Mistress Of The Evil Forest

N-A 4: When life gives you lemon.

''...Yes?''

''I said, from now on, you will become the crown princess.''

On one beautiful day, my whole life changed.

It was yesterday that the then-crown princess, Sierra Alaina Astra, came to me and nonchalantly announced that she would be resigning from her position and that I would succeed her.

Of course, that was too sudden on too many levels, and I sure didn't understand why she did such a thing.

Since I had too much planned ahead, I tried to refuse it, but... it was simply foolish to do so. In the first place, a smooth transition of power that wouldn't cause mass chaos, especially at this sensitive period when the emperor's reign was about to stop, could only be achievable if the next heir was me.

The stubborn nobles who originally supported my biological father—and now me—largely belonged to Sierra's faction. If left unattended, the remaining prince would step up, but Sierra's faction wouldn't let that happen. 

''Don't you worry about your safety?''

...Besides, my life would be in danger if, once inaugurated, that prince thought of me as a dangerous rival. Not only me but also the people surrounding me.

It was almost unfair. Why did I have to suffer so much risk? I only wanted to be left alone and spend time with somebody I liked.

For the first time, I felt the significance of the imperial blood flowing within me.

That was all yesterday, but even today, I am still anxious.

Do I really need to take on that difficult task? Restoring an unstable nation—can I really do that? Of course, they won't choose someone unqualified, and if I ever accept—or am forced to accept—they will have me study for it intensely, which won't even be enough if things are this rushed.

That is where Sierra's proposal comes in.

''Be my puppet.''

Simple and honest. 

Sierra, as a trained candidate, offers to 'help' me on various occasions if I ever need it. This way, I can relieve the pressure of ruling a nation while also upholding my honor as an empress later on.

...Sure, that is putting it too nicely, and even Sierra doesn't use such flattering words. I'm just... consoling myself here.

''I don't actually want power or anything. It comes to me naturally, even when I don't need it. Such is the fate of an Astra.''

''...''

''What I want to say is, If you want to rule on your own, then that's also fine. I will only help if you need me to. In a way, I'm passing a huge burden onto you, after all.''

Should I even trust her words...?

Probably not. But it's the only hope I can cling on. As a lowly maid who just became a princess not long ago, I certainly would not want to ascend further and become the empress.

Thinking back, I never thought there would be a day when I wanted to refuse the crown, and I never thought I would miss those days of being a maid this much.

''...''

I'm lost.

Ah... at times like this, I really wish I had someone here to hug.

''Nydia.''

Yes, someone like...

''Nydia?''

''...''

''...''

''...Aurora?''

How did she... oh. I see. She still remembers this corner of the academy where I usually hide when I don't want to meet anyone. It's embarrassing, though, having her witness this unsightly side of me. I—

''...!''

Almost unceremoniously, Aurora hugs me.

Somewhere within me, I want to retort, saying that I'm fine and all, but the person named Nydia Alaina Astra is more honest than that. What's more, hugging Aurora is a privilege in itself, so I spare no time and quickly wrap my arms around her waist.

''You just seem a bit lost.'' She softly says. ''Did something happen?''

''...I might be the empress soon,'' I reply, trying to get the words out of my stammering throat.

Perhaps shocked by my response, Aurora flinches and stays silent for a few moments. Then, with a worried tone, she speaks,

''Do you hate it? Being the empress, I mean.''

''Well...''

Isn't that obvious?

''I can't be with you as often... or at all. If I can, I'd rather choose not to be the empress at all, but...''

As if something has changed within her, Aurora's expression turns worried, albeit barely. She stares at me with that uncertain gaze for a while before pulling me into her embrace once again.

''I'll be here and cheer you on. Always.''

''Aurora... can you promise me?''

''Yeah.''

''...Thank you. Really.''

Somehow, her words make my heart feel much calmer. Just knowing that she wants to support me wherever I go is reassuring. She doesn't seem thrilled to have a friend who is the empress, but at least she looks okay with it.@@novelbin@@

Yeah. Let's not get too caught up with it.

Let's think about the positives. If I were to be the empress... heheh... maybe making her stay by my side all the time might be possible. No, it should be easy now that I think about it.

By then, all this warmth would be mine...

''Nydia Alaina Astra.''

''Yes, Your Majesty.''

''Do you have what it takes to inherit the crown?''

Only a few days later, the emperor summons me to the palace. It is a private meeting between us two, and the first thing I notice upon seeing him is that he looks too tired. The toll of the crisis has really weighed on him.

At this rate, I'm not sure if he will stay as the emperor until the year ends. If he ever abdicates right away, I would be in trouble.

''...Yes, I do.'' I reply nonetheless.

As the emperor deeply ponders, my heartbeats start to hasten. Even if I hate it right now, I once thought of such a miraculous opportunity extended to me.

Who wouldn't be nervous when suddenly holding such a powerful position?

''Understood.'' The emperor eventually sighs. ''If you wish so, then, Nydia, you will be granted the title of Crown Princess from now on.''

''I humbly receive the title, Your Majesty.''

And from then on, the reign marks its first page.