Translated by Bee
The execution of the Witch Zoe was conducted in a solemn atmosphere, quite contrary to most witch burnings in the Shabli Kingdom, which were usually festive.
But it couldn’t be helped. The name that Witch Zoe used when she infiltrated human society was Zoe Shabli.
Zoe Shabli of the Shabli Kingdom. In other words, her previous identity was of royal blood.
In fact, Zoe Shabli was not just an ordinary royal. She was one of the only two precious children of the king and a strong candidate for the throne.
The king tried to hide his emotions as usual. However, he couldn’t help but frown at the sorrow of losing his beloved daughter and excellent successor. To outsiders, he seemed angry.
The queen glanced at the king and dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. As if she were crying. But only cosmetics applied to emphasize her eyes were smeared on the handkerchief. The handkerchief quickly became dirty, proving that she had applied more than usual.
And now, Mercedes became the only princess of the Shabli Kingdom…
“Execute!”
“Your Majesty!”
A scream echoed as an official ordered the execution at the same time.
Was it the last resistance of the criminal? But contrary to people’s expectations, that scream came not from the stake above but from the right side of the king.
“Your Majesty, please reconsider…”
Eyes of the same color as the cloudless autumn sky of Shabli were wet and sparkling. Her glossy light green hair swayed and reflected the midday sun.
“Please…!”
Perhaps a bit agitated, her cream-colored white skin was flushed. Her reddened cheeks, as if crushed rose petals were applied, made people around her exclaim in admiration. Even forgetting that this place was to burn her sister to death.
“Sit down, princess.”
“Your Majesty…!”
“Mercedes!”
‘You want to be taken away from me too?’, the king’s bulging eyes seemed to say. Normally, anyone who defended a witch would be labeled a witch as well.
But no one dared to say that. The only child left for the king was Mercedes, and above all, Mercedes was…
“Sob…”
Her eyelashes were so long that they looked like a butterfly flapping its wings. One could even hear the sound of her eyelashes trembling. When Mercedes closed and opened her eyes, tears like pearls flowed down her cheeks. Her beauty was so heavenly that even the maids and guards who always guarded Mercedes lost their minds and stared at her.
Princess Mercedes of the Shabli Kingdom was famous for her fairy-like appearance. No, to be precise, the completely different appearances of the two princesses attracted people’s attention.
The first princess, Zoe Shabli, was a beauty with a tall stature, large features, and striking short red hair. Despite her cold appearance, she had a refreshing and outgoing personality and got along well with people regardless of their status.
On the other hand, Mercedes Shabli, who was the second princess but was now the only princess, was characterized by her petite figure, round and big eyes, and curly light green hair. Even without it, Mercedes looked younger because she let her long hair down to her waist or liked to wear dresses full of frills and ribbons. People were surprised when they heard her real age, which looked no more than early twenties at most.
Mercedes’ personality was completely opposite to Zoe’s as much as her appearance. Mercedes liked to deceive and mock people with her cute and innocent face. She was selfish and calculating and had no sympathy for others.
These two sisters, who were so different, resemble their mother. That was, their biological mothers. Zoe’s biological mother, the former queen, passed away giving birth to Zoe. The king couldn’t leave the queen’s position vacant for long, so he immediately brought in a new queen, who was the current queen, Queen Aran.
But it was too fast. Mercedes was born just six months after Zoe was born.
Yes. Aran was actually the king’s public mistress. When Zoe was born, Mercedes was already in Aran’s womb.
The sisters, who were of the same age but six months apart, couldn’t get along from birth.
“Ahh!”
The coffin was burning. Normally, it would be standard to tie a naked witch to a stake and burn her, enjoying the sight of the witch screaming in pain as her flesh melts. But this time, many processes were omitted because of who the subject was. Zoe was placed on a pile of firewood while trapped in a wooden coffin.
“Ahhhh!”
The firewood burned and produced thick smoke. The sound of firewood burning that day was loud enough to drown out the witch’s screams. Mercedes shed tears, thinking it was a shame.
