Nap

Lying on my bed with Stacy gently massaging my shoulders and another maid attending to my tired feet, I reflect on the banquet. It was undoubtedly successful, but incredibly exhausting. The faces of the nobles I was introduced to blur together in my mind, their names and titles becoming a jumbled mess. I can't help but feel a newfound respect for characters in novels who seem to seamlessly navigate these social gatherings. For me? It's hell.

**

It's been several months since I arrived in this world, and thanks to Stella's efforts, I've been effectively exiled from the social scene. Honestly, I'm grateful to her for that. Luan, on the other hand, has been reveling in his newfound spotlight, coming up with what he considers to be "genius" ideas in the royal court. To me, they're just basic knowledge from Earth—things like marketing and voting. Good for him, I suppose. I've made it my mission to avoid him at all costs these past couple of months. He makes me uncomfortable, giving off vibes that remind me of the incels back on Earth, but perhaps that's just my bias. Don't mind me.

The real highlight of my time here has been my weekends at the villa. I've genuinely grown closer to the boys, and they've bonded with each other as well. Plus, after months of good food and physical activity, I've been treated to quite the feast of eye candy and have effectively avoided the call of the police.

Valendor, looks like he's in his early twenties or even a teenager, but imagine my surprise when I found out he's actually 26! Those elven genes work wonders. Nikolai, despite appearing like a skinny teenager, is actually 21. Malnutrition had taken its toll on him, but now he's looking healthier than ever. And then there's Haroun, the baby of the group. We had no idea of his age, but Nikolai performed some spell and we discovered that he's actually 18. It's been quite the eye-opening experience, getting to know these boys and watching them grow and thrive. Also very big plus, I'm not some creepy groomer raising child brides, it's a fantasy world but come on. I internally shudder at the thought. Nope let's not think about it.

About four months ago, I found myself sitting outside, ostensibly observing Haroun as he practiced with his sword. I was definitely focused on his movements, analyzing his stab and slash techniques. Okay, maybe I was also appreciating the wall of muscle and the glistening sweat, but that's beside the point.

Apparently, my subtle observation wasn't as subtle as I thought it was. The following weekend, Valendor took it upon himself to manually plant and grow some plants. Now, being an elf, he definitely didn't need to do that, but I wasn't about to complain. That is, until I nearly choked on the snack I was having when I saw what Valendor was wearing. Those black sleeveless turtleneck...crop tops? I swear, I'll have to have a talk with Kai about his fashion choices.

Not to be outdone, Nikolai decided to unbutton a few too many buttons on his usually pristine shirts while practicing spells way above his level. What in the world has Kai been teaching these boys?

Currently, I'm lounging in the living room area of the villa, indulging in some of Valendor's improved pastries. They're absolutely divine, a testament to his massively improved baking skills.

As I reach for another pastry, a hand swiftly steals it from me. It's Kai, of course.

"What are you doing here?" I glare at him, slightly annoyed.

Lounging comfortably on a cozy sofa, Kai, the beautiful elf, responds with a smirk, "Already tired of me, your highness?" He takes a leisurely bite of the stolen pastry.

"I don't recall inviting you," I retort, crossing my arms.

"Really? Couldn't resist my charming company?" Kai replies, closing his eyes as a fan floats in the air to cool him. Courtesy of Nikolai, no doubt.

"I'm supposed to spend my weekends admiring my eye candy," I inform him, gesturing towards the window where the boys are outside, looking all sweaty and attractive.

"Don't be so stingy. I get to admire them too as payment for my lessons," Kai says with a grin, and we both turn to the window like a couple of perverts.

"Lessons?" I inquire, raising an eyebrow.

"Ah, still not telling. A men's secret," Kai responds with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Kai and I banter and tease each other for a few hours, enjoying the playful exchange. When the boys finally return, looking even more appealing with their flushed faces and disheveled hair, Kai takes it as his cue to leave.

