『The Vagabond Princess Foretells Collapse』

Ahh, This country is done for already.
It's crumbling apart...
The end.

Roll roll

Neighhhh

Tok Tok

The peaceful sounds of life coming from the city coming from the balcony that I'm listlessly staring towards seems to me like a refutation of my thoughts.

Okay, okay, maybe I'm being a bit hasty. Doesn't hurt to be a bit forward thinking and all. But really, the pieces are in place.

Firstly if you look at the streets the working class are all anxiously hunched over. This is due to the wealth and status inequality developed by this military insane country. People can jump status simply by paying for the training and exam resources needed to pass the qualification exams for military, merchant, public administration, spirit stone technology and other highly paying occupations. Such occupations come with the implicit right to look down on everyone else with their increased wealth. Of course, it ends up being that people who are born into wealth have the resources to pass such exams more consistently than those without. This kingdom praises itself for upward mobility even if there's still nobility, but it doesn't seem all that much better to me when you look at the results. Many feel an insecurity of their standing amongst their neighbors when unconsciously faced with this atmosphere. This will end up breeding class conflict and a desire for revolution.

Secondly we have historically taken over neighboring countries' lands with skirmishes still happening to this day. So much resentment built up so far making it hard to imagine diplomacy as something either side will consider.

Plus, this country has grown too big to grow any bigger or rather yet too big to maintain. Stagnation always precedes collapse. It's the oldest story in history. Eventually the gold will run out as the enemies to conquer easily are running out. In fact it is already happening. The royal court is in talks of enacting a coin exchange campaign to take back the current coins in circulation, melting them down, and minting a new coin with less gold to pay it's military. Once that goes through and merchants catch on, the buying power of money will go down. Adding fuel to the fire so they say.

At this point, let's just ignore how the front lines are so big and how thin the army would be stretched if full scale war began...

...Also, the number of homeless who have given up on themselves after failing too many attempts at climbing this social ladder grows every day. The worst of whom go around committing crimes with no fear nor remorse as they no longer have anything to lose. Then, the projects made to try and fix the problem are rife with issues because you end up with a bunch of people with misguided attitudes in the same place while the city guards don't even- okay, okay let's stop here, I'm getting carried away.

All that said, the situation will probably stay stable internally for a long amount of time simply because of how strong a military we have at this point. But a collapse will come in due time. I'm sure of it.

"It just takes takes a little wind to blow and it'll all come crumbling down"

The problems of the modern world are too complex for me to have enough influence on. People keep preaching about how you should do what you can to make the world a better place but when you learn about how ridiculous it all is, you can't help but feel like anything you do wouldn't matter in the end. It makes me want to run away from it all and just live for myself.
No, actually, I already decided to run from it all.

"Suzu, it's time."

Chapter 1

"Time? Time for what?"
Suzu asks as she puts her finger on her cheek and looks towards the corner of her eye, pointlessly trying to remember if we had any plans today. Her smooth, short hair reminiscent of the night sky follows gravity as she tilts her head. My eye catches the cute blue ribbon tied on the end of her headband, a gift I gave her for one of her birthdays. "To go"
"Go? Go where?"
"Idiots don't have the right to ask questions"
"Ah! That's meaaaan!"
"Shut up, all you have is flowers and cake in your head. Ahhhh I'm so jealous, you're the picture perfect example of the saying 'ignorance is bliss'. I wish I could be like you. In other words some meanness helps bring balance to your life. Aren't I so nice to go out of my way to do that? You should thank me."
"Uuuuuuu, thank you Felicia-sama..."
"Good, now come over here"
"Wait, I haven't finished my Brosha bun yet."

We were just having lunch together. I eat together with her whenever there's nobody else watching. She's now looking at a sweet bun that she likes to save for last.

"Then bring that bread over here and give it to me now."
"Y-you don't mean..."
"It's an order."
"Okay..."

She walks over dejectedly and hands over her favorite bun. I find her looking up at me with her eyes on the verge of tears, pleading for me to change my mind.

"Brosha buns. This is one of your favorite things right?"

I brandish the piece of sweet bread.

"Yes, I like baked sweets in general..."

"Brosha buns... It's a good choice. Soft, sweet, fluffy. Truly fitting for a fluff for brains maid like you. But there's one more quality about them that I didn't mention. Can you take a guess?"
"Delicious?"
"True, but not what I had in mind."

Her expression is no longer sad and is now the same pondering look she started this conversation with.

"Then what did you have in min- ufu"
"Super convenient! Portable!"

I shove the bun into her mouth before she can finish speaking and sweep her off her legs. Her eyes widen in surprise as she grabs onto her bun to secure it like her life depended on it. I then carry her out onto the balcony.

"This is why I chose this room, the only room in the castle outside of that damn anti-magic spirit stone. Triple Cast【Body enhance: durability, strength】"

I conceptualize aspects of natural phenomena to ready my mind and body to leap. As a finishing touch, I use wind spirit to increase my movement abilities. The next moment, I bend reality to my will and jump.

"【Momentum Control】!"

