Chapter 119 - Ch..118 THE HERO FROM ANOTHER WORLD.

Lyria's POV

"Has Riven arrived yet?"

Kara was sitting comfortably on the balcony of my room, one leg crossed over the other, a cup of tea resting lazily in her hand. She glanced at me with an expression that clearly said she was beginning to regret becoming my friend.

"For the fifth time," she said dryly, "no. She hasn't arrived yet."

I sighed.

I was sitting beside her, my hands wrapped around a cup of coffee. I stared toward the palace courtyard, half expecting to see Riven walking through the entrance at any moment.

"She agreed to come to the dinner Father invited her to," I said. "So why hasn't she arrived yet?"

Kara raised an eyebrow. "There's still some time before dinner. Riven isn't late."

I knew she was right. There was still plenty of time before the dinner was supposed to begin. But that didn't stop me from looking toward the courtyard every few seconds.

I took another sip of my coffee. The bitter taste spread across my tongue. without realizing it, a small smile appeared on my lips. It seems I've finally gotten used to the bitterness.

I glanced at Kara. She was already staring at me. Her lips slowly curled into a mischievous smirk.

"What?" I asked.

"That's a very cute smile." Kara leaned closer. "Did you remember something nice?" She paused deliberately. "Or did you remember something… dirty?"

I immediately smacked her shoulder. "Can you stop talking nonsense. I was just enjoying my coffee."

Kara burst out laughing. I turned away from her and took another sip of my coffee. "Just drink your tea. It's getting cold."

"Yes, yes. I'm sorry." She took a sip, barely hiding her grin. "Sorry for interrupting your wet thoughts."

I nearly choked on my coffee.

"Kara!"

She laughed even harder. I decided that ignoring her was the only way to preserve what little dignity I had left. Thankfully, before I could think of something to throw at her, the door behind us opened.

I turned around. Patti, my personal maid stepped onto the balcony and bowed politely.

"Your Highness."

"Yes?"

"Lady Riven has arrived a while ago. She is currently with His Majesty in his office."

I stood so quickly that my chair nearly scraped across the floor.

"She has?"

Patti smiled.

"Yes, Your Highness."

A smile immediately appeared on my face. "Thank you for telling me, Patti." I turned toward Kara. "Come on, Kara. Let's go welcome Riven."

Kara stared at me for a moment. Then she sighed dramatically. "Calm down, Lyria. Riven isn't going to run away. And why are you so excited?" She stood up and followed me toward the door. "The last time you saw her was only two days ago."

I stopped for half a second. Then I smiled. "Two days is a very long time." I continued walking. "And besides…I've missed her since the moment she left."

Kara remained silent for a moment. Then I heard her laugh behind me. Patti laughed as well. I pretended not to hear either of them and walked out of my room.

The palace corridors were unusually quiet. The evening sunlight entered through the enormous windows, casting long golden lines across the marble floor.

I walked quickly. Kara followed behind me, occasionally laughing under her breath. Eventually, we reached my father's office. I stopped in front of the large wooden doors.

Kara nearly walked into me. I looked at the door. Then at Kara. "What?" she asked. "You're not going inside?"

"I don't want to interrupt them."

Kara stared at me in disbelief. "You were practically running here a moment ago."

"I'll wait."

Kara sighed.

Then fifteen passed. I found myself staring at the door again. Kara leaned against the wall beside me. "You know," she said, "you could just knock."

"No."

"Why?"

"Because it's clearly they're talking about something important."

"You don't even know that."

"I do. Because Father doesn't usually summon someone privately just to talk about the weather."

Kara snorted. Before I could answer, the doors finally opened. Riven stepped out first. She looked as calm as ever. Black hair framing her face. Those sharp yellow eyes carrying the same unreadable expression they always did.

Behind her came my father and mother. My father looked at Riven for a moment before turning toward me. "I'll leave you with Lyria now."

Mother nodded. "Lyria, take Riven to the dining hall first."

I smiled. "Of course."

Riven gave my parents a slight bow. Then she turned toward me. Our eyes met. I simply smiled. She smiled back.

We began walking down the corridor together. Kara followed beside us. "Hey, Riven," I asked. "What did Father and Mother want from you?"

"Nothing important."

I frowned. "Nothing important? But they called you to Father's office so they could speak with you privately."

Riven shrugged. "They just wanted to thank me."

I looked at her suspiciously. I didn't believe her. But I decided not to push.

Kara glanced at Riven. "How are your wounds?"

"They're fine. Almost healed."

"Almost?" Kara gave her a skeptical look. "You should rest more." 

"I've rested enough."

"There is no harm in getting a little more rest.

Riven looked at her. "I'm fine."

Kara sighed and shook her head, said in a low voice, "A stubborn suicidal."

Raven said with a smile, "Thanks for the compliment."

Kara tapped her on the shoulder and said, "That's not a compliment." Raven shrugged with smile.

We eventually reached the dining hall. Several servants were still preparing the table. The enormous room was illuminated by dozens of candles and crystal chandeliers, filling the hall with warm golden light.

As soon as the head maid noticed us, she immediately bowed. "Please, Your Highness. Everything is ready. You may take your seats."

Before we could sit, the doors opened again. My father and mother entered. Catherine was with them. Father gestured toward the table. "Please, everyone. Take your seats."

Father sat at the head of the table. Mother sat beside him. Evanna sat beside Mother, while Catherine took the seat beside my sister.

At the other end, I sat down with Riven beside me. Kara sat beside Riven.

Father cleared his throat. The room gradually fell silent. "Thank you all for accepting my invitation." His voice carried across the hall. "You have done much for Aurelia." He looked toward us. "And you have defended this kingdom with your lives."

