RHEIN'S POINT OF VIEW
We both laughed. I hadn't expected our reunion to be like this—serious conversation one moment, teasing and laughter the next.
Our attention shifted toward the open balcony when we felt Forelody's presence. She flew in, wings catching the light, and was about to come to me when she noticed my mother beside me.
"I'll leave you two for now, Rhein." Before she vanished, Mother pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead.
"Rhein." My pracien hovered uncertainly, as if debating whether to land on my right shoulder. In the end, she settled in front of me instead. "Sorry, Pracien," she muttered, her voice tinged with guilt. "Sorry for keeping things from you."
I reached out and stroked her head with my fingertips, the same way I always did. A smile tugged at my lips, though I fought to keep from laughing—her cheeks were puffing up, making her look like a tiny steamed bun. Too cute for her own good.
"It's fine. I understand."
"But I know you were angry earlier. I saw it on your face, Rhein. I'm really sorry."
"I wasn't angry, Forelody. I was just... confused. Sorry if I made you think I was upset."
"Still, I'm sorry."
My smile deepened as I studied her. Her once-green feathers are now pure white, while her beak, feet, and eyes had shifted from yellow to a striking green.
I was still reeling from the sudden transition that happened mid-battle with Justin. I hadn't known that's how it worked until the emcee announced it. Everything had happened so fast—just last night my mnarill spoke to me about my hidden abilities, and now... here I am.
Mother might be right—my mnarill is strong. The transition had even affected Forelody in ways it hadn't with Sister Rona's pracien, which is green rather than white.
"Forelody, how did your color change?" I asked.
"When you transitioned earlier, my whole body lit up. When the light faded, I had changed. Allie and the students nearby saw it—they were shocked. Honestly, so was I. This has never happened to any hwizta mnarillaza before. You as my partner must be special," she said proudly, beaming. "And another proof of that is the powerful crystal choosing you. Your sister just told me about it."
An idea sparked, and I smirked. "What crystal?"
"That... uh... J-jueli..." Her eyes darted around as she struggled to recall. "...J-juelitornus... Rinas? Ruins? Ruyinas? Ugh, whatever! The one that can destroy all of Mnarra!" Her frustration made me burst out laughing.
"Juelaetornulus Ruihnas," I corrected between fits of laughter. Her cheeks puffed again, this time in irritation.
"You knew all along. Why did you even ask?"
"Because I wanted to ask."
"Hmph! You're terrible!"
She was a steamed bun again, and I couldn't stop laughing. I was hitting the bed now, gasping for air.
"Hahahahahaha—"
"You're so annoying, Rhein!"
"Hahahahahahahahaha—"
"I hope you lose your breath!"
"Hahahahahahaha—"
"I hope you choke!"
"Hahahahahahahahaha—"
"I hope Dylan kisses you again!"
I froze mid-laugh, sat upright, and gave her a deadly glare. I'd buried that memory but here she was, digging it back up. The thought of what that man had done made my blood boil all over again.
"Where is he?" I asked sharply. Maybe, it's time he pays for what he had done.
Forelody swallowed nervously. "H-he was outside earlier."
"Outside where—"
A loud, insistent knocking cut me off. The sound grew harder, faster, as if the person meant to break the door down. Scowling, I marched over to see who it was. My mood soured instantly when I saw his face.
"Rhei—"
I slammed the door in his face, but he shoved it open before I could lock it. The edge smacked into my head.
"Ow!"
"Sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you," he apologized, stepping forward. I backed away immediately, eyes narrowing.
"Don't come any closer!"
"I have something important to tell you, and you slam the door in my face?"
"You're blaming me?!" I said, incredulous. The nerve. He was the one with the debt, and yet he had the gall to act offended.
"You can be mad later. Let's go."
I frowned. "Go where? Why?"
"We're going back to the academy. We have to pick up Justin."
"And why do I have to come?"
His scowl deepened. I wasn't sure if it was because I couldn't read the situation. "I'm a meithi mnarillaza—I can't teleport."
"Justin can."
"I know. But not in his current condition. Principal Oak just called your sister. She was supposed to come with me, but she's busy, so I asked you."
"What happened to him?" My irritation faded, replaced by worry. I had a sinking suspicion.
"He's still unconscious... because of what you did."
"Can't the ofris mnarillazas heal him?"
"They can't, Princess. The damage you inflicted is too severe," Principal Oak's voice came from behind him.
We were already on our way to the clinic where Justin was being kept. Inside his assigned room, several nurses tended to him while his friends stood vigil. He still hadn't woken up.
"Good evening, Princess," they greeted when they saw me, bowing in respect. Principal Oak had done the same earlier. I hadn't known this was a custom here—it feels... awkward.
"P-please, you don't have to bow," I said with a small laugh. "Good evening."
"You'll have to get used to it, Princess Rhein," the principal giggled. "I remember Princess Rona—she reacted the same way at first."
"You can't blame us, Principal. For us, this all feels like a dream."
My gaze drifted to Justin. He was in a plain white sleeveless shirt now—his damaged uniform must have been removed so they could treat him.
His friends stepped aside so I could approach. When Andrew moved out of the way, I saw his right shoulder... and winced. The skin was burned and blackened.
"That is exactly what we find strange, Princess. A deore mnarill can only inflict that level of damage—but how could you manage it as a hwizta mnarillaza?"
I looked at all of them, shaking my head. "I don't know," I replied. But in truth, I did know. This might have been the work of the Juelaetornulus Ruihnas. "Perhaps," I added, "it's because his mnarill fought back against the damage I dealt, causing that result."
'You're wrong, Rhein. The crystal is responsible for that,' Forelody's voice whispered in my mind.
So as not to raise suspicion, I answered her silently, my thoughts sharp and guarded. 'I know. I just didn't tell them—this is a secret that belongs only within the royal family.'