Duvan wearily put away his armor. Unlike his fellow soldiers, who generally only wore protective robes, Duvan wore full armor. He never liked transforming into his wolf form. His wolf form was too conspicuous and even different from his clan.
After dismantling his sword, armor, and undergarments, Duvan finally touched the water. This was the first time he had taken a relaxing bath in a week. He felt like he hadn't stopped being tense during the fight. Furthermore, this was his first time leading an army on a large-scale monster extermination.
This battle was quite intense. The boss monster leading the group was already at peak level 4. There were even three level 3 monsters in this attack. Fortunately, after his coming-of-age ceremony, Duvan had immediately obtained a sacred sword from the Pope. Otherwise, he would have been finished today. Relying solely on his aura, which had only reached peak level 3, Duvan couldn't defeat this boss monster. Not to mention, his divine power was still untrained. It was the sacred sword's resonance with his ancestral blood and the divine blessing within him that allowed him to stab the boss monster's heart while it was off guard.
Thankfully, no matter how much his father disliked him, he was still a king. A wise king wouldn't jeopardize the kingdom's safety simply because of personal matters. King Theo still had the good sense to send Therion, son of Marquess Verron, the formidable basilisk of Istahnia.
Therion was already 17 years old. He had undergone his coming-of-age ceremony and successfully awakened his special magic, lightning element magic, a hereditary magic mastered by the Verron family. Therion, always touted as a genius, had at least mastered his magic after two years of training. He was the one who fended off the other level 3 monster, along with Duvan's personal knight—Iasthor—who had also just reached level 3. This allowed Duvan to concentrate on fighting the boss monster.
Another thing to be thankful for was that King Theo had sent at least 300 soldiers to his side. While the number of monsters that came did not greatly exceed the number of soldiers he brought. Even then, they were quite overwhelmed. Fortunately, with the cooperation of Therion and Iasthor, he was able to immediately close the hole in the barrier protecting Isthania's borders.
At least this time, they had won and brought back a lot of war spoils. Monster cores… if Duvan could obtain the rights to own the boss's monster core, he would definitely be able to raise his aura level. If it were before, Duvan wouldn't have dared to ask his father. But with his current status… father should be able to grant it.
Besides, once this extermination is complete, perhaps I can try to recruit Therion as my right-hand man. But would Marquess Verron agree to associate his son with me? I haven't achieved anything to convince the nobles… Well, at least now I have the holy sword. The temple will support me because of this sword… and my mother…
Just as Duvan was closing his eyes, enjoy soaking in the bathtub, there was a knock.
Knock… Knock
"Your Highness, I am Therion. I have something to report to you. May I have your time?"
Duvan opened his eyes. He frowned slightly. "Well, Therion, I haven't changed my clothes yet. Can you report it from outside? Is there something important on the battlefield?"
Outside, Teherion was still wearing his somewhat dusty and tattered robes. He hadn't had time to change his clothes at all. His silver hair seems to have lost its original brilliance and looked a bit messy, and even his face was dull from the dust and dirt of the battlefield. As a noble, if this were a normal situation, he would be uncomfortable. But with the current still unstable situation around him, Therion didn't care about his appearance. As Duvan's temporary aide, he had to coordinate with Iasthor to handle many post-battle matters, even to the most trivial ones.
Hearing Duvan's answer, he reported the situation that a soldier had just mentioned to him. "Ah... Actually, it's nothing urgent... Your Highness, we found a girl in the field that hadn't been cleared. When the soldiers went to retrieve the monster carcass, they found the girl unconscious. There were no visible signs of a blessing around her neck. It seems the girl hadn't undergone her coming-of-age ceremony yet."
Duvan frowned even more. How could a girl who hadn't yet reached adulthood wander into a place riddled with danger like this? The Thisol region was notoriously prone to monster invasions. Furthermore, this place was far from the city and located in the southernmost part of the region, closer to the Abyss. What parents would let their underage child wander here unsupervised?
"Okay, I'll be right there," answered Duvan.
Duvan finally got out of the bathtub. He sighed, knowing that he had to get out of this comfort zone.
....
Russelia blinked. She felt like she'd been asleep for quite some time. But she was startled when she woke up. Russelia closed her eyes and reopened them to make sure she was really seeing the canopy from her bed. As far as Russelia could remember, her bed didn't have a canopy, and she could see straight through to the ceiling.
