Hilda sat in the vibrant garden, a place she usually cherished for its beauty and serenity, but today, it felt like a prison. The colorful flowers swayed gently in the breeze, yet they did nothing to lift the heavy weight in her chest.

  In her hands, she clutched the Beads of Truth, a gift from Prophet Paul on the eve of her arranged marriage. Each bead was imbued with significance, and yet all it brought her was irritation. A flicker of anger ignited within her; how had the Gods seen fit to reduce her to a mere pawn in their game? Yet, amidst the tempest of her thoughts, a thread of gratitude lingered—at least her life had been peaceful thus far. Most women in the Holy Alliance weren't allowed to do one-quarter of the things that she was able to do.

  But what her heart truly craved was to hurl the beads down the ravine, to watch them shatter into a thousand irretrievable pieces, just like the dreams she felt slipping away. Unfortunately, Terenthiel and Zane were nearby, so she restrained herself from doing so, as it was sacrilege to destroy a syblom of the Divine Three. Her punishment for such a transgression would be harsh and swift. And all the little freedoms she did have would be taken away. Ultimately, Hilda was little more than a pawn in someone else's game—an asset to be manipulated and cast aside the moment her value diminished. And this knowledge left her with a feeling of utter powerlessness.

  *Sniff*

  'I'm going to be yelled at once Terenthiel finds out that I'm no longer in the lobby, isn't he? But how can I stay there?... How can I smile and act like everything is fine? It's not fair. Why did the Divine Three do this to me? Why do they need me to marry a man that I don't love?... Fate can be so~'

  "Ahem..."

  Hilda’s heart raced as she jolted in her seat, nearly letting the beads slip from her fingers. When she looked up, her breath caught in her throat. Before her stood an enchanting young woman draped in a sleek black dress adorned with the Royal sigil, its golden thread glinting in the light. The first thing that captivated Hilda was the woman's flawless, sun-kissed skin that seemed to glow with vitality. Her long, platinum-white hair cascaded elegantly, partially veiled by a delicate shawl that added an air of mystery. But it was her eyes—brilliant azure, like the clearest summer sky—that held Hilda’s gaze, radiating warmth and kindness that wrapped around her like a comforting embrace.

  'T-The QUEEN!?!... Wait!...' Hilda panicked and started straightening her gown and tucking strands of her red hair back into place. Once she got a second look at this woman, she realized that this could not be Queen Rianna, as her skin seemed a little darker and her hair was black, not white. But this woman had similar curves to the Queen's, and the royal sigil was emblazoned upon her dress, which was very odd to see on someone who wasn't Rianna. 'Who is she?... I wonder if she is a relative of the Queen? I mean, from what I remember reading about Corialian women, they have a tanner complexion than the women on Agon, but I didn't know they were this tan... Hmm, maybe she's from the desert region? I-I shouldn't judge her. She's wearing the Royal Family Sigil, so she must be the Queen's younger sister or her cousin... I can't offend her, or the Queen will surely have my head!'

  Hilda had only been in the Capital for a couple of days, so she wasn't too familiar with the politics here. She had gleaned only a modicum of understanding from the sporadic moments spent with her half-brother, where Terenthiel would regale him with the latest political tidings, his voice swelling with enthusiasm as he basked in the spotlight of his own oratory.

  Despite her royal lineage, her father, Prince Dreyand, had confined her education to the rigid confines of etiquette, history, and religion—subjects that left little room for the strategic complexities that pulsed through the veins of the Capital. Hilda felt more like an outsider, relying on her instincts alone, hoping that her gut feelings would guide her through the tangled web of alliances and rivalries—an uncharted territory for a young woman seeking her place in a world built upon whispers and power plays.

  Rya couldn't help but be entertained by Hilda's flustered expressions. When their eyes finally met, she flashed a charming smile that lit up her face, drawing Hilda's attention like a moth to a flame.

  'Wow... She's really pretty. She must be a member of the Royal family... Terenthiel mentioned something to Zane about the Queen not trusting most of the noblewomen here in Fiafyr... Maybe she only trusts her family... I wish I could trust my family...' Hilda smiled warmly at the mysterious woman, hoping to ease the awkwardness.

