Princess stepped out. She gave a small, graceful nod. "Good evening, Raven. Did we keep you waiting long?"
I straightened slightly.
"Good evening. Not at all—I just got here."
She let out a soft breath, smiling.
"I thought I was late again…"
Evanna tugged lightly at her sleeve.
"Sister, can I talk to you for a moment?"
"Of course," Lyria said gently, stepping aside with her.
Kara immediately leaned toward me, lowering her voice. "Hey… Raven can you do me a favor please . Can you tell Lyria she looks beautiful today?"
I blinked.
"…What?"
"Please," she insisted. "She spent a lot of time getting ready. She's been excited all day."
I frowned slightly.
" I mean she does look good but …Why me? , you do it."
She lightly punched my shoulder.
"Just do it."
I stared at her for a second… then sighed.
"…Fine."
When princess Lyria returned, she smiled apologetically. "Sorry—Evanna was asking when Heli, Ben, and Ken will arrive."
"They're on their way," I replied. "They should be here soon."
She nodded, then looked at Evanna. "See? Don't worry."
Evanna smiled again.
Then Princess Lyria turned back to me.
"Shall we go?"
I nodded.
We started walking toward the heart of the festival.
Kara suddenly pinched my arm lightly and gestured toward Princess Lyria with her eyes.
Now.
I exhaled quietly.
"…So," I began, glancing at princess , "you didn't disguise yourself today."
She smiled softly.
"No… not today. Today I want to walk among my people as myself. Not as a stranger."She looked ahead, her voice calm—but sincere.
"I want them to treat me normally. Not as royalty or princess … but as one of them. Like how you and Kara treat me."
I studied her for a moment. Then said, "I think they will… once they get to know you."
She turned slightly toward me.
"…And by the way I like your clothes," I added, a bit more quietly. "You look… beautiful."
She froze.
Her gaze dropped to the ground, and a faint blush spread across her cheeks. "Th-thank you… Raven," she said softly. "You… look nice too."
I looked at her properly this time.
Her outfit was… different from what I was used to seeing.
She wore a soft white blouse with delicate, airy sleeves that rested lightly on her shoulders, giving her a gentle, almost ethereal appearance. Over it, a fitted brown corset hugged her waist, accentuating her figure in a way that was both elegant and subtle.
Her skirt was long, layered, and flowing—made of patterned fabric that moved gracefully with each step she took. The earthy tones gave her a warmth that blended naturally with the lantern-lit streets.
Her long, wavy, silver hair covered her back, with soft strands framing her face… and under the festival lights—
She looked…
Really beautiful.
I looked away.
Kara, of course, was staring at me with the most annoying grin imaginable.
"Well done," she whispered.
I sighed quietly, shaking my head.
"…So," I said, shifting the topic, "where are we going first?"
Princess lifted her head again, her earlier embarrassment replaced with excitement.
"There's so much to see," she said, her eyes shining. "Food stalls, games, performances—"
Evanna grabbed her hand eagerly.
"I want sweets first!"
Kara laughed. "Of course you do."
"…Fine," I said quietly. "Lead the way, Princess."
Princess's eyes lit up like the lanterns above us.
"Then let's start with food," she said excitedly. "We'll check the performances and games later—there's so much to see!"
I glanced at Kara.
"I told you," she muttered with a grin. "She's only here for the food."
Princess shot her a playful look. "Can you be quiet for once and let us enjoy this?"
Despite myself… I almost smiled.
We moved deeper into the streets. And just like that—the crowd shifted. People noticed. Whispers spread.
They stepped aside, creating a path without being asked. Some bowed their heads respectfully, others lowered themselves more deeply—but all of them… recognized her.
Recognized them.
Princess responded every time—tilting her head gently, offering a warm smile, bowing back as if she were one of them.
Not above them.
…Beside them.
"Let's go there," she suddenly said, pointing toward a nearby stall. "That smells amazing."
She wasn't wrong.
The scent was sweet… fresh… warm.
We approached a small cart filled with neatly arranged fruit, drizzled in a glossy syrup that caught the festival lights.
"Good evening What are you selling?" Princess asked kindly. "It smells wonderful."
The moment the vendor realized who stood before him—
He froze.
Then immediately dropped to his knees.
"I-it's an honor, Your Highness! To have you at my humble stall—how may I serve you?"
Princess Lyria's expression softened.
"Please," she said gently, "stand up. I'm not here as a princess… just as a citizen. There's no need for formality."
He hesitated… then slowly stood, still visibly nervous.
"How… how may I help you?"
"I'd like to buy what you're selling."
"R-right away!"
Within moments, he handed each of us a small plate—filled with freshly cut fruit, coated in a shimmering sauce, with a small wooden pick to eat with.
As Princess Lyria reached for her coins, the man shook his head quickly.
