As Hina stirred from her slumber, she found herself nestled in what appeared to be the softest, most luxurious bed she had ever experienced. Blinking sleepily, she stretched her limbs and let out a contented yawn, feeling the warmth of the morning sun filtering through the windows. As her eyes adjusted to the light, she glanced down at herself and gasped in surprise at the sight of the beautiful sleeping dress she wore. It was as if she had been draped in clouds, the fabric flowing around her like a gentle breeze. "Oh my god, such a cute outfit display," she murmured, a playful grin tugging at the corners of her lips.
Before she could dwell too long on her attire, a familiar voice broke the silence, causing her heart to flutter with excitement. "Good morning, Master," the system chimed in, its tone dripping with dramatic flair. Hina couldn't help but giggle at the theatrics. "Miss System, why are you talking now? I missed you so much," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine affection.
The system explained that the Hero's party had arranged for her to sleep here, prompting a blush to spread across Hina's cheeks. "You mean Benimaru?" she asked eagerly, her mind racing with thoughts of the dashing young hero. But to her surprise, the system revealed that it was actually Flicker who had transferred her here. "Who is Flicker?" Hina wondered aloud, her curiosity piqued.
The system's response was cryptic, hinting at a deeper connection between Hina and the enigmatic mage. "You mean you didn't even ask their name?" it teased, prompting Hina to playfully mimic a cat's playful expression. "Nya," she replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
As the system provided a brief overview of the Hero's party, Hina's mind whirled with questions. How could the system access such personal information? "I am your assistant, after all," the system explained, its voice tinged with a hint of embarrassment. Hina accepted the explanation with a nod, though she couldn't shake the feeling of unease at the system's secrecy.
Before she could ponder further, a knock sounded at her door, and a maid entered, bearing a tray of breakfast. "Miss Hina, you must wear this cute noble dress. It absolutely suits you," the maid insisted, holding up a delicate garment adorned with lace and ribbons. Hina's protests fell on deaf ears as the maid quickly set about dressing her in the outfit, complete with a flouncy mini skirt. "Not again," Hina groaned, though she couldn't help but admit that the dress was undeniably adorable.
Once dressed, Hina ventured out into the castle corridors, flanked by guards and maids. She couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu as she walked, wondering why she was constantly surrounded by these watchful eyes. "What's up with these people? Why are they following me everywhere I go?" she mused aloud, her voice tinged with frustration.
The system's response was unexpected but strangely comforting. "Your features closely resemble those of your parents, Celestia and Carrion," it explained. Hina scoffed at the notion, unable to accept that she could be related to such esteemed figures. "Parents, my ass," she muttered under her breath, shaking her head in disbelief.
Lost in thought, Hina soon found herself in the castle garden, where she spotted a lone figure sitting amidst the vibrant blooms. With a sense of curiosity, she approached the girl, her heart pounding with anticipation. "Hello, young girl," she greeted, her voice soft and tentative.
To her surprise, the girl responded with a knowing smile, instantly putting Hina at ease. "What do you mean, young girl? You're just as young as I am," she replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement. Hina couldn't help but marvel at the girl's perceptiveness, wondering how she knew her age at a glance.
Undeterred, Hina pressed on, eager to learn more about her newfound companion. "What is your name, sister?" she asked, her voice tinged with genuine curiosity. The girl introduced herself as Lefa, her demeanor warm and welcoming. "I should call you big sister, then," Hina replied, a playful grin lighting up her features.
As Lefa enveloped her in a warm hug, Hina couldn't help but feel a sense of kinship with the girl. Despite the mysteries that surrounded her, she knew that she had found a true friend in Lefa, a friend who accepted her for who she was, regardless of her parentage or her past. And as they stood together in the tranquil garden, surrounded by the beauty of nature, Hina knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be.
As Hina gazed at Lefa with wide eyes, a sense of disbelief washed over her. "Who are you, big sister? And why are you here?" she inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of apprehension.
Lefa's response caught Hina off guard, her words weighted with a sense of authority and familiarity. "You mean you did not know? I am the daughter of the king," she revealed, her tone carrying an air of quiet confidence.
Hina's heart skipped a beat as she processed Lefa's revelation. Suddenly, the playful banter they had shared felt like a distant memory, replaced by a newfound awareness of the girl's royal lineage. "Oh, ow," Hina thought to herself, a wave of realization crashing over her. "I think I provoked royalty by calling her 'big sister.' She's not just a visitor."
As the weight of her words settled upon her, Hina couldn't help but feel a pang of embarrassment. She had unknowingly crossed a boundary, treating Lefa as an equal when she was, in fact, of noble birth. Despite her misstep, Hina remained determined to navigate the situation with grace and humility.
Taking a deep breath, she mustered the courage to address Lefa once more. "I apologize, Your Highness," she began, her voice soft and contrite. "I did not mean to overstep my bounds. Please forgive my ignorance."
Lefa regarded Hina with a gentle smile, her demeanor softening at the girl's sincere apology. "There is no need for apologies, Hina," she reassured, her voice warm and reassuring. "You did not know, and I should have made it clear from the start."
As Hina's embarrassment began to ebb away, she felt a sense of gratitude towards Lefa for her understanding and patience. Despite their differences in status, she could sense a genuine connection forming between them, one built on mutual respect and acceptance.
With a newfound sense of camaraderie, Hina and Lefa continued their conversation, their laughter mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of the castle garden, Hina realized that true friendship knew no bounds, transcending the barriers of rank and status.
As they talked, Hina couldn't help but marvel at the way Lefa's presence seemed to illuminate the garden, infusing it with a sense of warmth and vitality. The vibrant colors of the flowers seemed to come alive under the golden rays of the sun, casting a radiant glow upon their surroundings.
Lost in conversation, Hina and Lefa whiled away the hours, their voices rising and falling like the melody of a song. And as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the garden, Hina knew that she had found not only a sister in Lefa but also a kindred spirit—a friend who would stand by her side through thick and thin.
In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of the castle garden, Hina felt a sense of peace wash over her. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she knew that she would face them with courage and determination, buoyed by the bonds of friendship that now united her with Lefa. And as they watched the stars twinkle into existence overhead, Hina couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the unexpected gift of companionship that had been bestowed upon her.
*To be continue *