Author: Yume Neiji

Tap. Tap.

“Ah?” The woman replied in surprise but her expression soon turned amusing.

Nobody really looked at me in the eye. Most were scared and instantly avoided my line of sight. I’m also used to woman only looking at me silently from behind. This is also the very first time I’m in a close range with a woman without feeling disgusted.

Her eyes where in light brown shade blending in with her sand blonde hair colour. It was tied in the commonly used loose fishtail style. Most women would be so conscious and ashamed of their freckles that they would even cower in a corner yet this woman excitedly traced every corner of my face with her twinkling eyes.

“Impressed?” I can’t help but blurt out as she seemed to be so engrossed that she did not even mind our close distance.

Her almond shaped eyes turned round of all a sudden. Surprise, disbelief and panic flashed thru her facial expression.

*Chuckles*

If I don’t have a good control, I think I would have laughed out. I had to admit this was a first for me to find a woman this interesting. I carefully held her waist as I supported her to seat. Her rosy smell assaulted my nose while her delicate waist seemed to sink in my palm.

Soft…. Cough!

“You are Lotte’s erm… friend?”

“Ah… yes, princess just took something inside.”

Her soft shaky voice seemed to scratch my heart. I’m not really used to this feeling…

“I see… will you guys be using this area?”

“Uhm… yes I guess?”

*Chuckles*

She looked like a lost dog… Gripping my hand, I abstained from patting her head. After I gentlemanly curtsied, I then moved back to the library.

I don’t really think she’s a Hallow…

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[Crown Prince Lewis’ POV]

I’m so bored lately that I inadvertently wished for something fun and that fun turned out to be the missing sacred sunstone…

Alongside with Lotte and Ghirar, we watched Aero’s every movement from the library window. Regretfully, Aero has his back against us so we really did not see a thing right after he arrived in front of Lotte’s friend.

Tsk. This guy really is no fun!

Sigh, I’m so bored recently and thankfully we have a mystery case.

“What do you guys think about Aero’s encounter?”

“Hmmm? Guys?” Lotte asked confusedly

*Chuckles*

Right, Lotte can’t tell an extra presence as Ghirar was in stealth mode. Purposely ruining the tiara’s position, Lotte seemed to have forgotten my slip of tongue.

 “Cousin, don’t ruin it! I don’t care whether you’re the crown prince, I’ll totally punch your face!”

Why was it that if Ghirar was not around this little girl would be so mannish?

“Oh Aero’s coming back…” I pointed out as Aero was now moving back to the library.

Eagerly waiting for Aero’s verdict, we locked our heads towards the door.

“Umm, brother what do you think?” Lotte curiously asked right after Aero opened the door.

Aero looked at us silently for a while before he nodded.

“Hmmm… she did seem different.”

“Right?, I knew something was wrong with Al-Hershey at that moment in the plaza.” Lotte declared confidently as she beamed to her serious looking brother.

“You really think she’s the one?”

Aero seemed to be hesitating but he then nodded after a while.

“Cousin, call big brother Ghirar quick!” Noticing another presence in the garden, Lotte then curtsied and swiftly run out of the library.

The moment Lotte’s presence was fully undetected, a shadowy figure started to emerge as Ghirar remove his stealth. He then calmly took an empty seat.

“Ghirar, what do you think?” Aero’s voice was now tinged with all seriousness. “I know you used your double on me.” He added

Wow! I did not notice that, this little brother surely surpass my mental capacity.

With two pair of eyes fixed on him, Ghirar chuckled as he answered, “Hmmm…  I won’t know until I cast Sun God’s blessing.”

“How about Lotte?”

“Hahahaha I knew it!” Ghirar guffawed but quickly answered as Aero was cracking his knuckles with all seriousness. “Lotte is still the same I guess… I also think that she really want to check on her friend.  Anyway, it’s rare for you to be worried about a woman…”

“Oh… where you?”

Noticing our voice laced with teasing, Aero returned to his normal cold aura. “Let’s just proceed with trying Sun God’s blessing!” He then marched out of the library without delay.

Ufufu… I think I found something interesting!

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Am I hallucinating?

I’m now face to face with a beautiful man! His velvet hair was styled in a slicked back waves enhancing his beautifully shaped jawline.  Even his skin looked so soft and smooth! He also smells so refreshing!

I especially love his eyes! Like Lotte’s, it was in a bluish green shade which was so expressive. My eyes were feasting at the moment! I’m totally romantically excited!

“Impressed?”

Waaa… even his baritone voice was so sexy!

