Zack and Nat emerged from the resting room arm in arm, their fingers intertwined as they stepped into the bustling hall where many people were already moving about with purpose, busy with their various tasks. The air hummed with activity and anticipation.
"Look who decided to finally come out! I guess the main person is always late," Little Princess spoke as she walked toward them with great posture, her spine straight and her steps confident. She stopped directly in front of the pair with a playful smile dancing on her lips.
"It's Zack's fault! I was ready way before you," Nat said with mock indignation, reaching out to pinch Little Princess's nose playfully between her fingers. The young girl protested cutely, swatting her hand away with a giggle.
"Zack! I told you I want to help! Why are you not sending meeee?" Mother Veny came rushing over, her frustration clear in every syllable as she threw her hands up in exasperation.
"Veny, we will also help in our own way. You don't have to risk going to that mansion," Mother Isafold spoke kindly while fixing Nat's dress and hair with careful, practiced hands. Her fingers moved gently, adjusting every fold and strand until everything was perfect. "You know how women are treated in there. If something happens, can you show your face to your husband? Think about what he would feel."
"Moooo! I wanted to do more!" Mother Veny looked at Zack with hopeful eyes, practically pleading, searching desperately for support. Zack met her gaze and just shook his head in gentle rejection, his expression apologetic but firm.
"Grr! I hate all of you! Humph!" Mother Veny pouted dramatically and flopped onto the nearby couch with exaggerated despair, crossing her arms over her chest like a child denied a treat.
Slowly, one by one, everyone present moved closer and settled onto the various sofas scattered around the room, gathering together in a comfortable circle as Maid Emmy laid out a light breakfast on the table with quiet efficiency. The plates clinked softly as she arranged them. Mother Veny continued to pout stubbornly, her expression unchanging.
Seeing her like this, Zack spoke up as he gently fed Nat pieces of fresh fruit with his own hands, holding each morsel up to her lips with care.
"Mother Veny, I've decided to send you to find the source of those weird energies we've been detecting. If you can find it, then you can save many people in one go, potentially hundreds or more. Sio is already going with the maid from Oliver's house to the mansion. Too many people aren't required for that mission. They just have to get the clue from there and get out quickly. It's a high-risk, slightly easy job. But what you'll do is a high-risk, tough job that requires real skill and experience. So.... which is better?" Zack asked while signalling for the maid from Oliver's house to come forward from the back where she stood quietly with the other maids, her hands folded professionally in front of her.
"Huh! Is that so? Then it's fine!" Mother Veny spoke with immediate satisfaction, her mood flipping like a switch. She was now eating some fruits contentedly, popping little pieces into her mouth as the others just laughed, shaking their heads at her quick change of mood.
Nat ate the fruit given by Zack, chewing slowly as she looked at the maid from Oliver's house with genuine concern in her eyes. She asked carefully, "Are you sure you want to do this? Your life won't be in danger, but... you know what might happen there. The men in that place..."
"Hmm, Princess, I owe a great deal to the young master and to the previous masters of his house," the cute young maid said carefully, her voice steady and professional as she chose her words with precision. "I'm experienced in handling difficult situations, so I believe I can manage on my own. Miss Sio, however, may have more difficulty since she's not used to that environment. I think I alone will be enough. She doesn't need to come and put herself at risk."
Before anyone else could respond, Sio jumped up enthusiastically from her seat, her eyes blazing with determination. "We've already discussed this! I will go. It's our problem, our city's problem. Others are already busy with important tasks, and some of us can't go because they're too recognizable, so I'm the only one who can do this. Don't worry. If anyone dares to do anything inappropriate, then I'll kick him so hard he won't walk for a week!" She demonstrated with a few practice kicks in the air, her leg swinging up impressively high.
PAT!
"Sorry, dear, to put you in trouble like this," Queen Mother said warmly, reaching out to pat Sio's head with motherly affection. Her touch was gentle, comforting. "It's important information we need, so even though we have good connections inside that mansion, they are always under his surveillance. Every corner has eyes. We only have a small window when everyone will be busy with other matters. Just be quick, okay, dear? Get in, get the information, and get out."
"Don't worry, Queen Mother! I'll do my best!" Sio patted her own chest assuringly, her confidence radiating outward. She walked over to sit beside Big Guy, settling into the cushions next to him. As everyone talked about other matters, she spoke slowly to him in a quieter voice that only he could hear. "Don't hate me, okay! I know this is dangerous, but..."
"Hmmm? Why would I hate you? I will never hate you, no matter what happens!" Big Guy spoke casually while stuffing a bunch of things into his mouth in one enormous bite, bread, fruit, and cheese all at once. His cheeks bulged comically.
"Geez!" Sio laughed a little at the sight, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. His presence always made her feel calmer, safer. The nervousness that had been coiling in her stomach loosened just a bit.
