Hero Stories: Heavy Lies the Crown

*sighing*...

My lady, your meal is ready.

I'm not hungry. I don't want anything.

But my lady, you will become weak if you skip meals...

You are the Lady of La Mare Castle, you must take care of yourself.

...

What's wrong?

Nothing. I'm just bored.

It's no wonder why. There's nobody else in the castle and it's completely silent.

Who'd have thought being lady of your own castle could be so lonely?

Lady Charlotte...

When I was younger my parents were still alive, and so many people used to visit this castle...

They all praised me as the future queen.

But I haven't seen anyone in so long. How did I become so lonely?

Don't worry, Lady Charlotte, your loyal Paradoxia is here for you.

You're right, you're the only one I have left.

I will do anything for you, my lady.

All you have to do is maintain the dignified appearance fitting of a lady.

Hmm, you're right. I'm sorry, I forgot my position.

I suppose I should eat, then. Bring in my food.

Yes, my lady.

Leave everything to me, my lady, I'm ready to do anything for you.

...This isn't the right way either...? Where am I?

I've been walking for so long, but I haven't seen any villages, only an occasional sign of Humans having been here.

...Come to think of it, I haven't eaten for days. I don't think I can hold out any longer...

This feels great! It's been so long since I was last outside!

My lady, I think you should stay inside the castle...

How many times do I have to tell you no!? Why are you trying to make me go back inside? You hardly ever let me outside.

It's too dangerous out here. There are monsters nearby...

Are you suggesting that I, the Lady of the Swamp, could not handle them?

Not at all, I simply don't want my lady to be burdened with the hassle.

Please, let me take care of this for you.

No! I'll handle it myself! I'll carry out my duty, what's wrong with that?

It's only natural for me to patrol my land to keep it clean and safe!

...Yes, my lady. But it's still dangerous, please allow me to accompany you.

Hmph, fine.

This should be enough for now, let's head back to the castle.

But I want to spend more time out... I-I mean, there are still more monsters out here!

It's getting dark, my lady.

Hmm... Still...

Ahhhh! Look, there's someone on the ground!

...

Hey, wake up!

Nng...

Can you hear me? Are you alright?

Oh...I think I passed out.

...Huh?

I just wanted to rest my eyes a moment, but my body seems to have reached its limit.

...I see, I'm glad you're awake.

You wouldn't happen to live around here, would you?

Excuse me? How rude! I am Charlotte of La Mare, the Lady of the Swamp! How can you not recognize me?!

La Mare...?

W-What's with that face? It's like you didn't understand a single word I just said...

You're not from Ritania, are you?

No, I'm not. I was trying to find somewhere to spend the night...

Would you mind showing me the way to a place I can stay...?

I'm sorry, but we're too busy. Let's go, my lady.

...

Lady Charlotte...?

As Lady of La Mare, is it not my duty to help someone in trouble near my castle, Paradoxia?

My lady?

Let's bring her with us!

A-Are you suggesting we bring a stranger back to the castle?

Well, she doesn't look suspicious, maybe she's just a lost traveler. And she's unwell.

We can't leave her alone out here.

It's a dangerous world, you can't just...

All the more reason not to leave her out in it!

She looks quite tough, maybe she can be my escort while she stays here.

...

Will you help me...?

There's no reason why I can't. Let's go!

Thank you...

...Please, follow us.

Welcome! This is my castle!

I see.

...That's all?

What else do you expect me to say?

...Nothing. Nevermind.

Anyway! I'm Charlotte, Lady of La Mare Castle.

Lady?

Forget a village, I couldn't even find any actual people.

Yet there is someone ruling this place? A little girl like this?

What's that face?

Oh, nothing. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Charlotte.

And you too. Okay, Paradoxia, why don't you get our guest some food?

Yes, my lady.

...Wintenberg?

Yes, that is my homeland. I'm a Dragon Knight.

Oh, and my name is Cecilia, but please feel free to call me Ceci.

I see...Ceci.

Umm...have you ever heard of Wintenberg?

No, my lady, not at all...

Is there any problem?

N-No! You've come a long way...

Not by choice, I was swept away by a distortion in space and time.

I've heard them called "Chaos Gates."

C-Chaos...what?

...I'm trying to get back home. But it appears neither of you can help me find out how.

Still, I appreciate your help. I will leave as soon as I recover.

Wait, you said you have no place to stay. Won't the same thing just happen again?

Perhaps, but I can't intrude on you here for too long...

