บท 6: A Dream

On my first night as a newborn, I lay alone inside a neat, soft, and beautiful crib, gazing up at the ceiling as if I were in a grand, spacious room all by myself. The interior was peaceful, with the chandelier's light casting a gentle glow around the room. The soft fabric of the crib enveloped me, providing a sense of security and comfort as I observed the intricate patterns on the ceiling above.

The room felt serene, as if it held a tranquil aura that cradled me in its embrace. Despite being a mere baby, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and amazement at my surroundings, as though I had been welcomed into a world of grace and beauty from the moment of my birth. The quietude of the night allowed me to be present in the moment, basking in the tender embrace of my new home.

I glanced to my left and right, I couldn't help but notice a wide array of toys spread all over the place. There were teddy bears and other cuddly stuffed animals in different sizes, some as big as me and others still wrapped in colorful paper, eagerly waiting to be unwrapped and played with.

In that moment, as I gazed around the room, I felt like I had stepped into a magical fairytale. The room was adorned with intricate decorations, and there was a big wardrobe, a cozy bed, and other enchanting items that seemed to belong to the stories I once read.

I wished I could get up and explore this captivating space, but being in the body of a baby, I was unable to do so for now.

I can't figure out why that mean person brought me here. I went along with what he wanted, but why did things have to end up like this? He could've chosen to put me in the body of a knight or any person with a grown-up body, but why did he turn me into a baby instead? It just doesn't make sense.

Due to my infant body, I didn't notice that my small eyes were growing tired, and eventually, I drifted off to sleep, closing my tiny eyelids.

As I lay in a deep slumber, a sharp pain in my eye jolted me awake. Reluctant to open my eyes, a persistent sensation urged me to do so. The intensity of the heat became unbearable, compelling me to give in.

Slowly, I opened my eyes, and the brightness of my surroundings overwhelmed me. I discovered myself in a beautiful garden adorned with a plethora of vibrant flowers. The sun beamed brightly, painting the scenery with dazzling colors of nature's creations.

Confused and uneasy, I scanned my surroundings, seeking someone to approach for answers. The unfamiliar environment stirred my curiosity, and I couldn't resist looking around in all directions, hoping to find somebody who can.

From a distance, I spotted a solitary tree with someone lying beneath it. Gradually, I mustered the strength to stand up, but I couldn't help but wonder why things felt strange. I had feet and hands, and it seemed like I could run swiftly.

With curiosity in my heart, I walked towards the tree where I had spotted someone standing. I yearned to have a conversation with that person, as there were numerous unanswered questions swirling in my mind. Confusion overwhelmed me; I had no idea what was happening or why I had agreed to journey to this unknown world.

Perhaps, I now realized, I would have been happier living in a serene field surrounded by trees and flowers, where tranquility reigned supreme. In such a place, life seemed more peaceful and harmonious, devoid of the complexities that had engulfed me in this enigmatic realm.

I used my own feet to walk there, I felt the breeze coming from the direction of the trees, blowing towards me. The gentle wind brushed against my skin, carrying a soothing touch that brought a sense of tranquility.

As I move forward, the delightful scent of this place enveloped me, bringing a sense of calm and comfort. With every step, I felt more at ease, knowing that I was nearing my destination.

When I approached, I noticed her long black hair cascading down her back, and she was dressed in a beautiful white outfit that looked elegant even from behind. I mustered the courage to tap is back and speak up, "Um, miss? Do you know this place?"

Her body twitched with surprise, and she slowly turned her face to me. Her intense pink eyes locked onto mine, leaving me captivated and curious about the mysterious person before me.

"You! Finally, you're here!" the girl exclaimed with excitement.

"Huh? Wait a minute, miss, I don't know you. wait wh-who are you? And why am I here? You guys are so strange," I raised an eyebrow and replied with confusion.

''Well, you must have agreed to come here, so stop calling us weirdos. Just think before you speak, okay?"

"Hey! I never imagined I'd be in a historical monarchy, and I have no clue where this power to destroy things came from... I feel so lost and unsure of what to do."

"Wait a minute, that's why I'm here! I'm your guide," the girl explained.

