Harmony's POV

"Which kingdom are we going to, Your Highness?" tanong ni Kaitlin habang lumilinga-linga kami upang matiyak kung walang mga royal guards sa paligid. We are currently here at the ship port.

I raised an eyebrow when I saw the ship dock at the port, which I was sure had come from the Kingdom of Creris. One by one, the fairies descended, carrying large boxes that, if I'm not mistaken, contained products from the Kingdom of Creris.

"A merchant ship, huh?" bulong ko na hindi nakatakas sa pandinig ng dalawa.

"A merchant ship-what?" tanong ni Velther habang si Kaitlin naman ay nakatuon ang atensyon sa akin.

"I mean, we will get on that ship." Itinuro ko ang merchant ship kaya agad na tumingin ang dalawa rito pero kunot-noo nilang ibinalik sa akin ang kanilang tingin.

"We're not going to Creris Kingdom, are we?" seryosong tanong ni Kaitlin na nagpangisi sa akin.

"Why, are you afraid, Kaitlin?" naging blanko ang ekspresyon nito kaya mas lumawak ang ngisi ko. "Gano'n naman pala-"

"But isn't that kingdom dangerous?" natigilan ako sa sinabi niya.

She's right. In the entire kingdom under the jurisdiction of the Astaria Empire, Creris is the most dangerous, but...

"Pero kung hindi tayo handa sa delikado," tumingin ako kay Kaitlin at sunod naman kay Velther na tahimik lang na nakikinig sa amin ni Kaitlin. "Bakit pa tayo na rito?" umiwas nang tingin si Kaitlin at maya-maya lamang ay tumikhim siya 'tsaka inilabas mula sa bagahe niya ang invisible potion.

"I believe we will need it to board that ship, especially since people are not allowed on it." She handed the potion to me, then to Velther. "Here for you." Inabot naman ito ni Velther at tinitigan.

"Hmm...I think there is something distinct about the color of this potion compared to the first one." Dahil sa sinabi niya ay tiningnan ko rin ang hawak ko at tama nga siya. Nagkaroon ng parang gintong buhangin sa potion.

"Bakit ganito ito?"

"I extended the duration of that potion's effectiveness. Previously lasting only thirty minutes, it will now last up to five hours." Mas lalo akong namangha sa kaniya.

She's really talented!

"But will it work for them since they are fairies?" nagkatinginan kami ni Velther matapos kong itanong 'yon.

"I can hide my presence, but you?" napatangu-tango ako. That's true, Velther can hide his presence but what about Kaitlin and me? Well, from what I can see, it looks like Kaitlin can do the same.

"Rest assured, that potion can conceal anyone from everyone." Parang nagliwanag naman ang mukha ko sa sinabi niya at nakahinga ng maluwag.

Woah! That's a relief, then.

"So...ang dapat na lang nating problemahin ay kung paano tayo makakapasok sa ship na iyan ng hindi kahina-hinala, lalo na ang mga dala nating gamit." Saglit na natahimik ang dalawa nang sabihin ko 'yon.

"I know what we will do." Bigla'y sabi ni Velther kaya sabay kaming napatingin sa kaniya ni Kaitlin.

More than two hours had passed, and the merchants had finally completed their transaction. We are currently at the market, where the leader of the merchants was conversing with the owner of not just one, but many stalls here.

After a while, we discovered the large box containing some weapons that was a gift from one of their customers. Sa tatlong boxes ay tig-iisa kaming tatlo ng kinaroroonan. We are safe here because the box is too big and only contains a few weapons wrapped in thick cloths, so we won't get injured inside it.

"Ingatan niyo ang pagdala ng mga 'yan, isa 'yang napakahalagang handog." Rinig kong utos ng namumuno sa mga merchant na ito. Narinig kong tinawag siya sa pangalang Coste kanina kaya sa tingin ko'y 'yon ang kaniyang pangalan.

After a few hours, I could hear the waves of the sea, and we were gradually being lifted higher and higher, indicating that we were being brought aboard the ship. Matapos n'on ay naramdaman naming ibinaba na kami 'tsaka narinig namin ang pagkalansing ng bakal at pag-sara ng pinto. Saglit pa kaming naghintay upang masigurong wala na sila.

"Your Highness..." may mahinang pagkatok sa box na kinaroroonan ko at sa labas nito ay naririnig ko ang mahihinang bulong ni Kaitlin.

I opened the box, and Kaitlin's face greeted me. "Huff huff," hinihingal kong inilibot ang paningin at napag-alamang nasa maliit na kwarto kami na tila ba basement. Huminga ako ng malalim at hinabol ang aking hininga dahil sa tagal naming nasa loob ng box pero nang tumingin ako kay Velther at Kaitlin ay napangiwi ako dahil ni hindi man lang kinakapos ng hininga ang mga ito.

Does that mean I am too weak? Is my body so feeble that it's acceptable for them to be fine? Ugh! I feel envious!