Of course you can! Stay as long as you want until you find a way home!

And what a coincidence! We're short of hands here, maybe you can help us! Wouldn't that be great, Paradoxia?

Yes...fantastic...

Thank you so much... You're so kind. I will stay for a while, then.

And I'll help you out with whatever you need.

Wonderful!

...

I've been getting an eerie vibe for a while now...am I imagining it?

The more I think of it, the stranger it is. In the whole of this gigantic castle, there is only a young girl and her maid...

They don't even have a usable training ground, let alone any actual soldiers. How can they be so unequipped?

I guess I'll need to hunt monsters for training.

Ceci! I've been looking everywhere for you. What are you doing here?

...

I'm here to train.

Train?

Dragon Knights cannot allow themselves to be idle. I have to be constantly prepared for any lurking dangers.

Oh...hmm, I see. I'll join you.

My lady?

What now, am I not allowed?

It could be dangerous...

Are you looking down on me? What danger could those little monsters in the forest possibly pose the Lady of La Mare?

I know, but...

If you're so worried, I'll make sure she stays by me.

I'll protect her if anything happens, you can count on me.

I like it. Then there's nothing to worry about! Let's go!

...Okay. But please be careful, my lady.

We've defeated quite a lot.

Whoa...she's even stronger than she looks! I guess she wasn't lying about being a Dragon Knight after all...

Ahem... You're not too bad. But you have a while to go until you catch up with me.

Is that so?

...

What was that, she doesn't seem to care at all.

Anyway, keep going! There are still plenty of monsters left, don't be lazy!

Understood.

Compared to Ceci I barely killed any monsters at all...

She must have thought I'm a joke! Ugh, so annoying...

What's wrong? You seem troubled.

Uwah! You startled me! When did I say it's okay to sneak up on me!?

I'm sorry. I was concerned how you were in a darker mood than this morning. So I came to ask if there's a problem.

Th-The Lady of the Swamp never has any problems.

Your face appears to be saying something different.

I said there's nothing wrong!

Is it because of the training?

What? Do you really think I, Charlotte of La Mare, am worried over something trivial like that?!

So it's something else.

Ugh...

Since you've been so generous, I want to help out if there's anything I can do.

It's none of your business...

Is it something difficult for you to talk about? Then I'll share my own troubles first.

Huh? I'm not really interested in hearing them...

As I've told you already, I am a Dragon Knight of Wintenberg. But I am also the queen.

...

My mother was queen before me, but she suddenly passed away, and I still don't know why.

Oh, I see...my parents passed away suddenly too.

I guess we have something in common. It must have been hard for you.

Yes...it really was.

So far, I've been carrying on my mother's legacy and dealing with the evil Dragons that plague Humans.

As a queen of Humans myself, it was my duty to do so.

But I was caught up in an accident during a battle, and found myself here in Ritania, not knowing what to do or how to get back home.

I need to return and figure out what happened...

Oh...

Sorry, was my story too boring?

It's not that. I'm just a little ashamed...

Ashamed? Why?

I was supposed to be a queen of somewhere too, but I ended up being here instead somehow...

People who visited this castle would always tell me I'd become queen eventually.

So I thought if I waited here long enough...

But ever since my parents passed away, no one really comes visit anymore.

Is it because they realized I'm not good enough to be queen...?

...Not necessarily.

And as long as you're determined, it's not too late to become a great queen.

...Really?

Why were you so keen to train with me earlier?

Because...I need to be strong in order to protect the castle.

In other words, you're preparing to fight for your people.

...!

I can't be certain, but I'm sure there are still some people around here who need your protection.

If you try as hard as you can, the people who left will return to you.

You really think so...?

Of course. I know you can do this.

...Okay. I'll train hard to become a worthy queen!

But keep in mind, being a worthy queen isn't all about being good at fighting.

Th-Then what?

A queen truly deserving of her people's love requires a few other traits as well.

Like?

...Mmm, I think it's better for you to learn them one step at a time, as you prepare for the throne.

Experience is the key to growth.

Okay, if you say so...

...Thank you for listening to me.

Did you say something, Lady Charlotte?

N-Nothing.

The Dragon Knight has been here for quite a while...

Ever since she got here, Lady Charlotte's attention has been focused solely on her.

I knew this would happen. I shouldn't have let her in...

I can't just sit here doing nothing. I must...

Paradoxia? Are you listening to me?

Oh...I'm sorry. What did you want, my lady?

