Chapter 6: If I Could (6)
The first delivery reached the royal office swiftly. King Dan, who had been reviewing reports, froze when the box was placed on his desk. He opened it cautiously, the sweet aroma wafting out immediately.
"Love," he said, turning to Queen Tereza with a bewildered expression. "Was our child… peossessed?"
Queen Tereza sighed, though a soft smile tugged at her lips. "Dan, she's not possessed. She's merely… different lately."
"Different?" Dan's tone was skeptical as he lifted a slice of the vibrant cake. "Our daughter vanishes for hours and then sends us cake? I don't know whether to be impressed or concerned."
"Try it first," Tereza urged, her eyes glinting with curiosity.
Dan hesitated for a moment before taking a bite. His expression shifted instantly, the taste of the cake melting away his doubts. "This… this is actually incredible. She made this?"
Tereza nodded. "It seems so. Whatever she's been doing, it's a change for the better."
As the cake made its rounds to other family members, similar reactions followed. Ahcehera, meanwhile, sat back in her room, her mind buzzing with plans for the future.
This is just the beginning. If I can use the resources of this galaxy wisely, I'll change not just my family's perception but also the fate of the kingdom itself.
Her determination burned brighter than ever, the possibilities of her newfound purpose stretching endlessly before her.
-
Eight days had passed since the wolf she had nursed back to health vanished. The doctors and staff reported that it had fully healed before slipping away unnoticed.
Ahcehera stood by the window, gazing at the stars twinkling in the vast darkness above her. A soft smile played on her lips.
Its decision was clear. Leaving my side was always inevitable.
She swirled the wine in her glass before taking a slow sip, savoring its warmth.
"Emil," she called out softly.
"Yes, Mistress?" the ever-attentive assistant responded.
"Book me a ticket to Agartha Base."
"Mistress, will you be returning?"
Ahcehera tilted her head, her eyes reflecting the starlight. "The joint military entrance examination for freshmen students will be held in three days. I need to prepare in advance and check the condition of my quarters. It's been too long since I left."
"Understood. I'll secure the nearest flight for you."
When Emil left to make the arrangements, Ahcehera turned her attention to an old, forgotten artifact, the box that had been gifted to her on her eighteenth birthday.
It was a relic from her great-grandfather, her mother's grandfather, who had passed away shortly after presenting it to her.
The original princess had dismissed the gift at the time, scoffing at its simplicity. It wasn't adorned with the usual glittering jewels she loved.
Out of a sense of duty, she'd locked it away in her safe, leaving it to collect dust.
But now, Ahcehera's curiosity was piqued.
She carefully retrieved the box and opened it. Inside, resting against a bed of velvet, was an extraordinary phoenix jade bracelet, its intricate carvings exuding a mystical aura.
Beside it lay a small, razor-sharp knife.
Huh? A knife and a jade bracelet?
Ahcehera's mind raced as she examined the items. Does this mean I need to cut my hand and drop blood on the jade to activate it? Like in cultivation novels?
Her lips quirked in a wry smile. "It'll sting a little," she murmured to herself. "But compared to the agony of battling cancer, a small cut is nothing."
Resolute, Ahcehera picked up the knife and made a precise slice across the middle of her palm. Scarlet droplets trickled from the wound, falling onto the phoenix jade bracelet.
The moment her blood touched the jade, the bracelet glowed faintly before shifting to the color of her blood.
A surge of energy pulsed through the room, and in the next instant, the bracelet vanished into thin air.
Ahcehera swayed, her vision blurring as a strange warmth enveloped her. Before she could process what was happening, her legs gave way, and she collapsed, unconscious.
Ahcehera awoke to the warmth of sunlight streaming across her face. She blinked, her eyes adjusting to the brightness, and slowly took in her surroundings.
She was lying on a bed of soft, vibrant green grass.
Around her, flowers of every imaginable color swayed gently in the breeze, their intoxicating fragrance filling the air.
The tranquility was overwhelming, the only sound was the gentle rustle of leaves.
The air felt pure, untouched, unlike anything she had ever breathed on Sirius or Earth.
Ahcehera pushed herself up, her fingers brushing against the soft grass. Her eyes widened as she took in the vastness of the space around her.
Is this... a pocket dimension?
A realization struck her like lightning.
An endless, natural world that binds to one's soul. A place to plan, store, hide, and even live in.
Her gaze darted toward the distant horizon, her heart pounding with excitement.
"That bracelet... it's a hidden golden finger!" she exclaimed, her voice echoing in the serene expanse.
For the first time in a long while, a wide grin spread across her face.
Finally, I have something to tip the scales in my favor, even if I'm destined to be the villainess of this story.
Unable to contain her joy, Ahcehera spun in circles, her laughter ringing out like bells in the peaceful realm.
She began forming a plan, her thoughts racing.
First, I'll gather plants and create a farm here. This place could sustain me in times of scarcity.
Second, I'll move all my most valuable assets here, money, heirlooms, anything irreplaceable. If my family faces an emergency, I'll be prepared.
Third, I need to withdraw funds. There's no telling when I might end up in a place where technology is nonexistent, like a barren or desolate planet.
Fourth, I'll stockpile ready-made food, enough to last through any crisis.
Fifth, I'll store the essentials, clothing, tools, survival kits, and anything else I might need on short notice.
Her thoughts grew sharper. Medicine and weapons will be crucial too. I can't overlook those.
Ahcehera's breath hitched as she wandered deeper into the enchanted dimension.
The fields seemed truly endless, a boundless sanctuary that she now called her own.
"I can't believe this," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I... I own a space!"
Her laughter turned into tears of relief, her emotions spilling over. She cried, laughed, and cried again, overwhelmed by the enormity of what she had gained.
For the first time, Ahcehera felt like she had a real chance, not just to survive, but to thrive.
"I'll call this dimension, Cresencia."