Time passes by so quickly. It's been a month since Herano left Havania Kingdom. My guess is that they're already at the Calos City.
I spent my days doing my interests. I continued learning the ways here in Havania. Since I'll be returning to my homeland, I visited all the good destinations. I visited the royal castle and had a conversation with Correll's father, The King. He even sent me gifts. We're pretty close I can say. Correll's mother died on the day Correll was born. Common occurrence that is most likely experienced by women, and Correll's mother is no exception.
Well, that's life.
Correll used to come over to my place to play chess. It's a favorite of ours. We sparred, went horseback riding, and when he's not around, I read books from their extensive collection inside the Royal Palace.
We're just doing what we usually do.
Correll is currently preoccupied with preparations for his engagement to Athacias, Rivania's only Princess. He's also busy selecting servants and guards to come to Rivania. I spent the rest of my days in my residence reading books. I've already packed my belongings, and we've purchased our tickets. I'm sure I'll miss this house.
Weeks have gone by, we're already near to going to Rivania.
The morning before our departure date, I went to the royal palace. I talked to the servants, guards who are close to me.
'So, you're going back to your homeland My Lady. I'm sure you're extremely excited to set foot in your home country" one of the castle staff remarked, smiling.
I smiled at her. I'm not sure about the excited thing though. Things will be very tough the moment I will set foot in my home country.
"Will you return here, My Lady?" One of the maids chuckled, "I'm going to miss watching you and Correll sparring."
"I'm not sure, but I swear I'll never forget you. I will even send letters by the time Correll returns," I promised them. Their faces are lit up with smiles.
They've grown on me. I loved them a lot since not they only welcomed me, but they also treated me like their own daughter, which I am grateful for.
I excused myself as I noticed Correll's coming. He had invited me to a lunch with the King, so he came here to fetch me.
We had already begun our meal when we arrived in the Royal Dining Hall.
"I am grateful that you stayed here, Fana. "You're already like a daughter to me," the King said with a smile.
I am really grateful to them. The King treated me as if though I were his daughter. He supported me, reprimanded me, and did everything a decent parent would do.
"Your Majesty, I am eternally thankful for your kindness and concern. I don't know how to repay you for all of your compassion. I consider myself really fortunate to be here." I stated it with sincerity.
"Just take care of Correll in Rivania since you know it better than he does.
"Watch out for him like he's his own sister, just like you've been doing for the past two years," he chuckled.
Correll's brow furrowed in irritation. I burst out laughing.
"Father, you're implying that I'm still a child." Correll stated, plainly irritated.
The King teased his son with a smile. I'm grateful for the opportunity to witness their behaviors while they're alone.
"You two. I pray for you and wish you a safe journey." After our lunch, the King stated.
"Thank you very much, Your Majesty." I bowed my head at him.
. I said my goodbyes to the servants and royal guards.
The day flew past, and it's now nighttime. I returned home and took a shower. Our departure is scheduled for tomorrow in the morning. Our belongings have been prepared. We are already prepared. Correll will fetch me here since we are heading to the seaport together.
After that, I fell asleep.
***
It was already morning, and I had finished preparing. I then handed over the key to the house's owner, a Duchess of this Kingdom. I expressed my gratitude to her for allowing me to stay at her home.
I waited for Correll, who came a few minutes later.
"Good day, My Lady. How was your sleep last night? Let me guess, you couldn't sleep well because you were too excited. Am I correct? " He teased me. I rolled my eyes at him, and he laughed. This man knows how to irritate me. I noticed three carriages. One is for his belongings, the second for her servants and guards who will accompany him, and the third for himself and me.
"No, you're definitely mistaken. Last night, I slept soundly. Is it possible that you are the one who is overly enthusiastic, Your Highness?" I responded, smiling on my face.
The guards then took my belongings and placed them in the carriage with Correll's belongings.
'Alright, you won,' he says, with a surrender motion. I burst out laughing. I entered the carriage.
Then I formally departed the house where I had lived for two years. It crushes my heart to leave this location.
"I never envisioned myself leaving Havania," Correll said. I fixed my gaze on him.
"Neither do I," I said.
"This location has a special place in my heart."
He gave a little smile.
"Well, it's time for you to return to your homeland," he says, finishing the conversation.
We arrived at the harbor after about 20 minutes. When they spotted their prince, they began to scream. Others were calling his name, while female nobles attempted to appear attractive in front of him. Other girls are staring at me as well. I get what you mean. They mistook me for their Prince's lover.
I want to puke just thinking about being Correll's lover. I simply cannot. That's all I view him as: my brother.
Crews came to our aid. They direct us to our respective cabins, the royal suites. Correll hired the whole ship's upper dock. That is only available to higher-ranking royals and nobles.
