Fia quickly retreated back into the hallway, trying to make it look like she had just arrived.
Being caught eavesdropping would be embarrassing.
As she thought about this, she adjusted her skirt and hair to appear as dignified as possible.
With the creak of the door, three faces appeared before Fia.
Two of them were elves she had never seen before, and the other was one of the five elves who had knelt before her.
They seemed quite pleased with the outcome of their discussion, as all three wore expressions of joy.
However, upon seeing Fia, they immediately replaced their joy with respect and knelt on one knee.
“Your Highness, the Princess.”
“No need for formalities, rise.
Go about your business, I have something to discuss with Anastasia.”
“Yes.”
Though she wasn’t quite used to speaking in such a superior tone, Fia managed to do so, as it wasn’t her first time in such a situation and she had gained some experience.
After easily dismissing the three elves, Fia stepped into the room.
Anastasia had clearly heard Fia’s voice and stood up to greet her with a bow as she approached.
From any angle, Anastasia was a well-trained warrior.
“Your Highness.”
“Um… Anastasia, do you have time now?” Fia asked directly, without any preamble.
Anastasia raised her head, her usually resolute face showing a hint of confusion.
“What does Your Highness wish to discuss?”
“I have something I want to talk to you about.”
“I understand, Your Highness, please have a seat.”
Anastasia gestured for Fia to sit at the finely crafted round table, while she, as a servant, prepared tea and snacks for Fia.
Her fluid movements were flawless, clearly indicating that Anastasia had done this countless times.
This must be what Anastasia meant in her introduction as the captain of the second squad of the Royal Guard and the personal attendant to the Elven Princess.
Fia couldn’t help but admire her.
Not only was she a guard ensuring the princess’s safety, but also a maid attending to her daily needs.
Just from the way she brewed tea, it was evident that Anastasia was an exceptionally capable assistant to the Elven Princess.
Once everything was prepared, Anastasia closed the door and finally sat across from Fia.
The room quickly fell silent, with only the rising steam from the teacups indicating that time hadn’t stopped.
This is really… making it hard to know how to start.
Fia pretended to sip her tea to hide her nervousness.
She had come to find Anastasia to explain what she hadn’t had the chance to say earlier due to an interruption by a subordinate.
Claire’s suggestion had given her a lot of insight.
Initially, she thought that as long as she followed Claire’s advice and told a well-intentioned lie, once Anastasia and the others were ready to accept the Elven Princess’s death, she could end this rather pleasant experience of the future, which would be good for both sides.
But Claire’s other words inspired her—”Fia should think more about herself.”
Honestly, could she really sever ties with Anastasia and the others once they felt it was enough? The answer was, of course, no.
The sudden departure of anyone you’ve known for a long time would be saddening, and she was no exception.
Especially after experiencing the wonderful things the Elven Princess had, suddenly cutting herself off would likely leave her unable to let go for a lifetime, unable to move on from the sadness.
Even if Anastasia was kind to her only because she mistook her for the Elven Princess, Anastasia was the first person she spoke to and the first to make her feel warmth since arriving in this other world.
Even now, the feeling of Anastasia holding her hand that afternoon remained in her heart.
It was a warmth, reliability, and sense of security she had never felt before.
In the past, no one was willing to pay attention to her—or rather, by the time she realized it, there was no one else around.
Like a lone meteor drifting in the vast universe, no one sent her messages, and no one responded to the messages she sent.
How long had that time passed? She couldn’t remember, perhaps even the concept of time had become blurred.
But today, she received the first response since that long, dark night, and Anastasia was the one who sent her that message.
This world was so vast and colorful that in less than half a day, she had experienced countless emotions, and this was not the end.
There were more shining things waiting for her in the future.
These were treasures not found in that cold universe.
Becoming the Elven Princess like this wasn’t bad, this thought constantly surrounded her.
She didn’t want to leave Anastasia, the woman who had given her possibilities.
But.
One cannot decide things based solely on emotion or reason.
Claire’s suggestion was ultimately just a suggestion; how to proceed was up to her, the person involved.
Therefore, to avoid future regrets, to cut off the things that made her hesitate, to be able to hold her head high and become Dofilia Alexia Yusil, she had to accomplish something only she could do.
That was to reveal the secret without reservation and let Anastasia decide whether to stay or leave.
If Anastasia didn’t accept her, she would choose to leave without hesitation.
But if Anastasia accepted her, then in the future, whether in the quiet of night or amidst the bustling city, she could strive, with a clear conscience, to become someone others could only look up to.
Just like the real Elven Princess, hailed as the greatest genius of the Elven Kingdom, she would become a miracle greater, kinder, and more unattainable than the Elven Princess.
This must be what Claire meant when she initially said, “You don’t need to play the role of a young lady, become yourself.
Gaining others’ recognition through your own abilities is also a choice.”