His eyes settled on Riven and Kara. "Lyria has told me everything you did in Velmora. She told me how you risked your lives to protect that city…" His expression softened slightly. "And how you saved my daughter from a terrible fate. "For that, I thank you."

I glanced at Riven. She remained completely calm. As usual.

He then turned toward Catherine. "And you, Catherine."

Catherine straightened slightly.

"Despite watching all your companions fall, you continued fighting that monster." His voice became more solemn. "You refused to retreat. You fought to protect my city and my people. Thank you."

"No matter how many times I thank you all , it will never be enough." His gaze moved between all of us. "I owe each of you a great debt." 

The servants moved quietly around us, filling our plates and pouring drinks.

"How is the High Priest?" Catherine had been unusually quiet since sitting down. "Has he awakened? And did he tell you how that monster managed to possess him? And what exactly was it after?"

Father answered her. "The High Priest is fine now. He woke up last night. He's still weak, however, and needs more rest."

That was understandable after everything his body had endured.

Father continued. "As for how the monster managed to possess him… Seraphiel explained everything. He told us that the creature was once the dungeon boss of a Black Gate dungeon."

Catherine's expression immediately became more serious.

"A Black Gate?"

Father nodded. "Twenty years ago, Seraphiel and his team fought that creature." He paused. "They defeated it—or at least, they believed they had."

A heavy silence settled over the table.

Father slowly exhaled. "Unfortunately, it seems they were wrong. When the creature was on the verge of death, it abandoned its physical body and hid itself inside the High Priest. It remained there for the past twenty years."

I felt a chill run through me. Twenty years. The thought of something living inside another person for that long was horrifying.

"And during all that time," Father continued, "it slowly recovered its strength."

Catherine leaned forward slightly. "So it was hiding for twenty years. What made it reveal itself now?"

Father nodded. "That was something else Seraphiel explained." He folded his hands together. "The creature had finally recovered its full strength. But it also realized that the High Priest's body was too weak to contain all of it."

Catherine frowned. "So it needed another body."

"Exactly." Father's expression became grim. "A stronger body. One capable of containing its full power without collapsing."

"So it had been hiding all this time," she said, "waiting for the right moment. And now that it had revealed itself…" Catherine's eyes narrowed. "Does that mean it had already found its next host?"

Father didn't answer immediately. Instead, his eyes moved toward Riven.

"Yes."

Catherine followed his gaze. I did too. Riven was Completely calm. As if none of this concerned her.

Father spoke. "And this is where Riven comes into the story. The monster had been observing everything through the High Priest." He looked directly at Riven. "The High Priest was present when Riven emerged from a Black Gate dungeon alone." 

Father continued. "The creature must have assumed that Riven had defeated the dungeon boss herself."

Catherine blinked.

"Wait." She looked at Riven. "You mean it thought Riven defeated a Black Gate dungeon boss… alone?"

Father nodded.

Catherine turned back toward him. "What exactly do you mean by that?, Why does the monster assume that in the first place?

Father sighed. "That is a long story." He took a sip of his drink. "I'll give you the short version." 

Everyone became quiet.

"Riven entered a Red Gate dungeon with a team of hunters. Something happened inside. The Red Gate transformed into a Black Gate."

"The monsters inside became far stronger than expected. The team made the decision to retreat." He paused. "The others managed to escape. But Riven couldn't."

I looked toward her. She didn't react.

Father continued. "The gate prevented her from leaving. She was trapped inside for several hours. Eventually, the dungeon closed." Father's voice became quieter. "And Riven came out alive."

Catherine stared at him. "So the monster assumed she defeated the Black Gate boss and cleared the dungeon."

"That appears to be what happened."

Catherine frowned. "But if Riven was the only one inside…" She turned toward Riven. "Then she really did defeat the boss, didn't she?"

Father shook his head.

"No."

Catherine looked confused.

"Riven did not defeat the dungeon boss." Father pointed toward Riven. "According to Riven, all the monsters inside the dungeon attacked the boss. And killed it."

Silence.

Catherine blinked. "…All the monsters killed the boss?"

"Yes."

"I've never heard of anything like that."

"Neither have I." He leaned back slightly. "But apparently, that is what happened." Father gave a small shrug. "Perhaps it was some kind of miracle inside the dungeon." His gaze shifted briefly toward Riven. "Whatever the case, that miracle allowed her to survive the black gate." 

Catherine slowly turned toward her. A mischievous smile appeared on her lips. "Well…"Quite a miracle."

Riven finally looked at her. Her yellow eyes were cold and completely indifferent. She didn't say anything.

Catherine's smile widened slightly.

I had the distinct feeling she knew Riven's story wasn't quite as simple as Father had made it sound. But she didn't press the matter.

Father cleared his throat. "That is everything the High Priest told us." He looked around the table. "But the important thing is that everyone survived." His expression softened. "The city is safe again, and the people have returned to their homes."

"We have been talking for so long that we've nearly forgotten why we are here."A small smile appeared on his face.

"Dinner."

Several servants immediately began serving the next dishes. Father gestured toward the table.

"So, please. Eat."

He leaned back in his chair. "If anyone still has questions, you may ask them after dinner."

I looked down at my plate. But my thoughts were no longer on the food. I couldn't stop thinking about what Father had said. The monster had spent twenty years hiding inside the High Priest. It had been waiting. Watching. Searching for a body strong enough to contain it.

And somehow…It had chosen Riven. I glanced at her again. She was quietly eating beside me. Calm. Unbothered. Almost as if she hadn't just learned that a monster had specifically targeted her.

The conversation at the table had finally begun to settle.

