12: The chase

"Everyone, please pay attention to the screen. We have prepared extra entertainment for you. Guard, you can let out the tiger into the forest."

The head maid smiled brightly while looking at the Concubine before her.

Most maids looked afraid when the tiger was brought up, but the concubines looked bored.

"Would you hurry up already? Sister, I thought you said your team ceremonies were exciting. But so far, the most exciting thing was the extra sweet food."

Concubine Homura teased Concubine Alex, the organizer of this party.

Being a foreigner, it was well-known that Concubine Alex needed to be better versed in the local culture.

So, she became the object of ridicule for other Concubines.

"Oh! But the fun is just beginning. I am sure that maid will keep us entertained."

Concubine Alex gripped her fan hard, and the maids noticed her mood.

Even if Concubine Alex was smiling, her anger bled into her eyes.

"We shall see, sister Alex. But don't worry, even if your party is not entertaining, you can go away and learn from mine."

Concubine Homura's smile was bright enough to burn Concubine Alex. 

The maids quickly stepped back to avoid getting caught in this power struggle.

Both concubines ignored the biggest fish in the room, the third-ranking concubine, Sheren.

"Enough beating around the bush. Head maid, this 'entertainment' of yours better be good. Otherwise, you will soil my mood."

Once the highest-ranking person in the room had given her permission, the tiger was released into the forest.

Everyone gasped in surprise, looking at the screen with a wondering expression.

That was why they all missed it when the bell rang again, and a pale-faced guard entered the gathering.

Cold eyes looked at the screen and narrowed once they noticed what was happening.

...

'Just keep going, Sui. Since this is entertainment aimed at the nobility, I am sure the objective must not be far from the starting point.'

Sui tried to remain positive as she entered the forest.

Now, she understood why the head maid had selected her as the sacrifice.

What was worse? Sui would not even eat the snacks she had swiped from the kitchen.

Since everyone was watching her activities in the forest, they were also taking note of anything she did there.

The snacks would have to wait once Sui cleared her objective.

She walked around the starting point a few times while taking her time to look around.

This should be where the objective of her trip should be. 

But no matter how hard Sui looked, she could not find the red cloth that would mark the end of her task.

'It's weird. Usually, the cloth is located near the starting point, and the nobles laugh while watching the maid flailing around uselessly. Did something change this time?'

Since the cloth was not at the starting line, Sui dared to step deeper into the forest.

Every step she took could make her lose her way back.

What choice did Sui have but to move forward?

*Rustle*

Today was not windy, so the bushes rustling around scared Sui.

The further she went in, the sharper her senses became. By half an hour passed, Sui was panting and running around.

'I-Is it only me, or is something following me around in this forest? No, let's not be so quick to make such decisions. I-I am sure I am mistaken.'

Sui's heart pounded in her chest as she quickly tried to find her way out.

Whether the objective was achieved or not, Sui had a new purpose in mind—to survive and escape the forest alive.

*Rustle*

The bush moved again, and Sui finally decided to look back.

She instantly regretted her decision because she could see a strip of Orange from the corner of her eye.

'It's a mistake! I am mistaken! Please tell me that it was a fragment of my imagination! There is not a wild animal in here with me.'

Sui begged in her mind as she finally picked up speed.

The faster she ran, the faster that thing following behind her ran as well.

'A-Am I going to the exit? I can't remember which way I needed to run anymore.'

Sui's brain was working on auto-pilot as she ran through the forest to reach her destination. But something blocked her way when she was sure she found the exit.

It was an orange fur, large enough not to belong to a house cat.

"G-Good kitty! I-I just want to get past you-"

*Rwwww*

The tiger looked hungry and angry as it ran after Sui. 

Sui ran as fast as she could to get away from the tiger, but she could feel that it would not be enough.

Sui's only advantage over the tiger was her mobility in tight places and her small size.

But that would not help her in an open forest.

She could not even climb a tree because they would make her lose time.

'I need to find a cave. One small enough that only I can fit. Come on! Remember something!'

Sui tried to put pressure on her mind, but she finally remembered one cave not far from her current location.

The small opening to her now looked massive as she zoned into it.

Sharp corners of the opening dug into Sui's skin, but she did not even feel the sting as she burrowed deeper into the cave.

The tiger tried to follow Sui but could only insert its head into the thin hole.

Sui had gotten lucky that the predator following her was huge and healthy. A skinny tiger would have easily been able to enter this cave.

'I-I am safe! But how long can I stay in here? Is anyone even going to help me?'

Sui knew the answer to her question already.

No one would risk their lives to save a slave like her. It was likely that the Concubines had already decided to retire and head back to their quarters.

And once they lose interest, no one else would come for her either.

"If I die today, then I will curse all those who killed me. I swear, they will all suffer! Especially that stupid Imperial Princess that caused my life to spiral out of control. I will-"

*Splash*

______

It's been over 10 chapters. For those who read this far, please leave a review for me. I just need 10.