"No—please, Your Highness, it's free—"
She placed the coins on the table anyway.
"Why?" she asked softly. "Because I'm a princess?"
He didn't answer.
She smiled. "I told you—I'm here as a citizen. This is your work. You deserve to be paid."
She gave a small nod.
"Thank you. It's delicious."
And just like that—We moved on.
The deeper we went into the festival…The more it revealed itself. This wasn't just celebration.
It was a world.
Colorful banners hung between buildings, embroidered with symbols of magic and ancient runes. Floating mana-lamps drifted through the air like Whispers, casting shifting colors of gold, blue, and violet across the streets.
Musicians played on every corner—harps that shimmered with magic, drums that echoed like distant thunder, flutes that carried melodies into the night sky.
Performers danced with elemental magic—fire twirling like ribbons around their hands, water forming graceful arcs midair, illusions blooming like flowers and dissolving into stardust.
Children ran between stalls, laughing, holding glowing trinkets that pulsed softly with mana.
Merchants called out loudly:
"Try your luck!"
"Test your aim!"
"Win a prize!"
Spinning wheels of fortune, enchanted ring toss games, illusion mazes—everywhere you looked, something moved, shimmered, lived.
The entire city… breathed.
Princess Lyria and Evanna stopped at almost every stall.
Sweets.
Drinks.
Strange foods I couldn't even name.
They laughed, compared flavors, argued playfully over which was better.
Like children.
Like they had forgotten everything else.
Kara and I followed behind them—quiet.
Watching.
After about half an hour—Three familiar figures pushed through the crowd.
"Raven!"
Heli.ken.Ben, They ran toward us, slightly out of breath.
"You made it," I said.
"Of course we did!" Heli grinned. "No way we're missing this!"
Evanna immediately ran to them, pulling them excitedly. "You have to come see everything!"
The group quickly dissolved into overlapping voices and excitement.
Then—
Kara clapped her hands once. "Alright. We're not staying together like this."
Everyone paused.
"There's too much to see," she continued. "We'll split into two groups."
She pointed at the kids.
"I'll take them."
Then she glanced at me and Lyria.
"You two go enjoy the festival your way."
Lyria hesitated slightly.
"…Are you sure?"
Kara smirked. "Relax. I can handle a few kids."
Evanna grabbed Heli's hand immediately. "Let's go! I want to see the games!"
Within seconds—They were gone Laughter fading into the crowd.
Silence settled between me and princess Lyria, Not awkward.
Just… quiet.
The festival continued around us—music, light, movement—but for a moment, it felt distant.
Then she turned to me.
A soft smile.
"So… where should we go next?"
I looked at her. Then at the glowing streets ahead. "…You said there were performances."
Her eyes lit up again.
"Yes! There's a stage nearby—"
She stepped forward—Then paused slightly, glancing back at me.
Waiting.
I pushed myself off the wall, falling into step beside her.
"…Lead the way."
She giggled and said witha smile " As you wish my lady
We had been walking for a while when princess Lyria suddenly slowed, her eyes lighting up as she glanced ahead. "I think the performances are this way… come on," she said, a spark of excitement in her voice.
I followed her quietly, hands in my pockets, my gaze drifting between the crowd and her. "So," I said casually, "do you come to the festival every year, Princess?"
She smiled, soft and nostalgic.
"Yes. I've been coming here with Kara since I was little… though we could never stay long. If the king found out we snuck out, he'd be furious."
I let out a small amused breath. "Seems like sneaking around has been your favorite hobby since childhood."
She laughed—light, unrestrained. "That's not true," she said, though her tone betrayed her. "It's not like I wanted to sneak out. But the king always assigns too many guards to follow me everywhere. It makes everything… stiff. Formal. People stop acting like themselves."
Her gaze softened slightly as she continued.
"So sometimes… sneaking out was the only way to feel normal."
"And I assume the queen and king didn't appreciate that."
Princess winced playfully. "Oh, they definitely didn't. I got scolded every time I was caught."
"And yet," I added with a faint smirk, "you kept doing it."
"Of course," she said, lifting her chin slightly. "Because I wasn't a troublesome child… I was an adventurous one."
I huffed quietly.
"Right. Adventurous."
Then her eyes shifted to me.
"And you?" she asked, smiling. "What were you like as a child?."
I blinked.
"…Me?"
Inside my head, Morivane's voice echoed with a low, amused chuckle. "Which childhood are we talking about? You've had seventeen lives so far. She should be more specific."
I ignored her.
Barely.
"I was a good child," I said calmly. "Quiet. Well-behaved. I didn't cause any trouble."
Lyria raised a brow slowly.
"…Really?"
I narrowed my eyes slightly and said . "It seems you don't believe me."
Her smile widened just a little. "Sister Mary told me you were very troublesome. That the neighbors constantly complained about you… that you used to beat their children."
I froze.