  "You must have been deep in thought for me to catch you off guard like that," Rya teased, a playful gleam dancing in her eyes.

  Hilda felt her cheeks flush, a warmth spreading through her. Nobody had ever approached her quite like this before, and it made her feel as if she were a child again, innocent and wide-eyed.

  "I-I might have been, but you didn’t have to sneak up on me like that," Hilda stammered, her heart racing.

  Rya's eyes sparkled with mischief, clearly enjoying the moment.

  "Well, I guess it's just one of my little habits... Sorry about that," Rya replied, flashing a warm, disarming smile.

  Hilda’s mind raced. Was that sincerity she detected? She couldn’t help but wonder, ‘Why would someone from the Royal family apologize to someone like me, a mere nobody?’

  In a world where she was accustomed to orders and commands, where respect felt nonexistent except from her maid, Hilda found herself taken aback by this unexpected kindness. The contrast was almost surreal—how could someone so noble be so approachable and friendly?

  "I-It's okay," Hilda replied with a shy smile.

  Rya smiled warmly, her posture straightening as she caught sight of the vacant seat beside Hilda. "Is it okay if I join you?" she asked, her tone inviting.

  Hilda's cheeks flushed as she blinked in surprise. She turned her gaze to the empty spot, feeling a flutter of nervous excitement. "O-Oh! N-No, I don’t mind at all! P-Please, take a seat," she stammered, her heart racing.

  As Rya settled down, a gentle breeze rustled through the trees, and she let out a contented sigh. "Isn’t it a beautiful day?" she remarked, her eyes sparkling with the sunlight.

  Hilda tilted her head back, drinking in the vast expanse of the clear blue sky before turning her focus back to Rya. "Yes… Yes, it truly is," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

  As Hilda cast a furtive glance at Rya, a whirlwind of emotions twisted within her. The woman exuded an air of confidence and undeniable beauty, making Hilda's heart race with a mix of admiration and self-doubt. She longed to approach Rya, to engage her in conversation, but the words felt trapped in her throat. Rya was not just any woman; she had ties to the Queen, which only amplified Hilda's nervousness. Her eyes caught sight of Rya's dress—an elegant creation that boldly showcased her cleavage. A pang of confusion struck Hilda. She had always been taught to cover herself, to suppress any hint of allure, and yet here was Rya, radiant and unashamed.

  Hilda's thoughts spiraled. 'S-She's showing off so much skin... But why is she dressed like that? I thought it was bad to do so. But maybe it's different for nobles in this kingdom. Wait... I-It's a sin, Hilda. I shouldn't be ogling her like a piece of meat, and I should be ashamed of myself.'

  Yet, despite her internal conflict, Hilda found her gaze lingering on Rya. The way her curvaceous figure effortlessly captured the attention of those around her—Hilda couldn’t help but be entranced. It was as if the world around them faded, leaving only the magnetic allure of Rya’s presence. How could someone possess such charm and fearlessness? Hilda’s heart raced, caught between admiration and the conventions she felt bound to uphold.

  Without looking at Hilda, Rya could sense the young woman's nervousness and curiosity as she sensed Hilda staring at her chest, wondering about the dress. The silence was deafening, and Rya decided to break it.

  "Enjoying the view?" Rya asked playfully, a teasing smile dancing across her lips.

  Hilda's eyes shot away as she blushed a deep crimson, flustered by the unexpected comment. "I-It’s not what you think!" she stammered in a desperate attempt to reclaim her composure.

  Rya couldn't help but grin wider. "Oh really? Then what’s with the lingering gaze? You seem to be built similarly, so why not admire your own?"

  Hilda gasped, indignation flashing in her eyes. "How dare you speak to me like that!" she snapped, the embarrassment quickly turning into irritation.

  Rya burst into laughter, unable to contain herself. "C'mon, how would you react if you caught someone staring at you? You probably ask a similar question, no?" she replied, enjoying the playful banter.

  "I-I... Y-You..." Hilda stammered, as this woman was right and caught her dead to rights. "W-What I meant is that I was not ogling you!" she declared, crossing her arms defiantly.