"So, are you ready?" Zack asked, feeding some food to Nat before taking a bite himself, his movements relaxed and natural.
"Hehe, I was... CHEW CHEW CHEW... born... GULP GULP... ready!" Nat barely spoke coherently while chewing her food enthusiastically, her cheeks stuffed full like a squirrel.
"Yeah, yeah, sure," Zack smiled warmly and cleaned some bits of food from the corner of her mouth with gentle fingers, his touch tender and affectionate. But in doing so, a small piece fell onto her lap.
"Geez Zack, be careful. I don't want people to laugh at me! " Nat spoke with slight irritation while checking her dress for any stains.
"Ah! Sorry! " Zack laughed embarrassedly and cleaned the spot with quick movements.
Slowly, everyone ate some light breakfast together, the conversation flowing easily between them. The atmosphere was warm despite the tension of what was to come. After a while, when the plates had been cleared and final preparations made, Nat stood in the middle of the room, surrounded by her guards who took their positions around her with military precision.
In her beautiful attire, she looked straight ahead toward the doors that would lead outside, her expression shifting from the playful girl she'd been moments ago to something regal and more composed. A gentle wind came through the open windows and touched her face, making some loose strands of her hair dance.
Pheeeww!
She took a slow, deliberate breath in and out, filling her lungs completely before releasing the air in a steady stream. Her chest rose and fell as she centered herself, finding her inner strength. Then she turned to look at her friends and family gathered behind her, taking in each beloved face. Her gaze found Zack last, lingering on him, and she gave him a gentle smile, before stepping forward with purpose. Her stride was straight and steady, every movement deliberate and controlled. The others followed behind her in respectful silence, their footsteps echoing softly in the corridor.
As soon as she came outside into the bright afternoon light, she saw a huge crowd gathered in front of the Queen's Palace, stretching as far as she could see. There were easily thousands of people packed into the plaza and spilling into the surrounding streets. The sheer size of it made her breath catch for just a moment. Many murmurs rippled through the masses like waves, voices blending together into an indistinct roar of sound.
But as soon as Princess Natalia stood at the raised platform and looked at the people with calm authority, everyone suddenly got quiet. The silence spread through the crowd like a living thing, person by person falling silent until you could hear the wind rustling through the banners.
Princess Natalia stood properly and gazed around at the assembled crowd, taking in their faces, their expressions, their energy. She could feel their eyes on her, thousands of gazes boring into her. Then she took the speaking tool in her hand and was about to address them when....
BOOOOOOOOOOO! BBOOOOOOOOOOOO! BBUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU! BBBUUUUUUUUUUU!
"GO AWAAAYYY! WE DON'T WANT YOU! LEAVVVEEEE! GETTT OUUUTTT! SHAME ON YOU! THUUU! USELESS CROWN! WE WANT A BETTER LIFE! OUR KIDS ARE STARVING! PRINCESS NATALIA IS USELESS! SHE CAN'T SAVE US! WE DON'T WANT TO DIE! USELESS CROWN! GET OUT!"
The cacophony of angry voices came from scattered groups within the crowd, their shouts cutting through the air like knives, completely disregarding Princess Natalia's presence. The words were harsh, brutal, designed to wound. Hearing all this, she didn't flinch, not even a twitch of her eye or a tremor in her hands. She just stood silently as the harsh words kept coming, washing over her like waves crashing against stone.
THUP!
After a tense moment, suddenly from somewhere deep in the crowd, someone threw a squishy vegetable at Princess Natalia. It flew through the air in a spinning arc and hit her arm with a wet sound, making her dress dirty with splattered juice. The red stain spread across the white fabric, mixing with the red flower design on it.
THUP! THUP! THUP! THUP! THUP!
Suddenly, as if that first throw had been a signal, a barrage of fruits and vegetables were thrown at her from multiple directions. Some missed, sailing past her head or landing at her feet, but many hit their target, striking her body, her dress, her head. Each impact made her beautiful dress increasingly soiled with juice and pulp. One overripe tomato even struck her face directly, the juice running down her cheek like blood.
"SHAME ON YOU, CROWN! SHAME! SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!"
THUP! THUP! THUP! THUP! THUP!
Loud chants were shouted in rhythm while more items were hurled at her with increasing fervor. Princess Natalia still didn't move, didn't raise her hands to protect herself, didn't step back. Her eyes remained sharp and focused as she stood in proper straight posture, taking every hit without reaction. Even the guards around her hadn't moved, standing like statues despite the assault. She just stood there, getting drenched in vegetable and fruit juices, her composure unwavering as the sticky liquid soaked into her hair and dress. Her breathing remained steady, her expression blank.
Slowly, after what felt like an eternity but was probably only a few minutes, there were fewer chants and less stuff being thrown. The crowd's energy was beginning to wane, their arms tired from throwing. The groups of agitators seemed to realize their assault wasn't having the desired effect.
