The Crown Prince Thinks I'm a Guy

Joren's Warning

I couldn't tell him. Maybe it's because I still wasn't a hundred percent sure, or maybe it's just because I didn't want to step into things that weren't mine to step into in the first place. Although I looked like a child, I was still an adult. If Tabitha didn't want to inform her son about her past and their real status, then I would have to respect that. She was the mother, and I was only a friend.

And yet I still became downhearted because of it, even though I've already made the decision to keep my mouth shut. In fact, I practically slugged my way into the main hall for the mandatory class sorting.

While I started to write my name on the special paper, my eyes flitted over towards the other seats. Students have already started to file into the Academy since a week ago, but some have given express letters about their tardiness.

Well, given that there were only two weeks of break, I suppose it was understandable how some of the students might have had trouble going back on time, including Albert and Kendra, in fact.

'That might explain the fewer amount of students inside the main hall.'

However, despite the less crowded room, I can't believe how I could hardly see Joren's red hair from where I sat. I mean, I did come here a bit later than usual due to my lethargy, but I had thought that he would at least save me a seat beside him. Now I'm stuck at the far back of the hall while he sat near the front.

'Is he avoiding me?' I thought.

I mean, it was highly probable. He had just admitted that he was in some sort of trouble but won't tell me what it was. It would rather be weirder if he didn't try to avoid me...

I sighed, and then I felt a sharp tingle come from my fingers, right where I had them planted on the piece of paper. It seemed like the magical paper had electrified me while I was lost in thought.

There were new words on them.

'Eleftheria child, it's been a while.'

And right under it, in a less elegant scrawl: 'You're ignoring me.'

I held in my laughter and picked up my pen. This magic paper definitely had a personality.

I wrote down, 'Forgive me. I've been having trouble with a friend.'

'Friend troubles... You have been busy since I last saw you.'

'I don't really think you can see me though,' I wrote down with a small grin. 'After all, you're just a piece of paper lined up with some magic.'

'... That's terribly rude.'

'Forgive me.'

'You have been acting very sorry about a lot of things today, Eleftheria.'

I sighed. 'Maybe because I am riddled with guilt.'

the paper shimmered dimly before replying, 'You are tired, but perhaps speaking the truth will ease your burdens.'

'And if the truth is not mine to tell?'

'Then it is wholly up to your decisions,' it said. 'And because I know you so well, I am already regretful about the weight you have to carry and will continue to carry in the years to come.'

I read that line again and again. It seems as though the paper even knew of the future.

And although I've already asked it before, I had to ask again.

'Is Hestia safe? Is she really alive?'

The reply came after a long time.

'I believe I have already given you my answers to those questions.'