?|THE LAST PIECE|?{Wmmap}

"I'm sure uncle would be pleased to know that I have visited you."
Ashaya remarked with a hint of mischief.

'He probably would. Pfft'
she chuckled inwardly.

"My f-father?"
Jennette inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Ashaya nodded affirmatively.

A few moments later, she requested, noticing it was getting late.

"Well than I'll have to leave. Please keep my visit a secret, okay?"

Although she said that, Ashaya understood that this young girl might struggle to maintain such a secret, so she cast a spell upon Jennette.

The moment she attempted to share the encounters, all memories of Ashaya would vanish from her mind.

Jennette paused, contemplating her response but nodded affirmatively.

With a graceful farewell, Ashaya promised to return again if time permitted.

Jennette felt a surge of joy; this was her first encounter with a family member.

**

Following that fateful day, Ashaya found herself venturing out under the cloak of night with increasing frequency, embarking on her solitary quest to hunt monsters.

It was hardly an exhilarating pursuit; where was the thrill in vanquishing soulless creatures that offered no worthy challenge?

Yet, it served as a distraction, a way to fill the hours when sleep eluded her.

However, a nagging concern lingered in her mind: the palace security. Despite her numerous escapades, she remained undetected.

It was not that she yearned for capture, but the lack of vigilance was unsettling.

The guards were not incompetent; rather, it seemed that the tranquility of the empire had dulled their senses.

She had intended to bring this matter to her father's attention, hoping he would take decisive action, but then the unexpected occurred.

.....

The eldest princess's chamber was enveloped in an eerie stillness, so profound that the slightest sound would have echoed.

The room was in chaos, a clear indication of a struggle that had taken place.

Ashaya stood by her window, her shillotue illuminated by the moonlight her gaze fixed on the floor, her expression void of emotion.

On the floor lay the nearly lifeless form of a man, blood all over the floor, especially Ashaya's clothes.

It is as an assassin. someone had a grudge against her enough for them to wish for her Denise.

Her disdain for such figures ran deep; they were the architects of her demise in her past life.

Despite the hatred she kept the man alive she did not wish to kill just yet.

But the assassin took his own life, using the dagger that was meant to take Ashaya's life.

The assassin seems to be a stray one, he does not seem to be well trained he was probably a slave.

The mastermind was probably testing out the water, and when the assassin got caught he was ordered to take his own life.

A gentle rap disrupted the heavy silence of Ashaya's room.

Ashaya responded tersely from inside the room, swinging open the door to her sanctuary.

Her eyes were icy and composed, betraying no hint of the turmoil within.

Felix, summoned to check on the princess after the earlier disturbance, inside the palace walls, was momentarily stunned by the gruesome tableau that greeted him.

He was equally astonished by Ashaya's calm demeanor, even in the face of such peril.

"Are you alright your highness?!"
Felix inquired his voice shaking from worry.