Amethyst's Treasure

CHAPTER 3: TRUE IDENTITY

Since my last conversation with Tora, the mysterious man, I finally recognized Princess Nona. She was the girl from the first year. Although I didn't want to get involved in their tangled business, my curiosity had spiraled out of control.

Determined to uncover her identity, I approached her homeroom teacher.

"Her name is Queena. She's a transfer student from abroad, though I'm not exactly sure which country," the teacher explained.

"Do you know where she lives?" I pressed, hoping for something more useful.

"Unfortunately, no. She didn't provide her full details. All she mentioned was that she's living with her aunt, but we don't have an address," he replied.

"Is that so? How could the school admit her without a clear background? Isn't that strange?" I asked, my suspicions growing

"I'm just her homeroom teacher, Alice. I have no involvement in the admissions process," he said, walking away.

Left with only her name, I had no choice but to take matters into my own hands. I decided to stalk her. At lunch in the cafeteria, I shared my plan with Malvin.

"Are you really sure about this?" Malvin asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

"Yes. She's in disguise as Queena, a first-year student," I said, determined.

"I know her. She's pretty, but Alice... she's under 17. Why would Tora say she's his friend's fiancée?" Malvin questioned, his voice tinged with doubt.

"I don't know. He didn't let me ask more," I admitted.

Suddenly, Malvin stiffened, his gaze fixed on something behind me.

"She's here," he whispered. "What are you going to do?"

I turned my head slightly, following his line of sight. Queena was walking towards an empty table. My heart raced. What should I do? Confront her? If I asked her anything now, she might lash out like she did with Tora.

"She's coming over," Malvin whispered urgently.

Queena stood before us, her expression unreadable. "Can you leave us?" she asked Malvin.

Malvin left without hesitation. I felt nervous.

"Hey, you are Queena... right?" I greeted her awkwardly, trying to act casual.

"Senior, I noticed you reading the message in my classroom yesterday," she said, her tone low and direct.

"That was just a coincidence," I said, attempting to brush it off.

She stepped closer, her eyes cold and unblinking as they bore into mine. "Don't get involved in this, or terrible things will happen to you."

Her voice was chilling, and for a moment, I froze. Her threat hung in the air as she turned and walked away.

I could not say anything before she left. Malvin, who had waved at Queena, came back over to me.

"What did she say?"

"She warned me to stay out of it," I replied, still shaken.

"She's probably right," Malvin said cautiously.

But despite her threat, there was no way I could back down now. I wasn't going to just sit back and watch.

School was over, and I hurried to follow Queena, keeping my distance so she wouldn't notice. She walked fast, almost regally, like the Princess she truly was. Each time she glanced back, I ducked behind corners or anything that could hide me.