  "Relax, I'm just teasing," Rya said reassuringly.

  Hilda couldn’t believe the words escaping her lips. Was she really being this rude to a complete stranger? Part of her felt compelled to defend herself, to stand her ground against what she perceived as inappropriate.

  “Fine! I admit it—I was staring at you,” she blurted out, her voice sharper than she intended. “I just don’t get why someone would choose to wear such a low-cut dress. It’s not something I understand.”

  Rya cast a slow, scrutinizing glance in Hilda's direction, her brow arching in mild curiosity. She couldn't help but take in the sight of the striking redhead, whose white dress hugged the contours of her figure modestly. The high neckline framed Hilda’s delicate collarbone, while the skirt cascaded down to her ankles, lending an air of elegance and restraint. Although the attire suited her well, Rya sensed an underlying impression that Hilda possessed a certain prudishness, seemingly contrasting with Rya’s own more daring sense of style.

  ‘Wow, she might be a little prudish, huh? I'm getting the religious vibes from this chick... This could be fun,’ Rya mused, a playful smile gracing her lips.

  “I have to ask, does it bother you?” Rya inquired, her tone light yet curious.

  Hilda fell silent, her focus locked ahead as if the world around her had suddenly faded away. The tension between them hung in the air, thick and palpable.

  "Well?" Rya pressed, an eager smile tugging at her lips.

  Hilda turned toward her, a quizzical look on her face. “What? Why are you asking me?”

  Rya let out a soft laugh, her eyes shining with amusement. “Because it’s obvious you’re bothered by it,” she teased.

  Hilda scoffed, dismissing the notion with a shake of her head. “I am not bothered! It’s just… improper,” she declared with a note of defiance.

  Rya raised her hands in playful surrender. “Alright, if you want to know why, I'll tell you... I love the feel of the open air brushing against my skin. And if you think this is too much, just be thankful you weren’t with me two weeks ago—this dress is practically a fortress compared to what I wore then!” she added with a cheeky wink.

  Hilda's eyes widened in surprise, a rush of heat flaring through her cheeks. "A-Are you trying to embarrass me?" she sputtered, her voice laced with disbelief.

  Rya chuckled, amused by Hilda's flustered demeanor. "Well, if we are born with a body like ours, then why not find it when it can be used as an asset?" Rya said proudly.

  "I-I don't see my body as an asset," Hilda muttered, shifting uncomfortably.

  Rya smiled warmly, sensing a hint of vulnerability behind Hilda's words. "Did you come to that conclusion, or did someone tell you it was wrong to do so?" she asked gently.

  Hilda's frown faded as a thoughtful look came over her face. 'B-But the Divine Three says that it is sinful to show your body like this... But many men look at me with those strange looks in their eyes. Even some women... They all seem to admire the way I look...' Hilda looked at Rya's body again and suddenly realized that her assets were slightly bigger than her own. 'What if I was lied to... NO! The Prophet would never lie. He is a holy man. He is doing God's work.'

  Hilda shook her head, her brows furrowed in concern. "B-But... what about the sins of the flesh? We can’t just flaunt our bodies like this without consequences!"

  Rya erupted into laughter, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And who put those ideas in your head?"

  Hilda crossed her arms defiantly, a hint of frustration in her voice. "My father and the Church, obviously!"

  Rya rolled her eyes theatrically, a smirk playing on her lips. "Well, isn’t that just typical? Is the Church really just another arm of the patriarchy?"

  Hilda's high and mighty attitude vanished and was replaced by confusion.

  "Pati... what?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

  "Patriarchy," Rya reiterated, her tone a mix of exasperation and amusement.

  Hilda tilted her head, her brow knitting together as she contemplated the strange term.

  "What exactly is a patriarchy?" she asked, genuinely unsure, her curiosity eager for answers.

  Rya smirked, "It is a place where women are seen as nothing more than property. Like second-class citizens... And men are seen as the rulers of the world, and the gods have gifted them dominion over everything... The Church is nothing more than a tool used by the male patriarchy to control the masses and women... Everything else is seen as a threat, so it must be put in their place or eliminated. Women are nothing more than slaves and breeding machines for men, and the Church uses that fear to keep women under their thumb."