Err… Wait! Voice?  Realizing that this man is real and not an illusion, I staggered backwards. Ouch! I ended up bumping my ankle into the side of the chair!

*Chuckles*

His baritone voice leaked out once more. He then helped me sit up properly. My poor ankle and heart! I feel so silly showing a disgrace like this!

Now looking at him from a safer distance, his attire depicts his status. He wore a zinc blue embellished steampunk tailcoat while a golden crest was embroidered on his black gloves.

“You are Lotte’s erm… friend?” he asked

“Ah… yes, princess just took something inside.” I could even tell my voice was shaky!

“I see… will you guys be using this area?”

“Uhm… yes I guess?”

Momentarily surprised with my unsure answer, he chuckled once again then he pardoned his self. Looking at his retreating broad back, I can’t help but feel a bit regretful… I hope he would just stay here until I have a fill of his beautifully crafted face.

Oi! I should snap out of it!

With few face taps, I tried to bring myself back. But surely, curiosity is an enemy as I’m still stuck on that guy’s identity!  

Velvet hair… bluish green eyes, could he be the crown prince?

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[Prince Aero’s POV]

Lotte barged in the library when we were in the midst of finding clues on the missing God’s tear – it was an egg-shaped cabochon sunstone believed to be the artifact left by Sun God to contain some of his powers. It lies quietly at the Sun God’s temple for more than a decade and yet it went missing three hours ago. It was usually seen floating on top of the temple’s fountain which was in the north end of the castle so it was supposed to be fully guarded.

With it missing, the royalties was tasked to look for it alongside a ‘Blessed’ – those that were chosen by God’s tear itself right upon birth. It was believed that other than the ‘Blessed’, anyone who tried to touch the sacred sunstone would experience some transformation. Sudden character changes would start to occur until the person himself could either be one of the ‘Blessed’’ or he would unfortunately turn into a ‘Hallow’.

 “Ah… I’m so sorry for startling you brother, cousin.” Lotte spoke yet she did not look like she was truly sorry at all.

Sigh. I thought she went shopping with her so called ‘friends’. I was about to ask her to quietly leave when her next words shocked us.

“Brother, Cousin! I think I knew a ‘Hallow’ candidate!”

Lotte seemed to be so confident about this… but her action was still doubtful.

Giving a go ahead gesture, Lotte began to point out her observations.

“Um, my friend Al–Hershey is totally different today. She used to be meek and she never looks at me in the eye. She also never talks back and would only display a small smile on her face.  But today, she not only answered me back but she also bravely fought up with my fierce stare!”

This…  

“Your point?, Are you sure it is not because she just had her fill of your attitude?”

After a brief pause, Lotte just nonchalantly replied. “Anyways, we should call big brother Ghirar over. He would be able to tell if the person is a candidate right?”

Ah Ghirar again… I’m doubting Lotte’s intention more. Looking at my right I can’t help but curse at this friend. He turned into his stealth state right away! Just how far did my sister fall for this one?

Seeing my doubt, Lewis secondly probed Lotte.

“Are you really sure your friend seemed to be doubtful? Or you just want to meet your big brother again?” Lewis – our cousin, teasingly asked.

Lotte blushed but did not sway. “You could check her out yourself. I left her alone in the garden.”

“Hahaha since she’s little Lotte’s friend you should take care of her Aero.” Lewis swiftly passed the ball to me.

I don’t know why I’m friends with this two people!

All heads turn to me as if awaiting my answer.

 “Tssk!”

“Go for it Aero!” Lewis laughingly voice out.

I could also feel Ghirar’s tap silently telling me to go for it. If this woman turns out to be someone renewed, we could readily take back the stone.

When I arrived in the garden, I found the woman in question but she is silently pulling her hair…

Her action doesn’t really look normal…

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Perplexed on how to address this so called villainess, the mood in the carriage remained sombre till we finally reached a stop.

With my mind full and hit with the sudden heroine like aura the villainess portrayed, I completely forgot our current destination. I only snapped out of it when uncle coachman declared that we have arrived at the castle.

The Royal Castle!

It would be my first time seeing an actual one! My heart started to beat with excitement. How I wish, I have my camera at the moment!

Excited, I hastily stepped out of the carriage.

Wow!

The grand residence was surely a sight to behold. From where I’m standing I could see a beautiful bluish hill. The royal castle could be seen peaking as it was nestled above the hill. Beyond north should be the cliff that serves as the death door for all deemed criminals.

What attracts my attention more was the vast plantation of multicoloured roses before the castle walls.  Peculiar purple colored roses where planted at the central area forming a beautiful rose pathway towards the castle gate.

