"Hmm, our Sio has done a great job bringing this from inside the beast den." Mother Isafold's 2nd husband spoke with a warm smile, pride radiating from his voice as he looked at the small paper spread across his thigh.
"So did Gracie Maher, who suffered a lot because of us." The 3rd husband's voice carried genuine remorse as he spoke earnestly, bowing his head respectfully toward the three people sitting opposite them. "We're truly sorry for putting you all in such danger."
The two Oliver house maids and the butler sat in proper, straight posture, their casual clothing a stark contrast to the formal atmosphere they maintained. They bowed back humbly, sincerity evident in every gesture.
"Mr. Dreak, please!" one of the maids protested gently, her hands raised in a placating gesture. "Madam has helped us all these years. We're just giving back the favors she's shown us. This is nothing compared to what she's done for our families."
The butler nodded in agreement, his weathered face softening with gratitude.
"Then I guess we could squeeze more help from you guys, right?" The 3rd husband teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he leaned forward playfully.
"AH! Yes!" The three of them smiled awkwardly, caught completely off guard by the sudden shift in tone. Nervous laughter filled the small carriage space.
"Shut up, don't tease them too much." The 2nd husband cut in firmly. He reached into his inner pocket and brought out a different folded piece of paper, smoothing it carefully against the carriage small table. "Here's a list of place names where you guys need to observe from afar. Watch for anything suspicious going on there. Any unusual activity, any strange gatherings, anything that feels off."
He handed them the list, his expression growing more serious with each word.
"Give your findings to us afterward. Remember, this is important: stay in groups of two people per location. Don't go anywhere alone, no matter how safe it seems. Safety comes first, always." His eyes moved between the three of them, making sure they understood the weight of his words. "Come back as soon as you feel there's nothing there, or if some problems arise. Don't take unnecessary risks."
The 2nd husband had written the list while referencing the main paper in his palm, cross-checking locations and details multiple times to ensure accuracy.
"Yes, sir." The older maid took the paper carefully, treating it like precious cargo. She unfolded it and began reading through the locations with focused attention, her brow furrowing as she processed each name. The others leaned in, studying the list over her shoulder.
The carriage flew gently as it moved through the air.
"Sigh! Do you think we could actually find anything there?" The 3rd husband asked after a long moment of silence, doubt creeping into his voice as he watched them study the list. His fingers drummed nervously against his knee.
"I don't know..." The 2nd husband's voice was quiet, uncertain. "But I hope we do."
His expression hardened suddenly, his jaw tightening as his gaze darkened with old anger and fresh determination.
"If we uncover some real dirt on that bastard, it'll benefit our wife immensely." His voice dropped lower, becoming almost venomous. "They've crushed us for years, spreading their filth all across the Fifth Rock like a plague. She's struggled endlessly just to keep her own faction under control, fighting battles on every front while that snake undermines her at every turn."
He paused, and pain flickered visibly across his face, softening the anger for just a moment.
"Sigh... if not for his schemes back then, she would have been the Leader. We wouldn't have been forced to send our friend away in search of opportunity..." His voice grew even quieter, thick with grief. "And we wouldn't have lost him in that stupid, senseless accident."
The words hung heavy in the air. His hands clenched into fists on the table.
"Now our son is left alone in this world, without his birth parents to guide him."
He sighed deeply, the weight of years of loss pressing down on his shoulders. Turning toward the carriage window, he stared out at the approaching Fifth Rock District. Its towering structures loomed larger in the distance, layer upon layer of buildings stacked high into the sky, creating the distinct levels that marked the district's harsh hierarchy.
"Don't worry. Everything will be alright."
The 3rd husband's voice was soft but firm as he reached out, resting his hand against his husband's neck in a quiet, comforting gesture.
"Oliver has grown into a fine young man, stronger than we sometimes give him credit for." His smile was gentle. "I'm sure they're watching over us from wherever they are, proud of what they see. And our lovely daughters are giving it their all, fighting for what's right."
