Katherine leaned eagerly against the carriage window, her emerald eyes sparkling with curiosity as she watched the passing scenery.
"Aunt Yevon, where are we going?" she asked brightly.
"To the town. There are many shops there," her aunt replied.
"How exciting! Tara-tara!"
"Hmm?"
"Ah, I mean, I just want to get there quickly," she said, forcing a smile. Ugh, I have to stop sounding like a tourist!
She had already realized that while the people here didn't understand English, they didn't speak Tagalog either. And yet, for some reason, she could understand them perfectly. It was like her brain had been auto-downloaded with a new language pack. Instead of thinking too deeply about it—because that always led to headaches—she just enjoyed the ride.
The view outside was unlike anything she was used to. No towering skyscrapers, no noisy traffic—just rolling fields, towering trees, and distant mountains that looked like they belonged on a postcard. The sky was so blue, and the breeze that slipped through the window was crisp and fresh. This is like a scene from a Barbie movie, she thought with a smile.
As they arrived in town, Katherine was practically bouncing in her seat, ready to explore. However, Aunt Yevon was less than thrilled when Katherine asked to go off on her own.
"I promise Philemon will come with me!" Katherine insisted.
Her aunt frowned, but after a long sigh, she relented. "Fine. But stay close to Philemon."
"Yes, Aunt!" Katherine chirped before grabbing Philemon's arm and dragging him away. "Come on!"
As they walked, Katherine turned to him. "Philemon, is there a place here that sells milk tea?"
Philemon blinked. "Milk tea?"
"I mean… tea," she corrected herself, sighing. Ah… I could really go for some siopao and siomai, but I doubt they have those here.
"If it's tea, let me take you to the right shop," Philemon replied.
As they walked, Katherine noticed a group of soldiers riding past on horseback. The townspeople immediately turned their attention to them, some even following in their wake.
"Philemon, what's happening?"
"Those are the soldiers of Albania. They probably just returned from their expedition and are heading to King Linseo."
"King?"
"Yes. Albania is a prosperous kingdom due to the wise leadership of our king. Everyone, rich or poor, has equal rights." Philemon's eyes gleamed with admiration. "And his daughter, Princess Laura, is said to be as lively as a fairy—"
"Princess Laura?"
"Yes. The king's only child."
"Albania… Laura…" Katherine whispered. A strange chill ran down her spine. No way… could it be?"
"Did you say something?" Philemon asked.
"Ah, no," she quickly replied. But the names sounded too familiar. Albania is also the name of a country in my old world…
Before she could think further, the crowd around them surged forward. People were hurrying toward the soldiers, eager to see the king.
Katherine turned, trying to find Philemon, but the momentary chaos had already separated them.
"Seriously?!" she groaned. First time alone in another world, and I already lost my tour guide. Great job, self.
As she debated whether to go looking for him or just explore on her own, she noticed something interesting—the market stalls. Despite the medieval setting, the quality of the goods surprised her. The fabrics were finely woven, the metalwork polished, and everything seemed well-made. Even the prices were shockingly affordable.
"Is there a law that sets the prices?" she wondered aloud. "Impressive."
Now, she understood better why the people loved their king so much.
Then, something caught her attention—a small shop selling food. Hanging pieces of meat were being sliced and placed inside bread, topped with vegetables and sauce.
Her eyes widened. Shawarma!?
Happiness bloomed inside her. Finally! Something familiar to eat! This wasn't just any meal—this was shawarma, the late-night best friend, the hangover cure, the king of affordable street food.
Her stomach rumbled in anticipation. This world might not be so bad after all!
She was about to approach when—
BUMP!
A strong impact sent her straight to the ground.
"Ouch!" she yelped, rubbing her back. That hurt more than my life choices.
She looked up and found herself staring at a towering, well-built man. He had the kind of physique that screamed main character energy, and his sharp eyes softened with concern.
"Sorry, miss," he said, offering his hand.
Katherine hesitated before grabbing it. Good grip. Calloused hands. Either a knight or a guy who lifts sacks of rice daily.
As he pulled her up effortlessly, she dusted herself off and looked up at him properly.
Who was this guy?