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Chapter 13
We had been enjoying our “wise carriage life”—snacks, board games, naps. But then…
Me: “Ugh! I can’t take it anymore. It’s so stuffy! Are we there yet, Liz?”
Liz: “Sir Briven said we’ll arrive today. Just a bit longer.”
Me (blushing): “Would you stop teasing me like that? Seriously!”
Liz (smirking): “Your Highness, where on earth did you learn to speak like this? You sound like an old soul.”
Me (outraged): “How dare you insult the Princess of this Empire!”
Liz (overly polite): “Oh no, never. You are so mature, so wise… and what else….”
Liz had me laughing—Killian and Adelaide giggled quietly too, noticing the shift in my mood.
Yes, just a bit more patience. Because this is all for my beloved!
In that warm mood, I shuffled the cards for our memory game. The goal was to flip matching pairs by memory—simple, but surprisingly challenging on a rattling carriage.
Me: “When we reach Deaark, let’s call each other by our names.”
Killian / Adelaide: “What?”
Liz raised an eyebrow. Killian glanced at her, as if confirming. No one dares speak impolitely before the Princess, but he nodded. Adelaide agreed shortly after.
Adelaide (excited): “O‑okay!”
Me: “Then we start now!”
Killian / Adelaide: “Already?”
Me: “Why not? We’re almost there.”
They looked startled—trying to focus on cards, but tongues-tied at the name suggestion.
I teased.
Me: “I guess you two didn’t think of me as your friend?”
Killian (horrified): “No! Princess! That’s not it!”
Me: “See, you’re saying ‘Princess’ even now… sigh.”
Killian flushed and cupped his mouth—too cute.
Adelaide, gathering courage, shouted:
Adelaide: “Celestia!”
Me: “Yes?”
Adelaide: “You’re… you’re my friend!”
She clenched her fists and blush deepened.
Adelaide (struggling): “Y‑yes! Cel‑e‑sti‑a!”
Killian finally spoke, beautifully and quietly:
Killian: “Celestia…”
I remembered—my identity from the original story still mattered. I didn’t know how fate would unfold, but I couldn’t let friendship be easy to forget someday. If two of them called me by name now—without titles—it might soften that shock if something changes in the future.
We all felt affection for each other already.
At that moment, my calculator-brain felt oddly irritated—but their sparkling eyes extinguished it instantly.
Arrival!
Briven (gentle): “We’ve arrived! Excellent work, Princess. And on your part too, Lord, Lady Adelaide.”
Us: “Wow!”
Briven: “Careful—don’t move suddenly; your muscles might seize.”
Sir Briven guided us as we descended from the carriage. I twisted and stretched; Killian, Adelaide, and Liz breathed in ground-air joy.
Killian / Adelaide: “Wow!”
Liz: “Your Highness, from here we must proceed on foot.”
Me: “Yes… got it.”
I caught myself about to say too loudly. Fortunately no one reacted.
Briven: “The forest trail is narrow—please walk carefully.”
The carved path was uneven, but short trees served as markers. Only when the knights signaled it was safe did we step forward.
The dense forest felt peaceful—like the land was blessed by a caring spirit. Celestia’s aura fit this land too.
I walked hand-in-hand with Killian and Adelaide. Even in the narrow trail, our small stature made it manageable. The warmth of their hands felt comforting.
My dear friends—I’ll pamper you forever!
Soon we glimpsed the villa behind a small bay. A sea-and-forest estate even more beautiful than I’d imagined.
Us: “Wow!” “Stunning!” “So pretty!”
The villa was obviously built with imperial funds and craftsmen’s devotion—emerald-tiled doors in diamond patterns, diamond-shape windows—truly breathtaking.
After settling our things and enjoying drinks, I quietly pulled out my copy of the original novel’s guidebook—still needed more insight into Deaark salt. I frowned at how the original author glossed over its true value.
Me (murmuring): “Deaark—double-check that name.”
Beach or forest? Mine? I blended notes with the scenery. Can’t go blazing through every room—must be stealthy. Maybe ask Liz later…
Just then, someone knocked at my bedroom door. I slipped the guidebook under the pillow and opened the door.
Adelaide (eager): “Princess… let’s go outside together!”
My heart nearly skipped a beat! I smiled and took her hand.
Me: “Let’s go!”
We set out along the path behind the villa. Adelaide squeezed my hand so tightly—I could feel her little sweat beads—but it already felt wrong to let go.
Me: “Adelaide, do you like it here?”
Adelaide (smiling): “Yes, I… I do, Celestia.”
Me: “You’re okay? No trouble?”
Adelaide smiled, nodded. Truly, she’s our sunshine heroine. Good. Keep going like this. Stay close to Killian, and I’ll be there if a curse ever strikes.
Then… Killian’s voice echoed from a distance.
Killian: “Celestia! Come with me!”
Me: “Oh? Killian’s over there. Adelaide, you coming?”
As soon as his voice reached us, Adelaide grasped my hand and bolted—as if running away.
Me: “Wait, why? Why are you running, Adelaide?”
Adelaide: “Right now, I want to be alone with you!”
Me (perplexed): “Alone—with me?”
Adelaide didn’t stutter, she just stood firm as we trotted barefoot across the sandy shoreline—strength not wavering even on shifting ground.
Me (panting): “Whew…”
We took shelter beneath a large tree’s shade. I sensed Killian might take time to find us—and maybe that’s fine. Perfect moment for a quieter moment with Adelaide?
Me: “Adelaide…”
Adelaide: “Yes, Celestia?”
Me: “You don’t… dislike Killian, right?”
That would be problematic.
Adelaide stared a moment, then stirred and spoke.
Adelaide (quietly): “I… I don’t dislike him.”
Me: “You don’t… dislike him?”
Adelaide: “But I don’t… really like him either.”
Me: “What? You don’t like him?”
Me: “Was there something happened?”
Adelaide (hurried): “It’s just… he’s… upset me by… being jealous.”
Me (scene): “Jealous of our friendship?”
Me: “He’s… jealous of us?”
I pointed at us both.
Me: “That you’re uncomfortable that I’m close to Celestia?”
Impossible.
If anything, it should be the opposite. But at least she still hangs out with him… so maybe that’s okay. Still…
Me (soft): “I hope you both stay friends—without me if needed. I mean that sincerely.”
Adelaide (voice shaking): “C… Celestia—without you? That can’t…!”
Her violet eyes glistened with tears.
Me: “I didn’t mean that. I meant I want you two to bond—not because of me. Please don’t cry.”
Adelaide: “You are my forever friend! I’ll stay close with Killian too—so don’t say such things!”
Me: “I understand. I was wrong—sorry. I just wanted you two to be close… I’m sorry.”
Adelaide wiped her tears and gave a small smile.
Things aren’t unfolding quite like I expected. But since she promised to stay friends—maybe this can work out.
Just then, leafy-haired Killian appeared ahead, walking right into our little clearing.
