Volume 10 : Chapter 1 – DID I JUST GOT PROPOSED IN THE FIRST CHAPTER? (1)

Everyone possesses at least one mysterious side of their own which they can never allow themselves to share with anyone. There are people who conceal their true selves and then there are those who harbor a hidden, darker truth.

I have one of those mysterious things too.

Everyone in this Hart palace and my family recognizes me as the diligent strong princess of the Hart Kingdom. Completely unaware of my true origin and how weak I am for someone who possesses the status of a goddess.

And each time when I make a decision I am reminded of this harsh truth every day. Fearing that one day my power and identity would fall short to solve all my problems.

Whether the people here would ever accept my true self, and can I trust them with my truth?

Sometimes, even in this huge world, I feel alone.

But things are different from before. At long last, in this palace, there is someone who truly knows all of me.

And for the first time walking past this long alley of the palace, I feel free. During these five days, I had little chance to meet Sachi because I was busy with the relief work of post-war. I didn’t even have proper time to meet Alicia after I made sure her living here was made comfortable.

However, I did receive continuous reports of what she had been doing. But how could Cassa get ahead, befriending Sachi before me? As far as exchanging secret messages on paper.

But then I suppose Sachi and I already knew each other very well even before we got into this world.

But still, I wanted to be her first in this world as well.

And now that I am free, I can finally meet her.

Just as I was making my way to the guest quarters, I encountered a red-haired elf.

From what Sachi told me she is the second princess of the Elf kingdom Ascalon and she helped a great deal in Sachi’s search to find me.

Did she have a specific reason to accompany Sachi or did she make a deal with Sachi in return for helping her on her way to find me?

I stopped just near the entrance of the hallway, observing the elf princess. It was inevitable that our eyes finally met. For a moment she wavered and after looking around a bit she headed my way.

Seeing her hesitation, I expected her to say something directly to me. But instead, she awkwardly scratched her head, a gesture that seemed to suggest her thoughts were just starting to form. As if she had started moving even before deciding what she wanted to say to me.

Formally raising my gown, I gently bowed in front of her, “Greetings, Princess Regis Ascalon. I hope your stay has been comfortable as of now.”

I looked in front, and princess Regis was taken a step back. Did I spell out her name wrong? I had already verified her identity through Cassa.

Comparing her information from the previously collected data by Nightshade’s network. For the past few years, she had been recuperating inside the palace after causing a magic accident, when her powers went berserk. So, how was it that Sachi managed to meet her and get her out to travel with her?

Princess Regis nervously answered while stuttering, “Uh-uh, y-yes, it's been, um, q-quite comfortable, thank you.”

I couldn't help myself; my lips ended up curved into a chuckle as I laughed.

“Why are you laughing? I'm j-just not used to such f-formalities.” Regis didn't perceive my laugh as disrespectful, yet she voiced her objection regardless.

“No, you just now reminded me of someone.” And now I knew why she might have decided to tag along with Sachi.

“If there is anything you want to ask, you can ask right away. I will make sure to answer you honestly.” I told the elven princess.

With a reassuring smile, I tried to make princess Regis comfortable. And suddenly her flustered face turned serious after listening to my offer.

“Then tell me what does Alicia mean to you. How do you know her, because I decided to help her and travel with her? I knew she was searching for a person even without a face or a name attached to it. It was completely absurd and meaningless, but I still accompanied her. And now…” Regis seemed somewhat unsure after what had transpired in this palace in the past five days.

“I am the person Sachi had been searching for. And I had been searching for her too. But I cannot tell you how we know each other for so long even though we two have never met before.” I said confidently relieving Regis of all her suspicions.

“I see you did say you would answer me honestly and you didn’t make an excuse even if you won’t tell me.” Regis looked the other way with a sad expression as if I was not the first one to say it to her.

“I am glad you understand.”

“I don’t know why you keep calling Alicia with that odd name. And not even she would tell me everything. But if you really mean so much to her, then help me.” Regis said in a pleading manner.