Now Princess Natalia moved slightly forward, her movements deliberate and controlled.
WHOOSH!
Then, she jumped with explosive grace onto the higher structure of the platform, her body moving fluidly through the air, and looked down at the people below from her elevated position. Seeing her sudden, graceful movement, everything got quiet again. All eyes locked onto her.
Then Princess Natalia suddenly signalled the guards with a sharp gesture of her hand. The four expert Queen's guards moved instantly, their bodies blurring with speed as they jumped down into the crowd and grabbed several people from the midst of the masses. Their hands were iron grips on the struggling agitators. Other guards also moved swiftly, their training evident in their efficiency, apprehending more individuals who had been throwing items and shouting the loudest.
Princess Natalia signalled again, and suddenly a flying board was brought forward by an attendant, gliding smoothly through the air. She moved ahead decisively and placed her leg on the board floating before her, stepping onto it with confidence. Then she slowly rose into the air, standing properly on the board with straight posture, her balance perfect as the board lifted her higher and higher. Her long-braided hair now moved gently in the wind, swaying behind her like a banner. The guards also floated up on their own boards, surrounding her in a protective formation while carrying the struggling captives who cursed and kicked uselessly.
Princess Natalia came to hover above the crowd at a significant height and just floated there silently, her figure framed against the sky. The tension was palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife. After a deliberate pause that stretched for nearly a full minute, she started moving sideways on her board... first left, gliding smoothly in one direction, then right, covering the opposite side, before positioning herself at the center again directly above the heart of the crowd. Then she spoke finally, her voice carrying clearly across the silent masses, amplified by the speaking tool.
"KILL THEM."
The words were cold, final, absolute.
KCK! KCK! KCK! KCK! KCK!
Several sounds of slashing rang out sharply as the people grabbed by the guards were cut swiftly at the neck. The blades moved so fast they were barely visible. Blood sprayed in crimson arcs, catching the light.
THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!
Their bodies fell to the ground like discarded puppets, studding the crowd with corpses as some people moved backward in shock and horror, their hands flying to their mouths. There was utter silence, just the sound of wind rushing past and the distant cry of a bird could be heard. No one dared to even breathe loudly.
Princess Natalia observed the expressions on the faces of the crowd carefully, her eyes scanning across the sea of people, taking in their fear, their shock, their sudden understanding of who held the power here. Then she spoke in a clear, dominant voice that rang with authority and left no room for argument.
"DON'T WORRY! THEY WERE NOT PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF EIRS. NOT WASTING FOOD IS THE FIRST THING TAUGHT TO THE CHILDREN OF EIRS. EVERYONE HERE KNOWS THIS. EVEN IF THEY WERE CITIZENS, THEN THEY HAVE ALREADY SOLD THEIR SOULS TO OUTSIDERS."
Princess Natalia paused for a moment, letting her words sink deep into their minds. Everyone's eyes were locked on her, unable to look away. She continued without expression, her voice unwavering and strong.
"I AM NOT A MINDLESS KILLING MACHINE, BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN I WILL TOLERATE BAD THINGS HAPPENING IN OUR CITY. I WAS ATTACKED SEVERAL TIMES IN THESE FEW DAYS, PUTTING ME, MY FAMILY, AND MY FRIENDS IN DANGER. PEOPLE I LOVE COULD HAVE DIED BECAUSE OF THESE ATTACKS. I AM WARNING YOU, THOSE WHO LURK IN SHADOWS LIKE FILTHY LITTLE ANIMALS, THINKING THEY CAN CONTROL THIS CITY FROM THE DARKNESS... THE AULIFFEE CROWN FAMILY WILL NOT GIVE UP THIS CITY TO OUTSIDERS. THIS IS OUR LAND. OUR ANCESTORS HAVE WORKED HARD FOR GENERATIONS TO MAKE THIS PLACE BETTER AND BETTER, THEY HAVE BUILD SOMETHING WORTH PROTECTING. AND THOSE WHO ARE OLD ENOUGH KNOW WHAT MY ANCESTORS HAVE DONE AND WHAT MY QUEEN MOTHER HAS ACCOMPLISHED OVER THE DECADES."
She took a breath, her gaze sweeping across the sea of faces with intensity.
"OF COURSE, THERE ARE MANY PROBLEMS IN THIS CITY, SERIOUS ISSUES THAT HAVE SPREAD SIGNIFICANTLY DUE TO OUR FAILURE TO CARE FOR THEM PROPERLY. BECAUSE OF THE GREED AND DELUSIONS OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS, MANY INNOCENT PEOPLE HAVE SUFFERED GREAT INJUSTICE. FAMILIES HAVE BEEN TORN APART. CHILDREN HAVE GONE HUNGRY. GOOD PEOPLE HAVE BEEN CRUSHED UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THEIR EVIL DEEDS. HOWEVER, THAT DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE OVERLOOKING THESE PROBLEMS OR PRETENDING THEY DON'T EXIST."
