Saintess? Not Anymore! I'd Rather be a Destroyer-Chapter 32 - 21: Thinking

"Princess your breakfast is ready," announced the fair maid with a gentle tone. Upon hearing her, Aurianna rose from her seat, lifting her hands in the air, a distant expression adorning her face. In a graceful procession, she was carried out of the room, the guards respectfully bowing as she was escorted. The maid guided her through the narrow hallway, eventually entering a spacious chamber.

The room revealed its grandeur, adorned with a magnificent golden chandelier suspended from the ceiling. Luxurious walls encompassed the space, and at its center rested a crystal table, adorned with a lavish display of delectable delicacies and an assortment of succulent meats, all elegantly arranged on gleaming silver platters, inviting Aurianna to indulge at her leisure.

Placed at her customary position on the edge of the table, Aurianna commanded, "Please, leave me." The maid, no doubt intending to voice her concern, hesitated upon encountering Aurianna’s icy stare, prompting her to remain silent. With that, the maid, along with the rest of the attending staff, retreated from the room without uttering another word.

Now alone, Aurianna directed her complete attention to the sumptuous feast before her. The mere sight of it caused her mouth to water, and she discreetly wiped away the dribble that threatened to escape her lips. Slowly, she reached for her fork, delicately piercing a small piece of meat. Bringing it to her mouth, she took a bite, and a symphony of delight echoed through the room. "Oh, how delicious!" she exclaimed, her eyes welling up with tears of joy.

Amidst her relentless devouring of the scrumptious meal, memories of her past imprisonment haunted Aurianna’s mind. "In the past, I was served nothing but rotten food in that dark cell, barely enough to sustain me but able to keep me alive. Finally, I can taste real food again," she mused silently, her hunger driving her to voraciously consume each food. Her bites of meat were nearly swallowed whole, swiftly followed by a hasty gulping of pastries. Yes she gulped it down. Her appetite seemed insatiable as she continued to stuff her mouth without restraint.

Just then, Eva materialized before Aurianna, breaking the solitude of her feast. "Must be nice to be born a princess, huh?" Eva remarked casually.

Aurianna responded with a wistful tone, "Yes, it was. I had all the wealth and power at my disposal. But I failed to utilize them wisely. I lived in a bubble of blissful ignorance, believing that everything was perfect and serene to my naive, arrogant self."

Continuing her reflection, Aurianna let out a sigh and continued, "Looking back now, it’s clear that I was the only one blinded by my own naivety within these castle walls."

Eva nodded knowingly, remarking, "Well, your naivety did keep you alive."

Aurianna’s expression turned sour as she replied, "True, but that same naivety also destroyed my life! In the past, my naivety prevented me from taking anything seriously. Everyone around me constantly pampered and indulged my every whim. When I resisted learning or threw tantrums, they never pushed me to improve. I possessed an abundance of jewelry, gold, diamonds, and all manner of luxuries. I foolishly convinced myself that I was a good person merely because I made superficial sacrifices, as if giving up those possessions absolved me of any wrongdoing. I failed to recognize that I had more than I could ever truly appreciate. I foolishly placed trust in the maids to whom I entrusted my treasures, expecting their loyalty. Yet they turned their backs on me, snickering behind my back when false rumors surfaced. They didn’t lift a finger to help me."

Eva shrugged nonchalantly, as if dismissing Aurianna’s grievances. "Well, what did you honestly expect from them? They’re just maids, not exactly capable of orchestrating a prison break," she remarked.

Aurianna’s frustration grew, her voice filled with bitterness. "But they had the means to help me escape! Do you think that all the maids and butlers in my palace are common folk?"

Eva considered her words carefully. "Well, some may indeed be commoners, while others could possess training as warriors," she responded.

"Exactly! They had the power to set me free, yet they chose not to. They weren’t even willing to risk their own lives for my sake. Selfish and ungrateful bastards," Aurianna seethed, her anger evident. In her rage, she clenched her glass cup so tightly that it shattered, the juice spilling onto the table. Surprisingly, there were no traces of blood despite her bare-handed destruction of the glass.

Eva calmly observed Aurianna’s outburst, seemingly unfazed by the broken cup. "That’s a lesson learned, isn’t it? You shouldn’t feel obligated to fulfill to the demands of everyone who cries for help. And for goodness sake, stop giving away your precious jewelry, you foolish girl," she scoffed at Aurianna’s past actions.

Aurianna’s head sank in dismay as she acknowledged the truth in Eva’s words. "I’ll remember that," she murmured, her disappointment evident.

Eva, with a sense of curiosity, inched her way around the table, her eyes scanning the various items placed upon it. "So, what’s a typical day like for princesses like yourself?" she inquired.

Aurianna arched an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Aren’t you supposed to be intelligent?"

Eva chuckled lightly. "Well, I am, but let’s be honest, the things I know about royalty can be quite dull to talk about. For example, most people, especially around here, spend their days lounging in their extravagant mansions and palaces, simply looking pretty and well-groomed."

