chapter twenty-two

[ IN WHICH SHE SETTLES IN ]

The birds in the air chirp loudly, filling the morning sky with music.

With a smile plastered on my face, I take the first step out of the mansion— or should I call it the Grand Alkhemi? It feels like forever since I stepped outside, under the naked sky. Well, it has indeed been quite a long time. I had been locked inside of my chambers for the past three weeks. Whenever I tried to leave, the guards by the door would reply me, saying that the King has restricted my movements for my safety.

But as usual, I don’t take orders from higher authorities. I forced my way out, even if it meant slamming a chair into the guards’ heads by the door. They aren’t human, so it will barely affect their health.

Today is a nice day to disobey the King.

I smile at the cloudy sky, sniffing the fresh scent of flowers from a nearby garden. Several maids, workers, and servants surround the area. Some carry on with their chores as they clean the inside of the mansion, dusting t