26 Elysion? [1]

Ten years ago... when I was just six years old.

At that time, I was unbelievably frail for someone of the Ravenhurst family, never going out, never talking anyone. My daily routine consisted of looking out at the scenery from my room in the main house of our estate.

With no friends of the same age, I would read books and let my imagination run wild... adventuring all around the world, having a wonderful romance with a prince... Well, it was all just wishful thinking, so I could go anywhere in my mind.

And then, one day.

My stern father told me with a serious expression that I had to visit the royal palace.

After having my maid Mir confirm the details, it turned out that His Majesty the King had chosen me as a potential fiancée for the Crown Prince, and they wanted me to attend a meeting to see if we were compatible.

My father, considering my frail health, strongly refused at first. However, the King persisted, saying it was okay even if it was just for show. Eventually, he reluctantly agreed, on the condition that I would not be chosen as the fiancée.

Learning about this, my heart leaped with joy. Not necessarily about the engagement with the Crown Prince, but because it was my first visit to the capital.

However...

"Is it really okay to wear this...?"

"Yes. It's the Master's instructions."

For some reason, the outfit prepared for me was not the usual dress but rather a blouse and culottes more suited for a boy. I couldn't help but tilt my head, wondering if this was appropriate attire to meet the potential fiancé, the Crown Prince.

Later, I understood that my father deliberately made me dress as a boy so that the Crown Prince and his entourage wouldn't recognize me easily. It was a way to evaluate me, Serena of Ravenhurst, without being swayed by appearance.

My father might have been a bit mean, but looking back, I'm grateful because that decision which eventually led to my engagement with Lord Ely.

And so, after a week-long journey by carriage, I arrived at the royal palace with my father.

"Wow...!"

The journey so far had been enjoyable and memorable, but the dazzling splendor of the royal palace, which saw for the first time, captivated my eyes.

I wanted to see more of this place. With such desires surfacing, I even felt mischievous and, without my father noticing, decided to explore the royal palace on my own.

At that moment, the feeling was exactly like that of an adventurer in a story. However, this enjoyable adventure was cut short.

A seemingly endless red corridor and darkness ahead. No one familiar around, and suddenly, I vividly remember feeling anxious.

That's when...

"Huh? Why is there a boy here?"

Appearing before me was a boy with silver hair and gray eyes. He showed a carefree smile, and seeing me sitting there, unable to move, he kindly spoke.

"Oh, you got lost, huh? Well then, I'll guide you."

Feeling embarrassed to admit that I was lost, I hesitated. The boy said that if I got lost, he would guide me.

I considered taking his hand, but at that moment, I chose to stand up by myself, pretending to be strong.

"Hmm... by the way, what's your name?"

"Ah... um, it's 'Serenus.'"

I spontaneously gave a boyish name, as I had decided to pretend to be a boy until the meeting with the potential fiancé.

"I see."

The boy turned away as if losing interest in me. I was a bit puzzled by this different reaction, but then...

"Elysion."

"Huh...?"

"My name is Elysion. Elysion silvercrest, the third prince of this country."

He turned around energetically, showing a joyful smile as he introduced himself.

---

"Umm... we still haven't found them, huh?"

"..."

After being led by the boy—Prince Elysion, it had been more than enough time since he took me away from the place where my father was waiting. Not only couldn't we reunite with my father, but it felt like we were getting farther away from the starting point.

"I-Is it really this way to my father?"

"No doubt. The nobles have their audience with His Majesty in the rooms further ahead. So, he should be around here... I guess."

Saying that, Prince Elysion advanced further down the corridor.

However, the surroundings were becoming less populated, and it felt somewhat desolate.

"Ah! I think the room we're looking for is beyond this door!"

"Really?"

"Yeah!"

As if he had found something, Prince Elysion happily informed me. Finally, the anxiety that had been lingering was dispelled.

I was overjoyed, and with an apology ready, I reached for the door.

"Father! I'm sorry!"

Despite the apology, my voice was full of excitement.

I would probably get scolded, but it was my own fault, so I would accept it with resignation.

But then...

"Huh...?"

I felt kick at my back that propelled me forward, pushing me onto the floor along with it came, "Bwahaha!"