“Please tell princess Regis. How can I help you?” I asked knowing it was something serious. Is she finally going to reveal what she wanted? I will do my best to fulfill anything she asks so that Sachi is not troubled.

“It’s about Alicia.”

I was stunned, but I waited and listened.

“When I first met Alicia, I would have never thought we could ever work together. But once I got closer to her and realized how genuine she was. She had a knack for rushing into trouble and indirectly helping others. And even when she is so strong she is extremely weak when dealing with new people and acts like a child in the most clumsy way.”

Regis looked at me with a surprised look.

“Why do you suddenly have such starry eyes?” Regis promptly asked as if bringing her guard up.

But before she could back out, I quickly held her hands and pulled her closer.

“So, you do really get her charms and cuteness. I am really glad Alicia could make a friend here.” I said trying to put Regis at ease.

Regis felt as if she had no choice but to continue with her story.

“It had only been around two weeks that I spent with Alicia and in that small time, we together fought dragons, rooted out a bandit gang, and sunk pirates. Saved a kingdom from a coup d eta. Cleared a dungeon. And even took down an assassin organization’s leader.” Regis enumerated the events with a smile appearing on her face as she recalled.

“⸺Is that a diary there you are holding.” Regis caught me noting down everything she told me about Alicia’s journey.

“There’s nothing to see, you can continue.” I threw the pencil and paper in my dimensional storage behind my back. I will just make sure to remember them all.

“After she returned from that war and introduced you to me as the person she had been always looking for. I was happy for Alicia.” Regis’s voice sounded depressed as if she had alone been worried for her.

I looked at Regis and realized she was really thinking about Sachi, and I couldn’t help but feel that I too had missed a lot.

“At first I thought Alicia was just acting weird like her usual self. But then it all began after she started avoiding me even though I was too late to notice it myself…”

Regis explained to me how Alicia was not acting herself by going around the palace and helping others in an unusual way with her magic. Even though she is never too keen to meet new people.

“Usually, she would use her magic to teleport to wherever she wanted, but now she directly seeks out to me to guide her to her room and then send me off. Since then I have not seen Alicia use magic for herself. And now I sometimes find her staring off in the air standing alone with an expressionless look on her face. It reminds me of the time when I saw her fight that evil dungeon goddess. And I have been unable to do anything for her.”

I looked down on the floor, not trying to pretend that I was unaware of these events which matched with the reports I received.

In that short time, I felt that I too had gotten close with Regis as we talked more about how they got here and their adventures.

“I will make sure to talk to Sachi myself and I am glad there are now others who worry about her besides myself. I will make sure she is back to the Sachi I know. You can totally rely on me.” I said to Regis as I bid her farewell.

….

I did not have a particular place in my mind where I could find Sachi so I continued on the path to her room.

But outside her room, stood another small girl in a maid’s uniform. It was the third member of Sachi’s party that accompanied her.

Hana was not a human. And anyone with a keen sense of magic could tell there was something unordinary with the source of magic in her body.

Sachi had told me she was a homunculus with the magic to alter causality and she possessed a small portion of Alicia’s soul core. There was no doubt it was a power that could be very close to a god.

I couldn’t help but be attracted to the small kid quietly standing outside Alicia’s door. With her small fragile hands, she held a white plate that contained some sandwiches.

With an expectant look, she gazed at me as our eyes met. Her smaller height stature and golden-colored eyes gave an impression of a timid animal.

Upon catching sight of me, she dashed over and enveloped me in a quiet hug. Putting her small arms around my torso to cover as much length as possible. She brought her face close to my chest.

I was confused, by her unexpected action. But then it started to feel comfortable.

In return, I patted Hana’s back and asked, “Hana is everything fine?” Even though she was not Sachi, she had now a small part of Sachi’s life energy stored inside her soul core.

“I knew I would feel calm if I did this. You are precious to master.” Hana said. She too had something heavy weighing on her mind.

