Mama Fox

<Nori>

The Kingdom was thriving.

Harvests were plentiful, merchants were numerous, and the laughter of children coloured the capital. The current era of peace brought upon them had given way to a prosperity long forgotten. A prosperity that shone brighter than any star could dare hope to rival. Long gone were the evils of the Demon King and his terrible monster army. Long gone were the nights spent in fear of attack. Long gone was the subtle despair that lingered in the air. That era had come to a closure, and in its place was something far greater.

From her balcony, Nori watched the sun bathe the Silver City in a liquid gold hue. It was a view of absolute perfection. She turned away, retreating to the quiet of her chambers, and sank into the chair at her desk.

… A slow, jagged sigh escaped her lips.

It was a shame the same perfection didn’t extend to her mood.

Staring down at the papers before her, Nori felt her already low mood plummet some more…. Her present situation was quite funny from an outsider’s perspective. You would think that with the newfound peace work would settle down, right? That the stress of running a country at war would be lesser than one at peace. Unfortunately, reality was rather disappointing. Without a common enemy to fight, disputes between people exploded like never before. Growing into a monster of paperwork that hid her desk.

Every day Nori was presented with a new crisis to resolve. From petty disputes between nobles to minor squabbles between commoners, there was always something to occupy her time. As the Second Princess and head of the judicial system, it was her job to ensure fairness and uphold justice amongst the people. Nori's work as head involved setting the record straight concerning matters of great importance, reviewing appeals to past decisions made, and managing all judges in her court. And, although that might sound very hard, it wasn’t. Generally speaking, if Nori really tried, she could knock out most, if not all, of her daily work before lunch.

Her poor mood wasn’t born from the difficulty of the work but more so its existence in the first place.

As it was so incredibly, tremendously, exceptionally, supremely boring!!

Slouching on her desk, Nori gazed at the family portrait high above the entrance.

Her eyes focusing on a particular person.

In the past, it had at least been bearable, but now that her only source of respite had gone, work had increasingly become unbearable.

‘…Zuzu’

Nori laid miserably on her desk.

If she had known pushing so hard on the marriage would result in them moving, she might’ve held off a little.

‘Ugh, what am I thinking?’

Nori instantly chided herself, her eyes drifting to the person beside her sweet baby sister.

It would be selfish to deny them their happiness.

Pushing for the marriage was the correct call.

If left alone, Cleo would’ve waited forever, and the heavens knew that her lil sis wouldn’t due to her rather… unique personality.

A small smile bloomed on Nori at the thought.

She knew her lil sis well, very well. And, for as much as her sister denied her like towards Cleo, Nori could see it clear as day. Since childhood Zuzu had always favoured Cleo. Giving her preferential treatment above anyone else. Actions that would’ve gotten anyone berated suddenly became okay when Cleo did them. If Nori had been to hug Zuzu, she would complain throughout its duration. But, if it was Cleo, not only would Zuzu not say a word, but she would also go as far as to let her touch her tail and ears.

It had been funny to watch back then.

Zuzu, who wasn’t moved by anything, rushing to comfort a crying Cleo after she rejected her requests.

‘Hehe’

Even now that favouritism was present.

It went without saying why she turned down every suitor that came her way.

Sitting up, Nori stretched out her body.

The marriage between the two was inevitably looking back. Apart from Cleo, there was no one with the ability to stand beside Zuzu as a partner. Zuzu’s headstrongness was to the degree that most would crumble from one harsh glare or word. Frankly, if not for her beauty that transcended normal understanding, she may not have had many or any suitors. A truth not only understood by Nori but also by their family. The main reason Zuzu was married off so young and quickly was to encourage her to pursue her happiness, but second to that was the alleviation of worry.

Their parents wanted her to marry someone of good standing and character.

Anyone of good character had been cleared a long time ago.

The only person who met both criteria was Cleo.

‘Ah, Cleo’

Nori still remembered the day they took her in.

She had still been a small, cute little thing.

Scared of her own shadow and unable to meet anyone’s eyes.

Who would’ve thought she’d grow up to be the Hero? Capable of felling any monster.

The slayer of the Demon King.

What a fancy title.

Knock Knock

“…Come in.” (N)

Pulling out a pen and grabbing a random piece of paper, Nori invited the guest in.

The chamber door slowly opened, and a familiar face greeted her.

“I see you are very hard at work, Princess.”

And soon a voice dripping heavy with sarcasm filled the air.

Looking up at the bowing maid, Nori chose to ignore her crass words.

“Ah, yes. It’s quite the beautiful morning, ain’t it?” (N)

The maid stared on for a few moments.

Idly observing Nori before eventually approaching

“A letter has arrived for you.”

“Oooh, who’s it from!? Who’s it from!?” (N)

The maid stopped a short distance away.

Nori then coughed lightly into her fist.

“The letter is from?” (N)

Instead of answering, the maid handed the letter over.

‘Rude…’

Scanning the contents of the letter, Nori froze.

The words blurred for a moment.

Pregnant.

Placing it down, she locked eyes with the maid.

“…Prepare my carriage, immediately!” (N)