I sat down at the table where Adel was placing plates of food in front of me. Each plate smelled very good. There was a noodle dish, a meat dish, a salad, and a few other side dishes I had never seen before. “Adel, you really outdid yourself.”

“Hehe!” Adel put her hands on her hips and held her nose high. “Cooking is one of the only hobbies I can do. It was also in preparation for when I got married to some man, but I am not so sure I want to marry anymore.”

“Why is that?” I asked, tilting my head to the side. But when I thought about it, it was kinda dumb of me to ask such a stupid question. Everyone had their reasons, like I, for one, do not see a reason to marry when my life span will be longer than others

“Mmmm…. I suddenly realized that marrying someone I do not love or wish to be with is not something I want to do. I am sure my father will not be happy, but what can he do about it? Tie me up and ship me off to another country to marry some prince I never met before? I love my kingdom, but I also think I deserve to have my own happiness. And Faith, I have you to thank for opening my mind to allowing myself to seek just that.” I could not really relate to Adel’s consequences since I did not grow up in a royal family, but I can say that if I was in her shoes, I’d run away as fast as I could. But I do not know what I have done to cause her to change her mind though.

But even though I was a bit confused, I knew one thing. “Then, if you are ever forced into a marriage you do not wish to be in, then call for me, and I will swoop in and save the day!” -.

“Then I will be counting on my cute little knight in shining armor to save me at that time.” Adel smiled with blushing cheeks. She did have a cute side to her, after all.

“I must say, though, Adel, the man you do end up falling for will be one happy person. This food is amazing!” I was starting to wonder if everyone in this world were five star chefs. I mean, everything I have tried since being reborn in this world is always amazing.

“Hehe…” Adel gave me a forced smile and continued eating. I wonder if I said something wrong? Maybe it is just my imagination.

After a very well made dinner, I climbed into bed with Adel. Adel was wearing the same kind of nightshirt I was, except hers did not have an open back which confused me as to why mine did…. It was almost as if she was prepared for everything. Not that I am really complaining I mean, I do finally get to sleep in a comfy bed for the first time in a while. So I immediately snuggled into the blankets without reserve. I guess Adel did find it amusing cause I heard her chuckling at the side.

“This is the first time I am actually sleeping in bed with another person. I am glad my first experience is with someone who is not out to use me or a man I barely know.” Adel said as she snuggled up next to me. To be honest, I was not sure how to respond to her words. All I did know was that I was very tired.

When I woke up the next morning, I was met with Adel’s head using my shoulder as a pillow and my arm as a hug pillow. She was still sleeping peacefully. I have no idea when I fell asleep, but I did sleep very well. Seeing Adel’s sleeping face next to me, I could tell she was in a deep sleep as well, she looked very relaxed. Although her brow was slightly furrowed, which made me wonder what she was dreaming about. My first slumber party with my new friend was quite uneventful. I was expecting Adel to talk my ear off, but it seems she respected the fact that I was tired and let me sleep. My guess was that she was also really tired.

I laid there staring at the ceiling for a while before Adel finally stirred. She lifted her head and rubbed her eyes, looking quite confused. “Faith? Oh right…. Good morning.”

“Good morning.” I said with a smile while stretching my now free arm. It had gone numb a while ago.“Let me wash my face, and I will prepare breakfast.” Adel crawled out of bed. Surprisingly she looked used to doing things herself. You would expect a princess to need a maid or two to take care of her, but she seemed fine and right at home doing everything on her own, although a little shameless as she did just take off all her clothes in front of me to put on new ones before heading out of the room. She did seem to be in a daze, though.

About ten minutes later, I sighed and stretched once more while letting out a yawn. Only then did I get up myself as I decided to head to the bathroom, but before I could, I heard Adel’s voice call back into the room. “Faith, I have clothes prepared for you in the bathroom. So wash up and get changed. Breakfast will be ready soon.”

I almost yelled back, ‘Yes, Mom!’ But I held it in and chuckled to myself. But once again, I was given a surprise. Shorts that took into account my tail. A shirt that also accounted for my wings. A pair of socks, boots, and even a hat. “Did Adel prepare all of these just in case?”

This was the main question on my mind, so after getting dressed, I walked out to the dining area and sat down. When Adel came out, I decided to ask. “Thanks for the food. But Adel, why do you have clothes and clothes that fit me so well?”

“Ah…. Sorry. Must seem strange right? Well, I kinda had them prepared before turning around. I had planned to give you these clothes on your first day at the academy as a gift, but I ended up giving them to you now instead. As for the sizes. I asked your sister in law, Rachel….” I kinda wish I knew when she had time to do all of this. Did she even meet Rachel!? I had my suspicions, but since Adel said it like this, I can only just accept what she is saying. For all I know, she had used some spell on me to get all my body measurements when she held hands with me back at the house. I mean, just getting clothes made would take a while as well.

“Well, thank you. It is thoughtful of you to prepare so much for me.” I could only give a smile and change the subject. “Are you going to head back to the capital today?”

“Mmm… What about you? Do you plan to wander around more?” Adel asked. Her eyes showed a bit of envy. I guess as a Princess, her ability to run around and do as she pleases is very limited.

“I was thinking about it. I mean, I still have a few months, and if I really need to rush, I can always use magic to speed along and make it there in a week or less, depending on where I am at the time. The world is vast, and ever since I was young, I have always wanted to go on a journey and see its beauty. While I still have this dream, I figured I would live it in between following my new dream of becoming a commander of my own army.” I still had plenty of time and have seen so little. I wanted to check out as much as I could before arriving in the capital.

“I see…” Adel lowered her head as she took another bite of her food. I knew her mood had been ruined, but there was not much I could do. We were friends, yes, but I still had things I wished to do as well. About a minute later I heard Adel speaking in a low voice. “Umm…. If you do not mind…. Can…. Can I travel with you for a short time? We will be surrounded by guards, but I still do not want to head back just yet and was kind of hoping we could travel together.”

“That’s fine.” I saw no reason why not. I mean it is more fun to travel with others to experience things with friends. While it can be fun to travel alone, it does get boring being by yourself.

“Great! There was a place I wished to take you to that I am sure you will love. It is a place I discovered by accident. It is a very mystical place.” Adel’s eyes lit up. Her gloomy mood was all gone. Seeing her smiling again made me feel better. I was starting to feel bad for leaving her alone after she had turned around to come back to help me out.

“Then let’s check it out!”