I’m enjoying the view when the princess bypassed me. Oh no, I totally forgot my manners! Thankfully the princess seemed not to mind as she urged me to enter the gate.

The castle guards saluted politely and gestured us towards the line of parked carriage. It seems like there was a separate carriage specifically used inside the castle premises. The lined up carriage are royal blue in colour and have the golden crest of Lindor royalty – of course it was the chocolate’s logo itself.

Meekly sitting down, I enjoyed the view all the way to the castle – as if I’m having my own special tour!

We stopped right at the front of the circular fountain. The princess then led me towards the garden. At the center, there was a beautiful bird cage like structure. It was designed like those usually seen in wedding events. This should be a tea area as there was only a mounted porcelain table erected at its center while similarly golden plated chairs are formed around it. The creeping vines crawling on top of this tea area accented the area with its pinkish flowers. I truly can’t help but pinch one of the flowers…

Tap. Tap.

After successfully getting my attention, the princess once again looked at me silently.

This… I’m so stupid! I completely forgot that I am not alone here!

While seated, Princess Lotte calmly looked at me as I animatedly enjoyed the beautiful surrounding. “Did you prepare the things I asked you previously?”

Ah? What thing?

Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap… The continuous tapping simply describes the princess’ impatience. But I really don’t know ah!

“Ahmm, Princess… could you please enlighten me about it?”

Princess Lotte abruptly stopped tapping and look at me incredulously. As if losing her patience, she then waved her hand and marched inside the castle. I stood dumbly for a while before I finally realized the mistake I’ve made.

Oh no…

I helplessly slumped down the nearest chair. I was so excited seeing an actual castle that I completely forgot that I don’t know the current script! After the event of killing that father and daughter in town, I should now be at my own home… but since the plot in town has changed… did I in adversely triggered my own death flag?!

What the hell should I do?

Pulling my hair, I tried to recall the next event but it was to no avail! This was not in the plot at all! Hershey’s first castle appearance should be when the sidekicks were gathered on the day of the God’s thanksgiving …

Tap. Tap.

“Ah?” Startled with the sudden tap, I swiftly stood up only to be stunned as I’m now on a super close range with an extremely handsome man…

Gulp. Who is this deity?!

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Erm….

I don’t know what to do! I was supposed to be angry too!

I wanted to complain yet this villainous princess stared at me silently! The moment I was pushed inside the carriage, the princess never uttered a word except for ordering the coachman to move.

She sat silently while her hawk like gaze never left me. At first, I dare not to face her and only watched her hands gripping the golden fan. But when the carriage finally began moving, I’m left in this eye to eye position.

Should I avert my eyes?

But predators eat their prey right after the prey turn their back!

“So… when did you have this courage… Miss Almonds?”

Huh? Miss Almonds?

I could not help but gape in shock… the princess called her minion formally…

Gulp. Could this be a flag for an early end?

“I… Pardon me princess…. I really thought it was due to the delicious flavour so it was sold out…”

The princess looked at me up and down then her gaze lingered on my eyes once more.  With a clank, her golden fan opened up revealing the glittery golden feathers.

As if to drive away her irritation, she furiously fanned herself. After a while, she lazily pointed out the rectangular shaped white box at my far right.

“I thought you two think that the cookies are not passable – thus ordering you two to get hold of the cookie merchant. I never knew you were just blindly following my orders…”

Somehow, I felt that the princess’ voice seemed to have a tinge of melancholy.  “Now taste that right in front of me!” –Or not… Her mood seemed to quickly change as she now arrogantly ordered around.

Ai… the life of a mere sidekick…

Left with no choice, I meekly followed her order. When I took a bite, I was taken aback! The cookie was not really delicious! I only tasted the sweetness of the sugar and marshmallows itself and it was only momentarily.  The cookie bread absolutely has no taste!

“Was it really delicious?” the princess questioned once more.

With a silly smile, I shook my head. I looked at the princess like a poor puppy to gain forgiveness. But internally, I’m pondering why the cookies were this tasteless!

“It has been a decade… When Chef Rocher left, the delicious cookies where gone. I clearly remembered the flavour and taste as if it was just yesterday’s baking so that was clearly a fake!” The princess was even gritting her teeth in anger…

Chef Rocher…. It does not ring a bell! I clearly don’t recall killing a Chef character…

“Multiple kitchens have tried creating a sweet delicacy, yet this was the latest product said to be made deliciously! I’ve finally known that it was one of the fired royal chefs who sold this. I’m not doing this on a whim! I’m only trying to stop someone from selling a fake delicacy!”

Ah?

