The Gloomy and Timid Princess Heads to the Academy

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I was caught red-handed. It was clear that it saw the me beyond just being a parent.

From the moment I gave birth to my child, I had a hunch I’d eventually get found out, but I didn’t expect it to happen this soon.

It was a situation entirely different from rescuing the Black Wolf from a parallel world, so I figured this would come eventually. And even if I got discovered, it wouldn’t hinder my plans.

Having acted solely as a bystander and drifter, the demise of this world was out of the question. Even if I had caused some abnormal progress, the shroud covering it was still intact.

Despite my main body being nearly omnipotent, there were still flaws. I exploited those flaws because I used to be that way.

The veil covering the surface of the planet obscured the rapid, abnormal development of this continent while still allowing my main body to present a rapidly evolving civilization without arousing suspicion.

If a few hundred years pass, the rate of progress behind the veil will catch up to the rate of progress hidden by it, and by that time, the veil will naturally lift. But I wouldn’t be around then.

It doesn’t matter. This continent was already functioning smoothly without me. In a few thousand years, humanity will leave the cradle of divinity and motherhood to sail away into the vast and cold sea of stars.

I wanted to see them off at their end, but that would be tough.

Before that, I would either be collected or eliminated by the main body. I didn’t feel sad or angry. I was just regretful that I wouldn’t be able to witness it.

I cut the connection with my child and turned my gaze to the numerous mirrors around me. The conditions were exactly the same as when I rescued the Black Wolf, so no remarkable results came forth.

When humanity regains free will, after being improved from their outdated bodies… I had simulated it countless times, to the point where counting would be foolish, but the results were the same.

Destruction.

Splitting into countless nations fighting repeatedly, floundering in disasters that randomly occurred, only developing weapons instead of science, exhausting resources, and lacking the technology to deal with asteroid collisions.

Abandoning technological progress led to the regression of civilization, trends in self-destructive ideologies and religions, uncontrollable creations, and so on.

This was the outcome when they were allowed to act freely without a powerful unified control. There were a few hopeful observations, but they were far too few to place any bets on those futures.

Even those paled in comparison to the present.

My child also seemed unable to come up with a clear answer. Ganaan remained silent after escaping.

Even calling upon outsiders to figure it out yielded no clear answer.

…My child had mixed in too much to be called an outsider.

Somebody’s fictional creation from the outside world coincidentally matched this world, and those brought in through that connection also seemed to have no distinct answers.

Since I could not wait indefinitely for Ganaan’s answer, I regrettably concluded that she must be eliminated. My partner had just finished tidying up the continent, so it would suffice to inform them.

There are those beyond who point their swords at us.

– – – –

Numerous soldiers were racing through the darkness. Carrying their own loads, they leaped over obstacles at a speed that seemed impossible for humans, following a man at the front.

“Captain. Please rise. I can see the forest ahead. It shouldn’t be long now.”

A soldier standing behind addressed the leading man. However, the man at the front replied with mild annoyance.

“…Hmm. Hmm? Ahem, I know. I have eyes, you know.”

“You almost fell into a wall last time while sleeping during a run. How can I call you a subordinate if you let me repeat that mistake?”

“Hey now, when did I— I’m not a kid. Am I going to keep making the same mistakes? Sub-lieutenant, how are the kids holding up?”

“Let’s not change the subject, Captain. Just now, you almost tripped over a rock.”

“…Well, that’s true. Ugh, fine. You lot, can you keep running?”

With no rebuttal left, the man gave up arguing and checked on his subordinates. Running non-stop for 24 hours straight would be quite a challenge for regular beast-men.

“No problem!”

However, upon hearing the resounding reply, he smiled wryly. The ones here were anything but average.

Confirming that even his aging subordinate was still in fine shape, the man pushed his speed even higher.

“Alright, then we meet the lady today. Crush anyone blocking our path, but don’t kill! Run like beasts! The lady is waiting!”

With the sound of slicing wind, the figures vanished into the shadows.

– – – –

Upon seeking the source of the noise, I found the Black Wolf engaging in an abduction with some guards.

…What a shock. I hastily ran over, feeling something familiar yet irritating, only to find that my worst fears had already come to pass.

Dokan intended to come along but was told to stay back as he stepped eagerly towards the Black Wolf. This was something I couldn’t overlook.