Aurianna took a moment to reminisce about her childhood. "It’s a bit hazy to recall everything, but I do remember spending time playing in the garden with the maids engaging in hunting expeditions, losing myself in the enchantment of books from the library, and indulging in all sorts of sugary treats."

Eva couldn’t help but smirk mischievously. "I find it hard to believe that you didn’t become plump with all those treats!"

Aurianna hissed in annoyance, defending herself with a touch of defensiveness. "I exercised every single day, alright!"

Eva’s eyes widened in surprise as she raised her hand to cover her mouth. "Oh? So princesses actually exercise?"

Aurianna’s patience waned slightly. "Of course they do!"

Eva’s face lit up with a mix of astonishment and amusement. "Well, well, this is quite a revelation!"

Aurianna squinted suspiciously at Eva. "Why do you sound so shocked?"

Eva explained herself, her tone tinged with a touch of sarcasm. "Well, you see, most of the princesses I’ve encountered were adorable but on the chubby side. And they always seemed to be wearing those bothersome corsets, trying to achieve that coveted slim waist."

Aurianna let out an exasperated sigh. "Ugh... Those dreadful things! I can barely breathe in them. I started exercising precisely so that I would no longer need to wear them."

"I get you, I used to be stuck in those garments too. They ruined the pleasure of savoring a good meal!" Eva whined, a touch of frustration in her voice.

Aurianna let out a deep sigh, her thoughts weighing heavily on her mind. noticed the change in her demeanor and turned her head, concerned, "What’s bothering you?" She asked gently.

Aurianna raised her hand to her forehead, finding solace in the gesture. "It’s just... I can’t help but remember the days when I played freely with the children of commoners and witnessed the clashes between nobles and slaves. But it’s ironic how those very same commoners, as they grew up, became the first to condemn me. They love me so they’d rather watch me die? Paige’s words are silly."

Eva maintained a calm gaze, "Maybe her words aren’t silly. Your world is twisted, no doubt about it." she remarked.

With a wry smile, Eva added, "You know, it’s funny how people tend to remember that one bad thing you did, even if you’ve done ninety-nine good things."

Aurianna’s eyes shifted to her plate, a dry chuckle escaping her lips. "It’s kind of comical, isn’t it? But hey... Oh well, I suppose that’s just how it goes. Some day, I will be engulfing this entire kingdom in flames and exacting my revenge upon every living being within its borders." A touch of madness danced in her eyes as she mimicked a throat-slitting gesture with her finger, accompanied by a mischievous tongue protrusion.

Eva clapped her hands excitedly, fueled by Aurianna’s proclamation. "Oooo, I can hardly wait for that day to come!"

"For now, though, I am content with the pleasures of this delectable feast and the luxuries that surround me," Aurianna said, her spirits lifting. Without hesitation, she eagerly devoured the meat and pastries, her face glowing with delight

Eva couldn’t help but wear a smile as she observed Aurianna indulging in the array of delicacies before her, reminiscent of a chipmunk hurriedly stashing nuts in its cheeks.

Once Aurianna had satisfied her hunger, she contentedly patted her now pleasantly rounded belly, a symbol of her satiation. Eva couldn’t help but offer a lighthearted compliment, attempting to lighten the atmosphere. "You know, you can actually be quite pretty at times."

Aurianna’s eyes narrowed in response, her irritation palpable as she shot back, "’Sometimes’? What do you mean by that?" The intensity in the room seemed to escalate, causing a visible vein on Aurianna’s neck to nearly burst.

Eva, undeterred, continued her playful banter. "Oh, and by the way, the food isn’t half-bad either!" With a nonchalant disregard, she helped herself to a taste of the delicacies on Aurianna’s table.

In an instant, Aurianna sprang from her seat, swiftly seizing the spoon from Eva’s grasp. Her voice carried a growl of warning as she pointed the spoon threateningly. "This is my food, not yours," she asserted.

"Well, I’m hungry too, you know. I need to eat something. And seriously, look at your big belly!" Eva scoffed in disbelief.

With a pout, Aurianna relented, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Hmph, fine! You can have the rest, but only because I’m full," she conceded, gesturing towards the multitude of untouched delicacies that adorned the center of the table.

"Aww, aren’t you just sweet?" Eva remarked with a smile, playfully patting Aurianna on the head.

"Let’s just hurry up and eat. I need to make my way to the garden. If I leave you here and the maids witness the disappearing food, they might summon the guards," Aurianna urged, aware of the potential consequences.

"Okay, okay, let me just store this food in my space," Eva said, her voice brimming with anticipation. With a swift motion, she summoned a small portal before her, and with practiced efficiency, she began stuffing the remaining food inside. The portal acted as a convenient storage space, and once satisfied with her collection, Eva closed it and nodded in satisfaction.

"I’ll leave the rest of the day up to you, do whatever you want. But remember, by evening..." Eva started to say, only to be interrupted by Aurianna’s firm interjection.

