Before reading this chapter, you might want to refresh your memories by reading the Prolog XD***In the dim-lit room of an apartment in the city, a hardcover book with golden writing suddenly opened its pages. A bright light came from the pages, shining on the bedroom. A woman in her late 20s opened her eyes in shock. She turned to her side table, where the light was coming from. To her horror, the head of an old hag comically popped up from the pages, just like the crooked-nosed evil witch from Disney's."Princess! You must go home now!" The old hag said threateningly.The half-asleep woman could not comprehend, nor could she do anything when suddenly her body was floating in the air and sucked into the book like a cartoon character! She screamed her lungs out, terrified about what would be her end.***Whoa, what just happened? One minute I'm chilling in my apartment, binge-watching my favorite anime, and the next thing I know, I wake up in the middle of a freakin' forest! This is some serious Alice in Wonderland stuff, and I ain't prepared for this magical journey.Things have gotten weird really quickly. When I take a good look at myself, it's like I've stepped into a cosplay convention on steroids. My plain Jane everyday appearance has been upgraded to a full-blown Cinderella look-a-like. I mean, I'm talking sparkling gowns, glass slippers, and all that jazz. It's like someone decided to give me a princess makeover while I was taking an unexpected nap.And this forest... it ain't your average green patch of trees. No! It's a whole new level of magical wonders. The air feels charged with enchantment, like I've been transported to some fairytale realm. The trees stretch up high, their branches intertwined like they're gossiping about the latest royal scandal. The foliage is so lush and vibrant that it's like a Crayola explosion of colors. I half-expect talking animals to start popping out from behind the bushes and serenade me with a Disney tune.The sunlight dances through the canopy above, casting playful patterns on the forest floor. It's like nature's disco ball, except we're partying in the wilderness instead of a nightclub. Shafts of light illuminate patches of wildflowers, painting the ground with a vibrant palette of pinks, purples, and yellows. Butterflies flit around, adding an extra touch of whimsy to this already magical scene.As I'm admiring the forest, I can't help but feel a sense of wonder and awe. It's like stepping into a storybook, with each step unveiling a new chapter of this extraordinary tale. But I gotta say, as much as I appreciate the fairytale vibes, I can't help but wonder how I will get back home. Nobody has time for this fantasy adventure when I've got deadlines and bills to pay.But for now, I'll embrace this unexpected detour into the land of novels. Who knows what epic quests and unforgettable characters await me in this enchanted forest? Maybe, just maybe, there's a way to find my way back home. But until then, I'm strapping on my glass slippers and ready to dive headfirst into this adventure. After all, life's too short not to have a little bit of magic, right?Hey, wait a minute! Why am I talking in my head like that? Although it sounds familiar, I still feel kinda cringy all of a sudden, as if I have read the writing style somewhere. Give me a second.So, I scanned my surroundings for the hundredth time. None of it feels familiar. The trees are like in children's fairy tales, books, and movies. And my dress, my hair... blond? My natural hair color is black, not some ash blond, unless I've decided to dye it before coming here. But I never planned to come here because tomorrow I have a very important business presentation! I can't miss that! Missing that means losing the promotion!I have to get back. But how? This is not a dream. I'm very sure of it because if it is some kind of dream, it feels so real. And why am I sitting on the ground? Slowly, I try to stand, but some pain just strikes me on my ankle. I fall back, frustratingly cursing and hissing.As I lay on the ground, nursing my sprained ankle and trying to make sense of this crazy situation, a sudden commotion broke the tranquility of the forest. A figure emerged from the foliage, clad in shining armor and urgently speaking."Princess Elysia! Thank goodness I found you! We've been searching for you everywhere!" The knight exclaimed, his voice filled with relief. He kneeled to level with the princess, who was sitting on the ground.Princess Elysia? Who the heck is Princess Elysia? I am, but Samantha Lindsey! And I'm no royalty. But I've been cast in the role, so I guess I'll roll with it for now for my safety.I sat up, feigning confusion, and replied, "Oh, thank you, kind knight. I'm afraid I have lost my memories. Can you tell me more about myself?"The escort knight's eyes widened in surprise, but he composed himself quickly, understanding my predicament. He first introduced himself as Sir Gregory Everhart. He began to unravel the tale of Princess Elysia—her name. She is from the Kingdom of Astoria, the only princess and the heir to the throne. I listened intently, my mind trying to process this new information belonging to another person.As I was wrapping my head around the idea of being a princess, the knight's voice grew frantic, and his eyes darted to the shadows behind me. "Your Highness, the reason we found you in this forest is because you were kidnapped by a monstrous creature—a Yeti of immense power and ferocity. We must be on guard!"Before I could fully comprehend the gravity of the situation, the ground beneath us shook, and a menacing growl reverberated through the air. The Yeti—dubbed the Frostbane, a name befitting its horrifying nature—loomed before us, its massive form casting a chilling shadow over our fragile existence.Sir Gregory unsheathed his sword, ready to defend me, but it was clear that the Frostbane was a formidable opponent. Its icy breath sent shivers down my spine, and its eyes gleamed with a hunger for destruction.Just as Sir Gregory prepared for a battle that seemed insurmountable, a figure burst onto the scene—Prince Alexander!Wait a minute!My mind felt numb for a couple of minutes. Don't tell me he is the same prince who is the male lead of the novel I once was forced to read in high school. The very same prince I had loathed before. His presence ignited a spark of annoyance within me, and I knew I had to accept faith because he was my savior right now! We stood a fighting chance with him by our side.But how can I recognize him? I haven't seen his picture anywhere in the book. My mind suddenly recognized him as if it were natural...Prince Alexander wasted no time, drawing his sword with fluid grace and joining the fray. His skills were unmatched, his strikes swift and precise. He and Sir Gregory formed a temporary alliance, each contributing to the fight against the Frostbane.As they fought, their synchronized movements danced with a harmony born of necessity. Prince Alexander's strength and experience, combined with Sir Gregory's quick reflexes and newfound determination, created a formidable force against the monstrous Yeti.The battle raged on, the clash of steel against the Frostbane's icy hide echoing through the forest. The creature's attacks were brutal, but with each strike, they grew more resolute, fueled by the shared goal of ensuring our survival.Through sheer determination and a touch of luck, the two men managed to weaken the Frostbane, their combined efforts taking their toll. It let out a thunderous roar, its icy exterior cracking under the weight of its imminent defeat.Prince Alexander delivered a decisive blow with one final strike, vanquishing the Frostbane and crashing it to the forest floor. The battle had been won, but the echoes of its ferocity lingered in the air.As they caught their breath, Prince Alexander turned to me, his eyes filled with relief and admiration."Are you alright, my lady?"I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest, both from the adrenaline of battle and the presence of this charismatic prince who annoyingly had once again appeared in my life. Our eyes met, and at that moment, I sensed a connection that transcended the circumstances—a bond forged through shared adversity and the triumph of our collective strength.What the hell did I just feel? Stop this! I don't know how, but suddenly, my mind was taken over by somebody, as if someone was doing the thinking. Is this Princess Elysia's own thoughts? Do I have to go blindly following them?As the forest witnessed our encounter, Elysia couldn't help but wonder what other twists and turns awaited her in this magical world. But for now, with Sir Gregory by her side and Prince Alexander at her back, she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, fueled by her newfound courage and the tantalizing possibilities that awaited her in this extraordinary tale.There it goes again! Speaking in my head as if I'm willing to partake in this absurd adventure!