“Shildris, I once took a full battalion of our best men and I couldn’t even do more than scratch the Lord. The problem is its troublesome tactics. It offers little opportunity to attack as it whittles down the opposing forces. That is why I’ve forbidden you from attempting it. If you were to be eaten by that monster, I’d ruin the entire kingdom trying to avenge you. If we can get this little queen to kill it for us, then so be it—even better if she dies in the attempt. I’ve heard she has strange powers, so if she can kill the Lord, then we can take over the rest of the Grimwood without issue. So do me a favor and go talk with her.”
I heaved a dramatic sigh, hanging my head to show my displeasure. “Fine, I’ll go talk to her. But don’t get upset if I lop her stupid head off if she gets me angry. You know I have a short temper.”
“There shouldn’t be any problem as long as you actually kill her,” said father, “but I hear she has some strong soldiers, so be careful.”
“If you heard that from someone outside of Stanrus, it’s hardly reliable,” I scoffed. “Those weaklings think anyone who can swing a sword is strong.”
“Well, you’re right about that, but it doesn’t hurt to be just a little cautious.”
I waved dismissively at him as I left to prepare for my trip. Even though I’d just gotten back, I prepared to leave again right away. In that moment, I was already upset at this little Grimwood girl. My arrogant brain thought I could just twist her little arm behind her back and she’d do as we wished. Yeah, that was my kind of diplomacy. I never could have imagined what was waiting there for me.
I rode in a carriage for most of the trip, which I hated. I would much rather have been on horseback, since it was easier to respond to threats that way. Unfortunately, it was important to maintain the kingdom’s image during a diplomatic trip, but that didn’t mean I had to like it. We crossed into the neighboring nation to the east, then headed south to the border with the Grimwood. When we arrived, I heard there was a route that led straight to the queen’s castle. Though I expected the entire trip to take weeks, the envoy we sent had made a round trip in just a few days. My men spoke with the guards at the gate, and we passed right through. The next thing I knew, we were there. Unable to believe it, I got out of the carriage, and was completely stunned.
We were in a large space, but still indoors. Despite being inside, it was pretty bright. I noticed there were strange glowing fixtures on the ceiling illuminating the room. Calling it a “room” wasn’t exactly right, though. It was more like a castle courtyard, but with a roof over it. There was a stable, where my carriage and the rest of our horses were taken, as well as various other facilities. There were places that sold food lined up like market stalls, as well as places to procure other supplies like rope, cloaks, armor, lanterns, bags—really anything one might want for an expedition.
“What is this place?” I murmured. I thought it was barely audible, but someone answered anyway.
“The courtyard of the Grimwood royal palace. It’s an ideal place to prepare for an expedition, isn’t it?”
Startled, I looked down at the source of the reply. He was a short fellow with green skin and hair, dressed in some seriously impressive armor. Red paint marked his face, and he carried a sword that was nearly as long as he was tall. I realized he was right next to me, but I hadn’t noticed him until he spoke. The rest of the men recoiled a bit upon noticing we’d been infiltrated so easily. Predictably, I was the first to recover.
“Oh, yeah, I could see how this would be a great place to stock up,” I managed.
Everywhere I looked, there were more of these little green people. Actually, most of them were more bluish. The vendors in the stalls, the hands at the stables—they were everywhere. I’d heard they looked like goblins, but the people who said that must not have been very familiar with them. After all, no way were goblins this cute. I’d be keeping them as pets if they were. The little guys here were absolutely adorable.
“You guys here to see Her Majesty?” the impressive green fellow asked.
“R-right, yes, the queen.” I was still flustered enough to fumble my words a bit. “We’re from Stanrus. Could you send word that we’d like to see her? I’d like to discuss the border between our nations.”
“She already knows you’re here. I’m here to take you to her.”
That reply unnerved me to no end. How did she already know we were here? Was it just a figure of speech? Did the guards at the gate we passed through send word somehow? I started to take my father’s advice a little more seriously. No sense leaving myself defenseless.
The little green guy led us inside, and just moments later we were in front of the throne room. Who designs a castle this way? You can’t just have a straight path that leads right into the throne room. What if you get invaded? As those senseless thoughts ran through my head, the door opened.
I was completely unprepared.
Why didn’t anyone tell me she was this cute?
I froze the instant I saw her. She was spectacularly adorable. Flawless brown skin, shimmering lavender hair styled into twin braids, a luxurious sky-blue dress—even the throne itself was charming. It was as if her sole thought in designing the throne room had been how cute she could make it. There were two huge fluffy green dogs, one on either side of her, but rather than intimidating, they were inviting. They lay there languidly, just begging to be caressed. Their faces were cute too, not the type you normally saw on huge guard dogs.
I want one. I want two, even. They’re so adorable. Why didn’t anyone warn me? I wanna run over there and bury my face in their fur. I bet she does that every night before bed! It’s not fair!
“Princess Shildris,” one of my men whispered, snapping me back to reality.
“Ahem.” I cleared my throat. “Forgive the late introduction, I am Princess Shildris Stanrus, and I’ve come as a diplomatic envoy from our country.” I managed to blurt out the standard formal greeting, but I had no idea what to say next.
Why did father send me on this trip again?
“Greetings. I’m Lilac Grimwood, the ruler of this forest, though I suppose you’re already aware of that. Would you like to have our meeting at a table where we can sit and talk?”
Is that her voice? It’s so cute! My ears are so happy right now.
“Y-yes! Table good!”