Bullshit!

The explanation that Lionel gave was pure bull.

That man was sweating and his eye was filled with guilt and regret. Like he was beating himself up for doing something he didn't want to but had to and was regretting it.

"Follow me." The guard said to you as he purposely walked beside you, keeping pace with your small legs.

Just as you Lionel left, this guy the guard was assigned to you or so he says. You didn't have much choice other than to trust his words.

The walk was quiet as you raked your brain for the reason you'd been called here. But you were coming short on that.

The fact that you were quite skilled in herbs must be the reason why the king wants to hear. No one would pass on to have a prodigy who excelled in healing.

I brought it on myself, didn't l?

Dammit..!

But something told you that wasn't the only reason. The guilt in Lionel's eyes sent alarms blaring off. There was no way, you've been called upon here for training only. There must be more to it than what it looks. At least that is what your instincts are warning you off.

You needed to keep your guard up until you found the real reason behind your summon.

To add a cherry on top you have to stay in the palace. Within the four walls where deceit and manipulation took place on daily bases. Where trusting someone else as well means giving that person rein in your life. To let them use you, ruin you and disregard you.

You grimaced. What did I get myself into?

You were thrown yet again into a foreign place with no details, no explanation whatsoever. You were starting to get pissed.

Since you have come into this world you are been thrown around like a useless rag.

First from your world to this world. From Almaya to the capital. From the capital to the palace.

You just have been hopping around like a headless chicken. Without any consideration to your feelings.

Staying in castles, slaving away to fulfill the desires of the Emperor who wouldn't even spare you a look was upsetting. All the while dodging the friendly facades of the people. That thought didn't appeal whatsoever.

You grumbled as you walked.

"Your living quarter would be beside the Garnet palace since it's closest to the residents of the Healers. The head maid would take care of you there. Once you prove yourself, well, you'll earn your own quarter in the Healers resident which is only granted to top-notch healers and herbalists. The position is unique. They come second to the Magician of Black Tower."

That perked up your sour mood. "There are Magicians here?"

The guard spared you a glance. "Yes, they serve the crown and are loyal to the kingdom. They hold a high position and respect in the court and they have their own ranking system too."

Wow. Now it felt like you were in medieval times. Where Emperors and Empress exist. Kingdom exists. And magic was a regular yet rare thing.

Before you could ask more to satiate the curiosity bubbling in you, another guard's appearance stopped you.

"Your Highness has requested all the Guards to be present in the courtroom."

"I'll be there." Your assigned guard answered without hesitation.

Hey there! You haven't forgotten me, right? Sure I'm tiny but not invisible you know.

The guard turned to you. "My apology but it seems I can't further guide you. Please follow the hallway and find the head maid."

Just like that, he walked away with the other guard.

Dumbfounded and a little ticked off, you stood there. Deserted in the maze of the hallway.

Great, the day keeps getting better and better.

You clicked your tongue in annoyance as you looked both ways. The hallway forked into two different ways.

Left or right..?

Let's go with the right. After all, it's only right to choose right.

....You were lost.

After walking in the right hallway you found yourself in the living quarters of the maids who looked quite bewildered for a young girl to wander in like that.

Dang, it, my terrible sense of direction - why do you have to appear right now?

With a nervous laugh, you darted off. Face burning in embarrassment.

Dammit...! You knew you should have chosen the left. Because right is always wrong.

As you lamented over your stupid mistake, a pair of footsteps echoed. You raised your head to look where the sound came from.

A messy red hair boy with gentle grey eyes clad in training gear gracefully waltz your way.

Tomato-head...?

You could only stare in disbelief. The boy had flaming red hair that stood out like a sore thumb among the gold and white background.

The boy gave you a curious look as he stopped in front of you.

"What are you doing here, little lady?"

Why is he so tall?! It makes wanna cry because no matter which world, I'm still a tiny midget.

"Huh?" You pointed to yourself. "Are you talking about me?"

Tomato boy blinked. "Yes. Since you are the only person here, I can't by any means be talking to someone else."

You reeled back. I got dissed!

But seeing his kind eyes and slight concern you concluded that he didn't mean any harm from his words.

Boy, he got some point there.

"Ah, of course." You cleared your throat feeling embarrassed. "Actually I'm kinda lost. The guard assigned to me abandoned me midway. So yep, I'm lost."

"You're lost?" Tomato head repeated in concern. "You seem to be new here. I can't leave you here helpless" He muttered to himself.

He turned to you determined and confident. His chest puffed out in resolve. It made you wanna pet his messy red hair. "Where did the guard mention he'd take you? If you could recall then I can show you the way."

Chivalry in full swing, huh?

You smiled. "That'd be really helpful." You paused. "He told me to find the head maid. Who stays in Garnet palace or something along the lines....?"

The Tomato boy perked up and smiled. "Actually I was on my way there. There won't be a problem."

His smile was so cute. Combined with his messy red hair makes me want to pinch his cheeks and coddle him.

"Really? Thank you!"

Don't get weird with him. Don't get weird with him. Keep your inner fangirl in control...!

"No problem!" He beamed and you were sure your heart stopped from the adorable sight. "It would be quite rude of me to ignore someone in need of help, especially a girl like you. That'd go against all my principles."

Ah, this adorably adorable boy.

"Hehe. You're so sweet and kind."

His cheeks took on a red hue which made him look like a literal tomato.

"You praise me too much. It's only common decency to help others. Anyone would've done the same." He said with a knightly smile.

Not used to compliments huh? Boy, you will be fun to mess with.

"And shy and humble too!" You giggled.

"It's not like that..."

"Now, now don't be modest. Take credit where credit is due, Mr. Knight."

"But I didn't do anything..?"

"You exist. That's enough blessing."

"Huh?"

Just like that, you met Tomato-head Felix the only good outcome of the shity day.