Find A Way Back

Curiosity gleamed in Commander Rivalz's eyes as he asked, "What are their names?" Both Commander Rivalz and Leonel were aware that I was not from Quailsham and had come from the human world. Like Ludwig and others, they were puzzled by my arrival without the sensation of a new portal opening. However, Commander Rivalz grew increasingly interested in our world, often asking about our lifestyle during his free time.

"Uncle Thomas and Auntie Sarah," I replied, feeling a wave of emotions as I said their names aloud. "They have a daughter named Elizabeth. My uncle is a farmer, and my auntie works as a house helper. Elizabeth has an illness that prevents her from walking, so she stays mostly indoors. I used to read books to her and let her imagine the world through my eyes." A tear escaped my eye, which I quickly wiped away.

We continued talking for a few more minutes until it was time for Commander Rivalz to switch with Leonel, who needed to eat and rest after guarding us all night.

"Just take it slow," Leonel advised, assisting Hiyasmin.

Seeing Hiyasmin trying to walk on her own, I stood up to help her exit the area quickly.

As months had passed since Hiyasmin last used her legs, she still struggled to walk without guidance. A special cane had been made for her, which helped to some extent. However, she had stopped using it recently, resulting in a few falls and enduring a few bruises. It infuriated me to see her hurt, but Hiyasmin remained determined.

When I noticed another wound on her knees, I quickly supported her shoulders to help her stand. "Princess Hiyasmin…"

"Hiyasmin, Louise," she corrected, biting her lip. "Please."

"Hiyasmin," I said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I understand your determination, but pushing yourself too hard right now won't help anyone, especially not Alexa. You've already made remarkable progress, and rushing could set you back."

Hiyasmin's eyes reflected a mix of determination and vulnerability. "But what if she's in danger, Louise?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "What if every moment I spend resting is a moment she's suffering? I can't bear the thought of being helpless."

I felt a pang of empathy for her. Hiyasmin's love for her cousin was undeniable, and her desire to help was admirable. "We'll find a way to help Alexa," I reassured her, squeezing her shoulder gently. "But you must take care of yourself first. You're not weak, Hiyasmin. You're incredibly strong, but even the strongest need time to heal."

It was a challenging but rewarding experience to witness Hiyasmin's determination firsthand. With each step she took, her resolve seemed to grow stronger, and her determination was palpable. Despite the setbacks and falls, she refused to give up, and that resilience was truly inspiring.

As we continued the practice, Hiyasmin gradually gained more control over her movements. Her steps became steadier, and she relied less on the cane for support. It was a testament to her strength and willpower.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in her progress. Hiyasmin wasn't just a princess and the youngest royal. She was a symbol of resilience and courage. Her determination to regain her mobility and contribute to finding Alexa's whereabouts was commendable.

After the session, Hiyasmin looked exhausted but satisfied. She thanked me for my support, and I assured her that we would continue working together until she fully recovered. It was moments like these that strengthened our bond and reinforced my commitment to helping her in any way I could.

As night fell, I assisted Hiyasmin with a warm bath, despite her initial reluctance. The physical strain from her falls necessitated proper cleaning to prevent any infections.

Once she was refreshed and settled back in bed, Hiyasmin gazed at the ceiling, her mind clearly preoccupied. From my desk nearby, lit by a flickering lamp, I could feel her restlessness palpably. An open book rested on the desk, a testament to my continued research efforts.

"What are you reading now?" Hiyasmin's voice broke the silence, her eyes closed but her mind clearly active. "Are you still looking for ways to return to your home?"

I paused, turning to meet her gaze. "Not at the moment," I admitted, a hint of longing in my tone.

As Hiyasmin lay there, her eyes closed but clearly lost in deep thought, I couldn't help but notice the tension in her posture. Her eyelids fluttered occasionally, a sign of the myriad thoughts racing through her mind. The restlessness and anxiety were palpable, mirroring the unease that had settled over us all.

The events that led to our evacuation flashed through my mind. The panic in the kingdom, the successive explosions echoing through the air, and the thick clouds of smoke billowing from the castle. It was a chaotic scene, one that left an indelible mark of worry and uncertainty.

Even now, with us safe in this secluded haven, the questions lingered like shadows in the corners of my mind. Where was Alexa? Was she still alive? Had she managed to escape whatever danger had befallen the castle? The lack of answers only added to the weight of our concerns.

As I sat beside Hiyasmin, the weight of our situation pressed down on me like a heavy stone. The uncertainty of our circumstances and the absence of concrete answers left us with little to do but speculate and worry. "It seems there's no way out of here anymore," I voiced my concerns aloud, echoing the thoughts that had been haunting me. "All the books I read say that no one controls the Transcendence. It just opens on its own will, according to its own principles."

Hiyasmin turned to me, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and desperation. "Can't you just stay?" she asked, her plea hanging in the air.

I hesitated, caught off guard by her question. We were alone in the small room, with only the commanders stationed outside for security. "I would love to stay," I replied softly, "But…"

"But your family is there," Hiyasmin finished my sentence, her understanding gaze meeting mine. It was true. My family was back in my world, unaware of my current predicament. The thought of leaving them worried and in the dark was a heavy burden to bear.

"I'll do everything I can to find a way back," I reassured Hiyasmin, placing a hand on hers. "And in the meantime, we'll focus on finding answers here, for Alexa and for the kingdom."

Hiyasmin nodded, a sense of determination flickering in her eyes once again. 

The room fell into a comfortable silence after Hiyasmin's lighthearted words. I assumed she had drifted off to sleep, her breathing steady and calm. However, her voice broke the quiet once again, catching me by surprise. "I like you, you know."

A smile crept across my face, warmth spreading through me like a gentle embrace. "I like you as a friend," Hiyasmin clarified, her voice soft but sincere. "And I would love to have you as my cousin-in-law."

Her playful suggestion brought genuine laughter from me, the sound echoing in the serene night air. "Stop it, Hiyasmin," I managed between laughs. "I don't want to marry your cousin," I added, referring to Ludwig. "And I still have to return home."

"Then how about my brother?" Hiyasmin quipped with a raised eyebrow, teasing in her tone.

Our laughter filled the room once more, a shared moment of joy amid the uncertainty surrounding us. As the laughter subsided and calm returned, we exchanged smiles and wiped away the tears of amusement. "If only it were that simple," I murmured.

Afterward, Hiyasmin finally succumbed to her drowsiness, slipping into a peaceful slumber. I continued to read for a while longer, lost in the pages until sleep embraced me as well.