Chapter 39: A Queen’s Unease

“I’m fine, I’m perfectly alright.” Queen Isola offered the same reply she had given that morning.

‘Who would believe that?’ Alice and the Duchess thought in unison.

Normally, Queen Isola’s expressions were subtle, conveying a sense of calm detachment rather than aloofness.

Yet, as she spoke now, her face was as frigid as the Snow Princess’s had been during their last encounter, as though she had just executed a person or two moments ago.

A hint of helplessness stirred within Queen Isola. What else could she say besides “I’m fine”? Could she admit, ‘I feel terrible; I dreamt someone was going to steal my beloved’?

‘No, that’s wrong! What nonsense about stealing a beloved? We don’t have that kind of relationship!’ She corrected herself internally.

She desperately wished to appear composed, but for some reason, the unsettling feeling from yesterday’s premonition persisted, making it impossible for her to maintain her usual calm.

Why would she foresee such a thing? A witch’s passive premonition should prioritize revealing results she urgently desired to know.

Even if the Second-Tier Holy Relic’s inherent power surpassed her own abilities, preventing her from seeing whether she would ultimately obtain it, she should at least have foreseen the future safety of Alice, who was undertaking the mission for her. That, after all, was the true priority.

So what was the meaning of such an unseemly vision? Why would she care about such trivial matters? What Alice, or rather Levi, and that girl did in the future was their freedom. What did it have to do with Queen Isola?

‘Isola, Isola, your kingdom is still in enemy hands. Your focus should be on restoration, not on such insignificant details.’

Though she repeatedly chastised herself, Queen Isola had, in truth, already subtly grasped a fact deep within her heart: it was precisely because she cared so profoundly about Alice’s relationship with that girl that she had foreseen their future development.

Queen Isola was caught in such a contradiction, one that Alice, a dedicated witch single for nineteen years, naturally couldn’t comprehend. The Duchess, however, was different. Not only was she adept at discerning human emotions, but she also knew Queen Isola inside and out.

After careful consideration, she concluded it couldn’t be due to someone offending Queen Isola. Her Majesty would never keep such a matter to herself; if she were angered by such a thing, the offender would have already met a terrible fate.

The Duchess surmised the issue must involve Alice, but if Alice herself was utterly bewildered…

“Your Majesty,” the Duchess began cautiously, “did you secretly perform a divination? Or perhaps passively foresee something?”

“…Why do you ask?” Queen Isola replied without a change in expression, yet the Duchess keenly caught the fleeting shift in her gaze.

‘I was right,’ the Duchess concluded. Since childhood, Queen Isola had always reacted this way when her inner thoughts were exposed or her lies uncovered.

Knowing this was enough to deduce what Queen Isola had seen. Most likely, it concerned Alice’s female friend at the Grand Cathedral Academy.

“Your Majesty,” the Duchess moved closer to Queen Isola and whispered, “if you say or do nothing, the future you’ve seen will remain unchanged.”

Queen Isola did not respond. She was indeed anxious about the future she had glimpsed, but she questioned whether she had the right to interfere. After all, she was hardly anyone to Alice.

“Your Majesty, some opportunities, once missed, cannot be regretted later,” the Duchess’s voice took on a serious tone. “There is no potion to cure regret.”

Queen Isola’s heart stirred. She looked at Alice, who was completely bewildered by their hushed conversation.

After a long hesitation, Queen Isola finally spoke: “Remember to contact me often using the Magic Mirror in the future. Report any situations promptly… No, actually, you can also chat with me through the Magic Mirror even if there’s nothing specific to report. I don’t mean anything else by it; I just think it will help you master divination sooner.”

‘Right, no other meaning at all,’ the Duchess whistled inwardly.

Alice paused for a moment, then nodded. “I understand.”

“Low-tier witches are not suited for direct combat,” Queen Isola continued. “Try to use premonition and divination to avoid battles. Never take unnecessary risks.

Even if the mission fails, it doesn’t matter. What’s important is that you remain safe. Even if you gain nothing, as long as we aren’t captured, we’ll have other opportunities to find a way.”

“I’ll remember that.”

Queen Isola blinked, pondering for a long time what else to say, finally managing to squeeze out, “Take good care of yourself.”

“I will,” Alice smiled.

‘Is this a wife bidding her husband farewell on a long journey?’

The Duchess struggled to suppress the urge to voice this thought, maintaining her unchanging smile as she stood by, a silent backdrop.

After a while, seeing that the two had no more to say, she finally spoke: “Alright, it’s almost time for us to depart. Your Majesty, after I settle her in Maplewood City, I will return in about four days. I have given instructions to everyone in the manor; you only need to rest peacefully. To be safe, please try not to reveal your true face in front of the servants.”

Queen Isola nodded. In front of the manor’s servants, both she and the Duchess would use the ‘Succubus’ illusion ability to alter others’ perceptions of them.

After packing Queen Isola’s prepared items, the three left the workshop, crossed the courtyard, and arrived at the main gate.

“Be careful with everything,” Queen Isola watched the two board the carriage.

“Please rest assured,” the Duchess smiled and waved.

Then, at her signal, the coachman cracked the reins.

“It’s been about a month since you left Maplewood City, hasn’t it?” Inside the moving carriage, the Duchess struck up a conversation with Alice.

“Indeed. I’m quite eager to see my dear enemy,” Alice’s lips curved into a smile.

If there was anyone she currently ‘longed for day and night,’ it was only Camilla Dumpty, whom she yearned to get revenge on.

“Remember, your identity is no longer that of a pauper from the slums. Don’t think of confronting your enemy with brute force the moment you see them,” the Duchess instructed. “You must think long-term and not let revenge interfere with your subsequent plans.

With your current status and resources, there are many ways to make her die a horrible death without suspicion. You must learn to employ ‘schemes.’”

“I understand, ‘Mother,’” Alice replied with a demure smile, striving to appear more like a noble.

She gazed out the window, the scenery along the way rapidly receding. The carriage sped along the main road, carrying her back to the city that had witnessed her birth and growth, and had also brought her humiliation and hatred.

The girl had returned.