Let's dive into Hana's thoughts in the Kingdom of Elyria
My hands glow softly as I heal the afflicted subjects of Elyria's kingdom...
I stand in the grand healing chamber within Elyria's King Castle, surrounded by stone walls and stained glass windows.
The sick and injured from across the kingdom lie on rows of beds before me – knights, servants, and commoners alike.
My emerald green eyes move compassionately over each face as I work to soothe their suffering.
As I touch each person –
* A knight's wounded arm mends
* A servant's fever breaks
* A child's cough subsides
Grateful whispers fill the chamber.
My hands continue healing the wounded subjects of Elyria's kingdom, but my mind drifts back to cherished memories...
Laughing with my childhood best friend, surrounded by our happy crew...
Carefree days filled with joy and friendship...
Until a my classmate appeared and introduce the mysterious old book.
Its leather cover was worn, adorned with strange symbols that shimmered in the sunlight.
We gathered around, curiosity getting the better of us.
Little did we know, our lives were about to forever change...
And then, chaos erupted -
A blinding light enveloped two of our friends, dragging with us...
Into this world - Elyria.
Our shock turned to horror as we realized:
He was now trapped here, facing perils alone...
And our task from the book's challenge had become exponentially more dangerous...
Because in Elyria, failure doesn't just mean loss - it means death.
My mind snaps back to the present, filled with new dread...
News from the kingdom's messenger spreads like wildfire:
He... my former classmate and friend, has been accused of heinous crimes.
Exiled from the kingdom, sentenced to live in distant Brindlemark village.
My heart protests – I know him, and he's innocent of such evil deeds!
But I wasn't there to defend him, to plead his innocence...
I discreetly inquire about his trial among the kingdom's servants, seeking truth.
But their reactions fill me with dread:
Most avoid me, fearful of speaking out.
Others remain silent, as if sworn to secrecy.
A few dare to share their opinions - and they cut deep:
They believe he's guilty, citing disturbing evidence and credible witnesses against him.
My heart rebels against this truth - could my childhood friend truly be capable of such darkness?
Memories of our innocent laughter and adventures haunt me, refusing to accept this reality...
My mind still seethes with unresolved questions about my exiled friend...
I recall approaching King Malakar, determined to uncover the truth:
I stood before his throne, my emerald green eyes locked intensely on his.
"Your Majesty, I request permission to review the trial transcripts," I said firmly.
But his expression remained impassive, his voice calm yet final:
"Hana, there is no need for you to involve yourself in this matter."
My anger ignited – how could he deny me truth about my childhood friend?
I took a step forward, hands clenched into fists...
But a gentle touch on my arm halted me – Nao's soft voice whispered in my ear:
"Hana, wait..."
Her calming presence seeped into my tense body, soothing my rage.
With a deep breath, I turned away from the king without a word.
My silent defiance echoed through the throne room as I walked out beside Nao.
My mind still burns with unanswered questions and growing distrust of the king...
Nao's gentle voice breaks the silence, pulling me back to reality...
I'm still healing the last of the epidemic's patients, my hands moving on autopilot.
Nao stands beside me, concern etched on her face as she notices my distant gaze:
"Hana, what's wrong?" she asks softly.
I force a calm smile, not wanting to worry her:
"Nothing, Nao. Just tired."
Nao searches my eyes, sensing the truth behind my words.
But she doesn't press the issue... yet.
Instead, her expression turns thoughtful, and she says:
"Hope Mark is safe in that place..."
My heart skips a beat at his name.
My fake smile freezes, threatening to crumble.
My eyes lock onto Nao's, wondering if she suspects my true feelings about his exile...
"What do you mean?" I ask softly, trying to sound casual.
Nao's expression turns thoughtful as she explains:
"I meant that maybe his exile is a blessing in disguise...
He's been sent to a normal town, far from the castle's dangers –
No monster raids, no demon quests, no constant battles..."
Her words sink in, and my tense shoulders relax slightly.
My mind processes this new perspective – yes, Brindlemark village is relatively safe...
I feel a weight lift off my chest as I consider Nao's logic.
"You're right," I say calmly, smiling softly at Nao.
"Maybe this exile will keep him out of harm's way."
Nao smiles back, relieved my worry seems to have faded.
I mention I'm hungry and suggest we head to the castle dining hall for dinner together:
"Let's get some food, I'm starving after those long healing sessions," I say with a smile.
Nao laughs and nods, "Definitely needed, you barely ate anything all day."
We walk together to the grand dining hall, filled with soft chatter and warm candlelight.
After dinner, Nao suggests:
"How about a stroll in the castle gardens? The moon is full tonight."
I agree, feeling relaxed for the first time in days:
"That sounds perfect, let's walk off this heavy meal."
We slip out into the serene gardens, moonbeams casting gentle shadows...
The soft night air and Nao's calm presence help my mind stay focused on her logic earlier –
Mark is likely safe in Brindlemark village...
We stroll through the castle gardens, moonlight dancing across our faces...
Nao breaks the serene silence:
"Hana, what's tomorrow's schedule look like for you?"
I think for a moment before responding:
"I was thinking of walking into town, checking on the local clinics and hospitals...
There might still be some sick patients from the epidemic who need healing."
Nao's face lights up with a warm smile:
"You're really our Divine Mercy," she says softly.
I blush and playfully roll my eyes:
"Nao, stop teasing me..."
My voice trails off into laughter, and Nao joins in, our giggles echoing gently through the gardens.
As Nao is about to respond:
"I'd love to come with you tomorrow, Hana..."
My eyes drift past her shoulder, and my heart sinks.
Captain Victor emerges from the darkness, his gaze fixed on us –
No, not on me... on Nao.
His eyes burn with an unsettling intensity, lingering on Nao's face and hair.
My skin crawls with unease – I've seen that look before, and it terrifies me.
I grab Nao's arm, my voice casual but urgent:
"Nao, let's continue talking in your room. I'm getting a bit tired."
Nao nods smilingly:
"Okay, I was getting sleepy too. Let's head in."
She walks beside me, chatting lightly:
"I'm so excited to accompany you to town tomorrow, Hana!"
I smile and respond, keeping our conversation natural,
while discreetly glancing back – Captain Victor still stands there, his eyes fixed on us... or rather, on Nao.
My heart races with unease, grateful Nao didn't notice my sudden tension or him.
We enter her cozy room, and I close the door behind us, feeling a temporary sense of relief.
Nao asks me to sit and talk about tomorrow's plans, excitement sparkling in her eyes:
"I'm so glad I get to come with you tomorrow, Hana! What time should I be ready?"
I smile warmly:
"You can join me right after breakfast. I'll meet you in the courtyard around 8 am."
Then I glance at the candles, noticing the late hour:
"Nao, you should get some rest. Tomorrow will be a busy day."
Nao nods, yawning softly:
"Goodnight, Hana. Thanks for chatting with me."
She slips into bed, and I wait until she drifts off to sleep before quietly exiting her room.
I walk to my own adjacent room, closing the door behind me.
My heart still racing from earlier, I approach the window and push aside the curtains...
Moonlight pours in, illuminating my face as I gaze out into the night...
A week has already passed since Mark was exiled to Brindlemark village...
My mind wanders to thoughts of him, wondering how he's faring alone and accused falsely...
I wonder if I could sneak away to visit him, to hear his side of the story...
To know if he's safe, if he's struggling, if he even thinks of us back here...
My heart aches with concern for his safety and the false accusations against him.
Lost in thought, exhaustion finally catches up with me...
I turn away from the window, blow out the candle, and slip into bed.
My last thought before sleep is of Mark's face, and tomorrow's possibilities...