"…She told you that?"
Princess simply shrugged, clearly enjoying this. "And they all called you…" she paused dramatically, "…the little devil."
I exhaled slowly, dragging a hand through my hair.
Of course she did. "…Those kids," I muttered, "were the problem , They used to bully me. Called me an orphan. Said I didn't have parents."
I shrugged. "That didn't bother me, I ignored them at first, But …. then they started targeting the others. Rin. Lira. Kylie. Nicole . The younger kids at the orphanage. Throwing stones. Calling them names."
"The kids were always sad after that."Silence stretched for a moment. "So I handled it."
Lyria leaned in slightly, curious.
" handled it?, How?"
I looked at her. "I found them one day. Five… maybe six of them. Playing in the street." My lips curved faintly. "I beat them, Badly,really Badly."
"And then," I added, my tone almost casual, "I told them if I ever saw them bothering the kids again… I'd drag them into the forest and feed them to the monsters."
I shrugged . "They never came back."
Silence, then the princess burst into laughter, bright uncontrolled. "I know I should feel bad for you and the kids ," she said between breaths, "but I can't—did you really threaten to throw them to monsters?"
I sighed.
"Please stop laughing."
She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, still smiling. "Alright, alright… I'll stop, little devil."
"…Don't call me that."
"We've arrived," she said quickly, clearly dodging my glare.
The performance area was packed.
People gathered in a wide circle around a raised stage, voices buzzing with anticipation. Lanterns floated overhead, casting shifting gold light over the crowd.
"It's too crowded here," princess said, scanning the area. "Let's go over there."
I nodded and followed her to a quieter spot at the edge.
"Perfect timing," she said. "It's about to start."
The play began.
Actors stepped onto the stage, their voices carrying clearly through enchanted amplification.
A princess and a stable boy , childhood friends turned to lovers but The stable boy knew that the king would not approve of a boy of his stature marrying a princess.
Therefore, the boy trained for years until he became the strongest swordsman and gained his place in society, Then he went to the king to ask for his permission to marry a princess, The king told him, "I will agree, but on one condition: there is a dragon on a mountaintop that threatens the safety of our kingdom , Defeat a dragon and maybe I'll agree."
The hero accepted the king's condition and the next day headed towards the mountain to defeat a dragon. Indeed, after several days the hero returned from the mountain carrying joyful news, The dragon was defeated, but the king laughed at him and said, "Did you really think I would accept you as a husband for a princess? You should know your place; a stable boy will always remain a stable boy."
The king said with a mocking smile, "I gave my daughter to a prince from a distant kingdom on the very day you left for the mountain."
The hero felt an overwhelming anger and began destroying the palace and the entire city, then he left towards the mountain, carrying his sorrow with him, he healed the dragon he fought and spent the rest of his life protecting the dragon from hunters and other heroes.
Silence fell as the play ended. The crowd erupted into applause.
"…Will you stay for another one, maybe the other one will be more… joyful ?" I asked.
Lyria shook her head. "No… this one is enough."
We started walking again, I glanced at her, Her earlier excitement was gone Replaced by something heavier. "…Where did your enthusiasm go?" I asked. "Why the long face?"
Her voice was quiet.
"It was sad… they didn't get what they wanted in the end . The king tricked them… why didn't their love come true?"
I looked ahead Then at her. "…Because that's how the world works."
She didn't answer.
So I continued.
"Not everyone gets what they want. People are judged by their status. Their position."
I saw it immediately That I made it worse I sigh softly. "Don't get upset" , I added ." it's just a play, not reality.
She didn't answer again.
Then I pointed ahead." Look princess It's a food cart. It smells delicious.
Her reaction was immediate Like flipping a switch Her eyes lit up again.
I said. " What do you think about trying it? I'm really hungry."
She looked at me than said "…You're right it's just story ," she said quickly. "Let's go eat I'm hungry too."
We approached a small food stall The vendor froze the moment he saw her. "Y-Your Highness—please, have a seat! It's an honor—"
Princess raised her hand gently.
"Please, stand. I'm just a citizen today. Just serve us what you're making."
He nodded quickly, still flustered.
We sat.
A minute later, he placed two small bowls of rich brown broth in front of us… followed by plates of finger-shaped dough pieces.
"Dip them before eating," he explained.
I didn't hesitate I speared one, dipped it, and took a bite.
Warm.
Savory.
and Inside the golden dough were seasoned meat and cooked vegetables , Perfectly balanced
"…This is good," I said, glancing at princess . "Try it , it's delicious."
She did Her eyes widened instantly. "This is amazing," she said, turning to the vendor. "Another plate, please."
He beamed.
"Of course, Your— I mean—right away."
I looked at him.
"What's it called?"
He straightened slightly, proud. "Golden Ember Bites."
"…And the broth?, What are the ingredients of this broth?.
