Kenta Bernard, a seventeen-year-old, died of leukemia in the hospital and was transmigrated in a novel that he has yet to finish. He is the ill second prince, who should have died by now. However, the God of Light bestowed upon him a light magic tha...
The next day, I stood outside the palace gates, accompanied by my maid, Allea.
The brisk morning air brushed against my skin as I adjusted the royal outfit draping over me. The deep blue cape I wore fluttered slightly, a practical choice to shield me from prying eyes. It wasn't just for show, my appearance was something I had to conceal.
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(Inside)
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(Outside)
Many knew of the second prince's existence, but few had ever seen me in person.
Rumors swirled that I was either cold-hearted like the king and crown prince or too timid to leave the palace. They whispered I was frail, perhaps even fearful. In truth, I wore the cape to mask the truth, I was sickly. My body was all skin and bones, and if the nobles and commoners caught wind of it, they would pounce on our family's vulnerabilities. For us Callistos, perception was power, and I could not afford to look weak.
As I gazed at the palace's grand walls from the outside for the first time, a strange thought struck me:
"So this is what it looks like from here."
A soft rumble in the distance caught my attention, and soon a carriage rolled up before us. My heart quickened. It wasn't fear, it was excitement.
_____
Allea's POV
I couldn't suppress the grin that tugged at my lips as I glanced at His Highness.
The sparkle in his eyes told me everything. This was his first time leaving the palace, and it thrilled me to no end that the king and the crown prince had approved his attendance at today's event.
Yesterday, I let the event slip in conversation, an honest mistake born of excitement. The moment I realized what I'd done, my heart sank. I thought for sure His Highness would get scolded if he expressed his desire to attend. My carelessness earned me sharp words from the other servants, and I braced for the worst.
But then something unexpected happened. Instead of scolding him, the king and the crown prince agreed to let His Highness participate. When Alfred, the butler, relayed the news to us, the servants were overjoyed. For the first time ever, His Highness would step beyond the palace walls.
"Hiroka!"
The familiar voice snapped me from my thoughts. The prince and I turned to see the king and the crown prince approaching us. I bowed low in respect.
The air grew still as father and brother stared at Hiroka, who offered them a wide, carefree smile.
For a moment, I feared they might change their minds, but then, like sunlight breaking through clouds, they both smiled warmly.
"I'm glad you're happy, Hiroka," the crown prince said. The young prince responded with another broad grin.
Seeing His Highness so joyful, I knew today would be a good day, for all of us.
_____
Hiroka's POV
"Oh, right! Hiroka, take this with you." My father handed me a small but heavy pouch. Curious, I peeked inside and found it filled with shimmering gold coins.
"Use it however you want," Father said, a rare warmth in his tone. "Enjoy yourself."
I couldn't help but smile. "Thank you, Father. I'll make good use of it."
I passed the pouch to Allea, who gave a quick bow before heading toward the waiting carriage.
As I turned, my brother gestured toward a tall man beside him, a knight, dressed in dark armor with a sword strapped to his side. His sharp eyes and steady demeanor radiated discipline.
"Hiroka, this is Paladin. He's the vice-captain of our knights and will accompany you today to ensure your safety."
I studied the knight closely, finding something familiar in the way he stood. He reminded me of my own father from a past life. A distant, yet protective figure.
"Hello, Paladin," I greeted with a small smile. "I'll be in your care."
The knight bowed deeply. "I'll do my utmost to keep you safe, Your Highness." His sincerity was comforting.
"Your Highness," Allea called from the carriage. "Everything is ready."
I turned back to my father and brother. "Well then, I should get going. I can't wait any longer!" My excitement must have been contagious because both of them chuckled warmly.
"Have a safe trip, son," Father said.
I climbed into the carriage first, settling onto the plush seats. The interior was far more comfortable than I imagined, the cushions soft beneath me.
Allea and Paladin followed inside, the knight sitting beside us rather than outside, likely my brother's suggestion, in case anything went wrong.
Through the window, I saw the servants gathered, waving goodbye. My father and brother stood among them, their expressions filled with pride and relief. I waved back as the carriage lurched forward, leaving the palace behind.
The grand walls soon gave way to sprawling trees, and for the first time in my life, I was out in the world.
It felt surreal. In Hiroka's memories, he had never once left the palace. His family had deemed it too dangerous, sheltering him from the outside world. They thought they were protecting him, but all they did was trap him. No wonder he had spent most of his days reading books, practicing magic, and wandering the empty halls.
But now... now he and I ...are free.
I leaned closer to the window, fascinated by the scenery outside. Wild animals darted through the forest. Rabbits, birds, and even wolves. My heart skipped a beat.
'A wolf!'
In my past life, I had visited a zoo with my parents, but there were no wolves there, only elephants, zebras, and other creatures. Seeing a wolf now felt like witnessing something out of a dream.
As I marveled at the forest, a flicker of movement inside the carriage caught my attention.
I glanced toward Allea, who was staring out the window with a soft smile. Paladin, seated across from her, was also watching her, an expression of quiet admiration on his face.
'Ah... looks like someone has a crush,' I thought, suppressing a grin.
Clearing my throat, I interrupted the moment. "Allea?"
She turned toward me, startled, and Paladin quickly straightened, snapping out of his daydream.
"How long until we arrive?" I asked.
"Approximately twenty-five minutes, Your Highness," Allea replied smoothly.
I nodded, satisfied. "I see."
With a contented sigh, I leaned back into the seat and gazed out the window once more.
