The First Encounter

As I recall, during the celebration that will be held later, it was said that the prince of the Rosiello Empire has been spotted roaming around that town. I'm not really sure if that rumor is true nor am I sure why Vaughn was here, but it would be great if I would be able to meet him later. No matter how bad the trauma he caused me is, I would still love to meet the 20-year-old Vaughn that I never got to know.

I carefully picked the dress that I will be wearing—something that's not too flashy, nor shabby. I asked a maid to tie my hair into a braid, and put on some light makeup.

This is perfect. If I wore a hood, I would be mistaken as someone suspicious and would be taken into custody, so this would be the perfect look for going out as a commoner.

"Ellen, where's my Father?" I asked as she fixed my dress. "His Imperial Majesty is currently sleeping since he has not slept a wink since yesterday, Your Majesty," she replied. "Oh, alright. Please tell him that I already went out, if he wakes up before I get back," I said and smiled as she finished fixing my dress. "I will, Your Majesty," she said and opened the door for me.

We walked through the halls and when we arrived at the front door, a carriage was waiting for me. I looked at the knights standing by the carriage, waiting for me to enter.

They were wearing normal clothes to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Without their armor on, they look like common citizens. They did not bring their swords with them, but I can still trust them since I know their capabilities very well. They're good swordsmen but are also remarkable in terms on hand to hand combat.

One of the knights opened the door and offered his hand to help me get in the carriage. "Thank you," I said as I stepped inside.

The sound of the horses' hooves clopping can be heard. As we went farther to reach the palace gates, little by little, I started to hear the cheers and yells from the bustling town's celebration and I could hear the gates opening and the knights speaking to each other.

Soon, when we got nearer to the town, I looked out of the window, anticipating the lively celebration of the townsfolk.

Bright lights and beautiful smiles filled the whole place. The joyful laughter of the children playing made me smile and the delicious aroma of different foods made my stomach grumble.

The carriage stopped and the knight opened the door. He offered his hand to help me get off the carriage and closed the door afterward. People were staring at me as I got off the carriage.

"Why are they staring?" I whispered to one of the knights. "It might be because you look stunning, Your Majesty," he whispered back.

I shook my head and giggled. "You flatter me. Please call me Krishiella while we're still outside. Please inform the other knights, as well," I said and smiled. "I will, Krishiella," he said and smiled back.

This knight is pretty good-looking. He has brown hair, thick eyebrows, sharp hazel eyes with long lashes, a tall nose, and red lips—completely different from Vaughn.

"I'm Noah Haynes. Please call me Noah," he introduced himself and smiled. "Alright, Noah," I said and smiled back at him.

I went to one of the food stalls and bought something called chicken skewers. I've never had something like this before. The aroma of the food made me drool and have the urge to buy some more.

"Does the food suit your tastes, my lady?" I looked in the direction where the familiar voice came from. To my shock, I couldn't find the knights anywhere. But what was more shocking was seeing the man in front of me.

My heart started pounding so hard, that I could barely hear the noise coming from the town. I started sweating and feeling different emotions—confusion, excitement, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise. I did not feel anger at all. Instead, I felt a longing for his gentle touch—the way he used to touch me before.

As I suddenly remembered the memories we had before, I felt heartbroken yet happy at the same time, because finally, I got to meet the 20-year-old Vaughn that I've always been curious about.

He suddenly spoke before I could even open my mouth to call out his name. "Oopsies! I got to go," he said and let out a hearty laugh.

I froze and felt my chest tighten. I could feel tears forming in my eyes. His laugh was... unrestrained. That kind of laugh was something I'd never heard from him.

What happened to him, that made him look so indifferent? It hurts knowing that someone like him turned into that kind of person—a person who is capable of taking the life of others. \

It pains me, knowing that he has changed drastically, and I do not know the reason why. It pains me seeing that he looks so happy right now, but that happiness will soon vanish one day, a few years from now. I don't want the same thing to happen again. I have to change my fate… but I also have to change his.

I want to get to know him...

Vaughn Rosiello... what exactly happened to you?

I have to go after him.

I was about to go run, but someone suddenly grabbed my arm. "Krishiella, where are you going?" Noah asked. I looked into his hazel eyes and said, "Let go." I pulled my arm from his grip and started running away.

I heard him call my name countless times, but I did not mind him. I held onto my dress to run faster. I have to at least talk to him… I have to know more about him. I want to know the possible reasons why he changed. I want to know why.

Where is he? Where... Where are you, Vaughn?