Chapter 13: I really want to be the princess’s dog!
“Hiss—filled up, so comfy… love it, want more~”
Outside Starfall, carriage station tavern, Aaliyah forked last grilled meat bite, chewed, couldn’t help sigh.
Must say, princess loops—used noble ritual-first taste-second meals.
Occasional drop airs eat commoner food—quite fragrant.
Especially away life-death crisis, regain freedom now—more so.
She felt brand stir.
Phyllis maybe noticed truth, furious?
But half-day carriage here.
No transport, Phyllis short-time chase impossible.
Next, catch Far North ride—foolproof.
Earlier alight, asked station manager.
Tonight exactly Far North nearby route supply stop.
Enough money, morning board leave together.
Deal done, worry grounded.
Aaliyah finally leisure enter tavern.
Order good eat drink reward self.
Hear lively crowd, mood much better.
Next music next dance!
Follow cheers raise cup.
Tilt drink—all empty.
Bit disappointing.
Then, ear rang girl silver-bell voice:
“This beautiful miss, may I have honor drink with you?”
Voice look up.
Table opposite, comer side-face dim candle.
Unclear.
Seem gold hair neat.
Even game world harsh eyes—face exquisite.
Even first think Papal saintess.
But she knew impossible.
Even no timely academy, naturally impossible midnight station tavern, pickup.
Plus voice hair no match.
“Just one cup, naturally ok.”
Scan around near-full tavern.
Aaliyah slight nod: “But sudden praise others cause dislike. And…”
Sight fell comer cup.
“Saw menu, that ‘Firework’, priciest here. If just pickup, no need.”
One gold coin cup—not ordinary pickup worth.
But comer carefree.
Light laugh.
Sat opposite empty sofa.
Pushed “Firework” to Aaliyah.
“How address?”
“Phyllis, Phyllis Alcia.”
“Phyllis miss joke. Just feel familiar on you, like met once.”
Aaliyah no polite.
Took cup swirl.
Liquid spin.
“Such old pickup disliked.”
Raised cup to front: “Think… next ‘you most beautiful girl I seen’, ‘stars in eyes’, ‘this child gift for you’?”
Aaliyah smiled.
Interested look opposite girl.
See what trick.
Wine tout? Pickup?
Or other intent?
Time plenty.
Play why not.
“True.”
Comer smiled: “But you seem not dislike praise. Like hood not hide unspeakable, but deliberate conceal appearance.”
“Mmh?”
Aaliyah careless hum.
Eyes lazy fade: “This world, careful normal?”
“But for Starfall student, not normal.”
Comer sip wine.
Unhurried counter: “Especially, opening night outside tavern… right?”
See comer few words poke disguise.
Aaliyah hood-under expression instant shock.
But quick calm.
Shrug: “You sound know much.”
“Who no dream.”
She no press Aaliyah vague.
Lean back, seem感慨:
“Especially know this year students have that one, more envy you.”
“That one? You mean…”
Inward bad premonition.
Aaliyah quick ask.
“Aaliyah Violet.”
She stared Aaliyah.
Word by word, excited more: “Hall Empire eldest princess, strong, kind, genius, nation-toppling… and!”
“She, truly likes girls!”
“Mmh?”
Corner mouth twitch.
Aaliyah speechless.
“You say, Highness what type…”
She flipped hair.
Hidden wide clothes graceful lines faint: “Pure, or wild?”
“Heard, outside unreachable, inside crave conquer, ravage.”
“Pity, I only pity Highness… aiya, will Highness like my type?”
Shadow under, gold eyes sparkle.
Like ignited fireworks.
Overflow love mad for “Empire Star”.
Aaliyah tongue-tied.
Just dull “mm”.
This, right?
Though praise flattering.
But girl eyes hidden hearts.
Aaliyah feel need do something—
Self-protect?
“Highness mind I unknow, but heard Highness taken.”
Hands spread.
Aaliyah helpless shrug: “Two progress fast, roommates, next probably…”
But girl no as thought, slightest loss.
Direct interrupt:
“No! Fine!”
Shook head.
Stared Aaliyah hood-hidden face.
Word by word:
“Even so ok.”
“Because I… can be princess’s dog.”