RONA'S POINT OF VIEW
I fixed myself before heading to Rhein's room. I knocked several times, but there was no answer. I even tried turning the doorknob, but it wouldn't budge—so I simply teleported inside.
The lights were already out. Only the pale glow of the moon, filtering through the glass doors of the balcony, lit the room. Rhein was fast asleep, with Forelody on the pillow beside her.
Quietly, I sat on the edge of her bed, letting my gaze linger on her face. She looked so peaceful while sleeping—just as she did back when we were still in the human world.
"She's the one in the prophecy," Natre's voice murmured, heavy with meaning. The weight of it pressed down on me, making my chest ache. I knew she was looking at Rhein too.
My tears fell in silence as I nodded. Reaching out, I clasped my sister's right hand tightly. "Rhein, I'm sorry. I'll apologize in advance—for whatever might happen."
RHEIN'S POINT OF VIEW
I blinked several times, staring at Sister Rona's face. She had turned toward me in her sleep, lips parted slightly. She was even snoring—like a child.
Sitting up, I scanned the bed. Sister lay beside me, while Forelody and Natre were huddled together nearby. It looked like they had all spent the night here.
A wicked grin spread across my lips as an idea struck. I grabbed my phone from the side table, lifted it, and snapped a picture of my sister's sleeping face. Then another—this time with me smiling at the camera beside her. Then another. I couldn't resist. By the time I stopped, I had taken several shots.
Satisfied, I slipped into the bathroom to wash my face and freshen up. Once done, I stepped out onto the balcony. Instead of sitting on the chairs, I leaned back against the railings and sat there, overlooking the palace grounds.
It was still dark, but the workers were already bustling. Some swept the paths, others hauled furniture, tended the horses, or pruned the vast gardens. Guards patrolled in steady rhythm, their armor glinting faintly in the dim light.
For the first time, I truly took in the palace's beauty. Flowers, shrubs, and towering trees surrounded everything. It was a shame I couldn't see the fountain near the massive golden gates more clearly.
I closed my eyes, savoring the cold morning air against my cheeks—until a loud shout jolted me.
"Pajama gorilla!"
I snapped my eyes open. Down below, Justin and Brother Dylan were jogging, grinning like idiots. My glare instantly shot toward them. They hadn't said my name, but I knew exactly who they meant. After all, the pajama I was wearing had a gorilla print plastered across it. Last night, the maid said it was the only one left.
"The princess is wearing gorilla pajamas!" Brother Dylan yelled, cupping his hands around his mouth. "She said it herself—she looks just like a gorilla!"
"Princess Monkey-Face!" Justin added gleefully.
The two of them burst into laughter. Workers nearby looked horrified and tried to hush them, but neither of them paid any attention. Instead, they shot me mischievous grins before jogging away.
My irritation flared. I made white thorns sprout across the grass several meters ahead of them—small, sharp, nearly invisible. Perfect.
When their rubber shoes met the hidden spikes, both of them yelped in pain, collapsing to the ground as they bit their lower lips, clearly struggling not to scream. Their eyes darted toward me when they spotted the thorns. The murderous glares they threw my way could have burned holes straight through me.
Smirking, I projected my voice into their minds. 'Don't worry. There's no poison. By the way, you're the ones looking like gorillas with those sour faces.'
They instantly clutched their cheeks, which made me laugh out loud. Workers rushed over to help the two limping away, but not before they shot me one last death glare—like they were already plotting my fiery demise.
Some of the workers who had witnessed everything broke into applause. Their bright smiles made me smile back, cheeks warming with embarrassment. After thanking them, they returned to their chores, and I leaned back against the railing again.
The horizon was glowing now. The rising sun painted everything in gold, and I couldn't help but smile softly.
"Pracien, how do you feel now?" Forelody's sudden question made me turn my head. She landed gracefully on the railing. Her eyes fixed on me.
For a moment, I couldn't answer. I just stared back at her.
"Now that you know everything about yourself—about those around you, the mnarill, and this entire world—how do you feel?"
I shifted my gaze toward the east and smiled again, though this time it carried a heaviness I couldn't explain. My chest felt unbearably tight.
"Now that I know the truth? I'm happy. At least, everything is somewhat clear now. In some ways, I feel lighter. But learning about the mnarill and about all of Mnarra..." I trailed off, sighing. "I don't know how I'm supposed to feel. I want to be amazed, to celebrate this wonder, but... something inside me won't let me."
Confusion flickered in Forelody's eyes. "W-what do you mean by that?"
I shook my head and gave her a small smile. "I don't know either. Maybe... I still have so much more to learn."
Father had gone to a meeting that morning, so we didn't eat breakfast with him or with Mother. Instead, it was just us—Brother Dylan and Justin included. Sister Rona teased them relentlessly after I told her what happened earlier.
After breakfast, Sister took me around the palace. I couldn't stop staring at everything.
Every hallway, every garden, every archway leaves me wide-eyed and weightless inside, as if I am walking through a fairytale I had only ever seen on screen. But this time, I can touch it, breathe it, and live it.