He smiled apologetically." I can't tell you I'm sorry It's a family secret."
I nodded. "Fair enough no need to apologize . I'll take another plate too."
After we finished, I paid and stood The night air felt cooler now. Quieter somehow.
I glanced at princess .
"So," I said, "where to next?"
She paused for a moment, her gaze drifting over the glowing streets as if she were choosing between a hundred small joys.
"…There are competitions in the central square," she said finally, her voice brightening. "Can we go there?"
I shrugged lightly.
"Yeah. We can."
Her smile widened instantly.
"Then let's go!"
We moved deeper into the city, swallowed by the festival's pulse.
The streets were alive—lanterns floating overhead like captured stars, music spilling from every corner, laughter weaving through the air. The scent of spices, roasted meats, and sweet pastries clung to everything.
Beside me, princess walked slower than before. Not because she was tired. Because she was taking it in.
"I haven't felt like this in a long time…" she said softly, a smile resting on her lips. "Being able to walk freely… without fear, without worry. Just… being among everyone ."
I glanced at her.
She looked… lighter.
"As myself," she continued. "Not as a princess."
Her smile faded just a little.
"I wish I could do this every day. But I can't. I'll become queen one day… I have to act like one. Careful. Proper. Rational. I can't afford mistakes."
I watched her in silence for a moment.
Then I spoke.
"You can."
She blinked, turning to me.
"What?"
"You can do this," I repeated calmly. "What's stopping you?"
She didn't answer.
"So what if you become queen?" I continued. "Then be the kind of queen who walks among her people. The one who breaks rules instead of hiding behind them."
I met her eyes.
"You don't have to sit on a throne giving orders. You can choose what kind of ruler you become."
A small pause.
"And I'm sure you'll be a great queen."
Her steps slowed and looked at me with silence .
"…We're here," I added, breaking the moment.
The central square was even more crowded. A wide circle had formed around several activity areas—games, performances, contests. Cheers rose and fell like waves.
"So," I said, scanning the area, "where do you want to start?"
No answer.
I glanced at her.
She was staring ahead, lost somewhere far from here.
"Princess ," I called again.
She blinked, snapping back.
"…Sorry. What did you say?"
I studied her for a second.
"We're here. Where do you want to start? Or do you want to sit down? We can head back if you're tired."
She shook her head quickly. "No, I'm fine. I just… drifted off for a moment." Then, almost immediately, her eyes lit up again. "Let's check that out—it looks like something's happening over there."
We approached a crowd gathered around a table where a woman sat with a paper and pen.
"What's going on?" I asked someone nearby.
"It's a dance competition," the man replied. "Top three win prizes."
I turned to princess instantly.
"Let's go somewhere else."
Dance. No. Absolutely not. I looked at her—and immediately regretted it.
Her eyes were shining.
Before she could speak, I raised a hand.
"No. Don't even think about it. No. No. Don't say it."
She clasped her hands together, stepping closer. "Please," she said, almost bouncing. "Let's join! It'll be fun—I can't do it alone!"
I sighed.
"Maybe another time. Besides, they'll let you win. You're the princess."
She turned toward the woman at the table.
"They won't do that," she said firmly. "You'll judge fairly, right?"
The woman smiled politely.
"Of course."
I closed my eyes briefly.
How did I end up here…
"…Fine," I muttered. "It's not like I have a choice anyway."
Her face lit up instantly.
"Thank you!"
A few moments later, we were registered. Given numbers. Standing among other participants. There were around ten pairs.
Too many.
Too public.
Too late to back out.
Lyria turned to me, extending her hand.
"Are you Ready?"
I stared at it for a second Then took her hand My other hand settled at her waist almost automatically.
"…Yeah," I said quietly. "Let's begin."
The music started slow.
Soft.
Measured.
We moved carefully at first—steps controlled, deliberate. Then gradually, the rhythm picked up.
Faster.
Closer.
Smoother.
"I see you've improved since last time we danced ," Lyria said, a hint of admiration in her voice.
"I had help," I replied.
She raised a brow.
"Help? From who?"
"…mother Mary."
Her lips twitched.
"When I got back from your recovery party ," I continued flatly, "she asked how it went. I told her I embarrassed myself in front of nobles while dancing with you."
Princess was already trying not to laugh.
"I'm serious," I added. "She and the kids laughed for hours at me . Then she decided I needed 'training' so I wouldn't embarrass myself again."
That was it.
She broke.
A quiet laugh slipping out.
"Don't you dare laugh," I warned.
"I'm trying—" she said between soft giggles, "but that's really funny."
I sighed.
"I shouldn't have told you."
She smiled, softer now.
"Sorry sorry … I won't laugh. I promise , "…So I was your first and second dance?"
"Yeah."
the music slowed again The final movement came naturally. The noise of the crowd faded into the background.
The lantern lights blurred into gold.