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  Hilda blinked, dumbfounded. She had never considered the concept in this light before, and her mind was still trying to process it. Sure, it was true that everything in the Alliance was a man's world. Even in the church, women weren't allowed to be priests. Only male clergy. But why was this the case? Surely, there were some women with faith strong enough to lead the masses.

  "Are you saying that the Church is lying?" Hilda asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.

  "From how you are acting, says it all. You come from somewhere that is controlled by a religion, right?" Rya asked, her expression serious.

  Hilda nodded, her gaze dropping.

  "Then, you must have felt a lack of freedom, right?" Rya asked softly.

  "N-Not exactly... But men are the ones to whom the Gods talk, so they know what is and isn't a sin," Hilda replied.

  "Really?... Only men can hear the words of the Gods. So, women are deaf, then?" Rya asked sarcastically.

  "I-I did not say that!" Hilda huffed, crossing her arms.

  "Well, if they can hear the words of the Gods, then there isn't any suffering from where you are from, right?" Rya asked, a smirk tugging at her lips.

  Hilda bit her lip, feeling cornered. She couldn't lie and say everything was perfect because she saw how the people of the Holy Alliance suffered every day. They were constantly fighting a war on two fronts—a war against the monsters and a war against the beastkins tribes that lived in the lands south of the Agonian Kingdom.

  "I... I-I don't know," Hilda said, sounding defeated.

  Rya sighed as she saw the pained look in the red hair's eyes, and she felt a little bad for being so blunt. She reached out and placed her hand on Hilda's shoulder.

  "Listen... I didn't mean to make you upset. But all I was trying to say is that just because we aren't men doesn't mean we are any less than them. You have just as much worth as they do, and you shouldn't be afraid to use your womanhood to your advantage," Rya said confidently.

  Hilda looked at her with uncertainty, but the confidence in Rya's voice was infectious. All her life, she had been told never to show her breasts. To hide herself away from the world. And yet here was this woman who didn't care if she showed hers. She wasn't ashamed, and her confidence made her even more beautiful.

  'But... Is the Church wrong?' Hilda pondered, her mind reeling from the realization.

  "And what makes you so sure?" she asked, her tone a little lighter.

  Rya chuckled softly, "Where do strong men come from?... Women... And where do strong women come from?... Men. That is how it works."

  Hilda was taken aback, a wave of emotions

  "But the Church says..."

  Rya raised a finger, silencing her.

  "Don't worry about what the Church says. Focus on what you believe. Your faith is in yourself. Do not let anyone else control that for you," Rya said.

  Hilda was speechless.

  "And... don't feel pressured to act like me. If you feel uncomfortable, then don't do it. For me, I love wearing breathable clothing, and it also gets my man excited, so I get whatever I want," Rya said, smiling cheekily.

  "So, you're saying you use your body as an asset to get your way? Is that what you're saying?" Hilda asked, her brow furrowing in disbelief.

  "Well, not always... But sometimes," Rya admitted, shrugging.

  Hilda paused, her thoughts swirling in a whirlwind of revelations. The weight of new ideas pressed upon her, challenging everything she'd ever known. The unsettling notion that the Church might not hold all the answers left her reeling. In that moment, she couldn't help but wish for a different fate—dreaming that if she had been born a boy, perhaps she would have navigated this world with more freedom.

  'If only I could be a boy and not a weak and feeble woman... I wouldn't have to worry about my future... Maybe I wouldn't be so worried all the time and wouldn't need to be married off to some stranger!' Hilda thought bitterly.

  "So, is there anything else you'd like to ask me? I'm an open book," Rya said, her tone inviting.

  Hilda hesitated for a moment, but then she asked a question she never dared to ask her maid or the priests.

  “D-Do you think your life would be better if you were born a man?” Hilda asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid of the answer.

  Rya’s face burst into a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling as they danced across the vibrant garden sprawled before them—an enchanting realm of color and fragrance nestled within the palace grounds. The flowers swayed rhythmically in the breeze, inviting her into their mesmerizing beauty.

  ‘If only she knew the truth… Maybe it’s time to share a few secrets. If I told her I was actually born a man, she’d probably think I’m joking. But perhaps this will help ease her worries,’ Rya mused, a playful glint in her eyes.

