Ending Conditions of the Princess and the Knight

It was the second morning at the hotel.

Mechanically getting up, washing her face, and opening her closet, Taeri was speechless at the sight of her closet, which was packed to the point of bursting after exactly one night.

Dresses hung by color, and robes and cloaks of even more varieties.

An array of glass cases lined up, showcasing all kinds of hats, starting from the signature pointed hat of a wizard to feather adornments from unknown species of birds……

“What do you think?”

“Do you like them?”

The two girls who had stuffed them into a cart and a hanger, Lily and March, were waiting for her, their eyes expectant, as if they wanted her to try them on.

“Uh… uh, well, I’m really, really thank……ful?”

“You’re welcome!”

“That’s amazing. Everyone is talented.”

Did they wave a magic wand or something? Taeri clenched her thumbs in pure admiration, and the girls clapped their hands in delight.

They were so thrilled that they scattered flowers made of light in all directions.

Wow, it’s fascinating.

Even though they looked about ten years old, these little kids were undoubtedly wizards.

Taeri followed along with the playful tricks the girls were showing, and soon enough, a faint fragrance filled the room.

Finally, the time had come to discard the small, snug pajama dress that Taeri had been wearing in the corner of the room.

With an excessive amount of affection, Taeri stood in front of her closet and picked out the most modern and simple white blouse along with a moderately long skirt.

Coincidentally, the steward Ancie pushed in the breakfast trolley and smiled contentedly upon seeing it.

‘Why does it feel like everyone is here to watch me change clothes?’

I appreciate the concern, but was this really such a big event that it would attract so many onlookers, like a princess dressing up game?

“Hey, I’m sorry, can you all turn around for a second?”

They didn’t seem to want to leave anyway, so I just asked them to avert their gaze.

The next thing needed was speed faster than the eye could follow.

I shed my raggedy clothes in a flurry and changed into a fresh set of cozy smelling clothes.

I quickly shoved my old pajamas under the bed for when I got back, then carefully pulled out the gray trench coat I’d been eyeing from the beginning.

“Can I wear this, too?”

“Of course, princess, and if there’s anything else you need, let me know. I’ll even sell the hotel doors to get you everything you want…….”

“No, no, no! I don’t lack anything, really. Just leave the doors as they are.”

They sounded ready to act, so Taeri quickly slipped her arms into her coat, buttoned it up, and fastened the belt.

To show sincere determination that she was content with this and could live well as a single gentleman if necessary.

To avoid the burden of the brimmed tall hat, she opted for a dark-colored beret and pressed it tightly against her head.

The pupils of those around her instantly sparkled.

Wanting to approach and pat her, but noticing that others were forcing themselves to hold back, she awkwardly opened her arms wide and spoke.

“If you want to touch… you can come and touch.”

“Oh my.”

The first person to jump at the words was Ancie.

She’d been setting out the food, and somehow she’d moved so fast, and now she was there, wrapping her arms around Taeri. She cradled her to her chest like a puppy and nuzzled her cheek.

Taking that as their cue, March and Lily opened their arms and hugged her wide and deep.

No, this wasn’t what touch meant.

But even in the midst of their enclosure, Taeri didn’t struggle.

I could tell by their body heat and gentle touch how much they loved and cared for the princess. The tip of my nose twitched even though I hadn’t done anything.

“We’re so glad you’re back, Princess, we’ve missed you so much.”

Yes, it may not be the exact person I have been waiting for, but…….

“I never thought I’d see you again like this. When you left, I thought you were gone forever.”

Well, that’s how it should be, right…

Biting my lips slightly in the face of endless longing and affection that pours out without condition.

According to Claude’s testimony, these individuals are also survivors of that day. People who remained in the midst of the curse for themselves, no, for the princess.

Words that I couldn’t spit out kept lingering in my mouth.

It’s so good.

I’m really grateful.

Don’t you hate me? Because of me…

While Ancie’s lips silently trembled, she smiled and asked.

“I see that you’re wearing a coat, are you planning to go outside? Where are you going? Shall I accompany you?”

“Oh no, Ancie, you’re a busy person. I can handle it alone. Probably, um… I’ll be able to do it.”

“Oh my, you’re also admirable.”

In the entire universe, this is the only place where a woman who speaks her mind and eats as she pleases can receive praise.

Taeri, feeling a bit awkward, pushed aside the feeling of madness and recalled today’s destination.

‘Claude said that the apothecary district is in the eastern part of the city, in the ruins.’

Although it may be somewhat unclear, I do know about the ruins.

I had been on a quest twice before, but I only went for a quick visit, so I didn’t remember the detailed path, which was a bit of a problem.

I didn’t bother exploring unless it was a necessary area for progressing in the game.

‘In the forest, I can find my way anywhere even with my eyes closed.’

The only map she knows by heart is the Black Forest.

But she decided to get a little lost in the city today, just to brush up on her geography.

