Chapter 32: The Journey To The Capital of Lorendia!
The moment I delivered the news to Queen Emma and the others that everything was settled, preparations were immediately carried on to leave.
In my modest room, I carefully packed my worn leather satchel, folding my few changes of clothes.
Most importantly, I secured the bow and hunting knife that Lisa had gifted me three years prior. I wouldn’t god weaponless in such a trip after all.
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the village when the final preparations were completed. The time for farewells had arrived, and I knew this would be the hardest part.
Isabella stood there with the other villagers. As I approached, she immediately pulled me into a fierce embrace, her arms wrapping around me as if she could somehow anchor me to this place through sheer force of will.
"Come back," she whispered against my shoulder. I could feel the subtle tremor that ran through her body, the way her fingers gripped the fabric of my shirt.
I returned her embrace, one hand gently stroking her white hair. "I will never leave you guys alone," I said, pulling back just enough to meet her eyes and offer what I hoped was a reassuring smile. "I promise, Mother. This isn’t goodbye—it’s just ’see you soon.’"
Isabella managed a watery smile, though her eyes remained bright with unshed tears. She stepped back reluctantly.
It was then that Queen Emma approached.
"Your Majesty," Isabella said, immediately dropping into a perfect curtsy. Despite her humble origins, her form was flawless—back straight, head bowed at precisely the right angle, her movements fluid and graceful.
Queen Emma observed this display with keen interest, her sharp eyes missing nothing. "Your etiquette is flawless," she said suddenly. "Where did you learn such refined manners?"
I watched as Isabella’s composure faltered for just a moment, a barely perceptible flinch that I doubt anyone else caught. The question hung in the air like a sword waiting to fall, and I could practically see the wheels turning in Isabella’s mind as she searched for an appropriate response.