Chương 14: Barriers
[Date: 2/4]
[Time: 3:30 PM]
[Location: Homiheim City]
Hime and I sat inside a local restaurant at a cozy table nestled in the corner, a quiet intimate place where the two of us could enjoy each other's company within Hime being bombarded with devotes who wanted to meet her. The two of us just finished our meal, so we decided to linger around for a while longer to chat and share memories.
"You don't understand how many times I've seen that movie as a little girl," Hime laughed, leaning back in her seat. "My mom played that movie for me every time I wouldn't sit still."
"Really? The Wonderland is a beautiful movie after all. It's enough to have me shed a few tears. I've always wanted to meet the real Alice one day to see if everything is true," I said, taking a sip of my drink.
"The Real Alice huh? I'm not sure it's gonna be that easy since those Queens haven't existed in so long. The most we have of them are a few recorded events during Esoria's Fable Era," Hime said, her eyes glued onto me.
I set down my cup and crossed my arms. "Fable Era? Isn't that the Era where queens like Snow White and Cinderella were alive? Who was the Savior of that generation?"
"A Crowned Prince named Lief. During the Fable Era, he was actually deemed the weakest Savior because he died while facing off against Fafnir. He didn't even make it to the First Gate of Hell. So that's when Alice stepped up and became the first female Savior and went toe to toe against every Demon Queen with her Reality Warping ability, Wonderland," Hime answered, a confident smile on her face.
I chuckled softly at her confidence, tilting my head slightly. "You're very knowledgeable about Esorian History huh?"
Hime's eyes twinkled as she locked eyes with me. "Of course I am! I am the Princess of the Human Region, I should know our world's history and all of the facts!"
"Besides, it's nice sharing my knowledge with someone who's actually interested in it," Hime said, a genuine smile playing on her lips.
I returned her smile, feeling a warm sensation in my heart. Soon, a waiter came by with our bill and I took it and paid for our meal. He gave us a bow then walked off.
"Shall we go exploring now?" I asked, standing up and pushing my chair in.
"Yeah, I want to burn a few calories from my body. Let's go," She said, accepting my hand and standing up.
The two of us left the restaurant and walked down the street hand in hand. Although it was an outing, it felt like we were on a small date which had my heart racing faster. I never imagined in a lifetime that I would ever be on a date with an actual Princess or any royalty for that matter, but here I was. It felt nice spending this time with Hime.
As we walked, the vibrant life of the city surrounded us. Street vendors called out, selling their wares, and the aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted meats filled the air. We paused at various shops, Hime's eyes lighting up with each new discovery. Eventually, we found ourselves at the entrance to a small, hidden garden—a quiet oasis amidst the city's bustle.
"Wow, this place is beautiful," I said, looking around at the blooming flowers and carefully tended plants.
Hime smiled and squeezed my hand. "I knew you'd like it. It's one of my favorite spots."
We found a bench under a flowering tree and sat down, the peace and beauty of the garden wrapping around us like a warm embrace. As we sat there, the conversation flowed easily, and for a moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.
"Can I tell you something..?" Hime said, her tone soft and a bit vulnerable.
"What's up?" I asked, turning my gaze to look at her.
Hime fiddled with my fingers, her cheeks growing a bit rosy. She let out a deep sigh and closed her eyes. "I really enjoy this time together. It's the first time a guy has really treated me with such normalcy. I honestly can't remember the last time I've ever smiled so much. This is really nice..."
I stared at her for a moment, noticing her gaze meeting the ground. "But..?"
Hime smiled a bit, leaning back, her gaze finally meeting mine. "You can just see through me, huh?"
"It's not that hard when you're staring at the ground and getting all emotional with me," I said, my tone soft and comforting.
Hime turned her head and stared at the sky, watching the clouds move by. "Although this is really nice...I do have to tell you that my parents won't allow us to be together should we grow closer. You're still a Pawn Rank and even though you're an Achilles Family member, they have standards for me. They said I can only really be with Bishop Ranks and higher."
For some reason, I felt my heart break a little. It's been a while since I've felt so close to someone and hearing those words upset me a bit, but I didn't want to just say okay and expect to be fine.
"Should we grow closer, I would already be a Bishop or even higher. I enjoy my time with you as well, Hime, and I know it's only been a day since we've met but it feels like I've known you for a lifetime...it feels like..."
"Love at first sight," Hime said at the same time as me.
"I know and I felt it too..." Hime said softly, holding my hand against her chest. "I want us to grow closer. I don't want anyone else to be my Knight, my bodyguard. You've shown me that you're the only sword and shield I need and want..."
I smiled at Hime, a blush slowly settling on my face. "Like I said yesterday in that dungeon, I will be your Golden Sword...but I will also be your Invincible Shield. As an Achilles Family member, it is my duty to serve and protect my royals..."
"And what will you do if a Prince of a minor kingdom comes to sweep me away?" Hime asked, her eyes lighting up as she squeezed my hand.
"I'll just prove to him why I'm the better choice in a duel," I answered, feeling her holding my hand tightly.
"And what if you lose?" she asked, getting closer.
