Charles sat on the soft velvet sofa, his posture noticeably stiff and uneasy. Only a few minutes ago, he had been laughing and chatting happily with Celestia, completely carefree and relaxed. But now, the atmosphere was entirely different. A royal knight had come to summon him to this private chamber.
And seated right in front of him was Elowen.
His heart hammered rapidly against his ribs, nervousness spreading through his entire body. On the low table between them sat a cup of tea, steam gently rising from its surface, yet Charles merely stared at it without daring to touch it. His foot tapped rhythmically and nervously against the floor as he struggled to suppress the rising anxiety inside him.
"Is there a reason you aren't drinking your tea?" Elowen's calm voice broke the heavy silence surrounding them.
Charles flinched slightly, quickly reaching out to grasp the cup and taking a slow sip. It was warm and soothing, but not enough to truly calm his racing heart or quieten his anxious thoughts.
Did she see me walking and talking with Celestia earlier? Is this why I have been called here privately?
"Am I someone who frightens you, Charles?" Elowen asked suddenly.
Immediately, Charles shook his head vigorously.
"N-no, Your Highness! Not at all..."
Though deep down, he knew he wasn't being entirely honest. He carefully placed the teacup back onto the table and asked softly, trying desperately to sound steady and composed:
"May I ask... why did Your Highness summon me here today?"
Inwardly, he prayed fervently—Please, please let her not know anything about my feelings or what happened earlier.
Elowen looked straight at him, her gaze steady and unblinking, as though she was seeing right through every thought and emotion he tried to hide.
"What exactly is your relationship with my sister?"
The question came completely without warning, catching Charles entirely off guard and freezing him in place instantly.
"N-Nothing!" he blurted out hurriedly. "I am merely a humble jester and entertainer... someone of my status could never possibly have any close relationship or connection with a royal princess. I know clearly where I belong and exactly my place within this palace."
Elowen frowned slightly. "I never suggested anything inappropriate or forbidden. You are overthinking things."
Charles fell silent instantly, feeling foolish yet still terrified.
"I still remember clearly," Elowen continued slowly, her voice calm and even, "the very first day you stepped foot inside this royal palace."
Charles nodded quietly. "Yes, Your Highness. I remember it too."
"You arrived here simply to entertain Celestia... exactly when she was at her lowest point, lonely, vulnerable and sad."
Elowen's tone remained unchanged and steady, yet somehow Charles felt as though every single word carried far deeper meaning and weight than it sounded.
"And over time... you fell in love with her."
"I... yes, Your Highness..."
The words slipped past his lips before he could stop or hold them back. Charles instantly froze, his eyes widening in pure shock and fear at his own confession. He knew immediately—he had just made the biggest mistake of his life.
Heavy silence filled the room, pressing against his chest. Charles bowed his head deeply, tightly clasping his hands together in his lap, his whole body tense and ready. He prepared himself to be scolded, punished, or even banished forever from the palace.
However—
"I know."
Charles slowly lifted his head, eyes wide with utter disbelief and surprise written clearly all over his face.
"Your Highness... you aren't angry with me?"
Elowen looked back at him calmly, almost as though his question made absolutely no sense at all to her.
"Why exactly should I be angry?"
"But... I am just a lowly jester, yet I harbour feelings for a princess..."
Elowen let out a soft sigh, shaking her head gently.
"I have never been the kind of person who judges others merely by their titles, social standing or status."
She leaned back comfortably in her chair, fixing her gaze firmly upon him.
"There is only one thing that truly matters to me, Charles." Her eyes were sharp and intense now, leaving absolutely no room for misunderstanding.
"Whether or not you are truly capable of protecting and looking after my sister... and keeping her safe and happy."
Her words struck deep within his heart, making his chest feel heavy with emotion and realisation. Everything he had always believed and assumed about Elowen—that she was cruel, cold-hearted, ruthless and unfeeling—began to crumble completely, piece by piece, replaced by the truth right before his eyes.
"I apologise..." he whispered quietly and humbly. "Deep down... I still feel I am not worthy enough to stand beside Princess Celestia."
