You are Not The Only One

Isadora curtsied gracefully as she greeted Matilda. "Greetings to the little sun of Arcadia."

Matilda, seated in a resplendent pink dress, looked every bit the princess in her opulent bedroom. The room was decorated with luxurious drapes, ornate furniture, and a large canopy bed fit for royalty. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow on the tea set laid out on the table between them. Matilda smiled warmly, already holding a delicate porcelain cup of tea.

"I appreciate that you sent the letter for me to come by today," Isadora said, taking a seat opposite Matilda.

"Well, I'm glad you accepted my invitation, Isadora," Matilda replied, her voice gentle yet tinged with a hint of urgency.

The room fell into a brief silence. There were no maids or attendants present; the princess had ensured their privacy for this particular conversation. It was clear that this was no ordinary social call.

"Look, Isadora, my reason for inviting you here is that I have my suspicions," Matilda started, her tone growing tense.

Isadora looked puzzled for a moment. "Suspicions about what?"

"Do you happen to use magic?" Matilda asked, her eyes searching Isadora's face for any sign of deceit.

Isadora's heart skipped a beat. She had been dreading this question, knowing the potential danger of revealing her true nature. She could not afford to make such a perilous gamble. Thoughts raced through her mind. 'I was certain she was also reincarnated, but now I'm not sure anymore... But that time at the balcony, she definitely understood when I spoke in Korean. When have I, Park Hye-jin, ever wavered in a conversation? I need to think...'

"If you are not going to reply to that, then I'll ask you another question. How come you know of that language?" Matilda pressed.

"Which language are you referring to?" Isadora asked, stalling for time.

"The one from our time on the balcony. I felt faint, but I'm very sure that you spoke in a different language," Matilda insisted. She was not willing to reveal that she herself was also reincarnated. She needed to be certain that Isadora was not an enemy.

"I get it now. You can stop beating around the bush. I'm definitely not your enemy. Korean is Korean, so let's move to our topic of today," Isadora said, her tone firm and reassuring.

The moment Isadora confirmed this, Matilda's smile grew wide with relief. The tension that had filled the room dissipated, and both girls seemed to relax. They now understood that they were neither hunter nor prey, but allies.

"Do you know why I summoned you?" Matilda asked, her demeanor shifting as she prepared to discuss the true reason for their meeting.

"You definitely have some useful information. Why else would you call me into your room?" Isadora replied, taking a bite of the dessert in front of her.

Matilda leaned forward, her voice lowering as she began to explain. " You have a magic affinity, and I need your help with a negotiation with Diando."

"So, you want me to escort you to Diando for a negotiation because you feel I'll be of good use," Isadora inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes! And not only that. I have a few other reasons for seeking your assistance," Matilda said, her tone earnest as she sought to convince Isadora of her sincerity.

"It's the war, isn't it?" Isadora said, her voice calm despite the gravity of the subject.

Matilda's eyes widened in shock. "How do you know about that? Only my parents and I are aware of such plans."

"You are still dense, aren't you? I assure you, you are not the only person aware of the upcoming war, nor are you the only person who has been reincarnated," Isadora said, her tone almost indifferent to the heavy conversation they were having.

"I'm aware of that. I even had a dream about the war and the Blue Pox that comes after," Matilda confessed, her voice tinged with worry.

"That must mean you are not aware that the person who would ignite this war was just banished," Isadora added, her eyes fixed on Matilda's reaction.

"I had my suspicions and did a background check on Matthias. He seems the most likely reason we could go to war," Matilda said, her voice steady despite the fear she felt.

"Well, I must say, you are quick on your feet for a seven-year-old," Isadora complimented, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"Says the lady about two years younger than me," Matilda joked, easing some of the tension between them.

"If you need to stop the war, then I am way ahead of you. I accept your invitation to go to Diando," Isadora said, her voice now serious and determined.

"I'm very grateful for your help, Isadora," Matilda said, curtsying slightly in her seat.

"Your Royal Highness, I'm sure you have not forgotten you are a princess. Well, I'm happy I got to leave the house today. I thank you," Isadora said, bowing her head in respect.

As Isadora began to take her leave, Matilda called out to her. "Oh, wait! Could you send someone to pack the desserts and send some of those tea leaves? Thanks."

Isadora turned back, a mischievous grin on her face. "Of course. You know I can't resist good tea and sweets."

Matilda laughed, nodding her head in agreement. "Consider it done."

As Isadora exited the room, she murmured to herself, "Now all that's left is Harley."

Isadora walked down the grand hallway, her mind racing with the revelations from her conversation with Matilda. The corridors were lined with portraits of past rulers, their stern gazes seeming to follow her every step. She felt a shiver run down her spine, not from fear, but from the weight of the responsibility she now bore.

As she descended the grand staircase, her thoughts drifted back to the conversation. 'A war, a disease, and a banished catalyst,' she mused. 'Matilda and I are not alone in this. There must be others, who that angel has made it their responsibility to stop this war. That damned being has forgotten that we are mere children with no connections in society. Arghh! '

She reached the bottom of the staircase and headed toward the palace gardens. The fresh scent of blooming flowers greeted her, momentarily soothing her troubled mind. The garden was a path for which Isadora would take a carriage home, but it's welcoming aura helped her arrange her thoughts.

'Harley,' she thought, her resolve hardening. ' Only through her can our plan for the war become a success'.