When Your Feathers Flutter Down to Me

Chapter Four: The Princess And Insults

"I suppose you may be right," Elisia said quietly. "Because if anyone really was willing to go that far for me, I suspect I would no longer be here..." Even with all her arrogance, Elisia could see that much. If there was anyone who was that dedicated to her, cared for her enough to rescue her and had the means to do so, it most likely would've already happened. Things never would've gotten as far as Elisia becoming a prisoner and enduring an endless tirade of insults.

For his part, Hanen had nothing to say. It was most people's assumption that the former princess probably didn't have anyone close to her, but to see her basically admit it so openly created new feelings. With just the assumption, they all imagined a woman by herself, only surrounded by her possessions. All the demi-humans and monster people would mock the imagery and pretend to be sad.

But, before Hanen's eyes, there appeared to be nothing more than a sad, lonely young woman, dirtied by both the conditions she was in and the treatment of her. He couldn't really say he felt sympathy for her, but in that one moment, Hanen felt just a bit sorry for the woman they so openly scorned.

"Now then," Elisia said, regaining her usual stuck-up tone. "Come along, dog."

"I'm not a dog, you bitch!" Hanen shouted back as she walked away from him. Most demi-humans didn't take kindly to being referred to as their base species (i.e. dog for dogman, bull for bullman) Monster people were a little different, but that was mostly because they looked a lot more like their base species, so it didn't bother them as much.

*****

As night approached, more people began to gather in the center of the village. Most of them were coming in from work, whether it had been going to the surrounding villages to trade or working fields. With food being served in a space that would amount to a town square, it was a natural spot for people to congregate and share stories of the day as they ate.

Of course, on this particular day, there was really only one topic everybody wanted to talk about: the former First Princess Elisia Felbrun walking around the village, and if you had been able to cause her some pain while she did.

It was a somewhat brutal topic, but for the people of Dehl Village, it was perfectly normal. Truly, the hate for Elisia ran deeper than even she really knew. If a day had ever come when she was killed in the capital, there would've been many demi-humans and monster people rejoicing and insisting they throw a parade. Getting the chance to cause her a bit of pain was the least they should be allowed to do after everything she had done to them.

Along with that topic too was the princess herself, standing far off to the side. Next to her was Gorose, who seemed to be acting as her guard now. Upon seeing that, a few of the villagers became worried, but it turned out to be for nothing when they saw Gorose scold Elisia for something. She simply turned away in a huff, but it seemed to be effective, so the villagers believed Gorose had it all under control.

As for the reason he was with her now instead of Hanen, it was really just to relieve him. "You've been guarding her all day. You should get some food and rest. I'll watch over Elisia," Gorose had insisted, which made Hanen feel a little guilty after he had slacked on his duties, but he took Gorose up on his offer anyway.

"That man is truly incompetent," Elisia said irritably.

"Is he incompetent?" Gorose asked. "Or do you simply not like him because he flipped you over?"

"You saw that?!" Elisia exclaimed, feeling embarrassed.

"I happened to look when I heard a bit of commotion," Gorose said with a gentle smile.

"If you saw, then why didn't you stop him?!" Elisia yelled.

"Well, for one thing, your assailant was a bit too far away and quick for me to intervene," Gorose explained. "And besides, I think in this instance, it was good for you. Perhaps you'll learn a little humility."