The memories returned to Luna's mind with painful clarity. She was still so small back then—treated harshly by an enraged villager. The terror of that day centered around her parents: Mugata Alirena Meyer, her father, and Luna Anjani, her mother, who were burned alive right before her eyes. Her father's book vanished into the flames as the furious mob roared with hatred.
"Sinner! Your book has tarnished the good name of our King—King Albert Adnan, the hero who defeated the Demon King and freed humanity from tyranny!" one villager shouted in blind rage.
"That's right! Your book is too controversial! You'll only divide the people! Die!" another added, their voice booming among the crowd.
Little Luna could only sob, tears streaming as she watched her parents die helplessly.
"No… You're wrong… Father only…" she whispered between tears, her heart breaking.
Her eyes locked onto her father's book as it burned, disappearing into the blazing fire.
"I must remember… I have to remember!" Luna panicked, clutching her head.
"The numbers Father wrote… all of them! They're proof that he once lived!" she told herself with trembling resolve.
A few days later, Luna was entrusted to her uncle. But his attitude was nothing like a guardian—only anger and violence.
The small Luna sat quietly, her fragile body trembling, when her uncle suddenly threw a glass bottle that shattered on the wall behind her.
"13052002…" Luna whispered, repeating the mysterious numbers her father once wrote.
Her uncle's fury exploded. "Damn it!" he growled and threw another bottle.
It flew past Luna and shattered across the floor.
"Because of your father's stupidity, I have to suffer too!" he yelled.
Then he struck Luna and hurled another bottle at her.
Suddenly, Luna jolted awake.
Her eyes opened to a soft mattress beneath her—an elegant bed inside a comfortable room, far away from the nightmare she had just remembered.
Luna had just regained consciousness, her breathing still uneven. Slowly, she ran her fingers over her forehead, touching the bangs that hid her old scar. A faint smile appeared on her lips when she felt the stitching on her skin.
"The scar is still there…" she whispered softly, almost smiling.
The door opened, and Miera entered with a warm smile.
"Oh, you're awake, Luna," she greeted kindly.
Luna instantly froze, her face turning pale. Nervously she stuttered, "Y-y-you? N-n-nice to me-meet you! My name is Lu-lu-lununa!"
Inside, Luna cursed herself. "Idiot, idiot, idiot! Why does my tongue always betray me at important moments!?"
Miera chuckled softly, then gently lifted Luna's chin with her fingertips.
"Don't worry, sweetheart. I already know your name," she said soothingly.
Her eyes drifted to Luna's forehead, where the bangs only partially hid the old scar.
"Oh my… your forehead. It looks like a very old stitched wound," Miera murmured with gentle concern.
Luna lowered her head, her expression dimming. She stayed silent.
"It's alright, darling. Even if you don't want to talk about it yet, I understand," Miera said kindly.
"Come with me for a moment," she added, extending her hand.
"W-where?" Luna asked hesitantly.
"To a place you'll love," Miera answered with a warm smile.
Slowly, Luna took her hand, and the two of them walked toward a place filled with mystery and hope.
When they arrived at a large door, Miera pushed it open slightly and turned to Luna.
"Are you ready, Luna?" she asked softly.
Luna nodded.
As the door opened, a young prince stood inside. He was around fifteen—Luna's age—accompanied by his loyal guard.
Luna froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. Her face grew even paler.
With a ridiculous, panicked expression, she tried to speak. "P-prince… p-pri… prin…"
Then her body gave out, and she fainted again.
The nearby servants panicked instantly.
Miera sighed deeply. "Oh dear… she fainted again."
Luna was carried back to her bed with great care. The prince sat beside her, gently stroking her hair as he whispered softly,
"When Father and Miera told me there would be a beautiful girl accompanying me to the banquet, I was delighted. And it turns out… that girl is you, Miss Meyer."
He leaned closer, his face inches from hers.
"You're very close to me right now, Miss Meyer. Close enough to make me lose my composure," he murmured teasingly.
Suddenly, Luna's eyes shot open. She jolted awake, shocked to see the prince's face so close. Her body stiffened, her cheeks burning red like fire.
"A-are you alright?" the prince asked gently.
Luna couldn't answer. She was frozen stiff.
A moment later, she fainted again.
"Eh?" The prince stared blankly, confused.
Behind the door, Miera watched quietly. The King stood beside her, a faint smile on his lips.
"She's quite adorable, isn't she? I'm glad I can atone for the sins committed against the Meyer family," the King said gently.
"Yes, she's now the only Meyer descendant alive in this era. Because of the arrogance of the previous king, you're the one who must bear the guilt," Miera replied.
The King nodded slowly. "You're right. In the name of the hero Celis Meyer and the Meyer bloodline, I swear Luna Altheria Meyer will live peacefully. I'd be even happier if she married my son someday."
Miera smiled softly. "You always have your unique ways, but I support you."
Luna woke again. This time she stood up quickly and bowed deeply—practically kneeling before the prince. His guard stood beside him, watching her carefully.
"I'm sorry for troubling you! I feel so useless. I didn't mean for this to happen," Luna said, trembling.
The prince smiled warmly and stepped forward, lowering himself to Luna's level.
"It's alright. Hey—none of this is your fault," he reassured.
But Luna could only whisper one word repeatedly, filled with guilt.
"Sorry… please forgive me…"
The prince's guard stepped forward, glaring sharply at Luna before lifting her up firmly.
"How dare you make His Highness kneel! You were just a victim of fainting—no victim ends up kneeling!" the guard scolded sternly.
"But…" Luna tried to explain in a tiny voice.
"It's fine, Luna," the prince cut in gently, reassuring her.