"Huh? Guide?" I questioned.

"Yes! I'm your only guide, the other soul in this body, My name is Melissa"

"Huh? Are you the real Melissa?"

"Yeah! God gave me the chance to guide you in your life." She said this while smiling.

''If I'm in your body, what happened to you?''

"Well... um... it's a long story to explain," it smiled, trying to look cute.

"Hayeon Yujin!" she exclaimed, calling out my name as she gently held my cheeks with one hand. In that moment, I realized I had grown quite tall, and it was the first time I heard my name being spoken again.

"Rest for now, and I'll explain everything when you're a bit older," she spoke softly.

"Hey, I may be a kid, but that doesn't mean you're older than me," I replied defiantly.

All of a sudden, something happened. She vanished as if the whole surroundings had vanished into thin air.

''HEY! PLEASE TELL ME WHAT'S HAPPENING!''

"Hehe," she chuckled.

In the next turn of events, I suddenly woke up, and it was already morning. I found myself being held by a maid, and if I remember correctly, she was the quiet but reliable maid of my mother, her name is Peta.

I wake up when I hear Peta's comforting voice, singing a soft and calming tune. My eyes feel heavy, but I catch a glimpse of her beautiful face, full of kindness and affection, surrounding me with a sense of comfort and love.

For a few seconds, I couldn't help but gaze at her beautiful appearance. She noticed that I was looking at him, and it seemed like the surroundings brightened as she smiled back at me.

"Good morning, our beloved princess," her smile was enchanting, captivating everyone around. The sight of it made them forget their worries and focus solely on her radiant presence.

"Princess Melissa, you're drooling," Peta said, using a soft, pink handkerchief to gently wipe my mouth. At that moment, I realized I had awakened from my slumber and hadn't slept much at all.

***************************************

Inside a dimly lit room, two men stood facing each other, engrossed in a conversation.

"Here's the key," he said, handing over a small piece of the key wrapped in a safe cloth.

"Thanks, buddy. Here's the payment, it might be too much," he replied.

Peeking inside, he smiled and exclaimed, "There's a lot, man!"

"Shhh... keep it down, we might get caught," the guy whispered, trying to be cautious.

"Are you sure we won't get caught doing this?" he whispered, his voice tinged with caution and concern.

"Of course, don't worry. I've been doing this job for a long time, but it's my first time doing it here in the palace," he reassured with confidence.

"Is this your first visit here? We should be cautious; there's a chance we could be discovered later."

"No need to fret; as long as you keep our secret, we'll be fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely, trust me. I'll handle everything, even if things get complicated."

"You're making me even more nervous," the man said with a hint of exasperation in my voice.

The man softly patted the back of the frightened person he was conversing with and whispered, "Let's go before we get caught. We've finished our job and removed all traces. Nobody will find out about us."

''Alright, I'm leaving,'' he said, preparing to go.

''But where are you going?'' he asked curiously, seeking an answer before his departure.

''As usual, I'll go find some money, bye-bye!,'' he said , then he went out through the window.

"I'll really slap you if we get caught," the man whispered, his voice filled with a mix of warning and frustration.

***************************************

In the early hours of the morning, within the grand and opulent confines of the king's office, a man knelt humbly before the regal figure seated on an ornate throne. The room exuded an air of authority and importance, with tall, grand windows allowing streaks of sunlight to filter through and cast warm golden hues on the intricate tapestries adorning the walls.

A solemn scene unfolded.

A man knelt before the regal figure of the king, his head bowed in a mix of guilt and desperation. The king, seated upon his majestic throne, attentively listened while his quill gracefully danced across the parchment, capturing the weight of every word spoken.

''Your Highness,'' the man's voice quivered, ''it really wasn't me who did it... someone paid me to do it.'' His eyes pleaded for understanding, hoping that his words would find mercy in the heart of the king.

The king's gaze remained firm, his expression an intricate web of emotions. ''It's just sad,'' he mused with a tinge of sorrow, ''that only one of Otheonate knight would bring shame to our fellow countrymen.''

The weight of betrayal weighed heavily upon the king's heart, torn between his duty to uphold justice and his desire to protect the honor of his beloved kingdom.