As Hina walked along the pavement road leading back to the safety of the Ingrasya castle, she couldn't help but notice the curious stares of the people around her. Their eyes followed her every move, casting a strange and unsettling vibe over her.
The sight of people staring at her with such intensity sent shivers down Hina's spine, making her skin prickle with unease. She couldn't help but wonder why they were looking at her like that, their gaze lingering on her with an intensity that was hard to ignore.
The sound of murmured whispers and hushed conversations filled the air, adding to the eerie atmosphere that surrounded her. It was as if the very air itself was alive with a sense of foreboding, whispering secrets that sent a chill down Hina's spine.
The scent of fear hung heavy in the air, mingling with the familiar scent of the city streets. It was a potent reminder of the danger that lurked around every corner, a constant reminder of the perilous world she inhabited.
As Hina walked, she couldn't help but feel a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. The knowledge that she now bore a striking resemblance to her parents, Celistia and Carrion, weighed heavily on her mind, filling her with a sense of dread.
With each step she took, the sense of apprehension only grew stronger, threatening to overwhelm her completely. She knew that she had to find a way to dispel the eerie vibe that seemed to follow her wherever she went, but she couldn't shake the feeling that danger lurked just around the corner.
As Hina continued her walk, a young girl, no more than six years old, approached her with an innocent curiosity shining in her eyes. The sight of the child filled Hina with a mix of emotions, from surprise to concern.
The sound of the child's voice, small and fragile, reached Hina's ears, pulling her attention away from her troubled thoughts. The words the girl spoke struck a chord within Hina, igniting a sense of unease that lingered at the back of her mind.
The scent of the city streets was suddenly overshadowed by the tension in the air, as the parents of the child reacted with alarm to their daughter's innocent inquiry. Their voices joined the murmurs of the crowd, creating a cacophony of sound that filled the air with an oppressive weight.
The sensation of eyes upon her intensified as the crowd's attention shifted to the interaction between Hina and the young girl. It felt as though every pair of eyes in the vicinity was trained on her, watching her every move with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.
As Hina exchanged words with the child, a knot formed in her stomach, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. She couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt and unease at the realization that her actions had led to this moment, drawing attention to herself in a way she had never anticipated.
As Hina arrived at the castle, the air was filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement. The bustling sounds of the kingdom greeted her ears, blending together into a symphony of activity that surrounded her.
The scent of freshly bloomed flowers wafted through the air, carried on a gentle breeze that swept through the courtyard. It was a refreshing scent, one that seemed to carry with it a sense of renewal and hope.
As Hina made her way through the throngs of people, she couldn't help but notice the curious glances and whispered conversations that followed in her wake. It was as if the entire kingdom was abuzz with talk of her arrival, though she couldn't understand why.
The sensation of eyes upon her was palpable, each gaze feeling like a weight upon her shoulders as she walked. It was an uncomfortable feeling, one that made her acutely aware of her every movement and gesture.
When she was greeted by the people of the kingdom, their words filled her with confusion and disbelief. They spoke of her as if she were someone of great importance, someone worthy of reverence and respect.
As Lefa addressed her with reverence, referring to her as "your highness," Hina's confusion only deepened. She couldn't understand why she was being treated with such deference, especially when she felt so out of place in this grand castle.
And when the king himself bowed before her, offering his respects, Hina's shock reached its peak. She stood frozen in place, unable to comprehend why she, a mere girl, was being hailed as a goddess.
In that moment, the world around her seemed to blur, the sights, sounds, and smells melding together into a surreal tableau. Hina struggled to make sense of it all, grappling with the overwhelming realization that her life had taken a turn she could never have imagined.
The words of King Arthur echoed through the grand halls of the castle, reverberating against the stone walls as they settled in Hina's mind. His voice carried a weight of authority, commanding attention and respect from all who heard it.
As Hina absorbed the king's words, a mixture of disbelief and astonishment washed over her. She struggled to comprehend the idea that she, a girl with no recollection of her past, could be compared to the revered goddesses Celestia and Carrion.
The scent of incense hung heavy in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of burning candles that flickered in the sconces lining the walls. It added to the solemnity of the moment, casting a sense of reverence over the proceedings.
Meanwhile, the sound of Lefa's excited voice rang out like music in Hina's ears, punctuating the gravity of the situation with a note of joy and excitement. Lefa's enthusiasm was infectious, filling the room with a palpable energy that seemed to pulse with each beat of her heart.
As Hina grappled with the implications of her newfound status, her mind raced with questions and uncertainties. She couldn't help but wonder what it all meant, and how she was supposed to navigate this strange new world she found herself in.
And yet, despite her confusion, there was a sense of acceptance and belonging that washed over her. The king's words had bestowed upon her a sense of purpose and identity that she couldn't ignore, no matter how hard she tried.
In that moment, as she stood before the king and his court, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of the castle, Hina realized that her life would never be the same again. She was no longer just a girl—she was a princess, a goddess, destined for greatness.
As Hina prepared to step out into the world beyond the castle walls, a sudden warning echoed through her mind like a clarion call. The voice of the system, usually calm and composed, now carried a sense of urgency that sent a shiver down her spine.
Her senses heightened, Hina paused, her hand hovering over the door handle, as she processed the message. The warning of eminent danger lingered in her mind, casting a shadow over her plans and stirring a knot of anxiety in the pit of her stomach.
Outside, the air felt charged with tension, as if the very atmosphere itself held its breath in anticipation of what was to come. The scent of freshly fallen rain mingled with the earthy aroma of the forest, creating a heady mixture that filled Hina's nostrils as she contemplated her next move.
In the distance, the sound of thunder rumbled ominously, a low, guttural growl that seemed to reverberate through the very ground beneath her feet. It served as a grim reminder of the imminent threat that loomed on the horizon, a reminder that danger lurked just beyond the safety of the castle walls.
As Hina grappled with the implications of the warning, a sense of urgency washed over her, driving her to action. With resolve firm in her heart, she steeled herself for the challenges that lay ahead, knowing that she could not afford to ignore the system's message.
With a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and took a step forward, ready to face whatever trials awaited her outside. For Hina knew that she was not alone—she had the strength of her convictions, the guidance of the system, and the support of her friends and allies to see her through.
*To be continue *