"Where did you wander off again, Zeana? You know that the Duke won't like it if he learned about this." Dria spoked in a hushed tone. "Or have you forgotten your duty? We are supposed to protect the princess. You know that we can't fail this one, or else the crown prince will use it to end the peace treaty between the kingdom and the dukedom."
Based on what she said, I am certain that I am one of the duke's knights under Dria's command. Both of us were tasked to protect the princess from the multiple threats of assassination. Although the mastermind of the assassins was left unknown. I guess that is something I needed to find.
"I apologize, Commander." I just bowed and didn't say anything. Although deep inside, I am planning to escape later and investigate this matter. And before that, I have to fully understand everything about this world. Even if I am the writer, there's many things in this world that leave me in awe.
Wait, come to think of it, why I haven't thought of this one earlier. Just why am I in this world and how am I able to go back to Earth?
"Now, go to the princess. I have to check something in this way." She commanded before walking towards the east manor. My eyes trailed off for a second before walking towards the princess bedchamber. It's almost seven in the evening, and it's time to serve dinner to the princess.
Even though today was the crown prince's coronation, the princess was banned from leaving her room. That was because of the princess's background. She was always labeled as a half blood, a child of the king with a maid. Unlike her, the crown prince was a child between the king and the current queen, making him eligible to compete for the throne. Aside from the queen, the king also has multiple consorts and children. That's why the royalty was filled with eligible successors for the throne. The only upper hand that the current crown prince had is the fact that his mother was the current queen and also a nephew of Eonia's emperor.
Anyway, about the princess, she was always locked up in her room. That's why she frequently disguised herself as a commoner and sneaked out. Usually, she doesn't bring a maid but that time, Dria found out about her plan and chooses to follow her. And that's when Xior and Racia met.
Well, I can't wait for that event to happen. But that would be five days from now. Right now, I have to focus on this princess.
When I reached the hallway towards her chambers, I met the maid who was supposed to bring her food. Before she entered the bedchamber, I lied to her that the headmaid was summoning her. After she heard that, she immediately excused herself and left me alone in front of the door.
That made me shrug off and just choose to ignore her. Then, I knocked on the door before greeting the royalty inside the chamber.
"Pardon my intrusion, Your Highness. I have brought your meal." I spoke trying to be more polite and maid-like.
"Come in."
When I opened the door, a familiar girl was sitting in front of her vanity table. Her long blonde hair, a symbol of royalty, was hanging loose in her back. It was slightly curled and it perfectly emphasizes her beauty. Her red blood eyes were glistening in front of the mirror as she continued to comb her hair. Unlike other royalty, she isn't wearing any expensive jewelry but a necklace or an earring that is adorned with ruby would be perfect for her.
"Just put it on the table." She spoke without turning her head towards my direction. Of course she knew that I already entered because of the sound of the food cart's wheels. And also the sound of the door that was heavier than three me.
I immediately heeded her command and prepared the food on the table. After that, I left the room as she commanded.
After I closed the door, a sigh of relief escaped from my mouth. I look calm and collected on the outside but deep inside, I am intimidated. I mean, despite being labeled as a half-blood, she still possesses the aura of a royalty, making her presence scream authority and power.
I stayed at that door for a moment before Dria arrived. When she walk towards me, the first thing that I notice is that her outfit has blood on it. Well, looks like she hunted an assassin after she excused herself.
After that short encounter with the princess, I continued my investigation. As the author of this novel, I already have a hunch of who is the mastermind of the princess's assassination. But it's dangerous to point fingers without evidence. So that is something I have to acquire.
I was about to look for the room that was assigned to me when I saw Dria rushing towards my direction, much to my confusion. Her expression screams hatred, frustration and a slight fear.
"Y-you! Just what the hell did you do?" her voice roared but only the two of us can hear.
"W-what?" I was obviously dumbfounded. I have no idea why she suddenly rushed towards me while wearing that expression. And even though I am an author, I ain't a seer. So I can't predict what she was implying.
"You really have no idea what you did?" she asked incredulously and shook my body.
"My deepest apology, but I really know nothing, Commander." I answered, still dumbfounded.
Depending on her expression, I know that it was related to the princess. But what happened after I left the princess's chamber? Did she leave the room? If it is, then it would be pretty normal.
"Zeana, you failed your duty."
Oh. I guess she really left the room and disguise as a commoner once again.
"Commander, I'm certain that the princess is just outside. We can just wait here till she return or should we go outside and start looking for her?" I suggested, though I prefer the first one. I'm sure she'll be back safely. Since she is the main character, there's still five days left before this world freezes.
"Just what the hell are you talking about? Don't you get what I'm trying to imply?" she asked sarcastically which I replied with a no.
"Zeana, the princess is dead."
And right after she said that, I saw someone stabbed Dria and the world froze.