Back home, Mavis had always felt the pressure of her title, always conscious of the image she was expected to uphold.
But here, amongst people her age, she felt... normal. It was almost like being a princess was just a mask she wore, not who she truly was.
"Say," she began, her voice hesitant as she watched Ardiel, "were you guys always like this?"
Ardiel turned toward her as they waited for their order of hot pancakes, his expression curious.
"Like what?"
"You know… so carefree, so… fun?"
He chuckled softly.
"No, not always. Actually, this is the first time we've all been together again after years of being separated."
"Years?" Mavis echoed, surprised.
"I thought you guys had known each other forever."
"We have," Ardiel said, a touch of nostalgia in his voice.
"There used to be five of us. Kristan—he's one of our old friends, but he couldn't make it this time"