Lyria stepped closer as I guided her into a turn—her dress flowing like soft wind, her hair catching the light. Our hands never broke contact.
She spun once—
twice—
then back into my arms.
For a brief second, everything stilled. Her hand in mine. My hand at her waist. Our faces closer than before.
Close enough to feel her breath. Close enough to notice the way her eyes softened.
Then—
the music ended.
Applause erupted around us. I stepped back immediately. Creating distance.
The announcer called the winners. First place: a couple who moved like they had been dancing their entire lives.
Second place—"…Number seven!"
Us.
Lyria clapped lightly, smiling.
"Second place isn't bad."
I rubbed the back of my neck. "…Sorry. I'm still not used to this. I was a bit stiff."
She shook her head.
"Don't say that. You were really good." She gestured toward the winners. " They were just exceptional." Then she held up the prize—a voucher. "And we got a free pass to a fancy restaurant," she added with a grin. "That's a win."
I let out a small breath.
"…Yeah. I guess it is."
She turned, already scanning the square again.
"So," she said excitedly, "let's see if there are more competitions!"
I shook my head slightly.
A faint smile tugging at my lips.
"…You're not getting tired anytime soon, are you?"
The princess giggled and said, "What are you talking about? The fun has just begun!"
Princess stopped at nearly every game, every stall, every competition we passed.
If earlier she had seemed like a princess trying to act normal… now she was just a girl enjoying herself.
Laughing too easily Getting distracted too quickly. Forgetting everything else.
And somehow… I found myself following her without complaint.
We were heading toward a small café set up along the square—somewhere quieter, somewhere to rest—when a familiar voice called out.
"Hey, Raven!"
I turned.
Aurora And beside her—Ayla.
Aurora smiled brightly. "What a coincidence. Heading to the café?"
Ayla nodded politely. "Good evening, Raven… and good evening, Princess."
Aurora blinked. "…Princess?"She looked around in confusion then her eyes landed on princess .
And widened instantly.
"Oh—!"
She bowed quickly.
"My apologies, I didn't recognize you at first—"
Princess Lyria waved her hands lightly, flustered.
"Please, get up. There's no need for formalities. I'm not here as a princess—I just came to enjoy the festival like everyone else."
Aurora straightened, still a bit awkward but smiling.
Ayla, meanwhile, glanced at me with a knowing look.
"Raven," she said with a smirk, "I thought you didn't like festivals… yet here you are—with the princess."
Before I could respond, princess Lyria spoke.
"Actually, I'm the one who asked her to come," she said honestly. "She didn't plan to at first."
Ayla's smirk deepened as she looked back at princess Lyria. "I see… so how are things going ?any Improving? Any progress?"
I frowned slightly.
What is she talking about…?
Princess paused for a second, then answered quietly,
"…I'm not sure if it counts as improvement. But… there is progress. Very slow progress."
Ayla nodded approvingly. "Slow progress is still progress. Don't give up."
Aurora leaned closer to me, whispering,
"…What are they talking about?"
"I have no idea," I whispered back.
Aurora straightened, then smiled at Ayla. "I didn't know you were close with the princess."
Ayla shrugged. "You could say that we became friends just recently."
princess turned to Aurora, her expression warm. "Please, call me Lyria. I've met with ayla a few times at the orphanage… I'd like to think we're friends. And I hope we can become friends too."
Aurora blinked, then smiled softly.
"I'll try… Lyria."
A brief pause. Then she added,
"We should get going. It was nice seeing you again."
Ayla nodded.
"Oh—and you should visit the fortune teller down that street," she added casually. "She's actually quite talented."
She gave me one last knowing look.
"See you later."
And just like that, they were gone.
Lyria watched them leave. "Aurora is really nice," she said. "She's easy to talk to."
"Yeah," I replied. "She is."
Then, almost immediately—
"Let's go to the café first," she said, her energy returning. "Then we can visit that fortune teller."
"... Sure. Whatever you want."
We sat at the café for a while. Lyria ordered strawberry and vanilla cake with coffee For herself.
And coffee for me.
The break was… peaceful. For a moment, the noise of the festival faded into the background.
But not for long.
Soon enough, we found ourselves standing in front of a medium-sized tent.
The fortune teller's place.
Of course.
We stepped inside.
Dim.
Quiet.
Only a single candle flickered at the center of a round table, casting long shadows across the room.
A woman sat across from us, her face veiled by a thin black shawl.
"Please," she said softly, her voice almost hypnotic, "have a seat."
We did.
Side by side.
Opposite her.
She tilted her head slightly.
"Let me introduce myself… my name is Selmira."
Her lips curved faintly beneath the veil. "I've been waiting for you, Your Highness."
Princess blinked.
"…Waiting for me?"
Selmira smiled.
"Yes. I saw you entering my tent."
I narrowed my eyes slightly.
