As Hina took a momentary respite from her father's presence, a maid and a guard trailed behind her, their voices reverently addressing her as "princess goddess." Hina couldn't help but roll her eyes at the newfound title bestowed upon her. "Princess goddess, huh? Give me a break," she muttered under her breath, feeling the weight of expectation settling on her shoulders.
Suddenly, the system's voice chimed in, alerting Hina to a significant upgrade in her magical abilities. Her magic shift had evolved into magic shift extreme, granting her the power to wield her divine magic at 150% capacity. Hina couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of testing out her newfound strength.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Hina slipped away from the confines of the castle, eager to explore the bustling marketplace of the kingdom. Donning a simple rug hood to conceal her identity, she ventured into the throngs of people, her senses alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling marketplace.
The air was thick with the aroma of spices and freshly baked bread, mingling with the chatter of merchants hawking their wares and the laughter of children playing nearby. Hina couldn't help but marvel at the kaleidoscope of colors that surrounded her—the vibrant fabrics of the market stalls, the gleaming jewels on display, and the rainbow of fruits and vegetables piled high in baskets.
As she wandered through the maze of narrow streets and crowded alleyways, Hina couldn't shake the feeling of awe at the sheer size and vibrancy of the kingdom. Everywhere she looked, there was something new and intriguing to discover—a hidden gem tucked away in a corner, a tantalizing aroma wafting from a street vendor's cart, or a lively street performer entertaining a captivated audience.
Despite the weight of her responsibilities as a princess and a goddess, Hina couldn't help but feel a sense of freedom and exhilaration as she immersed herself in the bustling energy of the marketplace. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to forget about the expectations placed upon her and simply enjoy the simple pleasures of exploration and discovery.
And as she navigated the bustling streets, her heart brimming with curiosity and excitement, Hina couldn't help but feel a flicker of anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead in this vast and wondrous kingdom.
As Hina savored the delectable flavors of the freshly picked apple and the mouthwatering sweetness of the cake, her senses were alive with the experience. With each crisp bite of the apple, she could taste the sweetness of the fruit mingling with the tangy freshness, sending a burst of flavor dancing across her taste buds. The cake, rich and indulgent, melted in her mouth, leaving behind a lingering sweetness that brought a smile to her lips.
As she walked through the bustling marketplace, the sights and sounds of the city enveloped her. The vibrant colors of the market stalls dazzled her eyes, from the deep crimson of ripe tomatoes to the golden hues of freshly baked bread. The air was filled with the enticing aroma of spices and baked goods, intermingled with the lively chatter of merchants and the laughter of children playing nearby.
Despite the hustle and bustle around her, Hina felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over her as she enjoyed her simple meal. The warmth of the sun on her skin, the gentle breeze rustling through her hair, and the comforting hum of the city enveloped her in a cocoon of tranquility.
But beneath the surface calm, a sense of unease began to gnaw at her. The system's warning about an unknown entity watching her every move sent a shiver down her spine, heightening her senses to the unseen presence lurking in the shadows.
As she continued on her journey through the marketplace, Hina remained alert, her senses on high alert for any sign of danger. Though she couldn't see the entity that the system had detected, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, a nagging sense of unease tugging at the edges of her consciousness.
With each step she took, Hina remained vigilant, her senses attuned to the slightest hint of danger, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. And as she navigated the crowded streets of the marketplace, her heart raced with anticipation, knowing that she would need to stay alert and focused to uncover the truth behind the mysterious entity that lurked in the shadows.
As Hina bumped into someone in the crowded marketplace, she let out a soft exclamation of surprise, feeling the impact jolt through her body. But as she heard the familiar voice of her teacher, Hiku, her expression softened, and she felt a sense of relief wash over her. The joy in Hiku's voice was palpable, and Hina couldn't help but smile as she realized she was indeed alive and well.
But as she glanced around at the curious onlookers, a wave of caution washed over her, and she whispered to Hiku, urging him to keep their encounter low-key to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Hiku nodded in understanding, his eyes reflecting the seriousness of the situation as he reassured her with a whisper.
Hina's curiosity piqued, she asked Hiku if he was alone, to which he responded that Nino and Magus were nearby, working part-time to keep an eye on things. Hina felt a surge of gratitude towards her companions, knowing they were looking out for her well-being even in her absence.
But when Hiku inquired about the person she had been fighting in the sky three days prior, Hina's demeanor shifted, her expression clouded with unresolved conflict. She hesitated before revealing that it was her self-proclaimed father, Carrion, who had engaged her in battle. The memory of their fierce confrontation weighed heavily on her mind, and she couldn't shake the lingering sense of betrayal.
As Hiku expressed his disbelief and anger at Carrion's actions, Hina urged him to let go of the past, preferring to avoid further conflict. But beneath her calm exterior, Hina felt a tumult of emotions, a mixture of resentment and longing for freedom from the burdens of her lineage.
With a determined expression, Hina asserted her desire to be addressed simply as "Hina," shedding the titles of princess and goddess that had weighed heavily on her shoulders. She longed for a sense of normalcy, free from the expectations and responsibilities that came with her divine heritage.
As Hiku chuckled in response to her request, Hina couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope, knowing that despite the challenges that lay ahead, she had allies by her side who would support her in her quest for independence and self-discovery.
*To be continue *