Chapter 2 : Approaching an Injured Wolf Cub
Claudiaās past life, Adelheid, had also been a princessājust like in this life.
Though it was a small nation, its royal family possessed immense magical power for generations, which allowed it to continue existing.
Among that bloodline, Adelheid was regarded as the greatest masterpiece in history, and many people bowed at her feet.
[“Adelheid, you are incredibly beautiful. Your lilac-colored hair and those captivating, strong eyesāthere is nothing else like them in this world.”]
[“Your magic is the supreme power. I have never seen magic so strong and pure.”]
[“If you would become my queen, my country would prosper for eternity. Adelheid, please, become my queen!”]
Even kings and princes of various nations bowed their heads, seeking Adelheid.
But to her, all of it was unbearably dull.
Whether someone kissed the tips of her shoes or presented her with expensive gifts, her heart did not stir in the slightest.
Everything those men tried to offer could be obtained easily with Adelheidās magic.
(Iāve had enough of that. A little beauty wonāt impress me, and Iām already sick of status and fame.)
With a small grunt, Claudia climbed over a large tree branch and continued deeper into the forest.
(More importantly, I should do things I couldnāt in my past life. For example, keeping a big dog Iāve always dreamed of!)
Thinking about her current dream made her heart leap with excitement.
(I want a beautiful and intelligent dog. It would be fluffy, warm, and comfortable to sleep withā¦ I wonder if there are any Fenrirs in this forest?)
Traces of monsters were scattered throughout the forest.
If she took the time to search, she might even find something like a Fenrir.
(Itās wonderful to live freely in a place far from the royal capitalā¦ Oh my, alreadyā¦)
Hearing footsteps from deep within the forest, Claudia turned her gaze in that direction.
What was approaching was likely a large, four-legged monster.
Carnivorous, perhaps, or a large beast, or even a pack.
It didnāt matterāshe just wanted to pick something suitable, and if it seemed like a good pet, she would take it.
The moment she thought that, a massive figure burst out from the depths of the forest.
It was a griffin.
With the upper body of an eagle and the body of a lion, the creature charged straight toward her.
It wasnāt the dog she had hoped for, but having something that could fly might be convenient.
Thinking that, she raised her hand to subdue it for now.
At that moment, the griffin let out a scream-like cry and flew right over Claudiaās head.
“!”
Slightly surprised, she turned her gaze toward the depths of the forest.
From the direction the griffin had fledāpassing right by herāshe sensed something different from a monster.
(Fumuā¦)
A faint smile formed on Claudiaās lips.
Then, pointing her small feet in that direction, she began walking without hesitation.
(A griffin is by no means a weak monster. For it to abandon its territory and flee without a second glanceā¦)
Crunching softly over fallen leaves, she went deeper and deeper.
Gradually, the once-vague presence became clearer.
An intensely dense killing intent was raging.
(It feels less like a living creature and more like the tremor before a natural disaster.)
Something must be ahead.
Thinking that, she arrived at the shore of a small lake.
Normally, it would have been a place filled with pure air, but now it was saturated with stagnant magic.
And the owner of that magic was undoubtedly the person Claudia found there.
The one crouching on the ground was a boy.
A black-haired boy who looked about nine years old.
Supporting his heavy upper body with one hand on the ground, he breathed heavily.
Drops of sweat ran down his chin and fell onto the ground.
(That magicā¦)
Around him, a black haze swirled.
It writhed like countless snakes, radiating a sinister killing intent.
Claudia took a step toward the boy.
At that, his slender shoulders twitched.
“āDonāt come closer.”
His voice was still clear, not yet changed by age.
Yet it carried an intensity that made the air tense, prickling against her skin.
The eyes glaring at Claudia were as black as obsidian.
“I saidā¦ donāt comeā¦ any closer.”
Around him, several griffins lay dead.
Creatures that could normally destroy entire towns had been defeated with ease.
“Youāre the one who killed them, arenāt you?”
“ā¦ā¦”
The black haze filling the area seemed to be emerging from around his heart.
Some of the snake-like strands were wrapped around his neck.
Like chains binding a pet dog.
(I seeā¦)
She stared intently at the boy glaring at her.
Short black hair that would likely look beautiful if properly cared for, and sharp, refined eyes despite his youth.
Well-defined double eyelids, a well-shaped nose, and thin lips.
His features were naturally attractive, and he would surely grow into a handsome young man.
But what drew Claudiaās attention most were his eyes.
(So dark they seem to pull you inā¦ strong eyes filled with unwavering will, sharp and dignified.)
The boy spoke in a hoarse voice.
“If you come even one step closer, Iāll kill you too.”
“ā¦How lovely.”
“Huh?”
Claudia smiled softly.
Her heart fluttering with excitement, she spoke her honest impression.
“āWhat a beautiful puppy you are!”
“ā¦!!”
At that moment, the boyās eyes widened, and the black snake-like haze clinging to him twisted grotesquely and grew larger.
“Gahā¦!”
The boy clutched his left chest with both hands.
But the haze pouring out only intensified.
Then, the black haze writhed, opened a massive mouth, and lunged straight at Claudia.
“D-damn it! Hey, just runā!”
“Fufu.”
She raised her hand toward the pitch-black haze.
“āRemove.ā”
“!!”
In the next instantābang!!āthe snake exploded apart.
There was no way its fangs could reach Claudia.
The hem of her white dress fluttered lightly, and that was the end of it.
“āāWhaā¦”
The boy let out a short breath.