Do you dream of me in the next life?

Chapter 21: Back on track

Ryan, Alice, and Josie arrived in Illusha. A bird cried above as they leisurely pushed forward through the animated city. Ryan was in front while Josie and Alice kept close behind him.

"So uh, who is this 'friend' of yours?" said Josie.

"You said you would tell us once we got here." chimed Alice.

Ryan stopped and turned around. "Alright. I suppose I shouldn't hide it anymore. My friend is Lucy."

"L-Lucy!? Are you her suitor or something!?" blurted Alice.

"What? No, no. Nothing like that," he pushed the air and waved his hands. "I know her because I am a prince."

Josie tilted her head. "But Illusha and the Dream Kingdom aren't on good terms, right?"

"Yes. However, I am not friends with her solely for peace reasons."

Ryan walked away. Josie glanced at Alice. She looked just as puzzled as her over his last words.

"You guys coming?" he pressed.

"S-Sorry!" said Alice.

***

They pushed open the throne room doors. Josie and Alice couldn't help but admire the artwork that decorated the walls. Beautiful abstracts, scenery of various locations in Illusha, and family portraits of former royalty. Knights watched them approach the throne like hawks. Charles stood to the side, he was reading some parchment until he saw Lucy's expression change.

"Josie, Alice, and...Ryan? To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" said Lucy.

Ryan stepped forward. "The supplies you gave me were destroyed by Nightmare Bloombuds. They killed my men. And I almost died too, if it weren't for the help of these kind people."

"I'm sorry for your loss," she paused for a moment. "What can I do to help?"

"I would like to try again, but I need a new path through the mountain."

"A new path? What happened to the old route?"

"Blocked. When we investigated what remained, Bloombuds swarmed us and I had to punch one into the ceiling." said Josie.

"I see. That is quite a predicament."

"Your highness. If memory serves, the mountain has many routes to travel." stated Charles.

She leaned against her chair and crossed her arms. "Very true. But they are accessible by mine cart only. If we can't use that then," she pondered, then snapped her fingers. "How about the project we have been working on?"

"You mean the-"

She excitedly stood up. "Yes! That project!"

"Understood! Be right back."

He opened the door and left. Lucy descended the steps and took out her tele-crystal.

***

Violet wiggled her feet. She was in the middle of reading a new book when the tele-crystal hummed on her nightstand. With a sigh, she closed her book and answered it.

"Hi sweetie! Just wanna let you know I'll be going out. Please be good."

"You're leaving!? F-For how long?"

"Only a little while. Don't worry, Charles will take care of you."

"O-Ok."

"The man with the hat can't hurt you anymore. Ok?"