TCPFDH 06

Episode 6 – Beyond the Lavender Mist, the Amethyst Castle

—The Queen explained that the Land of Shadows lived in the opposite way from the human world.

In other words, the time when the sky began to brighten was the same as “night” for them. “It was a long trip, you see. I’m a bit sleepy myself,” she said with a yawn.

The carriage rattled on for a while. Just before dawn, when the sky turned deep blue and the outlines of the world began to appear, the carriage reached a conifer forest near Hannah’s homeland.

Not long after, the road grew dark, impossible to see even a step ahead. But suddenly, the view outside cleared. A fertile land spread before them, veiled with a faint morning mist.

It wasn’t white like milk—the mist was a pale lavender.

The rolling vineyards across the hills felt strangely familiar. Bertina noticed it at the same time as Hannah, who whispered, “The land looks just like around Velmeburg Castle.”

“Really?” Bertina asked.

Hannah nodded. “The trees and buildings are different, but the land itself is almost the same…”

The Queen chuckled softly at this and looked out the window.

“Of course. This world is a mirror of Velmeburg. It is the world behind. Look ahead, and you’ll see.”

Bertina and Hannah raised their eyes. On top of a hill stood a grand castle, built of black stone mixed with glittering amethyst crystals.

“It’s in the same place as Velmeburg Castle… but it looks completely different,” Hannah murmured in awe.

The Queen smiled. “Yes. That is my castle—Nachtberg Castle.”

“Nachtberg…?” Bertina repeated, frowning.

The Queen nodded. “Humans call this land the ‘Land of Shadows.’ But we, the people blessed by the beautiful night, call it Nachtberg.”

“So it’s like a local name,” Bertina replied coolly.

“That’s right,” said the Queen. Then, glancing toward her castle, she added in a drowsy voice, “It should be dawn soon. My son must already be home.”

Her son… Bertina’s fiancé. She couldn’t picture what kind of person he might be. Yet, if he was the Queen’s child, then surely he was no monstrous creature.

(It’ll be fine. His face won’t be bad. I’ll get along with him, play my role well… and weave the threads of my revenge.)

Bertina whispered in her heart, fixing her cold ice-blue eyes on the approaching amethyst castle. Within her gaze, a hidden resolve flickered.

As planned, they arrived at Nachtberg Castle just as the sky began to lighten.

“Well done on the long journey,” said the coachman as he opened the carriage door and offered his hand to the Queen. She stepped down gracefully.

He then turned to Bertina, offering his hand.

“No need. I can manage,” Bertina said firmly, stepping down alone.

“My apologies,” the coachman murmured, then helped Hannah down instead.

“Now, the details can wait for later. You both must be tired, so rest early today. But—my son and the maids I’ve chosen for you…” the Queen began.

“Queen! Welcome back!”

Two lively voices rang out.

Bertina and Hannah turned their heads. Running toward them, waving cheerfully, were two young girls in black maid dresses.

Their long fluffy hair was deep indigo, like the summer night sky, tied into two loose tails. Their silver eyes sparkled like stardust. They looked like living dolls, innocent and charming.

They seemed four or five years younger than Bertina, still girlish. But what caught Bertina’s eyes most were the animal ears standing atop their heads, and the fluffy tails swaying behind them.

(W-what… what are these creatures?!)

She had never seen such beings. Wide awake now, Bertina glanced quickly at Hannah.

“Hey… those ears and tails… what are they?” she whispered.

“They look like cats to me,” Hannah tilted her head.

“C-cats…?!”

Bertina had read of them in books countless times—fickle but affectionate creatures that purred when they were happy. She had always dreamed of seeing one.

*(Cats… these are cats?!)

Her heart raced, but she kept her face calm, staring at them intently. The girls noticed, and shyly waved with bright smiles.

“Look, Lotos! A real human princess! She’s older than us—so beautiful!”
“You’re right, Iris! And not just the princess—there’s another human lady with her!”

They chattered excitedly, making Bertina turn again to Hannah.

“Bertina-sama, what’s wrong? You seem restless.”

“I… don’t know how to react. It’s unsettling,” Bertina muttered, pressing down her racing heart.

“Stop your fussing and show them their rooms! They haven’t even slept properly. Prepare the baths and their beds, quickly!” the Queen scolded lightly.

The twin maids ran over at once.

The cat-girls guided Bertina to a chamber inside the castle.

The room was decorated in black and purple, with a canopy bed, shelves, and a sofa. It was dark in tone, but Bertina liked it immediately—purple was her favorite color.

When the twins asked cheerfully if she liked it, she nodded honestly.

They introduced themselves as “Iris, the elder sister” and “Lotos, the younger.” But their faces, voices, and clothes were identical—it was impossible to tell them apart.

Their chatter made her dizzy, so Bertina bathed alone without help. Returning to her room, she found it empty. On the table lay a neat note from Hannah: “Good night.” Beside it was a steaming cup of chamomile tea.

Bertina sat on the sofa and sipped. The sweet apple-like scent was calming, the tea perfect for sleep.

But then—rustle. A sound came from the back of the room.

Bertina turned sharply.

A young man stood there.

He wore a black coat lined with gray fur, a simple shirt beneath, and black boots. His appearance gave off a rough strength.

His hair was glossy black, his eyes a deep viridian green like the forest. He was tall, his features striking and sharp.

Like the Queen, he had scales along his eyes and hands, and large curling horns. But unlike her, he also had a powerful tail covered in dark scales.

Just as the sun began to rise, his horns and scales shone like obsidian, reflecting a strange blue light.

Bertina knew instantly—this was the Queen’s son, the Prince of the Land of Shadows. Her fiancé.

Even if their faces were different, the horns and scales were unmistakably alike.