Aisha stood quietly in her room, facing the mirror.
…Today is the day we leave the castle.
They were leaving for the prince's school.
As his personal maid, she felt happy—but at the same time, her heart felt heavy. She was excited to go to the capital city of the empire. A place she had only heard about in stories.
Before, she could never enter the capital. Without a noble card, commoners like her were forbidden.
But now, she was the prince's personal maid.
That alone gave her permission.
Still…
…I'm leaving Mother behind.
Her father would return soon—after being away for so many years. He was finally coming home… yet she wouldn't be there to meet him.
She wouldn't be able to see him until the prince graduated.
Her chest tightened.
I've never lived alone before. I was always with Mother.
Her eyes stung. It felt like she might cry.
…but I must be strong.
Just then, the sound of the door opening broke the silence.
Safiya entered the room.
She looked at Aisha gently, then stepped closer and placed her hand softly on Aisha's shoulder from behind.
Aisha didn't turn around. She kept looking at her reflection—but she could see her mother in the mirror.
Safiya smiled faintly.
"I know, honey," she said softly. "It's hard for you to leave me."
Aisha's lips trembled.
"But don't worry," Safiya continued. "No matter where you go, I will always be with you."
She squeezed Aisha's shoulder gently.
"You are eleven now, but sometimes you still think like a much younger child," she said with a small laugh. "Even so… I will always miss you."
Safiya's voice lowered.
"I know I can't live without you," she said honestly. "But this… this is your duty."
Aisha's breath caught.
"To protect our village."
Safiya's eyes grew serious.
"If anything happens to the prince, no one will save our village. Only the prince can help us speak to the emperor. The others don't care about us."
She paused.
"Even the emperor himself won't help us."
Safiya leaned closer.
"That is why you must always stay with His Highness," she said firmly but gently. "Protect him. Help him. Stay by his side."
She smiled again, warm but sad.
"Okay?"
Aisha nodded slowly, gripping the edge of the mirror.
"Yes… Mother."
Her heart ached—but she understood.
This wasn't just a journey.
It was a responsibility.
And the first step toward a future she could never turn away from.
A few minutes later, the entire castle became busy.
Maids hurried through the halls, carefully packing the prince's luggage. Others were assigned to different tasks, moving with practiced speed.
Outside the castle gates, a beautifully decorated royal horse-drawn carriage waited.
There were four carriages in total.
One was for the prince.
Two were for the soldiers who would guide and protect him on the journey.
The last carriage was for the luggage and the maids.
The luggage was loaded carefully, one by one, into the last carriage. Once everything was secured, the soldiers lined up neatly in formation, standing straight and silent.
Rin was already prepared. She was another maid chosen to accompany the prince on this journey.
Aisha stepped forward and hugged her mother tightly.
Safiya gently patted her back. "It's okay," she said softly. "We will meet again soon."
Just then, the prince came outside.
The villagers and castle staff raised their hands and bowed deeply.
The prince lifted his hand and spoke clearly.
"Raise your heads and listen."
Everyone looked up.
"I will go and study until my graduation," he said. "But I will return."
His voice was firm.
"I will develop this land. I promise that one day, every villager here will receive a national card."
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
"For now, I am leaving," he continued. "But when I return, I will make all of you happy."
Then his gaze turned toward Safiya.
"Please take care of the castle," he said. I know you worry, but "This time, I won't be depressed
Safiya bowed deeply.
The prince turned slightly and said calmly, "Let's go, Aisha."
He entered the carriage.
Aisha followed, then paused and looked back. "Goodbye, Mother."
Safiya smiled through her emotions.
She then turned to Rin. "Rin," she said, "take care of Aisha and His Highness. I know you can do it. That's why I chose you to go with them."
Rin bowed respectfully. "Yes, Madam Safiya," she replied. "I will take care of both of them. Thank you very much."
She then entered the carriage as well.
The reins were pulled.
The carriages began to move.
As the castle slowly faded into the distance, Aisha held her breath, watching until she could no longer see her mother.
Inside the carriage, Aisha and Rin were seated at the front, facing the prince, who sat across from them, looking calm as ever.
Aisha's mind raced with worry about leaving her mother behind. She clasped her hands tightly in her lap, trying to steady herself.
Rin glanced at her and spoke softly, "Don't worry, Aisha. I'm here. If anything happens, tell me, okay?"
The prince looked at them both, his expression unreadable, but his voice carried a faint warmth as he said, "You look… rather bad in that maid uniform."
Aisha blinked, startled, then looked up at him, her cheeks heating. "I know what you mean," she said quietly, meeting his gaze. "You're trying to motivate me, aren't you?"
Rin was shocked. She had never seen the prince speak so casually, so friendly. Aisha… she had taken him as a friend, something Rin had never expected.
Rin quickly gathered herself and bowed slightly. "I'm sorry, Your Highness, for Aisha's mistake," she said firmly. She looked him straight in the eyes, her voice steady. "We are your servants, and you are our master, so sometimes we hesitate to speak freely. Please forgive Aisha."
The prince shook his head lightly, a faint smile on his lips. "Don't worry," he said calmly. "Aisha is my close friend now. She may speak to me however she wishes."
Aisha's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected such words. She looked at the prince, stunned and grateful.
Rin blinked, still in mild disbelief, but a small smile tugged at her lips. She had never seen the prince show this side of himself—warm, approachable.
The carriage continued to move forward