13. Dungeon Conquest
"We've arrived!"
As we entered the royal capital, the carriage came to a stop, and the coachman Hans announced our arrival. Whew, finally here... It hadn't been uncomfortable, but it was still a pretty long trip. Sitting for nearly half the day had left my back feeling stiff and achy. Here I am, back in the royal capital again. I figured after the last time, I'd never have a reason to return. Or at least, not for a good long while. Never imagined it'd be less than a year.
"Dina, wake up. We're here."
"Unh...? Already here, Yeonja?"
About two weeks ago, after my little rampage, Cheong-ah and Bella's teasing had dialed way back—no more poking at my libido. If anything, during the carriage ride, they'd been extra careful not to rile me up, tiptoeing around like they were afraid to set me off.
"Get up already, you little squirt. How long you gonna sleep? You just woke up—sleepy again already?"
"Hmph, 'tis the way of the aged—sleep comes more easily, ye know."
"Isn't it usually the opposite?"
"Ahem... is that so?"
In the aftermath, Dina had ended up napping next to me—or on my lap—every time since. Sure enough, today she'd been dozing on my knee when we finally pulled up to the palace. Long time no see, Princess Aria...
I woke Dina and got her up, then hopped out of the carriage first.
"Nngh..."
I stretched my stiff back and offered a hand to Cheong-ah as she climbed down.
"Here, Cheong-ah."
"Heehee, you don't have to."
"Eh, just wanted to try it."
"Thank you."
Bella, trailing behind, shot me a sly glance, checking if I'd do the same.
"...Ahem. Me too?"
"Obviously. Want a hand?"
"Heh, kinda embarrassing."
After helping Bella down, then Dina and Sierra, we waved off Coachman Hans and headed deeper into the palace grounds.
"Hold on, stop—"
"I know, I know. Outta the way. We're in a hurry."
"Ah, yes ma'am! Lady Sierra."
A few palace guards tried to block our path midway, but they recognized Sierra's face and stepped aside quick.
The palace, huh... Last time, I hadn't actually gone inside. I'd just seen Aria off at the gates, then Sierra guided us to the hotel. Ahem, hotel. That place was a riot. My gaze drifted to Cheong-ah walking beside me without thinking. Wonder if we're crashing there again?
"What's up, darling? Something on my face?"
"Yeah, something's there."
"Huh? Where?"
"Right here—it's covered in beauty!"
"Sigh, darling..."
"...Sorry."
Ahem... Didn't expect her to get all serious like that. The air turned frosty in an instant. I apologized quick and averted my eyes, embarrassed. The palace interior felt grand and imposing, like those European castle pics I'd seen online—sculptures everywhere, bizarre paintings of unknown taste. Art's art, I guess, but rich folks' aesthetics are a mystery in any world. Then my eyes caught a familiar portrait of a stunning blue-haired beauty, all dolled up.
"...Oh."
Princess Aria's portrait. Her name and titles were inscribed right below. Flanking it were portraits of other men and women—probably her siblings, judging by the labels. At the top hung the king and queen's. Eh, whatever. No need to dwell. Still, seeing someone I knew made it kinda nostalgic.
"What're you staring at?"
"Oh, that. Aria's portrait."
"Aria's portrait? Huh, they painted her like that? What gives."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, me and Aria go way back—childhood friends. I know her personality. She hates all that fancy crap. Makes you wonder how they got her to sit for it."
"Hmm..."
Fair point. Recalling our first meeting, she didn't strike me as the demure type. She'd pulled that weird play-acting bit with Sierra right off the bat. Cheong-ah had even eyed her suspiciously at first. Once the truth came out, I just thought they were both a couple of oddballs.
As I reminisced, Sierra stopped in front of a pristine white door.
"Here we are."
A lonely office, handling princess duties amid the tedium. Even so, a twinge of isolation crept in. Was it because Sierra, her constant shadow, was gone? Aria missed her terribly after nearly two months apart.
"...They should be arriving any minute."
Wonder when... A sigh escaped her as a familiar knock echoed, followed by a voice.
Knock-knock.
"Aria, coming in. Missed you."
The door swung open with that longed-for voice. Sierra led the way, and the moment Aria spotted her, she shot up from her seat.
"Ah, you're here...!"
"Why so excited?"
"It's been two months already!"
"Sheesh. Anyway, guests are here. Come on in, everyone!"
Sierra chuckled softly at Aria's tail-waggy enthusiasm, stepping further inside. Then came the familiar faces: Ian, hand-in-hand with a cute little girl.
"Long time no see, Princess Aria."
"Indeed. Hope you've been well."
"Eh, middling. Dina? Say hi. That's Princess Aria."
"Pleased to meet thee! I am called Dina."
"Dina, she's a princess—use polite speech."
"Unh...? Yeonja, this one bows to no one with flowery words."
"Dina, c'mon. What're you saying."
"Haha, Ian, it's fine. I don't mind the formalities."
Aria smiled, waving off Ian's scolding. She looked no older than fifteen, yet already Gold-rank adventurer. Word was she'd take the Platinum exam soon. Incredible talent for her age. Aria welcomed any powerhouse in her kingdom—talent forgave rudeness.
Ju Cheong-ah followed, bowing gracefully.
"It's been too long."
"Good to see you, Ju Cheong-ah."
And then...
"Yo, Aria. Long time!"
"...Bella."
There she was, grinning carelessly, waving her right arm. Love-hate personified. Her first love, once adored. The woman who'd crushed her heart despite knowing her feelings. Aria didn't begrudge her straight orientation. But at least give an answer—yes or no. A clear word would've spared this resentment. Instead, the idiot lost her kingdom, got maimed, and fled. Months ago, she'd even tried to kill Aria. Then showed up shamelessly apologizing, dredging up old memories—Aria forgave her. But seeing that slippery smirk again boiled her blood.
Aria bit her lip. Damn bitch. Should've hacked off that remaining arm too.
Wait—right arm? Bella's right arm was supposed to be severed during her escape from the mountain kingdom coup...
How? Aria's eyes widened. Black metal—prosthetic? No artisan in this kingdom could craft something so refined. Maybe the magic kingdom beyond the empire...
Bella shrugged, feeling Aria's stare on her arm.
"Eh, it just grew back somehow."
"Bullshit."
"Oof... Sierra let it slide, why not you?"
"You think I'm Sierra?"
"Fair."
"So what's with the arm? How'd you get—"
Bella cut her off with another shrug.
"Secret."
"Ha? You messing with me?"
"Yup~ Secret. Can't tell. Kill me if you want."
Playful tone, but ironclad resolve. Bella was always like that—teasing yet firm. No point pressing; she'd never spill.
Aria knew it well. She dropped it with a heavy sigh.
"Haa... Fine, if you're set on it."
"Let's move on."
"...Tch. Damn bitch."
She clicked her tongue and turned away. Ian, awkwardly eyeing them both, lightened the mood.
"Anyway, Princess Aria. Sierra gave us the gist, but... could you fill us in on the exact problem?"
"Ah, right. Of course."
After Aria's explanation, Ian's party—guided by Sierra—headed straight back out of the palace.