Hosh and Wilona walked carefully through the Gray Forest. The man had previously given a sign with a blue rope so he could easily find his way back. Sure enough, even if it only took an hour, they could already see a bright light that was the Crosby clan.
Wilona looked even more excited and started to jog out of the forest. Wilo stopped when she saw that there were several tents in a clearing which judging by the flags were clearly from the Zenith clan. Some of the soldiers started to see her and even some people were seen running into the biggest tent in the middle.
Wilona was so happy to see her father, King Alaric who came out of the tent and welcomed the princess with joy. King Alaric expressed his relief after five days in total they had been waiting there and trying to find Wilona. The king said that many soldiers had entered, but not many had returned.
“My daughter, I almost gave up. Father had prepared to enter the forest alone, but father couldn't just do it because there were burdens and responsibilities waiting in the Zenith clan. I hope you understand." King Alaric kept rubbing the top of the princess's head.
"No problem, Dad. I know you must be trying your best. Luckily I met this nice guy who helped me out.” Wilona stared at the direction where Hosh should have been standing.
How confused Wilona was when she couldn't find Hosh anywhere. She even called his name several times, but the man just disappeared. Instead, a man with two sticks in both hands was standing looking at her with a straight face.
"Hosh, where are you?" asked Wilona trying to find.
“I am here, Princess Wilona.”
Instantly everyone fell silent. In contrast to Princess Wilona, who was suddenly confused and shook her head in disagreement. It was definitely not the Hosh she saw in the forest. The man she saw was handsome and also very healthy. Wilona may not know it, but everyone there knows what gift the king promised to anyone who manages to find the princess.
King Alaric tries to get the princess into his tent with Hosh. The dignified middle-aged man glanced at the princess and Hosh alternately. The king let out a long sigh perhaps regretting his own words. Moreover, Wilona looked contemptuously at the man she had just met.
"Young man, what is your name and tell me about yourself?" asked King Alaric carefully.
“My name is Hoshea Anushka Catra, Your Highness. And you can call me Hosh. I come from the Crosby clan and have come here only on personal business, Your Highness. I live with my grandparents who are both farmers. For me there really isn't much that can be done because of the disease I'm suffering from.”
“I see. So you accidentally found the princess in the Gray Forest?” asked the king again.
"Yes. I helped her out of mercy, Your Highness. She was alone in the forest and had neither food nor drink. I'm worried that what she's consuming inside will actually end up hurting her. Previously I thought that I would immediately leave her as soon as she made it out of the forest. I didn't expect the king and the others to be waiting here at all.” Hosh explained very straightforwardly.
“Hosh, then are you married?” asked the king again.
"Not yet, Your Highness."
"You know what the rewards are for those who find and bring my daughter back safely?"
"I heard it, Sir. But I will not demand anything, Your Highness. The princess also definitely wouldn't agree to that idea and I totally understand that. After all I know, the princess is passing through this forest on her way to meet her lover.”
"What's the matter, Father? What rewards are we talking about here?” Wilona looked curious.
“Wilona, my daughter. When you disappeared, we were so confused. Your mother and I thought about how to find you faster. Therefore, we made a contest. Where one is, if a man finds you unmarried, then he will marry you.”
“Dad, don't joke! You know I already have a boyriend right? Lionel from the Lazarus clan. We love each other and it is impossible for us to separate because of this. After all… who would want to marry a man like him?” Wilona pointed clearly at Hosh.
“Wilona, listen to me first. This competition has been clearly stated and witnessed by all residents of the four clans. You also made it clear just now outside by saying it in front of the soldiers. Everyone has seen and will tarnish father's name if I cancel the contest just because you don't like Hosh. A king's promise is absolute and only destiny can change it.”
“Father, are you saying I have to marry this man just so you don't feel embarrassed in front of the clansmen?” Wilona had already shouted out of annoyance with tears welling up.
“You have to marry Hosh after all. He seems like a nice guy. Even in his current state, he helped you get out of the Gray Forest. You must try to accept it. After all, that lover of yours that you're proud of, isn't here to seek your whereabouts at all. He already returned to his clan three days ago.” King Alaric explained.
“It must be because of him… because Lion has his reasons. However we love each other and are still together to this day. After all, yeah. Look at this sick man. What he needs is treatment and not marriage!” Wilona insists on refusing the marriage.
“That's right, and this disease can be cured if we find a cure. All that can be done after you marry him. Behind this illness, he is a good and responsible man. Even if he wanted to, he could leave you in that forest.”
“King Alaric, I'm sorry to interrupt, but please consider everything the Princess has said. I will not sue for marriage. I will leave in silence if that is what you want.”
“Nobody's going to leave, Hosh. And you Wilona, whether you want it or not, you still have to marry Hosh. If not, then you will get a punishment that you will never imagine. I will order the soldiers to pick up your grandparents now to talk about marriage. I will also immediately announce to the whole clan about your wedding plans. Most importantly, I myself will make sure you get married right before my eyes.” King Alaric uttered.
“King Alaric, you are too much!” Wilo cried and ran away from the tent.
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.""Walki
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