Russelia suddenly sat up. She looked around. This definitely wasn't my room. Especially this vase of roses. I don't display flowers in my room, and Mrs. Martha wouldn't display anything without my permission. Especially a dressing table… I only have a study table that I like to use for school homework.
Russelia looked frantically toward the window. It was just a regular window… and the view outside was completely different. Russelia's room was upstairs, and the window had a balcony outside. This definitely wasn't her room!
But where? She was just asleep, as usual. There was no way Aunt Dianthe would have taken her out without warning. Nor could Mrs. Martha have moved her. Was I kidnapped? No, no, it couldn't be! Or was this just a dream?!
Just as negative thoughts were swirling in Russelia's head, a sudden knock sounded on the door. Russelia turned and immediately pulled the blanket over her as if trying to hide. But before she could cover herself, someone entered. A teenage boy not far from her age walked in. Russelia studied the newcomer. He had dark blue hair, beautiful azure pupils, and healthy light brown skin. Russelia frowned slightly at the sight of him in his long robes. Russelia almost felt like she'd wandered into Hogwarts, especially considering the vintage-inspired room. Russelia was aware that her mother's family had a love of antiques. Her own mother, Delonix, collected several antiques in their apartment. Especially Aunt Dianthe; her house alone resembled an old aristocratic mansion, albeit with touches of modern furnishings. But that doesn't mean everyone shares the same vintage taste, right? Then…somehow Russelia felt like she should know this person.
"Duvan."
Huh? Russelia looked into Duvan's eyes. Duvan smiled kindly.
"Duvan Callum Arakhia. That's my name."
Russelia felt like she'd been struck by lightning in broad daylight. That name. She knew it. No, Russelia knew it very well… Wasn't that the name of the main character in the book she'd just read? No. It couldn't be. Could she have entered the book she was reading just like the main characters in the stories and comics she'd read? Could such a ridiculous thing have happened?
"You're lying, aren't you?"
Now it was Duvan's turn to frown. However, he noticed Russelia's hoarse voice, and with a flick of his hand, a glass of water appeared. Duvan handed it to Russelia, who was shocked.
"Why would I lie about my name? Posing as royalty is a serious crime. I introduced myself because I wanted you to know that I'm not the evil person who kidnapped you."
Russelia's eyes widened. She was growing increasingly afraid. She didn't even care about the glass of water in her hand. "Then, is this a dream?"
Duvan chuckled. But he quickly fell silent when he saw the panic and fear on Russelia's face. "Of course not, Miss. My soldiers found you sleeping near the carcass of a slain monster. Three days ago, we finished clearing the battlefield. But Miss, you didn't regain consciousness for quite some time, so we had to rush you to the city. I had already asked a military doctor to examine you, but he said there was nothing unusual about you. So here we are. We are at Count Goffham's residence in the city of Diaz, Thisol Region, Southern Isthania."
Hearing this, Russelia felt weak. "How is that possible?"
Seeing Russelia's strange expression, Duvan paused for a moment. "Miss, may I know your name? Or perhaps your origin? I can have someone escort you home."
Russelia shook her head. Her eyes were now watery. "I…can't go home."
"Yes?"
"Don't you understand? I can't go home!"
Duvan fell silent. But he wasn't angry. He'd been used to all sorts of mistreatment since childhood. Besides, it didn't seem like this girl meant any harm, but somehow, she looked deeply shaken.
"It seems you need some quiet time, Miss. I won't disturb you for the time being. We'll be staying at Count Goffham's residence for at least three days. I hope you'll be able to think clearly soon. A servant will bring meals every day. If you get bored, you can also ask the servant to help you around. I already told the Count that you're temporarily part of my entourage."
Without further ado, Duvan hurried out. He could faintly hear crying coming from behind him. Duvan didn't dare look back. He was the worst at comforting a crying person, especially a young girl like Russelia. He would only make her cry even more.
But… Duvan recalled Russelia's appearance when he'd appeared. Russelia was wearing different clothes from the other young girls in this world. Plus, Russelia had said she couldn't go home. Duvan frowned. He suddenly remembered his uncle's story about his birth mother, Consort Ruella. He was told by the Pope that his mother had confessed a fact that she came from another world.
.....
