Taking a long breath and exhaling, Suzan continued, "Let's just assume I believe in magic. Now, answer my question: Where do you come from?"
"I come from a world where magic exists—a world with kingdoms and creatures you call mythology. I am a prince from a fairytale world." Adro explained.
Suzan fell silent again for a moment before opening her mouth. "So, you can cross into this world thanks to my father's help?"
"Not thanks to your father, but because of your father." Adro corrected.
Sighing again, Suzan asked, "Then why are you looking for me?"
"I have to meet your father to be able to return to my world," Adro answered.
The full moon shone. Its light illuminated a workspace occupied by three people.Adro had prepared all the items Suzan requested: a box of chalk, a small clay pot, and two doors.A triangular symbol, with its longest side facing the door of Adro's workspace, became the final chalk stroke Suzan made on the floor. Now, the wooden floor bore a peculiar symbol of considerable size in its center."From this door, you will cross into another world." Suzan pointed to the workspace door, then turned to indicate the toilet door on the opposite side of the room. "From that door, you will return here."After hearing Suzan's explanation, Adro and Grace rose from their seated positions on the sofa. Adro glanced at Grace, holding
Adro gazed at the clear sky above him. His eyes squinted to shield his crystal irises from the piercing sunlight."We're lucky. It's still quite early, around eleven in the morning in the modern world." Adro said, lowering his gaze.Grace's eyebrows shot up. "How do you know? Even my watch isn't working here," she glanced at her watch, which had stopped ticking since they arrived in this world."I just need to observe the position of the sun and the moon," Adro explained, pulling a broad smile. "If you find that impressive, believe me, this is just the beginning."“Well, it is impressive, but I hope I don't have to witness anything more impressive if it means you have to resort to violence," Grace replied."I'm sorry, but I can't promise that. In this place, the only way to protect oneself is through violence. You have to kill if you don't want to be killed.""It sounds dreadful, but I understand. Do what you think is right, Adro. This
Adro raised both of his hands beside his body, followed by Grace."Do not shoot. It's me, Adro, your eldest prince." Adro declared with a slightly loud voice, stepping closer to the soldiers who had arrows aimed at him."Your Highness?" The commander stepped forward. His eyes narrowed. "Is it really you?"Adro smiled. "It's me, Maxim. My hair may have changed, but it's genuinely me.""Based on what, can we believe that you are the real Prince Adro? The witches have played many tricks and caused chaos. Do you think we'll wholly believe you?"A chuckle escaped Adro's lips as he continued to smile. He nodded. "I understand. That's what you have to do. You're a critical commander, Maxim; that's why you were chosen to safeguard the eastern region of the kingdom. But believe me, I am Adro. I was trapped by a witch on my wedding day.""If your words are true, why do you look so calm now? I believe worry is the only reaction from a groom who acciden
"Lover?"Adro's parents stared at each other with furrowed brows, while Grace could only hold her breath.From what she had heard during her time with Adro, Grace learned that people in the kingdom where he came from didn't greet women. That's why she just slightly bent her knee and bowed. The only thing that kept her from a panic attack was Adro's warm hand gripping hers firmly."What do you mean byLover, my son?" The king asked."I'm sure it means exactly what you're thinking, Father. She is the woman I love, and we are in a relationship." Adro explained."Oh, dear God," the Queen mumbled, clutching her chest.Adro wasn't surprised by his parents' reactions. Although it seemed sudden, he had planned this since he learned that he would return to his original world. Before discussing the witch wreaking havoc in his kingdom, he would inform his
Grace's brow furrowed. "Her… room? Do you mean Princess Jocelyn is in this palace?""That's correct, ma’am. Since Prince Adro suddenly disappeared on their wedding day, the princess has been waiting for him in this palace. She said his highness would return for her." She explained, then smiled in relief before continuing, "And she was right; Prince Adro has indeed returned. Finally, Princess Jocelyn doesn't have to wait any longer."A piercing in her heart made Grace almost grimace. As she suspected, Jocelyn had been waiting for Adro all this time. And now Adro had returned to his world, at a time when his engagement to her hadn't reached its limits for marriage."Ma’am, does your eye adornment feel irritating?"Anez's question startled Grace out of her reverie. Then she wiped the corners of her watery eyes with a single move. "My… My eyes are a bit sensitive, but I'm fine.""If the irritation persists, I can remove it and
"I… I can’t believe…" Jocelyn turned to the king and queen, seeking validation for Adro's statement, but both of them remained silent. "How could this happen? Didn't you… love me?" Jocelyn stared at Adro, covering her mouth. "Princess, please calm down first. We were just about to discuss this," the queen stood up and approaching the trembling girl. "I'm sorry, Jocelyn. I truly apologize. I realize that I have never loved you as a woman all this time. But with the girl I've chosen, I love her as a woman. I want her to be my partner for the rest of my life." Adro explained slowly. "Stop it, Adro!" The queen snapped. Then she embraced Jocelyn's shoulders. "We'll talk about this. Be calm and don't worry—" "No, mother." Adro interrupted. "I don't want to hurt Jocelyn even more by giving her false hope. There's nothing more to discuss because my decision is final, no matter what you say or whatever the consequences are. I will marry Grace." Staring at her son in disbelief, the queen
"I-I’m..."Jocelyn's brow furrowed while examining the girl in front of her from head to toe. From her attire, she seemed like an ordinary noble, just like the girls who had come to the palace to meet Damian."Oh, did I make you uncomfortable? Would you like to sit in the garden and enjoy a cup of tea?" Jocelyn asked."I… I'm not sure..." Grace mumbled, trying to control her erratic heartbeat."I can see you're quite interested in this garden. Usually, only the royal family can enter, but this garden belongs to my fiancé, so I can accompany you inside if you'd like," Jocelyn said, then extended her hand. "I know it's quite late, but our tea is light. I’m sure you will like it."
"So, the prince who disappeared has returned with key information about this dreadful disaster.""So far, no one has survived after disappearing due to the witch’s mischief.""That's because the victims were children.""The information…"The five men in the room turned to a man with a crown of Eek Tree. Of the six men at the large round table, he was the only one not wearing a smile on his face.&