After entering her room, Rosalena carefully placed the mysterious egg beside her on a soft cushion.
She gently ran her fingers over its smooth surface. "What are you?" she whispered.
Just then, her maid entered, carrying a bowl of warm soup.
"My lady, you must take care of your health."
Rosalena sighed but obediently took the bowl, sipping the comforting broth.
Suddenly—
A tiny flutter came from the open window.
Small creatures—birds, squirrels, and even a few rabbits—hopped inside, their tiny eyes filled with warmth.
They gathered around her, their expressions filled with gratitude.
"Lady Rosalena, thank you for saving one of our own."
A tiny squirrel with bright eyes stepped forward. "If you ever need our help, we will always be here for you!"
Rosalena smiled at their cute expressions. "Thank you… I appreciate it."
The squirrel's gaze then shifted to the egg.
Its tiny ears perked up. "Ah! So you have finally found it."
Rosalena frowned. "You… know about this egg?"
The squirrel nodded. "Yes, of course. Your mother placed it in the pond before you were born, nearly two years before you came into this world."
Rosalena's breath hitched. "My… mother?"
The creatures nodded. "She entrusted us to protect it. She told us that one day, after twenty years, the egg would hatch—and this year is that time."
Rosalena listened carefully, her mind spinning.
"My mother placed it here? But why? I thought I knew everything about this world… yet I know nothing."
She bit her lip, deep in thought. "This isn't how things were supposed to happen… Everything is changing."
The little creatures watched her, their eyes full of quiet understanding.
She sighed and shook her head, then gently offered them some food.
"You've protected this egg for so long. Thank you. Eat and rest for now."
As the small creatures happily nibbled on the food, Rosalena climbed into bed, cradling the egg against her.
She softly whispered to it, "I don't know who you are… but my name is Rosalena."
She smiled as warmth spread through her chest.
Then, slowly, she drifted into deep sleep…
And as she slept—
The egg faintly glowed.