Mistress Of The Evil Forest-Case 195: Aurora Heathcliff.

*****

Imperial Palace, evening.

The place is bustling with life—hectic, but still better than total silence. After the incomprehensible series of events a few days prior, every nook and cranny of the continent enters a panic state, and nobody has recovered fully since.

At this point, a civilization-ending threat is very much on the horizon, and many questions remain to be answered.

Amidst that chaos, the imperial family of Astra has decided to throw a ball to celebrate humanity's victory, perhaps saving something to announce during the show.

Invitations were extended to nobles across the country, as well as delegates from other nations, merchants, celebrities, and, of course, the media. Ignoring the initial backlash, this is quite an obvious attempt at centralizing imperial power by showing the monarchy's stability even during difficult times. With enough aid campaigns initiated, this much controversy is nothing.

Yet, surprisingly, the majority of the invited folks show up in time.

''Phew...''

Behind the scenes, the empress, Christine Alaina Astra, takes a deep breath. She has been the host for many of these events, but getting used to shouldering all the responsibilities is still nerve-wracking.

''You got this, Your Majesty!''

''Exactly! Your banquets are always so amazing!''

Cheered on by her maids, Christine finally steels herself and poses a smile.

Outside, murmurs have already filled the hall, with glamorous light, a soft orchestra, and fancy drinks to top it off. Of course, none is here to feast on the excellently cooked food or to drown themselves in the atmosphere. If anything, 'tense' seems to be a more suitable of a word to describe the current mood.

In a situation where the world has just experienced a near-death incident, many expect the imperial family to have something substantial to say.

''Every single time... how dull.''

''Why? It's enjoyable.''

''For you, yeah.''

In an inconspicuous corner, Chloe stands beside Amelia Luminous. With their bodies swapped, interacting with one another takes time to get used to, but they at least have reached a state of acceptance.

''...Hey, commoner.'' ƒгeewebnovёl.com

''Hm?''

''Did you know from the start? The kind of monster that was sleeping inside your friend.''

Chloe sighs at the question, narrowing her eyes.

''No.'' She replies. ''I only knew recently.''

''I guess you guys aren't that close, then.''

''We are close. Aurora just didn't know.''

''Whatever you say.''

In truth, Chloe does think to herself on occasions—what if Aurora gets tired of sticking with her in the future? There isn't a specific cause for that ominous feeling. It's merely because Aurora has been finding more about herself every day since coming to this world.

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To Chloe, her best friend has stayed the same as she was during childhood. Now... she's already too far ahead of everything. Of course, a certain degree of comfort remains, seeing that her rivals are also in the same situation. Still, if Aurora finds her to be a hindrance...

''Tch.''

Chloe doesn't even want to think about it. About Aurora's fate. About her eventual reunion with 'Aurora.' About her dangerous path ahead, and... about her unfaithful feelings toward other crazy chicks.

Chloe just wants to be with Aurora.

As 'Aurora' told her the other day, there should be a considerable peaceful period ahead. If she can utilize this time to get ahead of the curve...

Meanwhile, in another corner of the hall.

''Of course, we appreciate the work you have done, archbishop.''

''It wasn't me, Your Highness. It was my companions who did it.''

A polite, almost too formal conversation. Princess Nydia Alaina Astra directly faces archbishop Linsey from the Holy Country of Neveah. This is yet another test to prove herself as the next heir to the imperial throne.

'So... dull.'

Nydia isn't thrilled, and neither is Linsey. Yet, this is but a part of diplomacy.

Not far away, the empire also faces the holy country. Just, not in the same way as the previous pair.

''Mhm~! How do you guys make such delicious treats?'' Luxia exclaims, bobbing her head.

''It's the difference in the ingredients' quality. The imperial family never holds back on these matters.'' Sierra calmly replies, sipping her tea leisurely.

''Oh, is that so?''

As 'insiders,' they hardly have anything to fear. And when neither of them has as many responsibilities, they tend to enjoy themselves more than those in powerful positions.

''Hm... but, I wonder how the boss would solve her case.''

''Claire?''

''Yeah.''

Both of their gazes fall onto the 'heroine,' who sits gloomily near a balcony, fidgeting with her fingers. Thankfully, before she can fall into an endless loop of self-deprecation, someone has approached her.

''Damn... you can even see that rift from here.''

''...Yeah.''

''Doesn't that look concerning? Am I the only one who thinks that?''

As thoughtful as Scarlett can be, she tries to ramble on to force Claire out of talking herself down any further. Still, the 'rift' is perhaps the most stressed problem currently, and rightfully so. Many have expressed a terrible premonition regarding this anomaly, especially considering that the cosmic serpent broke through that part of the... sky.

They—everyone expects either the emperor or the empress to address that issue. There has to be some sort of answer, and after some time has passed, they shouldn't have to wait long.

And indeed, when the music stops playing, eyes begin to gather at the central podium.

An elegant and endlessly graceful woman arrives at the spot, receiving bows of respect from most. She slightly adjusts the magical mic and gazes down softly, befitting her title of the nation's mother.

''Good evening, everyone.''

Her voice gently fills the hall, calming the noises down. As she gives the speech an introduction, more and more attention is gathered. It is as though her voice can enchant the human mind.

In that strange trance, a pair of footsteps silently sound.

A figure lurks within the crowd, navigating toward the podium unhurriedly. It isn't until they take a few strides too close to where the empress is that the focus switches.

The person's long, striking white hair, her excellent figure, her cold, beautiful face, and the pitch-black robe that doesn't belong at a banquet.

None dares to approach her. Something primal within them tells not to.

''You... I believe you are...''

Puzzled, Empress Christine lightly steps down from where she is and steps toward the woman. She courteously extends her arm, beaming a smile,

''I'm pleased to meet you, Miss—''

Click.

In half a moment, the figure draws a sword seemingly from nowhere, and the next instant, Christine's head is cleanly severed from her body. Vivid blood clings to the slender blade like a wet cloth, and only after a few drops of it fall onto the ground does the head roll down.

But before any scream can come, a terrible sound as if flesh and bones were being torn off and crushed stuffs the hall.

The noble empress's headless body morphs into something unrecognizable as it hits the ground. Meanwhile, the head's unfocused pupils suddenly snap a crimson red shade, piercing straight at the woman.

[Good... good...]

An amalgamation of voices, like a thousand people talking at the same time, rings.

[I must applaud you. You won. You did.]

''...''

[This one was my fault. I should have killed you way, way sooner. I never expected something like that coming out of you. The likes of you... harnessing cosmic power...]

''Do you have anything left to say?''

[...Tell me your name.]

Without a change in her expression, the woman loosely points at the laughing head, beaming a brilliant concentration of ice at the tip of her finger.

''Aurora,'' She utters.

*****