Chapter 5

"Hey, wake up."

"Yes, I'm awake."

"...You're in a good mood when you wake up, huh?"

"Yeah, being a morning person is my only strong point."

"...I don't think that's true. You must have other strong points."

The kind wolf thinks I have other good points besides being a morning person. Oh, by the way, good bloodline is also a strong point, I guess.

Then I noticed that the scenery around me was no longer green.

"...Huh? Did we get out of the forest?"

"Yeah, we're already in the empire. We'll be at the castle soon."

"Wow, that was fast. Thank you, Mr. Wolf."

When I said that, Mr. Wolf made a subtle face. I could tell even though I was on his back. He must be making a really subtle face if I saw him from the front.

I was scolded for trying to climb up to see his face because it would throw off my balance. Okay, I'm sorry. I'll stay still.

"Also, call me Lycaon, not Mr. Wolf."

"Got it. Then you can call me Shannon, not 'you.'"

"...Alright, understood. Shannon, we're going to the castle now."

"Okay, please, Lycaon."

With that, Lycaon started running again with me on his back. He seems to be avoiding the city to avoid causing a commotion.

...By the way, I don't remember how we entered the empire. I should have a travel permit in my luggage, but it doesn't seem like we used it.

Could it be that we entered illegally...?

...Well, whatever. I'll do my best to explain when we get to the castle.

We couldn't avoid people as we got closer to the castle. I think it caused a bit of a commotion, but everyone will probably forget about it soon.

When we arrived at the huge castle gate, several people were already waiting.

Judging by their attire, they seemed to be people of some standing, not just gatekeepers. I should greet them.

"Hello. There were a few accidents along the way, but I've come from afar to become the decorative empress!"

A smile is important for a first impression. So I greeted them with a bright smile that the maids at the palace always praised.

"..."

"Huh? No response?"

"Lycaon, did I greet them properly?"

"Considering it's you, I think you did your best. The problem might be that you didn't introduce yourself."

"Oh, right. Everyone in the empire, I am Shannon Uranos from the Kingdom of Uranos."

"..."

Still no response.

"Lycaon?"

"Hmm, maybe the problem is that you're still on the wolf?"

"Yeah, being on something might be rude."

I got off Lycaon and greeted them again.

"Nice to meet you all. I am Shannon Uranos, from the Kingdom of Uranos, here to marry into your empire."

Finally, after the third greeting, I got a response.

"The holy beast is talking..."

"Is this the Princess Shannon...?"

"Of course, I am Shannon Uranos."

I showed them the pendant I always wear around my neck. I don't know much about it, but I've been told that showing it proves my identity, and I've worn it since I was a child.

When I showed the pendant, they finally believed it was me and let me in.

I want to take a bath... Oh, right, I'm covered in blood. My dress is also torn. No wonder they were suspicious.

As I thought this, Lycaon, who was walking next to me, gave me an exasperated look, as if to say, "You just noticed?" My blood had stained his fur quite a bit. Sorry. I'll wash you later.

Until now, the maids would always change my clothes while I was napping, so I mistakenly thought I had already changed.

I had a nap.

Wow. Now that I'm aware, I'm starting to feel uncomfortable in my current state. It's all my blood, though.

I need to change as soon as possible.

However, we haven't arrived at my quarters yet because we're taking a route with fewer people. The castle grounds are unnecessarily large.

This building doesn't seem to be the main castle, but the ceilings are so high that they could fit a dragon, and the corridors are so wide that I could roll around and still have room to spare.

I'm so tired from walking.

I've been living in the palace for years and am not used to long walks.

I'm confident that even a real sheltered noble lady would be as tired as I am.

If I told Lycaon, he might say something like, "What are you talking about?"

"Lycaon, Lycaon, can I ride on your back?"

"What's wrong? Are you tired?"

"Yeah."

"Can't be helped. Here, get on."

Lycaon bent down a bit, so I got on his back without hesitation.

As we were doing this, I noticed that the person guiding us looked shocked.

"? What's wrong?"

"No, why is that holy beast speaking human language?"

"Beats me. Since it's a divine beast, it can probably speak, right?"

When I said that, the men's faces changed.

They looked as if they were looking at a liar or someone they despised.

"Huh?"

"Excuse me. Let's hurry to the princess's quarters. You can stay on the wolf, so please follow me."

"Ah, okay."

I was startled by the sudden change in everyone's attitude.

What's going on? Is it taboo in the empire to ride a wolf indoors?

I wanted to ask Lycaon, who seems to know everything, but he also looked in a bad mood, so I decided not to.

--- My life in the empire doesn't feel good at all.