"That's my cue," Kai announces, getting up from the sofa. I walk him to the door, watching as he boards the Gilcha lizard with ease, clearly having Maverick wrapped around his finger. Maverick's crush on one of Kai's workers has him eater to take Kai back to the 'Elysium of petals',I can't help but laugh as he disappears into the night.

Thanks to Kai's efforts, I found a designer that could create comfortable clothes for me. Julian, a commoner recommended by Kai, has been able to bring to life everything I described. Currently, I'm wearing some comfortable shorts and a white dress shirt that I borrowed from Nikolai's closet. The first time I arrived at the villa and changed into Earth-style clothes, it was just a cute sundress. The boys were so surprised that Haroun practically hyperventilated. It was quite dramatic. Hilarious too, Kai has never let Haroun know peace since he found out.

It wasn't as bad as the day I decided to steal one of Nikolai's shirts for the first time and pair it with shorts...

*

This week has been so exhausting, I can barely keep my eyes open. As I rummage through Nikolai's closet, I pick out one of his shirts. The fabric feels like heaven against my skin. Trudging back to my room, which is the master bedroom of the villa, I'm finally able to relax.

With a sigh of relief, I strip off the stressful corseted dress and change into some comfortable shorts. Slipping on Nikolai's shirt, I can't help but appreciate how much more relaxed I feel in these clothes compared to the extravagant gowns and corsets I'm usually forced to wear. The fashion here is just so exhausting.

A delicious aroma wafts into the room, indicating that Valendor is conjuring up something magical in the kitchen again. Hungry and curious, I make my way out to the living area, which is connected to the kitchen in an open space.

"Vale, that smells amazing," I compliment him as I step into the kitchen area.

"Thank you, I recently grew some herbs that I've used as spices and dressing," Valendor replies, his back to me as he continues to work his culinary magic.

Suddenly, Haroun stands up to greet me but seems to take an awkward stumble. I watch in confusion as he trips over his own feet, falling awkwardly and hitting his head on the edge of the table. The impact knocks him out cold, a streak of blood starting to trickle from his hairline.

"Haroun!" I rush to his side, panic rising in my chest. How on earth did a skilled swordsman manage to trip over his own feet like that? I gently tap his face, trying to rouse him, but he remains unconscious.

"Nikolai, help!" I call out, turning to see if he can assist, but my heart skips a beat when I see him. Nikolai is standing nearby, looking dazed and disoriented. Even more alarming, streaks of blood are flowing from his nose at an alarming rate. He seems too out of it to even notice.

Just as panic starts to set in, a loud crash echoes from the kitchen area. I turn to see Valendor desperately trying to put out a fire that has erupted in the kitchen. Pots, pans, and various cooking utensils are strewn across the floor, and flames are licking at the walls.

"What the hell?!" I exclaim, the chaos unfolding before me completely unexpected. The tranquil afternoon has quickly turned into a disaster, and I'm left wondering how on earth we managed to get into such a mess.

*

I still laugh at the thought of that incident.

"As beautiful as always, your highness," Nikolai says with a bow, leaning down to give my hand a gentle kiss. Valendor and Haroun follow suit, offering accurate and definitely not awkward bows. It's a stark contrast to the clumsy Haroun from a few months ago.

" you flatter me, Nikolai. You'd call me beautiful even if I was dressed as a sack of potatoes," I playfully brush off his compliment.

"The most beautiful sack of potatoes," Nikolai continues, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

After they freshen up, Valendor takes charge of preparing dinner, his expertise evident in the tantalizing aromas wafting from the kitchen. Haroun, absentmindedly massaging my feet, seems lost in his own thoughts. Meanwhile, Nikolai takes it upon himself to cut pieces of fruit and feed them to me with a gentle smile.

I am not ashamed to admit that I've gained a few pounds due to my extremely lazy lifestyle.

I chuckle to myself, realizing why many people in power or with money tend to be on the heavier side. As I munch on a juicy slice of fruit, I let out a content sigh and allow myself to drift off into a peaceful nap.