Phils took me to a place that shimmered with elegance — a grand hall filled with shining tables and the scent of royal dishes drifting through the air. Every corner glowed with a soft golden light, making the whole place feel almost magical.
"Wow! What is this place? And that aroma—it's so wonderful!" I said in excitement, my eyes sparkling as I looked around.
"These chefs," Phils said with a proud smile, "are the finest in our kingdom. You can eat as much as you wish, whatever you like. This hall is usually reserved for royal banquets, but today—it's all ours."
I clasped my hands together in joy. "Thank you so much!" I said, hugging Prince Phils tightly.
He gently seated me at a long, beautifully carved table and clapped his hands. One by one, waiters entered, filling the table with countless royal delicacies — golden bread, sweet fruits, roasted meat, and shimmering desserts.
Just then, Prince Sam and Prince Jack walked in and took their seats.
"Tonight's dinner is dedicated to Wellness!" Prince Sam announced with a grin.
"Wellness, tomorrow we leave for training," Jack said warmly. "So enjoy today as much as you can."
Phils glanced at Prince Sam, his expression tightening.
Why is he talking so kindly to her? Phils spoke through telepathy.
"I don't know," Sam replied silently, "and I haven't told him about our plan."
I looked up and said aloud, "Prince Jack, will you be coming with me?"
"Yes," Jack replied cheerfully. "My first year of training is over—two more to go. And now, your responsibility will be mine."
"That's not happening!" Phils snapped. "I'll hand her responsibility to the Master, not to you."
Jack chuckled softly. "It doesn't matter who's responsible. Wellness needs care—I'll take care of her."
"No need!" Phils said sharply. "Wellness has lived alone since childhood. She can handle herself."
"Phils," Jack said calmly, "why are you speaking to me like this?"
Phils sighed, trying to steady his tone. "I'm just saying there's no need to worry about her. She'll be fine, Jack. That's all."
After that, everyone quietly began eating, though I was eating like a soldier who hadn't seen food for days. My stomach was completely full.
"Oh my, that was heavenly! I've never eaten such food in my life," I said with a bright smile.
The day passed in laughter and small joys, and before I knew it, the evening light had turned golden.
"Wellness," Phils said suddenly, "now let's go to the last place."
"What? Another place? Where are we going now?" I asked curiously.
"I'll come with you," Prince Sam said quickly.
"No," Phils replied firmly, "only Wellness and I will go."
"Why not all of us?" I said with a pleading face.
"Yes, please," Sam added, giving Phils his best innocent eyes.
Phils exhaled slowly, clearly annoyed. "Fine. You can come. But if you say even one unnecessary word, I'll throw you off the road right there."
"Alright, alright," Sam said, raising his hands. "I'll be quiet. Besides, it's not a long journey, right?"
"Yay! We're all going then!" I said happily. "Let's take Prince Jack and Captain Well too! I haven't seen Captain Well since morning!"
"No," Phils said calmly. "They have their own duties. Now, let's go."
"Whoa! A royal carriage!" I exclaimed. "Are we really going in that?"
"Yes," Sam said, patting my head affectionately.
We all climbed into the golden carriage. Phils held a folded outfit in his hands.
"What's that, Phils? And why are you carrying it?" Sam asked curiously.
Phils shot him a cold look. "I told you to stay quiet. Do that."
"Please, tell us," I added softly, looking up with my most innocent expression.
Phils glared at both of us — his eyes alone were enough to silence the world. Sam and I froze instantly, sitting upright and quiet.
After a while, I leaned closer to Sam and whispered, "Prince Sam, do you know where we're going?"
He shrugged. "Not exactly. But I think I can guess."
"And what's your guess?" I asked, intrigued.
"You didn't hear Phils? He said we'll know once we get there," Sam replied, smirking slightly.
Soon, the carriage slowed and stopped.
"We're here. Get down," Phils said.
"This… this is a forest," I said, stepping onto the grass. "And there's a house inside it."
"Yes," Phils replied quietly, "this is the place."
"It looks so small… what's even worth seeing here?" I asked, tilting my head.
"Keep your mouth shut and stay beside me," Phils said in a low voice.
I immediately fell silent.
"See?" Sam whispered. "I told you, this is exactly what I imagined."
Phils knocked on the old wooden door. For a few moments, there was silence. Then, slowly, the door creaked open — and an elderly woman appeared.
"Oh my, Phils! You've finally come after all these months," she said in surprise.