When I gained consciousness again, there was something different about me. There was another memory in my mind. Memories that didn't belong to me. However, I knew who they belonged to. It was the Resse of this world. The god gave me her memories. The parting gift was a very excruciating one. I never want to receive anything he called as a gift next time.
I laid down on the bed in the bedroom that Evi and I shared. My body felt so stiff and my throat was so dry. I tried to move and realised that someone was beside me. Evi was holding my hand and she sat on the floor, resting her head on the bed. Why was she in that position? That was super uncomfortable. How long did I sleep?
"Evi.." I called, my voice was cracking. I moved her hand. She stirred and lifted her head. I could see dark circles beneath her eyes, looking haggard. I didn't like it.
"Resse? You… you're awake.." She whimpered, tears filled her eyes. She stood up and sat at the edge of the bed, lifting my hand that was still in her clutch and kissed it softly. Her hands were trembling. She must've been so worried.
I forced myself to sat up. I felt so weak. I pulled her in for a hug. She melted in my arms, continue to cry. It hurt me seeing her like this. I patted her back softly, hoping that would comfort her.
"I'm okay now.." I told her.
"I.. I was so scared. I.. I thought that.." She sobbed.
"I'm sorry.." I leaned back and smiled weakly at her. She looked so vulnerable. "I'm alright now okay?"
"Yes.. Yes." She nodded and hastily wiped off her tears. She moved away from me and poured me a glass of water. I was thankful that she knew what I needed at the moment.
"I'll call the royal healer to check up on you." She told me as she helped me drinking the water. I almost dropped the glass because I didn't have enough strength. "After that, I'll have the chef prepare a meal for you. Alright?"
I nodded weakly. She carefully let me laid back down on the bed and pressed a kiss on my forehead gently. I could feel my heart going wild inside of me. She always effortlessly made me feel like this. She turned away and talked to the green gem on her golden bracelet. She called over the healer and ordered the maids to bring food for me. She didn't leave my side and continued to hold my hand. Her presence somehow comforted me greatly.
The healers came and they examined my condition professionally. They told me that I experienced extreme fatigue due to extreme stress. I have been unconscious for a week. I didn't expect that I would take that long to wake up. I just needed a lot of rest and I will soon make my recovery. I was silent the entire time and just nodded. After that, they left, providing a jar of herb with me which could help me to recover quicker. Evi thanked them kindly. Then, the maids came in to bring my food. I didn't realise I was starving until the scent of food filled my nostrils.
Evi fed me because I couldn't hold my spoon properly. The porridge was so delicious. After the meal, I leaned my back against the headboard and exhaled, feeling a lot better. Evi smiled warmly at me.
"You should sleep. You haven't been sleeping well lately." I told her.
"How could I sleep when you were like that?" She shook her head, frowning.
"I'm okay now. I don't want you to get sick too." I assured her. I patted the spot next to me. "Come on, lie down here."
"Fine." She gave in and claimed the spot next to me.
Evi rested her head on the pillow, she reached out to take my hand in hers. I patted her head softly with my other hand and soon enough her eyelids were getting heavier. She looked content and comfy. It made me smile to see how adorable she looked. A few minutes later, she was fully asleep. I sighed and looked away from her.
I have my answers for my questions. It all stored inside the memory from the Resse in this world. Who Evi Ascar was, the Resse Martin in this world and how did the two met. Resse was the Royal Sorcerer given how crazy strong she was. Her mana was higher than any regular magician in this kingdom. I wondered if I could do magic too. Well, I had to learn how to do magic later on. Although Resse was at a high respectable position in Atheen, she was actually a commoner. She didn't have any nobility status. In fact she was an orphan that grew up in a local orphanage at the outskirts of Ascar.
Evi Ascar or better known as Princess Evi Ascar was the current ruler of Atheen. She ascended the throne when she was just 20 years old after the former king died of illness. That was like 4 years ago. Evi had been a great ruler so far and everyone in this country loved her. Her title was still a princess because she was unmarried. Once she was married, she would be Queen Evi Ascar.
So, how did Resse and Evi became acquainted with each other? They attended the Ascar Academy together. Became classmates and immediately became friends with each other. Years of that friendship turned into a love relationship. When Resse became the Royal Sorcerer, they finally decided to announce their relationship to the public. It wasn't well received at first but Resse proven to be an amazing magician and did wonders with her power and that was enough to silent the protests. In my opinion it was more like, they didn't want to make an enemy out of her. So, it was smooth sailing for their relationship until they got engaged the year before. Then, marriage was underway. Well, it was probably got postponed due to my sudden collapse though.
Evi and Resse relationship wasn't the greatest. It was perfect on the surface as people only saw how lovely they were in public. However, behind closed doors, it was a different story. It was no wonder that the god wanted a replacement for this Resse. She was a control freak and a very possessive type that probably should be classified as an obsessive person instead. She loved Evi too much to the point where it was harmful. She would get angry if Evi talked to anyone or even looked at anyone else. They got into argument over that so many times. Resse would decide about almost anything for Evi. What they eat, what they should be wearing and where their date will be. Honestly that was messed up. Even though it was quite obvious that Evi loved her so much, Resse always assumed that she wasn't. She was so insecured about their relationship and didn't trust Evi. Maybe it was because of their different in status? I wasn't sure. What baffled me the most was why Evi put up with all of that for so long?
