A promise

Cian grinned, sitting on his knees on the railing. "I'm here to say goodbye." Soft winds breezed through the cold, starry night. Erin's blue eyes, reflecting the galaxy, gazed at him in awe, unsure of what to say.

"I know we aren't that close," Cian said, his smile unwavering. He closed his eyes, remembering their first meeting. After finding a good spot to take a nap, he had fallen sound asleep. Suddenly, when he opened his eyes, he saw a girl with eyes that resembled a starry galaxy. Her short, ink-black hair stuck to her neck, making her look like a fairy. But for him, it was ordinary. As a prince, he had seen maidens far more beautiful than her. What was different, though, was her attitude.

Firstly, he remembered that she hadn't recognized him. Then, even after remembering, instead of greeting him as one would normally do, she directly asked for a fight. Surprisingly, she was talented. It was funny for a while, but then it became serious. He still didn't understand why he helped her; maybe it was out of instinct. Still, he helped her, unlike his usual behavior. After learning what had happened to her, what he felt was sympathy. Yes, he wouldn't lie; it was sympathy at first. But then he started to respect her. Her determination was strong, even after confinement. Unlike other weak princesses, she was strong – strong enough to defeat anyone if she refined her skills.

"So, goodbye. We'll meet again after your graduation," Cian said.

"Why did you leave?" Erin asked. It was unlike her to take an interest in others. But Cian was different; he reminded her of His Highness Arthur. They both looked so similar; every image of him made her think of His Highness.

"Knowing what witches might do, I couldn't stay here," Cian replied.

"Are you afraid, Your Highness?" she asked in a low tone. His eyes showed fear at the mention of witches.

"Kind of," he paused. Then, with a soft smile, he continued, "But it'll be alright."

"Though I wanted to ask," he paused, thinking whether to continue or not. But then he finally decided. "How do you know about witchcraft?"

The small, reassuring look on her face faded. 'Should I tell him?' she questioned herself, wondering whether to continue or not. But then she remembered Darcy's words: 'You won't get anything by hiding.' She didn't know Cian for a long time – just a few hours, and that too without much conversation. But something she had developed due to her confinement allowed her to recognize whom to trust. It was only natural to trust him and tell him everything.

"If you don't want to tell, then..." Cian said.

"It's from my mother's diary," Erin said with a firm voice. "She was the head of those witches years ago."

"What...?" Cian was shocked. The person Erin was talking about was Eva Walker – that beautiful maiden who was renowned for her beauty even before he was born. Still, when it came to beauty, people always referred to Eva.

"And you're saying she was the head...?"

"Yes."

"Alright... now I have more clues," Cian said, continuing, "Don't worry, we'll handle everything."

"Thanks for this information."

"We'll meet again after six years, Your Highness."

"I'm looking forward to it."

After saying that, he moved his hand forward, curling his pinky. "Promise?"

'That's how we do promises...' Erin nodded and moved her hand forward, entangling her pinky finger with his.

"Promise."

And then she smiled for the first time in years.

That's how, in the dark moonlight, an unbreakable promise was made.

---

Six years later...

"Yayyayaya, My lady, you did it!" Brunette cheered in joy. He was now 20 years old. Still, like a child, he cheered in front of the piles of defeated soldiers. A young maiden wiped her sweat; her complexion was much more mature than before. Her eyes were sharp. Erin walked towards Brunette, giving him a smirk.

"You're next, Ray."

"Er... I think you should reconsider..." Ray nervously avoided getting into a fight.

"Is that muscular body just for show?" Erin teased.

"Haha..." Ren scratched his head. He wanted to avoid fighting her. She was much more dangerous than she had been six years ago. Now, after learning from the best teachers, her skills had improved and refined; it was impossible to defeat her.

At that time, when the prince and that blonde crackhead had left him alone, he hadn't known what to do. He chose swordsmanship for fun, unlike others,

he wasn't talented, but he had great raw strength. That's where he met Erin; they sparred against each other. Obviously, he lost, but from that moment, he decided to follow her. It was the best choice to be with her. At first, she just ignored him, but now, with time, she talks to him, only to roast him with her words. But he knew she didn't mean it.

"Did you check your ears, Ray?" Erin asked.

"Yes??... Ah, princess, you shouldn't be rude to me. I'm your only friend here."

"I don't remember calling you friend," Erin said without a flinch.

"Anyway, it's our last day today." Erin paused, reflecting on the past. Six years had passed since she left that hellish place.

"My lady, wherever you intend to go, I'll follow you," Ray announced. He didn't want to leave Erin alone.

"Even if I said I'm going to kill Duke Alfredo?" Erin asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.

/////////////////////

Finally time skip.

And now the whole bloody plot will start.