Episode 15
(Farewell)
After a while, Leonus opened his eyes. The faint glow of the ring flickered out, and the swirling petals, once caught in some unseen force, gently fell to the ground. As if the magic had been nothing more than a passing illusion, the snow resumed its quiet descent, blanketing the earth as though it had never stopped.
"I should return."
Leonus murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, eyes distant, as if he were already somewhere else.
"Allow me to show you the way."
"No need."
He shook his head, almost too quickly.
"You needn't trouble yourself."
He replied, his voice firm but distant.
"But-"
"I can find my way back."
His words were sharp, almost hurried, as if something unseen pressed him to leave.
With that, Leonus turned, his cloak billowing behind him as he hastily departed. His figure grew smaller with each step, swallowed by the falling snow until he vanished into the wintry expanse, leaving only the cold silence behind.
Haa~
The air was so cold, each breath I took misted before me, vanishing into the icy wind. This place... it's as frigid as the souls of the people here.
"I'm leaving, Grandfather," I whispered, my voice barely audible against the biting chill. "I pray where I go won't be another hell."
I paused, my hand hovering over the weathered stone of his grave.
"Give me your blessing…"
For a moment, the world was silent, save for the soft whisper of the snow. A sense of dread hung in the air, as if the very earth held its breath, waiting.
And yet, no answer came—only the cold, indifferent wind.
*
*
*
After a while, I returned to my room. The space felt colder now, emptier.
Soon the maids bustled in, quickly changing my dress into something more comfortable—a soft green gown that flowed around me. They placed an emerald headpiece delicately on my hair, its cool weight a reminder of the formality still hanging over me. Once they finished my makeup, they bowed and slipped out of the room, leaving me alone.
The silence was unsettling. The room, stripped of nearly all its furniture, felt hollow. Even my bed was gone, leaving an eerie emptiness that gnawed at me. It was as if the walls themselves were trying to remind me of how small and insignificant I was in this grand place.
I sighed, scanning the barren room—until my gaze stopped on the empty spot where my bookshelf had been.
"Wait… they took the bookshelf too! Where is the book Grandfather gave me?"
A wave of panic rushed over me. I tucked that book under the bed just the other day. But now, the bed, the shelf—everything is gone.
Frantically, I began searching the room for the book I had borrowed from Grandfather's library, my heart racing. How could I have lost something so precious?
Knock* Knock*
While rummaging through the nearly empty room, I heard a knock on the door.
"My Lady, May I come in?"
It was Anne. I hadn't seen her since yesterday morning.
"Come in."
Creak~
"My Lady, I've packed my luggage. And yours, too."
"Good. What about my books?"
"Tch! Shut up! I've already packed all your things."
"Are you sure you've packed Grandfather's book? And Mother's–"
"Nobody here wants any of your stuff, trust me. It's all packed."
Anne continued with a scoff, "And why didn't you eat yesterday? Do you know how much trouble it is to bring food all the way here?"
"Oh, about That—"
"Anyway, I brought you food now. Eat it."
"Just leave it there. Take the luggage you've prepared to the knights. They'll load it onto the carriages."
"Yes, yes, I do all your ridiculous work." Anne rolled her eyes dramatically.
"Make sure to eat this time."
"Hmm."
With a final eye roll, Anne left the room, the door creaking shut behind her.
Sigh…
I should eat. The journey to Fellmirr will be long.
Anne had left me some hard bread with butter and water. Not exactly a feast, but hunger made me less picky. I ate in silence, my mind already far from this place.
After finishing my food, I heard Knocking on my door.
Knock, knock.
"Princess, It's time to leave."
It was one of the knights.
"Alright."
I replied softly.
As I stood at the threshold of my room, a wave of emptiness washed over me. This room, though not as luxurious as those of other noble ladies, had been mine. I loved it. How many nights had I spent gazing out that window? So many memories... the quiet corners, the little window seat, the view…
"I am leaving…"
With slow, deliberate steps, I walked out, casting one final glance behind me. Even if the people here won't miss me, maybe the things I cherished will.
*
*
*
The knights escorted me to the front gates of the royal palace, which was now bustling with activity. People moved about in every direction, preparing for my departure. Amidst it all stood Albert, overseeing everything with his usual calm demeanor.
"Greetings, Princess."
He said, bowing slightly.
"Greetings, Albert."
I replied, trying to muster a polite smile.
