Fatima: The Slave Princess-Chapter 89 - 88

Although I am cleverly disguised, a single slip-up could inadvertently reveal my identity, causing them to recognize me instantly. Therefore, wrapping this up quickly and moving away from the crowd is probably the best course of action in this situation.

"Please accept my sincere apologies, good sirs! I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening." I bowed before quickly turning away.

"Where...it do you think... you are going, miss?"

The combination of his abrasive tone, heavy accent, and inappropriate behavior of grabbing my arm without consent gives the impression of him being an uncultured foreigner. And the more apparent that became, the larger grew the surrounding crowd. Was it really necessary for him to attract so much attention to us over such a minor mishap? I merely just bumped into him by accident...

"Sir, I believe it is best if we leave quietly. His majesty mentioned he wanted to have a word with you earlier and..." a knight whispered in his ear.

"I will not leave until dissa... woman here...begga me on his knees for their forgiveness." the gentleman shouted angrily, pointing his finger at me.

His words are all jumbled up. He couldn't possibly be drunk already, could he? The sun hasn't even set yet, for goodness' sake.

"Sir, there is no point in causing a scene here. There are too many eyes on us. We should go."

Despite their attempts to quell his erratic behavior, he relentlessly continued to scream insults at me, ignoring their pleas to stop. Under no circumstances could he be Loraine's husband; it's simply out of the question. Although...something about him feels oddly familiar. Where have I met him before?

"We apologize, miss. He's in a bit of a foul mood right now. Please overlook this..."

His companions spoke far more eloquently than he does, yet he seems to be one exercising authority over them. What's with this backwards dynamic?

"You're from Ecchelon, are you not?"

"H-how did you... Y-you-"

My remarks, strange and unexpected, left them utterly bewildered, a hush falling over the crowd as their curiosity was immediately piqued. A cacophony of questions filled my head, and a mixture of fear and excitement pounded in my chest like a drum as I met their shocked, questioning gazes.

"As representatives of such a reputable country, are you not worried about the consequences of your actions? Provided that we decide to escalate this incident, I'm sure your queen will catch wind of this faster than you can even breathe. What then do you suppose she'll do next?"

The behavior of an envoy must exemplify the highest standards of decorum, as their actions directly influence and significantly improve their country's international standing and reputation. Yet this fool here...

"Y-you can speak...our language, miss? A-are you a citizen of Ecchelon, perhaps? Miss? Miss!" exclaimed one of his knights, his expression beaming with relief.

I've already drawn too much attention to myself. I should get out of here before I make another mistake.

"W-wait, Miss!" the man shouted, rushing after me as his knights followed in haste.

"Please wait."

What's with his tendency to grab a perfect stranger's arm like it's the most normal thing to do?

"I have nothing else to say to you. Now, release my arm or I'll scream for help."

Her shrewd way of speaking, a clipped tone with just the right amount of sharpness, and the subtle shifts in her eyebrows, which mirrored her emotions with almost imperceptible flickers, were strikingly similar to those of our queen. They look nothing alike, yet...are identical in so many ways. Who is this woman? Is it really a coincidence that she speaks our language? Or that the intonations in their voices are so eerily similar that it's making me uncomfortable? Perhaps this is all just in my head.

"Please accept my sincere apologies. I did not mean to offend you in any way, miss."

Suspicions aside-It is such a relief to finally be able to communicate with someone who understands us. Having left the meeting early, we've been meandering about the city, the afternoon sun beating down on us, still unable to find our way back to the palace. We asked several people for directions, our words garbled by our accents, only to be met with puzzled looks and gestures.

"What language is that?"

"Did you not hear her earlier? It's the language of Ecchelon."

"Ah, so these men must be their envoys. How rude they are."

"I'll say."

"She really took them down a peg or two, there. Haha!"

"How would you know? You don't speak their language."

"Can't you tell by their expressions? This young lad looks like he's on the verge of crying."

We should move away from the crowd.

~Moments Later.

"These gentlemen lost their way while exploring the capital. Please guide them back to the imperial palace."

The guards recognized the envoys right away, which made things a lot easier for them. I can't believe I just helped that rude bloke. I hope to never see him again.

"This way, Sir Gaurdin."

Gaurdin? As in...Gaurdin Degruff? Surely I must have misheard them. It's unthinkable that someone of his low standing would be here representing Ecchelon. *Sigh* I should continue sightseeing. This time without any interruptions. That being said, my next stop should be the food court. I must replenish my energy reserves after the conundrum I just went through.

"Secretary Lottie?"