I jump over the castle walls using the combination of powers I developed over my life. I usually leave the palace walls this way. It’s different today though because I’m carrying Suzu like a princess, but my wind spirit being stronger today compensates for the extra weight. I think it’s probably stronger due to how deciding to run away changed me as a person. That’s just how spirit powers work. The more aligned someone is with what a given type of spirit power represents, the more power they’re able to exhibit with it. In the case of wind, it’s freedom that it represents. Right now, I may as well be the representation of freedom itself.
"By the way, the landing's gonna be a bit rough. I'm not that great at stopping with momentum control. 【Air bubble】!"

Our descent is cushioned by a pillow of pressurized air.
Which reminds me, I'll have to teach Suzu to use magic soon. I should think of how I'm going to explain it to her. Well knowing her, she'll figure it out regardless. She's my maid after all.

"You okay?"
I look down at her.
Nom nom.
She's munching on her bread with a look of pure bliss on her face.

============

"Guess that answers the question," I say as I gently place her on her feet.

"Follow me."

Nom "yes, Felicia-sama" nom

We move through the alleyways quickly but not rushed in a way that would draw attention. After a few turns, we arrive at an assuming tavern. I open the door and walk in while Suzu follows me.

"Hey, we're here."

I announce my arrival and a young man with a serious expression turns to face me.

"So the princess has arrived. You're the rumored third princess Felicia Alice Wurtz who people in the committee say is behind so much that goes on."

He mentions the committee, the Sewage Committee so we’ve called it. That name is just a cover. It’s not about sewers at all but rather a gathering of people who are preparing to go against the current regime. If he knows about that, then he’s probably who I’m here for.

"Seeing as you know who I am right away and aren't surprised, I'm guessing you're who they sent to escort me. Also, for the record, I'm not a princess anymore. It's Felicia Walker from this day on. I'll be taking up my mother's maiden name."

"Say whatever you want, you're the third princess all the same and everyone else will agree if they know where you came from."

"Pedantics. Also, haven't you been taught manners? You forgot the part where you introduce yourself in return. Unlike me, you're not so famous around here."

"Jack Knight. A manager for the Spirit Stone Trading Association… and secretary for the Sewage Committee. Pleased to become acquainted with you, your highness." He says the last bit sarcastically.

I glare at him. He gives an antagonistic glare in return.

"Quite the luxurious job you got yourself. To reconfirm, you'll be the one escorting us to the port then?"

"So it would seem. We should head out soon. What you need is in the first room up the stairs. Also that maid... I didn't hear anything about anyone else. I thought it was only going to be you." He eyes Suzu with a look of slight surprise that turns back into irritation.

"Oh Suzu's my most prized possessions so you don't have to think of her as another person"
"H-heyyyy that's not a nice way to treat a maiden."
"Be quiet. Introduce yourself."
"I can't do both at the same time!"
"Then at least do one you idiot."

I flick her forehead. "Ow"

Like clockwork, she lets out a cute noise.

"I'm Suzu Natsume. Felicia-sama's maid."

She does a smooth bow towards Jack.

"What kind of maid? Do it again properly."

I smack her head

"Ow- I'm Suzu Natsume. Felicia-sama's fluff for brains maid." She bows again with tears in her eyes.

"Good." I smugly nod in satisfaction.

"Okay okay, I get it. I didn't ask for your comedy routine. Go change already so we can leave. We've wasted enough time here already."

"Whoa a guy rushing a girl to take off her clothes on the first meeting. He's the worsssstttt. Suzu, let's go, I'm not leaving you down here with him."

I say sarcastically while heading upstairs to the first room. Inside the room I find some rags and some dirt and oil. I begin taking off my clothes.

"W-wait Felicia-sama what are you doing so suddenly? You need to let me prepare for this kind of thing."

Suzu pulls off an impressive full face blush while covering her face with her hands but clearly leaving gaps for her eyes to see through. Rather, her fingers are spread apart as wide as they can so as to not get in the way of her sight at all.

"What are you talking about? Actually I don't think I even want to know. Here, help make me look messy."

I hand over the bucket of dirt and bottle of oil.

"Wait a second starting with this kind of play is a bit much for the first time, don't you think?"
"A bit much? This much is to be expected for me. We don't want the guards to be able to figure out that I'm nobility, let alone royalty, after all."
"E-eh wait what?"
"What?"
"Felicia-sama, let me confirm. What is it that we're doing here? Right now. In this room. Together. With your clothes off. With stuff you want me to apply onto your body with my hands."
She seems to be reaching the limit of what her brain is willing to process. I guess I've had my fill of fun, time to fix her misunderstanding.

"Obviously, I'm putting on a disguise. We're leaving through the front gates and the guards there will probably inspect the carriage. Hurry up now, we need to make it there before the sun sets or else they'll close the gates for the day and might have to deal with it becoming more difficult to pull this off another day."
"So that's what it was. I see. Yeah. A disguise. To leave through the front gates... But why would it be bad for the guards to recognize you? Don't you help out with monster and bandit extermination often?"
"Well, it's different today. I'm leaving the country this time. I'm running away from it all. I'll be an adult soon enough and I don't want to deal with how that would change my situation in the royal family once that time comes."
"Oh so we're leaving the country..."
"Not just the country. We're leaving the Avernicus continent altogether."

