Miabel’s Nearly Spine-Chilling Waking of Suspense and Horror
“Mmm… Hm?” Bel stirred quietly, awakening to the gentle touch of morning light on her skin. “Is it… morning?”
She rubbed her eyes, letting out a few sleepy lip smacks and a yawn. However, as she was about to yawn, the sensation of moisture at the corner of her mouth caught her attention. This was followed by the realization of a drool stain on her pillow!
“The blood of those who raised you flows within. Carry that esteemed name proudly in your heart.”
Familiar voices resonated in her mind, belonging to the women who had raised her like their own daughter.
“Mother Elise… Mother Anne…”
Their words served as a reminder of something crucial. The name she had inherited was one of honor, and she had a duty to uphold that legacy. With this noble thought in mind, Bel swiftly flipped over her pillow, erasing any evidence of embarrassment. Her grandmother’s honor had been safeguarded.
She sighed in relief, then glanced around. Citrina was curled up, seemingly feeling the chill. The act of concealing the evidence had displaced their shared blanket. Bel gently got off the bed and covered her friend again. Only then did she realize that the headcount was off.
“Huh? Miss Mia’s gone…”
Mia, who should have been at the center of the beds, was nowhere to be seen.
“Perhaps she’s taking a morning stroll.”
Bel scratched her head.
“Wandering through the streets of Sunkland in the morning… Well, that does sound enjoyable.”
But was it a suitable activity for a princess like her? Absolutely. Exploring the townscapes of other kingdoms seemed like a worthwhile use of her time. With the educational value of her walk justified, she quickly changed and headed out.
What she failed to notice were the faint groans emanating from the slender gap between the beds.
“Hnnngh… Hnnnnngh…”
It would have been a spine-chilling sound, creating an atmosphere of suspense and horror, but alas, it was not to be. Whatever nightmares lurked down there would find no audience today.
Stepping out of the inn, Bel was greeted by a brisk morning breeze. Within the refreshing gusts, she caught the scent of a town just awakening.
“Mmmm… This is so nice.”
She stretched and filled her lungs with fresh air, reminiscent of her days hiding in the Newmoon District. This time of day had been her favorite back then. The Great Wisdom of the Empire had breathed new life into the district and its people. Bel’s accomplishments were never more apparent than in the morning, when the denizens woke up, and the district came alive. It was endlessly exciting, and Bel could never get enough of it.
She would quietly peer out from her window, savoring the view of the townscape until Mother Anne summoned her for breakfast. Upon entering the dining room, where Mother Elise, having stayed up late writing, would wearily stroll in, rubbing her eyes, and greet her with a drowsy yet tender “Good morning.” These moments were among her most cherished memories of her dearest times.
“Mother Elise… Mother Anne…” She held a deep affection for them, a sentiment that was almost painful. She rubbed her eyes.
“Hm? You’re…” Startled by a voice, she turned and squinted at the speaker through blurry eyes. Her sentimental moment came to an abrupt end upon recognizing the individual.
“Th-The Libr— I mean, Prince Sion? G-Good morning.”
“Good morning to you too, Miss Bel. What are you doing out and about so early in the morning?”
Before her stood the crown prince of Sunkland, Sion Sol Sunkland, and his attendant, Keithwood. The prince’s silver hair glowed gently in the sun, and as Bel stared at him, she found herself captivated by the deep compassion radiating from his eyes. She quickly composed herself and smiled.
“I’m going on an adven—tour through the town.”
Sion chuckled. “An adven-tour through the town, huh. Fair enough. Towns are indeed the kind of things that invite adven-tourous souls to explore them,” he said, returning her smile.
Keithwood, his expression as composed as ever, leaned in and suggested, “It’s not every day you run into a familiar face out here. How about it, then? Would you like milord to give you a tour of the town?”
He glanced at Bel before turning back to Sion and shrugging. “As a veteran adventurer of towns, it seems appropriate for you to show your junior the ropes.”
Sion pursed his lips for a second, then nodded. “Good point. I’ve been meaning to take a look around the town myself, so this is perfect timing.”
Bel’s eyes widened with excitement.
I-I get to go on a morning date with the Libra King?! Wow! Thank you so much, Keithwood! You’re the best!
Unbeknownst to her, Keithwood was acting not out of consideration but caution, having witnessed her fearless impetuousness the night before when she had ventured through the castle.
This little one is even more of a handful than Princess Mia. The princess already has a penchant for diving headfirst into trouble, but in her case, she’s the type to walk into danger without even realizing it… If I let her roam around, I bet she’ll end up strolling into risky areas like the open market without a second thought. Leaving her alone is out of the question!
To Keithwood, Bel represented a constant source of trouble in human form. Fortunately, she remained blissfully unaware of his perception of her. If she had known, her excitement would likely have—
Heh heh heh, I don’t know what Keithwood’s thinking, but I couldn’t care less. As long as I get to go on a date with the Libra King and Keithwood the Loyal, I’m happy! Aaaah, I can’t wait! Let’s go already!
Or…perhaps she would be just as thrilled.
Meanwhile, Mia was…
“Mmm… Mm? My, where am I? How odd… I can’t move my body… And it’s so dark. Oh no, don’t tell me… Was I kidnapped by bandits in my sleep?!”
…Waking up to a considerable amount of suspense and horror. The reality, of course, was that she had rolled off into the gap and found herself wedged between the beds, but…
“I-Is anyone there? A-Anne? Anne…?”
She even added a touch of suspense and horror to everyone around her, as her seemingly disembodied voice emanated from the abyss and echoed through the room.
Fortunately, Bel was out on a walk and would remain oblivious to this embarrassing mishap. The honor of her grandmother had been successfully defended!
