Chapter 18: ~ Goddess Statue

“Hello, Miss Bell. My name is Sasha, I will serve you well, as per the lord ruler's orders. If there is anything you need, please tell me,” said the new servant, a tall woman with a large body, her body like a woman who used to lift marble. Bell was scared to think of herself as a petite woman.

Bell felt awkward next to the big waitress. With her heart pounding, she smiled shyly.

“Thank you, Sasha. I'll ask for your help if there's anything I want,” Bell said as she thought about her inability to reach tall objects, and suddenly had an idea.

“Sasha, can you help me pick up a tall object? You seem to be stronger than me,” Bell added with a smile.

Sasha smiled kindly, “Of course, Miss. I'm ready to help with whatever you need.”

Bell was relieved, knowing that Sasha would be of great help to her.

“Would you like to take a walk to the park, Miss?” asked Sasha.

“The park? Can I wander around?” asked Bell.

“Of course. You are the future queen consort of our territory, you can explore every part of the castle,” said Sasha.

“Alright, then, please accompany me for a walk.”

Belinda got up from her seat. She went out of the room accompanied by Sasha to walk around the castle area and went towards the garden.

When she arrived at the garden, Belinda was again mesmerized. The garden, which was quite large, again had a blue light, like magic to maintain the beauty of the garden in this arid land.

The castle garden was spacious and filled with various colorful flowers that bloomed beautifully. Paths lined with soft gravel ran between the lush bushes and tall trees. A gentle breeze carried the fragrant scent of the flowers and the sound of birds chirping added to the tranquil atmosphere.

The softly glowing blue light made the garden seem otherworldly. Belinda stepped closer, her eyes burning with curiosity. “What makes this light appear?” she asked, amazed.

Sasha explained, “It is the work of the garden witches. They use magic to keep the plants lush and blooming, even though the soil around here is difficult to grow flowers and trees in.”

Belinda was mesmerized as she looked at the flowers that seemed to vibrate in the blue light, as if naturally speaking in their own magical language.

“This is really amazing. It feels like we've stepped into a fantasy story,” Belinda said, mesmerized.

They continued to explore the area, and Belinda saw a pond surrounded by sparkling rocks. The water in the pool sparkled with the same blue color, creating a mesmerizing effect. Several small dragons surfaced, spraying water into the sky, as if celebrating the beauty of the surroundings.

“Are those dragons?” asked Belinda, wide-eyed with surprise at the sight of the small dragon-like animals.

“That's right, Miss. The dragons, they help protect this park,” Sasha explained.

“If there are small dragons, aren't there big dragons?” asked Belinda.

“That's right, Miss. Large dragons are usually used for transportation either during war, or across territories. And the lord of the North has five very powerful legendary dragons,” explained Sasha.

“Gosh, I really feel like I've stepped into a fantasy novel,” she murmured.

“But, the shape of the dragon is different from what I usually see in comics,” Belinda muttered.

Sasha, who did not understand what Belinda was saying, remained silent.

“Can we come closer?” asked Belinda, captivated by the dragons' charm.

“Of course,” replied Sasha, leading the way.

The two of them approached the pond, and Belinda could feel the magical energy flowing around her.

“When night falls, this garden will sparkle even brighter,” Sasha said. “These magic lights will dance in the air and create an unforgettable experience.”

“I think I've been mesmerized by this garden,” Belinda smiled broadly. “I look forward to learning more about the magic and wonder that exists here.”

“And I'll make sure you get all the information you want, Miss,” Sasha replied proudly.

As the two of them stood by the pool, Belinda felt a sense of calm and happiness that she had never felt before. She knew that bigger and more enchanting adventures awaited her in this new world.

“This is the most beautiful garden in the entire kingdom,” Sasha said, pointing to a cluster of blooming roses. “The previous queen, or lord Luca's mother, often spent time here tending to these plants.”

Belinda nodded, mesmerized by the beauty of her surroundings. “I can feel the peace here. It's so different from how I imagined life in the castle to be.”

Sasha smiled, “Indeed, life in the castle is not entirely like a fairy tale. However, there are also beautiful moments like this that make it worth living.”

They continued their journey, exploring the different corners of the garden. Belinda came across a small pond surrounded by rocks, where a medium-sized fish was moving swiftly, once again different in shape from those on earth. The fins of the fish were brightly lit, an orange color similar to the sky light on this planet.

