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.&
"Princess Grace Menken will not be a queen," Adro stated, causing everyone to turn to him. "I, Adro Alymer Groendez, will renounce my position as the crown prince of this kingdom." "What did you say?" King Groendez stared at Adro with wide eyes. "You can't do that. Since birth, you have been destined to be the future king." "I apologize, Father, but I refuse that destiny," Adro replied. "What's your reason? Now you can marry the woman you desire. This kingdom is free from monsters and witches. There's no reason for you to refuse to become the future king." "There is," Adro replied. "I have found a life that makes me happy, and that life is in a world where I am stranded. I returned to this world only to save this kingdom and bid farewell to my family, not to return to my old life as a prince." "Adro," the Queen looked at her eldest son with teary eyes. "I apologize for my decision that has disappointed this kingdom, but I wish to get your understanding. I relinquish my heir title
"It's damp and smelly here. Are you sure you're okay?" Adro asked.Grace sighed. "This is the third time you've asked the same thing, Adro. I'm fine. Don't worry.""Alright," Adro replied, then reached for Grace's hand and held it tightly. "But you have to stay close and not let go of my hand."Then, they walked through the hallway, which led to the underground prison specifically designed to confine dangerous criminals."I can't believe that after entering the death cave, fighting various monsters, and defeating the Magical Stone spirit, you're still being overprotective of me," Grace said, feeling Adro's grip tighten."I don't care how strong you are now. You're my woman; I'm responsible for your safety," Adro replied, then sighed. "Your severely injured leg is enough.""Alright, I understand. Thank you for worrying about me," Grace said, embracing his arm.Arriving at the underground chamber, they encountered three iron doors
The darkness enveloping Grace slowly faded. She fell onto both knees and faintly saw the Magical Stone kneeling, still in the same spot.Grace squinted her eyes and furrowed her brow. If she heard correctly, didn’t that monster say that she would walk on her stomach and her head would remain bowed? But why was her perspective still the same as before?"Y-you..." The Magical Stone stammered. The red light shining around his hands, which were covering his stab wound, slowly dimmed. "How... how is this possible?"Shifting her gaze from the pensive Magical Stone, Grace raised her hand and found she still had her human form. "I... haven't changed?""It's impossible!" The Magical Stone exclaimed. "I cursed you. No one in this world can escape my curse after touching me!"The old man's words brought a s
Not only would Grace transform into a hideous monster, but she might also lose half of her sanity, leaving her constantly craving human flesh. She would be separated from Adro and everyone she knew to live as the slave of the half-monster man until the end of her days.Grace didn't want her tears to fall. She didn't want the Magical Stone to see her weakness. She had come this far, overcoming all obstacles that drained her strength and emotions.'Since I was a kid, I've always been Grace the loser. But can a loser walk this far? Can a loser face kings, future in-laws who hate her, and even monsters?’“You don't know how strong you are, Grace!” She gritted.Clamping her jaw, she nodded. "I agree.""Naive. With a weak body like that, the words coming out of your mouth sound as if you're a great knight. But don't you know that I can hear the quickening of your heartbeat?" The Magical Stone said. Then he dug into his large ears before pulling out a strand of hair that turned into a massiv
A small gust of cold wind sent shivers down Grace's skin. Despite the fact that the underground air was cold from the start, she felt as though the dark tunnel ahead held something sinister waiting for them.Damian turned to Grace. "I think I should check inside.""We're on the same page. I will go too." Grace nodded. "But what about the others?""We just need to climb up that plant to get to Jocelyn, but I'm afraid she might not be able to continue the journey further," Damian said."I don't mind going in without an escort. I have a feeling there's something in there." Grace whispered.Damian nodded once, then looked upwards. "Elvaro!""Yes, Your Highness?""We've found a way here. We're going to check it out, so you all wait there.""Damian," Jocelyn's weak voice sounded."Jocelyn, stay there and don't move much. Elvaro and Kederic will protect you. I'll try to return as soon as possible. But if we're not back in about
Damian grimaced as Jocelyn poured water over the burns on his back and limbs."This is the medicine Lady Camelia gave me before I left. I hope it can alleviate Prince Damian's injuries." Grace handed a small black bottle to Jocelyn."The spring we found doesn't lead to anything. That means King Absolen mentioned another spring," Damian spoke."Thank you for saving us. You are badly injured.” Grace said."My task is to protect you. And I might have turned into ashes by now if you people hadn't helped me," Damian chuckled."That's not funny," Jocelyn muttered, wiping away her tears that started flowing again. She lowered her face as Damian sat up."Sorry for making you worry. Thank you for treating me," he said, wiping away her tears, then stood up with his sword. "I will check the conditions outside.""You need to rest, Damian. Elvaro and Kederic have gone out to find torchwood." Jocelyn stood up as well."There are other
In that area with rocky dry soil, carnivorous plants thrived alongside giant bushes, forming a small forest.Through the cracks in the ground, gas appeared several times. Damian noticed it when they were surrounded by the plants. During the fight, he kept looking for the nearest gap to the plant's growth center and studied the moments when the gas spurted.Damian knew this was a daring move. He might have to risk his life if he made even a slight mistake, but he had seen who Grace Menken was. Unexpectedly, she had a great leadership spirit. When facing people, she seemed weak, but when on a mission like this, she could make quick and courageous decisions. If he died here, he was sure she could lead the others out.According to his calculations, Damian threw the still-burning torch right into a hole near the entrance to the giant bush forest. Just as the torch entered
"Grace." Jocelyn gazed at her, pulling out her arrow with trembling hands."We need to run from here," Grace whispered, preparing her sword. "On the count of three, shoot the one blocking our way, and run."Jocelyn nodded; meanwhile, the snakes hissed louder and crawled closer."One.""Two."Grace tightened her grip on the sword, taking a deep breath. "Three!"Jocelyn's arrow flew, striking the snake standing in front of them right in the neck. This angered the other snakes to attack them.One of the nearest snakes moved to strike Grace, but she swung her sword as quickly as possible, injuring it. Before the other snakes could reach them, they ran as fast as they could."Oh... darn it..." Grace huffed in her run.Jocelyn looked back, only to find the snakes were almost catching up to them. At the same time, her untrained legs began to give in."Hold on!" Grace shouted, reading Jocelyn's condition.Seeing on
The group entered the forest with minimal lighting to avoid attracting attention. Grace rode a horse alongside Damian.After ensuring they were far enough from the palace, Damian raised one hand, signaling the group to stop. "Open the baggage carriage!"Damian jumped off of his horse, followed by Grace. He climbed onto the small carriage and opened a food box placed on the top stack."Are you okay?" Damian asked while pulling out a girl dressed as a boy."Jocelyn, are you alright?" Grace joined.Catching her breath, Jocelyn nodded. "I'm fine. Thank you.""Princess Jocelyn? How did you end up in there?" A guard asked.Damian carried Joclyn down from the carriage. "Stretch your legs first. It must feel stiff after bending for so long." The