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Once upon a time there was a land that amazed the imagination. People there knew neither sadness nor boredom. A great royal family had ruled that land.
In the tower of a beautiful and enchanting castle, there lived princess Mafuyu, who was incredibly diligent and kind. She loved every creature on the planet, from the smallest bird to the most intimidating wolf.
The only problem was that the queen was strict with her daughter and didn't let her leave the castle. However, Mafuyu longed to take a peek outside for just a moment. She longed to listen to the street musicians playing their warm melodies, and to admire the beautiful paintings of artists that captured the essence of inner worlds.
But all she could do was gaze out of her tower window at the vibrant world below, and occasionally venture out to the garden with her knight.
Indeed, princess Mafuyu had a companion, her loyal knight Mizuki, who guarded her every step. It seemed like a terrible fate for a poor thing, as now every movement of her was being controlled.
However, the knight was a wonderful friend and a reliable person. Mizuki shared the news of the town, sang songs to keep the princess from having nightmares, and was always there for her. In return, Mafuyu could only offer a grateful smile and another evening spent together.
Suddenly, someone knocked on the door in a familiar pattern. It served as a signal to the princess that it was her friend. Mafuyu returned from her thoughts and quickly opened the door.
"Good afternoon, Your Highness," Mizuki bowed deeply from the doorway.
"Good afternoon. How was your trip to the city?" Mafuyu asked, stepping back and inviting the knight into her chambers.
"There's no need to come in, my princess. I want to take you for a walk in the garden. The weather is amazing!"
Mafuyu glanced out of the window and smiled faintly.
"Of course. But first, I need to change my clothes, if you don't mind."
The knight understood the hint and promptly closed the door, turning to face the wall. Despite their closeness, the act of changing clothes remained a private matter for each of them. Even if there was a sudden urge to peek, it was quickly buried deep in their hearts.
"I saw that Silver Bard today, do you remember I told you about her?" Mizuki continued, examining the familiar patterns on the wall. "She was performing a new song, 'Reborn'. I wish you could hear it."
Mafuyu sighed as she changed her dress behind a screen in the corner of her room.
"It's a shame that the sounds of the city don't reach the castle. You've told me so much about the city life, and I wish I could live it through..."
"Actually, I've had an idea, but I'm not sure if you'll agree to it," Mizuki scratched the back of her head, hesitating.
The princess adjusted her hairstyle in the mirror and approached the knight, placing her hand on her shoulder.
"What is it? You can tell me. It's the least I can do."
"We can escape from the castle for a couple of hours and explore the city. No one will recognize you, I promise!" Mizuki turned around, and they faced each other at arm's length.
"Escape... But what if my mother catches us? I'll be locked in a solitary tower for the rest of my life!"
"Then I'll take the damage. Please trust me," the knight offered her elbow to grab on and smiled softly.
Mafuyu thought over the potential risks. While she trusted her childhood friend, the fear of being discovered was a greater concern. However, there might not be another chance.
"Alright. Let's go."
Mizuki giggled and helped the princess put a cape over her dress so that it wouldn't be noticeable, and Mafuyu wouldn't overheat outside. She helped Mafuyu gather her hair under a hood, changed her heels to the flat shoes, and the two of them ran out the back door into the garden.
"Look, there's a small hole in a wall behind the rose bushes. I'll help you get outside, and you'll wait for me there," the knight said in a whisper, holding the princess's elbow. Mafuyu nodded in agreement.
After a while, Mafuyu was finally free. Behind her was a big wall with a small hole, and in front of her was an endless expanse of sky and city houses. "So pretty," she thought, taking in every detail. There's a lone bird's sound of flapping wings. There's the wind that's stirring the cattails. There's someone's heavy breathing behind her... Mafuyu turned around, flabbergasted.
"It's okay, it's just me. Let's go," the knight giggled, gently grabbing Mafuyu's hand. The two quickly crossed the entrance space in front of the castle, the bridge, and the undergrowth, finally entering the city and its lively streets.
Mafuyu stared wide-eyed at everything around her: the stone paths, the vendors' stalls, the belongings of ordinary passersby hurrying wherever. How wonderful this world is!
"Mizuki... Thank you..." the princess gasped, squeezing her hand tighter. "I don't know if I've ever been alive before this moment..."
The knight blushed faintly, smiling wider and wider.
"This is just the beginning, let's go!"
The two walked through the narrow streets, looked at the goods and enjoyed a quiet day. Neither fast-running children, nor people's litter from windows, nor stray animals interfered with their idyll. As if the world belonged only to the two of them.
"Mizuki, look... These are roses. Just like in our garden!" Mafuyu walked over to the flower bed, examining the flowers more closely. "They're the same, but these are... more pleasing to the eye, somehow."
"Probably because they are free and in full view of everyone. This is how they show their beauty to the people," Mizuki smiled sadly, stroking the bud of the nearest rose and thinking about the girl next to her. "Back at castle, there's no one to admire them, is there?"
The princess nodded, inhaling the pleasant aroma. "It's so nice here..." Suddenly, a pleasant melody from the next street reached her ears. A beautiful female voice sang, inspiring hope to the passing citizens.
"Mafuyu, let's go! This is the Silver Bard I was talking about this morning! And the song is the same!" Mizuki jumped up and pulled her friend by the sleeve. Together they stopped near a young girl their age, listening to the melody and the words.
"So warm... It's a good song," the princess whispered, clutching the cloth on her chest.
Mizuki smiled warmly, putting her hand on Mafuyu's shoulder and getting closer, "I knew you'd like it."
"Let's get out here again sometime, Mizuki. I've never felt this good."
"Let's, my princess. I promise."