At first glance, I saw Prince Keylan's palm that extended to me. Its big size represented the danger he would give me. So far, I thought being a mystical beast hunter was already a dangerous job.
It felt they were right. Above the sky, there was another sky. On the way to seek for spirit crystals, there were bound to be various dangers to come. It could be that I got lost during the quest, faced a gigantic powerful monster, or had to wrest the spirit crystal from the hands of the land's ruler. Even worse, I died early on in this journey.
Just imagining all these possibilities gave me chills. As if I was still as cowardly as I used to be, I might faint when I heard that.
Until this moment ... fear still often surrounded me. It was as if my courage laid at the bottom of my heart and would never appear. Obviously, I was hesitant to make a decision. If I could, I would prefer to play tag with Elvian soldiers in the forest than have to deal with this nonsense. Such a lazy life was enough for me.
But this heart... still felt guilty for dragging my friends here. Even though they said, they were starting to feel comfortable living here. The feeling of homesickness would definitely not be forgotten from their memories. Those people just pretended to be strong and endured it.
I totally understood their feelings. Because so was I.
"Yes, of course," I replied as I welcomed Prince Keylan's extended hand. "I don't know if I can make it or not, but I'll try my best."
The man smirked. Such a warm smile and caring gaze could melt any woman's heart. Deep in my heart, I was grateful that I still have my male mental. If I were a complete woman, I could fall in love and crazy with this handsome man in an instant.
It was getting late. The atmosphere in this library became very quiet, like a cemetery complex in the midst of darkness. The sound of the clock sounded like a war drum to the ears. I might even be able to hear the sound of ants dancing on the walls.
"Let's back! It's time for our dinner!" said Prince Keylan warmly.
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The days passed quickly, like turning the book pages. It didn't feel like it had been two weeks since I'd been in Ruvia Town. My healing went smoothly. The physical wounds I received were now completely gone without leaving a trace. My body seemed to be getting better too. My fingernails also grew beautifully after being pulled out by force earlier. Not only healing physically, mentally too.
Prince Keylan often invited me to chat and joke. Sometimes he also took me around the city. Thanks to him, I was able to forget the trauma and painful memories. Replacing it with new pleasant memories.
The Prince's personal maid who took care of me when I woke up, Airi, became my new friend. Despite being of different races, we quickly got along. Maybe because we're both girls. Airi was quite an interesting person, she wasn't quiet, but she didn't talk much either. This girl has a lot of knowledge about herbal plants. Since childhood, she has been trained by her grandmother, a reliable doctor in this city to make various potions. No doubt, all the potions she gave me were very effective in my healing process.
Now, this day has arrived. The day I would return to Glafelden.
Even though it was fun to be with them, this place was still not my home. Ruvia City was not where I belonged. I have to go back to my hunting comrades. They must be worried. Moreover Dimas, he might have a desire to follow me here. But suppose until today, I haven't heard any news about another human intruder. In that case, it means that someone from Dark Night stopped his crazy idea.
I hope so!
When my heart was calm, I didn't want anything bad happened to Dimas and burdened my mind again. I didn't know why I couldn't wait for my return. The morning sun had just appeared on the eastern horizon. Its glow leaked into my room and fell on the floor. Giving this room enough light for me to make up.
I just finished taking a shower and changed into new clothes provided by Keylan. A lacy blue-and-white striped shirt and slightly loose-fitting cotton pants. My hands were combing my long hair slowly in front of the dressing table.
Suddenly a knock came from the door. I rushed over and found Prince Keylan standing in front.
"Are you ready yet?" the man asked.
"Wait a little longer!" I answered slowly.
Then let the Prince went inside and waiting on the sofa. By the way, this 10x8 meter room was my own private room. The Prince gave me a luxurious room for free. This bedroom was so big and filled with lots of elegant shiny furniture. Compared to the headquarters of Dark Night' it was akin to a pile of trash. Prince Keylan also gave me meals three times a day. Of course, with 'high' standard food. Not what I usually eat at Glafelden. Not only that, but the Prince also sent one of his servants to take care of my daily life like a noble's daughter.
Seriously, this was the first time in my life to be treated this way!
Even I never felt it in my old life. Leaving a life like this was hard. But I couldn't stay here forever.
I stepped back to the dressing table and sat on a small chair. In front of me, there was a large mirror that could capture the image of the entire room. So I could see whatever was going on behind my back, including Prince Keylan, who was looking at me gently from the long sofa.
"It's time for you to go, huh?" he mumbled.
I continued combing my hair slowly, matching the man's tone of voice. "Living here is really nice. I will always remember this memory. Thank you for accepting me here, Prince Keylan!"