I looked at the villainess who gripped the cookies into dust… From my view, she looked like a valiant gourmet hunter who thrives for her perfect recipe…

I noted this character as a villain yet right now, she does not uphold a villainess aura… her entire being exudes a heroic vitality. My heart was even pounding at the moment! My mind says that I’ll do my best to make this beauty happy…

Was this because I’m now a villain’s sidekick?

 I don’t think so…Lotte Yverre Lindor… just… how should I treat you?

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I’m totally speechless!

I’m now a side character and a villain’s sidekick even!

From my old notes, I’ve noted Hershey’s character as a loyal dog. She was totally submissive to the princess as she was so scared of the villain’s fury. Almond Joy was similarly tagged as the fierce cat as she was responsible for doing most of the bad deeds!

“Hershey… we should just come clean to the princess. Forget about catching that man, not securing cookies was not our fault at the first place.” She then pulled my hand as we move out of the alley.

Catch who?

Ah– Right! In my previously written plot, the two sidekicks failed to secure cookies evoking the princess’ irritation. Thereby, the princess was already fully irritated when the poor lady tumbled and accidentally spilled the oil she bought on the princess’s precious dress – resulting to a double casualty!

My first chapter turned out to be so cruel!

I need to prevent that thing to happen!

While thinking for a solution, I got dragged and tottered behind Al- Joy. It was so poor of me to set Almond as a name… thankfully, Hershey was still acceptable.

When Joy finally stopped, I can’t help but be in awe. I only describe the villain as a beautiful woman with velvet hair yet the actual one is a sight to behold! The villainous princess turned out to be an epitome of beauty!

She wore a combination of blue and black medieval renaissance dress. Small crystals where embedded on the dresses hem making her leave glittery sparks as she move towards us.

With only a small tiara as hair ornament, her wavy velvet hair softly flowed down her butt. Her crescent eyes have bluish green hue making her look so outstanding. No need to guess her nose and lips as they were perfect! She even has a porcelain skin… If the villain is already this beautiful, what would the heroine look like?

I suddenly feel excited meeting Caramelle…

Cough! This was not the time to admire the beauty of my creations. Thankfully, Joy moved forward and reported the cookie case right away. She did not dare look at the princess as she speaks, “Princess Lotte, we failed to secure the cookies…”

“What?!!!”

Joy’s voice turned into a mumble at the last second yet this villain’s ears were so sharp! I did not even get to hear what where Joy’s last words. The princess is now smacking her golden fan on Joy’s shoulder mercilessly…

Deep Breath!

“P-Princess it was so delicious that it was fully sold out! I…” I was supposed to bravely declare that I could just bake her some sweets but their sudden head turn scared the hell out of me!

Wha… What’s wrong?  Joy’s look was even scarier than the princess! I just saved you, you know?

“What delicious? You find that hard bread delicious?!!”

Ah?

Cookies were supposed to be a sweet delicacy here right? This should not be wrong as I always mention ‘cookies’ whenever the characters craved for sweet things.  Ay, what a sad world, why did I not include candies, cakes, pudding, chocolates even if only writing it in the passing?

Fuming, the princess turned on me and shakes me endlessly. “Explain to me why that hard bread thing was delicious!”

I could clearly see stars now… I’m so nauseated by the shaking… the villainess turned out to be this strong! I’m about to answer when we suddenly heard Joy scream. Letting me go quickly, the princess rushed towards Joy.

Though a little dizzy, I saw Joy and a lady slumped down the multi-colored stone pavement. After the dizziness left me, I breathed a sigh of relief as it was thankfully Joy who suffered the oil mess. Her cream dress now has clear wet marks obviously due to the splattered oil.

The young lady continuously begged for forgiveness and since Joy was the victim, she was easily pardoned.

“Tsssk… Almond 1…”

“Pffftttt!… Hahaha!!!” I could not hold it in. The sidekicks were really called Almond 1 and 2.

I almost choke on my laughter as the Princess looked at me menacingly…

“You are excused. You may retire but remember to come to the castle before tea time!”

After quickly giving that order, Princess Lotte then pulled my long hair – dragging me with her towards the carriage.

Ouch!!! The hell with this villain! My hair ah… my poor hair!

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“Whaaa–at”

 Did I hit my head?

Why am I suddenly in this place?

This red bricked alley was clearly where my old plot started!

At the front, I could see the bustling street as people flock in their medieval attire! There was even that fat fruit uncle in his tavern clothing…

Waaa… Did I suddenly die?

No… no… That was impossible… I’m a healthy 23 year old woman!

