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"I thought I could stay just a few more days," Tarik protested. "No, Tarik.I must go back home and inform her reign of what is coming. I cannot return without you." "But..." "I understand that you don't want to leave Lissana so soon after meeting her, but we are out of time, Tarik." "Do you really believe the queen will agree to join the battle against the Dark King?" "I don't know," he admitted. "Papa, I fought the monster created with the power of the Keys. It cost us dearly to defeat him. In that moment, I realized that to conquer the Dark King and save the world, we must stand united." "Cassiel has gone to convince the fairy queen.Let's hope he succeeds." "Is it possible for me to achieve this?" Tarik asked, uncertainty creeping into his voice. "Don't dwell on that. Instead, focus on returning." "What do you mean by that?" "You agreed to become the hereditary prince. Formally reject it, remember? It's important that your decision is made impartially, without feeling forced into a role you don't want." "Papa, my decision hasn't changed. I still feel the same way I did before coming here." "Are you safe?" "If I'm honest, I'm uncertain for a moment. But yesterday, Lissana reminded me why I want to be king.Just as she wishes to protect her kingdom, her family, and her people, I want to do the same. Unless you say it's unnecessary to be king to achieve that, I don't see it that way." "If this is your decision, I will respect it." "Thank you, Papa. Could you give me some time to say goodbye to Lissana?" "Of course. Go and say goodbye to your friend." Tarik couldn't view Lissana as merely a friend anymore. After their heartfelt conversations, he realized how deeply he cared for her, even if he had only known her for a short time. It didn't matter.He knew he had to find her, for that day would mark their separation, each returning to where they belonged. Tarik found Lissana in the training camp, where the dragon had been resting. She wore a soft pink dress, the attire of the kingdom of Cosset, where Tarik had visited, but he was painfully aware that Lissana belonged to another world. "Hello, Lissana," he greeted her. "Tarik!" she exclaimed, her smile brightening the gloomy atmosphere. "The dragon is better! Just look at him, doesn't he seem more lively?" she said, her excitement infectious."Yes, he does seem improved," Tarik replied, though worry lingered in his eyes. "But you don't look well. Is something wrong?" Lissana asked, concern replacing her earlier joy. "I came to say goodbye. I'm returning to the land of the fairies," he said, knowing she had chosen to stay. "Will you be leaving me?" she asked, her voice trembling. Tarik reached for her hand, sensing the sadness in her expression. "My priests allowed me to come here, but I can't return to the mortal realm. My place is here, with my family." He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his heart aching."I wish things were different. I wish I could stay." "Once again, we must part," she said softly. "Yes, it seems we are not destined to walk this path together," he replied, a hint of sorrow in his voice. "You don't know that. We are the ones who decide our destinies," she insisted. "Promise me you will appoint me as the official successor of the fairy queen when she asks you to do so," he said, his tone earnest. "When you reign, you will set the rules. Things don't have to be this way," she countered. "I will bear the weight of my kingdom on my shoulders, Lissana.noveldramaIt's not because I'm being forced; it's my choice. Just as you have decided to return and take your place as princess, I want to do the same. It's not easy for me either. When we kissed, I thought I couldn't bear to be apart from you. But seeing you fight for your kingdom with such determination reminds me of who I am." "Does that mean everything will end before it even starts?" Lissana asked, her eyes wide with fear. "I haven't even begun, Lissana. My feelings for you are real, and they always will be." Tarik gently caressed Lissana's hands, leaning in to place a soft kiss on her forehead."I don't want to leave, but I can't abandon my duties as hereditary prince. If it were a different time, a time of peace, I wouldn't hesitate to stay by your side." Lissana felt the same pull of emotions. She wrapped her arms around him tightly. "Peace will come, Tarik. This war will end someday. When it does, we will talk again. For now, let's not think of this as a goodbye, but rather a pause." Tarik felt his heart ache as he pulled away, wiping her tears with his thumb. "Don't cry, Lissana.It breaks my heart to see you like this." "It's just that I haven't left yet, and I already feel like you're a part of me that's missing," she confessed. "Let's think of this as a temporary separation. We've parted ways before, and we will find each other again. This time will be no different." Lissana leaned in to kiss Tarik, but he remained just out of reach, teasing her. "We will meet again. This will be the seal of our promise." Their lips met in a kiss that bound their hearts, a promise that this was not a farewell, but a 'see you later.'