His smile deepened as warmth filled his voice.
"So let's support them with everything we have. Let's make sure their efforts aren't in vain."
"Hmm, we will." The 2nd husband smiled back, as he reached up and squeezed the hand at his neck, drawing strength from the contact.
They continued discussing their plans with everyone, going over details and contingencies as the carriage flew steadily forward through the air. The Fifth Rock District drew ever closer, and with it, the dangerous work that lay ahead.
.
"Son, you talked with Sio. Is she okay?" Mother Isafold asked from her seat in another carriage, her concerned gaze fixed intently on Big Guy sitting across from her.
"Hmm, she's fine, but Gracie wasn't." Big Guy's expression grew troubled, his usually cheerful face clouding over. "Apparently, she took the blow for Sio. Jumped right in front of her when things got dangerous." He shook his head, gratitude and concern mixing in his features. "I'm really thankful to her. She didn't have to do that. I'm hoping to visit her today and check on her properly."
"Maybe I should send her something good to eat," the 1st husband spoke up enthusiastically from his seat, already mentally planning what dishes to prepare. "Something hearty and nourishing to help her recover. Maybe that spiced meat stew she likes, and some of those honey cakes..."
"Don't just send the girls some food, sigh..."
Mother Isafold shook her head, a small, fond smile tugging at her lips despite her exasperation with her husband's simple solution to everything.
"She can act foolish at times, rushing into things without thinking them through completely, but she's a very brave woman." Her expression softened with genuine admiration. "I truly admire how outspoken she is, how she doesn't hide what she feels or thinks. It's refreshing in a world full of people who speak in circles."
Mother Isafold paused, her thoughts seeming to drift back to recent events.
"I was genuinely surprised when she agreed for such a dangerous task. I suppose I underestimated just how deep her love for Oliver truly runs. She'd risk her life for him without a second thought."
Mother Isafold smiled sweetly, her thoughts lingering on Gracie's quiet but fierce determination and unwavering loyalty.
"Huh? She loves Brother Oliver? Another woman fell for his stupid hair?" Big Guy asked with confusion, his face scrunching up as he tried to process this information. "But his hair looks weird. Why do girls keep liking it?"
"Haha! Are you jealous, my boy?" The 1st husband laughed heartily, his whole face lighting up with amusement. "Want this handsome man to give you some tips? I could teach you the secrets! You could make any woman swoon for you with the right approach!" He leaned forward with unbridled enthusiasm, eyes sparkling with excitement at the prospect of sharing his wisdom.
"Uncle, why would I need tips? I don't have any woman I love," Big Guy asked confusedly, scratching his head as if the very concept was foreign to him. His innocent expression made the question even more endearing.
"Huh, general knowledge, my son! General knowledge!" The 1st husband wasn't giving up, his determination unwavering as he gestured emphatically. "You have to know basic things if you want to impress or take care of any woman properly. Don't you want to take care of Fia and the others? Make them happy and comfortable?"
"Oh! I do want to know, then!" Big Guy's face suddenly lit up with genuine interest, like a candle being lit in a dark room. He leaned forward eagerly, his massive frame somehow looking cute in his enthusiasm. "Uncle, Little Princess said some really confusing things at Tool Guy's shop the other day. I couldn't get more information afterward because….. I forgot!"
COUGH COUGH.
"It looks like I can't tell the difference between cute and not-so-cute things. She tried to explain, but I still don't really get it." Big Guy's eyes suddenly sparked with excitement as an idea formed. "Can you teach me that?"
"Oh, nice, nice! You're asking exactly the right person for this!" The 1st husband beamed with pride, puffing out his chest. "Let me tell you the secret that can instantly help you understand a woman's secret liking in an ins—"
TAKKK!!
The sharp sound of Mother Isafold's hand connecting with the back of his head echoed through the carriage.
"Shut up and focus!" Mother Isafold couldn't bear listening to this conversation any longer. Her patience had finally snapped, and she'd delivered a precise strike to stop the nonsense before it could continue.
