Chapter 3: Albania
"Aunt Yevon, where are we going?" Katherine asked brightly as she gazed at the scenery from the carriage.
"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.
She noticed that the people here didn't understand English, but they didn't speak Tagalog either. For some inexplicable reason, she seemed to understand the language they were using, even though she had never studied it.
Instead of thinking too deeply, she just observed the scenery outside. It was unlike the usual city full of tall buildings and speeding cars. Instead, wide fields and lush mountains greeted her. The clear blue sky matched the crisp breeze, and the surroundings looked like a painting—like a scene from a Barbie movie.
As she slowly processed that she was in another world, she again fought the sadness building in her heart.
When they arrived in town, Katherine immediately decided to separate from Aunt Yevon. Her aunt didn't agree at first, but Katherine promised that Philemon would accompany her. Since it seemed like her aunt would take a while to choose clothes, Katherine thought it would be better to explore than to wait around.
"Philemon, is there a place here that sells milk tea?" she asked as they walked.
"Milk tea?"
"I mean... tea," she sighed. "Ah... I also want siopao and siomai, but it looks like they don't have those here."
"If it's tea, let me take you to the right shop," Philemon replied.
As they walked, Katherine noticed soldiers riding horses passing by. Some people seemed to cheer as they followed the soldiers' direction.
"Philemon, what's happening?"
"Those are the soldiers of Albania. They probably just returned from their expedition and are heading to King Linseo," he explained.
"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 as he spoke. "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 to herself. Could it be...?
"Did you say something?" Philemon asked.
"Ah, no," she quickly replied. It just sounded familiar... Albania is also the name of a country in my old world.
As she pondered this, people began rushing toward the soldiers. Everyone was hurrying to get closer, as though something important was happening.
Katherine turned to find Philemon, but the momentary chaos had already separated them.
"What's going on?" she asked a woman standing nearby, who was already moving toward the crowd.
"The king is in town to welcome and greet the soldiers!" the woman explained, her voice breathless with enthusiasm, before disappearing into the sea of people.
So, they're like fans of the king? I thought there was a sale or a celebrity coming, she mused.
She watched the crowd, torn between curiosity about the king and the need to find Philemon. She wanted to see what the king looked like, but finding him seemed more pressing right now.
I might get mistaken for a lost child and be taken by the guards here.
Katherine decided to explore the town, thinking, I'll find Philemon eventually as I go around. As she walked, she quickly noticed the surprising quality of the goods, despite the world not being modern. Everything was well-made, from finely woven fabrics to polished metalwork, each item standing out for its craftsmanship.
What amazed her most was how affordable everything seemed—1 gold coin could buy her far more than expected. She had only 10 gold coins in her pocket, but with just 1 gold, she could purchase quite a lot, making her wonder how far her money would stretch in this unfamiliar place.
"Is there a law that sets the prices?" she wondered. "Impressive."
Now, she understood better why the people loved their king so much.
As she walked, one thing immediately caught her attention—a small shop selling food. She noticed pieces of meat hanging, being sliced and placed inside bread with vegetables and sauce.
Shawarma!?
She felt happy. Finally, something familiar to eat!
She was about to approach when—
BUMP!
A strong impact knocked her to the ground.
"Ouch!"
She rubbed her back as she looked up at the person who had bumped into her.
This chapt𝒆r is updated by frёewebηovel.cѳm.
"Sorry, miss."
She looked up at the tall and muscular man standing in front of her. He extended a hand to her. His sharp eyes were softened by concern.
"I didn't mean to. Are you alright?"