When Your Feathers Flutter Down to Me

Chapter Four: The Princess And Insults

It was true that she should keep in mind what Gorose said. As she had never seen demi-humans or monster people fight, she wasn't really sure what they were capable of. Back in the capital, she had actually had the opportunity. In the coliseum, it wasn't uncommon to see demi-humans or monster people fighting in the ring, but the former princess never had any desire to witness such an event. In general, she found featured-fighting like that to be barbaric, and in addition, she never wanted to waste her time watching the filth of the kingdom compete against each other in such meaningless competition. Although, now a part of her was wishing she had.

Gorose bending a spearhead with nothing more than his palm was enough to make Elisia think twice about starting any physical altercations. Besides that, she was sure she wouldn't really be able to fight back even if she tried. Most likely, as soon as she made a move, someone would trigger her branding spell, which would end up causing her to falter.

Essentially, Elisia was only left with her words, but so far, she had been too busy trying to avoid people to really try any persuading. Not helping her in the least was her "guard" Hanen, who seemed to be doing his best to guide Elisia into crowds while also adding in his own occasional barb.

Overall, the population of Dehl Village wasn't large, at least compared to a city. From what she could tell, Elisia estimated the number of people to be roughly around 50 to 75 individuals. But, it was also possible that what qualified as "Dehl Village" was beyond what she could see. That meant that there could've actually been even more people.

That thought alone shook Elisia a bit. If she was having this much trouble with this amount, how would she ever make it through an even bigger population?

"If it really turns out that there are more of these wretched beasts, then perhaps I really would be better off in that cell..." she thought.

However, at the moment, Elisia had decided she wasn't going to give up just yet. "No hiding or running away," she thought confidently. "I am the superior one here. I'll make them bow to me." Standing up, she brushed off her skirt and shirt, along with fixing her hair a bit. "There," she said, satisfied. Elisia knew it was probably a far cry from her usually regal appearance, but it would have to do.

Marching out from behind the hut, Elisia stared out into the village. "Let the conquest begin," she thought smugly.

"What're you smirking for, princess?" Hanen said, suspicious.

"Ow..." Elisia groaned. It seemed she was already starting to get used to the branding spell's punishment, though it was most likely only for single instances. "I'm not smirking," she said, glaring at Hanen. "Honestly, do you really think a princess- guh... would ever make such an expression? How ignorant must you be?"

Striding away from him, Elisia readied herself to approach the first person she saw. "You there," she said loudly, drawing the attention of a woman who seemed to be a kind of fox woman. "Don't you find this life rather boring?" Elisia said. "Why don't you come with me? I promise I'll give you everything you desire."

Proud of the fact she had managed to stomach talking to a monster person, Elisia waited for the woman's response. However, it was not as positive as she had hoped. "Wow," she sighed. "I had always heard you were ruthless with people like me, and I heard plenty of stories, but... I never imagined you'd be this stupid."

"...hah?" Elisia let out, but the woman went on.

"Give me what I desire? I already have it! This village is exactly what I've always wanted. Do you have any idea what life was like for me before I came here? Every day was a living hell. It took everything I had just to survive a day between the constant attacks and lack of food. Elder Gorose creating this place and offering such a nice environment is more than enough for me. Besides, do you honestly believe you could give me anything of value, princess? You no longer have any of your power or money, and even if you did, I would want none of it, as I'm sure it's stained by the blood of my brethren."