Princess Natalia glanced backward pointedly at the place where the Crown Leaders were standing on a separate platform, her gaze sharp and accusatory, making her meaning crystal clear to everyone watching. Some of the leaders shifted uncomfortably under her stare.
She took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling, and continued with renewed intensity and passion.
"WE HAVE MADE SOME MISTAKES, AND I AM TRULY SORRY ON BEHALF OF MY FAMILY FOR THE SUFFERING YOU'VE ENDURED. BUT I DON'T INTEND TO GIVE UP ON THIS CITY. I PROMISE TO REMOVE THE FILTHINESS FROM EVERY ROCK, MAKING SURE EVERY PERSON CAN LIVE A GOOD LIFE WITHOUT FEAR. DOING THIS WILL NOT BE EASY. IT WILL TAKE TIME, EFFORT, AND SACRIFICE. SO I WILL NEED A LOT OF HELP FROM EVERYONE HERE. THIS IS OUR CITY! THIS IS OUR ISLAND! DO YOU REALLY WANT SOME OUTSIDER TO COME HERE AND DESTROY THIS BEAUTIFUL PLACE WE CALL HOME? TELL ME, DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE SOME OTHER CROWN FROM THE MAINLAND WILL TRULY THINK FOR YOU AND CARE ABOUT YOUR WELFARE? IF YOU'RE LUCKY, THEN SURE, MAYBE THE FIRST ONE WILL BE KIND. BUT ARE YOU CERTAIN THE NEXT ONE AFTER THAT WILL BE THE SAME? AND WHAT ABOUT THE ONE AFTER THAT? ANYONE WHO DESIRED THIS PLACE WILL HAVE AN ULTERIOR MOTIVE! AND WHAT ABOUT MY ANCESTORS? YOU MUST HAVE HEARD THE STORIES, RIGHT? THE TALES OF HOW THEY BUILT THIS CITY FROM NOTHING? AND MANY OF YOU HAVE SEEN MY MOTHER'S WORK FIRSTHAND FROM THE PAST SEVERAL DECADES. OUR AULIFFEE FAMILY IS NOT JUST A CROWN SITTING IN A PALACE... WE ARE THIS CITY'S PEOPLE, BORN AND RAISED HERE, AND I INTEND TO WORK FOR MY CITY, FOR YOU, FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL PLACE WE CALL HOME, FOR OUR FUTUREEEEEE!!!!!!"
Princess Natalia roared the last sentence with passionate conviction that echoed across the plaza, her voice cracking slightly with emotion, then she stopped, looking at the crowd below with fierce determination burning in her eyes. Some were nodding in appreciation, their expressions thoughtful. Others focused on her intently, listening to every word and weighing them carefully in their minds. She smiled slightly, satisfaction touching her lips, then asked clearly:
"NOW RAISE YOUR HANDS. WHO AMONG YOU HAS SEEN THE FAR AWAY LANDS WHERE THE SO-CALLED EMPIRE CROWNS RULE? WHO HAS TRAVELED TO THE MAINLAND AND WITNESSED HOW THEY LIVE THERE? AND I WANT ALL FIFTH ROCK PEOPLE TO RAISE YOUR HANDS UP HIGH!"
Princess Natalia spoke in a dominant voice as slowly many hands were raised throughout the crowd, dotting the sea of people like stars. She nodded, observing carefully and counting mentally, then asked again with steel in her voice:
"NOW THEN, WHO AMONG YOU WISHES TO LIVE THERE INSTEAD OF HERE? THOSE WHO DO, KEEP YOUR HANDS RAISED. THE REST OF YOU MAY LOWER THEM. AH, THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU DECIDE. ONCE YOU CHOOSE, THERE IS NO TURNING BACK.
IF YOU KEEP YOUR HAND RAISED, I WILL PERSONALLY SEND YOU THERE, WITH ALL YOUR MONEY UNTOUCHED, SO DO NOT WORRY ABOUT LOSING YOUR WEALTH. EVEN YOUR PROPERTIES WILL REMAIN SAFE HERE, HELD IN TRUST FOR YOU. CONSIDER IT AN ADDED BENEFIT FROM THIS PRINCESS.
NOW... LET US SEE WHO TRULY WISHES TO LIVE THERE INSTEAD OF IN OUR CITY."
Princess Natalia then stopped talking and closed her eyes, her face serene, letting the people decide for themselves without her gaze pressuring them. For a whole minute that felt like an hour, no one spoke. The silence was deafening. Everyone's eyes were now fixated on the raised hands throughout the crowd, watching them intently.