"…You can see the future?"
She looked at me.
"I can glimpse fragments. Past, present… and possible futures."
A pause.
Then her gaze sharpened slightly.
"…Strange."
"Why?" Princess asked.
"I didn't see you entering with her."
Silence.
Princess , unfazed, leaned forward slightly.
"How does it work? Do you use a crystal ball or cards or rocks ?"
Selmira extended her hand.
"Give me your hand."
Princess did.
Selmira held it gently between both of hers… then closed her eyes.
For a moment, there was nothing.
Then—
"You had a happy childhood," she began softly. "Though you were a bit mischievous… caused some trouble."
She smiled faintly.
"But as you grew… you became more responsible. You took your role seriously."
Her voice softened further.
"You are happy now… but this will be the happiest period of your life."
Lyria's smile faded.
"…What ?"
Selmira's grip tightened slightly.
"Because later… I see loss."
Silence fell heavier.
"I don't know when," she continued. "Months… years… but you will lose something very important. Something that will turn your life upside down."
Princess's brows furrowed.
"…What will I lose?"
Selmira shook her head.
"I cannot see clearly. That part of your future is… obscured."
A pause.
"But you won't break," she added. "You'll be sad for a long time You'll endure. but You'll become a strong queen… loved by your people. Your kingdom will flourish."
Lyria went quiet.
I exhaled.
"…Don't believe everything you hear."
Selmira turned to me.
"Give me your hand."
I shook my head.
"No need. I don't believe in this."
She smiled faintly.
"Then consider it a game."
Her tone shifted—sharper. "Or are you afraid… of me seeing your secrets?"
Princess leaned closer, clearly curious.
"I want to know too."
I stared at Selmira.
She extended her hand toward me again.
Waiting.
I sighed.
"…Fine."
I placed my hand in hers. Her grip tightened. Her eyes closed. For a moment—nothing .
Then—
"I see… rage," she whispered.
Her fingers pressed harder.
"Anger… hatred… in your past… your present… your future."
My expression didn't change.
"Everything is… distorted," she continued, her voice shaking slightly now. "I can barely see anything clearly… but I feel it—pain. Physical… mental… unbearable pain…"
Her grip became painful.
"You are marked," she said. "Something is following you… no—someone. A powerful being… not from this world."
Her voice suddenly broke."… what is this…?" Her fingers dug into my skin.
"Who are you… Evan… Ravik… Marin—"Her breathing became erratic. "Dead… dead… dead…"
She repeated it again and again.
"Dead… you're dead… you're dead— goddess, revenge, destruction, death "
Morivane's voice cut through my mind—sharp, serious. "Pull your hand away. Now."
I did Immediately.
Selmira's eyes snapped open.
Wide.
Terrified.
She stared at me like I was something unnatural. "Y-you… you're dead," she whispered.
Her voice trembled.
"Tell me—who are you? How are you here?"
I frowned slightly.
"…What are you talking about? You don't look well. Do you need help?"
"No—no—" she shook her head frantically. "Leave. Leave now!"
She stood abruptly and pushed both of us toward the exit.
"Get out!"
We stumbled out of the tent.
Princess stared at it, stunned.
"…What was that?"
Then unexpectedly she laughed. "That was… really strange."
I said nothing.
She grabbed my hand lightly.
"Let's get out of here. What do you think about going to the river? I heard there will be fireworks—the view should be perfect from there."
"…Yeah sure let's go."
Anything Away from here.
"I'd like some quiet."
She smiled.
"…Me too."
We walked away from the noise. From the lights. From the crowd.
The riverbank was quieter than I expected… almost unnaturally so.
By the time we reached it, the noise of the festival had faded into a distant hum—like a memory rather than something real. The water stretched before us, dark and endless, yet shimmering faintly under the night sky. The reflection of the moon trembled across its surface, broken gently by the slow current.
For a moment, I just stood there.
Watching.
Breathing.
Feeling… something unfamiliar settle in my chest.
"The river is beautiful…" Princess whispered beside me.
I followed her gaze. The river was illuminated by the pale silver light of the moon, and tiny flickers of gold danced above it—fireflies drifting lazily in the air like lost stars. The wind moved softly through the trees, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and distant flowers.
"It is," I replied quietly.
We began walking along the riverbank, our steps slow and unhurried. The ground was slightly damp beneath our feet, the kind that could betray you if you weren't careful.
"Careful," I said without looking at her. "The path is slippery."
She smiled, as if the warning barely reached her.
"I'll be fine."
After a moment of silence, she glanced at me again.
"So… Raven. What do you usually do in your free time?"
I exhaled softly.
"Free time…" I repeated. "I barely have any. But when I do… I cook."
She blinked, surprised. "Cook?"
"I learned a lot of recipes while traveling," I added. "So… I cook for the kids when I have time."
