23 Knarendon V

'I accidentally found myself befriending the middle son of the Penrose family whilst visiting Knarendon. It was very coincidental that I ran into him that day, but I'm glad that I did. Wesley Penrose appears to be an individual that I should keep at my side.

As much as I adore Vincenzo, he's definitely a himbo. There's no way around it, to be completely honest. I always thought that term was silly back in my home world, but after meeting him I can attest that it's a very real personality. I appreciate him very much, but having an additional head on my side will be of great use to me.

Wesley also appears to be quite the romantic. Whether it's on purpose or not is another story, though; because I really have no idea. I can't believe that he'd name a music piece after me because of one performance... and though it warmed my heart I couldn't help but feel a bit skeptical as to whether or not I deserved it. I wonder if he had feelings for Princess Calluna.

Yeah, that's probably it. I'll take what I can get, though. Anyone who had feelings for her must be some kind of saint.'

After Calluna's outing with Wesley came to a pleasant end, he safely escorted her back to her chambers to bid her goodnight. He stood just outside her door and smiled, "Thank you for accompanying me. You're wonderful to be around."

"I'm so happy you took me with you! Pack your bags, though. I want to take you with me tomorrow," she stated confidently.

"Ah- well, I guess that is an order from the future king. I'll see you in the morning. I'm sure you can convince my father, you're quite charismatic these days."

"Thank you, Wes. Also, I'm keeping the cloak. It's way too comfy."

He chuckled, "Of course, it's all yours. Sweet dreams."

"Goodnight."

Calluna closed the door softly behind her and let out a satisfied sigh. She had been lenient with herself and ended up being a lot less professional than she usually was. The crown prince couldn't help but feel relieved having let off steam doing some fun things. It was easy as Romy to avoid unnecessary people or activities because she hardly had anyone to interact with. She had relied on nothing but her own wit and power of will to become successful… but that wasn't an option for her anymore.

In the foreign land she woke up in, everything was different. Calluna had to rely on others and go outside of herself in order to accomplish the huge goal she had set for herself.

As she walked further into her chamber she found candles burning on her nightstand, and a pair of clean silk nightclothes. The prince smiled softly to herself. "Guinevere is so kind. I'm lucky to have such amazing people around me."

The blonde slid off the cloak and folded it neatly, then placed it on the pillow she wasn't going to use. All of her clothes quickly fell to the floor and were replaced with the soft pajamas Guin had left for her. Once she had finished changing, she felt all of the fatigue of her long and adventurous evening beginning to wear on her. Unfortunately for her, the pain reliever didn't also work on her body's tiredness.

She clambered onto the plush mattress and burrowed herself beneath the expensive comforter. Having had such a nice day, she fell asleep in no time – allowing unconsciousness to seize her once again. Fortunately, however, she wasn't plagued with her recent nightmare that night.

It was a far more palatable dream, but still disconcerting.

She was lying on her back comfortably in a field of daisies with the bright rays of the afternoon sun warming her skin.

Her skin?

Half of her body was the pale olive tone that it had been in her previous life, and the other half being the tawny color she had become accustomed to seeing every day. She frowned in confusion and sat upright, looking around frantically as she tried to determine where she was.

"Hello?" Calluna called aimlessly into the field. The unnerving feeling that she was being watched began to tickle her spine.

「Are you doing well, Romy?」

She startled at the voice. It was androgynous and intangible, almost inhuman.

"Who are you?"

「Goodnight.」

Warmth washed over Calluna once again and the rest of her night was spent in darkness.

"How was your night, Miss?" Guinevere queried as she brushed Calluna's tangled locks.

"It was wonderful. I got to see the ocean and even some of the sea life," she replied.

Guinevere nodded knowingly. "My husband and I often traveled here to see the ocean before we had the little ones. They're nearly old enough now to come with us, and I'm sure they will love to see the fish at night."

"Guin, what's your husband like?"

The handmaid began doing a braid as she answered. "He's very handsome and hardworking, but also has a very quiet personality which allows us to go well together."

"How so?"

"I get to do all the talking and he does all the listening, and we are both content. Our sons are just like me, though. My poor husband doesn't know what to do with all three of us having an attitude."

Calluna chuckled. "I'd love to meet them someday. Your family seems wonderful."

"Of course! My eldest boy wants to be a knight when he grows up too, so I'm sure you'll have the LeReux family bothering you for generations to come."

"I'm excited to see his talent," the prince smiled again.

"Alright, red or blue today, Your Highness?"

"Hmm… blue."

She wore her signature leather outfit, but the half-skirt was a deep navy this time. Her hair was done into a divine braided bun with plenty of curled fringe falling out, creating a very refined and professional aura around her.

Vincenzo stood in wait outside her chamber to escort her to the meeting. Calluna wasn't sure if it was just her imagination, but it seemed like he looked a bit different than usual. She stared him up and down intently to try and discern what had changed, but gave up halfway. When she didn't say anything, the tall muscular man pouted slightly.

"I'm wearing blue, Luna. I thought we should match," he explained.

She made a noise of realization. "Oh! Is that what's different? You usually only wear green or red instead. It does bring out your eyes, too."

"Thank you, you're stunning as ever today as well Your Highness," Vincenzo grinned and held out an elbow for her.

As was their habit, she took his arm and they set off to the meeting. She wasn't sure why, but this time she felt far more at ease that day than she had before, even though her chances of success were lower with Governor Penrose compared to the others.

'I can do this.'

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