"OW! GAH!" The 1st husband winced dramatically, gently touching the back of his head and checking for any damage. "What do we have to do now, anyway?" He changed the subject quickly, knowing better than to push his wife further. "All we can really do is pray that they could find something useful in those locations."
"Still, don't let your guard down." Mother Isafold huffed, crossing her arms as she fixed both of them with a stern look. "Keep your ears sharp and your eyes focused. We can't afford to miss anything important, not with so much at stake."
They slowly settled into quieter conversation as the Fifth Rock District grew steadily closer through the windows, its massive structures rising like mountains against the sky.
.
"Big sister, are you nervous?" Little Princess asked inside the main carriage at the front of their procession. She studied Nat carefully, watching the way her older sister's fingers kept fidgeting with the fabric of her dress.
"Of course I'm nervous! The speech was fine, but one-on-one speaking makes my head hurt." Nat spoke with clear frustration, running her hand through her carefully styled hair. "This is also the first time I'm coming in front of all the people and interacting with them directly, face to face. My day is going to be a hell of a ride."
Her voice carried equal parts dread and determination.
"Hehe, you act all tough and confident, but you're actually a nervous weak big sister," Little Princess joked, a playful smile dancing on her face as she teased her sister.
"GAH! I am tough! I'm the City Princess, of course I'm tough!" Nat shot back passionately, puffing out her chest and sitting up straighter. "Didn't you hear them earlier? Everyone was shouting my name today! The whole crowd was chanting for me! That's how amazing I am!"
She grinned broadly, her eyes shining with genuine pride and excitement.
"I'll make this place better than it's ever been before. One day, everyone will accept me as their future Queen, not just because of my bloodline, but because I've earned it. Hehe."
Princess Natalia laughed in pure delight, her confidence radiating in every word and gesture. When she spoke about the future, her whole being seemed to glow with conviction.
"Hmm, yes, you will. I'm sure of it." Little Princess's playful expression slowly shifted to something more serious, "Your official entry was really good, and the people responded well."
She paused, her voice dropping lower, more cautious.
"But... was killing them really necessary? Those men who challenged you?"
"Of course it was necessary! Don't be like Mother." Natalia's tone hardened instantly, all traces of her earlier lightness vanishing. "Those people have been sitting on our heads for years because Mother was far too lenient with them. She let things slide, gave too many second chances to people who never deserved even the first one."
Her jaw set with determination.
"I can't be like her. I won't be. I have to punish anyone who poses a threat to us and this city. Keeping troublemakers around is just inviting future problems, giving them time to plot and scheme."
Princess Natalia spoke with unwavering confidence, her eyes burning with fierce determination.
"They needed to see what happens when you challenge the Crown. They needed to understand that things have changed."
"Sigghh... Mother has done her best, you know. She's tried to hold everything together for years." Little Princess spoke slowly, carefully choosing her words. "And are you ready to answer all their questions today? The people will want to know about the Heart Machine, about the future. Do you have anything prepared?"
"I know Mother has done her best. I'm not blind to her efforts." Natalia's voice softened slightly, acknowledging the truth. "But things have changed now. The city has changed, the threats have evolved. Her way worked for her time, but that time is over. We need something different now."
Her voice firmed again, leaving no room for argument.
"And what can I really prepare for questions I don't have all the answers to yet? I have to assure them that everything is going to be okay, that we have plans in motion. Even if I can't control the Heart Machine right now, in the future I'm certain I will. I'll find a way."
She paused, her confidence wavering just slightly.
"The people love me. They showed that today with their cheers and support. So I have to do my absolute best for them, give them hope and direction."
Her expression suddenly shifted to frustration, and she crossed her arms tightly.
"The only thing that could really give me proper leverage against the opposition is if Zack manages to get those lists of names from the families. I don't know if he's succeeded yet or not. He hasn't sent word."
She pouted visibly, her jealousy breaking through.
"Humph, going there every day and just playing around with those women! Spending hours in their company while I'm stuck dealing with politics!"