“You are precious too Hana. Is there something you want to do?” I had no idea that even a small girl like this could make me blush.

“Master has not been feeling well. I cannot sense master’s heart sometimes and because of that I too feel hollow from the inside. Its master, she needs help.”

And here was yet another one, who asked for my help today to save Alicia.

Hana raised the plate towards me as if she wanted me to try some.

“Did you cook it for Sachi?” I looked at the plain-looking sandwiches.

On hearing that name Hana had a weird look on her face, but then she started feeling strangely familiar to the name.

“Master loves cooking. So, I tried making some sandwiches for her. But I am not able to meet her.” Hana said disappointed.

So, Sachi for the same reason was avoiding Hana as well.

As for the sandwiches they looked edible. But I was a bit apprehensive to eat them, since from the reports I received. Hana started learning to make sandwiches from the day she came.

And past these five days seven maids have already fallen unconscious after trying Hana’s food.

“I know why don’t you take it for Sachi in her room.” I suggested.

“Master is not here. So, I decided to wait for her to return. But…”

Hana was only a child and no one could have guessed for how long she planned to stand here waiting for Sachi to come.

“Hana if you want I can deliver these sandwiches for you to Sachi. In the meantime, why don’t you go and play.” Hana should not worry about these things and enjoy her newly found childhood.

“Okay.”

Handing me the plate, Hana went on her way as I directed her to the garden, where she could play around the pool and on the swings.

It became even more urgent for me to talk to Sachi now and figure out a way to solve this problem.

***

I don’t remember for how long have I been standing like this.

I don’t even remember how I even got here.

I don’t know where I am?

How long have I been here… For a minute. An hour...

I don’t want to move.

I also don’t feel my magic or even slight power in my hands or legs.

⸺I will just endure it as always.

But then my cold hands felt slightly warm.

“Sachi you are here. I have been searching for you for so long.”

That name, it had been too long since someone called me like that. And even though I had forgotten, I knew there was only one person here in this world who would first recognize me with that name.

As if light returning to my eyes, I turned back and found Athena standing behind me.

“⸺Athena…um…Alice.”

“You can call me by any name you like. And I will do the same.” Athena's cheerful enthusiasm chipped away at my reluctance.

“Alright…” I answered.

“Are you by any chance angry, that I did not come to see you for so long and was only able to keep minimal contact? But you too did not even try to come and meet me.” Athena sighed.

“Not at all. I just know how important your work was so I did not try to disturb you. And I wanted to help as well. So, I…” I stopped speaking.

I knew I had no right to since my intentions were not pure.

“I know and you have been a great help in the preparations for the coming celebration. In fact, your popularity in the castle has risen so high, that everyone is talking about you like an angel.”

“They are doing what… but I only…” I felt scared getting such attention when I never meant for it to happen.

That's why I should hide myself again...

I was about to don my mask once more to conceal both myself and my magic powers.

“At least I want you to live like yourself here. So, you don’t need to hide your lovely face.” Athen stopped me from covering my face as she held my lips with her finger.

“You did nothing wrong. I know you were just trying to test out your magic power.” Athena asked me as though it were something simple.

So, she had already figured me out. From the moment I got back and made sure Athena was safe.

All the burning desire in my mind to find Athena at any cost was satiated.

Everything started to seem so slow and now that I had found Athena there was nothing left for me to do.

No matter how much I tried, I could not bring myself to do anything else. Not even my body or magic responded to anything I did to amuse myself.

To the point, everything felt pointless to do.

I feared I had lost my magic. But I was able to use it to some extent whenever I knew I could heal someone with my magic.

Otherwise, all I felt was to distance myself from everything before I could become a part of anything.

It was the same depressing feeling I always had in my previous life when I lived all alone. But now I no longer want to live like that.

That’s why I have to force myself to use it.

“Athena will you tell me your wish and I will make it come true?” I offered.

It could have been my only salvation from this emptiness. I am sure if it’s for Athena I could do anything for her sake.