"Are you okay, Your Highness?" nabalik lang ako sa ulirat ng magsalita si Kaitlin. Napatingin naman ako kay Velther nang maglakad ito sa dulong bahagi at umupo saka ipinikit ang kaniyang mga mata.

"Ang mabuti pa'y magpahinga na muna tayo," bumaling ako ng tingin sa pinto. "Mukhang hindi na rin naman sila papasok pa rito sa loob kaya sa tingin ko'y ayos lang." Tumango si Kaitlin at na-upo malapit sa pinto, habang ako naman ay na-upo at sumandal sa mga boxes.

We will have to wait for two weeks before arriving at Creris Kingdom. Fortunately, there are stored foods in this room, so we have a food source anytime we get hungry, even though we do not own them.

Ipinikit ko ang aking mga mata at inisa-isa sa 'king isip ang tungkol sa Creris Kingdom.

The Creris Kingdom is located in the North part of the Astaria Empire. This kingdom is known to have the strictest rules in the Astaria Empire because people can't just enter here except for the Kings, Queens and the Emperor, and the important government officials of the Astaria Palace. This is the main rule in the Creris Kingdom that even the Emperor cannot change, but even so, the rulers of this kingdom still unite with each kingdoms on important matters such as trade and problems facing the Empire.

Creris has four cities.

Aerwyn, is the city of lake fairies, nestled in the heart of an expansive, serene lake, this city is a spectacle of shimmering beauty. The city is built on floating lotus leaves, interconnected by bridges of reeds and lily pads. The architecture of Aerwyn is unique, with houses made of different types of flowers. Sa palibot ng sagradong lake ay pumapalibot dito ang water lilies na nagliliwanag sa tuwing sumasapit ang dilim. The place is known for the sacred lake that fairies use to bless the citizens of Creris Kingdom. Those who take care of the lake are the so-called healers.

Briarmountain, is the City of the Mountain Fairies, a breathtaking and majestic place nestled high in the peaks of the tallest mountains in the Kingdom of Cresis. The city itself is built into the mountainside, with stone structures seamlessly blending into the natural landscape. The fairies of Briarmountain are known for their strength, resilience, and their deep respect for the natural world. They are skilled climbers and explorers, often venturing into the treacherous peaks to seek out rare herbs and minerals. They have a close bond with the creatures of the mountains, including majestic eagles and sure-footed mountain goats. Ang pangunahing pangkabuhayan sa city na ito ay ang pure oil na nanggaling sa isang halaman na may kakayahang mag produce ng langis.

Sylphathesia, a small city where the main livelihood is farming. The fairy farmers grow an array of enchanted fruits, vegetables, and herbs that possess magical properties and are imbued with the essence of the fairy realm. These crops not only provide sustenance but also contribute to the magical energy that flows through the kingdom. They are stewards of the land, nurturing the earth and honoring the cycles of the seasons to ensure a bountiful harvest. In the whole city of Creris this is the most peaceful place because everyone is united in this place and if I ever give up on the search for the magic stone and choose to run away, I would rather live in this place and be content as a farmer.

And the last one is Lumiren, the countryside of Creris Kingdom. Where different types of creatures live, apart from that, the duke's territory is also located there.

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When the middle of the night came, I woke up to a low murmur that I heard. Kaya dahan-dahan kong binuksan ang mga mata ko at napag-alamang si Velther iyon. Dali-dali akong lumapit sa kaniya. "Hey..." ngunit nabigla ako sa kaniyang ginawa. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko't bigla'y tila tumigil ang oras at kasabay n'on ay ang napakabilis na kabog ng aking dibdib.

"No...d-don't leave me...please. I begging you..." mas humigpit ang yakap niya sa akin kaya umawang ang labi ko lalo na nang maramdaman ko ang mga luhang tumulo sa balikat ko.

He's crying...

Hindi makapaniwalang tiningnan ko ang mukha niya na naging dahilan para mas bumilis at lumakas ang pintig ng aking puso, not only that, but at the same time, I felt some pain. Pain that I don't know what it's for.

Is it love? Do I have feelings for him? Or perhaps it's because it's the first time a man has hugged me that I feel this way?

Natagpuan ko na lamang ang sarili ko na mahinang tinatapik-tapik ang kaniyang likod upang kumalma siya. Natigilan lang ako nang makitang mulat na ang mga mata niya sa pag-aakalang gising na siya o nasa ulirat na ngunit hindi ko inaasahan ang kaniyang sunod na ginawa. Hinaplos niya ang mukha ko at gamit ang kaliwang kamay ay hinawakan niya ang likod ng aking ulo at idikit ang noo ko sa noo niya. Nahigit ko ang hininga at tila ba nanlambot ang aking buong katawan dahil sa ginawa niya. Titig na titig siya sa mga mata ko at sa paraan ng tingin na iyon ay parang lalabas na mula sa aking dibdib ang aking puso dahil sa sobrang bilis ng tibok nito.

