Chances to Another Life

4. Forbidden Love

Could it be that Solace, while peering into my memories, can also sense how much I love books, especially fantasy and kingdom genre novels? If so, Solace has chosen a world that suits me.

Now I am leaning on the bed, sipping the delicious pumpkin soup, prepared by the skilled royal chef and delivered directly with smoke still rising from the pot.

Now I understand my situation, the beautiful woman sitting in the chair looking at me is a princess of the king. The servant who brought the soup calls her Princess Adellia. I am relieved from trying to embarrass myself and avoid Adellia's suspicion that I am actually someone from a planet called Earth.

This place is similar to the cottages that often appear on my social media page with titles like: aesthetic cottage. Although it is made of wood—I know it is not ordinary quality wood—this cottage is more comfortable than my brick-walled apartment.

I could spend all day looking at the beautiful carvings on the ceiling, which I've just noticed are in the shape of a royal palace, if only Adellia wasn't staring at me intensely, as if waiting for me to say something. 

I finish my last spoonful of soup. "Um, thank you very much. A Princess shouldn't have gone to all this trouble," I said.

Adellia sighs in relief. "I was really worried when I visited you this morning. You were shivering and running a fever. It must be because I didn't keep my promise last night," she said.

I'm a little overwhelmed by Adellia's beauty. Never in my life have I admired people's physical beauty so much, not even Katharina, who was voted the prettiest girl in high school, or how she always received dozens of chocolates on Valentine's Day, not to mention me, who often acted as a courier for men's gifts on Katharina's birthday.

But, I dare say that Adellia is the most beautiful woman I have ever met.

Just imagine what an angelic figure she is, she's like that. I am at a loss for words to describe her, coupled with her strong noble aura that makes me afraid of suddenly kneeling before her.

Adellia waved her hand in front of my face, causing me to blink quickly. "Why are you staring at me? I know you're angry, forgive me. Don't call me Princess, just Adellia will do. We agreed to be friends, right?"

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that a princess would apologize to me. I didn't know how we met, but one thing was clear: Adellia treated me like a friend, not a servant or slave.

I pondered how to broach the subject, for I had no idea of the situation or the name of Adellia's kingdom. One wrong word and I could lose my head. Luckily, Adellia started the conversation first.

"When things have calmed down a bit, let's go out. Father is at Swinggelir Castle West today; I have time until sunset," she invited.

I looked at myself in the mirror before I left the house. I was wearing a simple long-sleeved gray shirt under a leather vest, tight pants that reached my ankles, and leather sandals with straps that were neatly tucked under the table.

I had to double-check to make sure that a sword and bow with arrows were not far from my sandals. This look reminded me of a hunter.

Adellia walked ahead of me as I followed her gaze across the vast grasslands. My cottage was adorned with colorful tulips, meticulously tended—so meticulously that it confused even me, who had always failed at plant care.

The golden tower of the palace castle shone brightly in the sunlight as it rose high into the sky. This must be where the king and queen lived. The size of their courtyard and castle made me guess that it would take a whole day just to get there.

"Where are we going?" I asked Adellia, admiring her knee-length green brocade dress billowing in the wind. I felt like I was back in the 18th century, witnessing a woman's fashion.

For some reason, Adellia lowered her head, her smooth cheeks flushing. "The lake, I haven't told you why I asked you to go there, have I?"

I pretended to nod in understanding. Until I got used to this new world, I had to be careful in my actions. I looked nervously at the empty tower. Having read too many stories of royal intrigue, I was afraid of being caught by a soldier for being alone with the princess.

Adellia put her finger to her lips and made a whistling sound. Soon a shiny brown furry four-legged creature appeared, with long and majestic legs and a mane neatly combed by a professional hairdresser.

"A dragon?!" I exclaimed uncontrollably. I had imagined that Adellia kept dragons as pets, and there were many more dragons underground in the palace. I would also scream with joy if my role in this world was that of a warrior riding a dragon, wielding a great sword, and taunting enemies on the battlefield.

Adellia gave me a worried look, perhaps concerned that I might lose my mind after passing out from the fever. "This is a horse, Jill, that's what I've named her," she said as if teaching a toddler. "Are you sure you're feeling better, Joe?"

I chuckled foolishly. "Yeah, I just like the word 'dragon'. Dragon!" I exclaimed halfheartedly.

Apparently, Adellia didn't have time to entertain my crazy remarks and ramblings. With a quick movement, she gracefully sat on Jill's back. "What are you waiting for? Get on, Joe! My father will be home in three hours."

I wasn't sure, but somehow I managed to get on Jill's back without embarrassing myself. Adellia pulled the reins. "Hold on tight," she said. Jill began to trot forward.

Riding horses was something only rich people did, or so I thought. But, riding on the royal horse behind Princess Adellia while holding onto her dress to keep from falling off at Jill's incredible speed could count me as rich, too.

Maybe more than that, I had an opportunity that would never happen even if I begged until my mouth frothed in my previous life.

We didn't talk much, Adellia was busy urging Jill on, and I fought back the nausea. When Jill finally stopped, I quickly got off, clutching my churning stomach.

