Even if my personality or way of thinking was born unusually due to God, it was still a part of me. It was my way of life. Since being expelled from God’s land and living among the second humanity on the surface, I had lived like this.

How gruesome and endless the arduous path was, where I struggled, despaired, hated, and resigned, only to rise again and gradually achieve what I desired.

“If you live for a long time, you’re bound to experience many things.”

After I finished speaking, I looked up at the sky for a moment.

Without having to explain in detail, Lillis would know.

She might be different from me in that she left God’s land by herself, but she, too, had lived on the surface for hundreds of years and likely experienced various hardships.
Although I’ve enjoyed a lively and delightful journey for a long time, unlike the rugged mountain I once was, that’s another difference.

“I see.”

Not reacting sensitively and coming out nonchalantly, Lillis, with a serious gaze, nodded slightly while supporting her chin with one hand.

At other times, she might have irritated me or given me a disapproving look, wondering why I was like this. However, her behavior now indicated understanding, not resorting to criticism.

“Your Highness~.”

“Your Highness, are you nearby?”

Finally, they are coming. I glanced at Lillis as the voices of approaching knights gradually became louder. I stared at her intently, implying that she should leave soon for her well-being, my well-being, smooth plans, and a safe alibi.

“But if you ever have doubts, feel free to visit. Well then~.”

Upon saying that, Lillis, with her characteristic mischievous smile, squinted one eye, resembling a rogue announcing her return to the crime scene, and swiftly disappeared behind a large thicket.

Being elusive is also an ability; she can hide anywhere and reappear at will.

“Ah, tired.”

By the way, seeing my throbbing head, it seems I’ve been outdoors for too long in my nightclothes late at night. I grabbed my aching forehead with one hand and let out a groan.

“Dazzling!”

I almost screamed.

My heart raced upwards and then sank with a thud because of Hecate, who suddenly appeared and loudly shouted my name. I thought someone would show up soon, but she appeared suddenly without any warning, making her seem like a ghost.

“Mom?”

While placing both hands inconspicuously on my heart and repeating stable breathing, Hecate approached.

Upon closer inspection, she was in her knight gown, but judging by her state, she must have heard my scream caused by Lillis and rushed around here and there.

‘She’s even sweating.’

How much did she run around? I sighed and looked up at Hecate.

Whoosh-!

‘Cough!’

And the next moment, I felt the sensation of being swept away by tremendous strength, my throat tightening, and I desperately struggled with my arms. Since the first time I met Hecate when I was reborn as a princess after the incident with Jeff, who hugged me, it was reminiscent of when I almost went to meet Ulica.

It was truly breathtaking.

“Why are you outside?”

Whether she knew I was surprised or she was confused.

“The night air is still cold.”

Thinking I was surprised, Hecate misunderstood and patted my back, shedding tears. Thanks to that, the hug weakened, and I barely caught my breath. Now that I felt a bit more alive, Hecate began to speak rapidly.

“Do you know how worried Mom was when you suddenly disappeared?”

She probably went straight to the bedroom. I was grateful that Hecate and Jeff’s bedroom and mine were not next to each other.
Anyway, after making a fuss alone, the real Hecate finally knelt down on one knee on the grassy field, aligning her eyes with mine. She then warmly enveloped my small hand with her own, a gesture of sharing her body warmth since there was no hand warmer or gloves immediately available.

“Oh, that’s it…”

Although I found it unnecessary, now I had to justify the sudden disappearance from the bedroom.

‘Just stay quiet.’

I looked at Poppin, who had stopped moving when our eyes met, and conveyed with my eyes.

“I couldn’t sleep, so I wanted to take a short walk with Poppin.”

“Really?”

Following that, I immediately spat out the excuse I had concocted while being carried on Lillis’s back. Hecate, surprisingly easy to deceive, did not ask or probe further.

“Next time, come to Mom. I’ll read you a fairy tale.”

Hecate, who had been gently stroking her cheek with an uncomfortable expression, then quietly looked at the green-haired maid who had been waiting and listening during our conversation.

“Your Majesty, you were looking for Her Highness.”

“Yes. Poppin seems to have taken good care of the princess.”

“That’s truly fortunate.”

The green-haired maid, who had exchanged words with Hecate once before, raised a curtsey when our eyes met. Then, she smiled at Poppin and offered a greeting.

“Such a splendid and noble duck, Your Highness.”