“A wish…?” Athena made an astonished face. Maybe she was worried that something had come over me.

Still, she answered me truthfully, “You don’t need to force yourself to do anything for me. My only wish has always been the same. I want you to be happy. So, you don’t need to endure it all alone.” Athena made herself clear.

“But… then what should I do from here on?” I at least wanted Athena to ask me to do something for her.

“I think you should do what you want to do. And even if you don’t know what it is you should do right now. You can take all the time to decide for yourself. Remember that’s why I am actually here for.”

Athena held my hand tightly and made me to follow her.

“It's already dark, and you should go to sleep. But I have a much more fun idea. Will you share with me every part of your journey that I missed? And I'll do the same.”

Athena led me to my room, knowing full well that I was already lost in this castle when she had found me. However, she did not embarrass me for it, unlike someone.

As I sat on my bed, Athena offered me to make my hair.

Even though I always kept it open and never felt the need to braid them.

Athena gently tied my hair into a beautiful single ponytail while at the same time, she was adamant to hear everything from the start.

I explained to her how I started my journey as a spider and ended up in this body. Athena was fascinated by how I could change my species once Al had analyzed them.

“I am glad the unique skill you got through me helped you to conquer the Tathya labyrinth. But for you to end up in that cruel hell out of all places.” I had never seen Athena swear like this and my heart again started to flutter.

But to ease her pain I told her about the True Hero and the True Demon lord. Since I had already got mother’s permission to do so. About how they took me in and trained me to survive in this new world.

“You met the true hero Caroline….” Athena seemed surprised but sounded somewhat familiar with mother as if they shared a small history. But it didn’t seem like they actually knew each other or had met before.

“Mother is always gentle with me, though she plummets me to the ground every time we are in a sword fight.” I laughed as if I longed for those moments again.

“So, you love her. I am glad you found a family to cherish too.”

“I love them…?” I did want to always keep mother, father, and Lili happy. But I do not even remember loving my original parents back in my previous world. So, how was I supposed to do it?

“It’s not important for you to know beforehand. I just know you do…”

Athena looked at me smiling but something felt off as she said that to me.

“And it’s done…” Athena took away my attention by pointing at my new hairstyle look.

"Wow..." I'd never taken much interest in hairstyles before. My aunt never paid me any attention to teach me. Although I did help my little cousin sister with her hair before.

“And now I think I know why you have been feeling so off. It’s because you are homesick. You have finally found a home and you said you made a promise to the True Hero that you will return to her once you found me.” Athena announced.

After Athena coaxed me into doing what she wanted. It was decided that next week I would visit back to the labyrinth… no. I wanted to go back to my home and see mother and everyone and tell them all I had done in the outside world.

Over the past five days for the first time, a sudden rush of vigor surged through my stomach, and with a groaning sound, I realized I felt hungry again.

“Hana prepared for you these sandwiches.” Athena held out the sandwiches to me and just when I was about to grab one.

Each of our hands froze momentarily realizing it might be best to put this on hold.

“It’s best if we continue this later after someone has tested the food.” Athena suggested and I accepted making it a unanimous decision.

I hadn’t realised but after talking to Athena like this I wanted to do something special for her. Since her brother would be returning back from the South tomorrow to join the celebration.

“My complete family is finally going to come together tomorrow once my brother has returned. We always have dinner together and I want you to be there. You can bring Regis and Hana as well. In fact, I have a surprise planned for you.” Athena whispered in my ears as if she was planning something big.

Of course, I couldn’t let her be the only one to give me surprises. So, I too wanted to do something for her as well.

“Alright, then I want to be the one that cooks food for all if you will allow me to do so.”

For the first time, I felt I should cook myself and I remembered how much I loved cooking.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better cook. Mother and father also wanted to meet with you properly. And I am sure they will definitely enjoy what you make for them.”

Athena was smiling but somehow it felt like I had walked right into a trap set by her.

As we continued to share our stories, I didn't realize I had started to fall asleep.

