As time passed, I grew more nervous. Finally, the princess arrived. I knew nothing about this world and didn't want to make any mistakes. I quickly stood and bowed to her.
"It's fine. Just follow me," she said calmly.
I obeyed. We reached a room, the guards opened the door, and we stepped inside. The door closed behind us.
The room was large and almost empty, except for a table with a royal design and two comfortable-looking chairs. She sat down while I stayed standing.
"It's fine. Don't worry. Sit. No one else is here," she said softly.
I slowly sat, my heart still racing.
She introduced herself:
"I am Tenno Tsukiko (月子), princess of this kingdom, daughter of Tenno Minato (港) and Tenno Orihime (織姫). And you… who are you?"
"I'm Crish. Just Crish. I have no surname. I'm a traveler," I said.
She looked straight at me. "That's a lie. I can read you like a book. Tell me who you really are."
I froze. Did I mess up? Am I finished? What should I do?
Then she said something that stunned me:
"You're not from here, are you? You're… not from this world."
I was too shocked to speak.
Before I could respond, she poured tea into a cup and handed it to me. "I've read about reincarnation in books, but I never believed it. Yet looking at you—your clothes, your face—I know you're not from here."
I was blank. She understood everything about me without me saying a word.
"It's fine," she said gently. "You can talk to me about anything. I arranged this room to be empty so no one else would know. I'm curious about your existence, and I'm a noble—I don't break promises. Everything we talk about stays between us."
For some reason, relief flooded my chest. Maybe… it really was okay to tell her.
I began spilling everything: what had happened since yesterday, my thoughts, fears, and hopes. The tea grew cold, but she listened without complaint. I felt, for the first time, that maybe there was a way to return home.
When I finished, she spoke politely:
"I understand the situation. I don't think you're lying. I have the ability to sense truth in this world—magic and power reveal it. From what you've told me, I can clearly see that you are an outsider who means no harm and doesn't know what lies ahead."
I nodded and asked hesitantly, "Are you willing to help me?"
She paused, smiling faintly. "This is a lot to believe, even for me. But because my power tells me you are truthful, I need to ask everything about you. Tell me everything."
So, I continued—my past, my family, the girl I loved, and my life alone. She listened quietly, occasionally showing shock. From her expression, I could sense her thought: That's sad… I wouldn't wish this on anyone.
She trusted me, and I had no choice but to trust her. But being here as an outsider felt dangerous. She saw through me and said with a warm smile,
"You can stay here as a guest. I'll tell everyone that you are my guest. You have nowhere to go, right? No food? No shelter? I will do all I can. It seems something interesting is about to happen…"
Her words made my heart race. I felt something I couldn't name—maybe… love?
I accepted her offer immediately. "Thank you, your highness, for helping me in such a time of need."
She laughed softly. I blinked, confused.
"You don't need to call me 'your highness.' You're not from this kingdom. We are the same age, right?"
"I'm 19," I said. "I'm Crish, from a country called Japan. It doesn't exist here—this is an isekai for me."
She nodded. "I'm Tenno Tsukiko, 19 years old. Nice to meet you."
The tension eased, and I could finally speak more naturally. She said she would prepare a room and food for me.
"It's already late. You should rest for now. Leave everything about your existence to me; I will handle it," she said.
I knelt in gratitude, and she smiled. I couldn't help myself:
"You are so beautiful… my eyes keep looking at you. Please don't think I'm weird. Anyone might fall in love with your beauty and kindness."
She smiled and said softly, "That's a lot to say for someone who doesn't belong to this kingdom. But it's fine… especially now that I know you."
I asked about her, too. She shook her head politely. "Maybe another time. It's late. I must rest after a long day."
An hour later, my room was ready. Servants informed me,
"This will be your room for as long as you stay. We will assist you on the princess's request."
Night fell. Lying on the soft bed, my mind swirled with emotions and questions.
Maybe if I sleep… I'll wake up in my world.
Maybe all this is a dream.
My eyes closed.
What awaits me now…?
To be continued…