Chapter 4: Becky’s place

 We had been walking for a while to find a place to stay the night, at last we found ourselves at a small hotel located at the edge of the city. It was not too fancy, not too plain, but it was cozy. The Building outside was made with pine wood, two stories tall and has a brick red roof with a balcony on the second floor facing the woods in the distance. "Becky's place" was written on the door of the building, a table and chair was on the deck of the house near the door. We looked at it then looked back at each other.

- How about this place? it doesn't look too bad right? Mimi smiled at me as she spoke in her sweetest tone. It was pretty clear that she is tired from all the walking, we did go halfway across the city on foot after all. I think it's about time we stop somewhere too and there weren't any other places in the area . 

- Well let's stay here then, you look rather tired from walking so much today. I said then walked up to the front door.

-That's great! We've been walking for two hours now. Mimi said as she walked up the stairs that was as high as her knee.

 I pushed open the door and held it for Mimi to walk in, the inside was just as simple as the outside but there was air conditioning.

- Wait, why is the air in here so cool? I asked, not understanding what the deal is up with this.

- Like I said, it's magic. Mimi said as she sat down at one of the arm chairs in the room.

-What? If there's air cooling magic, then why the hell is the palace so hot?

- They don't have the funds to hire people to cast the spell, the princess wasted everything on dresses and jewelry. Mimi said, she probably was thinking that I should have known by now. But She is right if she thinks that, from what I've experienced with them, I should have known a long time ago. It was so predictable.

 Just then the owner of the hotel walked out of the back door, he was a chubby man with a kind face. He has dark brown hair and green eyes, the man was wearing a shirt and long brown pants. He saw us smiled and walked to the front desk and so did I.

- Good afternoon miss, I'm Victor Alvarez, the owner of this small establishment. How may I help you?

- We are looking for a place to stay the night, would there be any room available here tonight? I asked, There should still be a room available since there aren't that many people in the city.

- Ah, of course. We still have a double bed room available on the first floor, it would be 3 silvers come with cooling and everything you might need. Victor said with a smile on his face, he was more polite than I thought. 

-Good we'll take it. Mimi said, she was standing right behind me. I didn't even hear her footsteps at that point, this girl was very curious indeed.

 I didn't even bother to ask how she could do that, I already knew. Then I took 3 silver coins out of my bag and handed it to the owner of the hotel. I was just about to go to our room when the owner told us something.

- Wait, are you travelers?

-Oh? Yes, we're going to Veldora tomorrow…um… Can we help you with something? I said in a muffled tone, I should be careful people aren't very trustful.

- No not at all, it's just that if you are from a noble family then you should change your name before crossing Veldora's borders. They don't like nobles here very much. He said in a shy mixed with worried smile.

- Thank you for informing us… But how did you know we were from a noble family? I said. I should take note of that, this man is a life saver. If he didn't say that we'll literally walk there with our real names and who knows what will happen next.

- Well…everyone knows you princess, you've helped us with last year's droughts while everyone else abandoned us. To say that we are grateful would be an understatement. The man's face was lit up with a warm smile as he spoke.

- I'm sorry to have accepted your money even though you've already helped us so much but… We don't have any left to buy food anymore now, I hope that you can forgive us. He said as he bowed his head downwards. 

- It's okay sir, Please I'm not a princess anymore you don't have to apologize you just want to feed your family. I said putting my hand on his shoulders.

- Wait… you're not a princess anymore? What happened? He said in shock.

- Well um … they kicked me out. But anyways I'll just go to my room and rest for a while, and don't worry about it. we're doing great. I said as I walked to the stairs with Mimi holding my hand.

 So it turned out that she wasn't hated by everyone like the stories said after all huh? She was actually loved by her people, just not those who never acknowledged her works. If Marie had known that, would her fate have changed for the better? She was not an envious princess but a kind person that cares for her people, there are more sides to a story than it seems.

-Ugh! I hate stairs! Mimi's face was as annoyed as someone's who just came back from work at a preschool.

-Hm… how about I carry you then. I only said that so she wouldn't be so sad anymore, I was really tired too actually. 

- No, it's okay. You look really tired out plus you didn't sit down earlier too, You don't have to help me all the time. Take care of yourself big sis or I'll be really sad. Mimi said looking straight into my eyes still holding my hand, that was the first time I realized I never really took care of myself. She was right again… somehow. We just look at each other for a few seconds, then I finally have the courage to say something.

- I'm sorry. I'll take better care of myself in the future, okay? Don't be sad, I'll be fine.

- Promise? Mimi said softly.

- Yea, promise. I answered, then I felt something that was familiar and warm but so new at the same time.

- Ha! You… you just smiled at me! Mimi said, smiling from ear to ear and jumping up and down.

- It wasn't as big as a normal person's smile but you did, I saw it! Her eyes were wide and full of excitement.

 So that feeling was happiness huh? If we keep spending time together then I'll have all of my emotions back soon, so let's do that.

- So then let's go up to our room, I think I'll lie down for a bit. I said as I started to walk up the stairs, Mimi following me all the way.

 We'll talk about our plans when we reach Veldoral, and our new names too. This is going to be a lovely journey I'm sure of it.