  “Well,” she began with a teasing tone, “there are definitely some perks to being a man, like, for instance, the ease of using the chamber pot!”

  Hilda’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson. “That is not funny!” she shot back, trying to suppress a smile.

  Rya chuckled, her amusement infectious. "Any disadvantages we may face for being born women are largely relative to the culture we are raised in. Otherwise, these disadvantages are minor, with the sole exception of giving birth. In fact, the benefits of being a woman often outweigh the negatives."

  Hilda gave her a skeptical look, eyebrows raised. “Benefits?”

  With a mischievous grin, Rya replied, “Oh, absolutely!”

  "Honestly, I really struggle to see the benefits of being a woman," she confessed, her voice laced with confusion and raw honesty.

  Rya paused, letting the words hang in the air. *She has no idea... Yep, definitely a virgin—total lack of experience… And no real sex education either... Interesting,* Rya mused to herself, her mind racing.

  She met the other girl's gaze, a spark igniting in her eyes for just a moment before fading back to normal.

  "I know we just met, but would you mind if I asked you something a bit... personal?" Rya ventured, her curiosity getting the best of her.

  Hilda arched an eyebrow, her expression shifting to one of suspicion.

  "It depends," she replied cautiously.

  Rya leaned in, her voice a playful whisper. "So, Hilda, have you ever been with a man?"

  Hilda's eyes widened, and a bright crimson hue spread across her cheeks. "O-Of course not!" she stammered, barely able to meet Rya's gaze.

  Rya chuckled softly, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Ah... That explains why you have never considered the benefits."

  "W-What benefits," Hilda asked, curiosity dancing in her tone despite her embarrassment.

  Rya turned back, an amused smile playing on her lips, clearly enjoying the moment. "Oh, let’s just say there are all sorts of adventures waiting for you. Like the fact that our bodies can feel levels of pleasure that a man can't."

  Hilda's brow furrowed, her lips parting as she prepared to voice her thoughts. But just as her words were on the verge of emerging, Rya's hand gently caught her arm, silencing her in an instant.

  "Yes... Men do indeed feel pleasure every time they have sex, but they can't orgasm the same way that women can. Their pleasure is short-lived, whereas ours lasts much longer... And if you are with a partner that you trust wholeheartedly, then you'll feel the more intense kind of pleasure that can make your toes curl. It's an intense release, a blissful feeling unlike anything you have ever experienced. You have to feel it to believe it," Rya whispered, her tone sultry and seductive.

  Hilda was completely blindsided by this woman's sheer boldness. A wave of disbelief washed over her, and she felt her throat tighten as she struggled to swallow her astonishment. Though the words spilling from the woman's lips made little sense to her, Hilda found herself inexplicably drawn in, hanging onto each phrase as if it were a tantalizing secret waiting to be unveiled.

  Rya leaned in closer, her breath hot against Hilda's ear. "Imagine the sensation of a man's tongue flicking against your sensitive nipples or the feeling of a thick, throbbing cock buried inside of you," she continued, her voice dropping to a low, husky growl.

  Hilda's blush deepened, her pulse racing wildly as images flooded her mind—vivid and intense. A shiver ran down her spine, and her breath caught in her throat.

  "Y-You shouldn't say things like that!" she managed to sputter, her cheeks burning.

  "Why not?... It's natural to have such feelings," Rya teased.

  "B-Because it's improper! And the Gods will punish me for my sins if I don't repent," Hilda blurted out, a note of panic rising in her voice.

  Rya took a step closer, her expression softening. “Hey, listen to me. I don’t know what world you’ve been living in, but honestly, there’s barely any difference between men and women. Sure, men might be physically stronger, but we possess our own kinds of strength. It’s not all about brute force; it’s about intelligence, compassion, kindness, and even magical prowess. What truly matters is how we wield our unique abilities to uplift those around us. That’s the essence of being a good person.”

  "I-I have never heard anything like this before," Hilda admitted her voice barely above a whisper.