Russelia spent hours crying. She was still sobbing when a maid brought her food. Russelia had no appetite, but she knew her body wouldn't be able to handle it if she didn't eat well. At times like this, it is unwise to continue to throw a tantrum.
Russelia looked at the food in front of her. From the looks of it, it looked like… some kind of porridge with a few vegetables and minced meat? The portion seemed small, even for her age. Perhaps it was because she had been asleep for a long time, and they knew she couldn't eat heavy food straight away, so they made something easier to digest first. Well… anyway, Russelia didn't have the ability to be picky right now. So, Russelia chose to devour her food.
As she ate, she thought again. She looked back out the window and saw the bright sky outside. She still hoped she was dreaming. Russelia felt like crying again. She missed her mother, her father, Aunt Dianthe, and Mrs. Martha. Russelia immediately remembered Aunt Dianthe's warning that she shouldn't take books out of her library. Could that be why? Russelia didn't know. Everything had happened, and she could only regret it. Maybe she couldn't go back.
Russelia wanted to just stay silent. But the more she stayed silent, the more she thought about her home and family. Russelia felt like crying all the time, but she knew… that crying wouldn't solve anything. Russelia had known that truth since she was little.
So what should she do here? Russelia felt increasingly anxious. What did her mother say?
If you're lost, find your way home. If you're confused and don't know what to do, find someone you can trust. Like the police. If there aren't any, find another adult. But you have to be careful. Russelia, in times like these, you can trust your gut feeling.
Russelia thought. So… would it be better if I followed Prince Duvan? Would he take me in? But… who else could be 'trusted'?
Suddenly, Russelia remembered that she had just yelled at Duvan and indirectly kicked him out. Now, Russelia could only curse herself. It was just that it had already happened. After this… maybe she should apologize? Russelia nodded and confirmed her decision. Okay, maybe she should survive first? Maybe she could find a way back home. Russelia slapped her cheeks hard. She had to be strong!
Russelia tried to finish her food. Suddenly, she realized something. Duvan had clearly been speaking a different language, but she had understood him so easily. Strangely, he could also speak the same language fluently. How was that possible? Russelia thought hard. But then she continued eating. Never mind, she didn't want to think about it anymore. Besides, wasn't that good? At least she wouldn't be suspected. But it was also cool, Russelia thought. At least she didn't have to bother using sign language.
....
Today was the third day of Duvan's given deadline. Russelia had decided she could only follow Duvan. Since the day she woke up, Russelia had asked around. Even though she had read 'The Exiled Wolf Prince', that didn't mean she knew everything. So Russelia asked the servant assigned to deliver the food to her room a few questions.
It turned out her suspicions were correct. Prince Duvan had just completed his first extermination mission a few days earlier. He was accompanied by the son of Marquess Verron and his personal guard, Iasthor. Prince Duvan had managed to bring back a large amount of spoils of war, especially monster cores, which could be used as cores for weapons and other magical items, and to help increase one's mana or aura levels. Furthermore, the monster carcasses could be used to craft weapons, clothing, and materials for various magical items. This time, the king would likely be pleased and reward Prince Duvan and officially recognize him as the second prince of Isthania. This was clearly the last part she had read. And tomorrow, they were supposed to go back to Isthania's capital, Ishahir, using the portal.
Russelia intends to follow the same path as Prince Duvan's birth mother: ask the temple to take custody of her. She remembered that in the storybook, Isthania, the only religious institution in the world, had seven temples, with one central temple. According to the inhabitants of this world, the world was created by Sighar, the creator god, assisted by the other seven gods. Thus, there were seven temples enshrining the seven different gods, and one central temple enshrining Sighar.
The temples generally took in, cared for, and educated many orphans, hoping to groom them as successors to the religious leaders of their respective temples. Previously, Consort Ruella was also one of these children. The book mentioned that some of her closest people knew that Ruella came from another world. If they could accept Consort Ruella, they might be willing to accept her too.
Russelia simply hoped to use the temple's facilities. She had heard that the temple actually had the most comprehensive library and served as an information center in Isthania. Furthermore, Russelia had heard that it was possible to communicate with the gods during the blessing ceremony at their coming-of-age ceremony. As a place where one could have the closest connections to the gods, there is a possibility that Russelia could go back home. Now, Russelia was thinking about how to convey this to Duvan. As a prince and someone close to the temple, getting his recommendation would be more useful than simply applying for the selection herself.
