Nica's voice trembled as she stepped closer. "Mixarnt… does this mean you're leaving?" Her emerald eyes glistened with unshed tears, the weight of their impending separation pressing heavily on her heart.

Mixarnt exhaled softly, his expression a mixture of determination and warmth. "Yeah… but I promise, I'll come back for you. And when I do, we'll get married—just like we said we would." A small, wavering smile crossed Nica's lips as their hands met, fingers intertwining in silent understanding. The warmth of his touch was reassuring, but it couldn't erase the sadness of goodbye. "Nica..." Mixarnt whispered, his gaze locking onto hers.

"I... I will come with you, then!" Nica's sudden declaration took the assembled villagers and royals by surprise. Their expressions shifted to a mix of shock, concern, and subtle disapproval. They knew Mixarnt needed to undertake this journey alone to grow, and Nica, as the Princess of Elvedoria, had responsibilities she could not abandon. Queen Edea's voice, though gentle, carried a firm undertone as she addressed her determined daughter.

"Nica, my sweet child, you misunderstand," Queen Edea said, her hands clasped together in a gesture of compassion. "While we are proud of your courage, your role as Princess of Elvedoria requires you to remain here, alongside us and the people we serve."

King Elmon stepped forward, his eyes filled with paternal love, tempered by the weight of his responsibilities. "Your future is tied to the prosperity and security of our kingdom," he asserted, his voice firm yet compassionate. "You cannot abandon your duties to follow Mixarnt, no matter how much your heart may yearn for it." Nica's lower lip trembled as the reality of the situation sank in. She couldn’t accept the situation, and tears began to stream down her face. Overwhelmed, she ran into the forest. The queen and king decided to give her some time alone.

"Wait Nica!" Mixarnt followed her to ensure she was okay.

As Nica fled deeper into the forest, her slender legs carrying her through the lush greenery. Tears flowed down her flushed cheeks, mixing with the morning dew on the leaves. The gentle rustling of branches and the distant song of a bird echoed her sorrow. In the heart of the forest, Nica collapsed onto a patch of soft moss, her small frame shaking with sobs. The weight of her conflicting emotions—her desire to stay with Mixarnt and her duty as a princess—pressed heavily on her, threatening to break her spirit.

"M-Mixarnt?" she called out, her voice trembling and lost in the vastness of the woods. "Why do you have to leave? Why can’t we be together?" Her words lingered in the air, unanswered, as the forest remained silent, offering no comfort to the heartbroken princess.

Mixarnt approached Nica gently and sat beside her. "I’m not sure either," he said. "Mother Tree told me my destiny lies elsewhere. But that doesn’t mean I won’t come back! Haha... I mean..." His tone shifted from casual to gentle. "We did promise to get married when we turn 18. There’s no way I won’t return." Nica’s body trembled at the mention of their shared future, and a faint spark of hope lit up her sorrowful eyes. Mixarnt’s words, a mix of playful humor and heartfelt sincerity, brought a tentative smile to her face.

"You really mean it, don’t you?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "You’ll come back, and we’ll get married when the time comes?" A single tear rolled down her cheek, but this time, it was tinged with joy rather than despair. "I’ll hold you to that promise, Mixarnt. Until then, stay safe and face whatever challenges come your way. I’ll pray every day for your return and for our future together." As sunlight filtered through the canopy above, bathing Nica in a warm glow, she reached out to touch the rough bark of a nearby tree.

"Oh, I know! Why don’t you become an adventurer at 16? Then we can meet up, go on adventures together, and return to Elvedoria when we’re 18 to get married!" Mixarnt said with a casual grin, making their impending separation feel a little lighter. Nica’s face lit up with a radiant smile, her earlier sadness replaced by excitement. "An adventurer at 16 and then exploring the world with you?" she repeated, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Mixarnt, you always know how to turn even the hardest situations into something exciting!"

She stood up, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand. "Okay, let’s do it! By the time I’m 16, I’ll have sharpened my skills to perfection. And when we reunite, we’ll start the greatest adventure of all—our journey to becoming husband and wife!" Filled with newfound determination, Nica straightened her posture, her slender frame radiating resolve. "I’ll make you proud, Mixarnt. Together, we’ll create legends that will be remembered forever!"

The two continued talking, their conversation shifting to Nica’s hopes for Mixarnt while they were apart.

Nica smiled warmly. "You know, Mixarnt, I want you to meet other women while you’re away. Make friends you can trust. And honestly, I don’t mind if you have other girlfriends—just as long as you come back to me and keep our promise."

Mixarnt blinked, caught off guard. "Wait, really? You’re okay with that?"

Nica nodded, her expression sincere. "Of course. I trust you. Besides, I’ve always known you wanted to marry big sis Fantasia too, haven’t you?"

Mixarnt scratched his head, a little embarrassed but amused. "Well, yeah, I guess I’ve thought about it. But I didn’t think you’d be okay with it."

Nica laughed softly. "As long as you’re happy and you come back to me, I don’t mind sharing you. We’ll make it work, Mixarnt. Together."

Mixarnt grinned, shaking his head in disbelief. "You’re something else, Nica. But okay, deal. I’ll make friends, maybe even find a girlfriend or two, but I’ll always come back to you. That’s a promise."

Nica’s eyes sparkled with affection. "Good. Then it’s settled. Just remember—no matter where you go or who you meet, you’re mine too."

Mixarnt chuckled. "Don’t worry, Nica. You’ll always be my elven princess!"

The two shared a laugh, their bond stronger than ever as they dreamed of the future—a future filled with adventures, friendships, and a love that could embrace more than just the two of them.