𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑
(3)
The environment surrounding Tweney underwent a drastic change.
From the moment she became conscious, she had worn a mask and traveled from place to place. The maids taking care of her changed almost every year. Some, dispatched from the royal capital, were deeply disappointed and overtly hostile to the girl.
There was a time when one of the maids carelessly let something slip.
ㅤ
“Why do I have to take care of the ‘Child of Misfortune’ in such a remote place? I want to go back.”
ㅤ
Even as a child, Tweney understood that she was a detested being. Perhaps the oddly shaped birthmark on her forehead was a testament to that.
Leading a constrained life, wearing a mask, avoiding the public eye, and interacting only with a limited number of maids, she had no choice but to contemplate alone.
Why was I born? What will happen to me in the future? What, in essence, is the “Child of Misfortune”?
While suppressing her feelings of anxiety, sadness, and unrestrained rage, Tweney grew into a quiet ten-year-old girl.
She had been leading a relatively calm life since moving to the decaying castle, Akkare, and having Rayza as her maid, who was loyal and maintained a suitable distance. However, that abruptly ended.
Without any understanding, the girl was taken to the royal capital.
Confined to a secluded room within the palace, Tweney was left abandoned. In the Akkare castle, she could view the outside scenery, but this room didn’t even have a window. Her maid, Rayza, was also gone. The only person visiting this room was the head court lady, who brought meals at set times.
Still, Tweney remained calm, likely because she unknowingly had acquired a mentality of accepting the world’s injustices.
And there was one more reason.
The vivid memory she last experienced at Akkare castle sustained her spirit.
Every time she recalled that brilliant golden scenery, indescribable emotions welled up in her heart.
Would I ever see that boy again?
While daydreaming about that moment and enduring days filled with anxiety, the head court lady came to call on Tweney.
ㅤ
“Princess, your father, King Ramon, wishes to see you.”
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Tweney was nervous. She had heard she was the daughter of the king of this country, but she felt no real connection to that fact.
As they walked along the unnaturally wide corridor, without looking back, the head court lady offered a warning.
ㅤ
“Your Highness, you need only answer ‘yes.’ Do not ask questions, and certainly, do not refuse His Majesty’s orders. Understood?”
ㅤ
Tweney was led to an audience hall. She was taken aback, having thought she would have a private meeting.
Tens of adults lined both sides of the hall. At the end of the carpeted path, there were short stairs, and an elderly man sat on the throne at the top.
ㅤ
“Come, Princess. This way.”
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Guided by the head court lady, Tweney stepped forward.
She felt the curious gazes from the people on either side and heard murmurs, likely finding her masked appearance unusual.
The head court lady stopped just before the stairs.
ㅤ
“Greet him.”
ㅤ
Tweney held the hem of her skirt and bent her knees slightly.
As the old man on the throne made a dismissive gesture with his hand, the head court lady respectfully moved away.
ㅤ
“Are you my daughter?”
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Though she couldn’t have known, following the advice given by the head court lady earlier, Tweney replied, “Yes.”
ㅤ
“Remove your mask.”
ㅤ
A mask one should not remove in public. Yet, it was the king standing before him who ordered its removal. Reluctantly, Tweney removed the mask. Whispers of admiration or perhaps curiosity emanated from the people around him.
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“Hmm.”
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The intense gaze of an elderly man with a distinguished beard slightly narrowed.
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“Indeed, you bear a resemblance to your mother.”
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It is said that his mother passed away when he was born. To Tweney, who was more tormented by his very existence than missing his mother, she was a faint memory. Being told he resembled her was perplexing.
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“Also, the sacred mark on your forehead. There’s no mistake.”
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It seemed as though the king was verbally acknowledging facts for the benefit of everyone present.
What could this sacred mark mean? Wasn’t the mark on his forehead the sign of the “Child of Misfortune”?
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“My daughter, Tweney, I command you.”
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The king spoke with a voice cold and raspy.
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“Travel far to the north, to the deepest part of the ‘wilderness’, to the so-called ‘Altar of Endings’ and defeat the ‘Blue Demon Beast’.”
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The room fell silent.
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“Once you successfully complete this trial, you will be granted permission to use your true name and be recognized as a member of the royal family. Do you understand?”