Belinda knelt down and observed the fish with great interest.

“Are there any events that are usually held in this park?” asked Belinda.

“Of course. The garden is often used for celebrations and tea parties or folk feasts and harvest parties. It's either in the great hall of the castle, or here. Villagers are also invited, and it's a fun time for everyone,” replied Sasha.

Belinda imagined the colorful lanterns hanging between the tree branches and the sound of laughter echoing in the air. “I wish I could attend one of those events,” she said.

“And I'll make sure you have the best experience here,” Sasha replied excitedly. “Now, let's continue walking. There's still a lot to show in this castle.”

With renewed vigor, the two of them continued their exploration of the garden, promising to discover more wonders within the castle's majestic walls.

As they explored the enchanting garden, Belinda and Sasha discovered various corners full of wonder and beauty. Among the towering trees, there was a small wooden bridge that crossed a clear waterway. Underneath the bridge, small fish jumped around cheerfully, as if to welcome them.

“There are often small ceremonies here to honor nature and the creatures that live around it,” explains Sasha. “The inhabitants of the northern region believe that this water has healing abilities. But unfortunately, since the great war a few years ago, the planet's water has been depleted. The sacred lake is losing its miracles. And it's possible that we'll all die within the next few years. The long drought that makes us have to use magic to the maximum to survive has already lasted for two years.”

Belinda, who heard that, could only remain silent. She was sorry for the conditions here, but the conditions on earth were even more miserable because of their actions.

“Can I really help the human race and Ravis?” thought Belinda.

“Don't worry, Miss. Here, you will learn to overcome any challenges that may come your way,” guided Sasha, giving her a warm smile.

They then proceeded to the center of the garden, where there was a large statue surrounded by wild flowers. The statue was of a witch with beautiful wings, holding a shining wand. From the looks of her sculpted face, she looked very beautiful, with a beautiful crown on her head.

“What is the story behind this statue?” asked Belinda looking at the statue that seemed familiar to her. “And who is this figure?” asked Belinda as her posture was not that of a Ravis. Instead, it looked like a human with beautiful wings.

“This figure is the goddess Bloodmoon. She sacrificed to maintain the beauty of nature and harmony on this planet, unfortunately she was betrayed and sacrificed to demonic creatures and monsters like Gordon,” explained Sasha. “Every year, the people of the kingdom come to offer flowers in her honor.”

Belinda was moved, imagining the love and sacrifice that had been made. And that story, just like the contents of the book she was reading.

“What exactly is my relationship with this figure?” Belinda's mind touched the statue and somehow her heart felt very tight. Her eyes heated up as if she wanted to cry.

Belinda felt a warmth spreading from her fingers as she touched the statue of the goddess Bloodmoon. There was a kind of magnetism that connected her to the figure carved there. The imagery of the sacrifice and emptiness the goddess felt stirred her feelings. How could one be so pure in intention, and in the end have to pay with tremendous sacrifice?

“Miss?” Sasha watched the change in her face with concern. “Are you alright?”

Belinda blinked, trying to hold back the tears that wanted to spill over. “I... I don't know. It's like there's something connected inside me with this figure.”

Sasha approached, offering support. “Many people believe that the goddess Bloodmoon holds primeval power. Perhaps you feel something deeper than just the stories in the books you read.”

Belinda closed her eyes, trying to catch her breath. In her mind, she recalled all the stories she had read about Bloodmoon and how the woman fought to overcome all challenges in order to protect her land. She felt like a part of her was inspired by the goddess' fighting spirit.

“Is this... perhaps related to my destiny?” asked Belinda silently, opening her eyes. “Am I destined to follow in her footsteps?”

Sasha looked at Belinda with confusion there. She saw Belinda who looked so sad as she touched the statue.

Belinda bit her lip, trying to make sense of it all. The sky looked bright, but her heart felt a heavy burden. “Sasha, I want us to go back,” Belinda said.

“Yes, ma'am. I'll take you,” he said, directing Belinda back to her room.

Belinda's mind was racing, wondering what that feeling was, and the sting she felt when she touched the statue.

“I need to find out more details. What exactly is the relationship between me and that goddess statue?” Belinda thought.

***