Chapter Text
Judith was not one to leave her castle. Almost all of her time was spent inside of its walls. Yet, today she felt it right to go out and explore the city. So, by mid-day she had left the castle, her prosthetic clacking against the ground as she walked. People gasped and murmured as she passed by, watching with baited breath in awe. As she ambled around the town she recalled a special place she had always wanted to visit. She made her way to a bake shop, owned by her very own Royal chef.
"Haii, welcome to Kaori's sweethaven !" a voice, cheerful and familiar called from behind the counter.
when the girl turned around her lips made an 'O' shape.
"Your majesty ! What brings you in today ? Oh, I didn't mess up any food last night, did I ?" an inquisitive look came to her face, her hands occupied with whisking a bowl.
Judith simply shook her head, a small smile tugging at the edges of her lips. Most people would be shaking in their boots at the prospect of messing something up for the Sovereign. And yet, Kaori asked as if it was the most casual thing in the world.
"No, no such thing . I'm simply checking in on the city and wished to visit you . Perhaps even try some of your food, if you don't mind ?" she tilted her head as she asked. her expression was meant to come off as kind but something in it still showed as malicious.
"Ah, well in that case what can I get you, your Majesty ? I have plenty available . Days like today are typically a pretty slow day for me ."
Judith looked at her options before settling on a strange cupcake-like thing and a float. She sat down at a small round-table and waited. The place was rather cutesy, certainly more than she had expected. Even though it wasn't exactly her style she still certainly admired the hard work that must've been put into it. It was however off putting knowing that Kaori ran such a place and put up a cute persona after the things she did at night. Before she could continue thinking about it, Kaori came out from the back and delivered her food. She had quite the pep in her step, even more so than when she served at the castle. Judith supposed she must simply like this job more, which did certainly make her just the slightest bit annoyed.
"Here, I hope you enjoy ! She lowered herself into a dramatic curtsy.
Judith barked out an elegant laugh, hand coming to cover her mouth. "Ah, excuse me ! My apologies, I just wasn't expecting something like that . You needn't curtsy like that . Your Majesty is respectful enough, especially considering the fact we're practically friends ." Kaori blinked a few times, her eyes lighting up like stars after a moment of realization. "Of course ! Oh em gee yea ! Friends ! I simply wasn't aware we were at such a level yet ." She clasped her hands together. Before they could continue a guest walked in, a regular judging by Kaori's expression. Kaori scurried off to serve the man, leaving Judith with her thoughts and food.
Judith stared at the food. She was pleasantly surprised at the quality. Not that she doubted Kaori in any manner, she just hadn't expected it to look so appealing. Several more guests entered and she watched as Kaori made quick work of their orders. A marvel to watch, really. She took a bite out of the cupcake. She had told Kaori to surprise her with the flavor, and that she did! It must've been some weird velvet and chocolate mix, but it tasted amazing regardless. The float was delectable as well. She took her time with it, savoring it. Before she could even stand to go pay after finishing her meal, Kaori rushed up to her from another table without even looking, somehow sensing she was done. Judith paid and left, returning to strolling around the city. She found herself in front of a 2-in-1 bookstore & library. As she entered she saw the librarian, a young man with his hair loosely tied up. He looked up at her through his brow before blinking in surprise.
"Your majesty ? --" he sat up, setting down what he was reading and adjusting his cardigan. She certainly understood why he had it on, it was rather chilly inside. "How may I help you ?" he seemed rather on edge. Of course, that wasn't all too shocking. Judith had quite the history of simply executing people whom she felt had disrespected her. On the other hand it certainly was shocking that she had not only gone on a stroll outside of the Castle but had come to a library of all places.
Judith waved a dismissive hand at his clear alarm. “Simply looking for a book . My friend, Gail, recommended it to me . They have a wonderful taste in books from what I’ve seen .”
The man nodded, releasing a breath in relief that he had unconsciously been holding.
"I see, if I may ask, what book ?" He opened up a catalog, presumably of all the books they owned.
"I believe Gail said it was called the ' heart and mind's memoir ' ."
The librarian nodded, looking though the catalog. He directed her to where it was and she headed off on her way. The library was much larger than she'd expected, certainly much bigger than the last time she was there. To be fair it had been near 20 years since she had been inside but that was besides the point. The shelves were roughly 25 feet tall each and they were filled to the brim to books. people gasped quietly to themselves and gave small bows. As she entered the room, it rather quickly dawned on her that she would be searching for a decent while. Even with the books all arranged in alphabetical order it didn't matter due to just how many books there were. She searched diligently over the next 40 or so minutes. Her golden fingers flipped over book after book as she searched. She had to wonder if it was even there in the first place, perhaps the librarian had lied? However she did not give up hope just yet and continued her search. Eventually, her fingers came to a stop, settling on a book with the exact title she was searching for. It seemed quite lengthy and she wasn't sure if she'd have time to read it. However, she decided to buy it regardless. She plucked it from it's shelf and stepped down the ladder. She returned to the front desk and purchased it before turning on her heel and waltzing out.
The sound of her prosthetics clicking against the ground could be heard even in the bustling city. She looked around herself, watching her people live their lives. It was almost unsettling to her that she controlled the lives of each and every one of these people. The streets were busier than she'd expected, especially at dusk. She wasn't aware people, aside from drunkards, actually stayed out that late. After a walk through town she returned to the castle she was greeted by the guards as well as the head guard, Devereux, who was making her rounds. She didn't usually see her on account that she was typically patrolling by the gates. As she entered the castle maids bowed but she said nothing to them, B-lining straight for Gail’s office. The door creaked open, a problem Gail had been repeatedly saying they’d fix, though with how busy they were she doubted they'd had the time. She ought to have a maid do it later. Gail didn’t even look up from their paper work when they heard the door open, which was stacked in piles on their desk.
“If you have paperwork you need me to do you are free to leave it on my desk. If you need me for a legal matter state it now and I’ll fetch you the form.” Their usual mantra.
“Oh? So busy, hm ? I have nothing of the sorts for you I fear . Only my grace and some news .”
Gail’s head jolted up in surprise, immediately putting down their quill.
“Judith! Ahem, excuse my previous remarks. What is this news that you bring?”
Judith hummed to herself before coming and sitting on the edge of Gail’s desk and setting the book in front of them.
“I got something .”