Jenaya gave Hosh a wooden box which was still neatly tucked away in Hosh's wardrobe. Since marrying Wilona, this man has not discussed Nilas and his true identity for a long time. This time, he wanted to get hold of whatever was actually stored within the Gray Forest.
“This time I was determined. I have to find whatever my parents left me. I have to know, can I really be better after becoming Nilas completely. I have to show everyone who I really am and what I can do."
The next day, Hosh told his grandparents to go into the Gray Forest. They are happy, but more worried. The condition of the man's body has changed a lot. His bodily functions also continued to decline. That was why Hosh's grandparents could only stare at each other.
“Hosh, you know your current condition is very unlikely. You can't go in there alone."
“Grandpa, I know you will be worried. That's why I prepared a walking aid. I've had it from the start. I just need you guys to support and give me encouragement."
"Walking aid? What kind of tool are you referring to?” asked the curious grandfather.
Hosh showed him his walking aid which looked like a machine in the shape of a high boot up to Hosh's groin. Made of smoothed wooden sticks and assembled with a few nails as well as electric wires to help it move. Grandpa swiftly helped him and even though it felt very awkward at first, in the end he managed to stand on top of the machine.
"I know it looks really awkward, but I'll try to get used to it tomorrow."
“Are you really serious about this plan? You know, we can't accompany you. We really want to, but our physical condition doesn't allow it," said the grandmother asked.
"Yes, Grandma. I'm sure and I understand. I just want to make sure what father and mother left in there. After all, all those plans have been postponed for two years because I got married. I'm afraid that the longer I delay, I will die with regrets.” Hosh slowly let go of the walker at his feet.
“Hosh, you will live for a long time.” Jenaya didn't seem to want to hear it at all.
“Grandma, I just need to be realistic. I'm sick. This disease could kill me. You can see for yourself how I am, right? We can't avoid it," said Hosh.
Grandfather and grandmother could only stare listlessly. That's true. Leprosy can make a person die if not treated. Not because they don't want to treat it, but because there isn't a cure yet. Grandmother tried to treat it with herbal medicines for a dozen years, but nothing worked.
The next day, grandfather drove Hosh on his horse to the edge of the Gray Forest. Preparing provisions for his grandson and encouraging him by hugging and patting him on the shoulder, Idris let Hosh go. The man only smiled wryly and then entered the forest slowly.
He had not returned to the forest for two years. The forest was still shady and for some reason Hosh still clearly remembered some details. Once again, the thing that made him move so slowly was his condition, which was difficult to walk. What should have been an hour's journey turned into two hours.
Hosh finally arrived at the point where he found Wilona two years ago. A large rock jutting inward with a large tree on the side. It hasn't changed in shape or size at all. Instead this time it was the man who tried to sit there and drink his supplies to rest.
For some reason, his mind also drifted back to the day he would marry Wilona. Days where he received a lot of hate. No longer from the people of the Crosby clan, but from all the clans in the land. As soon as he returned to his house, everyone stared in disbelief and doubt. Of the many people who tried, it was Hosh who managed to do it.
“Hosh, why don't you let Princess Wilona go as soon as you see a way out? Do you really wish to be her husband? You know that in any way, you guys are not compatible at all?” said one of the men.
"I'm sorry for Princess Wilona. She will surely suffer being married to a man like you. Oh my gosh. Instead of finding a husband who can protect you, you must continue to care for him," said a beautiful woman.
"That's right. Princess Wilona is very beautiful and kind. He even has a bofriend right? She must be devastated to have to leave her handsome lover to marry a man who is deformed and ugly like him," replied another woman.
“You have to let go of Princess Wilona, Sick Man! You will never make the princess happy. You're only going to make her life crumble and fall apart. Aren't you ashamed? Even I, who is handsome, would feel unworthy of her,” asked a rather handsome man in the Crosby clan.
He kept hearing words like that. It even made Hosh finally reluctant to go outside the house. He had even expressed his wish to annul the wedding, but King Alaric wouldn't listen. Hosh's grandparents even received insults every time they both left the house.
Seeing the condition of the grandson who was increasingly closed himself, the grandmother tried to cheer him up. Thinking about it, this might have been because of his utter nonsense. Grandfather and grandmother also understood very well that this marriage would end badly for their grandson and Princess Wilona. They both just wanted their grandson to have a chance to recover and marry the king's daughter, maybe one of them.
“Hosh, you must remember that we heard together about the contest. I've also said that you should try to find Princess Wilona and it would be great if you could marry her. I don't know why those words even though you don't want it, even though we don't expect it at all, really come true,” the grandmother opened the conversation.
"Yes, I remember, Grandma. I also did not expect that your ridiculous words actually happened."
“I don't know, maybe my prayer pierced the sky, or maybe this is your destiny and my words are just a sign, Hosh. There must be a reason why this all happened. You… just have to live it and see what the end is,” said the grandmother again.
"That's right, Hosh. You must steel yourself. People's bad words about you, in the end it will pass too. Grandfather and grandmother are also sad to see you treated like that. But for us, that's a whip that should be able to keep us moving and prove to everyone that their perception of you is wrong." the grandfather replied.