The earlier tension surrounding the High Priest and the monster had faded, replaced by the warmth of the dining hall. Plates of food covered the long table, candles flickered softly beneath the golden chandeliers. 

Then my mother spoke.

"Riven."

Riven lifted her eyes from her plate. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

My mother smiled warmly. "The king has already thanked you, but I haven't." My mother's expression became more serious. "For what you did in Velmora. Despite being on the verge of death yourself, you never abandoned Lyria."

The room grew slightly quieter. My chest tightened. I lowered my gaze for a moment.

My mother continued. "You saved my daughter's life more than once. You protected her when you had every reason to think only of yourself. I owe you a great deal."

Riven looked uncomfortable.

"So," my mother said gently, "please tell me. How can I repay you?"

"There is no need to thank me your majesty ." Riven continued calmly. "I didn't do anything special. Protecting princess was my duty, so I simply did what I had to do."

Of course she would say that. Riven had always been like this.

My mother smiled. "You have done a great deal for us, Riven. And for the Kingdom of Aurelia." She leaned slightly forward. "So, please. Accept our gratitude. Ask for anything you want, and it will be yours."

Riven stared at her. For a moment, I saw her preparing to refuse again. I wasn't going to let that happen. Before Riven could speak, I quietly reached beneath the table. My fingers found her hand. I took it. And held it tightly.

Riven froze. Her eyes widened. She turned her head toward me with an expression I had almost never seen on her face. Pure shock. She tried to pull her hand away. I tightened my grip. Riven stared at me.

I smiled innocently. I leaned slightly toward her. I looked directly into her eyes and smiled. "Yes, Riven. You did a lot for us." 

Her expression became even more helpless.

"Especially for me." I gave her hand another gentle squeeze. "So please don't try to deny it." 

Riven stared at me for several seconds. she tried to pull her hand free again. Still nothing. I was determined.

My mother watched us with a faintly amused expression, though she wisely said nothing.

I continued smiling at Riven. "Please accept our thanks and ask for anything you want."

Riven looked at me as though silently asking why I was doing this to her. I simply smiled wider.

Finally, my mother asked again. "So, Riven? Is there anything you want?"

Riven cleared her throat. "Well…As I said before, I don't really want anything. I only want you to remember the orphanage."

That caught everyone's attention.

"The number of children there keeps increasing, So I would be grateful if you could continue helping mother Mary in the future."

My mother's expression softened immediately. "That is what you choose?"

"Yes."

My mother smiled. "That is very kind of you, Riven." She placed one hand over her chest. "Don't worry. I promise you that the orphanage will remain under my protection and care for as long as I live."

Riven's expression softened slightly.

"Thank you."

My mother nodded warmly. "You don't need to thank me for that."

Then Catherine spoke. She had been watching the exchange with an amused smile. "Well…It seems the royal family likes you quite a lot, doesn't it?" 

Riven glanced at her.

Catherine's smirk grew. "And it seems you're rather close to them too."

The king chuckled. "Of course we value Riven. From the first time we met her, she has helped us repeatedly without asking for anything in return."

I smiled. That was true. Riven had never once asked for a reward. Not money. Not status. Not recognition. Nothing. She only cared about the orphanage.

The king continued speaking.

"OW!"

Every head at the table turned toward me. I quickly pulled my hand from beneath the table.

My mother stared at me in confusion. "What happened, Lyria?"

I grabbed my hand and smiled awkwardly. "I'm sorry. Nothing happened." I held up my fingers. "I just hurt my finger with a knife."

My mother's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Just a little cut." I smiled.

But across the table, Riven was quietly eating. And there was A tiny grin on her face.

I stared at her. I don't believe she actually pinched me hard enough to make me let go of her hand. 

I narrowed my eyes at her. Riven didn't even look at me. She simply continued eating.

Catherine laughed softly. "You really are an interesting girl, Riven."

Riven finally looked at her. Her expression was completely blank. But what happened next shocked everyone.

She disappeared. I barely had time to blink. One moment, Riven was sitting beside me. The next—She was standing behind Catherine. A dining knife was in her hand. Its blade rested against the back of Catherine's neck. A thin line of blood appeared where the blade touched her skin.

The entire dining hall fell silent. Riven's expression had changed. The warmth—or rather, the faint amusement—was gone. Her eyes were cold. Completely emotionless.

" Who gave you permission to look inside me?"

My blood ran cold. The air around us suddenly became heavy. Dark pressure erupted from Riven. It wasn't merely powerful. It felt wrong. Dark. Almost… evil.

The candles flickered violently. The windows were shaking and were on the verge of shattering at any moment.

 Catherine immediately grabbed her head with both hands. Her face twisted in pain. "Riven…" She gritted her teeth. "Calm down." Catherine forced herself to speak. "I was just curious about you. That's all."

Riven didn't move. her eyes remained cold. "I am warning you." Her voice was quiet. "Do that again…" The pressure around her intensified. "…and the result will be worse than just a headache."

Nobody moved. Nobody spoke. Even the king looked stunned. "What is happening here?" His voice suddenly thundered across the room. "Riven. What are you doing?"

Riven's expression immediately returned to normal. She lowered the knife. Then she turned toward the king and gave a small bow. 

"I'm sorry."

The king's expression remained serious. "Explain to me why you did that."

Before Riven could answer, Catherine stood. She wiped the small amount of blood from her neck and stepped beside Riven. Then she bowed to the king.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty." She straightened. "This was my fault, not Riven's."

The king frowned.

"I was curious about her, so I tried to learn more through my ability." She glanced toward Riven. "I attempted to look into information that was personal to her without asking permission. And apparently, I crossed a line."

Her smile became slightly awkward. "Given what I did, Riven's reaction was understandable."

