Hey, are you my princess?

It’s been a few days since the hero left, the princess has stayed strong though. I’m so shocked with how much she’s changed, maybe that’s why she asked me that question before. She meant whether or not she should remain timid or have courage. She trusted me enough to show me signs that she was gonna change, and despite all that I didn’t pick up on it. I need to apologize to her, especially considering how she’s been acting recently. Two days after Zeke left, Princess Ophelia decided to spend some tim in her quarters alone. She requested that her meals be left at her door, she won’t let her parents in either. They even tried to sneak in at night, but she rigged traps to the door. Could it be that the Trap Tower ordeal had a bigger effect on her than we anticipated, or maybe she put on a strong front for her love only to crack in his absence. Whatever the case may be, something must be done!

“Princess, wait for me!”

I am Princess Ophelia’s personal maid, she trusts me, why else would she open up to me? This won’t be like before, this time I’ll be by her side! I marched up the stairs despite it being my turn to do laundry, and made my way to the princess’ room. The hallway was quiet, the only noises I could hear were from the footsteps coming from within her room. As I approached the door, I could hear a surprised gasp from inside.

“...H-hello, is someone out there?”

“Princess, it’s me Bertha. I came to see if you’re alright.”

“I see, if it’s not my next meal then please leave.”

What? If it’s not your meal you want me to leave, you’re gonna toss me aside just like that? I felt like some abandoned tool for a moment, but I resolved myself to face her nonetheless. I knocked loudly on the door, only to hear a sigh of irritation.

“Bertha please, if you don’t leave I’ll get mad.”

“No.”

“What?”

“I’m not gonna leave you again.”

I heard silence on the other side of the door, so I decided to bridge the gap.

“I’m sorry Princess Ophelia, when you needed someone to confide in, I disregarded you. Now you’re trying to take everything on yourself, this is all my fault.”

I could feel my heart tensing up and I began to breathe heavily, I placed my hand on her door and continued to pour my heart out.

“I failed you as a maid, I couldn’t even wipe your tears when you cried, but please. Please let me in, I promise you this time I won’t fail you! I’m not speaking as your maid this time, I’m speaking to you as your friend. Please let me dry your tears.”

I began tearing up, memories of my charge came flooding in. I remembered leaving home to find work, I remembered how nothing stuck. Then I managed to enter maid training, it was so hard I cried. However, I eventually made it, and my easygoing and polite nature made me the talk of the castle. Eventually, the Princess’ personal maid retired her position and named me her heir. The princess was like a bunny at first, she was so shy around me, but eventually she began to open up. Now things feel like they reset, and I hate it! I hate feeling like I’m being locked out, I hate knowing I failed her! Please Princess Ophelia-

“Please, even if it's just a little of your time. Please talk to-”

“No, please leave.”

…She’s shutting me out, my princess is shutting me out. I fell on my knees and began to cry, I could hear feet moving away from the door. So you’re not gonna check on me, you’re just gonna leave me here to wallow in self pity. After everything we’ve been through, you’re just gonna leave me like this. Y-you….You Brat!

“Alright that’s it! I’m breaking the door down!”

“...Huh?”

“Now I’m Mad!”

“Wait, I’m sorry! There’s no-”

The princess’ voice sounded terrified after I shouted I was gonna break in, but it was too late. I began beating the door, and the princess began to scream. Her voice sounded a bit strange, but I didn’t care. I ran back a few steps and rushed the door, I jumped up and delivered the strongest dropkick I could muster. I’m gonna feel this in the morning, but I don’t care right now. I began walking into the room, then I made myself known.

“I’m gonna say this one more time, Princess Ophelia, Get Your Lazy Behind Out Here! We’re Gonna Sit Down And-”

I looked around only to notice Princess Ophelia wasn’t there, on the other hand…

“Please don’t hurt me!”

“...Plum? Plum, why are you in the princess’ room?”

Plum was a shy maid with a short stature and violet hair. Her eyes were a nice blue and she had soft freckles, she was my rival for cutest maid. She also had a peculiar trait, her voice sounded exactly like the princess’. Albeit when she wasn’t timid, like she usually is. Wait, but if Plum is here…

“Plum, where’s Princess Ophelia?”

“I’m sorry, she made me do it. She said if I didn’t she’d tell my crush I liked him!”

I stood flabbergasted for a moment, the princess threatening someone, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“So wait, who was here the last three days?”

“Me.”

“...And the princess?”

“Please don’t hurt me!”

I wanted to go hug her, wow I’m pretty scary aren’t I.

…Wait a minute this means that the princess is gone! We’ve been had, I better-

“We heard a disturbance, who dares attack-”

A knight stood in the doorway, followed by the king who was shaving and a maid holding the queen’s tea. Needless to say, upon realizing we’ve been tricked, the castle entered high alert. What’re we gonna do, and more importantly, Princess Ophelia where are you!?!

****

The Town of Pewter hasn’t been well lately. The townspeople are shaken, the lord’s been up to something devious, and bandits have been hiding out in the local mines. However despite that the town’s managed to maintain some sense of serenity. Mainly because of the new face that’s wandered in recently. A face that’s started working at the only tavern in town, the Rusty Nail. She’s got soft pink hair and a cute face, but hear me out. This gal is not a primrose if that’s what your thinkin’!

“Woah!!!!!!!! Guh, hey all I did was cop a feel!”

“Yeah Jackass! And my friend didn’t like it! So unless you want me to replicate her discomfort, run home and suck your mother’s tit!”

“...*Sniff* My Ma’s been dead for years…”

“...My condolences.”

The upstart ran as the townspeople laughed at him, meanwhile the town’s new face scratched her head nervously as people shouted praise.

“Damn, that guy was lucky! I wish she’d handle me like that!”

“Looks like the Hellcat’s at it again!”

“We better start watching our backs, and our asses!”

The tavern dwellers took their shots at her, before she turned around and delivered a death glare. She sighed deeply before the reaper called her name.

“Opera! Get your butt in here!”

“Whoops, looks like I’m in trouble.”

She began walking to the boss’ office, with a sweet smile plastered on her face. No one realized this firecracker was a princess in disguise.