Muli ay nanlaki ang mga mata ko sa pag-aakalang hahalikan niya ako kaya wala akong ibang ginawa kundi ang mariin na ipikit ang aking mga mata ngunit ilang segundo na ang lumipas ay wala akong naramdaman kaya dahan-dahan akong nag mulat para lang mangunot ang noo dahil luhaan siyang nakatingin sa akin, sakit, pagkagalak at lungkot ang nababasa ko sa mga mata niya. "Forgive me...you are the only woman I will ever love...." Muli niya akong niyakap. "Mahal na mahal kita, Mel-" napatingin ako sa pinto ng bumukas ito at dahil sa lakas n'on ay hindi ko narinig ang huling sinabi ni Velther.

Kaitlin acted swiftly and promptly took control of the mind of the man who opened the door. "You left here and saw nothing." Tumango ang lalaki at walang imik na sinunod ang utos ni Kaitlin. Napahawak naman ako sa dibdib ko at nakahinga ng maluwag.

"Are you okay, Your Highness?" nagtama ang mga mata namin ni Kaitlin at biglang nalipat ang tingin niya kay Velther na kasalukuyan ng tulog sa balikat ko. My eyes widened when I realized our position.

"Um...ah..." nagbukas-sara ang labi ko pero wala akong masabi kaya nakagat ko ang pang ibabang labi at napakamot sa ulo. "It's not what you think it is, okay?" nagkibit balikat lang siya at bumalik sa pag-tulog.

Magsasalita pa sana ako pero hinayaan ko na lang saka ibinaling ang tingin kay Velther na mahimbing ng natutulog. I carefully placed his head on the floor and sighed.

What he said is not for me, right? Yeah, not really for me. Maybe it was for his first love.

But... Why does it feel like there's something else on my chest?

Umiling-iling na lang ako at bumalik sa pwesto ko. Nahiga ako at bago bumalik sa pagtulog ay muli kong sinulyapan si Velther at mapait na ngumiti.

༻༺ ༻✧༺ ༻༺

"Your Highness?" nakaramdam ako ng mahinang pag-alog sa 'kin at kahit inaantok pa ay minulat ko ang mga mata at umupo.

"The ship is about to enter the portal." Natigilan ako nang marinig ang boses na iyon ni Velther. Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kaniya at napasinghap ako dahil sa pagtama ng aming mga mata. It has been two weeks since I saw a side of him that I did not quite expect. During those two weeks, I carefully avoided our eyes meeting, nor did I speak to him. I don't understand why, but whenever I think of the night he hugged me, my heart beats faster like I felt that night-something not right.

"Is there a problem, Princess?" I was stunned when he called me Princess, and here my heart was beating fast again!

Tumikhim ako at tumayo. "It's nothing," tugon ko 'tsaka sumilip sa maliit na bintana ng kwartong ito, upang sana'y makitang pumasok ang barko sa portal ngunit bigo ako dahil tanging tubig dagat lamang ang nakikita ko.

"Would you like to see the ship on which we are on entering the portal?" tila nabato ako sa 'king kinatatayuan nang lumapit sa akin si Velther. Napapikit ako ng maramdaman ang katawan niya sa likod ko.

Damn! Calm that damn heart of yours, Harmony!

But no matter what I do or think to calm myself down, I can't achieve it because I can feel Velther's warm body behind me.

"Princess? Why do you seem stiff?" My lips parted as the warmth of his breath brushed against my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

"Wha-What are you saying?" na-ikuyom ko ang mga palad at bumuntong-hininga saka siya hinarap ngunit mukhang pagkakamali iyon dahil sa pagharap ko ay muntik ng magtama ang aming mga labi kaya naman agad akong umatras pero na-out of balance ako at muntik na sanang matumba kung hindi lang hinapit ni Velther ang aking baywang para hindi ako matumba.

And because of that, we stared at each other. We gazed into each other's eyes as if they were glued together.

"AHEM."

Natigilan lang kami nang marinig namin 'yon. Maingat niya akong binitiwan at umiwas siya ng tingin habang nakalagay ang palad niya sa kaniyang batok. "Um..."

Tumingin ako kay Kaitlin at nakitang umiiling-iling siya habang naka-cross ang mga braso. I closed my eyes and felt the urge to hit myself due to what had happened.

"If you want to see us enter the portal...I can show you." Napamulat ako ng mga mata nang sabihin 'yon ni Velther.

"H-how?" sa halip na sagutin ako ay ikinumpas niya ang kanang palad at mula sa harap ko ay lumabas ang tila screen or hologram.

This...

I gazed at it in amazement and observed the ship we were on slowly sailing into a rainbow formed by two immense rocks rising from the sea. My eyes nearly sparkled as the enchanting ocean revealed itself to us, its distinct hue illuminated by the colorful sky.

"Is this really the Creris Kingdom? The Kingdom of fairies..."

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Hello, my dear Warriors! How are you? Hope you're doing well.

Looks like someone has fallen shshsh

By the way, sorry if my update took so long. I've been busy making money but now I'm finally able to update. Thank you very much for patiently waiting for my update and I hope to be with you until the end of this story.

Congratulations to those who are graduating! May the god bless you until your next journey. Love lots!