can't be safe.
In the first place, is it realistic to expect a nobody like to be able to top soone as well-established as Sierra? What if, while I was busy competing, Aurora got snatches away from ?
Wouldn't it all be pointless?
So, I have co to a conclusion—the throne is not worth it.
I would rather be on equal footing with Lady Luminous and compete for Aurora fair and square. This way, nobody will be hurt.
''I see. Good decision, my dear cousin.''
After hearing Sierra's obviously milder tone, one that is mixed with a pounce of relief, I can finally be at ease. As I try to shake off the tension, Sierra, this ti, with a slight grin, pushes the ice pawn toward .
''Nydia.''
''Yes...?''
''Co under my wings.''
It is a bit ironic since... I'm the one with the wings, but I obviously can't make that joke here. I don't want to, either.
Nevertheless, Sierra's offer is within the range of expectations. She might want to monitor more closely, as well as use my identity to help her achieve her political goals. If it were known that I supported her endeavor, even the stubborn supporters of my late... father would definitely rally behind Sierra.
''You must have received many gifts from that incompetent brother of mine.''
''...I did.''
''I can give you much more than that.'' Sierra confidently states. ''I can guarantee you a smooth, secure life. Anything you want, as long as it is not outrageous, will be provided. Most of all... I can help you with your little love story.''
''E-Eh?''
How did she... oh, wait... now that I think about it, I didn't make much effort to hide my affection for Aurora...
Hearing others talk about my love life is embarrassing...!
''Snatching that owl away from Alia Luminous... might be a bit difficult since that lady is also obsessed with her, but I can at least get you to an equal, if not higher, footing than Alia.''
''I... I understand. If nothing arises, I will wholeheartedly support you as the heir, so please... keep your promise.''
''Good.''
Afterward, we go over a list of important things before I receive my title as a princess.
''I will assign a trusted attendant to you. If you want anything, tell her.''
An excuse for her to put eyes on —a shackle.
''Officers from the Intelligence Departnt will co soon, so prepare yourself. I will find a way to guide you through the process, so don't stress over it.''
...At this point, I suspect Sierra might have a say in this departnt's decision... well, she is the crown princess, after all.
With that, alongside many more things, the eting ends successfully with a deal.
''One more thing.''
Before I stand up and return to my room, however, Sierra stops . Holding the ice pawn, she regurgitates a riddle from... Silaerob? Why did Silaerob give her a riddle?
Either way, she wants my answer as to who should take responsibility for Ra's death in the story.
To say that the riddle itself is too vague... should be common sense. If so, is there a hint I haven't noticed?
''In her words, she did say, 'illuminated by the moonlight, the five set out to defeat the ancient evil,' so could it be Ra's own fault for not disclosing her condition?''
''That's one thing, yes. Otherwise, everybody would just be as liable... unless...''
Simultaneously, Sierra and I turn to the bright, round moon in the starry sky. For so reason, at the back of my mind, I feel as though it is slightly bigger today.
It's chilling. Sohow...
''Well, thanks for the input, anyway.''
''Oh, yes... it was interesting.''
This ti, it is not an imagination. I've noticed Sierra's clearly intrigued tone toward Silaerob. I wonder if she is also a fan like Claire.
If so, I hope she can get along with Silaerob.
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