  Rya smiled, warm and reassuring. "Well, now you have. Just remember to be cautious of religions that thrive on keeping their followers in the dark. They often use fear to control, but true enlightenment comes from understanding and embracing who you are."

  Hilda turned her gaze away, letting out a heavy sigh that seemed to echo her mounting frustration. A dull throb began to pulse at her temples, warning her of an impending headache.

  'Is it true? Is the church hiding things from us?... And the Gods... Why have they not spoken to me?... They only ever spoke to the prophet or my father...'

  Rya noticed that Hilda was deep in thought.

  "Are you okay?"

  "I'm fine," Hilda snapped back, the cold tone failing to hide her inner turmoil.

  Rya's eyes saw some red, particularly floating around in her head.

  'Shit... I gave her a headache... I'll fix it.'

  With a gentle focus, Rya channeled her mana, releasing a soft stream of healing magic toward Hilda. The soothing warmth washed over her as she was still deep in thought and within seconds, Hilda's headache vanished.

  'It frustrates me! Why would the church do such a thing? What does the prophet gain from lying to the people? A-And... Agh... M-My head feels better... That's strange... What is this feeling in my stomach? I've never felt like this before...'

  "Feeling better," Rya asked, snapping Hilda back to reality.

  "Y-Yes, actually. Thank you," Hilda said, sounding embarrassed.

  "Yeah... It looks like you are fighting an internal battle. I won't pry, but just remember that sometimes the truth hurts. The truth can be ugly and cruel. But you have to decide what is important to you. Are you willing to risk the pain of the truth, or are you willing to remain ignorant, living a comfortable lie?" Rya said, her voice solemn.

  'A-Am I willing to risk the pain of the truth? If it means finding true happiness, then... I will accept the pain.' Hilda nodded, her expression filled with determination. 'She's so wise... I never felt this comfortable around everyone other than my maids... What is it about her that makes me want to trust her? There's something about her that is comforting...'

  Hilda smiled, her eyes sparkling with a newfound sense of hope.

  "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely rising above the gentle rustle of leaves.

  A playful grin danced on Rya's lips, a delightful blend of joy and mischief. "It was my pleasure."

  The two women sat together, enveloped in the beauty of blooming flowers swaying softly in the breeze. In that serene moment, Hilda felt an overwhelming sense of tranquility, as if she could linger in this bliss forever. Yet, like a distant storm cloud threatening a clear sky, her thoughts began to intrude.

  'But I need to know... I have to uncover the truth... Maybe she can help me,' Hilda mused, her heart racing.

  She turned her gaze to Rya, who sat with her eyes closed, fully immersed in the soothing symphony of nature—the whispering leaves and distant chirps creating a melody that hinted at ancient secrets.

  'How am I supposed to broach this? Should I dive right in or take a more subtle approach? What words will unravel the mystery?'

  It took Hilda several deep breaths to gather her courage.

  “M-Miss... do you think the Divine Beings really care about us mortals?” she ventured, striving for a tone of casual curiosity.

  Rya's eyelids fluttered open, surprise flickering across her features. Her heart tightened as unwelcome memories of Nils and Nebulus surged within her, battling against the urge to reveal her true feelings about the gods.

  "That's quite a weighty subject, but if you ask me... it seems like the Gods are more like cosmic spectators, playing games with our lives for their own amusement rather than genuinely caring about our welfare."

  Hilda's eyes widened, and her jaw dropped.

  Hilda’s eyes widened, disbelief painting her face. 'Is this woman out of her mind?'

  "W-What makes you think that?" Hilda stammered, her disbelief palpable.

  Rya's thoughts raced back to the moments when Nils had deceived her, the painful memories threatening to surface. She hesitated, not wanting to reveal her dark elven race in front of this curious girl.

  “Let’s just say I’ve had my own… encounters with a couple of goddesses who thought it would be entertaining to break me mentally,” Rya replied, an icy edge lacing her words. “They failed, of course. But trust me, their games were no joke. I came out stronger, but it wasn’t easy.”

  'This can't be true! How can she say something like this and not be struck down by the divine beings themselves?' Hilda thought at first, but she felt like Rya was speaking the truth while still breathing. 'And yet, she sits here unharmed... What does this mean?'

