I tiredly sat by the fountain. “Ah… this is so tiring.” I groaned, feeling my legs are numb after walking around for a long time. I turned and leaned down to drink the clear water from the fountain. “Ah! Tastes good!” I exclaimed with a bright smile on my face. Then, I washed up my face to remove the sweat and the dirt that stuck on my face. “Where can I find her?” I muttered as I looked around. “There really is so many people around.” I muttered and looked at the unlit lanterns hanging overhead. “I wonder, for what are those lanterns – “ I asked myself.

“It’s for tonight.” I heard the voice of a little girl said.

I turned and looked down at her. “You again?” I asked when I saw the familiar little girl. She gave me a flower earlier.

“Hmm?” she said, then tilted her head, indicating she doesn’t know what I am saying. She sat beside me and pointed the lanterns. “The lanterns… it’s to light the lost princess’s way from the dark of the evil king.” She told me.

“’light the way’? ‘dark of the evil king’?” I asked and laughed at the old-fashioned phrases. “Seriously, this story is getting darker and darker.” I muttered as I covered my mouth to laugh again.

She nodded, didn’t see the ridicule in my eyes. “Yes! Everybody lights the lanterns by the sun down… and then we pray. We pray for the princess to come back…” she said and lowered her head sadly. She looked downcast.

“Ugh!” I grunted and suddenly felt guilty. I’m not good dealing with these emotional things. I then searched my bag, looking for something to give her. “Here!” I said and took out a candy. I gave it to her.

“What’s this?” she asked, inspecting the candy wrapper as if it’s a specimen on the petri dish.

“A candy.” I answered and smiled.

She beamed. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at me. Every child loves candies. “Thank you!” she said, then took something out of her pocket. “Here.” She said and showed me her balled fist.

I took out my hand. She opened her fist and dropped something on my hand, then went down. “Bye bye!” she said and waved.

I waved back. “Yeah!” I said, then looked at my hand. “A… gold ring?” I said. “What – “ I said then raised it. It glistened. “There’s something written inside – “ I said, then read it. “It’s in English?!” I exclaimed in surprise. “’What the heart yearns, this ring will give. But only to those who don’t desire to live.’” I read. I blew out a sigh. “This is creepy.” I said, but I put it in my pocket. I looked around. “What now?” I said, then stood up. “How should I find her… ah.” I said when a kid bumped to me as I was walking. “Sorry – “ I apologized.

“Hey!” she said. “Watch where you’re going… ah.” She said when she looked up. “Oooh!” she said when she saw my face. “A princess?” she asked.

“A… ahahaha… of course not – “ I said.

“Eh?” she said, then frowned. “That’s what the other girl told me earlier.” She said, then pouted. “I really wish the princess will come back.” She muttered.

“I heard… that was 20 years ago.” I said. “You’re still not born from then, aren’t you - ?” I asked.

“Hey!” she said and pointed me. “Don’t underestimate us kids! That doesn’t mean that if we hadn’t lived in that time, doesn’t mean we don’t desire peace – “ she said with a fierce expression on her face. However, since she’s a child, it looked cute.

“You’re too serious and mature for your age.” I said, then chuckled. “Why is your attitude suddenly changed? You gave me flower and I gave you a candy – “ I said.

She gasped. “You…you saw my sisters?!” she asked.

“Huh? Sis – “ I stopped. “You’re triplets?!” I asked, shocked. She nodded. “Eh…” I said.

“Where did you see them?” she asked.

“At the street and the fountain earlier.” I said. “You’re… the eldest?” I asked. She nodded. “So that must be why you’re so matured.” I said. I smiled and patted her head. “Don’t be too serious always. You’ll miss the fun of being a kid.” I said. “Oh, yeah.” I said. “You told me you saw somebody earlier.” I said.

“Ah! The beautiful girl!” she said.

I nodded. “Could it be it was her?” I muttered. I looked at her. “Could you describe her for me?” I asked.

