Chapter 5: Discoveries and New Beginnings

**Chapter 5: Discoveries and New Beginnings**

Days passed in a tranquil blur as Shahil embraced his peaceful exile. Two weeks had elapsed since his banishment, and each day he followed a simple routine. He woke up with the first light, tending to the overgrown garden outside the villa. The act of nurturing the neglected plants brought him a sense of purpose and calm.

Every morning, a villager arrived with a modest breakfast. After eating, Shahil would retreat indoors, spending his afternoons and evenings immersed in the books he had found in the dusty old study. The collection was eclectic, covering topics from history and past kings to gardening and magic. Despite his limited magical prowess, Shahil found himself particularly drawn to the books on magic, hoping to uncover anything that might help him in his dire situation.

One day, while browsing the bookshelf, he felt something amiss. Being a wood type mage, he had a unique sensitivity to wood, and the wooden shelf seemed to pulse with a faint magical energy. Intrigued, Shahil began to explore the shelves more carefully. After several attempts, he managed to extract a hidden book from within the shelf. It was a tome on wood magic, a subject often dismissed as weak and insignificant.

As Shahil pored over the book, he discovered a world of possibilities. The book detailed the miraculous capabilities of wood magic, including healing and enhancing food production. Fascinated, Shahil began to practice the healing spells described in the book. To his astonishment, he felt a lightness and vitality he hadn't experienced since his exile began. Unbeknownst to him, these healing spells were counteracting the poison slowly sapping his strength.

Days turned into weeks as Shahil diligently practiced the spells. The villa's garden flourished under his care, and his own health improved steadily. After a month, he was completely healthy and had advanced to a tier 2 wizard. The newfound strength and clarity brought a sense of hope he hadn't felt in a long time.

His diligence did not go unnoticed. The guard, satisfied that Shahil posed no threat, was called back to the palace. For the first time since his banishment, Shahil felt a true sense of relief.

One day, Shahil noticed a peculiar change in his daily routine. Typically, different villagers would come to deliver his meals, their faces twisted in disgust at the sight of the banished prince. However, for the past four days, a single girl, around 15 or 16 years old, had been bringing his food. Her presence intrigued Shahil, and out of curiosity, he decided to speak with her.

As she placed his food on the table and turned to leave, Shahil called out to her. She froze, then shrieked in surprise.

"Wait," he said gently. "What's your name?"

After a moment of hesitation, she answered, "Rin."

In the ensuing conversation, Shahil learned about Rin's difficult circumstances. Her mother was gravely ill, and her father had passed away, leaving her to fend for herself and her mother. To make ends meet, Rin took on any work she could find. The village chief had tasked her with delivering food to Shahil, a job that provided some income but not enough to afford the necessary treatment for her mother.

Moved by her story, Shahil felt a surge of empathy. He knew what it was like to feel powerless and alone. Determined to help her, he invited her to sit and share a meal with him.

"Rin," he began, "I may not be much, but if there's anything I can do to help you and your mother, please let me know."

Rin looked at him with wide, hopeful eyes. "Thank you, Your Highness," she said softly. "Anything you can do would be a blessing."

Shahil's mind raced with possibilities. He had been practicing healing spells—perhaps he could use his newfound abilities to help Rin's mother. With a sense of purpose rekindled, he decided that he would do everything in his power to make a difference, not just for himself but for those around him as well. His journey in this world was far from over, and he was determined to carve out a new path, one of healing and hope.