Before her death, she had to undergo investigations, where she would be questioned to determine whether she had sent the document to anyone beforehand.
Her lover was placed in a different, but equally dreadful, prison. Meanwhile, Elvida was held in the Prism of Truth—a facility reserved for the most high-profile criminals.
Rafael continued, "Your face is still a bit pale. Rest well before the time comes." He handed the mirror to Mike, asking him to take a look at himself before casually slipping the mirror back into his pocket.
"Also, don't forget to thank Milk. He's the one who brought you here after you fainted. I'll be leaving now. Take care."
Milk… One of my roommates?
"I will. Thank you."
With that, the young man walked away.
Once the door was shut, Mike asked the system a question he was curious about.
"Will… I have a question."
[Please go ahead.]
"So how come I exist in this world?" He had seen his reflection in the mirror earlier; it was unmistakably him. That raised a question: was he in a parallel universe or something else entirely?
[Host, the past, present, and future are intertwined. Your arrival in this world was written into the past by the future. A vessel was created in the past to exist until the time came for you to inhabit it.]
Mike's eyebrows furrowed. "What does that even mean?"
[Before you arrived, a body had already been prepared. A vessel, created long ago, waiting for the right moment.]
He blinked. "So… you mean I've always been here?"
[In a way. The body existed in this world. But your soul, your true self crossed over. When that happened, your soul entered the vessel, and you became whole again, in this world.]
Mike tapped his chin, his expression thoughtful. "So it's not like I just randomly popped into existence… The version of me before probably had a life as a guard?"
[No. You were meant to come. Everything that has happened from the document to Elvida's arrest was part of the flow leading to this moment.]
"And this body… it had a life before I arrived?"
[Yes, but that life was empty. Technically dormant, like a sleep, waiting for you. Now that you're here, it belongs to you. Rightfully so, because it was meant for you from the start.]
Mike looked at the ceiling and sighed. "I think I understand… a little." He rubbed his jaw and got out of bed. "Whatever. Let's get ready to go on duty again."
As he got out of bed, he looked around the empty room.
He was in the Mid-Level Guards' hospital.
According to his memory, all he had to do was sign out, write "left," and then leave.
And he did exactly that.
Using the memories he had acquired, he arrived at the Prism of Truth, where Elvida was being held.
At the entrance, guards dressed entirely in black, their faces hidden by masks so only their cold eyes were visible, stood on duty. These were high-level guards, most likely of the middle elf race.
Guards like Mike or Rafael were mostly low elves, working tirelessly in hopes of becoming high-level guards someday.
If they managed to become high-level guards in their lifetime, they might eventually qualify as mid-level elves by merit.
"You're already here." Rafael waved at him with a cheerful smile.
"Yeah."
"Let's hurry over. I just heard Princess Elvina arrived and is currently talking with Elvida. Let's go see the beauty!" Rafael pointed to the left. "That's her carriage."
The golden carriage stood out clearly, surrounded by Elvina's entourage.
Before Mike could object, Rafael had already dragged him into the building.
He could only sigh to himself. He had encountered someone truly obsessed with chasing beauty.
However, upon seeing Princess Elvina in person, he finally understood why Rafael was acting that way.
Compared to Elvida's bold beauty and outspoken nature, this woman was like a gentle rose.
Dressed in white, her pale blonde hair cascaded over her shoulder like a waterfall. Her alabaster skin contrasted perfectly with her white bodycon dress, and her profile alone testified to her elegance.
The two sisters seemed deep in conversation. Just as Mike and Rafael were about to take their posts, Elvina turned and glanced briefly at them.
Her golden eyes were the same as Elvida's, but hers were softer and more tender. Her long blonde lashes fluttered gently.
"Please take care of my sister. She's a very kind person. I hope you treat her well." Her voice was just as expected. Soft, gentle, tinged with worry.
Rafael bowed instinctively. "Yes, Your Highness."
Mike followed suit.
Elvina gave them a small smile then turned back to Elvida. "I will be leaving now, sister. Please take care of yourself. I'll plead with Father to uncover the truth. I know neither you nor Kaelor are capable of such things. I've seen your love and loyalty for the people. I believe in you, Sister."
Elvida chuckled. "I know. You too, take care. Don't worry too much about me. It makes me feel guilty."
The sisters held each other's gaze for a long moment. Then Elvina stepped forward and gently kissed her sister's forehead before stepping back.
"Sikyunta."
"Sikyuntan."
Whatever they had just said, Mike had no idea what it meant.
But after Elvida said it, Elvina smiled and turned to leave.
Once she was gone, the smile on Elvida's face faded, and her eyes shifted to the two guards, specifically, to Mike.
"You're back."
"Yes, my princess."
"Your princess?" Elvida tilted her head, batting her eyelashes slowly. "Why does it sound like you're calling me 'my woman'?"
"I didn't mean it that way, Your Highness."