Princess Helena's slumber in the library was abruptly disrupted by the unexpected intrusion of footsteps. A sudden spill of light cascaded into the room, where she had taken refuge for the night. As the silhouette of an approaching figure emerged, it came to a halt upon realizing that she was not alone in this sanctuary of books.
"Forgive me, Your Royal Highness," the man said as he came face-to-face with the princess.
Princess Helena regarded the man with a curious gaze. "Are you truly human?"
The man, who had been bowing, looked up at her, perplexed. "Yes, Your Royal Highness."
"How can you assure me of your humanity?" she inquired.
The man found himself at a loss, unsure of how to convince the princess of his humanity. He blinked for a moment before replying, "I may not fully understand your question, Your Royal Highness, but I am a living human, as far back as I can remember."