She nodded. “She’s tall, wears a wide hat. Her hair is silver, and she’s very beautiful.” she answered.

“You’re so bright for your age. Keep that up.” I said. “Thank you. Where have you seen her?” I asked.

“At the plaza.” She answered.

I smiled at her. “Thanks.” I said. She waved goodbye and ran away to fetch her sisters. “Well, then. Time to apologize.” I said and started to walk to the plaza.

---

I frowned when I saw her talking to a girl. “She’s flirting?” I muttered. “And I went for so much trouble to look for her and apologize – “ I said and was about to walk away when somebody grabbed my shoulder. “What – “ my eyes went wide when she suddenly hugged me. “Wha – “ my cheeks flushed. The people are staring at us. “Hey! what are you doing - ?” I asked as I struggled to go out of her embrace.

“Sorry.” She whispered in my ear. “I didn’t mean to snap at you earlier. It’s just – “ she said and hugged me tighter.

“Err…” I said. “I’m sorry, too.” I said and tapped the top of her head. “I didn’t mean to be so insensitive.” I said. “So could you… ah – “ I said. “Could you let go of me now?” I asked.

“Ah.” she said, then pushed me. Her face is so red. “Ah, ah…” she said, panicking. “S – sorry!” she said.

I chuckled. “Yeah, yeah.” I said.

“Woah!” we heard the people exclaimed when it got dark and the lanterns was lit.

“I didn’t notice it was already sunset.” I said, looking at the setting sun.

“Pretty…” she said, looking at the lanterns above their head. “It always is every year.” She added and smiled.

“You go here every year?” I asked.

She nodded. “Yes. To pray for the princess.” she said and closed her eyes, then prayed.

I looked at her. She’s really beautiful. I thought and smiled. If I didn’t hear that the princess is missing, I’d think she’s the princess. I smiled as I looked at Vice. “Vice.” I called on the spur of the moment.

Vice’s eyelashes trembled as she slowly opened her eyes and looked at me. She smiled, making my heart almost stop beating. “Yelena.” She fluently called.

Suddenly, a loud gasp can be heard followed by a commotion. The smile on my lips disappeared and was replaced by a frown. “What is happening – “ I said and turned, only to see the people are looking at me. “What’s wrong – “ I wanted to ask, but was cut off when the people, as if had waken up from their daze, exclaimed.

“She’s back!” someone broke the sudden silence that fell. “The princess came back!” they yelled.

“What… hey!” I exclaimed, my eyes widened when they all suddenly surrounded me and hugged me. “I can’t… breathe - !” I said. “Vice! Vice, come help me!” I called as I raised my hands to wave at her, beckoning her. Oh, my god! Are they going to kill me by smothering me until I suffocated?!

“The princess! She’s back!” they said.

“What’s the commotion?” I heard a voice said.

“It’s the knight, Emil!” they people exclaimed and parted.

“Ugh!” I grunted when the people finally let go of me. I gasped for breath. “Thank god – “

“The… princess – “ a tall and handsome knight with a beard muttered in surprise as he unblinkingly stared at me.

“Huh?” I said.

My eyes went wide when he hugged me. “Your Highness!” he exclaimed. “I’m so glad you came back! You’re alright!” he said and let go of me. His eyes are red and misty. He’s crying!

Such a big man and he’s crying. I thought and looked around, then fell silent. I saw the people are crying and sniffing, too.

“Eh? What – “ I said.

“We’re so glad you’re safe! We were worried if the evil king have gotten you  - “ Emil sniffed. “We’re so happy – “ he added.

“Err….” I said. “I don’t know what’s going on, but – “ I said. “I’m not the princess.” I told them as I awkwardly scratched my cheek. It’s better to avoid some misunderstandings.

“Huh?” they said, shocked.

I awkwardly smiled and grinned as I looked at the knight before me. “I’m not…” I said when my gaze suddenly caught the sight of the sword glistening and hanging by the waist of the knight. I froze. 

Now, what?