The king let out a long sigh. "Catherine…" He rubbed his forehead. "It is quite clear that you were in the wrong." 

Catherine smiled. "Yes. I know." She turned toward Riven. "Riven, I'm really sorry."

Riven said nothing. She simply looked at her. Then she turned away.

The king sighed again. "Catherine, I need to speak with you in my office about this journey."

Catherine nodded.

"Of course."

The king rose. Catherine followed him. The two left the dining hall together. The moment the doors closed behind them, the atmosphere changed. Silence.

Then Evanna suddenly leaned toward Riven, her eyes practically sparkling. "That was amazing!"

Riven looked at her.

Evanna continued excitedly. "How did you do that?!" She pointed toward the empty space where Riven had been sitting. "You were here, and then suddenly you were behind Catherine!"

She leaned even closer. "How did you move that fast? Was it magic? Was it some kind of teleportation? Did you use Shadow—"

"Evanna." I interrupted her before she could continue. She looked at me. I smiled helplessly. "Calm down a little." I glanced around the dining hall. "This is probably not the right time or place to ask all those questions."

Evanna pouted. "But I want to know!"

Riven looked at her. Then she calmly said, " It's not teleportation or magic; it's simply my speed.I reached this level through serious and difficult training."

Evanna's eyes widened.

"Really?"

Riven nodded. "If you keep training regularly…You'll reach that level too."

Evanna stared at her with renewed determination. I smiled quietly.

The tension in the dining hall had only just begun to fade when the door suddenly opened. A maid stepped inside and immediately bowed.

"I apologize for interrupting your dinner, Your Majesty, but Lady Rosalina has arrived."

My mother looked toward her.

"Lady Rosalina?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

My mother smiled politely. "Please escort her to the guest room. I will be there shortly."

The maid bowed again. "Of course, Your Majesty." She turned and left, quietly closing the door behind her.

My mother sighed softly before looking around the table. "I had hoped to stay and speak with you girls a little longer, but it seems I have another guest to attend to." She rose from her chair. "I must leave for now."

We all stood as well. Riven lowered her head slightly. "I'm sorry for what happened earlier during dinner."

My mother immediately shook her head. "We were all shocked by what happened." She gave Riven a reassuring smile. "But you weren't the one in the wrong. There is no need for you to apologize."

Riven looked at her for a moment before nodding. "Thanks for your understanding and Thank you for having me."

My mother smiled. "It was our pleasure." She gave us all one last look before leaving the dining hall.

The doors closed behind her. For several seconds, nobody said anything.

Then Kara released an enormous sigh. "Finally." She leaned back in her chair. "I can breathe again. I've never eaten such a stressful dinner in my entire life."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Were you silent the entire time because you were nervous?"

Kara immediately looked offended. "Nervous? The atmosphere was nerve-wracking!" She lowered her voice dramatically. "And then there was Catherine. Seriously, though… why was she acting like that?"

I nodded.

"That isn't like her."

Kara crossed her arms. "Exactly. Catherine can be reckless, arrogant, annoying, and occasionally stupid—"

I laughed softly. Then I turned toward Riven. "I'm sorry about Catherine's behavior." I hesitated before adding, "As Kara said, she normally isn't that… rude."

Riven said calmly. "You don't need to apologize on her behalf. And nothing happened, so it's okay."

Kara stared at her. Then slowly raised an eyebrow. "Nothing happened? What exactly do you mean by nothing happened? You gave all of us a heart attack!" She pointed toward the place where Catherine had been sitting. "And you almost killed poor Catherine!"

"But I didn't actually do anything, did I?"

Kara stared at her for several seconds. Then she burst out laughing. "Yes. Yes, Riven."She wiped the corner of her eye. "You did absolutely nothing."

Riven was either completely oblivious to how terrifying she had been…Or she simply didn't care.

Kara eventually calmed down. "But seriously, Riven." Her curiosity returned immediately. "How did you move that fast? You were sitting right beside me. I was watching you. I didn't see you move."

She looked genuinely fascinated. "One moment you were sitting there, and the next you were behind Catherine."

"As I told the young princess, It's just speed.."

Kara continued staring at her chair. "Seriously. Your chair didn't even move."

I smiled. Riven's abilities were becoming more mysterious every time I thought I understood her. I knew there was much more to her than she allowed us to see.

several servants entered the dining hall and began clearing the table. One of them approached us. "Would you like us to bring tea and dessert here, or would you prefer to have them somewhere else?"

Kara immediately answered. "Let's go to the garden. The air outside should be refreshing now."

The maid bowed. "Of course. I'll have a table prepared." She turned and began giving instructions to the other servants.

I looked toward Riven. She had already stood. "I'd love to stay longer…but I have to leave."

I frowned. "Why are you leaving so early?" I tried not to sound too disappointed. "Stay a little longer."

Riven gave me a small apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. But I need to meet my master."

"You really are busy." I smiled despite myself. "So I won't pressure you."

Riven's smile softened.

"I'm sorry."

"You don't have to apologize." I stood. "I'll walk you out." Then I looked at Kara. "Kara, you can go to the garden first. I won't be long."

Kara gave me a knowing smile.

I narrowed my eyes.

"Don't."

She raised both hands innocently. "I didn't say anything."

I ignored her. Riven and I left the dining hall together. We walked through the palace corridors in comfortable silence. The palace was quieter now.

Most of the servants had finished their evening duties, and the warm glow of the lamps stretched across the polished floors.

Eventually, we reached the gardens. The sun had already disappeared beyond the horizon. The sky was painted in deep shades of blue and purple. 

and the mana stones scattered throughout the garden had begun to glow. Their gentle light illuminated the paths and flowers around us. It was peaceful.

