He looked around as he walked in the grand hallway of the castle, led by her. The walls were made of green mahogany, elven glyphs and floral patterns carved deep into the wood.
It's like wallpaper—but carved from wood. How long did that take? Scratch that, how long did it take to make any decorations! Everything's made of wood.
Candle chandeliers with emerald nozzles lit the hallway; wood-carved vases adorned with leafy patterns stood along the walls.
A few meters away stood a large door made of dark wood. Carved into it was a full-body portrait of the first Elven king and queen, their regal forms towering over him. His mouth hung agape as he craned his neck to take in the massive door.
"Wow!" He pointed, whispering. "What masterful carving…"
"Wait here. I shall inform Her Highness of your arrival."
With that, she entered the throne room.
He looked around some more.
"Man, I'd love to explore this place, but… Heheh. I can already see myself getting dragged back by the ear. Hahaha."
Laughing, he shook his head.
"Aah, pre-disaster humor. Gotta calm the nerves before I melt down in front of Her Highness… Let's… hope not."
The throne room door creaked open.
"Come. She is ready to meet you."
After nodding, Oswald stepped into the throne room.
* * *
There she is, the 'princess' I saved.
He walked on the long green carpet with gold-colored patterns of a flower. A shaky breath escaped him as he clenched and unclenched his trembling fist.
Come on Oswald! You've been in front of a monarch three times. How are you NOT used to this?
He let out a silent whistle.
Time to do this.
"Y-Yes, Your Highness?"
He knelt before the princess, who sat on one of two wooden thrones, each backrest carved like a tree sprouting behind them, its leaves made of emerald.
The princess wore a shimmering green dress. A wooden tiara embedded with emeralds rested on her long aqua hair—her long ears poking out from it.
"How dost thou fare?"
His breath caught in his throat as if an arrow pierced his heart. His eyes widened at the question—no formal greetings nor the reward afterward.
S-She asked… How I'm feeling?
"W-Well uh," he raised his head, meeting her aqua-colored eyes, "since you asked, I feel um, immense weariness despite not looking it and…" He lowered his head, tears building up in the corners of his eyes, "extreme loneliness…"
I'm so tired of thinking of the steps to save this world. Five islands, five "bosses". So many… just to get home.
Noticing himself being silent, he quickly wiped his eyes and continued.
"It's uh, quite… um… Haaah."
Telling her the truth won't work, she… she can't help me…
He met her gaze again.
But this is the truth to hide the lie.
"Truthfully, my… comfort lies in the presence of my parent and friends…"
Friends from my world—Vladimir and Li.
"…and none of them are here."
I really wish I could reveal who I was but, I don't know how they'll react nor its consequences. I—
CLAP!
A pleasant aroma reached him as Her Highness approached. She placed a hand on his shoulder, and he looked up into her face—a mother's face comforting a child.
"I had ere discern'd how thou didst feel, when thou withdrew'st behind the tree and unburden'd thy pent-up care." Her gaze shifted to the door behind him. "Yet may I redress but one alone."
Address…? One of them?
The door opened behind him. He glanced back and scoffed.
I see…
Aelindor and Percival entered the throne room.
"My honour to make thy acquaintance, Your Highness."
"And you have mine in equal measure, Your Highness."
Oswald let out a deep exhale, then waved.
"Good morning, guys!"
Percival's eyebrow raised. "Morning? It is two hours past noon."
"Hey, man, look—I haven't been outside since I woke up. Cut me some slack here," he replied, a genuine smile finally breaking through.
"Also, your timing is perfect, I was about to ask Her Highness a favor as my reward." He turned to the princess.
"Your Highness, I'd like to know information on caves, big enough to house a female wyvern."
"If it is within your power, Your Highness, please provide us with a geographical map with all the documented caves on the island, for it would be an invaluable asset to our quest."
The princess closed her eyes, giving a nod. "Thy petition shall be convey'd unto the proper authority."
Oswald and his friends bowed. "Thank you, Your Highness. We will take our leave."
Turning on their feet, the trio headed toward the throne room door.
"Haaah." The princess sighed and rested her cheek on her fist.
"His speech did want for full candour concerning his own nature." Her lips pressed into a thin line. "What matter doth so trouble him that it must needs stay unspoken?"
The maid stood nearby, watching the princess's troubled expression.
* * *
ns216.73.216.247da2
and then Add to home screen.