As soon as Hana's feet touched the ground on the other side of the portal, the world changed.
A warm light welcomed her. The air around her was so clean, fragrant—like flowers she had never known before. The sky above was bright blue—not an ordinary blue, but the kind that looked as if it had been painted by the hands of the gods. And ahead…
A towering gate rose like something out of a fairy tale. White marble pillars stood tall and proud, golden carvings running along their surfaces. The gates opened slowly, revealing a vast courtyard… and hundreds of people standing in the distance.
Hana froze. Her eyes widened slightly. Her hand was still clasped tightly in Mathien's.
"Are those… the citizens?" she whispered.
Mathien nodded. "They're welcoming me home."
And sure enough—the cheers began to rise. Loud. Echoing through the air, chanting the name of their prince.
"Prince Mathien!"
"The Crown Prince!"
"He has returned!"
Hana swallowed hard. She glanced left and right. Everyone looked spotless, fragrant, dressed in fine, elegant clothes. While she… was still in her crumpled, rain-stained school uniform.
"I… I shouldn't be here," Hana muttered in panic. "I look like a beggar…"
Mathien glanced at her briefly, raising an eyebrow. "You're my savior. If anyone dares call you a beggar, I'll have them thrown out of the kingdom."
"Don't joke like that…"
But their steps continued forward.
And as they neared the center of the crowd, someone stepped out from the front row.
A woman.
Graceful. Striking. Her gown flowed like blooming petals. Her silver hair was tied gently to the side, and her eyes trembled as they fell upon Mathien.
"Mathien…"
Queen Caelia.
Mathien let go of Hana's hand for a moment, hurried toward the woman, and then—
An embrace.
"My son… finally…" the queen's voice cracked, barely audible between her stifled sobs.
All the soldiers and citizens around them bowed in reverence. Hana stood awkwardly, clutching the torn strap of her schoolbag. She lowered her head, wishing she could disappear from everyone's sight.
Because… she was the only one not dressed in finery. The only one who didn't know how to bow like nobility. The only ordinary human in this kingdom of magic.
Yet—when Mathien pulled away from his mother's embrace, his eyes once again sought Hana. His gaze softened. He walked back to her side, and with a calm but steady voice, addressed the people.
"This is Hana," he declared.
The crowd fell silent. Every gaze turned to the small high school girl in her worn-out uniform, looking as though she had wandered into the realm of fae.
"She's the one who saved me."
Hana shrank further into herself.
But then, Queen Caelia stepped closer. Her eyes sharp, yet gentle.
She looked Hana up and down.
And… smiled.
"Thank you for protecting my son," the queen said softly, touching Hana's arm.
"Uh… y-you're welcome…" Hana bowed her head, her voice no louder than a whisper carried by the wind.
And amidst all the cheers, reverence, and outpouring of joy, one thing made Hana's breath catch.
Mathien was still standing beside her. Calmly. As if this entire world meant nothing, so long as Hana was by his side.
…And among the applause, the bright smiles, and the heartfelt embrace of Valtherion's people for their crown prince—there was one gaze that stood apart.
At the left side of the palace steps stood a young woman in a shimmering white gown, her long hair arranged perfectly, her eyes sharp yet beautiful like frozen crystal.
Arabelle.
The would-be empress who had been prepared since childhood to stand at Mathien's side.
But now, her eyes were not on the prince.
They were on the small, disheveled schoolgirl beside him.
Arabelle's gaze was cold. Assessing. Quietly piercing.
Hana, feeling that stare, could only lower her head, hiding her trembling hands behind her worn skirt. She had no idea who that elegant woman was. But something in her eyes made Hana's heart uneasy.
That girl… the one holding the prince's hand.
Silently, Arabelle's lips curved into a faint smile—but her eyes stayed frozen cold.
"Tch. A mere human?" she thought.
To be continued…