Hm? Did someone recognize me? I don't see any familiar faces anywhere.

"Goodness! It is you!" a familiar voice squealed from behind me.

"Miss Ulissa? What a pleasant surprise!" I exclaimed as I turned around to face her.

"I came with Ulyx and Ulrick, but they disappeared on me the moment we passed by those half naked street dancers near that infamous brothel."

"How glad I am to have run into you, Miss Lottie." She exclaimed cheerfully, her arms draped over my shoulders as she rubbed her face against mine.

Miss Ulissa's kindness has been a constant presence in my life, beginning from the moment we first met. I initially assumed her friendly demeanor was motivated by my status as a princess, but after hearing her story from Nathan, I realized that perhaps our lives weren't so different after all. She's overly affectionate, and slightly naïve, her actions a transparent attempt to forge the bonds she's always craved, a yearning evident in her wide, trusting eyes. As the first daughter of her tribe's chief, Miss Ulissa's fate was decided the moment she came out of her mother's womb. Her sole purpose, a weight on her young shoulders, was to bring honor to her tribe through a strategic marriage, securing alliances and resources. However, when she failed to do that, they were ready to dispose of her without a moment's hesitation.

"Woow! These accessories are so beautiful! How do I look, Miss Lottie?"

Whenever I think about her upbringing, I can't help but feel saddened. She must have suffered all throughout her entire youth, silently bearing the weight of her responsibilities all alone. Just like me when my mark was discovered.

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"I'm afraid you don't have enough ears for earrings this big, Miss Ulissa."

"Haha! You are absolutely right. I can't even keep my head straight! Why are they so heavy?"

I wanted to tour the festive streets of Akroliss alone, but I have an inkling that I'll have a lot more fun with her around.

~The Next Day

"Ow...my head." I groaned as I wriggled underneath the bed sheets.

How did I make it back here last night? All I could remember was the burning sensation of that weird liquor going down my throat. What was its name again? Canes...cannes...*Sigh* Just trying to recall its name is making my stomach churn. It was so sweet that I kept drinking it until...*gasp* I remember now...It was Sugar Cane Glory.

"Secretary Lottie? Are you awake?"

Huh? What is Sir Tomario doing in front of my door this early in the morning? And how long has he been standing there? I can't let him see me without my disguise. Where is my wig? My spectacles! Quickly! Quickly!

"Please wait one moment, Sir Pervess." I yelled before stumbling on the floor.

"Ow!"

"Are you alright, Miss? Do you require my help?"

"No! Stay right where you are!" I hurled loudly.

That was unnecessarily loud.

"I-I mean...thank you for your concern, but I can manage on my own."

Why can't I get this bed sheet off my ankle? What on earth...? Why is it tied up in a such a big knot? Was I trying to run off last night while inebriated? No, that doesn't sound like something I'd do. Surely a princess wouldn't behave so inappropriately...right?

"Ah! It's finally off."

"Good morning, Sir Pervess. What brings you here at this early hour?"

I put everything on at lightning speed, and now my head is spinning.

"You must still be hungover from last night, Miss Lottie. I have brought you medicine to help make you feel better." He said as he extended a small vial to me.

"P-pardon? Did you say...hungover? B-by chance, were you the one who escorted me back to my room last night, Sir Pervess?"

Goodness! I must have made a show of myself in front of him. What in the world did he witness for him to be making such a face?

"About that..."

~Meanwhile, Nextera Palace

Exasperated sighs filled the room as the meeting finally concluded, far past the time the hunting tournament had ended. With Fatima gone, the palace felt empty, so I slipped out into the bustling, vibrant city, eager for some fresh air and a change of pace. The sounds of the festival were a welcome distraction from the silence of the palace. It was completely by chance, and incredibly lucky, that our paths crossed at that precise moment.

"Come with us, pretty maidens! Hahahaha! We'll show you how to have a good time."

"That's right, the night is still young and we're hungry for something other than food right now. Come now, we'll certainly make it worth your while."

"What are you scoundrels doing to a couple of defenseless maidens?! Who do you think you're touching so carelessly?"

"And who do you think you are, huh?!"

"You'd best leave now before we beat the crap outta you."

Fatima and Ulissa were drunk to the point of slurring every single word they uttered, which motivated their aggressors' vile intentions. Fati stumbled and swayed unsteadily, her movements erratic and uncontrolled, as her companion threw punches into thin air. What a chaotic scene that was. I shudder to think what might have happened to them if Leo and I hadn't been there.

"If you value that arm of yours, I suggest you let go of her wrist this instant."