CHAPTER 05

It was Taeri’s second morning at the hotel.

She got up mechanically, washed her face, and opened the wardrobe—only to be left speechless. In the span of a single night, it had been filled to the brim, almost bursting.

Dresses arranged by color, robes and capes in even more varied styles.

Glass cases lined with hats of every imaginable kind—from pointed wizard hats, symbols of magical authority, to bizarre feathered headpieces from who-knows-what kind of birds…

“How is it?”

“Do you like it?”

Lily and Machi, the two girls who had stuffed the clothes into carts and on hangers, looked at her with eyes full of anticipation, practically begging her to try something on.

“Uh… wow, I mean, thank you so, so—much?”

“You’re very welcome!”

“You’re amazing. Seriously, you two have real talent.”

Had they waved a magic wand or something? Taeri gave a sincere thumbs-up, and the girls clapped in delight.

So delighted, in fact, that sparkling, magical flowers bloomed in the air around them.

Wow. That’s incredible.

They might look like they were ten years old, but they were definitely real mages.

Taeri mimicked their little display with wide eyes—and maybe she did it right, because a soft fragrance began to fill the room.

Finally, it was time to toss aside the rumpled pajama dress she’d been stuck in since arriving.

Standing before the overstuffed wardrobe—brimming with excessive affection—Taeri picked out the most modern and modest outfit she could find: a simple white blouse and a decently long skirt.

Right then, Anshi, the manager, arrived pushing a trolley with breakfast, and smiled warmly when she saw what Taeri had chosen.

Why does it feel like everyone’s here just to watch me change clothes?

She appreciated the help, but was this really such a grand event? Like some sort of “dress the princess” game?

“Um… sorry, but could everyone turn around for a moment?”

Since none of them looked like they planned to leave, she at least asked them to avert their eyes.

The next thing she needed was speed—faster than her own hands.

Like shedding a second skin, she quickly tossed aside her pajamas and slipped into the fresh, softly scented clothes.

Just in case, she shoved the old pajamas under the bed with her foot and carefully pulled out a gray trench coat she’d had her eye on since the beginning.

“Can I wear this too?”

“Of course, Princess! And if there’s anything else you need, just say the word. We’ll even sell the hotel doors if that’s what it takes—”

“No, no! I’m good. Seriously. Leave the doors alone.”

Their enthusiasm was so real she was afraid they’d actually follow through. She hurriedly slipped her arms into the coat, fastened the buttons, and tightened the belt.

Just to make it clear—this was enough. She could live perfectly fine with just this one outfit.

The pointed wizard hats were a bit too much, so she opted for a dark beret instead.

Immediately, everyone’s eyes began to sparkle.

They looked like they were holding back the urge to run over and smother her with affection, so she awkwardly opened her arms.

“If you want to touch it… you can.”

“Oh my.”

The first to rush over was Anshi.

She’d been plating breakfast, but somehow crossed the room in a flash, wrapping Taeri in a hug like she was cradling a baby puppy, nuzzling their cheeks together.

That was the cue. Lily and Machi also threw their arms around her, sandwiching her in warmth.

Wait—that’s not what I meant by “touch,” though…

Even so, Taeri stood still, not struggling.

Just the warmth of their embrace told her how deeply they loved and cherished their princess. Her nose stung with emotion despite having done nothing to deserve it.

“We’re so happy you’re back, Princess. We missed you so, so much.”

Right… even if I’m not the one they’ve been waiting for exactly…

“We didn’t think we’d ever see you again. When you left, we thought it was for good.”

That makes sense. Normally, it would’ve been…

Faced with such unconditional affection and overflowing longing, Taeri bit her lip.

She was grateful. She really was. So grateful it hurt.

But… don’t you hate me? After everything I’ve—

Before she could finish the thought, Anshi pulled back and smiled.

“Since you’ve got your coat on, I assume you’re heading out? Where to? Shall I come with you?”

“No, you’re busy. I can handle it alone. I think. I mean… probably.”

“Oh my, how admirable.”

Only in this world could a fully grown woman be praised like a child just for running an errand alone.

Blushing from the embarrassment, Taeri refocused on her goal for the day.

Claude said the herbalist’s street is in the eastern ruins of the city.

She vaguely remembered the ruins. She’d gone there once or twice for quests but never explored deeply. It hadn’t been a major area in the game, so she hadn’t bothered memorizing the layout.

I could find anything in the Black Forest with my eyes closed…

Her mental map only applied to the Black Forest.

Still, she figured it couldn’t hurt to explore the city and learn her way around a bit.

“I’m actually heading to the herbalist’s street.”

At that, everyone’s expressions flickered briefly.

“Ah, should I not?”

“No, not at all. We just didn’t expect you’d want to go so soon… but if you do, everyone there will be thrilled. They’ve been waiting a long time.”

Anshi looked genuinely happy as she spoke.

“In that case, I should give you a little gift.”

She plucked the hairpin from her hair and gave it a light flick. It quickly grew and morphed into a massive metal staff.

“W-Whoa…”

Seeing something like this in real life—no movie could recreate effects this vivid. Because this wasn’t special effects. This was real magic.

For the first time, Taeri thought maybe… maybe it wasn’t so bad that she ended up here.

Maybe being a mage was actually amazing.

She was completely enchanted.

The power gathered at the tip of the staff was soon absorbed into the beret on her head.

“Huh?”

And just like that, the mirror showed a different person.

Her features hadn’t changed, but her black hair and black eyes gave her an entirely new aura.

“Wow. What is this?”

She kept taking the beret off and putting it back on, marveling at how her hair and eyes changed each time.

“You’re all insane—in the best way. This is incredible.”

Anshi blushed at the compliment.

“Well, I am a witch of illusion. I gave you a light disguise just in case someone tries to target you. If you take the hat off, you’ll go back to normal. Do you like it?”

“Absolutely love it!”

“There are too many wannabe heroes crawling around these days. They’ll be a nuisance.”

“Wannabe heroes?”

“Yes. The kind that dare insult the princess right outside the hotel.”

Ever since the Monster Gate opened, the Black Forest had become famous across the continent.

Adventurers of all races and nations had flocked to it, dreaming of becoming heroes who could save the world. They entered the forest, hoping to break the curse.

Some came with pure intentions and righteousness—but many did not.

“You’re right. I’ll be careful.”

“No need to be. You’re free to do as you wish, Princess. The disguise is just precautionary. If you ever feel the need to use your powers, by all means, go ahead.”

Uh…?

“And if any thugs dare run their filthy mouths in your presence, please remember their faces and let me know.”

“Why?”

This time, it was Machi and Lily who eagerly chimed in.

“So we can rip out their tongues!”

“And yank out the nasty worms in their brains!”

…Girls?

Didn’t you just show me pretty flowers a minute ago?