Arashi and Emi leaned in without meaning to, caught in her words.
"Two demon-like monsters knelt before that man. They weren't like the ones that attacked our village. No... they were different - they looked like they were bigger, smarter, and were more stronger than the others."
She clenched her fists, her turquoise eyes were flashing with memory.
"And on the right side of their chests… I saw numbers carved into their skin. One had the mark '1.' The other… '2.'"
Emi's expression hardened, though her fingers gave a small twitch at her sides, betraying the tension she was holding in.
"So… those things weren't the same monsters that destroyed this village," she said, her voice was colder than usual. "That means there are different kinds."
The princess's voice faltered, dropping to a hush that trembled on the edge of breaking.
"Yeah… you're right. They weren't ordinary monsters. They looked like knights of that man—disciplined, powerful… and something far greater. Then, suddenly, I saw a black portal open behind them. In an instant, they vanished into it."
Arashi's breath snagged, sharp and shallow, like his lungs had forgotten what to do.
A black portal?
His eyes widened, but he forced himself to stay quiet. If he slipped up now-if he revealed even a hint about how he had defeated that rock-vine monster which appeared on his town from the black portal, it might put both him and Emi in danger. So, he bit down his questions and buried them deep.
With that, the princess's explanation ended. Silence settled over them, broken only by their footsteps echoing through the ruined streets.
Then, at last, something new appeared in the distance.
A wide river, like a deep moat, shimmered in the fading light, wrapping around a massive fortress like a shield. A long stone bridge stretched across it — narrow but solid, made for carts and soldiers, yet built to be defended. Beyond it, pale gray walls rose tall and unyielding, their battlements cutting sharply into the sky. At the heart of it stood a great arched gate, its heavy wooden doors bound in iron. It looked more like a challenge than an invitation — daring anyone to come closer.
After crossing the bridge, Arashi and Emi's eyes widened at the sight before them.
Inside the walls, the kingdom spread out like a carefully arranged painting. Clean streets ran between rows of sturdy stone buildings, their blue-tiled roofs were glistening in the light. Flowers were blooming in the gardenes and patches of greenary softened the gray stone, filling the city with life and color.
Several towers rose proudly among the buildings-some standing tall and slender like proud warriors with spears in hand, others broad-shouldered and sturdy, keeping watch like silent guardians over the city.
At the heart of the city stood a grand cathedral, its stained-glass windows breathing with color like living jewels, its spires stretching upward like eager hands, each crowned with golden crosses that glowed warmly in the sunlight, as if it was blessing the world below.
And beyond it rose the castle, its towers stabbing into the sky while its thick walls stood firm and immovable-a presence that radiated power and authority.
The entire city carried itself with a polished grace-streets gleaming like freshly washed faces, buildings standing tall with quiet dignity. It didn't bustle like a common town; instead, it held the air of a royal capital, as if wrapped in velvet robes and crowned with pride.
Arashi's mouth dropped open, his eyes darting from the cathedral to the towering castle. "Woooow!" he exclaimed, unable to hold back his excitement.
Beside him, Emi didn't shout, but her gaze lingered on the view. Her serious expression softened just a little as she murmured, almost to herself, "…It's beautiful."
The princess turned back to them with a gentle smile.
"Do you like this kingdom?" she asked.
Arashi answered with a bright, cheerful shout, his voice was carrying all the excitement he felt,
"Yeah, it's too amazing!"
His eyes shone like stars, bright with wonder and excitement. Emi felt the same awe, but instead of showing it outwardly, she gave a quiet nod in response to the princess's question.
They stepped off the bridge and into the city streets, where the stones seemed to welcome their footsteps and the air itself was carrying the pulse of life around them.
Arashi's head swiveled left and right, his eyes sparkling as the city revealed itself to him-tiled roofs smiling in the sun, gardens blooming like cheerful hosts, and grand towers standing proud as if they were greeting their newest guest.
Emi walked beside him, her steps were calm and steady, yet her eyes betrayed her wonder-drawn again and again to the cathedral spires that stretched like storytellers into the sky, and to the lively streets that bustled and laughed around her.
The two of them wandered in quiet awe, surrounded by the hum of life inside the kingdom walls.
As they walked through the streets, the rhythm of daily life slowed. Merchants set down their wares, children stilled their play. One by one, people lowered their heads, quiet bows blooming like a wave before the princess. Some pressed a hand to their chest in solemn respect, while others dipped their heads gently, eyes shining with reverence.
Arashi scratched his head, trying to ease the tension.
"Wow… I've never had this many people ignore me so politely before."
Emi gave him a sideways glance, her voice cool.
"Don't worry. They're not ignoring you. They just don't see you at all."
Arashi froze for a moment, then forced a weak laugh.
"…That's even worse."
Then, suddenly, a woman in her late twenties came rushing toward them. She skidded to a halt beside the man holding the trembling girl, her cheeks were wet with tears, eyes wide with fear and relief all at once.
"Jinah… my Jinah!" she cried.
The man gently set the girl down. The child's lips quivered before she burst out, "Mom!"
The woman dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around her daughter. The girl clung to her, trembling and crying, holding on as if letting go would mean losing her forever.
Around them, the crowd couldn't help but smile at the sight. Moments ago, they had bowed their heads to the princess, but now their face lifted, softened by the warmth. Even the princess's lips curved into a smile, and beside her, Arashi and Emi felt their own chest ease, their hearts got lighter as they watched the reunion.
But not everyone shared in their joy. One man remained unsmiling-the guard with the sword. He stood rigid and silent, his face was hard to read, and his fingers were tightening around the hilt as his shadow crept long across the ground.