After a few moments…
Rayan and Princess Rozaria stepped out of the cabin, having ensured the area was clear of any immediate danger. Rayan paused for a few seconds, scanning the surroundings with sharp, vigilant eyes, then gave her a short nod, signaling her to follow.
The ground before them was a wide stretch of dirt, scattered with leaves blown down by the wind. The trees on either side were less dense than deeper in the forest, yet their shadows lingered, as if watching their every step.
Rayan walked beside Rozaria, his steps steady, alert for any sound or movement. She followed silently, a faint tension still lingering in her shoulders from the chase they had just endured.
As the sounds of the forest faded behind them, Rayan broke the silence in a low voice:
Rayan: "Is… your kingdom far from here?"
Rozaria continued walking without glancing at him, her eyes fixed on the path ahead. Then she answered calmly, with a tone of quiet certainty:
Rozaria: "Not close… but the way from here is known."
Her words were simple, yet carried the confidence of someone familiar with the land.
Rayan walked beside her, curiosity gradually overcoming his silence. He turned his head slightly, speaking with cautious hesitation:
Rayan: "Who were those… chasing us?"
Rozaria paused for a moment, then met his gaze briefly, replying evenly:
Rozaria: "I don't know exactly who they are."
She raised a hand to her chin, brows furrowing slightly in thought before adding quietly:
Rozaria: "But… I think I've seen the man with the eye patch before… I just can't recall where."
Her words carried unease, as if her memory tried to grasp a fleeting thread while danger still lurked, unknown.
Rayan murmured softly, absorbing her words:
Rayan: "Oh…"
They continued walking in silence for a few moments, then he asked, curiosity clear in his tone:
Rayan: "Can I… ask you something?"
She answered calmly, her pace unchanged:
Rozaria: "Of course."
Rayan glanced at her slightly, the sound of their footsteps on the dirt path echoing faintly around them:
Rayan: "You're a princess… right? Princesses don't usually walk alone… especially in a forest like this. They're normally with guards… knights… something like that."
He paused, trying to piece together the situation:
Rayan: "Why… were you alone?"
Rozaria slowed her steps, her long white hair brushing lightly in the faint breeze, shimmering under the dim light. She met his gaze — a mix of worry and buried memories, as if his question had touched a hidden wound.
She gave him a brief glance before resuming her steady pace:
Rozaria: "I was with guards, indeed… but it seems I wandered off without noticing. Sometimes… I need to walk alone for a little while, away from the formalities and restrictions."
Rayan tilted his head slightly, eyes softening, sensing a rare calm surrounding her despite everything that had happened.
Rayan: "Really?"
A faint smile flickered on Rozaria's lips, barely noticeable between tension and relief. Her eyes drifted away momentarily before returning to the path.
Rozaria: "Sometimes, I need time for myself… away from politics and constant work. No supervision, no restrictions… just quiet."
She exhaled lightly, as if releasing a weight from her chest while continuing to walk, her gaze sharply taking in the surroundings:
Rozaria: "But I never meant to put myself in danger. Suddenly… I found myself far from protection."
Rayan walked beside her, hands casually resting behind his head, shoulders lifting slightly with each step. He glanced at her momentarily before turning his gaze forward with a mix of firmness and warmth:
Rayan: "You must be more careful next time… You were lucky today."
He continued walking in the same relaxed posture, eyes scanning the path ahead, closing them slightly with a faint smile, as if savoring a rare peaceful moment away from tension and pursuit.
Rayan: "But I understand… life isn't only about duty, no matter that you're a princess. You're a girl too… you have the right to live your life."
For a moment, Rozaria felt a small spark in her chest, a warmth that softened her heart slightly. A light smile formed as she looked ahead.
Rozaria: "Y… you're right."
As they walked along the dirt path leading toward the kingdom, the last rays of the sun painted the sky with golden-orange hues. The final sunlight filtered through the sparse trees along the sides, casting long shadows across the ground, as if the world itself paused to witness the scene.
Rayan inhaled quietly, letting the moment stretch in admiration: (What a view… everything seems calm despite all that has happened…)
Then, spontaneously, he turned his gaze toward Rozaria, smiling faintly. He observed her closely, the sunset light glinting on her white hair. He couldn't help but marvel at her beauty, realizing only now how striking she truly was after everything since he had saved her.
(All this danger, the running… and I never noticed her like this before… She's… beautiful, in a way I never expected.)
He whispered again to himself, noticing a hint of sadness in her expression: (But she seems a little sad, as if carrying something deep inside…)
And while they continued walking along the dirt path… The sun casting its golden glow over the forest…
Something moved behind… unnoticed.
Deep within the trees…
Something shifted.
Quick.
Silent.
Almost invisible.
A black shadow slipped between the trunks, disappearing in an instant… Leaving nothing but a barely noticeable ripple of movement.
After a short while…
Rayan and Rozaria reached the outskirts of the kingdom, the towering walls rising before them like sentinels guarding a world completely different from the forest they had just left.
Rayan walked beside her, his eyes tracing the sharp towers and sprawling buildings, astonished by the scale and majesty of the kingdom.
Rayan: "Amazing…"
Rozaria walked calmly, while Rayan lowered his gaze briefly to notice the movements of the soldiers stationed at the gate.
A dense formation of guards patrolled near the kingdom, their weapons ready, eyes alert to any movement approaching from the road.
A few steps away, about ten soldiers noticed two figures in the distance approaching—the princess and her companion.
Soldier: "Who… are they?"
Two more soldiers turned instantly, scanning the approaching figures.
Another Soldier: "Could it be…?"
Shouting Soldier: "It's… it's the princess!"
The soldiers immediately abandoned any hesitation and ran toward Rozaria with urgency.
Their eyes fixed on the princess, their pulses racing with both fear and relief.
Lead Soldier: "Your Highness… thank goodness you're safe! The King has been very worried!"
His voice blended anxiety and respect.
Another Soldier: "We heard you were lost…"
Rozaria raised her head with calm confidence, her voice steady:
Rozaria: "No need to worry… I'm perfectly fine."
The soldiers' gazes then shifted to Rayan, the stranger beside her. His unusual clothes, the digital watch on his wrist, even his gait—everything drew caution and suspicion.
The lead soldier approached cautiously, voice formal:
Soldier: "Your Highness… who is this person with you?"
Rozaria glanced at Rayan, then back at the soldier with calm assurance:
Rozaria: "He helped me… he is with me. There is no need for concern."
Soldier: "A… are you sure, Princess?"
Her tone was gentle but firm:
Rozaria: "Yes… I'm certain. There's nothing to worry about."
Rozaria: "I will see my father now."
As she finished speaking, the soldiers exchanged quick, wary glances, silently questioning each other: Is everything really fine? Who is this stranger by her side?
Their expressions were serious, their duty heavy, especially when it concerned the princess.
The closest soldier stepped forward slightly, straightened, and spoke formally:
Soldier: "Okay… we will escort you to the castle, Your Highness."
—End of Chapter—