Riven continued walking toward the exit. I slowed down. Then stopped.

"Riven."

She stopped as well and turned toward me.

"Yes, Princess?"

I hesitated. The question had been sitting in my mind. "When will I see you again?"

Riven looked at me. "When your training begins."

"When will that be?"

A small smile appeared on her face. "When you've rested properly and you're ready."

"But I've rested enough."

Riven raised an eyebrow. "You've just returned from a long and exhausting journey."

"I know." I stepped closer. "But I feel fine."

Riven studied me carefully. "I don't mind waiting if you need more time."

I smiled. "As I just said, I've rested enough." I took another step. "I want to start training again." 

Riven remained silent for a moment. Then she nodded. "All right. If that's what you want, we'll begin tomorrow."

My heart skipped. "Tomorrow?"

"Yes."

"At the same time?"

Riven nodded. "The same time."

I smiled.

For a few seconds, neither of us moved. I was suddenly very aware of how close we were standing. Raven was taller than me. When I stood normally, the top of my head reached her shoulder.

I swallowed. There was something else I wanted to do. I stepped closer again until I was standing directly in front of her.

"Hey, Riven."

She looked down at me.

"Yes?"

"I want to give you something." Her eyebrows lifted. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small wooden box. It was beautifully carved, with tiny patterns etched across its surface.

I held it out to her. Riven stared at it. Then at me. "Is this for me?"

"Yes."

She carefully took the box. "What is inside?" She looked at me. "Can I open it?"

"Of course."

Riven slowly opened the lid. Inside was a small earring. A single bright yellow stone rested in its center, catching the light of the mana stones around us.

I smiled.

"I found it in Velmora. On the last night, when we went to the festival. The stone was the same color as your eyes." I looked into her bright yellow eyes. "When I saw it, I couldn't resist buying it."

Riven stared at the earring for a long moment. Then she smiled. "It's beautiful." She looked back at me. "Thank you for the gift." Her expression suddenly became slightly awkward. "And I'm sorry I don't have anything to give you."

I shook my head. "You already gave me plenty. I don't need anything else." I smiled. "I just want to keep seeing you smile." 

For once, Riven didn't immediately answer. She looked down at the earring again. Then her smile became a little warmer.

"Thank you." She closed the wooden box carefully. "I'll treasure it." 

My heart fluttered. I looked around. The garden was empty. I looked back at Riven.

"Riven."

"Yes?"

I lowered my voice. "Lean down a little. I want to tell you a secret."

Riven stared at me for a moment. She looked confused. Then perhaps out of curiosity, she leaned down.

I stepped closer. I placed both hands on her shoulders. Then I rose onto my toes. And kissed her. Just a quick kiss on her lips. Soft. Brief. Barely a heartbeat.

I immediately pulled away. Riven remained completely frozen. Her eyes were wide. Her mouth slightly open.

I grinned. "This is payback for pinching my hand earlier."

I turned around before she could recover. "See you tomorrow, Riven."

I began walking away. Behind me, there was absolute silence. I didn't dare look back. But I couldn't stop the smile spreading across my face.

I walked toward the rear garden where Kara was waiting.

And behind me…

Riven remained standing beneath the glowing mana stones, still completely stunned. I had managed to leave her speechless. And somehow, that felt even more satisfying than winning a sparring match against her.

By the time I reached the rear garden, I was so lost in my thoughts that I barely noticed anything around me. My mind kept replaying what had happened in the garden.

The look in her golden eyes when I kissed her. I touched my lips unconsciously. A smile slowly appeared on my face.

I was so distracted that I didn't notice the two people sitting nearby until a familiar voice broke through my thoughts.

"What With that silly smile on your face…" Kara was sitting at the garden table, a cup of tea in her hand. She was grinning at me. "Did something good happen?"

I immediately returned to reality. I stared at Kara for a moment. Then I deliberately ignored her and walked toward the table.

Kara burst into loud laughter. "Oh, come on!"

"Hey, Catherine. You're here too?"

Catherine smiled. "I just finished speaking with your father. He was mostly asking about my last mission and when I'll be leaving for the next one."

I looked at her in surprise. "Are you leaving already? You only returned from your last mission a few days ago."

Catherine shook her head. "Not immediately. We're going to rest for a while first." She looked around the garden. "By the way…Where's Riven?"

I lifted my cup. "She already left. She said she was a little busy."

Catherine frowned. "She left? That's unfortunate." Catherine sighed. "I wanted to speak with her more. I want to get to know her."

Kara immediately looked at Catherine. "Then perhaps you shouldn't have tried to dig through her mind during dinner."

Catherine gave her an embarrassed smile.

"I was curious. She is strange girl." Her eyes became more serious. "And strong. Very strong." Then she looked at me. "Do you know that she's the one who actually defeated that monster?"

Kara nearly choked on her tea. "What? But Riven said you killed it!"

Catherine laughed. "Yes. Technically, I did." Catherine placed her cup down. "I killed it. "But I wasn't the one who defeated it. She was the one who fought it. she was the one who separated that monster from the High Priest."

Catherine's expression became thoughtful. "She kept fighting until the monster could barely move. Then she came to me and said she was exhausted." Catherine imitated Riven's calm voice. "She simply told me she couldn't fight anymore and asked me to finish it."

"And when I arrived,The monster was already on its knees. It couldn't move. It could barely breathe. and all I did is I raised my sword." She made a small cutting motion through the air. "…and cut off its head."

Kara stared at her. "So Riven basically handed you a dying monster."

Catherine laughed. "That's exactly what happened." She picked up her tea again. "And I'm convinced she did it deliberately."

