"You want to go into the woods to find where the source of the cold is yourself??"
The queen blinked incredulously at me.
True, I couldn't believe it either...
A small girl like me? Out in the woods?
It did seem pretty unbelievable... But I really meant it. I knew how sacred this festival was to everyone... I couldn't just let this go. Besides... What if the unusual cold lasted forever? Someone had to do something...
"Please, I know it sounds crazy, b-but Miss Risa has sent me out to the woods plenty of times to collect seeds and things...! I sort of know my way around the woods... Soー"
The queen shook her head.
My breath caught. No...?
"I'm sorry, Haruka," she looked at me sympathetically. "I know that you only wish to help, however I cannot allow you to travel into the woods unsafely; especially not with the weather as rough as it is."
My heart sank, and I was sure that the disappointment showed. I hated to be useless...
"Besides," she continued. "You've only just turned 15, yes? You're so young. I wish for you to remain safe."
"I understand, but I want to help! Please, just let meー"
I found myself choking on the remainder of my sentence, as a terrifying man with a long sword pushed his way in front of me. "Insolent girl, the queen has spoken! Remain silent andー"
He stopped as the queen raised her hand. "Lios. That's quite enough."
My pulse calmed when he reluctantly backed down.
The queen looked at me with a composed expression. "Haruka. Please understand that I only want you to remain safe. I will send guards to tend to this matter immediately. So rest easy."
She gave me a kind, carefree smile, but even still... My heart wouldn't settle.