**Princess Gema's POV:**
Three days after Father spoke to King Agamemnon, I decided to sneak out of the palace and wander around the village, just like I used to do.
I saw some children playing, and surprisingly, they seemed to recognize me.
**Gema:** How do they know I’m the Princess of Dardanllia?
The children ran towards me, welcoming me warmly and eager to show me around the village and highlight what Dardanllia is famous for.
I tried to convince them not to, worried that my father might find out and that my servants, who were obligated to look after me, might get punished by the king.
**Gema:** You guys, seeing me here in your village is a secret, okay?
The children agreed, sealing their lips as a promise to keep my presence a secret.
One child then asked, “How was the Earth created?”
He asked so quickly!
I wasn't a very good storyteller, but since I knew the answer to his question, I did my best to respond.
**Flashback:**
Before there was anything, a powerful god named Chaos decided to create creatures so he wouldn’t be lonely.
He then created Tartarus, the Abyss; Gaia, the Earth; Eros, the Love; Nyx, the Night; and Erebus.
Gaia gave birth to Uranus, who later became her husband.
Together, they birthed the Titans, followed by the generation of the Olympians.
**End of Flashback:**
**Gema:** And that’s how the world was created.
I ended the story there, knowing they were young—roughly six to eight years old—and I tried to spare them the darker parts of the tale.
I remembered when Nicko had told me this story when I was younger.
It was so detailed that I could imagine every part of it happening, which left me restless at night.
Even as I explained the birth of all creations, it was clear from their faces that they didn’t fully understand my story.
**Gema:** Huh, ha...
I sighed, thinking, “What can I do? They’re just innocent children, driven by their curious imaginations.”
Another child broke the silence by asking me about the creation of humans.
Oh no, another question! This time, I didn’t know how to answer.
Her question was beyond my knowledge; Nicko hadn’t yet told me the story of how humans were created.
**Nicko:** It started after Zeus, the God of the Skies, became the head of Mount Olympus.
I turned to see the familiar voice behind me and spotted Nicko.
What was he doing here?
Oh no!
I remembered we had an appointment, and he must be searching for me since I hadn’t shown up.
**Nicko:** After Zeus became the leader of all gods on Mount Olympus, he encountered these monster-like creatures called Furies. These creatures had one body, four legs, four arms, and two heads.
**Children:** Ewww!...
Just as I expected—their reaction after Nicko mentioned it.
**Nicko:** Hahaha! I know, I know...
**"And you think there’s something funny about what you just said?"**
**Nicko:** This creature was so repulsive that, as Zeus mentioned, he decided to split this monster into two, which now has one body, two legs, two arms, and one head—what we now recognize as humans.
It was quite educational for Nicko to share every detail of his story, though it was also a disturbing narrative for the children to process.
But then...
**Nicko:** These two humans will wander the earth in search of each other, longing to be together once again.
After hearing Nicko's words, I was truly amazed. Even the children agreed with his conclusion. It wasn’t just a horrifying truth about our origins; it was a profound reflection on why humans seek love.
**Nicko:** Alright, children. Princess Jewel has her responsibilities as the Princess of Dardanllia.
**Children:** Awww...
We began walking back to the palace, and the children waved goodbye as they called out to us.
I waved back, promising I would return.
But suddenly, I glanced at Nicko's face, realizing we might have unfinished business to discuss...
Then I asked...
**Gema:** Nicko?
**Nicko:** Yes, my lady?
**Gema:** Are you mad at me?
**Nicko:** For what reason, my lady?
Huh? Had he forgotten already?
**Gema:** Never mind, Nicko.
**Nicko:** I was a bit paranoid when you didn’t show up for our appointment.
Oh no! I shouldn't have asked...
**Nicko:** But after seeing you try your best to sanitize my story just to share it correctly with the children, I found it completely tremendous, my lady.
I smiled, relieved to discover he wasn't upset with me after all that had happened.
**Gema:** But it really makes me wonder...
I took one last look at the village, searching for the children we had encountered.
**Nicko:** About what, my lady?
Huh? He was listening...
**Gema:** I’ve never met those children before, yet they recognized me—as if I was allowed to go beyond the palace walls?
He hid a small smile, saying...
**Nicko:** You don’t realize how captivating your beauty is, my lady.
**Gema:** My beauty?
I questioned.
**Nicko:** Word has spread that the Princess of Dardanllia possesses a remarkably distinct beauty.
I wasn’t sure how to respond, but it certainly felt like a compliment.
I pushed further...
**Gema:** Tell me more about it.
**Nicko:** Legends say that the Princess of Dardanllia has a beauty that grows with age—over time, it could rival that of Helen of Troy.
**Gema:** Oh, really? O.o?