After that day, Russelia also asked a servant to help her tour Count Goffham's residence. She was now quite familiar with the various places in the residence. She could even occasionally eavesdrop on gossip about Count Goffham's wives and concubines. Russelia… wasn't that bored to eavesdrop on their conversations. She just accidentally overheard the servants gossiping, and she felt embarrassed to reprimand them.
Russelia was now standing in front of Prince Duvan's room. Earlier, of course, Russelia had asked the servant to convey a message that she wanted to see the prince. Russelia lightly tugged at her dress. She was a little nervous.
Knock… knock…
A voice answered from inside. "Come in!"
Russelia ventured inside. Duvan's guest room turned out to be not much different from hers, only more spacious, complete with a work desk and dark coloured walls. Ah, the only thing that might stand out was the small flower pot on Duvan's desk. Perhaps it was Prince Duvan's preference? There was no way Count Goffham would provide accommodations unsuitable for a prince… right?
Despite this, the room didn't seem gloomy because of the ample lighting. Russelia was always amazed by the magical technology here. The "lamp" here seemed even more magical because she only needed to shout "bright" to turn it on and "dark" to turn it off. Russelia's room also had a lamp like this. Sometimes she liked to playfully turn it on at night and watch it glow. But she didn't dare leave it on for too long for fear of being noticed by the servants.
"I, Russelia, pay my respects to the prince. I apologize for my insolence to you back then," Russelia said, bowing slightly and placing her palm on her left shoulder as a sign of respect typical of Isthania. Before this, she had inquired around about basic Isthania etiquette and secretly observed the behavior of Count Goffham's daughter and wife. Of course, her knowledge was limited, and Russelia could only imitate. But, hey, at least she made an effort, right? And it certainly showed that Russelia was a polite and well-mannered child.
Duvan chuckled at this. "Miss, there's no need for that. If you apologize for that day, I don't mind at all. So, what's your decision?"
"I want to follow you to the capital… Is that okay?" Russelia asked hesitantly.
Duvan was silent for a moment. "You don't want to go home?"
"It's not that I don't want to. But I can't," Russelia can only answer like this.
The same excuse again?
Duvan nodded. "Okay. But do you have a specific place to go in the capital?"
"The temple. I want to go to the temple. This is presumptuous of me. Excuse me, Prince. Could you perhaps recommend me? I... I understand you've helped me a lot. This sounds fake. But I will do my best to help you again in the future if you help me this time... I'm sorry, that's all I can offer right now," Russelia explained at length, embarrassed. She lowered her head slightly and rewrung her dress. She was a little worried about Duvan's answer.
"The temple? Ah, of course... It's not really a big deal. Especially if you don't have anywhere else to go. Temples are generally accommodating. I'll try to talk to my uncle at the temple," Duvan looked at Russelia with a reassuring smile. He knew she was nervous.
Russelia raised her head at Duvan's good news. Her eyes lit up. "Really, Prince? Thank you! Thank you so much! I'll do my best."
"Ah, yes, if it doesn't offend you, Miss Russelia, I heard you always ask others to call you Russelia. May I ask if you have a family surname? Ah, I'm not discriminating, but if you are willing, I can help with the documentation at the temple later."
Well, actually, that was just Duvan's excuse. He could have asked his uncle for help and be done with it. But he didn't know why those words came out of his mouth. He simply wanted to know Russelia better. It was strange, he'd never been like this before, especially with someone he'd just met.
Russelia nodded. "My name is Russelia Hailey."
"Russelia... Hailey. A beautiful name."
"Thank you, Prince. Hailey is my family name. Ah, actually, it's my mother's family name. Father said it's okay to follow my mother's surname."
Hearing this, Duvan smiled. He nodded. "Very well then. I'll contact the temple tonight. But first, when I arrive in the capital, I'll go to the palace to meet with my Royal Father. Would you mind staying at my residence first?"
Russelia shook her head firmly. She was already grateful that she didn't have to wander around in this strange world, let alone accept a free accommodation. "No, no problem, Prince."
With that, Russelia excused herself. "Then, I'll take my leave, Your Highness. May peace always be with you."
Russelia bowed in respect and hurried away. Unconsciously, she walked a little faster and murmured happily. Seeing her behavior, Duvan simply shook his head. He felt that Russelia was still childish.
But that meant…she came from a good family. Unlike me.