Catherine sighed. "She could have killed it herself. But instead, she made me do it." She frowned. "I still don't understand why." Catherine looked between us. "Is Riven planning something?"

I couldn't help laughing. Catherine immediately looked at me.

"What?"

"She isn't planning anything." I smiled. "She simply hates being the center of attention. She prefers to stay in the background. Perhaps she thought it would be easier to let you kill the monster and take the credit."

Catherine stared into her tea. "Hm… So she doesn't like attention." Catherine looked at me. "how have I never heard of her? I've been here for years. I've never heard anyone mention her."

"Because she wasn't here. She had been traveling." I smiled faintly. "She only returned recently."

Catherine's curiosity visibly increased. "Can you tell me more about her? I'm very curious about her."

I hesitated little bit . "I'm afraid I'm no more knowledgeable than you are."

Catherine raised an eyebrow. "You're her friend."

"I know. But Riven doesn't talk about herself very much."

Then Kara suddenly looked at Catherine. "Hey. You're bleeding."

Catherine blinked. "What?" She touched the side of her neck. "Ah…This fucking hurts."

Kara burst out laughing. "I thought you said you weren't scared."

Catherine gave her a look. "I never said that." She rubbed her neck. "For a moment, I genuinely thought she was going to kill me."

Kara shrugged. "Well…You provoked her first. So you deserved it."

Catherine sighed. "Yeah. You're right." Then she frowned. "But I didn't expect her to notice that I was using my ability on her." She shook her head. "She really is strange."

Kara leaned forward. "Then let me ask you something. If you and Riven fought seriously…" Kara's smile became mischievous. "Who among you will win?."

Catherine immediately smirked. "I'll admit she's strong.But I'm much stronger than her." She pointed toward herself. "Obviously, I'd win."

Kara leaned back. "No. I don't think you'd win. I've seen Riven fight seriously. And I've seen her fight without using a single ability." She shook her head. "She is on a completely different level."

Catherine laughed. "You've never seen me fight seriously. So don't judge me that quickly."

I smiled at the two of them. They were already turning the conversation into a competition. Some things never changed.

I turned toward one of the nearby maids. "Could you bring me a cup of coffee, please?"

The maid bowed. "Of course, Princess." She walked toward the table where the drinks had been prepared. A moment later, she returned with a cup and placed it in front of me. I thanked her.

Catherine stared at the cup. Then at me. "Wait. What did you just ask for?"

"Coffee."

Catherine blinked. "Coffee?" She pointed toward my cup. "But that's black tea."

I stared at the drink. Then at her.

"No."

"Yes."

I shook my head. "Riven told me it's coffee."

Catherine's expression changed immediately. "Riven told you?"

"Yes."

"Hm…" Her curiosity returned instantly. "So Riven taught you that word?" Catherine smiled. "Interesting." She leaned forward. "Where does Riven live? And what does she do?"

I answered casually. "At an orphanage. She works as a hunter."

Catherine's smile slowly widened. She rested her chin against her hand. "That is interesting. I really want to meet her again."

Kara told her. "Raven will be here tomorrow morning." 

Catherine's smile widened as she said, "Oh, really?" She stood up, moved behind Kara's chair, placed both hands on Kara's shoulders, leaned in slightly, and whispered something into her ear.

I looked at them in silence and wondered what they were discussing in secret.

Catherine stood up and said with a broad smile, "Alright, girls, I'll see you tomorrow." and she left.

I said in confusion, "Tomorrow? Didn't she say she has work tomorrow?."

Kara sighed and said "she wouldn't stop pursuing Raven until she had satisfied all her curiosity."

I said, "It looks like we're in for an exciting day tomorrow."

The next morning came far too quickly.

I barely had time to prepare myself before I found myself standing in the middle of the training yard, gripping a wooden sword with both hands. My breathing was heavy. My arms were aching.

standing several meters in front of me was Riven. She was holding her own wooden sword casually in one hand. She looked completely fine. Not even slightly tired.

For two full hours, she had been training us without stopping, And somehow…She wasn't even breathing heavily.

Then she rested the wooden sword against her shoulder. "Princess, take fifteen minutes to rest. After that, I want you to spar with Kara."

I stared at her. "A spar with Kara?"

Riven nodded.

I slowly walked toward a wooden bench and sat down.

"Why?" I looked toward Kara. "I remember very clearly how easily Kara defeated me the last time we fought." That had been before we left for Velmora. "And I don't think I've become much stronger since then."

Riven walked over and handed me a cup of water. "You've improved considerably since that day. And I want to confirm something."

I looked at her curiously.

"What?"

She smiled faintly. "But if you're too tired, that's fine. We can postpone the match until another day."

Before I could answer, Kara spoke. "Ooooh. Don't tell me you're afraid I'll beat you easily again, Lyria. "If that's the reason." Her grin widened. "You should be worried, because I won't go easy on you."

I immediately hit her shoulder. "I'm not afraid! And of course I'll fight you." I tightened my grip on my wooden sword. "Maybe I'll even beat you this time."

Kara burst out laughing. "In your dreams, Princess."

I glared at her. "One day, I would wipe that smug smile off your face." But that made Kara laugh even louder.

Riven turned toward Evanna. "All right, little princess. Do you think you can endure fifteen full minutes of training without getting tired or collapsing?"

Evanna stood up with a grin. "Of course I can!" She placed her hands on her hips. "You're underestimating me."

Riven smiled. "Are you sure?"

"I'm very strong." Evanna raised her wooden sword. "I don't break easily."

Riven's smile widened slightly. "Then let's begin." Evanna immediately stepped forward.

