The forest grew thicker and denser as the stallion galloped deeper into the Realm of Harmony's forest. It was a mystical place she had only heard stories about from her master, which was why she was now taking in the breathtaking scenery with every detail.
Vivia couldn't quite put a finger to the peacefulness washing over her heart like gentle ripples. She recalled Nara explaining about the formation of the three main pillars of their world - the volcanic mountain, Mount Lavos at the north, the Tree of Life, Aetherios at the south and the Realm of Harmony that bridged the two.
'These three pillars are what keeps our world in balance. They represent the Yin-Yang of the world.'
Vivia could see it forged in every spectacle of this forest. Snow-clad leaves on the trees scintillated under the perpetual twilight that shone upon the forest. The bright sun never fully broke through, blocked by the thick canopies of the trees. The glow of auroras falling upon the snow only added to the divinity of the forest.
"It's winter here…The part of the forest where you found me was spring," she said, letting out a light shudder.
Zerath looked down at her. "Is this your first time here?"
"Yes. My master told me how the four seasons co-existed in the Realm of Harmony. I always thought it was impossible, but seeing it with my own eyes…the seasons indeed change here."
"Indeed. We're closer to Mount Lavos, so it's wintry over this side."
Vivia gasped, catching the sight of a snowy owl perched upon a tree that followed the stallion's course with its signature intense, cold stare. Over at the side where she had woken up as Clairette, she remembered the spring songbirds humming melodious tunes as the green leaves swayed with the wind. The wintry flowers blooming all around her were in stark contrast with the sunny fauna thriving in the other part of the forest.
"We're getting closer to the border," Zerath said.
Vivia craned her neck as they approached the Realm of Harmony's border it shared with the Demon Realm. The air grew spookier with an eerie energy that made her skin prickle. The realm held a reputation of being a notorious place filled with frightening and dark phenomena that was beyond a human's understanding.
Yet beneath her nervousness, anticipation bubbled in her chest upon charting into this unknown territory for the first time. Zerath noted Vivia's fascination rather than her shying away from it in fear.
"It doesn't seem like you fear demons even though today is the first time you met one. From what I know, humans recoil at our very presence."
"It's not just humans. We fear anything that we don't understand well enough. So we reject its existence, purely because of our half-understood realities. My master taught me to judge everybody in this nature equally. That's why I don't hate demons."
A flicker of surprise passed Zerath's features. "Wise words."
She tilted her head. "I could say the same about you. You're risking crossing realms for Clairette. I'd even say you're…too relaxed. Wouldn't breaking the law get you punished?
"I'm sure it won't come to that," he said with a cryptic smile.
"Even so."
"Long ago, I'd trained under a master too. She believed in unity between the realms. So I don't hate humans either."
"It means there are reasonable people on both sides," Vivia cocked her brow. "I wonder why we keep fighting then."
"It's part history, part politics, part nature."
"Too many parts."
"That's why the relationship is so complicated. But…" he glanced at her, "I heard that Princess Clairette was trying to bring humans and demons together. That's another reason I helped her."
"Really?" Vivia looked surprised. "Somehow, I didn't expect the royalty to advocate for peace."
Zerath parted and closed his lips thoughtfully.
"I've been wondering since before. You're in her body, but it doesn't seem like you have Princess Clairette's memories."
Vivia looked up at him and then looked sideways in deep contemplation.
"Wait, yes! I…don't have her memories."
He cocked his brow up. "I thought so. You weren't aware about the coachman or the lack of guards. I assumed you'd know something about the murder attempt through her memories. But you don't know about Princess Clairette's internal intentions either."
"I mean…" she pressed her temple. "It isn't like it's completely blank for me."
"But you don't have the complete memories."
"Yes. I faintly remember her family and some other people here and there. I also remember leaving the palace for the Realm of Harmony, but why did the Princess choose to come here is what I don't recall or any events of the carriage crash…It hurts if I try to remember."
"You shouldn't force yourself. Your body is injured enough, and you need to be treated as soon as possible. Don't add mental strain to it."
Vivia observed him. He defied every tale she had heard about demons until now. Not only did she meet a demon for the first time but a kind demon at that. She hadn't completely dropped her guard, but she could sense his genuine care for her.
"You must be very popular in your realm right?"
"So-so, I think?" He hummed.
"Hah, don't lie. You cannot fool these eyes," she snorted. "You own a good breed of a stallion. It's actually one of the best with just one look at it, so it means that you at least belong to some wealthy, noble family. Then you've a beautiful face and you're..somewhat caring too."
"Only somewhat?"
"Fine. You're indeed a caring demon. I imagine plenty of women - or demonesses - must be eyeing you."
A sly smile reached up to Zerath's eyes. "Are you one of them?"
Vivia threw him a speechless stare. "How about showing some humility?"
"Demons tend to be assertive. But I believe you must've had your fair share of suitors too."
"Do you wish you were one of them?" She arched her brow.
He glanced at her. "I see swordsmanship isn't the only thing you're adept at."
"Naturally. I dance amazing too."
He blinked. "You're a dancer?"
"The best dancer in the entire Human Realm," she held no qualms in thoroughly showering praises for herself.
"I see. I'm quite fond of dancing too, thanks to the varied training I've received."
"Oh, a fellow dancer!" Vivia felt a crack in her guarded facade. She couldn't hold back when it came to the art form of dance.
"Male dancers are rare in my realm, so it's refreshing to meet one."
"Then it'll be an honor to be your dance partner one day."
His golden gaze was inviting, but Vivia held her semblance to keep her cool. "Will you be able to even match my pace?"
"I believe in my abilities," he said nonchalantly.
"Well, we'll see about that," she snorted.
As the stallion marched closer to the Demon Realm's entrance, Vivia's eyes caught a humongous mountain at the horizon shrouded with fog and clouds.
"That must be…" She whispered in a daze.
Zerath slowed down his stallion's pace and looked back. "Mount Lavos."
"The infamous volcanic mountain. I heard there was a story about its violent eruption during its formation."
"Yes. But it hasn't erupted since then. It has been more than a thousand years I guess."
Vivia was entranced by the powerful, majestic mountain, whose peak wasn't even visible from the ground level they were at. As if a faint, distant force was drawing her toward it, an ache filled her chest.
"I feel a little strange…" she murmured.
Zerath looked back and stared at the mountain. "Mount Lavos encompasses the spirit of Yin. Humans contain the spirit of Yang, perhaps that's why you feel strange?" He guessed.
"Maybe," she withdrew her gaze and focused on taking deep breaths.
As they neared the border, he saw the border soldiers of the Demon Realm patrolling the realm's entrance.
"We're here. Quick. Pretend to faint. It'll be easier."
"Okay."
Vivia immediately slumped against his chest and closed her eyes. Feeling the thump of his heartbeats, she once again realized how truly alive she was.
"Be at ease. I'll handle it," Zerath said, sensing her discomfort.
He pulled the reins, and the stallion came to a stop with a loud neigh.
The border soldiers were puzzled upon seeing a strange, fainted woman with him. Nevertheless, they immediately stood in attention and unanimously roared with respect.
"Varkos et Zerath!"
"Varkos et Zerath!"
Vivia - "..."
If only she wasn't bound by the need to act, she would have puked several liters of blood out of pure shock and disbelief.
As much as dancing and self-defense formed the core subjects of Vivia's learning, her master hadn't slacked with theoretical education either - like learning languages. Apart from royalty and diplomats, Vivia was one of the few humans who understood the Demon Realm's language, Xul.
Varkos et Zerath meant 'Rise for the Crown Prince Zerath.'
Crown…Crown Prince!?