"Those women? Are you talking about the women who try to flirt with Brother Zack?" Little Princess asked knowingly, putting her hand thoughtfully on her cheekbone. She looked outside the window, trying to see back to where Alfie stood, taking the place of the 4th Queen's guard expert in their formation, but the angle made it impossible for her to see him.
She turned back to her sister with an innocent expression.
"If you really don't like it, then why not just tell him not to go? I'm sure Big Brother will listen to you if you ask him directly."
"I want to tell him that..." Natalia admitted, her voice carrying real frustration. "But I also desperately want those names. I need that information to move forward with my plans."
She clenched her fists in her lap, her emotions warring visibly on her face.
"And no, Zack won't just stop, even if I tell him to, because he can't see his cute Nat in trouble hehehe...….But those girls!!.... Humph!..... I know exactly what's happening there. Those filthy women will try to seduce him with their looks and their touches, and Zack is far too nice for his own good. He'd probably just endure it all because he thinks he has to for the mission!"
She ground her teeth together, her jealousy rising like a tide.
"GRR! Why are women only flocking to him now, when we're finally together? It's so unfair!"
Her voice rose with indignation.
"He was always so nice and kind all this time, never mingling with girls at school or anywhere else in the city, keeping to himself and his training. And now he's suddenly spending hours every day with those women, letting them pour him drinks and sit close to him and touch his strong arm!!!!! And even...AAAAA SO ANNOYING!!! IF HE TOUCH THEIR SINGLE HAIR I WILL KILL ZACKK!!!!! "
Princess Natalia ranted passionately, jealousy dripping from every syllable, her face had flushed with emotions.
"Hehe, if Big Brother heard you talking like this right now, I'm sure he'd run away from you as fast as his legs could carry him," Little Princess laughed freely, unable to contain her amusement at her sister's possessive display.
"GAH! No, he won't! He loves me very much!" Natalia protested immediately, her voice rising defensively. "He's always taken care of me, protected me, supported me through everything. And now, even if he wanted to run, he can't let go of me. We're bound together."
She lifted her chin proudly.
"Who could possibly resist such beauty and charm from a princess like me? Just wait until he finally gets me those names. I'll get my proper revenge on him for all this playing around with other women. Humph!"
Princess Natalia crossed her arms even tighter and spoke with absolute certainty, though her lips curved into a small, mischievous smile.
"Hearing you talk like this, it really feels like Brother Zack is completely bound to you, like he has no choice in the matter," Little Princess observed curiously, tilting her head as she studied her sister's expression.
"Of course he is! He's bound to me in every way that matters!" Natalia declared without hesitation. "I was the one who loved him for so long, waiting and hoping he would come to me. And I'm the only one who's really close to him now, the only one who understands him completely. So of course he's bound to me. There's no escape!"
She grinned wickedly.
"I'm even a Princess of this great city, someone with real power and position. He can't run away from me even if he tried. Hehe! This woman will squeeze everything from him, every bit of loyalty and love and devotion. Hohoh!"
Princess Natalia laughed with exaggerated evil delight, her eyes gleaming with possessive affection that was somehow both playful and entirely serious.
"GAH! Devil Princess! Someone save me!" Little Princess jokingly acted like she was trying to scramble away, playing along with the dramatic moment. She pressed herself against the carriage wall in mock terror.
"Where do you think you're going? Come here, little sister!" Nat laughed while reaching out, grabbing Little Princess and pulling her close. They wrestled playfully for a few moments, the tension breaking completely into light-hearted sisterly bonding. Giggles filled the carriage as they play-fought, tickling and pushing each other.
After they finally settled down, breathless from laughter, Nat's expression shifted. The playfulness drained away, replaced by something softer and more vulnerable.
"SIGHHH. I really wish Zack was here with me right now to support me through this," Nat spoke quietly, sitting beside Little Princess and leaning her head against the carriage wall. "Facing all those people, answering their questions, dealing with their doubts and challenges... it would be so much easier with him by my side."
