18 I'VE MADE UP MY MIND

"Did you have a nice rest?" I asked as Serina entered the office holding a cart with coffee and a small piece of dessert.

"I did, Your Majesty." I took my gaze away from the papers as I draw my attention to her heels. "Are those things still being a pain for you?" I'm talking about the rear of her feet. It feels painful to watch. I can feel my own heels stinging from those red marks.

"It no longer hurts. Thanks to the ointment you gave to me, Your Majesty." I looked at her neck as the necklace was still attached to her.

"You seem to be very fond of my gift." I assumed she was joking when she said she'd take care of it. I never thought she would actually wear the necklace with such confidence.

"I was considering keeping it in a secure location. However, simply storing it will be a waste." Returning back my stares to the papers, she placed the coffee and sweets on my table.

"How do you feel about the candidates? You stayed with me throughout those meetings." She sat down and took a glance around the room.

"Your image is crucial, Your Highness. If I'll be practical, I will choose the Grand Duke's daughter." Indeed, that Lady Devourah is a noble and respectable woman in the hierarchy. She's not also average in my eyes. She speaks with the authority of a Future Empress, however, her face was my only cup of tea.

Her father was one of those wretched people I detested, so she may be one of those obsessed women who desires for fortune and power.

"But if you wanted me to pick for a conventional fiancé, I will choose the Duke's eldest daughter, Miss Camilla Rosenblitz." AVERAGE. That's all I can say. Her family runs a Java Hut while her brother is the next heir of The Rosenblitz manor.

I find her odd and too honest at the same time. It feels more like I'm conversing with a devoted maid than a noble. Perhaps, it's because, that's how the Duke and Duchess raised her. To be one of those independent women.

I look at the glass as the sun is slowly fading. I did work a lot for the first time in my entire life. I thought as long as I'm alive, nothing will ever matter. But is there really something in this world that can make me satisfied?

Looking back on that particular day... I recall that woman's remark, and I can hear her voice as well. It felt strange, but warm.

-

"Loyal and faithfulness, Your Majesty. I will support you and be with you. And if I didn't meet your requirements, please throw me off. But I hope Her Majesty won't throw me."

"As I wanted to stay by your side permanently.."

-

People used to stay away from me because I look fierce and evil, they say. So, I adopted their words and turn myself into who I am right now. I never thought that being a bad omen would be this enjoyable. It amuses me to see people suffer in my own hands.

The satisfaction is really stunning. The more they wished to live, the more I wanted to torture them. And as they kneel, it makes me want to slam my foot down hard on their head as their eyes will slowly open, finding their selves in the pits of hell. On where they really belong.

"Your Majesty?" Calm face, soothing voice, with a touch of elegance, That's it. I want her. "I've made up my mind. I will inform my father about the candidate I have chosen." She stares at my hand as her chin was lifted up.

"I just think that you're really a beautiful young woman, Serina. Part of your suggestion is the reason of my chosen candidate. You did well." I pull my hand back as I sip my coffee.

"Nice scent. You're getting the right brew." She smiles, as if she's already overjoyed by my remarks.

"I wanted to ease Her Majesty's exhaustion! I saw you instructing the knights a little while ago and I can't approach you because you told to rest. But I think, Princess Helvetica is cool in her knight outfit!"

"You look stunning! It's just a waste that I wasn't able to be by your side earlier. The new recruited knights appear to be promising as well!" Look at her, staring excitedly while telling me a story. It feels like I'm talking to a puppy.

"I can't wear a dress. I don't want to come across like a fool in front of them." To be honest, that is something I could actually do. After all, I don't care about their stupid mindset.

But maybe, I just missed wearing these kind of outfits. In either way, I wear what I want to wear. The society is the problem and not mine. They should adjust. Only people with a narrow perspective will believe that wearing exposing clothing is discourteous.

"I forgot to tell you, Your Majesty. But I noticed a knight greeting Princess Lithia. I overheard their conversation. Is it true that you want him to look after her? I thought you despised Lady Lithia." I chuckle as soon as I heard the news. So she's a lot faster than I anticipated.

"First and foremost, he is a female. However, it's possible that she likes to remain impartial. Second, it's an act out of pity. Did you happen to see my sister? She's a wimp who has to be protected." I can't allow her embarrass the castle by passing out all the time.

It makes me appear as if I frequently bully her. However, it is correct. There are no objections or disputes to that.

But I'm having a fiancé soon. I should stop tormenting her or she'll be hard to handle with in the future.

She chuckles as she stretched her arms. "You will have another master to serve. Are you certain you wanted to be the only maid?" She stops as she smiles.

"I only care for you, Your Highness. But if you wish for me to look after your fiancé, then I might consider." I chuckle as I shake my head in disbelief. This woman has the audacity to talk to me in this manner.

"Who did you choose, Your Majesty?" As soon as I completed stamping on the paper, I handed it over to her. She gives a tiny nod, as she's trying to read the contents on the page.

"Are you sure about this, Your Majesty?"

"Are you questioning my decision?" She shakes her head continuously as she puts the paper on the table.

"I DARE NOT TO! But I'm hoping Princess Helvetica will not have any regrets in the end." Regret.. eh?

"The only thing to regret is not choosing her, Serina. Whether that person will be an annoyance in the future, I will be the one who can decide that."

She returns her gazes to me wearing her lovely smile. "Then I'll have to look after Her Majesty's fiancé!" She cleans my table as she starts to push the cart.

"Have a nice night, Your Majesty."