Chapter 4
Diana remained silent throughout the journey, constantly trying to strengthen her wounded heart. To some extent, she began to understand that the body she currently possessed was not entirely her own. There were two souls that seemed to blend into one. Her own soul, and also the soul of Diana Emerald. The true Princess in this parallel world.
Diana fully realized that the pain of Emperor Sean not letting her go was the emotion of Diana Emerald. She realized that the original owner of this body must deeply miss her Father, who had never spoken to her or even met her since she was born.
"Don't be a crybaby, Di. You have to be strong so you can think of a way out of this strange world," she said in a monologue while wiping away the remaining tears.
There were many things she had to think about besides Diana Emerald's feelings. She had to think about how to prolong her life and how to get out of this novel world. In fact, when she thought about all the reasons she entered this strange world, Diana began to regret all her kindness to the old book-selling woman. If only she hadn't been sympathetic. If only she could have set aside her pity, then maybe she would still be in the restaurant kitchen, busy making sauce. Not here, busy thinking about how not to die young.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
There was a knock on the window of the horse-drawn carriage. Diana was slightly startled and quickly opened the window. She couldn't hide her surprised expression when Emperor Ashlan appeared there with his flat expression hidden behind a mask.
"Sleep! You must be tired. Our journey is still long," commanded the strange man who would later become her grim reaper.
Imagining the scene of her head being beheaded as in the story, Diana immediately shuddered. She reflexively held her slender neck and quickly closed the window again without caring that the Emperor was still there.
Meanwhile, Emperor Ashlan, who had never been treated like that by anyone in his life, was still frozen in silence. Knight Bennett, who saw the whole scene, quietly chuckled. It was funny to see the expression of the Emperor and his cousin, which was very similar to someone being rejected in love.
After traveling for approximately 8 hours by horse-drawn carriage, Diana and Emperor Ashlan's entourage finally arrived in the Western kingdom. Specifically, in the city of Bern. The largest city that serves as the center of government and trade in the superpower Kingdom.
Diana, who had slept for a few hours in the carriage, was actually still very sleepy. However, the hustle and bustle of the capital city that had just started the day disturbed the hearing of the green-eyed girl. Moreover, when she realized that the carriage was starting to move slowly because it was passing through the market, Diana became even more enthusiastic about craning her neck to observe the pleasant scenery around her.
The brown-haired girl smiled in admiration at the merchandise displayed on the side of the road. Various kinds of accessories, food, fabrics, and even ancient objects were so pleasing to see. Moving slightly from the previous place, Diana was now spoiled again with rows of shops displaying various beautiful dresses in their shop windows. Of course, Diana was even more amazed. She did not expect to witness a scene that she had only been able to see in films all this time.
The city residents who realized that the passing entourage was the Emperor's entourage seemed to bow their heads in respect. The small children also did the same, although not as long as their parents did. It was evident that as soon as the horse ridden by the Emperor passed them, they were already running back to play as before. Of course, their parents were unable to prevent the children from doing that. They looked resigned as well as feeling guilty about their children's behavior.
BANG!!
Unexpectedly by anyone, suddenly a ball landed on the back of Emperor Ashlan's head. The situation suddenly fell silent. The pace of the Royal entourage stopped instantly. The city residents also seemed to hold their breath when the incident occurred.
Two guards quickly moved to grab the body of a boy about 5 years old who had kicked the ball. The child was dragged roughly and then slammed hard onto the ground. Everyone who saw it seemed to cover their mouths. Meanwhile, Emperor Ashlan remained silent on his horse without saying a word.
"Rude child! How dare you insult His Majesty the Emperor!" shouted one of the guards who had just slammed the little boy's body roughly.
Diana, who was watching from inside the horse-drawn carriage, began to feel her heart burning as she watched the scene. Especially when the child, who certainly couldn't distinguish between good and bad yet, began to cry in fear. Diana's knuckles even turned white as she gripped the surface of the window more tightly. However, she was also aware that there was nothing she could do considering that she also had to find a way not to be hated by the Emperor.
"Pay attention!" shouted the guard loudly. He raised the sword that was on his waist high. "This is the punishment for those who dare to insult His Majesty."
"Forgive my son, Your Majesty! I beg you!" shouted a Mother who suddenly came and hugged the boy. Her body prostrated in front of Emperor Ashlan's horse. Her tears flowed, begging with a heartbreaking tone for her son's hand that was about to be cut off.
Ashlan didn't budge. Neither did Knight Bennett. Diana, who witnessed this, became annoyed herself. Were those two men completely heartless?
"Get out of the way!" The Mother's body was pushed roughly. Forced to separate from her little son who was also trying to reach for his Mother's hand.
"Noooo... My son!!!" cried the Mother even more sadly.
The city residents could only bow their heads in. Some of them even tried to turn their faces away when the guard's sword began to swing to slash the little boy's hand.
And...
CRASH!!!
The sword that swung fiercely could no longer be stopped. The face of the guard who was carrying out the execution suddenly turned pale. Precisely a few seconds ago, Diana, who was still inside the carriage, suddenly got out and ran to hug the little boy's body. Her left arm was raised to block the sword's path. Meanwhile, her face turned away with her eyes closed because she knew that her arm would certainly not be okay after this.
"Y-Your Majesty...," said the guard stuttering. He could see his sword turn into dust particles in a split second. He also fell limp and knelt to the ground. If Emperor Ashlan had thrown his magic noose a little later, then he would have certainly harmed the Queen of his own country.
The city residents also widened their eyes to see the incident. Some of them even unconsciously screamed in fear of witnessing the incident earlier. And, when everything seemed okay, they began to breathe a sigh of relief and began to question the identity of the woman who had just saved the little boy's hand.
Hearing the cheers of the city residents, Diana began to dare to open her eyes. Realizing that her hand was okay and the child she had helped was also not harmed, Diana sat down weakly while releasing her hug from the boy's body.
The little boy who was still sobbing ran into the arms of his Mother who was standing not far from where Diana was sitting weakly. Meanwhile, Diana was still trying to normalize her breathing.
"Don't you care about your hand anymore?" asked someone who sounded so cold.
"Don't you have compassion for a child who doesn't even know anything yet?" Diana retorted unwilling to lose.
Diana snorted in annoyance. She stared at Ashlan with a hateful look. For anything, she disliked someone who dared to hurt small children like Ashlan and his guards the most.
"Get back in the carriage! We must get to the Palace as soon as possible. There is a price you have to pay for saving that child," said Emperor Ashlan while glancing at the little boy. He ignored the question Diana threw back.
"W-what?" Diana glared. And, Emperor Ashlan had spurred his horse quickly leaving the entourage including Diana.
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