A Fateful Convergence
In most cases, Homo sapiens, who still possess an inner capacity for goodness and beauty, tend to feel a natural affinity for infants. This is a fundamental human logic; whether from an emotional or practical perspective, children deserve love and care.
That pure and innocent smile often contains something that adults once possessed but have lost—something extremely precious.
Looking at Yaga, who brought her desserts and tea, Anastasia suddenly understood why her older brothers and sisters had doted on her back then.
She remembered the way her older siblings used to look at her; she had always been the younger sister who was taken care of, and this was the first time their roles had been reversed.
Perhaps, using these children as waiters, though the only redeeming "ingenious idea" in a vulgar banquet, isn't entirely a bad thing. At least, giving tips brings a touch of charitable pleasure.
At the entrance, a car from the Kremlin stopped outside, and the guards looked at each other in surprise when they saw the newcomers.
The princess looked at these people, who were all so clueless and wouldn't take her to the banquet, and her already unhappy mood worsened.
"What? You want to inspect me? Don't you even recognize me?"
"No, but... when did you come out?"
Seeing the appearance of the two guards, even Kadoc, who was standing to the side, felt something was wrong. He and the princess exchanged a glance and asked each other with a hint of doubt.
"From what you're saying, another Anastasia just entered?"
The two guards nodded, and then the princess's voice rose three octaves in pitch.
"Someone impersonated me and went in? Are you all blind? You didn't even do the most basic check?"
Kadoc, standing to the side, couldn't help but think to himself: Who was it that just said something like, "Don't you even recognize me anymore?"
Of course, he only thought these words to himself. If the princess knew what he was thinking at that moment, it probably wouldn't be as simple as freezing his legs and making him stand outside as punishment.
But his mind was quick, and he immediately began asking about information about the place. When he learned that a child suspected to be in the hands of the rebels had just been captured, Kadoc instantly thought of the identity of the rebel leader.
"Atalanta, that's not surprising. It seems the Chaldea have arrived and summoned Servant skilled in disguise. Anna, I'm going to have a heart-to-heart talk with my junior; I'll leave this to you."
"Are you sure? Can I manage without my Master?"
"You should have some faith in me, and if all else fails, I still have someone to back me up. Let's take care of Chaldea and the resistance right here."
"Don't kill Atalanta, I don't have enough men at my disposal."
Kadoc's gaze fell upon a tall tower in the Kremlin, and the princess followed suit.
"Indeed, in that case, I need not worry. Have a good chat with your juniors... and then, say goodbye."
Kadoc quietly left, and the princess entered the dilapidated theater.
Her steps were slow and even, without a trace of anxiety.
After all, in her view, the overconfident Chaldea group that entered the theater were already dead men.
Underground, Bai Mo was climbing up the floors one by one. This underground facility had many floors. In addition to the large public hall, there were many other floors below, such as the kitchen and guest rooms. However, each floor he passed through fell into eternal silence.
His steps were slow and deliberate, without a trace of anxiety.
After all, in his view, the many Yaga who had committed crimes by entering this theater were already dead.
Meanwhile, Anastasia, in the banquet hall, was unaware that two important figures were on their way. After listening to the final music of the banquet, she gestured for her waiter to refill her tea, only to discover the child was gone.
On the stage, the curtain was drawn back, and a Yaga, who resembled a host, walked up. Behind the curtain were a group of Yaga dressed as waiters, and the child who had just served her was also on stage.
"What's going on now? "Anastasia thought to herself as the host, in a loud, exaggerated voice, exclaimed:
"Welcome everyone. This concludes the first half. But before the second half begins, please allow me to thank our distinguished guest, Anastasia. Your presence has made this place truly special."
The host went on and on, practically praising Anastasia like a goddess, but these flattering words were like the buzzing of flies to her ears. After some time, the host placed an apple on a tray in front of Anastasia.
"Very well, Your Majesty the Regent, this is part of our program. Please hand this apple to your favorite servant."
Anastasia took the apple, and she really wanted to toss it up and see which unlucky person it would hit on the head, but her gaze drifted intentionally or unintentionally to the row of waiters on the stage, among whom Yaga was looking down.
Seeing her retreating attitude, Anastasia changed her mind. She acknowledged the child's efforts, and her current behavior was truly unbearable to watch.
So she went up on the stage and handed the apple to her.
"Little girl, lift your head. You did very well. This is Anastasia's approval. Accept it gracefully."
But when the young Yaga actually raised its head, Anastasia was stunned. What kind of eyes were those? Large eyes filled with fear, confusion... and a deep resentment.
Tears streamed down Anastasia could react, two strong Yaga grabbed the child and dragged her away, one of them even stuffing an apple into her mouth.
"What... are you doing?"
However, her words received no response. At that moment, thunderous applause erupted, with countless people clapping and cheering. The host, in a relaxed tone, said:
"Oh dear, let us congratulate this lucky child on receiving the Regent's favor. However, I didn't expect that Your Majesty prefers this kind of meat with less meat. Indeed, your Yaga is probably much smaller than ours."
The skin and flesh are so delicate, the texture is truly exquisite, especially the spine, which practically melts in your mouth.
The audience burst into laughter, then Anastasia's gaze went blank. Her brain tried to comprehend the host's words, but the underlying meaning was completely unacceptable to her.
"By the way, Your Majesty, which type of bone carving do you prefer? I'll send it to the Kremlin once it's finished..."
Anastasia couldn't take it anymore, and she slapped the host across the face. She had initially thought these people were just a bunch of Yaga in animal skins, but now she could no longer see them as human.
She understood why Yaga's eyes looked like that at the end.
That's clearly saying: I've served you so diligently, why...?
She ran back desperately, but the next moment, a biting cold current swept in, completely freezing the underground passage.
All eyes turned to the direction from which the magic was released. On the terrace, a woman in an elegant long dress looked down at Anastasia with a cold expression.
"My God, my God, there are two regents? What's going on?" the host shouted, when suddenly an ice pick pierced his eye socket, causing him to bleed profusely.
The princess withdrew her hand; for referring to the disguised thief as "Anastasia," this punishment was already merciful.
"I never expected... that something like this would happen. It's like looking into a mirror reflecting my own lack of taste."
If Anastasia gave the impression of a snowflake, then this princess was a block of solid ice. Anastasia looked at the princess of the beast kingdom and let out a cold laugh.
"Indeed, that was utterly tasteless. Was it that idiot in the snow who gave me away?"
"What kind of idiot are you, in the snow? I just came here to relax, and I never expected to run into a thief who dared to impersonate me. So you... never mind, wait until I tear off your mask, then I'll see who you really are."