As Hina and Hiku strolled together, the air around them crackled with a mix of tension and anticipation. Hina's question hung in the air, prompting Hiku to reveal their purpose for seeking her out. With a mixture of surprise and curiosity, Hina listened intently as Hiku explained their mission to retrieve her.
As they reached the designated meeting spot, Hina suggested they convene at the IN bar, a popular gathering place in the kingdom. With a nod of agreement, Hiku hurried off to fetch Magus and Nino, leaving Hina to her own devices for the moment.
Entering the bustling establishment, Hina felt a sense of anonymity wash over her as she removed her hood, allowing her to blend into the crowd. But her attempt at disguise was short-lived as the receptionist approached, mistaking her for the goddess Hina herself.
Feeling a twinge of unease at the recognition, Hina quickly corrected the receptionist, adopting the alias Ela to maintain her cover. But despite her efforts to remain inconspicuous, the receptionist's comment lingered in her mind, a reminder of the weight of her divine heritage.
Deciding to focus on the task at hand, Hina placed an order for some snacks to enjoy in the privacy of her room upstairs. With a polite nod, the receptionist obliged, leaving Hina to ponder the events unfolding around her as she awaited the arrival of her companions.
As the four of them gathered in the room upstairs, Hina took a deep breath, steeling herself for the difficult conversation ahead. "I'm sorry, teacher," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "I won't be returning to the Tryni Elite Academy to continue my studies."
Hiku's expression softened, his eyes filled with concern. "But Princess, please reconsider," he implored. "You're an important part of our academy, and we value your presence."
Hina shook her head, her resolve unwavering. "I appreciate your words, but I must follow my own path for now," she explained. "I need to explore the world and learn on my own terms. Staying in one place puts others at risk, especially with Phobio's obsession with me."
Hiku's shoulders slumped in defeat, but he nodded in understanding. "I understand, Princess," he said, his voice tinged with sadness. "I respect your decision, even if it means you won't be returning to our academy."
Tears glistened in Hina's eyes as she looked at her teacher and friends. "Thank you for understanding," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll miss you all, but I have to do this."
Feeling a lump form in his throat, Hiku stepped forward and enveloped Hina in a warm hug. "Take care of yourself out there, Princess," he murmured. "And remember, if you ever need us, we'll be here for you."
After their emotional farewell, Hiku and the others made their way back to the academy, leaving Hina alone with her thoughts. As she watched them go, a mixture of sadness and determination filled her heart. She knew that her journey ahead would be challenging, but she was ready to face it head-on.
As Hina stepped out of the inn, the cool evening breeze brushed against her skin, carrying with it the scent of freshly baked bread and blooming flowers. She pulled her hood up, casting a shadow over her face, but even as she walked, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at the edges of her consciousness.
The cobblestone streets of Ingrasya were bustling with activity, the sound of vendors hawking their wares mixing with the chatter of people going about their evening routines. Hina glanced around cautiously, her senses on high alert as she scanned the crowd for any signs of danger.
The fading sunlight cast long shadows across the buildings, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue in the air. Hina's footsteps echoed softly against the pavement as she navigated the bustling streets, her eyes darting from one alleyway to the next, searching for any potential threats.
The taste of anticipation lingered on her tongue, a mix of excitement and apprehension as she ventured deeper into the heart of the kingdom. Despite the lingering sense of danger, there was an undeniable thrill in exploring the unknown, a sense of freedom that filled her with a newfound sense of purpose.
But beneath it all, there was a subtle undercurrent of fear, a nagging doubt that whispered in the back of her mind. Was she truly safe here, or was there something darker lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike?
As she continued her solitary journey through the streets of Ingrasya, Hina couldn't help but feel a sense of isolation creeping over her. She was alone in a city filled with strangers, with no one to rely on but herself. And yet, despite the uncertainty that lay ahead, she refused to let fear hold her back. With each step she took, she was determined to face whatever challenges awaited her, head-on and unafraid.
As Hina stealthily made her way through the corridors of the castle, her heart pounded in her chest, every sound amplified in the silence of the night. The flickering torches cast eerie shadows on the stone walls, adding to the sense of foreboding that hung in the air.
The faint scent of lavender lingered in the hallway, a remnant of the cleaning supplies used by the castle staff. Hina's keen senses picked up the subtle rustle of fabric as she passed by a servant's quarters, her footsteps barely making a sound as she moved with practiced grace.
The taste of apprehension coated her tongue, a bitter reminder of the tension that simmered just beneath the surface. She knew she was taking a risk by sneaking around the castle, but she refused to let anyone dictate her actions, especially not Carrion.
As she slipped into her room and closed the door behind her, she breathed a sigh of relief, her body finally able to relax after the adrenaline-filled escape. But her moment of peace was short-lived as Carrion's voice cut through the silence like a knife.
The air in the room grew heavy with tension, the atmosphere charged with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Hina could feel Carrion's hurt and disappointment radiating off him like a palpable force, and for a moment, she hesitated, unsure of how to respond.
But then her resolve hardened, and she met his gaze head-on, refusing to back down in the face of his silent accusation. With a steely determination, she uttered her words, each one dripping with defiance and defiance, as she asserted her independence and rejected his claim to fatherhood.
And as Carrion turned and left her room without a word, the sense of emptiness that washed over her was almost suffocating. But deep down, she knew she had made the right choice, for she would not be controlled by anyone, not even her own father.
*To be continue *