=======

We head back down the stairs after making a mess of my hair with dirt and oil. I’m also dressed in those rags now.

“Now you look the part of a stowaway, it suits you a lot better than that dress you wore.” Jack says with a grin

"We ate before we left so we can leave anytime now.” I say in response while ignoring him.

“Carriage is out in front where the alley joins with the street, just follow me.”

We head out the tavern and past the alleys into the main street. There is indeed someone watching the cart there.

“Good work”

“Oh, it’s fine. Doing this is like taking a break for me. See you when you’re back, Jack”

The person watching the cart walks off after saying just that. Seems like he didn’t want to gather attention so he must’ve been aware. I climb in the carriage while helping Suzu up.

"Both of you, keep it quiet until we get to the port. I don't want to have to smooth out any troubles that arise when you piss someone off."

"Oh did I touch a nerve back there?"

He glares at me.

"This is serious business from now on. Do as I say." Jack ordered in a demanding tone.

"Okayyyyy”

He motions to the horses to start moving with the reins.

Suzu tugs on my robe.
"Are we really going to leave? This the last time we're going to be here in Furum?"
"Possibly, I can't think of any reason for coming back"
"No reason you say..." Suzu says with a doubtful look on her face.
"Don't think so much, you'll hurt your head"

I pat her head while gently smiling at her.
She doesn't seem convinced, but doesn't say anymore regardless.

As the carriage moves through the busy city streets, I think again of my new name. Felicia Walker. I finally took up my mother's name.
Alicia Walker.
My mother died on the battlefield.
Her skill with the Furias divine spirit wasn't exactly the strongest and that ended up leading to her demise. It’s mandatory for our knights to use it in. Part of it is pride, the royal family has a history of skilled Furias divine spirit users.
Her division was something of legends. It was well respected by soldiers as the one with highest morale with her leadership.
Her lack of divine spirit was made up for by sheer fighting sense in combat.
It wasn't any ordinary level of skill. She was the most skillful and the quickest. Both in decisions, movements, and fighting. When the opportunity showed itself she would not hesitate and finished the battle in a single moment. Almost as if her body and mind were none and there was no delay, no hesitation, no doubt between her thoughts and actions. People always said she was a true genius.
She liked to respond back that she wasn't anything special, explaining that she learned everything she used in a fight from a swordmaster in the islands of Neuhon. Neuhon, the country where we're headed.

We arrive at the castle gates.

"Stop, you have a carriage. State your business"

"Supply and installation of spirit stones. Here's the papers, all taxes already paid."

"Oh a spirit stone handler. Thanks for all your work. Life in the city sure is convenient because of your work."

"That's an overstatement. My subordinates are the ones who handle most of the real work."

"No such thing, everyone's important in getting things done. Anyways, just need to check where you're going and what's in the carriage."

"Port Aria to resupply wares. The carriage has goods that I'll sell at the port. Also, I have two people in there who's been helping me out and will be looking for work in the port. A maid and a girl who lost her mother recently."

The knight peeks into the carriage. I nod slightly while Suzu does a bow from her waist. I don't avert my eyes so as to not seem suspicious.

"Two women huh, well I won't say anything I don't have to hahaha."

"Careful, that big church will go after you for that." Jack admonishes the guard in a jokingly hushed tone.

"Oh right, right. I don't want that bunch on my case for sure. Thanks for the reminder. You're all clear, here's your travel permit. Just show it to the guards along the way so you won't have to go through this again. I pray for safety on your travels"

"Thank you. Take care."

Jack gets the horses moving again while waving goodbye to the guard.

After we make some distance, he calls back out to us. Probably out of courtesy.

"Okay, we've made it through, you both can relax now." He seems to be a bit remorseful. Maybe he’s a bit more self aware than I originally thought.

"You were unexpectedly friendly back there"

“For the record, my job is to handle our clients and projects when it comes to what I do in the capital. It’d be a huge headache if I couldn’t talk like that."

"What about when you're not in the capital?"

"Well let's just say they wouldn't send somebody weak to escort you."

"Oh hey, he can talk. Maybe we'll get along surprisingly."

"Don't get your hopes up. I just want to finish this job quickly and move back into more important matters."

"Oh, is the committee up to something lately?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary besides the bandits and spirit beasts growing in numbers. What am I even saying? it's not something you need to know, you're running away anyways. If it really matters, you can hear more about it from the old man when we get to the port."

"Old man Grant huh. Might be the last time I'll be seeing him..."

As I dwell on that point, all we're left with is the consistent noise of the horses footsteps and the rolling of the carriage. I peek out of the carriage to clear my mind. The sight of where the road we’re following fills my view as I trace it with my sight to the end. What I see is a vast horizon past the plains, seeming to me like a representation of my future compared to those castle walls I spent my days in.

=====