I could feel her heart beating faster while my hand rested on her chest. "Then I'll just get stronger and win you back."
[Empathy Level has increased to Level 2!]
[Hime's Attraction Meter has increased to 35%]
Hime lowered her head and gently placed her forehead on my shoulder. "It all feels too good to be true. I never believed in the concept of soulmates... but somehow...it feels that we are. I can't help but to enjoy your presence. I just wish...there wasn't a barrier between us."
I stared at Hime, understanding her emotions in this exact moment. I wrapped my arm around Hime and gently rubbed her shoulder, looking at the sky. "Me too."
We sat in comfortable silence for a while, listening to the birds around us singing and the quiet laughter of families passing by. After such a heart to heart, it felt like we were truly on the same page yet our books were completely different. We were living in the same plane, but our destinies were parallel, unable to intercept each other.
As I held her close, I made a silent vow to myself: No matter the barriers, I would find a way to bridge the gap between us. For now, we enjoyed the peace and the fleeting moment of unity, savoring the connection that felt both fragile and profound.
After a moment of silence, I decided to try and lift the mood. "How about we go do something fun together to get our minds off this little barrier?"
Hime looked up at me, raising an eyebrow. "Like what?"
I gave her a mischievous smile and stood up, helping her up in the process. "You'll see~"
Hime gave a small smile and a skeptical look. "Mmm, I don't like where this is going but I'll trust you."
I chuckled softly as I led her out of the small garden, Hime sticking closely to me. Her mind raced with ideas of what I could possibly have planned, but she remained curious nonetheless.
[Date: 2/4]
[Time: 4:00 PM]
[Location: Monarch City - Amusement Park]
"This is not what I had in mind, Commoner!" Hime screamed as she held onto the bars of an attraction ride, spinning around swiftly.
I chuckled softly as I watched her, crossing my arms. "It's alright, Princess! Just remember to breathe and hold on tight!"
I took Hime to the biggest amusement park I knew that rested within Monarch City. Towering roller coasters twisted and turned against the sky, their steel frames gleaming in the sunlight as they unleashed screams of delight from adventurous riders. The park's centerpiece, a majestic Ferris wheel, offered panoramic views of the city skyline, providing a moment of serene respite amidst the whirl of excitement.
The air was alive with the scents of freshly popped popcorn, sweet cotton candy, and savory treats sizzling on open grills. Colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, their designs depicting the park's iconic mascots and beloved heroes, each one a symbol of the park's whimsical charm.
Families meandered through the park, their laughter intermingling with the joyful shouts of children as they darted from one attraction to the next. The sound of arcade games and carnival music created a lively symphony that reverberated through the park, adding to the atmosphere of merriment and revelry.
Hime finally got off the ride known as 'The Tornado' and walked toward me, her legs wobbling. She summoned her bow and aimed it right at my face. "If I knew your stupid weak spot, I would shoot you right there!"
I laughed softly, lowering her bow. "Calm down, Hime. It was just one ride."
"One ride that I'll never get over! I'm picking the rides from this point on!" Hime barked, grabbing my wrist and dragging me along with her.
"Alright, alright," I chuckled softly, following her around the amusement park.
As we moved from one ride to another, the earlier heaviness seemed to lift. I couldn't help but feel a warmth in my chest, knowing that despite the barriers, moments like these brought us closer. Hime's laughter, even amidst her mock threats, was the most beautiful sound I'd heard all day.
After a few rides, Hime and I found a spot at the food court to sit down at. Our legs felt like jelly and our adrenaline was pumping quickly. Hime leaned against me, closing her eyes.
"Okay, it seems like you know how to have fun. I'll give you that," Hime said softly, her heart still racing.
I chuckled softly and looked at her with a warm smile. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."
As we rested, we noticed a few people getting up to go over to a bigger crowd that was forming. We glanced at each other, our curiosity getting the better of us. We got up and walked over to the crowd. Peeking our heads over the sea of people, we noticed a small show going on.
The show was of a smaller school with children performing their martial arts that their instructor taught them. Parents of the kids recorded each second while the other viewers watched with warm hearts and soft eyes. It was a wonderful sight, seeing the future generation before our very eyes.
As Hime watched, her expression softened. She saw herself within the children, memories of her past when she would practice and show off her skills in front of noble families echoing in her mind. Glancing down at Hime, I could see the soft glow in her eyes as she watched.
Once the show was over, Hime and I wandered off with the scenes of the show still in our minds. Hime gently held my arm, a soft smile playing on her face. I looked down at her and noticed how happy she looked, a sight that warmed my heart sevenfold.
"It was a great show, wasn't it? Those kids will be shining stars in the future," I said softly, letting out a soft chuckle.
"Yeah... It was wonderful. They looked so happy. So cute. I want a child in the future someday...teach them the von Auger Style of combat and have a King who will show my child what it means to be a true hero for the people and a true royal for the region," Hime replied, her tone soft as she began to daydream.
I felt butterflies in my stomach from those words, a soft smile tugging at the corners of my lips. I looked ahead and began to daydream with her, a soft chuckle escaping my lips.
