TCPFDH 03

Episode 3 – The Cursed Princess and the Lament of a Sacrifice

“Lady Bertina… Lady Bertina.”

—Forgive me for disturbing your rest.

Prompted by the modest voice, Bertina slowly opened her eyes.

…How long had she been asleep?
Blinking through heavy lids, she saw Hanna’s anxious face close by.

“What…?”
“Um, i-it’s almost time… The Queen of Shadows will be arriving soon. Your hair is messy, and your dress is wrinkled, so…”

Stammering, Hanna tried to gently help Bertina up from the sofa where she had been curled and sleeping.

But being touched like this was irritating. Bertina brushed her hand away. “Enough,” she said, sitting up on her own.

The clock in the corner showed past eleven at night.

Normally, she would already be asleep by this hour. No wonder she was so drowsy. She yawned, and almost rubbed at her heavy eyelids—but Hanna stopped her.

Ah, that’s right. She was wearing makeup.
Remembering this, Bertina brushed Hanna’s hand away again without a word.

“So, where will the Queen of Shadows be received? Do we leave for the castle now?”
“No… She said you may simply wait here…”

Hanna’s voice trembled, as if she were about to cry. The sound was strangely irritating, and Bertina snorted.

“And the other servants?”
“They are… waiting outside. I… I…”

Hanna’s pale face grew whiter still. Bertina sighed in exasperation. Again?

Yet, looking more closely, it seemed Hanna was not afraid of her. Instead, it was as if she were clinging to Bertina for protection.

Her shallow breaths turned ragged, close to hyperventilating. Bertina tugged her sleeve.

“Calm yourself. Sit here beside me. What’s the matter?”

Hanna only shook her head.

Her back trembled violently, hazel eyes shining with tears. Alarmed, Bertina quickly pulled her down to sit.

“Just sit already! Even if I’m cursed, sitting next to me won’t make me possess or eat you. You’re clearly older than me anyway, aren’t you?”

Pathetic.
The scolding words made Hanna finally sit beside her.

“Good. Calm down. Like I said earlier, if you collapse, it’ll only cause trouble.”

Bertina’s voice was sharp but quiet. Still, the sight of Hanna’s painful breathing stirred pity. She reached out and lightly stroked her back.

It was the first time Bertina had ever touched someone of her own accord. What was she doing? Even so, she couldn’t just leave Hanna like this.

“When you’ve calmed down, explain.”

Soon after, Hanna lifted her head, apologized softly, and began to speak.

“I… I’ve been ordered to accompany you as your maid, Lady Bertina, to the Shadow Kingdom…”

“Oh, really? But I didn’t ask for a maid. I already told you—I wasn’t raised as a princess. I can do most things myself.”

She gave a cold laugh, as if mocking. Hanna quickly shook her head.

“It was just decided. If I refuse, I will be punished.”

Punished—that meant executed.

Hearing that, Bertina stared at Hanna in silence.

…Why must she also be taken to the Shadow Kingdom? Perhaps so that Bertina would have a familiar companion for comfort? Still, it was nothing but misfortune.

The Shadow Kingdom was another realm, a place akin to the underworld. Once there, returning would be impossible.

It was the same as being sentenced to death.

Bertina pitied Hanna inwardly, though her face remained cold.

“I’ll refuse directly. This is my marriage. You have nothing to do with it. Was it that man’s servant who gave the order?”

—I don’t need a maid.

As she added those cold words and rose to her feet, Hanna suddenly clutched her wrist, shaking her head.

Dragged along like a sacrifice. Perhaps this confession was her way of begging for help. Bertina glared down at her.

“…Either way—”

Hanna’s voice was faint, almost fading. Bertina’s irritation flared.

“Speak clearly! You mumble so much I can hardly understand a word!”

At her sharp words, Hanna wiped her tears, stood, and looked Bertina directly in the eye.

Standing face to face, Bertina noticed again how tall Hanna was. Lifting her chin defiantly, she glared up at her.

“Say it. You’re really frustrating.”

She clicked her tongue. Hanna’s lips trembled before she finally spoke.

“…Either way, I have no home to return to. No family. Seventeen years ago, in the war that cursed you, Lady Bertina, I lost everything. As a war orphan I was taken in, raised here in the castle, and given work as a servant. I have nowhere else to go. So… I will devote my life to serving you, even if it costs me everything.”

Please… I beg you.

Though her words were solemn, her voice was steady.

She bowed deeply to Bertina.

No home. No family. A war orphan…

At those words, Bertina thought of the wise woman who had raised her. Different in age, but their circumstances were the same. Hanna too was a victim of this country.

And from her words, Bertina realized the truth.

This country not only seized enemy lands—it even stripped people of their humanity.

They raised war orphans, gave them work, then discarded them. Sending them as sacrifices to the Shadow Kingdom was no different from building human pillars. Likely the other maids were the same.

And while others suffered, the royal family lived in luxury.

Even this guesthouse was decorated in excess. The main castle must be dazzling to the point of disgust. Rage coiled in her chest, and Bertina clicked her tongue again.

“You’ve made up your mind, then. But there’s no need to risk your life. I can take care of myself. It’s foolish to devote your life to a younger stranger you’ve just met. And if you’ve resolved yourself, then stop crying—it’s irritating.”

Honestly, she was insufferable.

Yet Hanna only looked surprised, then smiled faintly.

“Thank you, Lady Bertina.”

Thank you? Bertina hadn’t said anything deserving gratitude. She had only voiced her annoyance.

Scowling in suspicion, she stared at Hanna. Hanna bowed politely, then left the room.