Though, I had to admit. There were moments where they were happy. However most times, they were just felt force. Resse's temper was so bad. There was one time she almost burned a maid because Evi was talking to her longer than necessary. This Resse was crazy! That was why everyone around the palace behaved extra careful around Resse and no one dared to look at her in the eyes or even dared to look at Evi. Given how powerful she was, everyone was just scared. The only one who was probably equal if not more powerful than Resse would be Evi. However, Evi seemingly never really showcased her power that much. Well, at least not around Resse.
I didn't know what time was it but I went to sleep because I was getting sleepy. I was still feeling weak after all. When I woke up again, I found Evi sleeping soundly, hugging my side. I didn't think I would ever get used to this. I wanted to get up and moved my limbs. Laying down for so long got me restless. So, I carefully untangled Evi's arms from my body and slowly moved away. She stirred slightly but still asleep. She must've been so tired. I pulled the blanket over her body and then went to the bathroom.
It was a great relief when the water hit my body. I became more familiar with everything here after I got Resse's memory. I knew how to use the bathroom and the function of everything there. That was convenient. I sat in the bathtub, enjoying the calming effect of the hot water. I learned that this water was actually had some kind of relaxing effect due to the spell casted on it. I leaned my back against the tub and closed my eyes. My head felt heavy from the memory. There were a lot to take in. I would need time to digest them.
When I had my fill, I decided it was time to get out of the tub. I changed into something warm and saw Evi was still sleeping. I didn't want to bother her so I silently left the room. I knew my way around the palace thanks to the memory. I wouldn't worry if I get lost again. I made my way to the garden. Maybe looking at those beautiful flowers might lessened my sadness.
It was still dark when I walked out to the garden. The lanterns light up the surroundings well. I could see almost everything in the garden. I knew the sky would be bright soon. It was probably around 3 o'clock in the morning. I didn't want to go back to sleep. I was already asleep for a week. If I lay down on the bed for another hour, I might go insane.
I walked around and stopping at every new flower I saw. This was actually fascinating. I've never saw this type of flower back in my original world. The petal was wide, coloured in pale green and released such sweet scent. From the memory, the flower was called Grenada. A quite famous flower in this world. Widely used for perfume.
I continued walking until the horizon went bright, the sun was raising. I sat down on the bench and admired the scene. This was peaceful and calming. My thoughts drifted to the fact that I died in my original world. So, going back was pretty useless. I wondered if anyone was sad that I died. Well, for sure the only one would care was Evi in that world. My family was probably elated because they will get to inherit my money and house. However, I didn't think living in this world was that bad. I wouldn't mind living here.
There was a sadness in my heart. I wasn't sure why. I didn't know why it was there. Maybe I was feeling sad because I couldn't even get back to my world. No. That wasn't it. I couldn't explain it well.
"Resse.." Evi's voice echoed behind me. I turned my head toward her. She frowned slightly, clearly upset. "You worried me again."
"I'm sorry.." I muttered sheepishly. I hesitated a little. "Will you join me here?"
"Why didn't you wake me up?" She demanded sulkily but willingly joining me on the bench. She took a seat beside me, leaning her head on my shoulder. I couldn't help but smile. "Do you know how worried I was when I woke up and saw you weren't there?"
"Sorry. I'm just sick of being in bed. I need fresh air." I exhaled softly. I wasn't sure why but my anxieties just melted away when she was around. She took my hand and caressed it gently. I tried my best to stay calm. Her touches were always making me nervous.
"Resse, do you have anything to tell me?" She lifted her head from my shoulder to gaze at me. My eyes widened. Did she know? "You fainted due to stress. Was it because of the wedding?"
"Ye..yes. You can say that." That was the best excuse. "I.. I guess, things piled up and.. Before I know it, everything just became too much."
"Do you still want to continue the wedding?" I could see the pain in her eyes. She was afraid and hurt, thinking that I would say no. My heart hurt seeing that. I didn't want to hurt her. My hand moved and cupped her cheek. That sealed it, I wanted to look after her. I didn't know why but probably because this was Evi. The alternate version of Evi, my best friend. It was natural for wanting the best for her right?
"I just need more time. You wouldn't mind waiting right?"
"I'm sorry." She was getting teary again.
"No. I'm the one that should be saying sorry. I'm so sorry, Evi." I pulled her into a hug. I hated seeing that pained expression on her. "I also need time to recover. I'm not leaving you, Evi. Let's.. Let's just take our time okay?"
"Okay.." She nodded, burying her face into my shoulder. I patted her head softly.
"I'm sorry." I said it again because I felt like it wasn't enough.
"It's okay." She leaned back to face me. Her bright blue eyes looked at me intently. My face grew hot. "I understand, Resse. Marrying me is not easy. I should've be more sensitive of your position at the moment."
"Thank you for understanding." I managed a smile. I looked away from her eyes, feeling embarrassed. She grabbed my chin, keeping my face in place in front of her. My heart was going frantic. I wasn't dense. I knew what she wanted to do.
"I love you." She whispered sincerely. She leaned in and captured my lips. My mind went completely blank. Oh my gosh.