"Yeah, yeah, we’ll be training," Aurianna asserted, her arms crossed in a determined stance.

Eva shook her head with a mischievous grin. "Actually, only you will be training, not me," she clarified, pointing playfully at Aurianna before retreating into her own personal space.

"Fine, I’ve got it, alright?" Aurianna waved her hand dismissively, her gaze fixated on the imposing golden doors ahead. However, her expression soured as she realized the door handles were positioned well out of her reach, nearly two feet above her.

"I’m done eating!!!" Aurianna raised her voice, causing the doors to gradually open, revealing a group of maids entering to gather the empty plates and dishes.

One particular maid caught Aurianna’s attention with her dark brown skin, short brown hair, and bright brown eyes. The maid bent down gracefully, opening her hands wide in a gesture of invitation. Aurianna glanced at her and pouted, a touch of embarrassment coloring her cheeks, before reluctantly raising her hands. The maid’s warm smile was comforting as she scooped Aurianna up into her arms, cradling her gently.

"This is so embarrassing," Aurianna muttered under her breath, feeling a mix of gratitude and self-consciousness.

"Where would you like to go, princess?" the maid, named Yui, asked with a respectful tone.

"Take me to the garden!" Aurianna commanded, her authority returning as they began to make their way, accompanied by the other maids, towards the lush greenery of the castle’s garden.

After a leisurely stroll, they arrived at the magnificent garden, a picturesque haven adorned with an abundance of blooming flowers in a riot of colors. The fragrance of nature filled the air, creating a delightful symphony of scents. As they entered, Aurianna observed a few knights patrolling the area. Upon catching sight of the princess, they promptly bowed in deference before resuming their vigilant rounds.

Aurianna nodded to Yui, signaling her desire to be set down. With graceful footsteps, she made her way toward a cluster of vibrant red flowers. Selecting one delicately, she brought it to her nose, inhaling its sweet aroma, and a smile graced her lips. Suddenly, to her amusement, , a cute face materialized on the petals, but its initial charm soon transformed into a disapproving frown. Before long, it emitted a high-pitched scream, reminiscent of a tormented soul.

"Hah, how I’ve missed the mischievousnesd of these screaming flowers," Aurianna murmured before casually tossing the flower back into the bush. With a renewed sense of curiosity, she continued to explore the enchanting garden.

The grass beneath her feet was a lush carpet of jade, meticulously tended to and imbuing the surroundings with a vibrant hue. Towering bushes, brimming with an assortment of flowers, encircled the garden, creating a tapestry of natural beauty. At its heart stood a majestic tree, its branches stretching out like an expansive umbrella, casting a soothing shade over the entire garden.

The flower beds, meticulously manicured and artfully arranged, were a testament to the skill and devotion of the garden’s caretakers. Each bed seemed to form a miniature world, a microcosm of botanical wonder. Beyond them, a serene fountain sparkled, its tranquil waters inviting birds to alight and serenade the garden with their melodious songs.

Aurianna’s gaze shifted toward the birds perched on branches, their voices harmonizing with the gentle rustle of leaves. An eerie smile played on her lips as she watched them.

Suddenly, a bizarre and unexpected event unfolded before them—the birds perched near the fountain erupted in a gruesome display, their bodies bursting apart and splattering crimson innards in a gruesome spectacle. Shock and horror filled the air, and Yui’s cry of concern pierced through the unsettling scene.

"Princess! Are you alright?!" Yui’s voice trembled with alarm, her hands instinctively moving to shield Aurianna’s eyes from the horrifying sight.

Feeling a mix of guilt and unease, Yui nervously apologized, realizing the magnitude of the distressing scene she had unintentionally exposed Aurianna to. With a trembling voice, she spoke, "I’m sorry, Princess. It was terrible for you to witness such a horrifying sight."

Meanwhile, a nearby knight, drawn to the commotion, stepped forward to investigate the bewildering occurrence. Observing the area closely, he concluded, "It appears that there is a concentrated presence of mana in this vicinity. This extraordinary concentration could possibly explain the unusual and volatile reaction that led to the birds’ unfortunate demise."

Yui, grateful for the knight’s insight, addressed Aurianna with determination, "Fear not, Princess. We will make sure that the birds are promptly replaced. Their vibrant melodies will once again grace this garden."

As Yui cautiously removed her hands from Aurianna’s eyes, they continued their stroll in another direction, seeking solace in a quieter area of the garden.

"No worries, it was quite interesting to watch," a flicker of an unsettling grin played upon Aurianna’s lips, hinting at a mischievous delight hidden beneath her composed demeanor.

Caught in her own thoughts, Yui couldn’t shake the uneasiness that lingered within her. ’Perhaps it was just my imagination, but I think I just saw her grinning,’ Yui pondered silently, her gaze fixed on Aurianna, a nervous knot forming in her stomach as they moved forward.