Elowen did not reply immediately. Instead, she slowly rose from her seat and walked towards him. Her footsteps were quiet and slow, yet each movement made Charles instinctively tense his muscles in nervousness.
"If you truly believe that yourself," she spoke softly as she stopped right in front of him, "then you must work hard and make absolutely sure... that no one else ever takes the place you desire to hold beside her."
Charles lifted his head to look into her eyes, confusion mixed with hope clearly visible within them.
"What exactly does Your Highness mean?"
"My sister is destined to become the Queen of this kingdom one day." Her voice remained gentle, yet every single word carried undeniable weight and authority.
"And the world outside these palace walls will never treat her gently or kindly."
She continued firmly:
"People will whisper and gossip behind her back. They will criticise and judge her every single move. They will constantly search for her weaknesses and faults... even when none actually exist."
Charles swallowed hard, listening intently to every warning she gave him.
"If you truly choose to stay by her side and walk this difficult path alongside her..." Elowen leaned slightly closer, looking deep into his soul with a serious expression,
"...then you must become strong enough and brave enough to face all of that and protect her against everything and everyone."
Silence hung between them for a brief moment. Then slowly, a faint, subtle smile appeared upon Elowen's lips.
"I am certainly not going to stop you from being with her, Charles."
Hope instantly sparked brightly within Charles' heart, warming him completely.
"However," she added quickly—the smile never quite reaching her eyes, remaining cold and sharp—"do not misunderstand my words and intentions. I am definitely not giving you my unconditional approval or permission."
The air around them suddenly felt heavier and tenser than before.
"As long as you choose to remain beside Celestia..." Elowen lowered her voice until it was barely more than a whisper, but every word rang loud and terrifyingly clear in Charles' ears.
"...make sure, with your whole life and soul, that you never become the reason for her tears, her pain or her suffering."
Charles held his breath, his heart pounding wildly again—but this time from fear mixed with deep determination.
"Because if you ever hurt her, betray her trust or cause her harm in any way..." Elowen stood tall and straight once again, her presence commanding absolute authority and seriousness.
"...believe me when I say—there will be absolutely nowhere in this world you can run or hide from the consequences."
Charles bowed his head deeply in complete submission and understanding.
"I... I understand clearly, Your Highness." His voice trembled slightly, yet held a newfound firmness and determination he had never felt before.
"I swear... I will never betray her or break her heart."
Elowen simply nodded once, short and sharp.
"Good."
Charles stood up slowly and walked out of the chamber, his heart still beating fast and hard inside his chest—but this time... not entirely out of fear or anxiety. It was beating fast because he realised clearly—he had been granted a precious chance and an opportunity he never thought possible.
Yet at the very same time... he knew he had just made a solemn vow and promise to her that he must never, ever break under any circumstances.
...........
Ashveil stood inside his office, surrounded by stacks of documents that nearly covered the entire surface of his large table. Invitations sent out to nobles, detailed security instructions, and lists of arrangements for the upcoming national anniversary celebration—every single matter had to be handled perfectly, leaving absolutely no room for mistakes or oversights.
His hands moved swiftly and skillfully, sorting and organising the piles of papers one by one. At the corner of his desk lay a small written note—the special order for Elowen's favourite cake. It was such a tiny, simple thing, yet in his eyes, it was just as important as everything else. He was determined to ensure Elowen never had to carry unnecessary burdens or worries, no matter how small they might seem to others.
The sound of the door opening broke his concentration. Without turning around to look, Ashveil spoke calmly while continuing his work.
"Elowen, forgive me. I am still quite busy with these matters, so I may not be able to—"
His voice stopped abruptly mid‑sentence.
"Ashveil... are you looking for my sister?"
This voice... definitely did not belong to Elowen.
Ashveil instantly turned around. Standing at the doorway was Princess Celestia. He immediately lowered his head respectfully and apologised sincerely.
"Princess Celestia, please forgive my rudeness and lack of manners just now."
"There is nothing to forgive," Celestia replied calmly and softly. "I know very well how busy you have been lately, handling and managing everything for Elowen."
Ashveil slowly raised his head to look at her.
"Is there anything I can do for you, Your Highness?"