"Ah, how beautiful," Adellia exclaimed. She walked to the edge of the lake. I agreed with her, this lake was crystal clear, with transparent ornamental fish splashing in the water. The lush leafy trees created a cool and calming atmosphere.

Across the lake from where we were sitting lazily, there was a small courtyard with pillars and statues, which I assumed to be a goddess embracing a water jug. It must be a place of worship. The roof resembled a temple, and there was an entrance, but I didn't know what was inside.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" I asked.

Adellia let the sunlight shine on her face. She looked sad, unlike before she came here.

"My father has arranged my engagement to the military commander. I want to refuse, but you know I can't. I've only seen Cedric's face, but my father won't even let me speak." Adellia took a deep breath.

I guessed that Cedric was the name of the military commander. I wasn't skilled in matters of love; in fact, I'd never been in a relationship before, so I wondered what words would comfort Adellia.

"My father wants an heir soon," Adellia whispered.

That settles it then. Adellia is the Crown Princess, and having an heir is crucial to the continuity of this kingdom. Solace must be laughing as he chooses which world is suitable for me to forge into a worthy person.

"Don't you want to try it first? His Majesty surely knows what's best for you," I said reassuringly with a smile that clearly didn't look reassuring at all.

Adellia looked up at the sky with her bright blue eyes; her platinum blonde hair danced in response to the caress of the wind."Father may know...perhaps he suspects my relationship with Lord Elliot as well; perhaps that's why he wants to rush the engagement."

Adellia had someone she loved, but it seemed the king didn't approve. I wondered if Elliot was a commoner or a low-ranking officer, which was why he and Adellia weren't approved.

"I need your help," Adellia interjected, her determined gaze making it impossible for me to refuse.

"You saved me when I was almost attacked by a wild bear in the summer plantation last year." If this world's timeline matched mine, that was two months ago. 

"Joe, you are the only hunter outside the royal task force allowed to live on the palace grounds. Father trusts you deeply because you saved my life. Please convince Father to approve my relationship with Elliot." Adellia looked on the verge of tears.

My surprise must have been obvious as Adellia repeated her plea several times. What could this fake hunter do to play Cupid to a princess?

"Your father would never want to hear such words from the mouth of a hunter of unknown origin. Her Majesty, the Queen, will surely understand, since you are her daughter." I tried to calm Adellia.

"My mother has no power to refuse my father's orders," she replied, her voice shaking.

"What about your nanny, who has raised you since childhood, or other members of your family?" If the novels I've read are correct, elite families and especially royal families have servant nannies to take care of them.

"I can't trust anyone! They are all against me. Joe, only you know how much I love Elliot, I've told you everything."

I wanted to scream that I had no idea! But that wasn't a wise choice.

"Father always believes in strong people who can prove their loyalty to the kingdom. It's not easy to gain his trust, but you can do it." Adellia wiped away her tears roughly as she stood.

I followed her gaze to the courtyard. There was a door that revealed a well-groomed man in a royal uniform consisting of a red top, black pants, and an aristocratic maroon cloak draped over his shoulders. He looked very authoritative, not to mention incredibly handsome.

He waved at us, perhaps only at Adellia, for she instantly lit up, as if her sadness had instantly evaporated.

I suddenly felt awkward as the man approached us. My self-confidence plummeted as soon as he stood in front of us. His aura was impressive, but not intimidating. He must be a high-ranking individual, educated, and certainly not a failed human that Solace had to visit.

"Princess, why are you here? His Majesty will be returning to the palace soon." His voice sounded melodious in my ears. If I were a woman, it would be impossible not to fall in love with him. 

He looked at me and smiled politely, perhaps thinking that I was no threat to be alone with the princess. This hunter is certainly not attractive enough to warrant special protection for the heir to the throne.

They talked, and Adellia seemed different. She seemed shy, while occasionally giving the sweet smile typical of someone in love.

It seems I realized too late that he is Elliot! I can't understand why the king rejected him; if I had a daughter, he would surely pass as my future son-in-law.

While they talked alone because I wasn't invited, I watched Elliot—five stars of honor pinned to his left pocket. His position must be important. Elliot then tucked Adellia's hair away from the wind, successfully making her blush like a cooked crab.

I shifted my gaze reflexively. Not because of the romantic scene full of affection, but because I saw something encircling Elliot's left ring finger—wedding ring!

I'm not stupid enough not to guess that it was a wedding ring. Soldiers are not allowed to wear accessories other than wedding rings.

I grimaced bitterly. No wonder the King didn't approve of their relationship and Adellia insisted on asking me to convince her father.

I felt like I was being pushed into an abyss of sharp rocks when another soldier approached us. "Your Highness, His Majesty has returned." The soldier glanced at me as if he considered me insignificant.

"Mr. Prime Minister, His Majesty wishes to see you." Elliot nodded immediately.

My knees trembled at the news. The King and the Prime Minister? Who will behead me first? No matter which side I take, my fate looks bleak!

I am trapped in a forbidden love.