"We should do something that we'll remember forever," I said with a playful smile.
"And what would that be?" Prince Sam asked, thinking hard.
Suddenly, an idea sparked in my mind.
"Alright, I'm going to risk my entire life just to make this moment unforgettable," I said, clenching my fists with dramatic determination.
"What? What are you planning to do?" Sam raised a brow.
"I will say something terribly rude to both of you. And three years later, when I return, the moment you see me — you must beat me up. If you don't, that means you have forgotten this moment!" I declared proudly.
Sam laughed. "Go on then. How bad can your words even be?"
I took a deep breath, shut my eyes tight… and then raised my middle finger at both of them.
"F**k you! Both of you!" I shouted boldly, feeling victorious — because they couldn't hit me. Not now.
I opened my eyes to find Phils glaring at me with blazing anger as he stepped forward, clearly ready to strike.
Before he could reach me, Sam held him back.
"Hey Phils! Not today! Her punishment is due three years later," Sam smirked.
For a moment, I truly got scared. Then I breathed out and slowly walked toward Phils — and wrapped my arms around him in a tight hug.
"Thank you… for everything," I said, my voice trembling.
"All that I ever needed in life… you gave me. You are the best person in this world for me. Thank you… for being in my life."
My tears wouldn't stop flowing. My nose was running too. Embarrassing.
"I just want to stay like this for a while… close to you. You are everything to me — mother, father, brother, family… and you're the one who filled my life with love. Arigato," I whispered, crying harder.
He gently patted my back.
"I'm glad you finally said what your heart was holding back for so long. Three years is too long to carry so much alone," Phils said, smiling softly.
His voice always comforted me.
I stayed in his arms, my heart racing… and eventually, while still crying — I fell asleep.
"Hey Phils, where did you find her? She's so adorable," Prince Sam chuckled.
"Give her to me — I'll hold her for a while," Sam said, reaching out.
"She needs sleep. She leaves tomorrow." Phils stroked my hair carefully so I wouldn't wake.
With a small gesture of magic, he changed everyone's clothes back to normal.
"Thank you, Miss Emmy. We'll be going now," he said with a polite bow.
"Ohh, so Wellness is asleep already," Miss Emmy smiled.
"Well it's late already," Prince Sam replied.
"You two were making so much noise, I couldn't sleep because of you," Miss Emmy teased.
Phils bowed again. "Forgive us. We won't disturb you again," he said with a light laugh.
We said our goodbyes and left for the palace.
That night… was my last happiness.
Three years without Prince Phils already felt unbearable.
---
Morning came faster than I wished.
"Wellness, wake up and get ready. You're leaving for training," Well said quietly.
I ignored him, pretending to sleep.
"You won't listen like this…" he sighed — then kicked me right on my backside.
"Ow! Fine! I'm awake! Honestly, your day doesn't even start unless you hit me first!" I hissed in pain.
He didn't respond.
"You weren't around yesterday… I missed you so much," I said, walking beside him.
"I have responsibilities. I am not useless like you," he replied calmly.
I suddenly hugged him tight.
"I'll miss you… a lot. I won't see you for three years, so don't stay silent today," I said, making a cute face.
I looked into his eyes, waiting for him to say something — anything.
"Get ready quickly. And… all the best," Well said softly.
"And one more thing — talk less with Prince Jack. He gives off… bad signs."
I gave him a thumbs-up.
"You gave me one task — of course I'll do it. I'm your student, right?"
"What are you two whispering about?" Prince Sam asked, grinning.
"Nothing at all!" I said quickly.
Well walked away silently.
"Maybe he's still mad at me," Sam sighed.
"Why? Did you two fight?" I asked.
"No… just some disagreement."
He waved it off. "Forget that. Your horse is ready."
"I'm going with my horse?!" I beamed.
"Yes, of course," Sam smiled.
"You're late," Phils snapped when he saw me.
I grabbed my ears. "Sorry…" I said with a mixture of fear and affection.
"Oh come on Phils, don't be harsh on her now," Sam said, patting my head.
Phils sighed. "I don't need anyone else… except you two. Once I drop you off, I'll return."
"Hey Wellness, I have something to tell you," Sam whispered.
"Yes?" I leaned forward.
"Enjoy… with the girls," he whispered with a mischievous smile.
I leaned closer to his ear too.
"Of course! And when I return, I'll make a sexy painting just for you."
His eyes widened. "Promise?"
"A real promise," I nodded seriously.
He kissed my forehead and both cheeks, then gently squeezed my cheeks.
"Take care of yourself," he said softly.
I puffed up my cheeks. "Do I look like a baby to you? I can take care of myself!"
I mounted my horse and the journey began — toward the future, away from home… and away from them.