- Shari -

Now that my immediate personal issues are taken care of, I should return to the palace and see how smoothly I can now conduct this process with my badge.

I simply don't look too trustworthy from the outside as this cloaked figure.

Astonishingly I can just enter even though the guards posted when I departed switched in the meantime.

This means someone pulled some strings to make that possible.

Even more surprisingly, I notice how I ease up as soon as I pass the last threshold to the private rooms of the royals.

Less because I'm not mindful of my own status, that's certainly still an issue, but more because being here grants an overall sense of safety, far away from murderous healers, overeager guards, and poison maniacs.

Though, my mess finds me again when it seems like the queen was waiting for me.

"Ahem, could you remind me please. What did you say again about being discreet?" (Serenia)

Why do so many important people I meet suddenly show the same attitude as my mum toward me?

"I-I wasn't exposed and was able to wrap everything up without any casualties." (Shari)

"Then why do I receive word that someone claimed to act in my name in front of the guard?" (Serenia)

Damn, didn't I intimidate everyone involved well enough not to tell anyone?

"Uh, I tried not to bother you with this trivial matter." (Shari)

"Trivial, huh? You didn't truly believe that one can just claim to act on behalf of the crown and this wouldn't even be questioned, right?" (Serenia)

Sorry that I didn't want to be killed by the guard.

"I hoped so." (Shari)

"Then consider your hopes shattered. What you did won't go unquestioned. Especially not by certain inquisitive individuals who record everything related to the royal family. In other words, you're in trouble." (Serenia)

Involuntarily, I have to ask myself how much deeper in trouble could I be at this point.

Well, maybe I can at least alleviate her ire a bit.

"If it helps, I kinda confirmed that the noble who's behind the tavern incident is also involved in recruiting people for the collar production." (Shari)

"Is that so? Well, in this case, as you already took it upon yourself to commit missions on my behalf, I'll simply treat this as if you've taken me up on my offer and the written contract you demanded is as such only a mere formality at this point. Because everything else would mean that you merely claimed to act on behalf of the royal family which could only be considered lèse majesté." (Serenia)

Seems like I just got drafted into service.

My mum knew what she was talking about when she was telling me to be alert of nobles.

Though, she could've elaborated that royals might be even worse.

"I'm still going to look over the contract. If there stands anything else than the agreed upon terms, you can pleasantly negotiate with Liqu." (Shari)

Good luck with that.

This is the most indirect threat I can allow myself here towards a royal.

"Sure. Fortunately for you, the document was already prepared so you won't find any alterations even though the new situation might call for it." (Serenia)

Sigh, Shari, don't punch the queen of your country.

"Should I go and fetch Liqu then? Just so we can sign it." (Shari)

She signs me to move in the direction of the princess' room.

"As you wish. They haven't left her chambers since you went out. Which I'm glad for, as I'd like to stall the revelation of my daughter's return for as long as possible. While I have second thoughts about her choice of companionship your... partner at least proves to be a good distraction for her. And since Lorena didn't come to alarm me I'm not too worried as of yet." (Serenia)

Oh dear.

That's because you don't know Liqu as I do.

We walk a short distance.

Conveniently, I memorized the layout of this place.

If there's a list of places you should keep your tabs on then I would include the private quarters of the royals which I frequent.

The guards open the door and I gain sight of a most bizarre scene.

The princess is currently jumping on a bedsheet that is wrapped over Liqu who took up the shape of a blob and creates a bouncing effect by adjusting the matter below her.

All of this is overlooked by a maid who, coming from her expression, clearly has given up on everything, sitting in the corner of the room.

The queen meanwhile doesn't look too pleased and briskly walks into the room.

Anvenia freezes the moment she notices her and subsequently stumbles but is caught by Liqu through the sheet and slowly lowered to the ground.

"M-mother." (Anvenia)

The queen ignores her and instead turns to the maid.

"Lorena, what is the meaning of this?" (Serenia)

"Your highness, you personally told me that this creature is allowed to be here and is free to act as it pleases as long as her highness won't be sullied and that I could only call you in case of an emergency. This meant that I wasn't able to effectively restrict their behavior. And this slime was certainly not inclined to mind any of my demands. And do you think the guards were of the slightest bit of help?!" (Lorena)

At this, the guards breathe in and decisively avert themselves, turning back to the hallway.

Who would want to be tasked with reining in Liqu, which is a practice in vanity?

Quietly I whisper:

"I understand you so well." (Shari)

They look surprised but don't dare recognize my words and pull any attention towards themselves.

"Be that as it may, such outrageous conduct cannot be tolerated." (Serenia)

Sounds a bit harsh to me.

I mean they're here in secrecy and behind locked heavy doors.

If not now, when would there be a chance for her to act out like the child she is?

"Mother, Lorena isn't at fault. It was just me!" (Anvenia)

"Oh, I know who the responsible culprits for this are. I'm only ticking off by severity here." (Serenia)

She looks at Anvenia and Liqu.

The latter is still crawling out of the sheet and reshaping back to her usual form.

"I-I'm sorry." (Anvenia)

"Sigh, Anvenia, you need to mind your status. What would the people think if they saw you acting so undignified?" (Serenia)

Probably something along the lines of: "Did she seriously manage to tame that gigantic slime to carry her around?"

"We, we just had some fun." (Anvenia)

"And your 'fun' could impact the stability of the kingdom. Your education will be intensified. You need to learn that actions have consequences." (Serenia)

"Is something wrong?" (Liqu)

"And you! What made you think that you could behave in such an insolent way?!" (Serenia)

"Insolent?" (Liqu)

Every day we learn new words!

"Yes! What induced you to such an act?" (Serenia)

"She seemed to enjoy it." (Liqu)

"That isn't the point! There are things one can and cannot do!" (Serenia)

"Why?" (Liqu)

"Because one has to be mindful of the situation and how to act in accordance!" (Serenia)

"Why not simply do the fun stuff? She clearly likes it better!" (Liqu)

Hey, don't look at me!

I'm trying my best not to get involved.

"Sigh, I guess I expected too much." (Serenia)

"Isn't it better to just do what one likes?" (Liqu)

"No. Society has rules and we abide by them!" (Serenia)

"Hmm, humans are so weird. I think having fun and being happy is better." (Liqu)

Yes sure, slime philosophy.

Just why do I believe that there are people out there who would gladly follow her teachings regarding how to lead a carefree life?

"Sigh, please accompany me to the meeting hall to sign your contract. Before I get second thoughts regarding if I should hire you." (Serenia)

"You heard her, Liqu. Up, in your clothes, and let's go." (Shari)

Before she can mess it up.

So much for our career prospects here.