Metabasis of Ashen Embers · Chapter 7

The Garden's Crimson Flowers

Cristelle

Ufufu!

My, my. It seems we've committed quite the discourtesy.

We are envoys from the glorious NOA Empire on the Eastern Continent, beyond the eastern seas.

You see, we've brought a mysterious medicinal ingredient that can cure the princess' illness.

But... we were unaware that this was a restricted area.

We were merely on our way to the restroom and happened to lose our way.

Royal Guard Knight

...I see. Then you are guests of our kingdom.

Cristelle

Thank you for your hospitality.

Royal Guard Knight

However, trespassing is not in the scope of your diplomatic immunity.

I will turn a blind eye just this once. But if this happens again, you will face the consequences in full measure.

Cristelle

Of course.

Phew... That was close.

Haydee

...Let's get out of here. We'd better leave the palace before we're made.

Royal Guard Knight

...Wait. You there.

Cristelle

Hmm? Is something the matter?

Royal Guard Knight

Not you. The one behind you.

Haydee

I think he means me.

Royal Guard Knight

There's something... familiar about you. If you truly came from the Eastern Continent, there's no reason I should recognize you.

Turn around. Let's see your face.

Cristelle

...Haydee. What on earth did you go around doing?

Haydee

What do you mean? Are you accusing me of something?

Cristelle

This doesn't make sense. Not a single person outside recognized you...

But a royal guard seems to know your face.

Haydee

It's probably just a coincidence.

Or maybe you were a wanted criminal.

Haydee

Who are you calling a criminal...?!

Cristelle

Either way, we're in trouble.

We've already fabricated an identity as envoys from a nation called NOA.

Even if that knight personally knows Haydee, it doesn't change the fact that we've been lying.

Haydee

...And in any country, entering the royal palace under a false identity is a serious crime.

Cristelle

At this rate, we're headed straight for prison.

So what do we do now?

Cristelle

We have no choice.

Royal Guard Knight

Hey. What are you whispering about over there?

I said show me your face—

Cristelle

We run! Hop on my back, Haydee!

Haydee

Ngh...! Just this once!

Royal Guard Knight

W-what?! Hey! Stop!

Intruders! Intruders inside the palace!

Cristelle

Tch...! We managed to get away, but where do we go now?

Didn't we turn left at that corner just now?

Cristelle

Did we?!

I was trying to retrace the route we took coming in!

Then we already made a wrong turn...

Should we jump out a window?

Cristelle

That's certainly one option, but...

The problem is, there isn't a single window in sight, Captain!

This place is so full of twists and turns that I can't even tell where we are anymore!

This palace is way too confusing to navigate...!!!

Haydee

...I hear heavy footsteps ahead.

Probably the royal guards.

Cristelle

Kgh... Which way should we go...?!

Haydee

Turn right.

Cristelle

...Haydee, do you know the way?

Haydee

Of course not. I'm not completely sure either. But...

I don't think we should go left.

We'll run into a lot of people that way.

Are your memories coming back?

Haydee

No. Not really.

...I just have a strong gut feeling that this is the right way.

Cristelle

Perhaps your old memories are slowly beginning to return.

I'll trust your judgment, Haydee. Lead the way.

Haydee

Here. This way.

Haydee took the lead and threw open a door without a second thought. Beyond it was...

A garden overflowing with lush greenery.

Cristelle

A garden of this size inside a palace...

They must have put quite an effort into building it.

Haydee

...Is this really the time to admire the scenery?

Enough pointless chatter. Hurry up and follow me.

There's plenty of thick foliage here and no one stationed nearby, so it's a good place to hide.

Cristelle

Captain, over here. You should take cover as well.

Don't mind if I do!

Haydee

S-scoot a little...! You're too close! There's plenty of room on your side!

Cristelle

Shh...! They're coming!

The footsteps are fading. Good.

Haydee

Looks like we managed to lose them for now.

But we can't stay here forever.

They'll send more people to search for us.

I'm sure the back entrance is this way...

Cristelle

A flower garden...?

The flowers are blooming beautifully.

Haydee, don't you happen to like flowers as well?

I know we're in a hurry, but perhaps we could stop for just a moment to admire—

...?!

Haydee...!

Haydee

Hrrgh...!

Cristelle

Tch...! I told you not to push yourself! You should've let me carry you!

Haydee

*Huff...* *Huff...*

Krrgh...!

H-Haydee... your body is glowing!

Cristelle

Hah...?!

Young Girl's Voice

Ahaha! Look! The flowers are in full bloom!

Here! The flowers I planted are here too!

Wow! I want to show Father and Mother too!

Young Man's Voice

Your Highness, if you keep running like that, you'll fall!

Young Girl's Voice

Aww, Perses, you're no fun!

Come on, play with me a little! Please?

Young Man's Voice

...My duty is to protect you, my princess—

Young Girl's Voice

Take this! Flower bomb!

Cristelle

What was that just now...? An illusion...?

...No, more importantly, Haydee!

Come on, get a hold of yourself, Haydee!

Haydee

Aaaah...!!!

Hrrgh...!!!

Cristelle

Haydee, calm down!

Stop making so much noise, they'll hear us from outside—

Royal Guard Knight

Over here! I heard something from the garden!

Lord Chamberlain, this way!

Lord Chamberlain

Princess! Oh! Princess!

Haydee

Ah... Ahh... Ahhh...

Lord Chamberlain

Princess! Are you unharmed?

You suddenly disappeared from your room. You gave us quite a fright, and here you are!

We told you that your condition is serious and that you absolutely must remain at rest...

Guards! Escort the princess back to her room at once!

Did he just call her... princess?

Cristelle

Haha... It seems we've been very, very wrong about something.

So Haydee is...

Then all of those things... They happened because...

Lord Chamberlain

Guard Captain! Make sure these kidnappers don't escape!

...I think there's been a misunderstanding.

We're not kidnappers...

Royal Guard Captain

Are these the ones?

Lord Chamberlain

Yes! They're the ones who dared attempt to kidnap the princess!

If you hadn't returned and warned us, something terrible could have happened.

Royal Guard Captain

...Among the onlookers, I happened to notice someone whose silhouette resembled the princess from behind.

I had my doubts... but it seems there really were rats sneaking around.

So could we at least talk this through—

Cristelle

Don't bother, Captain. I don't think anything we say will reach them now.

More importantly, that guard captain looks familiar.

If my memory serves me correctly, that man looks exactly like the statue we saw in the ruins...

Royal Guard Captain

Save your words. By the laws of the kingdom, you will answer for your crimes.

You dared infiltrate the royal palace and lay hands on the princess.

All guards!

Royal Guard Knight

Yes, sir!

Royal Guard Captain

Block every route. Do not let these criminals escape.

Cristelle

Twenty foes in total. All elite, hand-picked knights.

...The odds of winning are not in our favor.

I agree.

Cristelle

In that case...

We surrender!