Her voice carried genuine longing.
"Then you'll have to publicly tell everyone about him, make your relationship official." Little Princess watched her sister's face carefully, searching for the truth beneath the surface. "Can you actually do that? Are you ready for what comes with it?"
"Hmm, not now. Things are far too rough right now." Natalia's expression clouded with visible conflict, her brow furrowing. "Even if I wanted to announce it today, he doesn't have any experience dealing with people here in the Crown places. He's a Rock District boy at heart, straightforward and honest."
Princess Natalia stared out the window at the passing scenery below, watching the layers of the city slide by.
"The Crown politics would eat him alive if he wasn't prepared. People would use him to get to me, or worse, they'd try to discredit me through him."
"Are you may be hoping to stretch out potential suitors for yourself, Big Sister? Keep your options open?" Little Princess asked directly, her gaze sharp and searching as she stared at Natalia's profile.
"AGH! Hey, don't say it like that! It's not for me personally, it's for us! For the good of our position!" Natalia defended herself quickly, turning to face her sister. "If everyone knew I was already taken, completely committed to someone from the Rock Districts, then there'd be far fewer people supporting us. The noble families are still not sure which side to take in the power struggles."
She gestured emphatically.
"One of their main reasons for possibly supporting me is the potential marriage alliance I represent. If they realized I'm already taken, already committed to someone they'd see as beneath their stations, then everything we've worked for could be ruined in an instant."
Princess Natalia massaged her forehead with both hands, tension evident in every line of her body. The weight of her position pressed down visibly on her shoulders.
"Big sister, you're truly talking like a princess now. Like a real ruler making hard choices." Little Princess's voice carried a note of sadness that she couldn't quite hide. "Not like my sister anymore."
"What can I do, Hanna? It's our fate to be like this. We were born into this role." Natalia's voice was heavy with resignation and acceptance. "Even I want to announce to the whole world about Zack, shout it from the highest towers so everyone knows he's mine and I'm his. But I can't.... Not yet."
She turned to look directly at her younger sister.
"I'm the Princess now. That means something, carries responsibilities that I can't just ignore. Zack can't help me in these matters because he's not trained to be a prince or a higher Crown official. He doesn't know the games they play, the subtle ways they attack and defend."
Her voice grew stronger, more passionate.
"I love him exactly the way he is, his honesty and straightforwardness and kind heart. But here, in this world of Crown politics, I have to take every single step cautiously. I have to be strong and calculating. I have to use anyone and anything I can to make this city a better place, just like our ancestors did before us."
Princess Natalia stood up slightly in the moving carriage, her eyes blazing with conviction.
"This is my life road, the path I was born to walk. And I intend to walk far on it, to go further than anyone expects. Because I am the FUTURE QUEEN OF THE CITY OF EIRS!"
Her voice rang out with full confidence and iron determination, filling every corner of the carriage. The declaration hung in the air like a promise and a challenge combined.
Hearing this powerful statement, Little Princess suddenly felt something strange and unsettling stir deep inside her chest. An unfamiliar emotion she couldn't quite name. She didn't say anything in response, couldn't find the words. Instead, she kept her head down, her mind churning with questions and uncertainties.
"Life road... then what is my life road?"
The thought whispered through her mind like wind through empty halls.
"I can't be a princess like her. I don't have that fire, that certainty. And I definitely can't be a queen... then what am I? What's my purpose in all of this?"
Little Princess's thoughts raced with growing uncertainty as their carriage finally reached the Fifth Rock District. The massive structure loomed around them as they entered, swallowing their procession into its depths.
Both sisters sat in silence, lost in their own thoughts about the futures that awaited them. One burning bright with ambition and certainty, the other dimming with doubt and questions that had no easy answers.
The carriage rolled on, carrying them deeper into the district and closer to whatever challenges the day would bring.
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END OF CHAPTER
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AUTHOR BLABBERING
What is your Life road? And where it will take you in future?
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