“…So, you’re telling me you barged in here and made a mess of things on your way?”

I scolded the Black Wolf with a genuinely angry tone. But he simply responded nonchalantly as usual.

“Yes, my lady. Not a single casualty from our headquarters.”

The Black Wolf declared, holding a bloodied elf in hand. Looking around, I saw elves on guard against the soldiers and academy guards.

However, they were merely cautious and did not dare to approach. Given the sword marks nearby, it seemed the Black Wolf had intimidated them a bit.

“Black Wolf. I told you… it’s okay to take your time, but I said to come ‘gently’… What on earth is this?”

That was no way to describe being ‘gentle’. I just saw him cough blood moments ago. I had pleaded for this not to happen…!

“Yet they’re still alive, aren’t they? This is gentle enough. While the princess may think it’s fine to come late, our top priority is the safety of the princess. We cannot afford to be late.”

He certainly knew how to talk.

When heading to the academy, we must hurry so we don’t arrive late. This time, the story was a bit different. It wasn’t like we were without guards.

I understood if my parents’ words took precedence, but I had to avoid a situation that could escalate into national disputes that would cause big trouble for this continent.

I didn’t feel good about it, but that didn’t mean I wished for everyone to die. I had learned it wasn’t a place where people didn’t matter.

“…Release them. I won’t ask twice, captain of the guards.”

What should I do… Should I bow deeply? My head was already spinning, but first, I had to finish this ridiculous hostage situation.

Fortunately, the Black Wolf let the half-dead hostage go. Though they collapsed immediately after being dropped, the surrounding elves helped them disappear somewhere.

The hostage crisis was over now. How to end this standoff?

The method was obvious, but for some reason, it felt uncomfortable. Not because I felt I would be losing, but because it went entirely against the education I received from my father.

Still, since we were the ones who acted first, it would be proper to apologize.

“…I deeply apologize for the mistakes made by my escort. I’m sorry. You all did your duty, and I have no face to show you…”

Apologizing wouldn’t kill anyone, and I bowed my head to the academy staff and elves. Although some guards murmured in the back, I pointed out that this was because of you guys.

I clearly told you to take your time and avoid causing a scene.

“…Ah, no, your highness. Please raise your head. The one who should apologize is you, not them!”

“Your highness! You don’t need to bow your head to them!”

Just as the taut tension in the air seemed ready to snap, the moment I bowed my head, everyone present made a fuss for me to lift my head.

Ah, who knows. Whether you’re in trouble or I’m in trouble.

“Come now, Lady Ho-yeon. First, please lift your head. No matter how apologetic you feel, there are times when you must not bow your head.”

In that chaos, Dokan leaped out and advised me.

Thinking back, I certainly acted too recklessly. This world truly had a reality to its hierarchy.

Well, with sentiment like pride or position across so many continents, that could be the case. I decided to heed Dokan’s suggestion and raised my head.

The noisy sounds had somewhat subsided, yet glances were still concentrated on me. Dokan quickly scanned the surroundings and began mediating the situation.

“Alright, everyone. How about we first listen to what led these people to this level of bloodshed to arrive here?”

Who are you to claim off the bat? No one dared to challenge his words. Everyone had witnessed me accepting his suggestion.

He skillfully led the conversation in search of a compromise. Fortunately, neither side was filled with obstinate individuals, so communication was flowing.

After a lengthy dispute, it concluded that the guards had made the greater mistakes. They would pretend the chaos brought along the way had never happened and only address the errors made here.

As a result, the guards were assigned both security and menial tasks.

Before departing, the Black Wolf shot me a somewhat dissatisfied glance, but who threatened anyone to come along?

“…Well, it seems like things have resolved well enough. If such people are guarding us, there will be no worries.”

“There may be doubts, but their abilities are indisputable. I guarantee it. Much appreciated. Should I offer a reward or something?”

“No, that’s not what I was looking for. But if I absolutely must receive something… How about finding a game to play inside?”

That was unlike Dokan’s usual suggestion, so I was momentarily startled, but soon decided to let him have it.

Guessing what we drew with just paper and a pen, writing letters on each other’s backs and asking what they were…

Both were so awkward that it was cringeworthy. But it was a joyful time.

And the next day, Dokan disappeared.