There are four docks on the ship. The highest level is reserved for royals, the second for nobles, and the third for commoners. I'll be staying on the uppermost dock. My cabin was just next door to Correll's.
I walked into my cabin. The location appears to be fantastic. It was primarily intended for Royalty and Nobles. The area was encrusted with gold, silver, and gemstones. It truly like a little castle. It comes with its own bathroom, living room, kitchen, balcony, and bedroom.
First, I rested. I'm not sure, but I'm completely fatigued. The ship had already left after a few minutes.
I slept for the first couple hours I was here. It will be a lengthy voyage.
I awoke from a sleep. I took a shower, dressed, and walked outdoors. I kept myself occupied by looking at the surroundings. It's now beyond lunchtime, so I'm going to eat because I'm hungry.
"Lady Fana. His Highness, the prince, wishes for you to have lunch together." According to one of his attendants. As an indication of my willingness, I nodded. I then proceeded to Correll's cabin.
My days here were monotonous. I get up, shower, eat, read books, talk with Correll, have tea with him, play chess, and enjoy the scenery, especially the sunsets. We saw dolphins, ate at the many restaurants and cafés on board, and generally did stuff to have fun. That was how it went for a month.
We landed in Calos City's seaport after a month's journey. The ship will take a week to continue its voyage to Rivania. Some have already gone because their goal is here in Calos City. Some Calos citizens are traveling to Rivania. Because we won't be able to continue our adventure for another week, Correll and I opted to go explore the city. I've been here before, so I'm pretty familiar with the surroundings.
We went to various restaurants and danced with the other people because dancing is part of their culture here. We were in town for a festival, so we took in all of the activities. We left after a week and continued our trip to Rivania.
Days passed. We spent the most of our days doing what we did during our first month aboard the ship.
Today marks three days before we arrive at the harbor of one of Rivania's provinces. It takes around an hour to get to the capital of the Rivania empire. It takes me an hour and a half to go to the Portgas Mansion. Correll also takes 2 hours to go to the Royal Castle of Rivania. Because he is a Royalty from another Kingdom, he will be residing there.
I spent the next days reading novels, talking with Correll, and planned what I would do when I arrived in Rivania.
"Our goal, Correll, is to investigate the palace. You're already aware of that, right?" I inquired about him.
"Yes. But we'll act as if we don't know each other. Things will be easier that way. "If they discover that we are close, they may suspect us," he said.
"We shall communicate by magical messenger. Don't be concerned; you'll get used to it. We'll keep our heads down. We shall meet when a suitable occasion presents itself."
"What are you going to do?" he inquired.
"I shall look into if the crown prince and Herlaya had anything to do with my sister's death. I'll get the crown prince's attention first." I then spoke.
'What if you fall in love with him?' He questioned me in a vexing tone.
"I have no intentions to," I informed him. My goal is to bring justice to light. And everyone who has harmed our family should be punished. They have not only killed those who are close to me, but they are steadily dismantling what our family has built over the last century.
"We'll see," he said with a grin.
I shall achieve my mission in the name of Portgas.
Three days have gone, and I can see Rivania's port. I had already dressed and arranged my belongings. I can feel my nervousness, but I'm not paying attention to it.
The ship ultimately anchored at the seaport after a few hours. I can also see other ships. They came from other kingdoms; therefore, they must be royalty. There is no doubt about that. They were on the trip for six months. They were clearly invited to the Annual Royal Ball, the Engagement of Correll and Athacias, the engagement of the Rivania crown prince and Herlaya, and the New Year's festivities. It'll be a never-ending party with balls, I suppose.
People began to leave the ship. There were several carriages awaiting the Royals. They were probably sent by the Royal Palace.
" Lady Fana, your homeland," Correll explained.
"Yes, your Highness," I addressed him.
Many things have already altered. The roads had been rebuilt, there were new establishments here in the province, and many things had changed.
"So, this is Rivania, is it not? Impressive. I'm beginning to understand why it's the most powerful continent,' he said.
"This is where My Lady and I shall part ways. See you at the Royal Ball," he began, adding formality since we had chosen to cover my arrival. This was part of the plan we devised with Herano. We need to keep the fact that I've arrived hidden so that the Kravis family can't do anything to me. It's a good idea to be careful.
Things were not like this, but even I was taken aback. Being here provides commoners with an excellent opportunity to alter the path of their life. For me, it marks the beginning of a horrific fight. Before leaving, I took a deep breath. I felt a strong breeze as I was about to take the final step of the stairs. It flew through my hair and nearly blew off the cloak I was wearing.
This is Rivania.
Finally, I'm home.