Mistress Of The Evil Forest

Case 123: On the heroine's awakening – To Heisenberg.

''Ooh~! It's beautiful!''

''Isn't it?''

''Yeah! Amazing job managing the city, Scarlett!''

''Heh.''

As much as I want to say, 'You're just a kid, so what kind of managing job do you do?', I have more disappointing matters to be concerned about.

First of all, I was supposed to arrive at the Heisenberg Duchy alone with Chloe, but for some reason, we met both Claire and Scarlett on the way here.

Claire says she wants to visit a mana pond to 'awaken my guardian spirit of the ancient warrior' or something, which usually gets people staring at her weirdly. However, there is indeed a guardian spirit sleeping within her. We simply didn't expect her to visit Heisenberg at this time, as her location of choice was different in the game.

As for Scarlett...well? She says she has family matters to attend to, so who am I to question her objective?

Claire insists she comes with us, and Scarlett also has somewhat of an obligation to show Chloe around as well. 

I don't mind them coming along, but Chloe does. Her gloomy eyes, which have lost all of their luster, are actively making those two avoid us. Instead, they seem to get along quite well.

''Hah...'' Chloe sighed, clutching my hand tighter. ''Aurora, wanna eat dessert?''

''Sure.''

Either way, the city itself is quite beautiful. Because a Duchy of the Astra Empire is more or less a kingdom in terms of scale, its capital will inevitably be quite grand.

Heisenberg's capital leans toward an older style of buildings, but they remain beautiful nonetheless. The streets are clean, businesses are blooming, and tourists can be seen across the map.

This seems like a good place to settle down. I've heard good things about the lords of Heisenberg as well. Whoever marries Scarlett in the future will be quite lucky.

If they can get her to tone down her battle-maniac side a bit, it'll be perfect. I doubt there is anyone who can do that, though.

''Hey, how about you guys coming to our palace?''

Talk about the devil. 

''I can't let our guests wander around alone, can I?''

Technically, there are secret guards following Chloe, too, but she is right. Without hesitation, we accept the offer to stay at Scarlett's place. Claire appears shy at first, but at the lady of Heisenberg's insistence, she eventually takes it.

So, we promptly move to the slightly less impressive castle standing at the heart of Heisenberg. Less, compared to the imperial palace.

Still, it is outrageously vast, and I honestly feel it is not necessary to have a house this big. Claire seems to agree with me, seeing her dumbly stare ahead with an 'o' face.

''It's a way to establish ourselves.''

Noticing our thoughts, Scarletts explains.

''Without showing wealth and power, our position internally and externally will worsen. I'm sure Lady Amelia over there can relate.''

''It's true.'' Chloe shrugs. ''Politics are all bothersome and wasteful.''

This explanation is mostly for Claire since she is... not of a noble origin, and she needs to get the hang of politics if she doesn't want to be used like a puppet.

Either way, I'm not allowing that to happen.

The heroine, being a heroine, expresses sadness over this fact.

''Why can't we use the money for the poor...'' She says.

''It's not realistic.'' Chloe sighs. ''If you want to create such a wonderland... just marry the next crown or take the crown for yourself.''

''Hey, that's treason!''

Scarletts quickly puts a stop to Chloe's dangerous talk, looking around in absolute horror.

''What? I'm stating the truth. Were you such a big fan of the imperials?''

As Chloe appears unfazed, Scarlett finally states her reasonings.

''My parents... they're imperial fanatics!''

''Oh, that's scary.''

With a status similar to that of a royal princess, Chloe can get away with such lighthearted jokes about the imperial family. If one stops and thinks about it, what can the imperial family even do? Put sanctions as punishment for a duchy? That'll ruin their relationship in a heartbeat.

However, fanatics are a different story.

If I imagine I am smack-talking Silaerob in front of Claire, I think I can get an accurate picture.

Either way—

''Did I hear someone mention the imperial family?''

'''' ?!? ''''

''D-Dad?! When did you get here...?''

A wild Duke of Heisenberg appears. Standing at at least 190 cm or above, he is a burly man with an imposing aura befitting that of a duke. The man soon poses a grin and repeatedly pats Scarlett's shoulder, sounding smacks so loud I fear her bones might have been broken in the process.

''Having such loyalty is good! Keep it up, my daughter!''

''Ugh... go inside! I'm having guests!''

Surprisingly, it's a typical father-daughter scene. I don't have a father, so I wouldn't know, but still.

''My, my. Are these cuties your girlfriends?''

''Mom?!''

Then, out of nowhere, a delicate-looking lady pops out of the duke's back. Covering her mouth with a velvet fan, her eyes intently scan our appearance.

Faceing two bigshots, Claire tenses up, but soon relaxes again as I shoot her a reassuring look.

''This! This!'' Scarlett desperately tries to defuse the mess by pointing at Chloe, who is hugging my arm. ''This is the lady of Luminous! Please be a little respectful!''

''Hey, that's pretty rude already—''

''Oh, my! It seems we have not been paying enough attention!'' Scarlett's mom grabs Chloe's hand with an embarrassed look. ''Now that I think about it, these silky golden hair, those clear ocean-blue eyes... who could it be other than Lady Luminous?''

''Ah, um... thank you. Can you please let go of my hand...?''

''Hahah! I see you have made precious connections at school! Good job, my daughter!''

''Agh... seriously! Can you two stop already?!''

After realizing that the Duke and Duchess are weirdos, we sacrifice Scarlett by leaving her behind and follow the butler to our designated rooms.

Chloe wants to take an afternoon nap since she is allergic to traveling, so I let her be and walk to Claire's room instead.

knock—! knock—!

''Yes~!''

Opening the door, Claire, who dresses lighter than before, flashes a smile when she sees me.

''Aurora. What's going on?''

''Do you have some time?''

''Sure? Come in first.''

''Thanks.''

Settling down on her bed, Claire stares at me with her round eyes, waiting for me to open the conversation.

''How are things recently?'' I ask.

''Huh? Are you talking about my... job?''

''Mhm.''

''It's good! I like it. I get to help people out with the support of the government, after all. Besides...''

''...''

Claire grabs her sword, which has been resting against the bed, and stares at it with a proud look. 

''Either way! It's been great!''

''...I see.''

''What, are you worried about me or something?'' Claire jokingly says. ''You love me too much~!''

''Yes.''

''E-Eh?''

''I am worried about you.''

''Ah... okay... um.''

Hm? 

Oh, wait. Is she getting the wrong idea?

''...''

I'll admit it. Sometimes, I forget that she is the heroine of a Yuri game. I am a woman as well, so there is a chance she considers things that way.

Well... chances are chances.

I don't think it will happen.