Chapter Text
Sunlight hit my eyes, not letting me fall back asleep, and the wet grass beneath me was making me freeze.
Wait.
Wet grass?
I opened my eyes wide and sat up instantly. Any trace of sleep vanished. My heart dropped into my stomach as I stared at the tall trees surrounding me and the muddy, wet grass clinging to my clothes and hair. Panic rose in my chest.
Where the hell was I?
“Ah… so that strange, mysterious energy was yours!”
I whipped my head toward the voice. An elderly woman with gray hair, wearing a long, simple dress with long sleeves and a round collar, walked toward me with a warm smile. I instantly realized the language she spoke wasn’t Persian—or any language from my world. It was something unfamiliar and indescribable, yet somehow… I understood it perfectly, as if it were my native tongue.
Stuttering, I asked, “Wh–who are you? And… where am I?”
With a soft tone, she said, “Come, dear. Let me take you somewhere warm and get you cleaned up first. Then we’ll talk.”
I didn’t know if going with a stranger was the right decision… but I had no choice. I had no idea where I was, I was freezing, and my clothes were soaked with mud. Every shiver reminded me that staying outside wasn’t an option.
“You are in Evergreen—the land of Eternal Spring. A fantasy world unlike anything you can imagine. You’re currently in the Country of Prosperity. I know you came here from another world… unintentionally, and very suddenly. I can guide you on how to return.”
I was sitting inside the old woman’s wooden cottage, and I now knew her name: Cecilia.
The moment we arrived, she took me to a small bath, cleaned me up, and gave me fresh clothes—a long white dress with a skirt reaching my feet, but not long enough to trip me. She then handed me some freshly baked cookies.
With hope filling my voice, I asked, “So… there is a way to go back?”
Smiling kindly, she said, “Yes, my child.”
Then her expression grew serious.
“But it won’t be easy. You have a long journey ahead.”
A wave of dread washed over me. “What do you mean?”
Cecilia explained, “To return home, you must find seven special gems—though each one takes the form of a precious object. The Paradise Necklace, the Sentiment Earrings, the Ocean Girl Bracelet, the Passion Glasses, the Destiny Ring, the Hope Mirror, and the Rainbow Crown. When all seven are placed together, a portal to your world will open.”
My throat tightened. I felt tears threatening to fall. Seven different objects?
“How am I even supposed to find them? Where do I start?”
“They’re scattered across the land,” she said. “But don’t worry.”
She handed me a small purple box.
“This box will glow whenever you’re near one of the seven objects. Once you find one, it will automatically place itself inside the box it belongs to. I’ll tell you where the first one is.”
My eyes widened. “R–really?”
“Really. The Paradise Necklace is in the hands of a famous florist in the city. He owns a shop called Mono. You’ll find it there.”
“And… how do I get him to give it to me?”
Cecilia smiled mysteriously. “Don’t worry. I have a feeling that once you’re there, something will happen that will make the florist hand it to you himself.”
She continued, “For now, rest here as long as you want. You can stay until you feel ready. There’s no rush.”
I lowered my head.
To be honest, I was terrified. Overwhelmed. I didn’t know where to go or what dangers waited for me. I knew the location of the first item… but the rest? No clue.
A long journey awaited me, full of unknown risks. But I couldn’t stay here forever. At least Cecilia had given me time to breathe and gather my thoughts.
I stared at the city with my mouth slightly open. It was fairly crowded, and everything looked like it came straight out of a nineteenth-century classic film. The houses were built in a gothic style, and most people wore old-fashioned clothing—velvet fabrics with elegant patterns.
Cecilia had brought me to the city and then left me near the street where the flower shop was.
I approached a young man in a brown suit who was passing by.
“Excuse me… could you take me to Mono Flower Shop? I’m new here and don’t know my way around.”
He guided me to a small shop decorated with carnations and irises on the walls. A wooden sign hung beside the door:
Mono Flower Shop
and beneath it, two small carved letters: R. M.
I thanked the man, took a deep breath, and pushed the door open.