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The sharp gaze of the aged king, the presence of the people, and the solemn atmosphere of the grand hall all seemed to bear down on her.
Not again, thought Tweney.
Once more, without fully understanding, she found herself being swept up and carried along by the circumstances surrounding her.
He couldn’t object or resist.
All she could do was. . . . . .
ㅤ
“Yes.”
ㅤ
With a shaky voice, Tweney responded and lowered her head.
All she could do was accept.
ㅤ
◇
ㅤ
The next day, she was assigned five handmaidens. All of them were young women in their late teens to early twenties.
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“Now, princess. It’s time to change.”
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Surrounded by the bustling handmaidens, Tweney was quickly dressed in her day clothes, evening gown, and even nightwear.
The same happened during bath time. Even though he could manage himself, he had to let them do everything. The head maid said it was because otherwise, the handmaidens would have nothing to do.
ㅤ
“You truly are beautiful, princess.”
“Yes, your skin is so pale and clear.”
“And that sacred pattern, how divine.”
“Truly.”
“The gentlemen won’t leave you alone.”
ㅤ
The maids gushed over Tweney with high-pitched voices. Having grown up in a quiet environment without encountering others, Tweney felt overwhelmed.
Her daily schedule was strictly determined, leaving no time even for reading.
Day and night, nobles dressed in opulent outfits came one after another to greet him. All Tweney could do was say, “Very well,” and extend a gloved hand. The head courtlady had strictly instructed her not to say anything more.
A particular noble spoke.
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“In fact, I have a son who will turn fifteen this year. Once you have successfully completed the trial, we would like to formally greet you again.”
ㅤ
Trial.
Tweney couldn’t fully grasp the role assigned to herself.
After meeting with her father, the king, she had heard an outline from the head courtlady.
Currently, a large horde of demon beasts from the northern “wilderness” is emerging and heading towards the capital.
This phenomenon is apparently called a “calamity.”
The “calamity” was caused by the “Blue Demon Beast.” A ferocious demon beast with a lion’s body, horns, and wings, it appeared in the capital about three months ago.
She will defeat that demon beast.
How exactly?
ㅤ
“The actual task will be carried out by the guards, so there’s no issue.”
Then, why am I needed?
“Ah, are you doubting the words of His Majesty, your father, the king?”
ㅤ
This person doesn’t know anything. Thinking it would only anger her further to ask more, Tweney stayed silent.
Preparations for departure proceed without understanding the situation.
One day, the head courtlady came with several women.
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“Princess, the dress for your debut ceremony is ready. We will now proceed with the fitting.”
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It was a lavish dress made of shiny white fabric with various embroideries. Additionally, accessories like necklaces, bracelets, and earrings were added. A tiara adorned with large jewels was placed on her head.
It’s heavy, thought Tweney.
ㅤ
“Ah, look at that. Truly befitting of the ‘Saint.’”
ㅤ
The one who entered the women-only room was a middle-aged man. His smile was more lax than friendly. He wore a black collar.
He’s a wizard.
Tweney had seen a collar of a different color before.
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“Ozma-sama, this is a women-only dressing room. Please refrain from entering!”
“The ladies take forever to get ready. But, Madam Head, we don’t have much time in this country.”
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Silencing the alarmed head courtlady, the man introduced himself to Tweney.
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“I am Ozma, the captain of the Black Neck Squad. Well, now the captain of the Hero Squad. I have been assigned by His Majesty the King to be your escort.”
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He explained the future plans. Tomorrow night, there will be a debut ceremony for the citizens in the palace square. After that, Tweney will depart by carriage.
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“From the city of Soeto to the city of Caron, the Royal Guards will accompany you. From there, we will proceed on our own. We plan to pass through towns and villages with relatively low populations and enter the ‘wilderness’.”
“Um, Ozma-sama.”
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Feeling a slight kinship since he was a wizard, Tweney decided to muster the courage to ask.
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“What should I do?”
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The answer to her slightly vague question was concise.
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“Nothing.”
“Huh?”
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Smiling, Ozma bowed.
ㅤ
“It will be a long journey. All you need to consider, Princess Tweney, is keeping yourself in good health.”
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