The surroundings quickly darkened.

Klaus went to clean up, and Anselot left for a patrol around the area.

The night in the forest was a bit chilly.

I sat in front of the campfire, soaking in its warm glow.

‘It feels like I’m on a camping trip.’

It reminded me of my previous life, where camping was something I only saw on TV, stirring a flutter of excitement in me.

Back when I lived with my aunt’s family in my previous life, I remember being in elementary school. My aunt and uncle went camping only with my cousins, and I had to stay home alone, feeling envious.

Then, one day when everyone went out for dinner and I was left alone, I secretly brought a tent from the utility room to my bedroom and spread it out. The tent was so large it filled the cramped room. I played inside it, intending to put it away before my aunt returned, but I accidentally fell asleep. I was severely scolded and had to plead not to touch things in the house again until my aunt and uncle’s anger subsided.

“Maybe it’s because there are so many stars in the night sky…”

I became sentimental, recalling memories from my past life that I had forgotten.

I shook my head to dispel the thoughts.

“What’s up?”

Anselot, who had just returned, draped a blanket over my shoulders and asked.

“Nothing. More importantly, Anselot.”

I gestured towards the floating quest window.

Tonight, a mist from the forest will envelop you and your party. Beware the night’s assault!

▷Clear Condition: Defeat the forest mist

▶Success Rewards: 17,000 EXP, 10 Skill Points, Item

“It’s happening tonight.”

“Yes, it seems so.”

I had anticipated Illei’s mist would come, but it was sooner than expected.

‘Well, finishing the quest quickly isn’t a bad thing.’

“Anyway, be careful, Anselot.”

Although Anselot rarely took my warnings seriously, I cautioned him again.

“Understood. I’ll make sure you don’t have to worry, Princess.”

Anselot surprisingly nodded and agreed.

I gripped the blanket he had placed over my shoulders.

“It’s time for bed.”

Klaus, who had finished the cleanup, had also prepared the sleeping arrangements.

“I’ve prepared your bed, Your Highness.”

Klaus led me to the tent.

The tent was large enough for me, Anselot, Klaus, and Piya.

However, as Anselot tried to follow me in, Klaus immediately grabbed him by the scruff.

“What’s going on?”

“Surely you don’t intend to share a tent with Her Highness?”

Klaus sternly asked, implying it was unacceptable. Anselot raised an eyebrow in annoyance.

“What’s the problem?”

“Many problems.”

Klaus tossed a sleeping bag to Anselot and another one beside it for himself.

He then turned to me.

“I’ll guard outside with this fellow, so rest comfortably, Your Highness.”

“Thank you, Klaus.”

Though Anselot gave me a look of betrayal, I waved gently and entered the tent.

Anselot had no choice but to give up on the tent.

Once inside the tent, Piya chirped angrily.

“How could you do that, Princess Lulu! It’s too much!”

Piya had been silent until it was sure Anselot and Klaus wouldn’t return.

“They tried to eat me! And you just laughed while I was in danger!”

“Sorry, sorry, Piya.”

Although I tried to soothe Piya with a smile, it turned away in a huff.
“Anselot was just joking.”

―Didn’t you see the look in that man’s eyes when he looked at Piya? It was as if he was ready to grab Piya and throw it into the stew pot right then and there!

Piya, feeling that Louisabelle was siding with Anselot, indignantly shouted.

“No, Anselot wouldn’t do that.”

―How can you be so sure, Princess?

Seeing Piya puff up angrily, Louisabelle suddenly felt more inclined to tease it.

“Anselot doesn’t like bird meat.”

Piya, puzzled, chirped in question.

“Especially tiny birds that don’t even make a mouthful. He says they’re not satisfying to eat.”

Chiirp! Chiirp!

Piya burst into a flurry of angry chirps as Louisabelle added mischievously, barely holding back a grin. Piya began flying around the tent in a huff.

It was a bird that was fun to tease.

“I’m just kidding, Piya.”

―Princess Lulu, you’re mean! Do you find it fun to tease me?

Although it was amusing to tease Piya, admitting it would only make it sulk more.

“I won’t tease you anymore.”

Louisabelle chuckled as she finally managed to calm down the miffed Piya.

Thus, the two… well, one person and one bird, crawled into their blankets to sleep.

The soft sound of Louisabelle’s breathing and Piya’s chirping filled the quiet tent.

After some time had passed, someone shook the sleeping Louisabelle.

“Oh, dear.”

Slowly, Louisabelle lifted her eyelids.

There, in front of her, were faces she had seen a long time ago, and also hadn’t seen for a long time.

Startled, young Louisabelle, around 9 or 10 years old, jolted in surprise.

Her aunt and uncle, along with her cousins, were inside the tent, looking at her, who had fallen asleep while playing alone.

The family that supposedly went out to dine had returned.