Chapter 9: Witch

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The Chancellor stared at me with his mouth wide open. He quickly stood up and ran upstairs to the second floor. I can see him running around like the chicken with its head cut off as if he was looking for something. Books were being tossed left and right. He went to each bookshelf at top speed.

"No, no, this is not it! Time-traveling? Could It be under science? Perhaps nonfiction? History? No! Nonsense! Think Hansol. THINK! AH! FOUND IT!"

He quickly ran downstairs and began searching through the book.

"Princess. You said, 'In my world.' What do you mean by that? I studied a bit of time travel theories. There have been a few cases by mages in the magic tower about it being possible. However, how do you know about other worlds?! I knew you were special. That's it. THAT'S IT!"

Yep. This whole family is crazy.

"'Princess, I am the Chancellor of this country. However, I am also a scholar. Meaning, I am more than qualified to teach. I hope I can become your professor once you are the required age. You will help me with this time-traveling business. Do you understand? It is the best of both worlds!.... Get it?"

You are the biggest dork.

"Dork? What is that? Wait. If you are from another word, you must come from another dimension! That is why you speak in an uneducated manner! Is the world you come from full of monkeys? Do they not have scholars? Do they not teach manners or etiquette?"

I'm leaving.

I slowly made my way down the sofa and began to wobble towards the door.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

"Chancellor, a message from the gates! They are here! His majesty and lord Ezra are finally at the gates! The ceremony will begin shortly!"

Hansol's face quickly lit up, grabbed me into his arms, and began to walk quickly.

"Do not worry, Princess! I will do everything in my power to make the emperor love you and cherish you."

Before we knew it, we were outside and heading towards the entrance of the imperial palace. Noble guards, knights, maids, and butlers were all lined up in unison waiting for the emperor and Erza to come. Considering that they are entering the country's gates, it will take a while before they reach the imperial palace.

Hansol held me tightly in his arms as we waited for their arrival.

My heart began to race. I suddenly felt my body temperature rise by the second. My nerves caused me to get chills down my spine and make me slightly shake.

Hansol looked at me from the corner of his eye. We both looked at each other.

I am scared… of the emperor. I... don't think he will be too happy to see me right now. What if he tries to hurt me again?

I felt my eyes water. My vision became blurry from the water in my eyes.

Hansol gently smiled and patted my back.

"Now now, Princess. He will never hurt you. Do you know why? Because your uncle and I will risk our lives to keep you safe, Princess. You have our word."

I sighed in relief and smiled. I placed my head on Hansol's shoulder and closed my eyes.

After waiting for what it felt like a lifetime, they opened the imperial gates.

"Wake up, Princess, they have arrived." said Hansol.

I can feel my heartbeat once again. I really should not be here. Just take me back to my tower. I am happy about how my life is. Being the shadow princess is no matter to me. Actually, I can die again and go back to my regular life.

"May the sun, moon, and stars shine upon the Giodivonian empire! All hail, the emperor, Xavier de Giodivonia! All hail, The Grand Commander,Erza de Giodivonia! May the Gods be in their favor!"

As the crowd went wild, I could see the trashman and my uncle come through the imperial gates with their palace horses. Wow… Though I hate that trashman, I have to admit. He looks like a painting.

How can someone be so damn handsome? Especially someone who just came from war and traveled a long-distance? People's beauty is just too unreal in this world. I can see my uncle's stern face from afar. I can see the resemblance. It is hard to believe, but cousin Hansol also has specific features of the emperor. One can quickly determine they are family.

Both men got off their horses and walked along the red carpet covered in white rose petals.

As they walked towards the imperial palace, maids, butlers, workers, knights, and guards bowed in unison.

I can see my uncle's face light up as our eyes met.

"My my have you grown, Princess! Look at you! You were so small before I left. Come here."

He said as he grabbed me from Hansol's arms.

I looked at the emperor, and he looked at me. The tension is fierce. I can feel my skin boiling from his hot glare.

"Who did you say this child was, Ezra?" he commanded as he continued to glare me down.

"This is your daughter, the princess, Your Majesty." They both said at the same time.

His facial expression turned sour. His eyebrows furrowed together, and his eye color turned from green to red instantly.

Crap. I've seen that look before. I think I will die soon. I need to make myself cry so Ezra can sense the tension. Quick. Cry.

Finally! I felt tears run through my face, and I quickly hugged Ezra's neck, facing away from the trashman.

"Your majesty, you are scaring the princess." Said Ezra as he gently patted the back of my head.

"Princess, you say? The Princess died along with my wife, long ago. Whoever you are holding is but a mere impersonator. Get that parasite out of my sight before I have the guards throw it out." He commanded as he walked away.

"Hansol, follow me. Let's talk in private."

"I missed you so much, Princess! I thought I was going to die of how much I missed you!" he said as he kissed my forehead.

I can feel his sincerity and his attempt to make me calm. Wow, that was tough. At least he did not snatch me out of Ezra's arms and tried throwing me into the lake like last time.

"What is the meaning of this Hansol? You dare betray me with such disrespect!?" Xavier yelled as he slammed the door behind Hansol.

He stomped towards the imperial desk as he ripped off his cape.

Hansol crossed his arms and walked towards Xavier with composure.

"I do not know what you mean, your majesty. In what possible way did I offend the leader of this empire? How can I learn from my mistakes if you do not tell me?"

"You know damn well, Hansol! Considering you are a mind reader of all things, you know exactly what I am talking about! How dare you take that… that... Parasite from it's home?! WHO ARE YOU TO UNDERMINE MY DEMAND?!" He yelled as he slammed his fist on the desk.

"By parasite, I am going to assume you mean your daughter. By thing, you mean the Princess of this empire. In that case, she had every right to attend the arrival ceremony of her father and uncle. I did not undermine anyone's demand. In fact, it is YOU who undermined Giodivonia's demands. I do not fear you, Xavier. You are powerful, wise, and have the final say, as the emperor of this empire. However, do not also forget YOUR place as emperor. You still have to respect the Giodivonian Gods."

SLAP!

Xavier suddenly struck Hansol across the face.

"Pretending to be the emperor for a few of years must have confused your position. You are my Chancellor. You handle my law affairs and meetings. Remember that. Next time, I will not be so forgiving. Leave at once before I change my mind." He demanded.

Hansol smiled and nodded at Xavier before exiting the imperial office.

"This bastard must have lost his rightful mind. In the 20 years of knowing him, he has never done me wrong. How dare he go against me for that… witch... That parasite is a...witch." Xavier mumbled in anger as he opened a new bottle of wine and chugged it all in one take.