Athena helped me to lie on the bed while she sat across me on a chair and quietly watched me.

As if out our nowhere, Athena threw an unnecessary question at me, “ Alicia are you troubled with what you did at the war to the demon army?”

“Not at all. I have only made the right decision to eliminate a threat that could have harmed you and this world.”

***

I only had a small curiosity, wanting to know to what extent the Divine System had influenced Sachi.

Her actions to save me were swift, flawless, and devoid of hesitation. But as I looked into her eyes, a flicker of red banished all warmth.

It was like staring into a bottomless well, a chilling emptiness where her emotions used to be when I first met her.

But now her innocence is all gone because I dragged her into this new world.

Because of her attachment, she started seeing me as the Divine System. But the more magic she will use the closer she will get to the divine system and find herself in its grip.

For now, I have stopped the inevitable but I can’t keep her confused for long. It’s something she has to figure out on her own.

I suppose I feel better lying to her than seeing her get hurt like this…

Gods only smile on those who create a miracle out of nothing, and Sachi has been the first miracle I know of.

I will accept you no matter what you are.

Even though it’s my fault that my bond, directly connects you with the divine system.

But now that I have found you again I can never let you go.

***

The next day, I woke up late in bed. But the good sleep helped me to recover from all the fatigue.

I suppose Athena was right, what I had felt all this time was only because of exhaustion and nothing else. Since I had taken responsibility for tonight’s dinner, I had to do my best to make a feast fitting for royalty.

It's not like I want to impress Athena and everyone with my cooking skills. But after so many years we can finally enjoy ourselves and eat together.

I am pretty sure my modern cooking style which I worked so hard to refine will surprise everyone.

When Regis, Hana, and other workers in the palace, learned of this. They all volunteered to help with the preparations and I had no reason to refuse.

Regis and Hana were back to their usual smiles since they too looked on edge until yesterday.

As I stood outside the kitchen door, I decided to wear an apron over a loose dress and with my spider webs, it was no problem to make one for myself.

It was after so long that I took this combat dress off of my body. It almost had started to feel a part of me.

But I don’t think I will require it that much anymore.

At night, the three of us were presented with dresses that Athena had prepared for us to wear to join in the dinner.

Since it would be our first meeting with the royalty of this nation officially it was required that we present ourselves in the best way. Though it was a hassle for both me and Regis to have the maids help us change into such an elaborate dress.

Hana was used to being helped by Regis to change so she did not have much trouble.

Athena knew my preferences well, so I got a white gown with a very simple design. And the fabric was just as smooth as the clothes I made with my web.

Regis got a similar red gown, but it was woven with patterns keeping in mind the elven traditions to honor Regis’s princess stature as a foreign princess guest.

Hana was given a fancy dazzling dress consisting of a white shirt and a red skirt. Accompanied with a jacket, dyed the same vibrant gold as her eye.

At the table, our entry was announced by an attendant. Though it was only our names since Regis was a princess and was traveling secretly. It was important to keep her whereabouts secret from unwanted ears.

Only the royal family was aware of her real stature and we were officially marked as the princess’s Alice special guests..

Athena and her family had already taken their seat and she welcomed us with a smile.

It was a large dining hall with a long rectangular table with curved edges placed in the center. A beautiful round chandelier illuminated the room. A cool breeze swept through the room as the glass window to the balcony stood open.

The table was covered with magical glowing flowers and with exquisite silverware. The maids were working on bringing the food to the table that I had prepared.

The fancy table setting for a simple dinner made me nervous. I quickly walked close to Athena and took the seat beside her.

Regis and Hana followed and took a seat beside me as well.

Raising my head upwards I nervously took a look around. The king sat at the head of the table, presiding over the feast.

He had a calm look on his face as he observed us three. Was he disappointed or angry with me? Because I was avoiding to meet him.

Athena helped me in that respect by stalling all the summons from the King. Without regard for anyone, I stopped a national war from happening and removed all its traces. I am sure it has been a huge pain for him to deal with both internal and foreign affairs to close off all the news related to it.