Hosh, who initially felt inferior, started to get up again. After getting the blessing of their grandparents, they all headed towards the Zenith clan. In two days the wedding will take place. The royal entourage, deliberately prepared to pick them all up. Using a car accompanied by horsemen, grandfather, grandmother and Hosh left their clan.The five hour journey was tensely traveled by Hosh. He couldn't even close his eyes let alone fall asleep. He was so worried how everyone would welcome him there. Hosh heard that important guests from the other two clans would also be leaving tonight. The king wanted to formally introduce himself as a future son-in-law before he actually married.No matter how hard Hosh tried, he still couldn't cover up the rashes on his body and face. He also couldn't hide the disfigurement on his hands and feet. He felt very insecure and wanted to just die. Especially after their entourage began to enter the palace area of the Zenith clan which was very, very
Hosh, who heard all these words from Wilona's lips, felt so sad and immediately his guts sank. Again, he couldn't blame the princess because he believed that even a ordinary woman would refuse to marry him. How is it possible that Wilona, a beautiful and honorable princess, will accept it gracefully.Hosh stared into the distance where the beautiful scenery of the night indeed conjured his eyes quickly. Zenith clan is the richest clan among others. The houses he could see were all luxurious and had bright lights. It consists of tall buildings where Hosh can see lots of vehicles passing by. Very different from the Crosby clan.Being away from home made Hosh miss his home a little. The house is simple but warm. Activities that are boring but also fun. In two days, he will be married and his life will probably be better. It's just that, he had to leave the two people he cared about the most at this time. Grandfather and grandmother.Hosh actually wanted to just go back inside, but was
The next day, Hosh was taking a walk to see the condition of the Zenith clan palace. He realized that the palace had a very large area and was closely adjoined by a river. At the front is the main building which consists of the king's throne as well as several large halls for important events. Behind it is a kitchen and several rooms for servants. Where the main building will be empty at night.The concubine's house was divided on the right side separated by a garden. Serially numbered according to the concubine that the king proposed to first. Likewise the children of each concubine also lived there. The king, of course, having a room in each concubine's house that is no less magnificent.The palace's backyard, right next to the river, was the practice area. A large field used for fighting, equestrian, and even sports training. Hosh was there where unluckily he saw Emilio who was having a duel with Lionel. Using a wooden stick they attack and beat each other.D
The Zenith clan palace was starting to get busier with all kinds of party preparations. Since the night of the party, Wilona, Hosh has not seen her at all. Indeed, there is a culture for the bride to be in her room two nights before the wedding ceremony takes place. Shenna also confirmed the existence of the princess to him. The difference that was felt at the party this time was, previously the party would have been open to the general public, where everyone could come without exception, it was different from this time. Hosh and Wilona's wedding party was held privately and only a few people attended who also attended the small party the previous two nights. This small party was the request of Princess Wilona, who, predictably, unwilling to bear the shame that was growing within her. She couldn't bear to listen to all the gossip from the guests who came about her prospective groom. Hosh didn't mind at all. Actually he also agreed. He also did not want this marriage to be the cen
Hosh was awakened by the sound of something falling not far from his resting place in the Gray Forest. He was still on his way to the big tree left by his parents. The man let out a long sigh after being startled by a fruit the size of an adult's head falling from the tree above him.Hosh started his journey again. He tried to go deeper into the forest. Staring at plants that had never been seen before. Trying to find the sound of gurgling water from the river that divides the Gray Forest. Still having so much trouble and constantly trying to get used to the walker he uses. Until finally after an hour, he began to hear the flow of water. Hosh breathed a sigh of relief. With a stick in his hand he tried to remove some of the plants and yes he could see a river flowing. The river is so clear with a tropical scent that is so refreshing. The water in the Gray Forest was indeed different from most of the water in the entire clan. Everything in the forest is unique and different. Hosh tri
"Don't come near me! I don't want everyone to see me with a loathsome man like you!” snapped Wilo who looked so beautiful in a black dress studded with pearls.“Wilo, why are you talking like that to your own husband?” asked Hosh who was sitting in his wheelchair.“Look at you, Hosh! All those fancy clothes of yours can't even cover up those hideous skins. What wife do you think would be willing to walk hand in hand with a husband like that? You're so disgusting. I don't even want to see you!" Wilo tossed his beautiful wavy hair."Wilo, you have to remember that our marriage was completely the wish of your late father.""Yes I know. That's why I hate him so much even after two years he died. I had already rejected this idea so vehemently when I returned to the palace, but my father didn't care one bit. He said that the promise of a king is absolute and unchangeable. This is all because of him!” Wilo was still cursing.“Wilo, whatever it is, I have become your husband. You should respe
Shenna decided to take Hosh to a balcony which was always his place to enjoy his days. The balcony which is indeed on the side of the palace and facing the hills and away from the important palace rooms. Not many people touched the balcony because at the end of the street were just a few rooms for servants.Shenna still looks busy cleaning the little wound that is in the corner of Hosh's lips. After giving the man some water to drink, Shenna sat down neatly in one of the available chairs. She wouldn't leave unless Hosh asked her to. The 25-year-old girl also stared at the hills where there were some beautiful lights coming from the residents' houses and the nightlife there.“Shenna, I don't know why you are always by my side. I know most likely it's just because it's your job. You may also hate me very much and wish I would just die like the queen and even my own wife. However, I am thankful that you are always here.”"May I have an honest opinion on this, Sir?" Shenna says so careful
“Don't talk nonsense, Lion! Wilo and I are legally husband and wife.”"Yes, I understand. It's just that you also have to remember that you became Wilo's husband because of a stupid contest. You are only Wilo's husband on documents and in front of Wilo's late father. But, look at you! You can't give her the physical and spiritual support she needs as a wife. How can you call yourself husband?” Lion spoke with his arms folded in front of his chest.“It is precisely because I am fully aware of my position here that I defend Wilona as my legal wife. What husband would let his wife sleep with another man within eye reach?” Hosh was so pissed off."Come on, Hosh. Do not exaggerate. You know we've been married two years and I've been so kind to let you sleep next to my room. Like Lion said, you can't give me anything except that one title of 'husband' that you've always been proud of. I'm also an ordinary woman who needs affection and love. You know from the beginning Lion and I really love