Chapter 7: The Journey Begins

The Bennetts were in a bad mood. Why should they not be? Aria had requested permission to go on a solo trip to a nearby town with Rogers and a few others for a historical investigation project. Her mother had planned a weekend away for the family, and her father had already left that morning for an excavation in the south, returning in a month. Everything was a mess.

Aria knew in her heart that she did not want to lie or hide anything from her mother. But tell her the truth? That was impossible. She wouldn't believe it, and she would never allow them to leave.

Aria had already completed the book. She was just making the final notes before leaving. Lovely Mum, never stops me, she thought. Rogers was watching her scribble notes while they headed to the library one last time—probably.

Her final notes read:

The Kingdom of Valemont (Late 5th Century CE)

The Royal Family

King Henry Valemont: A ruthless ruler known for his iron-fisted control and controversial marriages.

Queen Erieana Valemont: His first wife and the High Queen, the most influential among his consorts.

Lady Mariella Valemont (Second Wife), Lady Cordelia Valemont (Third Wife), and Lady Rosalind Valemont (Fourth Wife): Each holding their own ambitions for their children's futures.

The Crown Prince

Prince Adrian Valemont: The only son of Henry and Erieana. Passionate about horsemanship, resistant to his father's rule, and disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

The Crisis

Adrian's kidnapping threw the kingdom into turmoil.

King Henry had declared Adrian heir only weeks before his disappearance.

Queen Erieana led the desperate search, balancing political tensions within the royal court.

Currency System

Golden Crowns: Highest denomination, featuring King Henry's profile.

Silver Wolves: Used by merchants and nobility.

Copper Stars: Common currency for daily transactions.

Blood Rubies: Rare red gems used exclusively for noble transactions like land purchases and marriage dowries.

Dress Culture

Royal Family: King Henry in black and gold, Queen Erieana in deep purple and gold, the sister-wives in varying colors.

Nobility: Required to wear the royal wolf emblem, with elaborate tunics and rank belts.

Commoners: Forbidden from wearing royal colors, required to wear profession tokens, dressed in earth tones.

Seasonal Customs: Strict dress codes for royal events and mourning periods.

Rogers didn't read it all, but he was astounded that a 21-year-old nerd could compile so much in one night.

Aria smirked, "Quit peeking and walk straight. I had to write everything down. This will help us survive at the very least. I read the entire book for this reason alone."

It was time.

They were both equally shocked and excited. The key glowed when inserted again.

"This didn't happen yesterday," Rogers muttered.

Aria took a deep breath. "Because we are the hope—the hope of that lost Prince."

"It had to glow, just like this," she continued.

"Let's go," Rogers said, gripping the straps of his bag tightly.

The door opened, and time seemed to stop outside. They stood in the middle, with one leg in the light and the other in the library basement. The decision was made.

Rogers hesitated just before stepping through.

"Aria, if we complete the mission, how will we know when it's time to return?"

Aria thought for a moment and replied, "We didn't expect any of this. We got this far. We'll figure it out."

When they stepped fully through, the door behind them vanished rather than simply closing.

Then everything blurred.

A wave of dizziness struck them like a storm, dragging them into nothingness.

Then came silence.

Aria's eyes flickered open. Something nudged her foot.

A goat?

Where was she?

She sat up groggily and took in her surroundings. A vast, open field stretched out before her, the scent of earth and unfamiliar flowers filling the air. There was a cliff nearby.

Her gaze shifted—

Rogers. He was lying a few feet away, jolting awake. His expression mirrored hers: confusion and disbelief.

But more than that...

They looked different.

Their clothes were not the same as they had worn just moments ago. Instead, they wore garments from another era, such as leather boots, linen tunics, and embroidered belts.

Antique.

Real.

Rogers' voice broke the silence. "Aria... is this... real?"

She swallowed and touched the rough fabric of her sleeve.

They'd arrived.