CHAPTER 42.
You Must Be Willing to Risk Death
“Bastard… piece of trash…?”
“I didn’t expect to be stabbed in the back like that. Even after twenty years, I still haven’t forgotten it.”
“H- He stabbed you… in the back…?”
“It’s fine. I got him back—punched him square in the face. Three times.”
“…”
“I should’ve hit him thirty—no, three hundred times. Looking back, that’s my only regret.”
Mother burst out laughing as I stood there, mouth agape in shock.
Just what did this man do to provoke such a reaction from my usually composed mother?
“I bring up this unpleasant memory only to offer you some advice. Don’t trust men too much, Ruivel.”
“Thank you for the advice, Mother. But Prince Ancelot is someone I can trust.”
I added cautiously, and Mother curved her lips in amusement.
“So, you trust him.”
Well… yes. I trust him to use me to get rid of the light dragon, at least…
Of course, that wasn’t something I could say aloud to Mother.
“If you return safely after proving the prophecy, the empire’s future may change.”
“…”
By “the empire’s future,” she must have meant the power structure surrounding the next imperial succession.
I still had no interest in such matters, but it was easier to let her believe otherwise, so I said nothing more.
“Anyway, take care, Ruivel. Be safe.”
“Yes, Mother. I’ll return soon.”
With a brave smile, I bowed and exited the imperial palace.
Three white horses were waiting for us.
The one in front was snorting and wearing a flower crown—it was mine, as I could see the Azhester imperial crest on the saddle.
I walked confidently toward it, ready to mount, but Ancelot and Klaus called out to me.
“Your Highness.”
“Princess.”
Both men reached out their hands at the same time, only to frown at each other in irritation.
“Your Highness, allow me to assist you.”
Ancelot turned to me first with a gentle smile.
“Princess, let me help you onto your horse.”
Klaus stepped in, unwilling to lose.
I had suspected the two didn’t get along, but their rivalry was exhausting right from the start of the journey.
“I can mount a horse on my own!”
Ignoring both hands, I got on the horse by myself with determination.
Ancelot and Klaus followed behind, looking slightly disappointed.
At the palace gates, a crowd had gathered after hearing I was leaving.
“Lulu! Be safe!”
Elizabeth, sniffling, waved goodbye.
“Yes, sister. I’ll be careful.”
Next to her stood Gloria, watching me with a stern expression.
“Thanks to you, one of Azhester’s major concerns has been lifted. Thank you, Ruivel.”
Though her words were formal, I was surprised to see something above her head—her favorability rating had slightly increased.
First Princess of Azhester: Gloria
Favorability: 68
In Dreams Beyond the Mirror, ratings below 100 weren’t very meaningful, and 68 was still practically neutral.
But the fact that it had risen from zero was astonishing.
Gloria had once been in direct opposition to my brother Orent for the throne. After he was exiled, she would’ve easily taken the crown princess position—if not for me.
My decision to embark on the Proof of a Hero journey, after awakening as a Swordmaster, had reshaped the competition for succession.
It made sense for Gloria to see me as a threat.
So for her favorability to rise even a little…
‘She must truly be grateful that I’m taking care of Azhester’s crisis.’
It showed that her care for the empire was genuine—unlike Orent, who harmed innocent people to seize the throne.
“I’m just happy to fulfill my duty as a royal, even in this way.”
Gloria softened slightly at my words.
[SYSTEM] ‘s favorability has increased by +8. (Favorability: 76)
“Take care, Ruivel.”
“I will, sister.”
I smiled brightly in return.
In the crowd, Silvia waved a handkerchief.
“Princess! Please take care of Klaus!”
“You should be asking him to take care of me.”
With a hint of resentment, I glanced at Klaus’s level and grumbled.
“He’s the one who killed a bear when he was six.”
Silvia clapped in agreement.
“Oh my, the Princess is right. Did you hear that, brother? Take good care of Her Highness!”
“I would have, even without your request.”
Klaus replied curtly, and Ancelot snorted beside him.
Before they could start another argument, I spurred my horse ahead, weaving through the crowd.
[Main Quest: Forest of Illusions (1/3)]
The Forest of Illusions, on the path to the Grand Temple, strikes fear into travelers. Defeat the monsters within and spread your heroic tale!