  Hilda had never entertained the thought that the gods might be toying with humanity, and now, it churned her stomach.

  “What if she’s right?” she pondered, a wave of unease washing over her. “Is that why the gods remain silent? Are we nothing more than mere pawns in their twisted game? How can they be so heartless?”

  Rya noticed Hilda’s mind racing, each question sparking darker thoughts like a chain reaction.

  "Hey... Don't think too hard about it... It's just going to send you into a rabbit hole that will drive you crazy," Rya warned.

  Hilda sighed deeply, nodding as she tried to shake off the swirling thoughts in her mind. *It’s a lot to take in, but maybe she has a point. I shouldn't let it consume me,* she mused, attempting to calm her racing thoughts.

  "But how do you not think about it?" Hilda asked, her curiosity piqued.

  Rya’s grin widened, "Well... Having trusted friends helps a lot," she replied, her tone lighthearted.

  Hilda’s smile wavered, a hint of sadness creeping into her expression. "Friends?"

  "Yep... It makes going through life a lot easier. Especially if they are the kind of friend who won't stab you in the back," Rya said, trying to cheer her up.

  “I... I don’t think I have any friends like that,” Hilda admitted, her voice barely above a whisper as it cracked under the weight of her loneliness.

  "Really? That's hard to believe!" Rya exclaimed, leaning closer. "You're so easy to talk to, and it’s clear you have a kind heart. You possess so many qualities that would make anyone want to be your friend."

  Hilda's mood brightened slightly.

  Hilda felt a flicker of warmth at the compliment; her mood brightened just a bit. "I-I never considered myself that way... Thank you," she managed, a shy smile returning to her face

  "You’re welcome!" Rya replied, her voice softening. "Honestly, I find you really pretty, smart, and downright interesting. If you're going to be around here for any amount of time, I wouldn't be opposed to being a friend... That's if you want me," Rya offered gently, her sincerity shining through.

  Hilda blushed, but her eyes shined brightly. "R-Really? Y-You want to be my f-friend?"

  "Yeah, I don't see an issue with it,"

  Rya said, returning her smile, a glimmer of kindness in her gaze.

  Hilda felt a rush of warmth bloom in her chest, caught off guard by the unexpected kindness. She was unaccustomed to being treated as an equal.

  "I-I would absolutely love that," she stammered, her heart racing.

  Hilda reached out to her right hand, which had the beaded necklace with the Divine Three symbols on it, which seemed to be glowing all of a sudden.

  "It's a promise," Rya said, sealing their bond with a firm shake.

  "A promise," Hilda replied with a bright smile, "My name is—"

  "PRINCESS HILDA!" Roared the voice of a furious man.

  Hilda’s heart dropped, her eyes widening in shock as the familiar voice of Sir Darius wrapped around her like a cold shroud. She froze, a chill running down her spine. Rya's smile twitched as she learned the identity of this woman. This was the woman who had been destined to marry her man, and Rya felt a wave of humiliation wash over her for not seeing it sooner. The realization settled heavily in the air, thick with tension and unspoken emotions.

  'I... I can't fucking believe I actually made friends with Quin's betrothed!' Rya thought, her heart thumping in her chest as she looked at her main obstacle to marrying the Crown Prince. 'Good one, Rya! Wait a go, you idiot!' she internally scolded herself as she let go of Hilda's hand and slowly turned to see who was yelling at her.

  When the dark elf's eyes landed on the three imposing figures standing fifteen feet behind her, her blood turned to a boil. She knew exactly who they were as three men dressed in white armor came into her view. The memory surged through her, taking her back to the early days of her unexpected arrival in Tertius. She could almost feel the chaos of the Dark Elves' citadel as it was besieged by men clad in the same armor that eerily echoed the past. Among them stood a tall figure, his armor gleaming with a sanctity that sent a chill down her spine. He reminded her of that insufferable wretch, Sir Claudius, the man who had tried to end her life. The person inside the paladin armor may have been different, yet the same unmistakable air of arrogance clung to him like a shadow, igniting a familiar fury within her.

  'It's a fucking Paladin and his white knights... I've been waiting a long time for this day,' Rya thought darkly.

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