The man propped his chin on the sofa while lying on it leisurely. "Hey, didn't I tell you not to be so formal with me?"
My body turned towards him and gave a faint smile. "Of course I can't do that. I am just an intruder in your territory, while you are the Prince of this kingdom who once saved me. Even though I'm not from a noble family, at least I know some manners."
After that, I went back to the dressing table. My long hair was neatly combed. It was time to give the final touches. This dressing table has a complete range of cosmetics. Starting from lipstick, eyebrow pencil, eyelash curler, and others. I didn't know the name of the other tools, nor could I distinguish one cosmetic from another. Even though I was a woman in this world, I wasn't interested in those and preferred to appear as I was. After all, I was originally a man.
What kind of man liked to wear cosmetics on his face?
The thing I was looking for from this dresser was none other than a hair tie. After checking a moment, I found it in a small drawer out of the many drawers on this dresser. There were two lacy hair ties, one purple and the other plain white. Of course, I chose the purple one because it has been my favourite color since I was little.
"I think you'd be better off choosing the white one. It will match your blue-and-white striped shirt," Prince Keylan suddenly exclaimed.
I turned to him. The man just shrugged his shoulders and gave a big smile. If that was what he wanted, then I'd just do it. After all, white wasn't bad either.
After everything was ready, Prince Keylan and I went out of the room. The sound of our footsteps echoing in this wide and deserted corridor. Before long, I arrived at a parlor with a very high ceiling, where a chandelier crystal and artistic paintings adorn it. In addition to the long soft sofa and velvet rug spread on the floor, this room has good quality furniture.
Honestly, I couldn't believe I could live in a super luxurious mansion like this. It was a shame to leave the place, but I wasn't too sad. Because I could meet my hunting comrades later. I hope they didn't worry too much about me.
Airi, who had just come out of the corridor opposite me, also joined me. Escorted by a dozen guards, the three of us walked out of the mansion together. Prince Keylan said he would take me to the Kelan River, the border between the human and Elvian territory.
After going through several sroths and descending hundreds of steps, we arrived at a stable near the city's military camp. This was not a new place for me. Because previously, when being chased by Elvian troops, I once hid in a warehouse in this area.
Prince Keylan was talking to someone from the military near the stable door. I didn't have any idea about Elvian's rank and military title. However, it seemed that this person was a high-ranking military officer from the many badges and attributes draped over his uniform. While Airi and I waited on the bench outside the stable.
"It's a shame you have to leave now," Airi sighed.
"What else can we do? I don't belong here."
"If only the relationship between Elvian and humans isn't as bad as it is now. Maybe we could freely visit each other," the girl added. Her eyes gazed far above the giant trees. "I've always been curious about the human city. But the unwritten rule across the country tells that we must stay away from humans. Anyone who violates the rule will definitely be punished."
"It's the same in my town. The stigma about 'human enemies' on the Elvian race was deeply rooted and widespread. If only there was a time when we could live side by side and have a good relationship."
"I believe there is a future," said Airi. The girl turned to me and shrugged her shoulders. "Though I don't know when."
In the middle of the conversation, suddenly, my ears heard the sound of horseshoes. Prince Keylan, who was riding a white horse leading a small cavalry group, stopped in front of me. His handsome figure and dashing white horse make him look like a prince in the Disney film series. A moment like this was usually the thing the girls who dream of romantic stories have been waiting for. Luckily I wasn't one of them.
"Let's go, Anggi!" said Airi, who immediately got on the horse without a rider.
"But I can't ride a horse."
"Take it easy. You just need to hold me tight."
The girl reached out her hand and immediately pulled me up. The surprised me could only hold onto her waist and tightly hug her from behind. A second later, the horse I was riding immediately moved.
This was my first time riding on horseback. The sensation was completely different when compared to riding a wagon. Riding a horse was really scary. Very unstable and always shook violently. I was afraid of falling and being trampled by the horse behind me. On the other hand, this was a new experience for me.
About half an hour passed on horseback, we arrived in front of a rock bridge. This large bridge connected the two areas above the fast-flowing Kelan River. Most of the users of this bridge are merchants who sold their wares to the Elvian region. Even though the long-eared people insisted on telling their people to stay away from humans, in reality, they still depended on us.
Items such as household furniture and raw materials for clothing were commonly traded, likewise with humans. So that made me believe that in any world, we couldn't live alone.
Airi jumped off the horse and helped me down. The Elvian army couldn't go any further, as this bridge was the border between the two regions. I was just about to thank Prince Keylan before a voice called out to me.
"Anggi….!!"