I watched quietly. For the next fifteen minutes, Riven trained with Evanna. I watched Riven. Her footwork. Her balance. The way she moved her shoulders before attacking.

The way she never wasted a movement. Every strike had a purpose. Every dodge was precise. She never seemed rushed.

Even when Evanna attacked from different angles, Riven simply adjusted her position and continued the exercise.

Fifteen minutes later, Evanna finally stumbled backward. She was exhausted. Her breathing was rapid. Her arms were shaking. She walked toward the bench and practically threw herself onto it.

"I'm exhausted…" She dropped her wooden sword beside her. "I can't lift my arms anymore."

I laughed. "But you lasted the entire fifteen minutes without collapsing." I smiled proudly. "That was impressive."

Evanna looked at me shyly. "Thank you, big sister."

Riven nodded. "You did well."

Then she looked toward me. "Princess." I immediately straightened. "If you've rested enough…" She gestured toward the center of the training yard. "…let's begin the spar."

I nodded. Kara stood at the same time. The two of us walked toward the center of the training yard.

Riven stepped back. Her expression became serious. "Princess. Fight with everything you have. Don't hold back."

I tightened my grip around my wooden sword.

"I won't."

Kara raised her sword. A familiar smirk appeared on her face. "That's right, Lyria." She adjusted her stance. "Don't hold back. Because I won't either."

My heartbeat quickened. I took a breath. Then—I charged. My body moved faster than I expected. I closed the distance between us in an instant, my wooden sword aimed directly at Kara's neck.

Kara's eyes widened. She raised her sword just in time. At the last second, I changed the direction of my strike. Instead of her neck, I swung toward her waist. Kara reacted immediately. She twisted her body and brought her sword down. Our swords collided.

She blocked the attack. But the force behind my strike pushed her backward. Her boots slid across the ground. Kara's eyes widened.

I was surprised too. That was my strength? I didn't have time to think. I stepped forward again. My sword flashed toward her neck. Kara blocked.

She immediately counterattacked toward my shoulder. I raised my sword. I blocked her. And then again. And again.

Something felt different. I could follow her movements more easily. Her attacks didn't feel as fast as they had before. My body felt lighter. My strikes felt heavier. My breathing was steadier.

What's happening to me? I had fought Kara before. I knew exactly how much stronger she had been. Yet now…I was keeping up. I was even forcing her to defend herself.

I glanced toward the edge of the training yard. Riven stood there quietly beside Evanna, watching us. Her eyes followed every movement. She wasn't surprised. That somehow made me even more curious.

I continued fighting. I didn't know how long we had been sparring. I had lost track of time. All I knew was that my body was still moving. My arms were tired, but not nearly as tired as they should have been.

"That's enough." Riven's voice cut through the training yard. Kara and I immediately stopped. I lowered my sword. My chest was rising and falling rapidly.

Riven walked toward us. "How are you feeling, Princess?"

I wiped the sweat from my forehead. "I don't know how to explain it." I looked down at my hands. "But I feel like I could keep fighting longer."

I looked toward Kara. "And I was able to block her attacks much more easily than before. And I'm faster."

Riven turned toward Kara. "What about you kara? What do you think about princess.

Kara looked at me. She shook her head slowly. "Lyria surprised me. There was real strength behind her attacks." She looked genuinely impressed. "And she's much faster."

Kara frowned. "Our last fight was only fifteen days ago. Back then, I could block her attacks without much difficulty." She gave a small laugh. "But today? I actually had to work for it."

She looked at Riven. "I don't understand how she became this strong in such a short time."

I looked down at my hands. She was right. I wasn't this strong before. I could feel something inside me. Something stronger.

"I don't understand either." I looked toward Riven. "How did this happen?"

Riven remained silent for a moment. Then she spoke calmly. "Princess…I don't know if you remember what happened when Malvias took control of you."

My expression immediately changed.

"Yes. I remembered. I could hear everything. I could see everything happening around me, even though I couldn't control my body."

My fingers tightened around the wooden sword.

Riven nodded. "When Malvias ordered you to kill me…He cast an enhancement spell on you. He enhanced your strength and speed so you could defeat me."

I looked at her. The memory suddenly returned with painful clarity. Malvias's voice. My body moving against my will. The sword in my hands. Riven standing in front of me. And the terrible feeling of knowing exactly what I was doing while being completely powerless to stop it.

My grip tightened. "Yes..." I whispered. " I remember that too." My voice was barely audible. 

Riven looked at me. For a moment, I thought she might have heard me. Then she smiled.

I stared at her. Why did she smile?. Was she trying to make sure I didn't blame myself for what happened? My chest tightened.

Riven turned toward Kara.

"When I broke Malvias's control over the princess, I assumed the enhancement spell would disappear with it." She paused. "But it didn't."

"So" Riven looked toward me. "The enhancement remained. That's why the princess's strength and speed have increased so dramatically."

I stared at my hands for a long moment after Riven explained what had happened. The power I had gained wasn't something I had earned through years of training. It had been left behind by the very spell that had once been used to turn me against Riven.

All of it had come from Malvias's enhancement spell. And somehow, that made me feel worse rather than better.

I lowered my eyes. "But…" My voice came out quieter than I intended. "That is still the truth, isn't it? I gained this strength without working for it." I looked at Riven. "I really don't deserve it."

Riven stared at me for a moment. "Princess. I believe in you."

I looked up.

"I believe in your ability." Her golden eyes were steady. "But if you truly feel you don't deserve this power, that is your problem. "

She smiled faintly. "As your teacher, I know you were capable of reaching this level in a short time—and I am confident of this because I know the limits of your body. I also know that this level is nothing compared to what awaits you in the future, and I will prove that to you."

I placed my hands over my heart and whispered, "She believes in me."

