Princess & Prince

With my mouth agape, I gazed at the cabinet that Ludwig had directed me to. It overflowed with opulent treasures—gleaming gold, dazzling jewels, exquisite necklaces, luxurious clothes, and lavish bags. Each item exuded wealth and extravagance, yet they held no allure for me. 

If only Elizabeth were here with me, I thought, a pang of longing tightening my chest. I would give all of these treasures to her in a heartbeat, if only to see her smile again.

A sad smile tugged at the corners of my lips. In the past, I would have coveted these riches, willing to do anything to acquire them for my family. But now, with everything laid out before me, all mine according to Ludwig, I couldn't summon an ounce of happiness or relief. What good were these treasures to me when the very people I sought to provide for were absent? What value did they hold if they couldn't bring back my family?

In that moment, surrounded by the glittering wealth that once held such allure, I realized its worthlessness. With a heavy heart, I sighed as I gathered the gold and diamonds from the cabinet, stuffing them into a large bag.

Deciding to postpone attending to Princess Amethyst's demands, I reasoned that there were plenty of servants already tending to her every whim. It appeared that more than thirty attendants were at her beck and call, ensuring her satisfaction and preventing any outbursts of frustration.

Leaving my room behind, I found Lily waiting for me in the hallway. We walked in silence, a stark contrast to Lily's usual chattiness. It felt strange to have her by my side yet so subdued, as if the weight of our shared burden had silenced her usual lively spirit. 

As we emerged from the imposing gates of Lancaster Castle, we were met by a formidable sight—a massive iron gate guarded by numerous knights, their vigilant eyes scanning the surroundings. It felt as though a single misstep would provoke a swift and lethal response, their bows poised to release arrows with blazing ferocity.

Lily approached one of the knights and engaged in conversation, her words evidently leading to our passage being granted. After a few tense moments, we were allowed to pass through the gate unharmed, greeted by the sight of a grand ornate carriage awaiting us.

Stepping inside the luxurious carriage, adorned with intricate carvings and opulent furnishings, Lily finally began to speak without pause. Her words flowed freely, filling the carriage with her voice as we embarked on our journey, leaving behind the confines of Lancaster Castle and venturing into the unknown.

"I really don't understand why Prince Ludwig allows that woman to remain there," Lily exclaimed, her frustration palpable. "I simply cannot tolerate her attitude. Sunbeam Lotus? What nonsense! She wanted me to procure a Sunbeam Lotus for her, merely to adorn her room. It's absurd! Thankfully, I knew someone who knew someone that knew where to obtain such a flower."

As Lily continued to vent her frustrations during our journey to the Town Proper, her tirade showed no signs of abating. It was clear that she harbored a deep-seated animosity towards Princess Amethyst. Meanwhile, I found myself lost in thought, my mind preoccupied with the weight of the revelations Ludwig had shared with me earlier. Despite Lily's impassioned monologue, I remained silent, my thoughts consumed by the implications of what I had learned.

As Lily continued her lamentations, I couldn't shake the sinking feeling that there truly was no hope left for me to return home. It seemed that no one possessed the knowledge of how to travel to the human world, and any alternative methods risked sparking conflict.

"It's fortunate I found someone selling the Sunbeam Lotus," Lily murmured, her voice heavy with resignation. "The thought of searching for it in the forest of Colossus is daunting, to say the least." Lily's frustration was palpable as she voiced her thoughts on Princess Amethyst's demands. "It's clear she wanted to exhaust me. She seems to revel in exerting control over others," she added. 

As I gazed out of the clear window, the vast expanse of the sky stretched out before me, a silent witness to my inner turmoil. If it was indeed true that I would never return home, I knew I had to find a way to adapt to this new reality. Perhaps securing a job as soon as possible would be the best course of action, whether it meant finding work elsewhere or remaining as a maid within the castle.

After the meetings concluded, I resolved to speak with Ludwig and the others. I would inquire about the possibility of working in the South, where I had heard they were establishing a greenhouse. Perhaps there, amidst the vibrant foliage and burgeoning plant life, I could carve out a new existence for myself. It would be a way for me to contribute, to no longer be a burden to those around me, and perhaps find a sense of purpose in this unfamiliar world.

Though the prospect of leaving behind everything I had known was daunting, I found solace in the idea of forging my own path. Alone, yet at peace.

"And to think she would ascend the throne? I wonder what the Ministers are thinking," Lily remarked with a hint of disbelief. "If it's really true that Princess Amethyst and Prince Ludwig are going to marry, and she would become the Queen, what would happen to all of us? Everyone knows Prince Ludwig's motives. Marrying her is just a ploy to secure the throne and the blessing of the Ministers without the Ones. If that wicked woman becomes the Queen, I'd probably resign on a whim. I couldn't stand her. No way."