Na-Isekai Ako

"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!"

"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 continued speaking. "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 replied quickly. It just sounded familiar... Albania is also the name of a country in my old world.

As she was thinking about this, people suddenly rushed toward the soldiers. Everyone hurried to get closer, as if something big was happening.

"What's going on?" she asked a woman nearby.

"The king is in town to welcome and greet the soldiers!" the woman replied before quickly running toward the crowd.

So, they're like fans of the king? I thought there was a sale or a celebrity coming, she thought.

She watched the people, unsure whether to join them. She did want to see what the king looked like, but finding Philemon seemed more important right now.

I might get mistaken for a lost child and be taken by the guards here.

She decided to just walk around. As she explored the town, she noticed that even though the world wasn't modern, the quality of the goods was good. She also realized that the prices were fair—everything was affordable.

"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.

"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?"

For some reason, Katherine felt an inexplicable chill.

Something's wrong.

There's something strange about this man.

And she didn't know why.