The Echo of Choices

Io’s mother, also named Io, had been considered exceptionally beautiful in her youth.

Many sought to marry her, and among them was the current king.

“He was still a prince then, but the story was well known.”

“If she had accepted, she would have become queen, and Io would have been a princess.”

“Yes. But she refused.”

“Why? Did she think someone else would inherit the throne?”

“No. The succession was practically guaranteed.”

“Then I can’t understand it. How could she reject a future king and the honor it would bring her family?”

“Don’t laugh when you hear this. She refused because she wanted to marry the elf she loved.”

“What?”

“Ridiculous, right? At that age, speaking of love over fate. And what’s even more absurd is that the elf she married instead was a reckless troublemaker. The family scolded her endlessly for choosing him. He caused problems constantly, and eventually she died young.”

“But do you know what the most unbelievable part is?”

One of the officials joined in, and Vanessa, leaning against the pillar, closed her eyes and listened.

“She regretted that decision until the very end. She said she should never have thrown away the chance for her daughter to live as a princess, respected and secure.”

“That’s tragic. So that’s why Io was obsessed with the princesses?”

“With a history like that, it’s no wonder. I would lose my mind too. Imagine believing that royal seat could have been yours.”

“Don’t pity her just yet. I recently learned something — Io worked with Iason to—”

The man whispered in the others’ ears. Moments later, they all gasped.

“What? She wanted to force a princess into her household and make her live under her control?!”

“Yes. She planned to isolate her and vent her resentment. When she requested a princess without status or presence, I suspected something — but this is madness. Trying to humiliate a royal is an attack on their pride.”

“Do the princesses know?”

“Do you think they wouldn’t?”

“Then that explains why Io was executed without trial…”

The officials fell silent as they imagined Electra’s reaction — always beside the king, respected by the court.

Even nobles had pride, but a princess’ pride was absolute.

Royal children were raised differently: princes were trained to govern internally, and princesses to protect the kingdom externally. At a certain age, they abandoned succession rights and vowed themselves to service and honor.

To disgrace one of them was unforgivable.

How dare she intend to enslave a princess?
As if interfering with royal affairs wasn’t enough!

Never! How little must she think of us!

Electra! Tell the king immediately — this is a matter of honor!

One could easily imagine the scene of furious princesses surrounding Electra.
The king, already exhausted by chaos and outrage, would have had no reason to refuse.

“…Why did everyone suddenly go quiet?”

Realizing that the princesses’ influence was behind the decision, the officials fell solemn.

Finally, one raised his hand awkwardly.

“I’ll take my leave. The matter is concluded.”

“If ending this uproar cost only two elven lives, it’s a small price. Later, I must visit the princesses to offer condolences. Losing a son to disgrace is heavy enough…”

“Invite me as well. I’d like to pay respects.”

“What gift should we bring?”

“Golden fleece is popular among nobles these days.”

They parted one by one.

The man who had interrupted earlier exhaled deeply.

Seeing the coast was clear, Vanessa stepped out from behind the pillar and blocked his path.
His face lit up instantly when he recognized her beneath the lowered hood.

“You…!”

Vanessa pressed a finger to his lips.
He silenced himself instantly.
She signaled him to move.

He guided her to an empty room and locked the door.

Then he rushed toward her with eagerness and relief.

“Why did you come so late? I was waiting—”

Vanessa remained expressionless and asked calmly,

“Did you deliver the message to the princesses properly?”

“Of course. You know I’m close to them. But… was all this really necessary? Even without you, Io would have been executed.”

“One can never be certain.”

“Is there some reason she had to die without fail?”

Vanessa simply looked at him.

He instantly backed down.

“S–Sorry. I spoke out of turn. I won’t pry.”

“……”

“Then… the reward you promised…?”

His hopeful gaze followed her.
Vanessa slowly removed her hood, revealing a composed and cold beauty that contrasted sharply with Fren’s constant gentle warmth.
The man’s expression softened with dazed admiration.

She seated herself on the table and gave her order — soft but unyielding.

“Sit.”

“Yes…!”

He hurried to obey, kneeling obediently.

Vanessa studied him with detached eyes, her tone unchanging.

“You worked hard.”

Overwhelmed with anticipation, he trembled like a dog awaiting praise.

His breathing grew heavy, desperate for any gesture of approval.

Vanessa extended her foot and rested it lightly against his chest — a signal of control, not affection.

He shuddered.

“Don’t forget your place,” she said quietly.

“Y–Yes.”

His voice wavered, intoxicated not with pleasure, but with submission itself.

Vanessa withdrew her foot and stood.

She strode toward the door, putting her hood back on.
Before she exited, he grabbed the hem of her clothes.

“Could… could I serve you again?” he stammered.
“I can do better. Anything you want—”

Vanessa sighed and stepped hard on his hand, forcing him down.

“Know your distance.”

Only after he slumped, breathless and dazed, did she leave.

Vanessa mounted her horse, hidden in a secluded corner, and returned to the estate.
As always, she bathed thoroughly in front of Fren and burned the clothing she wore.

Fren drank the tea she prepared and asked,

“Did you meet him?”

“Yes.”

Vanessa placed a cake decorated with flower petals before him.

“As you advised, I acted the way he wanted. He was very pleased.”

“He’s the type who is only excited by humiliation. There are many like him among elves.”

“……”

Fren smiled faintly as he took a bite.

“Does that surprise you?”

“No.”

She shook her head.
It genuinely did not surprise her — she simply wondered.

“How did you know?”

“When you live as long as we do, you learn everything. Time dulls ordinary sensation — so people chase extremes.”

“…I see.”

Fren gently stroked her hair.

“I thought I had nothing left to teach you. But I was wrong.”

His voice softened.

“You still have a great deal to learn.”