28 Chapter 28: Dimension Pt.3 (1/2)
While waiting for the maid's return, the ex-prince and ex-princess continue their trainings together.
”I wonder if Xeresta is doing fine.” The ex-princess was worried about the maid.
”Yeah, she has been gone for a while now. But I'm sure she's doing her best to help us.”
”I can't believe we'll finally be able to go back to our normal selves.” The ex-princess was a bit excited.
”I don't mean to burst your bubble, but it is not yet a sure thing.”
”I can't help it if I look forward to it. Why, don't you want to go back?”
”I do. It's just… What if we don't remember any of this?”
”I see. I know what you mean... I don't think I want to go back if that happens…”
”And if we go back, will we still have to… Marry each other?”
”I don't think we have a choice… But if you really want to…” The ex-princess was blushing.
”I didn't say I really want to… It's just that, MAYBE, I don't mind it as much now…” The ex-prince was blushing as well.
While both of them were too embarrassed to look at each other, a palace guard approached them.
”Your Majesty, Xeresta has returned.”
”Really? That is good news. Thank you.” The palace guard was surprised the ex-prince thanked him.
”No, your Majesty, I do not deserve any gratitude.” He stood up and left.
”I guess the etiquette lessons are working.” The ex-princess laughed lightly at the ex-prince.
”So it seems. I would never have done that if I didn't undergo the queen's training. Also, you have taught me this, too. You have my gratitude.”
”And you've taught me a lot, as well. So, thank you.” They were smiling at each other.
”Your Majesty, I have returned.” The maid approached the ex-prince.
”Xeresta! It's good to see you are well. It has been a week since you left. We were starting to get quite worried.” The ex-prince greeted his servant with a sense of relief.
”I do not deserve to be a source of your concern.”
”Don't say such things. I was worried, too.” The ex-princess showed a concerned expression.
”Thank you, your Highness. It is fortunate that I come back with good news. I have met the sage and he has told me a way for you to return to normal.”
”That is great news!” The ex-prince was delighted.
”The sage explained to me how you were able to make your wish come true the first time. It wasn't only the lake that granted your wish, but it was with a shooting star that passed by the night you made your wish. That is also why you were not able to return to normal when you made your wish at the lake the second time.”
”You mean the shooting star has to pass by when we make the wish at the lake?”
”Yes. Precisely, your Majesty.”
”But how are we supposed to know when the shooting star will pass by again or if it already has passed by?” The ex-princess started to be worried again.
”If my hunch is correct, when I woke up in this reality, I believe time reversed to the day we first met.” The ex-prince was pondering some things before he continued. ”It may mean that the shooting star has not passed by yet…”
”How did you know time went back?”
”I'm not really sure, but when I confirmed my memories with Xeresta, she has no recollection of events that happened after the day you and I first met.”
”I see. But now, how do we know when the shooting star will pass by this time?”
”Do you remember how many days you stayed at our kingdom?”
”No, it's impossible to remember…” The ex-princess was disappointed with herself.
”Your Majesty, the sage told me when the shooting star will pass by.” The maid interrupted into the conversation.
”Great then! So, when is it?”
”If I may, your Majesty…” The maid suddenly looked depressed. ”…Before I say anything more, I just want to know… Is it really necessary for you to go back to normal?”
”What do you mean? Of course, we have to go back to normal. This is not who we really are.”
”But what difference would that make? You both will still be king and queen of this kingdom and peace is still attainable after your marriage. Why can't you stay the way you are…?” Tears started to fall from the maid's eyes.
”The wishes we made, they were out of selfishness. I—we both understand now that in order for true peace to be achieved between the two kingdoms, we must be better than who we were before. As the next rulers, we want to set things right and we want to do it as our true selves.”
”But the person you are now is the true you… I have always believed that…”
”When I get back, I promise to be better towards everyone else, especially you, Xeresta. I would be nothing without you by my side all this time. Thank you for everything.”
”…” The maid was still hesitant to tell the ex-prince what he wanted to know. ”It's tonight. I will do everything I can to bring the both of you to the lake.”
”So soon? I still have to go to one last lesson. I'll meet you later at my room before we head out.” The ex-prince ran towards inside the castle. The maid was left behind together with the ex-princess.
”You like him, don't you, Xeresta?”
”W-what are you talking about, your Highness?” The maid was caught off-guard.
”I understand your feelings. The person he is now is very different from the first time we met. I hated him then, obviously.” The face of the ex-princess showed both happiness and sadness as she was talking. ”But now, after I've known him, I do think I like him too.”
”Your Highness, I…”
”I admire the fact that you liked him even before he has changed. Don't worry. I, too, will do my best to be better when we get back to normal. For your sake, as well.”
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That night, the maid helped the ex-prince and ex-princess get out of the castle unnoticed. They went straight to the lake and waited for the shooting star. The maid went back ahead to the castle and left them alone.
”Hey, spoiled brat.” The ex-prince had a smile on his face.
”What is it, arrogant jerk?” The ex-princess responded with her own playful jab.