At the end, I stayed up all night and let them rest for the whole night. I was unable to sleep after thinking about what have happen yesterday.
I just realize that I was completely indifferent towards the death of people, and it made me unease at how I didn't react towards their death at all. Is this because of how I have been living in a world where strong kills the weak for a year and a half?
The scariest thing is that It took me a while AFTER Eric stated about how Elizabeth react towards the bodyguards' death that I realize about what I did to save them. I didn't regret saving them and I didn't regret killing those monsters, but.....I'm scared of how I simply not react to a death of a person, despite of how evil they are.
I grab the fishing rods that I placed on my bed and went to the riverside, which is just few feet away from the camp. I really need to get these out of my mind.....
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"So, sir Eric. What will we encounter at our journey?" Liza asked as Eric constantly stays vigilant.
"Monsters." Eric bluntly said as Liza rolled her eyes.
"I know there will be monsters. What I mean is that what kind of monsters or maybe adventurers?" Liza asked as Eric sigh.
"The forest we might walk across is a Void Forest, where there's constantly filled with monster in every corner." Eric said while remains on the watch.
"Oooh." Liza said in wonder.
"What captain says are true, your majesty." One of the bodyguards spoke up. "There are a lot of reports of monsters constantly popped up whenever a foreigner visits our kingdom."
"Strangely enough, I got a report of the sudden decrease of monster appearances for 6 months." Another knight stated, getting Liza's attention.
"So, does that sounds good or bad?" Liza asked in confusion. She moght be genius in most topic, but there are things that she didn't know much about.
"That depends. It's either a unique type of monster appears and prey on them, or someone has hunt them down for drop items." Eric explained as Liza hummed in thoughts.
"Is there any clues about it? Like some monsters missing part of their bodies, or something?" Liza asked.
"That's the strangest thing, it looks like someone has eat them, but there's missing some part of their body. One of them is a Silver Tusked Boar and their tusks, which are known for being one of the best weapon materials, went missing." Liza frowns. She knows that everyone refuses to eat monster meats due to their repulsive stenches and tastes. So, who would-!?
Liza froze as a huge amount of mana suddenly appears right above her and descend towards them at high speed. Liza summons mana on her hand to create magic circle as shield appears around them.
To much of her surprise, her magic barrier was suddenly damaged as the huge amount of mana obliterate it. Liza uses her magic to create another one, but she was too late as her second attempt was merely able to cover the area above her and Eric. She could watch in horror as white light envelopes the area as her fellow bodyguards were obliterated.
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"NOO!!" I yelp in surprise as I heard a shout from the camp. I look at saw Liza panicking. I drop my fishing rod and rush towards her as she continue to panic and starts crying.
Eric was right, she really did try to not think too much about what happen yesterday by distracting herself. Is this because of her current role as the future queen?
"Shh.....it's okay...." I said softly as I hold her shoulder. She continues to sobs before hugging me out of nowhere.
I guess no matter how much responsibility she has, she is still a child. I simply pats her back, knowing she needs this.
"I...." My ears twitch as I heard her mutters. "I failed them....I let them die.....w-what kind of princess am I.....if I let my people die...?"
Her future role really gives her too much pressure. This isn't a question that a 12 years old should ask. I simply pat her back as she continues to sobs.
"I think.....caring about your people.....made you far better than most leaders....." I said as she didn't let go. "....and don't forget...no matter.....how powerful you are....you're a human.....and a child.....you can't do everything.....alone...."
I can't stop talking, didn't know if the girl did listen to me or not.
"...don't blame yourself....for their death.....in fact...you shouldn't shoulder this.....alone...." I said before looking down. She slowly stops sobbing and fell unconscious.
"I didn't know it was this bad." I try not to yelp as I turn to see Eric stood behind me. "....thank you for calming her down...."
"No need...I don't know if it'll helps..." I said while looking at Elizabeth, who still hugging me. "I just.....spoke to reassure her..."
"That's what she needs." Eric stated. "Milady isn't just a normal child. Despite her childlike nature and curiousity, she also display adult maturity and intellectual mind who prefers logical thoughts and explanation. A simple 'it's okay' won't help her."
That explains why she didn't protest the bandit's death by Eric's hand. By logic, she believes blood must be pay with blood.
"...is my words logical enough.....to help her?" I can't help but asked.
"It's....not the best logic. But, it's good enough to reassures her." I raised my eyebrow. "She wouldn't be back to sleep if she didn't hear that."
"...that's so weird...." I can't help but comment.
"...I agree, but I'm in no position to complain." That's true. If it's stupid but works, it's not stupid.
".....can you help to grab.....the bucket of fish....near the riverside?" I asked Eric, who gives me a dry stare. "I ran here....when she shouts.....and I left them..." I look down at Elizabeth continue to hug me. "....I don't think I can.....move from here....without waking her up....."
"....fair enough." I saw Eric walks away as I sigh softly. I feel bad for him and Elizabeth.
To be continued