Grootslang forest

I spent the entire day by myself in my room, thinking about how I had treated others around me terribly. But I couldn't let my two months of training go to waste, and I know I owe Mr. Amado, as well as our castle's helpers, especially Mr. Edwards, an apology.

I decided to talk to my father the next day and ask him where I can find Mr. Edwards.

"He got disappointed? With what?" My father asked while sitting on his office chair.

I've been avoiding looking directly into his eyes out of guilt as I stand in front of his table.

"With me," I said lowly, staring at the floor of his office.

My father remained silent, but I already know that he knew what I was trying to say. He have seen how my personality changed. Before he spoke, I heard him sigh.

I turned to gaze at him when he questioned, "Have you reflected on your actions?"

I nodded as fast as I could, "Yes, I am also disappointed with my action and vow to do better now." I said, looking directly into his eyes with determination in mine.

Putting his hands on the table, he stood up, "Alright, I'll tell you where he would be. Make it worth it because this is the first and last time I'll help you with Mr. Edwards. Be careful with your actions considering Mr. Edwards is already old and easily gets upset." He warned me, I smile and nodded at him.

He pulled a piece of paper out of the drawer under the table, grabbed a pen, and began writing something on the paper. He handed it to me after folding it twice.

"The journey to his location will take hours, so be sure to bring everything you'll need. He lives in the middle of this forest, Good luck," he said.

I looked at the paper in my hand, then up to him and said, "Thank you very much," bowing my head and left his office.

I immediately rushed to my room to fix the bag I would be carrying with me. I left my room after packing an emergency kit along with some clothes. My mother doesn't know about this because she is currently in the city with her friends.

Since it was our helpers' rest time, I went downstairs and went to their resting room with trepidation. This is my chance to apologize to them.

I can hear them having fun from here, It took me a few tries until I finally knocked on their door.

As soon as the door was opened and saw my fear suddenly is evident on their face as they rose from their seats and bowed at me.

"Please stay seated," I said while gesturing with my hand.

They followed my request and sat awkwardly in their seats once more. I roamed my eyes around the room, "This room is huge, I see all of you are having fun here, huh? hehe..." I awkwardly laughed.

"We're deeply sorry for having fun, your highness." they all said and suddenly kneeled in front of me.

Oh no, I scared them even more...

I approached them after being startled by their behavior and helped them stand up, "No, please stand up." I said and sighed.

I lowered my head and said, "Listen, I'm sincerely sorry about the terrible things I've said and done. I-I was wrong, Please forgive me," and I could hear them gasp after.

When I looked up to see their reaction, they were all smiling and nodding, and a tear fell from my eye as I hugged them. "I-I'm really sorry," I sobbed.

It melted my heart how they just easily forgiven me. They truly are such a wonderful Paragons.

The moment I decided to leave them in their room since I needed to go before dusk, I walked to the kitchen to get some bread and fill up my water bottle.

Mr. Amado was standing next to my carriage when I exited the castle's main hall.

I tapped my feet on the ground before I approached him, " Mr. Amado, I'm so-"

before I could even finish what I was about to say, he smiled and spoke.

"It's fine, Your highness," he said, making my brow crease.

Will he not accept my apology?

"Huh?" I uttered, getting nervous.

"You don't need to apologize to me; I already know you regret your actions," he said and smiled at me.

A smile began to form on my face and slowly nodded my head. Damn, why are they so precious?!

He opened the carriage door and I entered; he was about to enter as well, but I stopped him.

I said, "You stay here, and I'll come back in the morning." while flapping my brown dress after sitting.

"But, your highness-" I raised my left hand to gesture to him to stop, and he reluctantly shut his mouth.

"I'll be fine, I heard you injured your legs earlier, so you need to recover," I added as I glanced at his left leg that he's been supporting.

I heard from our helpers that he got into an accident on the way here that why I didn't saw him in breakfast.

He didn't argue back, instead, he handed me a bow and a bag of arrows.

I looked at him confused as I took them from his hand, "Why are you giving this to me?" I questioned, my gaze drawn to the bow.

This is the bow I used yesterday.

"The Grootslang forest isn't your ordinary forest; if you don't want me to accompany you, bring this with you. " With concern in his eyes, he said.

My brow furrowed, "How did you know I was going to Gro- oh, my father told you, ha?" I asked, my eyes squinting.

He nod and I sighed.

I put the bow and arrows in front of me and replied, "Fine, I'll bring this with me." I looked at him and smiled, "See you tomorrow, Mr. Amado"

He bowed his head, "Good luck, your highness" and he closed the door.

-----

When we arrived at the forest's entrance, the sky was already dark. I instructed my chauffeur to wait there while I go in by myself.

I had just taken my water bottle and lamp and was about to go when my eyes landed on the bow and arrows.

'The Grootslang forest isn't your ordinary forest; if you don't want me to accompany you, bring this with you'

Well I might need it, no one knows.

I groaned and took them, putting them on my back before walking into the woods.

Despite the amount of time I spent on walking, I was unable to find any houses.

Is this the right forest or we got lost? I'm so tired and thirsty.

I grabbed my water bottle out of my bag and was about to sip when I heard rustling in the distance. I returned my water to my bag and walked towards it.

"Mr. Edwards? Mr. Edwards is that you?" My voice started to get louder.

I was excited to see a shadow out in the distance and was ready to approach it when the shadow grew tall and turned in my direction.

"Sssssss..."

Bloody hell...