Cresencia was exhausted when she went home. Two burly men carried her brothers to their rooms as they fell asleep on the journey back. Her mother sent her a message, telling her that they would come home late because of the gala held by a high-ranking official's wife. A gala usually occurs for upper-class celebrations, and it involves exchanging contacts with the upper society, business expansion/ cooperation, a get-together, and giving face.
The host invites most women from the upper class, and her mother should be one of the special guests. Her elder brothers would be by her parent's side as they look for eligible wife candidates. And it was also deemed to be a battlefield of talents and wealth since ancient times.
People present would not only talk about the luxury of their homes but also gossip about the secrets of others' homes. Inevitably, this gathering can create alliances and destroy relationships. Or can intentionally put a crime at someone else's head.
Cresencia sat on the couch and stared at the digital clock. It pointed at 9:00, and everyone should be preparing to rest by now. She quickly took a bath and changed into plain satin-clothed sleeping wear. She brushed her long hair and applied some soothing cream to her face.
Her alarm rang, reminding her to drink the doctor's prescription. A couple of pills were placed neatly on her palm. The doctor once advised her to take supplementary medicines that would strengthen her body and help boost her cells to recover.
She sighed and drank obediently.
"Mortals only depend on eating bitter, artificial pills that don't affect much. These would only cause more damage to my kidneys," but she needed to heal partially using these pills before she could heal herself using Chinese medicine.
"Longer ingestions would cause organ failures."
She massaged her temples lightly.
"If I could produce herbs without being discovered, it would be more profitable,"
She recognized the difficulties Chinese medicine practitioners face and the forgotten art of pill refining ancient prescriptions.
"Should I search for some authentic stores near me?" she thought of purchasing medicinal herbs to grow.
"Why not--"
She rummaged through her mobile's map and searched for a credible pharmaceutical company. There is a clear goal in her heart. Herbs are rare and precious in this world, and she knows the rarest types and those that can produce after-effects like poison.
"I need to do some traditional alchemy soon!"
"If possible, it should be products based on ancient prescriptions that I've practiced before!"
"Ah-- by then, I will be able to produce beautifying solutions and conduct experiments with active body cells! If I'd be able to make some for myself, it would help me recover more."
"So should I become a doctor?" she thought so, knowing how precious it is to attend college entrance examination for the course she prefers to pursue
When she found all the information she needed, it was already half past 11:00. Drowsiness conquered her body as she left her phone on the bedside table. She slowly lifted the blanket and positioned herself well like an ancient woman.
Unbeknownst to her, she would receive a special gift that night.
Something that she longed to see once more.
And a paradise she calls home.
Suddenly there was a burning sensation within her body. She sat up and blinked in confusion.
"Am I home?" the ground seemed frozen in time, and she appeared in the last place she remembered of her old home.
"Why am I here?"
"Has my father retracted his will?"
"That's impossible--"
She stood and patted the dust from her pajamas. She ran towards the endless garden of well-cultivated medicinal plants. And a sense of familiarity hit in waves, like a dream to her.
Cresencia's figure went into the white jade palace. The hall was kept clean, and her favorite companion was still sleeping on her bed. She saw the fluffy white little figure with long ears, someone who accompanied her as far as she could remember.
"Miku-- you're here," she whispered and kissed the forehead of the chubby little rabbit.
Her touch awakened it. The bunny yawned and blinked its eyes. Unprepared for the master's sudden surprise. It's as if it wants to cry in Cresencia's arms and speak of the troubles it faced since she left.
"Your highness, you're back-- I've been waiting for you for a long time!" it sobbed like a lonely child, abandoned and unloved.
"A long time?" Cresencia felt confused
"Yes, you've been gone for years-- your highness."
"Years? But I've only arrived in the mortal realm for a few months-- how could this be?"
"The time difference between our place and the mortal's plane is huge-- we age by light years," the little bunny reminded.
"Anyway, I am delighted to see you, Miku" she slowly rubbed its head in circles.
"Happy?" Miku felt emotional, and this was the first time it heard her say that she was 'happy.'
"Why are you surprised?"
"It's quite refreshing to hear it from you-- your highness."
"Come here" Cresencia scooped the bunny into her arms, and they decided to look around.
She didn't know how long she stayed there until the alarm clock rang and forced her to wake up.
"I'm back--"
"I guess that was only a dream--" disappointed by her discovery
But she stopped talking as she noticed the moving object under the blanket.
"Miku?" she hesitated but still called its name.
The bunny popped out, laid on her lap, scratched himself, and purred to the owner. And then it started to clean himself like how he used to do it.
Her heartbeat was fast.
A smile was plastered on her face as she stared at the bunny busying himself.
"It was not a dream! Miku, you're here with me. Oh, thank the heavens!"
She held the bunny close to her heart and petted him more. Happy that she finally has a companion who knows her best. And someone she could truly trust and talk to no matter what happens.