Chapter 2 Mission Begins!

"Forest, prepare yourself. We're going to retrieve the antidote from my brother's opponent."

She grimaced and shook her head.

"You've never fought a real battle in your life, Princess Yuemie. And now you want to steal the antidote from the very person who poisoned Prince Lucas?" She let out a helpless sigh. "That sounds less like a rescue mission and more like suicide."

A soft laugh escaped my lips as I grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward the door.

"I've already made up my mind."

I had to save my brother.

I knew the horrors of Dragon's Breath better than anyone. Its victims had no more than six months to live, two spent trapped in an endless coma, and the remaining four consumed by agony until death finally claimed them.

No matter the cost, I had to obtain that antidote before it was too late.

"Do you even know where we're going?" Forest asked with a weary sigh as she carefully packed several bars of gold into our travel satchel. Gold was all we intended to bring. On a journey of uncertain length, coin would prove far more valuable than jewels.

"That'll be easy," I replied with a confident grin. "There are plenty of gossips beyond the palace walls."

She sighed again, this time in utter disbelief.

"And what if someone recognizes you?"

I let out a soft laugh.

"Impossible. I've never once stepped beyond the palace gates. Who would recognize the hidden princess of Hulorya Mountain Palace?"

Forest simply shook her head in resignation. She knew there was no changing my mind.

If our father intended to abandon my brother...

Then I would save him myself.

Lucas had always stood between me and our father's wrath. Whenever Father's anger fell upon me, my brother was there to shield me from it. Every lesson I had learned, every skill I had mastered, every ounce of strength I possessed, I owed to him. He had guided me with unwavering patience, never expecting anything in return.

He was more than the Crown Prince.

He was my brother.

The one person who had always believed in me.

"Who the hell is Evander?" Forest blurted out.

I immediately clamped a hand over her mouth before the nearby gossips could overhear us.

"Quiet," I whispered sharply.

Once we were safely out of earshot, I let out an irritated sigh.

"Evander..." I muttered under my breath. "So that's his name."

Forest rubbed her jaw and shot me an uneasy look.

"How are we supposed to get into Two Heart Mountain Palace?" she asked. "That's the territory of our enemies."

"We'll simply become one of them," I replied without hesitation.

Forest stared at me in disbelief, but before she could argue, I hoisted our luggage onto my shoulder and continued down the mountain path.

Leaving Hulorya Mountain Palace behind, we set out on our journey toward Two Heart Mountain Palace.

The moment we crossed into their territory, I noticed how different everything was.

Ancient trees stretched endlessly across the land, their emerald canopies weaving together to hide the sky. The air was richer with spiritual energy than it was back home, and the people carried themselves with an effortless elegance.

Their clothing was equally distinctive, unlike the modest robes of Hulorya, the people of Two Heart Mountain Palace wore garments that revealed far more skin. Women's dresses left their shoulders and backs bare, with flowing skirts split high along the thighs,

To avoid drawing suspicion, Forest and I purchased garments identical to those worn by the locals and changed into them before venturing any farther.

"This outfit reveals far too much skin," Forest grumbled, turning from side to side as she inspected herself.

I couldn't help but smile as I looked at my own attire.

The modest robes of Hulorya were gone.

In their place was a flowing crimson dress that left my shoulders bare, its fitted bodice accentuating my figure before the skirt fell gracefully to my ankles, parted by a high slit that exposed one leg as I walked. Fine golden chains draped across my waist, and translucent sleeves fluttered gently with every movement.

I hardly recognized the woman staring back at me.

She looked nothing like the secluded princess of Hulorya.

She looked like she belonged here.

And... I didn't hate it.

For the first time, no one expected me to sit with perfect posture, speak only when spoken to, or behave as though the weight of the kingdom rested upon my shoulders.

"Should we buy some hair ornaments? Maybe a few jewels?" Forest asked, adjusting the gold chain around her waist.

I tilted my chin with an exaggerated smile.

"I don't think that's necessary."

Forest narrowed her eyes.

"I'm already beautiful enough."

She groaned.

"Your confidence is truly terrifying."

I laughed, linking my arm through hers.

"So," she asked, "where are we going first?"

I scanned the bustling streets until the irresistible aroma of grilled meat drifted through the air.

"A restaurant," I declared.

Forest stared at me.

"We came here to find the antidote."

"I know," I replied with an innocent smile. "But heroes can't save anyone on an empty stomach." Before Forest could protest, I grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her toward the restaurant, laughing as she stumbled after me.

"I'll go place our order," Forest said before making her way toward the counter.

I nodded and searched for an empty table instead.

The restaurant was overflowing with people. Judging by the long line stretching to the entrance and the lavish interior adorned with carved wood, crystal lanterns, and gilded ornaments, it was one of the most renowned establishments in Two Heart Mountain Palace.

"I still can't believe we win the Blessed Rain  this year," a young woman at the neighboring table said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"I know!" her companion replied, unable to hide the blush spreading across her cheeks. "Evander was incredible, wasn't he?"

Their conversation immediately caught my attention.

I remained silent, pretending not to listen while discreetly keeping an ear on every word.

"I heard Her Majesty is considering appointing him as the next Chief Warrior," the other woman whispered. "After everything he accomplished, no one else is more deserving."

"They say he often dines here. I hope we're lucky enough to see him today."

I have a chance to meet him!

Just then, Forest returned, balancing a tray laden with our food.

Before she could set it down, I grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her into the seat beside me.

"Easy!" she hissed. "You're going to make me spill everything."

Ignoring her complaint, I leaned closer and tugged lightly on her ear before lowering my voice to a whisper.

"I overheard the women at the next table. They said Evander comes here all the time." A smile tugged at my lips. "If we're lucky, we might see him today."

Forest's eyes widened.

She immediately gave me an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

"Want me to stab him the moment he walks in?" she whispered. "It'll make stealing the antidote much easier."

I smacked her lightly on the arm. "Bad wolf."

"We're doing this my way," I said firmly. "First, I'll get close to him. Once he's lowered his guard and we've earned his trust, I'll steal the antidote." Forest nodded repeatedly and start eating. 

Hunger eventually won over our patience, and we finished every last bite of our meal. An hour passed. Yet Evander never appeared.