The Bladebounded Guardian (Discontinued)

III - Betrayal

A dream...

Myself, when I was young, and... a red-haired child.

The meadow stretched out endlessly, as the grass brushed against our legs. The child's red hair danced through the breeze, as she turned around to face me.

"I told you it was beautiful, Lillia! This whole field of flowers!" Her voice was as cheerful as ever as she tossed a water ball into the air, sending droplets down to nourish the plants below.

I remember now, shortly after my village was burned down, I was adopted into the Royal Family for my talents.

I was astonished when I saw Princess Iris's magic, which was even better than mine. Her magic capacity and power was so large, it was on par with an expert magician who had been training for 45 years straight.

That was Princess Iris, a true prodigy in the realm of magic, even at the tender age of just six.

A bond formed within us, despite our differences in background and status. I, a survivor of tragedy and a prodigy of the sword, and she, a noble princess with an affinity for magic.

A prodigy of the sword and a master of magic sounded like a perfect duo, but both had their own weaknesses.

Besides, it was her kindness which drew me in.

As the dream unfolded, I watched us frolic in the meadow, the sun casting a golden glow over everything. The memory was so vivid that I could practically feel the soft breeze against my skin and hear the tinkling laughter that filled the air.

Princess Iris's eyes sparkled with excitement as she continued to manipulate water balls with ease, watering the flowers as if orchestrating a symphony of growth.

"Look, Lillia! Watch how they bloom and reach for the sun!" Her voice was a melodic mixture of wonder and enthusiasm. Her red hair danced with her every movement, and her yellow eyes shimmered with a wisdom that seemed beyond her years.

She reminded me much of my childhood friend, who passed away along with the village burning down.

"Hey, Lillia, we'll be connected together, won't we?" she softly said, her words echoing in my heart. "You and I, we're bounded by something that isn't just friendship."

We're bounded by fate, even if I'm transported to another world, we'll only meet again.

"That's right!" She smiled, "Now off you go, Lillia!"

The dream swirled and shimmered, like memories woven into stardust.

I honestly thought Iris was a child guided by the Goddess.

It's only been a day, yet, I already miss her accompany.

It's not like I'm gay or anything.

--~--

I woke up with drowsy eyes, sitting on my bed as I took a moment to scratch them.

I yawned and stretched, before getting up, it was time to eat breakfa-

Hmm?

Hmm?

Hmm?!

Where did my money pouch go?

Someone stole it?

Excuse me?

Panic shot through me as I realized that a thief had snuck up into my room last night without me noticing and had stolen my money.

Well, except they didn't steal the Master Sword, although my paraglider is gone now.

I bursted through the door and pounded on Myne's door, "Myne! All our money is gone! Wake up!"