For a brief moment, I could see everyone’s faces tremble at my words.

“Oh, is that not possible?”

“No, it’s not like that. We just didn’t expect you to express the desire to visit so soon… If the princess is going, everyone will be thrilled. We’ve all been eagerly waiting.”

Ancie’s face truly looked delighted as she spoke.

“Well then, I should give you a small gift.”

She pulled out a hairpin she had been wearing and lightly waved it. It rapidly grew in size, transforming into a massive metal staff.

“Whoaaaa…!”

I never thought I’d see something like this in real life.

Even the movies don’t do it justice, because this is magic, real magic.

Taeri thought that maybe it was a good thing she came here for the first time.

Living as a magician is truly an amazing thing, isn’t it?

She was completely intoxicated by it.

Soon, the concentrated power at the tip of the staff was absorbed into her beret above her head.

“Huh?”

In an instant, another person stood in the mirror.

Although the appearance hadn’t changed, just having black hair and black eyes made the atmosphere completely different.

“Wow, what is this?”

Taeri exclaimed in admiration, repeatedly taking off and putting on her hat in front of the mirror, marveling at her ever-changing hair and eye color.

After that, she lavishly praised her for being crazy, the best, and amazing.

Ancie blushed at the princess’s excessive praise.

“Hehe, I am a witch of illusion. I’ve given you a simple disguise because if you go out as you are, you might become someone’s target. If you take off the hat, you’ll return to your original self. Do you like it?”

“Completely, completely!”

“This place is filled with aspiring but clueless warriors, so you might find it bothersome.”

“You mean wannabe warriors.”

“Yes, those who dare to insult the princess and cause a commotion in front of the hotel.”

After the Monster Gate opened, the Black Forest became a renowned attraction across the continent.

Adventurers from all nationalities and races flocked there, claiming to possess extraordinary skills in combat. They entered the forest, dreaming of becoming heroes who would save the world and resolve the curse.

Among them were those who sought pure justice and righteousness, but there were also many who did not possess such qualities.

“I see. I’ll be careful.”

“You don’t have to be cautious. Princess, you can do whatever you want. I gave you the disguise in case something unforeseen happens, but if you have a desire to exert your power, you can do so.”

Huh…?

“Also, if by any chance you encounter those violent thugs who dare to mock the princess, remember to let me know.”

“Why?”

This time, the excited March and Lily interrupted with their response.

“To give them a good scolding!”

“And to get rid of the naughty bugs in their heads!”

Guys…?

Didn’t you show me beautiful flowers earlier?

* * *

As Taeri headed out the door of the hotel, fully prepared, Ancie decided that she couldn’t let her go alone.

The door of the carriage that had been waiting in front of the main entrance opened wide. It was the daily guide.

“I heard you came back, was it real?”

It was a woman dressed in a red velvet gown who appeared to be of a similar age to Taeri.

She raised her ornate fan to cover her mouth and looked down, revealing a slender smile.

That face looks familiar….

While Taeri was trying to unravel her hazy memory, Ansi’s disapproving voice rang out as she accurately pinpointed the person’s name.

“Bridget! Can’t you come down immediately? Behave properly in front of the princess!”

Bridget!

‘The Plague Doctor, Brigitte?’

Taeri immediately let out an inward scream.

Bridget1브리짓. Brigitte2브리지테 Dewey. Faint knowledge surged back like a rushing tide.

She was a doctor who sold various potions, elixirs, and antidotes at a peculiar tea house in the city. Above the head of that NPC always floated the words ‘Plague Doctor Brigitte.’

‘So she wasn’t a doctor but a mage?’

I had only thought of her as the owner of a suspicious tea house selling strange potions. It was an unexpected twist.

Meanwhile, Bridget, who had been dragged down against her will, stood before Taeri with a defiant expression.

“Princess, this is my niece, Bridgette. You might not remember, but she was once your playmate and maid when you were young, and–”

“Ah, forget it. Do you think she’d even remember me?”

The other person’s words were cut off. Seeing her snort leisurely, saying that she would never know, Taeri realized that this was the moment tshe needed to gather her wits.

Based on her experience playing games, she knew that Bridgette was by no means an easy opponent.

She cleared her throat and tried to act as naturally as possible, pretending to ‘know’ who Bridget was.

“It’s been a while.”

With those words, Bridget’s eyes subtly lifted at the corners.

“What. Do you actually remember me? Well, as a friend of the princess, there must have been dozens of maids in the castle, right?”

As expected, she didn’t believe it straightforwardly.

‘In that case, let’s use a cheat code.’

Taeri immediately struck with a wedge at the second checkpoint.

“I’m surprised you’re running a teahouse, I’ve always thought you had a talent for potions. Not that you have to make a career out of it, of course.”

“……!”

Whether it was the effect of the wedge or not, the mischievousness disappeared from her face, and after a moment, her expression slowly twisted.