Her expression softened immediately.
"I'd love to try your cooking someday," she said, almost too quickly.
I looked at her for a second, then allowed a faint, slightly smug smile to appear. "You're welcome anytime," I said. "And for the record… I'm very good at making desserts."
That got her attention.
Her eyes widened instantly.
"How good?"
I pretended to think for a moment. "Better than that cake you served in the palace garden."
She stared at me like I had just insulted the kingdom itself.
"That cake was from the best shop in the city," she said, almost offended. "Are you saying you can make something better than that?"
I shrugged.
Her curiosity only grew.
"Then I'm inviting myself," she said with a smile. "Next time when you're free."
"No objections," I replied.
After a brief silence, I glanced at her.
"What about you? What do you do in your free time, Princess?"
She looked ahead, thoughtful.
"I don't have much free time either," she admitted. "But when I do… I go to the music room with Evanna. I play the piano for hours."
She paused.
"And I read a lot. I spend most of my time in the library."
I tilted my head slightly.
"Anything outside the palace?"
She smiled faintly.
"There's a place behind the palace… near another river," she said softly. "It's quiet. No one goes there. There's a large tree… and the sunlight barely reaches through the branches."
She glanced at me again.
"I go there when I need to be alone… or when I need to think." Then she laughed lightly, almost self-conscious. "That's it. Not very exciting, is it?"
I didn't answer immediately.
Because compared to my life… it sounded peaceful.
Too peaceful.
"…It's not boring It's peaceful ," I said finally.
She looked slightly surprised—but before she could respond, her expression shifted.
"Oh, right," she said suddenly. "I forgot to tell you something… about the High Mage."
I frowned slightly.
"What about him?"
"He's been speaking with the king," she said. "Trying to convince him to make you join the Arcane Palace. Apparently, he already offered you a position before… and you refused."
So he hasn't given up, Morivain's voice echoed in my mind, amused.
"The king refused to interfere," Princess continued. "Since you already said no."
She looked at me more closely.
"You're very quiet… Are you not on good terms with him?"
I exhaled slowly.
"There's nothing between us," I said calmly. "He just doesn't take rejection well."
She smiled slightly.
"Do you want me to talk to him?"
I glanced at her, raising an eyebrow.
"And what would you do? Order him like princess ? Or Threaten him?"
She shook her head.
"No," she said gently. "I'd talk to him as your friend and I will tell him to stay away from you since you rejected his offer beforehand.
That… caught me off guard.
"…I'll handle it," I said after a moment, a small smile forming. "But thank you."
She studied me for a second longer, then nodded.
"I just wanted to warn you," she said. "I often see him watching you during training."
"I know," I murmured under my breath.
"What?" she asked.
I shook my head slightly.
"Nothing. Just… this place is really beautiful, and It's quiet very quiet ."
She turned back to me with a small smile. "That's what makes it special."
For a few seconds, we just stood there—listening to the wind, watching the fireflies drift over the water.
Then she turned slightly.
"We should head back soon," she said. "They're probably looking for us. But… let's stay until the fireworks."
I nodded.
She pointed toward a spot nearby.
"Let's sit over there."
I stepped forward—and the ground betrayed me. My foot slipped on the damp earth beneath me.
"Raven—!"
Before I could regain my balance, I felt her hand grab mine, trying to steady me—but instead, she lost her footing too.
Everything happened too fast. The sky spun. The ground rushed up—
—and then—
thud.
I landed flat on my back,the air escaping my lungs.
A second later—she fell right on top of me.
Silence.
For one heartbeat.
Two.
I stared up at the night sky, blinking slowly… then shifted my gaze downward.
Princess was right on top of me.
Far too close ,my hands were holding her tight.
Her hair had fallen around us like a curtain, catching faint moonlight between its strands. I could feel the warmth of her body, the slight pressure of her weight… and the way her breath hitched for just a second.
Neither of us moved.
For a moment longer… the world felt very, very still.
For a few seconds… there was nothing but silence Then I let out a quiet laugh, A quiet awkward laugh that didn't quite belong to me , It slipped out of me naturally, dry and a little breathless.
"This is… embarrassing," I said, staring past her at the night sky. "I told you to be careful so you wouldn't fall… and I'm the one who ended up on the ground."
Princess slowly lifted her head Her hair fell forward, strands brushing against my face.
She didn't smile.
She didn't speak.
She just… looked at me.
Something about that look made the small smile on my lips fade. I shifted slightly beneath her, the damp grass cold against my back.
"Thank you for trying to help," I added, my voice softer now. "And… sorry for dragging you down with me, The ground is more slippery than it looks."
Still nothing no reaction no teasing comment , just silence and her gaze locked on mine.
Her silence wasn't normal A faint unease crept into my chest. "…princess ?" I frowned. "Are you okay?"