Kara immediately leaned forward. "What do you mean by proved."

Riven looked at her. "I'm going to begin serious training. There won't be friendly sparring anymore." Riven's expression became more serious. You'll fight real monsters."

"There are dungeons used by the guilds to train beginner hunters." She looked between us. "Our next lesson will be inside one."

Kara's expression immediately changed. "Wait. That sounds dangerous for Lyria." She frowned. "And I don't think the king will agree to this."

Riven turned toward me. "If the princess agrees…I'll speak with the king and obtain his permission."

I didn't hesitate.

"Yes. I want to do it."

I'd always wanted to enter a dungeon. I'd heard countless stories about them from hunters and guards. But being a princess came with rules. Restrictions. Things I wasn't allowed to do.

Things I had to avoid simply because of who I was. So the thought of finally entering a dungeon excited me more than it probably should have.

"I've always wanted to see what a real dungeon is like." I smiled. "And if you're willing to train me there, I want to try."

Riven's lips curved upward. "All right." She nodded. "Then it's settled. I'll speak with the king today. If he gives us permission, we'll go tomorrow."

I smiled. Tomorrow.

Maybe Riven was right. Maybe I could become stronger. Maybe the power Malvias had forced upon me didn't have to remain a reminder of what happened. Maybe I could make it mine.

Before I could say anything else, the training-yard door opened. A maid stepped inside and bowed. "I'm sorry to interrupt your training, Princess. Lady Catherine wishes to see you."

Before I could respond, another figure appeared behind her. Catherine smiled.

"Good morning." She looked around the training yard. "I hope I'm not interrupting. I wanted to watch your training, if you don't mind."

I smiled politely. "Good morning, Catherine. You aren't interrupting anything. Of course you can stay."

Riven lowered her wooden sword. she placed it against the rack. "Today's training is finished." She picked up her belongings. "I'll leave now."

She started walking away. But Catherine stepped in front of her. Riven stopped. Catherine smiled. "Are you trying to avoid me?"

Riven's expression didn't change. Catherine chuckled. "I already apologized for what happened yesterday." She held out her hand. "I hope you'll accept my apology. and Let's start over."

Riven looked at the offered hand. She didn't take it. Catherine didn't seem bothered. Instead, she smiled and introduced herself again.

"Let me introduce myself properly." She placed a hand against her chest. "My name is Catherine." Her smile widened. "I'm a hero from another world. I was summoned here two years ago to defeat a Demon Queen."

Then she looked at Riven. Riven stared at her silently. No handshake. No answer. Not even a change in expression. I almost felt sorry for Catherine.

Kara leaned toward me. "She really doesn't like her."

I whispered back.

"I noticed."

Catherine eventually looked toward us. "Would you mind if I borrowed Riven for a few minutes?" She smiled. "I'd like to speak with her privately."

I glanced at Riven. "If Riven doesn't mind, I don't."

Catherine looked at Riven. "I don't mind speaking in front of them." She paused. "But I don't think you want them to hear what I'm going to tell you." She gestured toward the far side of the training yard. "Let's move somewhere quieter."

The two of them walked away. They stopped far enough from us that we could see them clearly but couldn't hear their conversation.

I watched them. "What do you think they're talking about?"

Kara shrugged. "I have no idea." She crossed her arms. "But I can tell you one thing. Riven really can't stand Catherine. Look at her." Kara pointed discreetly. "Her face."

I watched Riven. She was standing completely still, her expression cold and unreadable.

Kara continued. "She becomes like that whenever Catherine is around."

I smiled faintly. "Riven is cold with everyone." Kara immediately shook her head. "Everyone except you." 

My face warmed. Kara smirked. "She can be cold with me too sometimes." She leaned closer. "But with you? She smiles."

My cheeks became warmer. I looked away.

"She talks to you freely. And she actually listens to you."

I tried to remain calm. "That's because I'm a princess."

Kara raised an eyebrow. "Kalina is the daughter of a duke. Riven was cold with her too. She was barely speaking to her. She smiled knowingly. "So…Maybe Riven has started liking you."

My face became even hotter. I immediately looked away. "If she liked me…" My voice became quieter. "She would've accepted my confession." I touched my cheek nervously. "She probably only treats me kindly because of my position."

"I don't think so." She gave me a mischievous smile. "Maybe she started developing feelings after your confession. That is possible, isn't it?"

 I didn't answer. I looked toward Riven. She was still speaking with Catherine in the distance.

Could it really be possible? Could Riven actually…like me? My heart began beating faster. What if she does? I swallowed. What if I confess again? Maybe this time…Maybe she'd accept me.

I shook my head quickly. No.No. I couldn't let myself get carried away. Don't get ahead of yourself, Lyria. Maybe I was simply imagining things. Maybe Riven was only being kind.

I needed to wait. Watch. And see what happened in the future.

Eventually, Riven and Catherine began walking back toward us. Riven picked up her sword and fastened it around her waist.

"I have to leave." She looked toward us. "I'll see you tomorrow." She turned and started walking away.

Catherine called after her. "I hope we can talk more and get to know each other better, Riven! See you later!"

Riven didn't turn around. She didn't answer. She simply kept walking.

Catherine stared after her. Then laughed. "What a cold girl."

I watched Riven disappear through the training-yard entrance. Something about her made me smile. Then I turned toward Catherine. "What did you talk about?"

Catherine looked at me. For a moment, she said nothing. Then she winked with a smile . "It's a secret."

"A secret?"

I stared at her. What kind of secret could those two possibly have after only knowing each other for two days?

My curiosity immediately returned. And judging by Catherine's smile…Whatever they had talked about, she had no intention of telling us.