As we continued to stroll through the amusement park, the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the bustling scene. Hime and I found ourselves drawn to the majestic Ferris wheel, its illuminated cabins promising a serene view of Monarch City.
"How about a ride on the Ferris wheel to cap off the day?" I suggested, glancing at Hime with a smile.
She nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'd love that."
We joined the short line, and soon we were seated in one of the cozy cabins. As the wheel slowly ascended, the park's vibrant lights flickered on, transforming the landscape into a dazzling wonderland. Hime leaned closer to the window, her breath fogging the glass as she took in the breathtaking view.
"It's so beautiful from up here," she whispered, her voice filled with awe.
I couldn't help but agree, but my gaze was fixed more on her than the scenery. "Yeah, it really is."
She turned to face me, her expression softening. "Thank you for today. It means a lot to me."
I smiled, reaching out to gently take her hand. "I'm glad you had fun. I did too."
The cabin reached the top of the wheel, and for a moment, it felt like we were suspended in time. The city stretched out beneath us, a tapestry of twinkling lights and bustling life. Hime's grip tightened on my hand, her eyes searching mine.
"Do you think… we can really overcome the barriers between us?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
I took a deep breath, my resolve firm. "I do. It won't be easy, but I believe we can. We're stronger together, Hime."
A small, hopeful smile played on her lips. "You always know what to say to make me feel better."
Just then, the Ferris wheel began its descent, and the magical moment started to slip away. But the connection between us felt stronger than ever, a bond forged in shared dreams and unwavering support.
As we stepped off the Ferris wheel, the park now aglow with evening lights, Hime turned to me with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Alright, commoner. What's next on our adventure?"
I chuckled softly at the nickname I've grown fond over, the sound blending with the distant hum of the park. "How about we try to win a prize at one of those game stalls?"
Her eyes lit up with excitement. "You're on!"
We wandered over to a row of game stalls, the air filled with the sounds of ringing bells and cheerful shouts. Hime chose a booth where players had to knock down bottles with a baseball. She picked up a ball, her competitive spirit shining through.
"Watch and learn," she said with a playful smirk.
She threw the ball with precision, knocking down the bottles effortlessly. The vendor handed her a large, fluffy stuffed animal as a prize. Hime turned to me, holding it out with a triumphant grin.
"Here, this is for you," she said, her eyes sparkling.
I accepted the stuffed animal with a laugh. "Thanks, Hime. Now, let's see if I can win something for you."
We spent the next hour playing games and winning prizes, laughter echoing through the night. By the time we decided to head back, our arms were full of stuffed animals and trinkets. The walk back to the park's entrance was filled with light-hearted banter and shared smiles, the day's worries temporarily forgotten.
As we approached the gates, Hime paused, turning to face me. "Today was perfect. Thank you."
I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "Anytime, Hime. Let's make more memories like this."
She nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "Let's."
Together, we left the park, the night air cool and refreshing. The future was uncertain, but in that moment, it felt like anything was possible as long as we faced it together.
[Date: 2/4]
[Time: 6:30 PM]
[Location: Monarch City]
As we walked back to the main area of the city, our small talk flowed better than ever. I walked Hime toward the carriage she called and helped her inside.
"I'll see you later, Kieran..~" Hime said, her voice soft and sweet.
I nodded, giving her a warm smile. "I'll see you later as well, Hime.."
The horses began to gallop in the distance, taking Hime back home and I watched with a heavy heart. Part of me didn't want to let her go, but she still had her normal royal duties to tend to while I still had to focus on my Academics.
I began to walk back home, thinking about the day I spent with Hime. As I turned the corner, a blast of dark energy struck me and blew me through a shop window. The storekeepers gasped in shock and hurried to my aid, holding me up. They looked out the broken window, noticing an angry Renfred making his way toward the store.
"There's no one to help you now, Achilles. Nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. You can't run home, I know your sister's weak spot and if she dares to rescue you...I will kill her," Renfred said coldly, slowly drawing his sword.
I slowly stood up and looked at Renfred, chills crawling down my spine. I stared at Renfred and my iridescent energy began to flow around my body. "If you're mad about yesterday, I expected you to drop it. It was just a mere fight for a gate!"
"It's not about the gate...it's about your System," He said, his tone cold and chilling. "You have the Platinum System... is that correct?"
My eyes slightly widened and I shook my head regaining my focus. 'How did he figure it out..?'
[Star Trial of Human Willpower: Begin.]
[Trial Difficulty: One Star]
[Trial Mission: Defeat Renfred Solomon.]
[Reward: Star Rating Level Up]
'Flair...' I thought, seeing the interface in front of me.
I looked at Renfred then summoned my Infernal Claws and retracted the claws. "Even if that was the case, what's it to you?"
Renfred's helmet released black clouds, his dark aura slowly beginning to affect the electricity of the store. "That System...belongs to me!"
I grunted as his aura pushed me back, guarding myself from the high winds that was generating from his mere presence. I looked up and glared at Renfred. "You two! Get out of here!"
The storekeepers nodded and quickly retreated, leaving Renfred and I alone in the store.
"I don't know what you're truly after Solomon, but this system...stays with me!" I declared, performing a hand gesture and prepared myself for battle.
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