Ceci. You know, Ceci.

Ah...

She's too straight forward, it can be annoying sometimes...

But she is great with her spear, and has a brilliant mind... I think I can learn a lot from her.

Oh...?

So I've been thinking...I might leave the castle for a while.

Excuse me? What did you just say?

I'm thinking of leaving the castle to help Ceci find a way home.

Don't you think I'll become a better ruler if I experience the world outside the castle?

I'll be able to take better care of the castle and the land. And the people who left me will...

...Lady Charlotte, how many times do I have to tell you?

The world outside these walls is full of nothing but filth and danger. You're too pure and precious for that kind of place, my lady.

Paradoxia, stop being so overprotective.

If all those normal people manage to survive, what trouble could the Lady of the Swamp possibly have?

Ceci also told me more about those weird gates. Apparently, more and more foreigners keep appearing through them recently.

Ceci is just one of them, you don't need to be so wary of her.

...

I'm not a child anymore. I'll come back after becoming a worthy queen with Ceci...

...I can't let this happen.

Huh? What are you...

My lady, please forgive me.

Kyaaaaa! What do you think you're doing?!

You'll have to stay put in this room for now.

Did you just lock the door?! Paradoxia! Open it right now!

My poor little mistress... That cunning stranger already made you fall for her tricks.

But don't worry, I'm here to protect you.

What do you mean?! Paradoxia, Paradoxia!

How... How could you do this to me!?

Lady Charlotte would usually have come bug me about something by now, but I haven't seen her anywhere.

I need to talk to her...

Cecilia.

Oh, Paradoxia, what brings you here?

May I ask you a favor?

A favor?

Lady Charlotte fell ill early this morning, but we're out of medicinal herbs.

Unfortunately, the herbs I need only grow in a very dangerous place...

I know this is a lot to ask, but could you please bring us some?

Of course, where do I find them?

Thank you so much...! Do you remember where you and Charlotte trained together? It's not too far from there. Keep going in that direction and you'll be able to find herbs that look like this.

Alright, I'll be right back.

...Don't be so certain.

How dare you try take Charlotte away from me! I'll make sure you never step foot back in the castle again. *chuckling*

Phew... It's a good thing I always kept this spare key on me in case I needed to sneak out.

But what were those strange monsters crawling around in the lobby...?

I'm lucky I was able to escape after they noticed me.

...But where am I now?! I was extra careful to make sure I was going the right way, how have I ended up here?

It's so creepy... I never imagined there could be somewhere like this inside my own castle.

But what is it for? Did my father build it? How long has it been here?

...

How can I get lost inside my own castle... Am I really this useless?

I've been too dependent on Paradoxia, I can't do anything on my own...

And I convinced myself I could be a real queen... How pathetic.

H-Hello...? Is anybody there...?

...A voice?

Th-There's a person!

Help! Get us out of here!

*gasping* What are people doing in this kind of place... A-Are you alright?!

Please help, I promise I won't come near the castle ever again...

W-We're all going to die...! Just like the others!

The others...? Does that mean...

No, don't get distracted! They're already dying, I can't waste a single second...

I saw a bunch of keys earlier, maybe they're for here!

A-Alright. Just give me some time! Charlotte of La Mare will save you all!

I can't find the herb anywhere... How much farther do I need to go?

Not to mention, for a while now...

...

Krrrrrrrk...!

I knew something was following me. An Unknown...

But since when? From the castle?

Wait, that means...

...It's a trap. I have to go back to the castle right now.

I'm afraid I can't allow that.

Paradoxia...

I suppose dealing with a single Unknown should be nothing to a Dragon Knight?

So it was you.

Oh, you worked it out already? Haha, you don't even seem surprised. Quite impressive.

Not that it matters.

I'll kill anyone who tries to take my lady away from me!

Just like I thought, she's not entirely sane.

Did you really think you could talk my innocent little mistress into leaving the castle with you?

Ahahaha, how funny! But I don't think that's going to happen.

Because you're going to die here instead!

I see. Keeping her inside the castle was your plan.

Then there's not much I can do.

I'll have to save her by getting rid of you.

*panting*... Finally, it's open... Get away from here, quickly...

Th-Thank you, Lady Charlotte...!

Let's go before we end up getting caught again!

Wait, if Lady Charlotte didn't ask for this...does that mean that woman planned this all by herself?

That's even scarier...

Watch your mouths in front of the lady! Let's just hurry up and get out of here!

...