Celestia walked slowly into the room, her eyes glancing briefly across the neatly arranged documents and files spread everywhere.
"Ashveil..." Her tone of voice shifted slightly, becoming softer yet heavier. "Do you truly believe... that I will make a good Queen for Wonderveil?"
The unexpected question caught Ashveil off guard and silenced him for a brief moment.
"I... I do not think I am in a position worthy enough to judge or comment on such matters, Your Highness," he answered carefully and cautiously. "All major decisions belong entirely to Elowen. I simply follow her orders and carry out her will."
Celestia looked at him for a long moment, her gaze steady and observant—as though she was carefully analysing and weighing up everything about him.
"You love her, don't you?"
The question was spoken casually, just like that—without any prior warning or preparation.
Ashveil froze completely, his heart skipping a beat.
"...Feelings like these are not important to me, Your Highness," he replied steadily after a short pause. "Elowen is strong and capable enough to stand on her own two feet perfectly well without anyone's help."
"Yet despite knowing this," Celestia countered gently, "you still willingly choose to remain constantly by her side no matter what happens."
Ashveil remained silent, offering no response.
"You are willing to sacrifice your time, your energy... and even your very own life for her sake."
"Your Highness..." Ashveil interrupted softly but respectfully. "Everything I do is simply proof of my absolute loyalty towards her and nothing more."
"Is that truly so?" Celestia gave a faint, mysterious smile. "How very interesting indeed."
She took a few slow steps closer towards him.
"I have always believed... that a man like you would never run away or abandon those you serve or care about."
Ashveil's heart thumped hard and fast within his chest. There was something hidden deep within her words, something heavy and profound.
"...What exactly does Your Highness mean by that statement?"
Celestia looked straight into his eyes, her expression serious and meaningful.
"This is actually the second time we are standing face‑to‑face right here in this room, Ashveil."
The whole world seemed to freeze and stop moving around him instantly. Long‑buried memories rushed violently back into his mind—the terrifying image of the guillotine, the sight of fresh blood spilling everywhere... and the final desperate choice he had made at the very end of his life.
Ashveil tightly clenched his fists, his breathing becoming slightly heavier and unsteady.
"How... how could Your Highness possibly know about all of this?" His voice came out low and hoarse.
Celestia smiled calmly, her eyes shining with secrets.
"That... shall remain my secret for now."
She turned her face slightly away from him, gazing thoughtfully out of the window toward the distance.
"But listen closely to what I am about to tell you." Her voice became firmer, deeper and much more serious.
"Never trust anything or anyone simply because they appear kind, beautiful or good on the surface."
Ashveil frowned deeply in confusion and concern.
"Your Highness... what exactly are you trying to tell me?"
"The true enemies," Celestia spoke slowly and clearly, emphasising every single word, "will never openly reveal themselves or show their true colours to you."
Her words pressed heavily upon Ashveil's heart and mind, making him feel uneasy and tense inside.
"Stay right beside my sister no matter what happens," she instructed firmly. "Through everything—good or bad, easy or difficult."
She turned back around to face him once more.
"Elowen and I... we are certainly not enemies to one another."
For a fleeting moment, absolute honesty and sincerity shone clearly within her eyes.
"We simply... made terrible mistakes and wrong choices in our past lives."
Without waiting for Ashveil to reply or respond in any way, Celestia calmly walked out of his office and closed the door softly behind her.
Ashveil remained standing motionless in exactly the same spot, his mind in utter chaos and turmoil.
She knows about the timeline reversal...
Does she remember everything exactly as I do? Or does she simply know facts and outcomes somehow?
Who exactly possesses such immense power that allows them to completely rewrite time and change history itself?
And far more importantly... who or what exactly was she referring to when she spoke of our true hidden enemy?
Slowly, his eyes drifted downwards toward the piles of documents spread all over his desk. Everything appeared completely ordinary, organised, normal and as it should be—almost too perfect, almost too normal to be real.
"...Never trust things that taste sweet or look beautiful on the outside..." he whispered quietly to himself in realisation.
For the very first time since everything began all over again... Ashveil began to feel deep doubt and suspicion toward absolutely everyone and everything around him.