As for the Queen, she sat opposite to Athena on the table and she continuously smiled at me with an ecstatic look on her face. Her long platinum gold hair and green eyes possessed the same calmness as Athena.

As I shifted my gaze to her left, directly in front of me there was a new individual.

I knew instinctively it was Athena’s brother she talked about last night who was supposed to return from the southern part of the kingdom that day.

With a gap of less than two meters, sat a handsome young man with platinum-blonde hair wearing a formal white military uniform with gold embellishments. Even though he was sitting, I could tell that he was tall and had a strong built body.

With a resplendent mane of golden locks and eyes resembling the brilliance of emeralds just like his mother. His striking features included sharp cheekbones, piercing eyes, and a well-defined jawline.

I couldn’t help but stare at him as his appearance was akin to those protagonists from the famous otome games back in my previous world.

“Alicia you don’t need to stare I know my brother is handsome. You can talk to him about anything you like.” Athena giggled at my dumb face.

“Huuuhhh… I was not. No, I mean I didn’t mean to.” Just what am I doing?

I awkwardly covered my eyes as I looked down.

“I should introduce myself first, I am the first prince of Hart Kingdom and Alice’s big brother, Leon Hart.”

Wah! Even his voice is so sweet yet he sounds so mature.

“It's an honor to meet the strong little magician and the rumored White Queen who saved my little sister and the kingdom from this crisis. I am grateful for what you have done for this kingdom.”

“You don’t have to. I did it all to save Alice.” I answered.

“At first I didn’t know, but I see why they all call you the White Queen.” Leon looked at my long white hair with a gentle smile.

“Brother you don’t need to flatter her.”

“I am not. She is the most beautiful creation I have ever seen and she is your precious friend too that you have been always looking for am I right.”

“You can call me Alicia.” I said abruptly.

My cheeks flushed at his words, and I glanced down shyly. But I didn’t want anyone calling me with that nickname.

“I see nice to meet you Alicia. You too can call me Leon.” Athena’s brother wished me again as if to set things right.

“Yes, I couldn’t believe my eyes that it would be a fairy when Alice introduced us to her first.” The Queen exaggerated. I wonder what kind of image she has of me.

“We were always so worried that Alice was chasing after something that was almost impossible. But there is nothing my daughter cannot achieve and I always believed in her.” The King pompously praised his own daughter.

“It was not me but Alicia that found me. And today she is the one who made all the food here. So, why don’t we eat before it gets cold.” Athena suggested.

The food was served on our plates when the King beckoned to the servants.

Everyone took a bite and their expression was that of bewilderment.

“I have never tasted anything quite so divine!” exclaimed the King.

“This taste is so unique; I could get addicted to it.” The Queen too fancied the food like a little excited girl.

“I couldn’t have asked for a perfect feast after my return from the south.” Prince Leon praised me too.

Regis and Hana, having already savored my cooking, so they simply indulged themselves.

As for Athena, she insisted on feeding me herself, lifting a spoon filled with food directly towards my mouth.

From there the conversation continued, filled with laughter and admiration. There was no talk of the war or any other serious matter but just them discussing their everyday life.

Prince Leon told us some of his encounters in the South. The Hart family was also eager to hear the same from Regis who was from elven royalty as they treated her with utmost respect.

It was completely new for me, and even though there was little I could speak in the conversation I enjoyed it. And I realized Athena was too living a peaceful life and I was happy for her.

She too had found the warmth of a loving family. She was no longer the goddess who was unsure but had become the first princess of this Kingdom.

As I was thinking to myself, Athena cut into my thoughts.

“Alicia, do you love it here?”

"Yes," I answered, but before I could say more, Athena leaned in closer.

“Do you too want to be a part of this family and live with me here?”

“Yes. I would love to.”

“I too want that to happen. So, why don’t you marry my brother Leon and we can be real sisters and friends forever.”

***

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