They never left me. They were locked up in the castle this whole time.

I never would have imagined Paradoxia could do such things behind my back...

I couldn't find Cecilia while I was looking for the keys either... Something must have happened to her. I have to hurry.

There you are!

Paradoxia! Stop!

Lady Charlotte...?

Why are you being so rude to Cecilia! What's wrong with you?!

How, Uhh, what are you doing all the way out here, my lady? Come here, it's dangerous...

How can I trust you anymore?!

Before coming here I freed a group of people locked up in the waterway. I heard about everything you've done!

...!

You will never do it again, understand? And...

...So you're going to leave me for the Dragon Knight?

Excuse me?

I'm asking if you're going to abandon me for this trespasser!

...What are you talking about...?

My lady... You can't leave me. You'll get hurt.

Your loyal Paradoxia is here to keep you safe...

It's my duty to remove any threats to you, my lady.

Please, come here. Stay by my side.

Paradoxia...?

What a scary obsession. Has she always been so possessive?

No, I've never seen her like this before...

Is that so? Then that's even more reason for me not to let you go back with her, Lady Charlotte.

Not let her? Ha! Who do you think you are?

She may have shown some interest to you, but that doesn't mean she's yours.

...I never claimed she was.

Hers? Yours? What are you talking about? I'm not an object!

I won't let anyone have my lady...she's mine! She belongs to me!

Neither of you can escape! If I can't have her then she's better off dead!

*sighing* She's not listening to anything we say.

Get her! Gobble that arrogant Dragon Knight up whole!

*gasping* I saw those monsters back in the castle...!

Stay calm, don't allow your fear to overcome you. As a queen, you must learn how to face it instead.

O-Okay!

W-What...!? Where did they all go?!

It ends here, Paradoxia!

Argh!

M-My lady... How...

How could you do this to me?!

...Paradoxia. I will always be thankful for your devotion to me. I mean it.

But I have been neglecting my duty as the Lady of La Mare.

After meeting Ceci, I realized I was too caught up in my own pride and status.

Forget being queen...I don't even deserve to be the Lady of La Mare, or your mistress.

Whatever things you may have done are ultimately my fault for my indifference.

My lady...

I appreciate everything you've done for me.

But you must give up your obsession, you no longer have any duty to protect me.

I hope you can find your own path, just like I have.

Ceci, let's go.

...Mmm.

...Obsession? My own path?

How ridiculous. Do you not see that staying by your side is the only way my life has meaning?

Try as much as you like. You cannot get rid of me.

I will find you and be by your side until the end!

Phew, I'm exhausted. We should go back to the castle and get some rest.

...

Ceci? Did you hear me?

I think it will be best if we say goodbye here. Thank you for everything.

W-What, Why so suddenly?

I've been intending to leave for a while. I think it's about time.

No! This isn't fair, you can't leave like this! I still have so much to learn from you!

Bring me with you!

And abandon your own castle?

B-But...

You're the one who told me I need to experience new things in order to become a true queen!

Please, help me experience them!

What Paradoxia said about the dangers of the outside world wasn't entirely wrong.

Especially if you come with me.

There will be many more Unknown, many battles we'll have to fight.

And when I'm back in Wintenberg, there will be Dragons too. I can't keep protecting you even then.

You're simply not strong enough. So why don't you give up and...

Not strong enough? How dare you look down on me!

Fine, if you don't think I'm good enough, I'll just have to show you how strong I am! If I beat you in a duel, you must let me go with you!

Is this really necessary...

Here I come!

I was planning to humor her for a while and then leave, but she's more persistent than I expected... I don't think I can make her give up like this.

Huh? Why did you stop?

...Enough. I yield.

Really? Are you going to bring me with you?!

With one condition.

I will leave first, and you come find me later on your own.

Why can't we leave together? I won!

You must learn to be more independent.

A true queen must be able to find her way and keep herself safe from enemies even on her own.

Think of it as special training.

Special training...!

Alright, I'll find you. Wait for me!

Then I'll excuse myself, Lady Charlotte.

...Why did she say goodbye so coldly like she's never going to see me again?

Anyway, she told me this is special training to help me become a true queen, so I guess I'll have to do as she says...

Ah, why am I wasting time standing here talking to myself!? I need to pack my things and hurry after her!

Okay, so, getting back to the castle! Was it...this way? Hmm, or maybe that way...?

...Ugh! I'll just start walking, I'm sure I'll work it out eventually once I'm moving!