I reached up instinctively, brushing a strand of hair away from her face so I could see her more clearly. "Did you get hurt anywhere?"
No answer.
She didn't even blink.
For a moment, the world felt strangely distant—the sound of the river, the whisper of the wind through the trees… all muted.
I was about to push myself up—force us both to stand—but she didn't move at all. She stayed there, lying on top of me like she had no intention to get off.
Then—A loud crack split the sky.
Fireworks burst above us, scattering colors across the night—gold spilling into crimson, blue dissolving into silver. The river beside us reflected the light like shattered glass.
I let out a small breath, trying to ease the strange tension. "Look princess … the fireworks started," I said with a faint smile. "They're beautiful—"
My words stopped.
Her hand moved. Slowly. Carefully, As if every motion mattered. Her fingers touched my cheek.
I froze.
She traced along my skin , her touch warm despite the cool night air. From my cheek… to the corner of my lips… then lower even slower… to my lower lip… lingering just slightly longer than it should have., as if memorizing it.
My brows furrowed.
"Princess …What are you doing."
She didn't answer She leaned closer and Closed her eyes.
And kissed me…. her lips were on mine.soft warm and wet . Everything went still.
My thoughts shattered into fragments I couldn't piece together. My body didn't move. Even the fireworks… even the sound… everything faded into something distant and unreal.
What… is happening?, Why is she—
My mind struggled to catch up, to make sense of it, but nothing aligned. Nothing made sense.
Princess … is kissing me? but why ?
Then—Morivane's laughter exploded inside my head loud ,Sharp ,Amused.
"Oh, this is priceless ," she said between laughs. "Even now, you still don't understand. You really are hopeless ,slow… and painfully clueless."
"…What are you talking about?" I shot back internally, my thoughts tangled ,panic creeping in. " This is not the time—just tell me what I should do."
"Oh no," she replied lazily. "I'm not ruining this moment. I'm enjoying it."
Completely useless.
Princess pulled back slightly. Her eyes opened slowly… they were unfocused, like she wasn't fully there or aware of herself.
I frowned.
"…What's wrong with you princess ?" I asked quietly. "What are you doing?"
She looked at me in silence… then whispered in a soft voice. "Sorry… but one more time."
My eyes widened. "What—wait, wait—"
Too late she kissed me again her lips were already on mine.
Morivane laughed even harder. " "She apologizes, but she clearly doesn't mean it."
"Can you stop talking please ?" I snapped at her internally.
This time I reacted ,I placed my hands on princess's shoulders and gently pushed her back, creating some distance between us.
She pulled away. For a moment, she just stared at me and suddenly her eyes widened Like someone waking from a dream.
Color rushed to her face instantly, bright red spreading across her cheeks. She covered her face with both hands, words spilling out in panic., her voice tumbling out in a rush—
"I-I'm sorry—! I'm really sorry, Raven—I don't know what came over me—!"
And yet…She still didn't get off me.
"…It's okay," I said, trying to stay calm despite everything. "But can you please get up first ?"
She didn't move She didn't seem to hear me. She just kept talking, flustered, words overlapping. "I don't know why I did that—I really didn't mean to—"
Then suddenly—she stopped mid-sentence., silence fell again, Slowly she lowered her hands and looked at me
Her expression changed. this time… something was different, The panic faded.
The embarrassment didn't disappear… but behind it there were something else replaced it.
Something steadier.
Something certain.
"…No," she said quietly.
I blinked.
"…No, I'm not sorry."
That caught me off guard.
"I didn't plan for it to happen like this," she continued, her voice softer but no longer shaky. "Not here… not like this…"
She took a small breath Her fingers curled slightly against my shoulder, holding onto the moment. "But I did want to do it."
My mind went blank again.
"I already crossed the line," she said, her eyes not leaving mine. "So I'm not going to pretend nothing happened or it's was mistake ."
"…Tell me what?" I asked, though I already felt where this was going.
"I'm saying…" she took a small breath, "…I'm going to tell you how I feel."
"…A confession?"I asked.
"Exactly."
I stared at her.
"…Can you at least get off me first?" I muttered. "We can talk properly after that."
"No."
I blinked again.
"…What?"
Morivane burst out laughing once more. "I haven't laughed like this in ages. I like her already, She's bold."
I ignored her completely.
The princess didn't even hesitate.
"If I get up now," she said firmly, "you'll change the subject. You'll avoid it. You'll put on that fake smile and act like nothing happened."
…She wasn't wrong.
"And I won't let that happen." Her hands pressed lightly against my shoulders—not to hurt, but to keep me there.
"So no," she repeated. "I'm staying right here in top of you until I finish."
I stared at her for a long moment.then slowly …I looked away up at the sky.
Fireworks continued to bloom overhead, bright and distant, like they belonged to another world entirely.
How did I end up here…? I let out a long breath. "…What did I get myself into…"