"I sincerely hope you'll find happiness in Fellmirr, Princess."
He said warmly, his voice carrying a kindness that made me pause for a moment.
"Thank you."
I nodded.
"And, His Majesty regrets he couldn't be here. Important matters required his attention." Albert added.
"It's fine."
I said quietly. In truth, I was relieved he hadn't come.
The courtyard ahead was filled with horses and carriages, the air thick with the sounds of preparations. My gaze fell upon the center, where a stunning carriage waited—its polished frame gleaming in the soft morning light.
Then, from amidst the crowd, I saw him—the Crown Prince, striding confidently toward me. His expression was unreadable, yet he extended his hand with a simple, "Princess, shall we?"
"Yes…" I whispered, placing my hand in his, feeling the weight of this moment settle over me.
"Farewell, Princess." Albert said, bowing once more.
"You as well, Albert." I replied, offering him a final glance before Leonus gently guided me toward the awaiting carriage.
"Princess, we'll continue the journey in the carriage."
Leonus said, his voice firm yet soft.
"Okay."
I replied, glancing toward the waiting carriage.
"I'll ride alongside on horseback. If you need anything, just give a sign."
He added, his gaze lingering on me a moment longer than necessary.
"I will."
I nodded, trying to maintain composure.
"And don't leave the carriage, Princess. It's dangerous out there."
He warned, his tone protective.
"As you wish, Your Highness."
I responded, though something in his eyes told me that wasn't quite the answer he was expecting.
"Leonus, Princess," he corrected with a soft chuckle. "You're not planning on calling your husband 'Your Highness,' are you?"
"Huh? But how could I—"
"It's only you, Princess."
He interrupted, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
"Huh?" I blinked, confused.
"You're the only one who's allowed to call me that—just you, Princess."
He said, his voice lowering to a tender whisper.
For a moment, I couldn't speak. My face heated up, and I felt my pulse quicken. What on earth is wrong with me? I quickly turned my gaze away, hoping he wouldn't notice the sudden flush creeping up my cheeks.
"So… call me Leonus from now on, Princess."
He urged, his voice lingering in the air like a sweet temptation.
I gave a slight nod, still unable to meet his eyes.
With a soft smile, he gently lifted my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss that sent a shiver through me. "I'll see you soon." he whispered before closing the carriage door.
As I settled inside, I couldn't help but notice how luxurious and inviting the carriage was. Its opulence mirrored the world outside, but all I could think of was the warmth lingering on my hand where Leonus had kissed me.
Bam!
Anne stormed into the carriage, her usual demeanor replaced by a huffy expression.
"Princess! There's no way I'm riding one of those shabby carriages. If the knights ask, you'd better tell them it's your brilliant idea for me to stay with you. My back will be wrecked from that torture device!"
"O-Okay."
"This carriage is far too comfortable for you. I can't believe you were going to be stuck in here all alone."
"That—"
"Don't bother with excuses. You should just be thankful I'm here to keep you company."
"I am."
I said genuinely. I truly appreciated her support and knew how much effort she'd put in. She was leaving her family to travel with me, and her care meant a lot.
"Good."
Neigh~
The sudden sound of horses' hooves signaled that we were moving. The carriage jolted slightly as it began its journey.
Rustle* Rustle*
Peering out the window, I saw the knights arrayed around us. Some rode at the front, others at the rear, creating a protective circle around our carriage. Leonus, on his horse, rode close by, his presence strangely reassuring.
"My Lady! What are you doing? You mustn't look outside like that! You're a lady, and they're just some knights!"
"I was just admiring the view." I replied, a bit confused by her outburst.
"I'm telling you, don't peek out. People will think you're unmannerly! I'm only looking out for your reputation."
Anne insisted, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"Alright."
I sighed, letting her pull the curtains shut.
I could hear the distant cheers of the crowd outside, a mix of excitement and celebration. I longed to see the scene, having never experienced the world beyond these walls. But I didn't want anyone thinking I was uncultured.
Sigh~
It looks like I'll have to make do with just listening for now.
I leaned back against the plush side of the carriage, closing my eyes and letting the sounds of the journey wash over me.
Cheer*
Whistle*
Clap* Clap*
The lively sounds of the crowd filled the air, and though I couldn't see them, their enthusiasm was palpable.
So, this is how my long journey to the Fellmirr Empire begins.