Chapter 2

***

Claudia’s previous incarnation, 'Ardelheit,' was also a princess in this life.

Despite being a small country, the royal family had possessed powerful magic for generations, which allowed the nation to endure.

Among the royal bloodline, Ardelheit was considered the pinnacle, and many people served at her feet.

“Ardelheit, you are incredibly beautiful. Your lilac hair and those captivating, strong eyes are one of a kind in this world.”

“Your magic is the supreme power. I have never seen such strong and pure magic.”

“If you were to become my queen, our country would flourish forever. Ardelheit, please be my queen!”

Even kings and princes from other countries would bow their heads to Ardelheit.

But to Ardelheit, everything was boring.

Whether they kissed her shoes or presented her with expensive gifts, her heart remained unmoved.

The things men offered could be obtained with her magic.

（I’ve had enough of that. I’m not impressed by mere beauty, and I’m tired of status and fame.）

With a small effort, Claudia climbed over a large tree branch and continued into the forest.

（Instead, I’ll do what I couldn’t in my past life. For example, I want to keep a big dog I’ve always admired!）

Thinking about her current dream, her heart leaped with excitement.

（I want a beautiful and intelligent dog. Sleeping with it would be soft, warm, and comfortable… I wonder if there’s a Fenrir in this forest?）

Traces of monsters were scattered throughout the forest. If she searched diligently, she might find a Fenrir.

（Living far from the capital and doing as I please is the best. …Oh, already…）

Footsteps echoed from deep within the forest, and Claudia turned her gaze in that direction.

Approaching was a large, four-legged monster.

Was it a carnivore, a large creature, or perhaps a large pack? Whatever it was, she wanted to find a suitable pet.

As she thought this, a massive creature burst out from the depths of the forest.

It was a griffin, a monster with the upper body of an eagle and the body of a lion, charging straight toward her.

Though it wasn’t the dog she had hoped for, a flying mount could be convenient. As she raised her hand to command it, the griffin let out a scream-like sound and flew over her head.

“!”

Slightly surprised, Claudia turned her gaze deeper into the forest.

From the direction the griffin had fled, she sensed an unusual presence, different from that of a monster.

（Hmm…）

Claudia smiled and pointed her small feet in that direction, walking without hesitation.

（A griffin is not a weak monster. For it to run away without looking back is unusual.）

Leaves crunched under her feet as she ventured deeper and deeper into the forest.

The vague presence became clearer.

A thick, intense killing aura was rampant.

（It feels more like the precursor to a natural disaster than a living being.）

There must be something ahead. As she thought this, she arrived at the shore of a small lake.

The air, which should have been pure, was filled with stagnant magic. The source was undoubtedly the person Claudia had found.

Crouching on the ground was a young boy.

He looked about nine years old, with black hair.

Supporting his heavy upper body with one hand on the ground, he panted heavily. Sweat dripped from his chin, wetting the ground.

（That magic…）

A black mist surrounded him.

The mist writhed like countless snakes, emitting a malevolent aura. Claudia took a step toward the boy, and his thin shoulders trembled.

“—Stay back.”

His voice was clear and had not yet changed.

But it carried a forceful tone, making her cheeks tingle with tension. His eyes, black like obsidian, glared at her.

“I said, don’t come any closer.”

Several griffins lay dead around him. Normally, one griffin could destroy a town or two, but it was unlikely they would be defeated so easily.

“You killed them, didn’t you?”

“...”

The black mist seemed to originate from his chest.

Some of the snake-like tendrils were wrapped around his neck, like chains restraining a pet dog.

（I see.）

She gazed intently at the boy’s face.

His short black hair, which could be beautiful with proper care, and his sharp, cool eyes even at a young age. His clear double eyelids, well-shaped nose, and thin lips.

His features were naturally well-defined, and he would likely grow into a handsome young man.

However, what Claudia focused on most were his eyes.

（His eyes are so black, they seem to draw you in. They hold an unwavering will, are sharp, and dignified.）

The boy spoke in a hoarse voice.

“If you take one more step, I’ll kill you.”

“...Wonderful.”

“Huh?”

Claudia smiled softly.

Excitedly, she expressed her genuine thoughts.

“—What a beautiful dog!”

“...!!”

The moment the boy’s eyes widened, the black snakes around him twisted and grew larger.

“Guh...!”

The boy pressed both hands to his left chest, but the mist only grew more intense.

Suddenly, the black mist writhed and opened a large mouth, charging at Claudia.

“Damn! Hey, run...”

“Hmm.”

She raised her hand toward the black mist.

“‘Expel’”

“!!”

Immediately, the snake exploded with a loud *snap*.

The fangs could never reach Claudia. Her white dress fluttered, and that was the end of it.

“...”

The boy exhaled sharply.