- Clear condition: Defeat 500 monsters in the Forest of Illusions
- Rewards: EXP +12,500, Skill Points +10
The second scenario Piya brought me took place in the Forest of Illusions.
This forest was the quickest route to the Grand Temple from the Azhester Empire.
500 monsters? This is pure grind.
I stared at the quest objective coldly.
In the original story, Hezen met the second companion, the Sage of Light, Elay, here.
But the real danger wasn’t just the monsters.
The true threat was Elay’s illusions—illusions that targeted one’s deepest weaknesses.
Hezen overcame those trials…
But I’m not Hezen. My trial will be different.
So even with foreknowledge, this would be a difficult quest.
Still, I’ll manage… right?
I sighed, trying to suppress my anxiety.
“Your Highness, is something troubling you?”
Klaus spoke to me.
“No, not at all.”
[SYSTEM] ‘s favorability has decreased by -10. (Favorability: -170)
I smiled and waved it off—his favorability dropped again.
Damn it.
In a serious tone, I said:
“Do you still see me as a helpless woman in need of protection?”
[SYSTEM] ‘s favorability has increased by +10. (Favorability: -160)
“Forgive me, Your Highness. That was not my intention.”
“Then it’s best not to worry unnecessarily. I didn’t ask you to join me so I could lean on you like a child.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
[SYSTEM] ‘s favorability has increased by +10. (Favorability: -150)
His honest personality really showed through in how neatly his rating rose and fell in increments of ten.
Over time, I’d figured out a pattern.
When I acted like his “ideal type,” Ruivel, his chaste nature clashed and favorability dropped. But when I acted as his sworn liege, his loyalty kicked in, and the score went up.
Thanks to that understanding, I’d recovered a good chunk of his favorability.
But it’s still in the negatives… how sad.
I looked at both Klaus and Ancelot with tired eyes.
How did I end up journeying with one man who tried to kill me at first sight and another whose affection dropped every time he saw my face?
My fate really is cursed.
As I brooded, we arrived at the edge of the forest.
[SYSTEM] You have arrived at a new location!
[SYSTEM] mini-map unlocked!
“So this is the forest,” Klaus said warily.
Along the way, everyone had warned us about the dangers here, so he was on high alert.
“I’ll scout ahead.”
Klaus dismounted.
“All this just for a few monsters?”
Ancelot scoffed, but Klaus solemnly examined the surroundings.
Then, as he took one step forward—
<Lv.30 Forest of Illusions Bear Plushie>
A giant bear appeared—level 30!
Pyuik! Pyuriiit!
―It’s a Forest of Illusions Bear Plushie! Despite its cute appearance, it’s an extremely savage monster!
Cute?! It’s three meters tall!
I gawked at the massive creature.
“Your Highness, behind me!”
Klaus stepped forward and blocked the bear’s attack with his shield.
Impressive—he really was the boy who beat a bear at six.
Grrrr!
The bear growled furiously.
Klaus slashed it with his sword.
[SYSTEM] Defeated <Lv.30 Forest of Illusions Bear Plushie>!
[SYSTEM] Gained 500 EXP.
[Quest Progress] <Main Quest: Ch. 2 Forest of Illusions (1/3)> Monster Defeated (1/500)
Because Klaus was registered as my companion, his kill counted toward my quest.
Only 499 more to go…
Just as I was about to pass out from the sheer number—
Grrr!
“Klaus! There’s another one—on the left!”
More bears began to emerge from all directions.
“There’s too many!”
“Don’t worry, Your Highness.”
Klaus stepped forward solemnly.
“To protect you, I would risk death itself.”
“Good. You do that.”
The one who answered wasn’t me—it was Ancelot.
“You risk your life, Klaus Winster.”
“W-What…?”
Klaus turned in confusion.
Ancelot leapt onto my horse, gripping the reins over my hands.
“While he risks his life, let’s retreat to safety, Princess.”
“W-What?”
Before I could protest, he spurred the horse away from Klaus and the bears.
Neighhh!
The horse neighed wildly as we galloped off.
Ancelot had just sacrificed Klaus and run off with me.