T-Transmigrated?  But why? … Oh no, my dream villa!!!!

“Hiiik!”

I gasp in surprise as I suddenly felt coldness behind me….

Was… was it the sword? Did I become that poor young lady who the villainess disposed as she had dirtied her clothes? B-but the fat uncle was still there happily selling pears! 

From what I had written, this fat uncle would turn maniacal after his daughter’s unjust death…

As this red bricked alley was set-up that both front and back leads to a bustling market side, I could not really tell if the princess’ knight was really right behind me!

I was about to beg for forgiveness and ask leniency when a cold and chilling voice suddenly spoke right behind my ears – scaring the hell out of me!

[10 long years…. Finally you’re here!]

[It was now time to atone for your wrongs…]

[Satisfy me and MAYBE I could turn you back to your own time and space.]

After uttering these words, the voice disappeared along with the sudden cold – instantly releasing me from that creepy cold. With a deep breath, I looked back only to find that there was no one behind me!

I’m all alone in this alley… I’m scared alright!

Who the heck was that?

Satisfy her? How?

From her words, it turns out that I was sucked in my own book? 10 years… is it just coincidental? I’ve clearly created the book 10 years back… but why the sudden grudge?

Cry… Just what have I done wrong?

If I’m really here now… who’s the lucky girl I switched up with? Cough! Let me rephrase that, who did the poor me become?

“Inhale… exhale, Ha!” After repeating this for three minutes, I finally stabilized my emotions. For now, let’s get to know my identity! Most importantly there is good thing – I havea chance to go back!

The forming smile instantly froze as I realized that I don’t even have a single clue as to where should I start! There was supposed to be a sudden memory downpour!!!

“Hiiik!”

I was once again startled. I’m in the middle of lamenting, when I felt a quick shoulder tap. Robotically looking back, I heaved a sigh of relief as I finally saw someone!

The woman before me wore a cream off shoulder dress in a wench Victorian Renaissance style. Her long brunette hair was styled in a dual braided bun highlighting her small cute face. She would be a stunning beauty if not for the thick freckles on her face ah!

Wait freckles… Don’t tell me…

“A-Almond?”

“Un, where you hiding here because you also failed to secure some cookies as evidence?”

My God! She’s really Almond!

I’m totally freaking out!

Almond Joy Freddo, one of the sidekicks of the villain! In the character list, she and her duo would be the sacrifices for the princess to escape death. To be an acquaintance of a villain’s sidekick, I could either be a relative or that…

U-oohh…  Did she just say failing to secure… cookies?

If – if that’s the case, then… did I really become that other Almond?

Hershey Almonds… Almond Joy…

Dear Lord, I’m just laughing at this two people’s poor naming sense previously! Who would have thought I would even become one of the poor Almond!!

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Tak. Tak. Tak.

After replying to one of my avid fan, I happily dived into the sofa. Glancing at my laptop blinking with few more new messages, my eyes turned into crescents instantly.

Ah, I’ve finally became a certified novelist!

Who would have thought that my creations would someday be this popular? Looking around this small condo unit, I’m now much more excited to move to the dream villa I’ve finally purchased!

Right, I need to pack!

Moving back to my BlogSpot, I replied to their questions and said goodbye by tipping of a new series to be released soon.

Closing my laptop, I moved on to fixing my things. As the large boxes where ready, I only need to put things on. Of course, the first to be packed should be my collection of books. Carefully placing each book in the box, I noticed a certain notebook switched in one of my old books.

‘Chocolate’s Bliss’

The words where handwritten and nostalgia hit me as it was clearly my handwriting 10 years back!

Flipping thru it, I can’t help but laugh as it was certainly amateurly written. The first page says the synopsis of the novel and it was obvious not fully finalized as there were even many cross outs. The next page describes each character but the naming sense was so funny.

Reading the first chapter, I can’t help but lament as I emphasized the villain’s love for sweets but the sweets described only resulted to a hard baked cookies sprinkled with sugar and mallows on it. Was this because 10 years back, we’re still poor and this was the only thing I can afford?

Nonetheless, this is a good find!

Hit with an inspiration, I decided to encode the story and edit it in the passing. This should become my ongoing project!

Excitement engulfed me as I began to pin the name and scenario changes. In the midst of encoding the first chapter, I suddenly felt thirst. I decided to get up and quickly get some liquid.

When I turned back, I think I’m dreaming wide awake!!! Ouch!! My pinch hurts…

No! I’ve finally lost it!

I am no longer inside my condo unit but in a bustling alley instead!

This was cl-clearly my Chapter 1’s scenario! 

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