"miss Elaina... We don't have time anymore. We need to act as quickly as possible now. I'm sorry... I'm sorry... It's my fault that we've been wasting time..."
If only I didn't hesitate so much in taking action...
Princess Elaina moved her hands and firmly held Ray's cheeks. She awakened Ray by slapping his cheeks. Then she leaned her face close to Ray's face and spoke firmly.
"Calm down... Mr. Ray. We're not in a difficult situation right now. We're still safe. You're alive, and I'm alive too. No one is chasing us or trying to disturb our lives at the moment."
"But... In the future..."
"That's why you need to calm down. Explain to me what happened. We'll try to solve the problem."
"But... We don't have any more time. We need to act quickly."
Princess Elaina became even more frustrated, seeing the stubborn child in front of her. Knowing that the child was supposed to be a hero made her even more frustrated. A hero who should protect the people around him, but only complains without a clear plan. Knowing this made princess Elaina doubt Ray as a hero.
With all the emotions in her heart, princess Elaina shouted loudly at Ray, "That's why you need to stop complaining all the time... You're the one wasting our time right now. Explain to me calmly, right now. If you don't explain what's happening, I can't do anything either...
I won't know if you don't tell me. I'm not a god who knows everything. I'm human, you're human too, we're weak, that's why we need other people. Complaining all the time won't solve your problems! Trust others around you, you're not alone.
Please believe me and tell me what is really going on. Just complaining won't solve your problem, Mr. Ray. Please..."
Ray pondered for a moment, thinking about everything princess Elaina had done to him. He looked at himself and thought about all the actions he had taken. Remembering all of that made him disgusted with himself. Realizing that, he became aware that princess Elaina's words were the truth.
Even though his beloved sister had given him words of encouragement. Even though Cecilia had given him words that could keep him focused on his goal. Ray still had the habit of thinking negatively.
Ray finally realized that this habit had become ingrained in him. It made it difficult for him to think clearly and be open to more important things.
Ray realized that all this time he had only been concerned about himself. He let negative thoughts control him. Unaware that those negative thoughts were holding him back.
Ray also realized that it would be difficult for him to let go of this bad habit now. Daily habits are not easy to completely eliminate in an instant. He also realized that he was just a normal human being, and not everything could be done alone. Humans have limitations within themselves, and there are times when someone needs the help of others.
For the first time in his life, Ray was treated firmly like this. Emotions he didn't recognize entered his heart. Strange feelings he had never experienced in his previous world. Now he experienced it when he looked at princess Elaina's face.
After thinking about it for a moment, he finally realized that it was respect and gratitude. Ray now respected princess Elaina wholeheartedly. Respect grew because of the gratitude that was ingrained in his heart. And gratitude grew because he felt saved.
Now, number 2 in Ray's heart was fulfilled. Number 2 in Ray's heart was occupied by a princess named Elaina. For a long time, Ray had found someone who could rival Cecilia in occupying his heart.
Unlike Cecilia, who occupied the number 1 spot in Ray's heart because of his deep affection for her. Princess Elaina got the number 2 spot in Ray's heart because of respect and gratitude.
Although the methods used by princess Elaina hurt his feelings. But that's what Ray needed right now. Ray now realized that he didn't need encouragement or affection, but he needed a strong push to face the problems directly.
While covering his face with his right hand, Ray chuckled briefly after realizing all of this.
Meanwhile, princess Elaina looked at Ray with confusion. Releasing her hands that were still holding Ray's cheeks earlier.
When Ray stopped chuckling, the room became silent. In that silence, Ray suddenly murmured, "I seem like a masochist like this."
Princess Elaina, who didn't hear Ray's words clearly, became curious.
"What did you say? I couldn't hear it."
"Oh... Nothing."
Ray smiled at princess Elaina and took a deep breath, then exhaled.
With all his heart and sincerity, Ray said while bowing his head, "I'm sorry... I promise I won't do that again."
Princess Elaina, confused, asked, "What's wrong with you all of a sudden?"
Ray looked back and observed Lady Elaina's furrowed brows due to confusion. With a smile on his face, he said, "Thank you."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Ahaha-ha-haha, you're cute when you're confused, you know?"
Princess Elaina was surprised and felt embarrassed, her cheeks turned red indicating her embarrassment.
"Why are you suddenly saying things like that? What's wrong with you?"
"Wait a moment..."
Ray looked at princess Elaina and tried to clear his mind for a moment. He slapped his own face to convince himself that he should do what he wanted from the beginning.
Ray's mind was suddenly filled with reflections on his previous doubts about why he felt the need to save everyone in that moment. However, something had changed within him. Now, Ray felt an unwavering determination in his heart.
The reason to save others? Who cares about my reasons for saving others.
I want to save them all because I want to. That reason is enough for me...
With a determined and ambitious gaze, Ray chose to step forward with the reason he had found. With a smile on his face, he confidently said, "Alright... First, I have to explain what's happening to you. Get ready, princess..."