Sutaro's eyelids fluttered open to the melodious sound of wind chimes and the gentle rustle of leaves, heralding a new dawn in the realm of Nexus. She arose with grace, her gaze sweeping across her unfamiliar surroundings, realizing with a start that she had never before awakened in a domicile other than her own. The tantalizing aroma of a hearty breakfast and freshly prepared meat wafted through the air, enticing her to venture forth and explore.

With delicate movements, she reached out to stroke Charles's forehead as he slumbered peacefully in the corner, nestled upon a plush cushion.

"Sleep well, my dear friend," she whispered. "I shall never be able to repay the debt of gratitude I owe you for my newfound liberty."

With that, she glided from the chamber, her curiosity piqued by the divine scent that led her to the kitchen, where Jasmine was engrossed in her culinary endeavors.

"By the stars! Lady Sutaro! Thou hast risen with the sun," Jasmine exclaimed, her warm smile radiating welcome. "I am but moments away from completing our morning repast. Pray tell, hast thou ever partaken of Fogbeast?"

Sutaro shook her head demurely, her voice still soft and restrained as she seated herself at the table, her legs aching from her recent tribulations. "I'm afraid I have not had the pleasure, good Jasmine."

"Then today shall be a day of culinary adventure!" Jasmine declared. "Or perhaps Tom Trout would be more to thy liking?"

Sutaro stifled a delicate yawn. "If I may, I wish to share that my father was a culinary master of unparalleled skill. He would often prepare Tarf eggs when melancholy besieged me. I daresay, were you two to combine your talents, the resulting dishes would be nothing short of extraordinary."

Jasmine approached with two steaming cups of fragrant tea, taking a seat beside Sutaro and offering her one of the cups. "I extend to thee an open invitation to tarry with us for as long as thy heart desires," she said with genuine kindness.

"Your generosity knows no bounds. I shall gratefully accept your gracious offer," Sutaro replied, sipping her tea with refined elegance. At that moment, the sound of approaching footsteps caught her attention. Turning, she beheld Kori and Jack drawing near.

"Lady Sutaro," Kori began, her voice carrying the authority of a seasoned warrior, "if it pleases thee, Jack and I would be honored to undertake thy training in the noble arts of combat and strategy."

Jack placed a reassuring hand over Sutaro's, his demeanor that of a chivalrous knight. "Indeed! We may even embark upon a grand quest of epic proportions, young squire!"

Jasmine's eyes widened slightly at his suggestion. "Jack!"

"Fear not, dear mother!" Jack proclaimed. "I am a master of subterfuge, and my disguises are beyond reproach! We shall return unscathed, I assure thee."

Jasmine sighed, her concern evident. "Ensure that no harm befalls her. I have yet to introduce her to a veritable feast of delectable treats!"

"Then it is settled!" Jack declared with a flourish. "Lady Sutaro, thou and Charles are most welcome to join us on this momentous journey! I shall impart unto thee all that is necessary to become a knight of great renown!"

Kori clapped her hands in jubilation, while Jasmine beamed with pride, knowing her son would bestow valuable wisdom upon an eager pupil.

As the scene shifted to the Lonelands, Jack, Kori, and the other Soto siblings began Sutaro's training in earnest. A cornucopia of provisions lay before them as Sutaro perched upon a fallen log at the forest's edge, with Geralt slumbering nearby. Kori approached, wielding tiny ropes infused with a mysterious gel and a small, gleaming blade. Sutaro's brow glistened with nervous perspiration.

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Kori positioned herself behind Sutaro, setting down the blade and running her fingers through the princess's brown tresses. "My lady, to become a knight of worth, one must forsake locks that cascade beyond the nape. Fear not, for I shall bestow upon thee a coiffure of unparalleled beauty!"

Sutaro nodded, placing her trust in Kori's skilled hands. "I place my faith in your expertise, Kori."

With swift, precise movements, Kori's blade danced through the strands, sending them floating to the grass below. She then employed the gel-infused ropes, weaving them into Sutaro's remaining hair with artful dexterity.

"Behold!" Kori exclaimed triumphantly, presenting a mirror for Sutaro's inspection. The reflection revealed a masterpiece—elegant round puffs at the nape of her neck, complemented by a sleek, straight exterior.

Sutaro's eyes widened in delight as she traced the new contours with her fingertips. "Oh, Kori! Thank you! You have my deepest gratitude."

Kori smiled, wiping her blade with a delicate handkerchief. “Dear Sutaro, each of us hath unique talents. This is but one of mine.”

Next, Jeremy stepped forward, bearing traditional robes befitting a fledgling warrior. He spread them out with care, awaiting Sutaro's selection. "My lady, as thou embarkest upon this new path, it would be prudent to adopt attire more suited to a knight than a princess."

Sutaro examined the garments with a discerning eye, swiftly selecting an ensemble that appealed to her sensibilities. She retreated to her chamber to change, emerging shortly after in her new attire—a sleeveless assassin's shirt paired with matching bottoms, gleaming brown boots, and a small, practical purse at her hip.

“Jeremy," she inquired, twirling gracefully, "How do I appear in these new vestments?"

Jennifer approached next, carrying a small pouch and a pristine Shipwood pen with a razor-sharp tip. "Every knight, be they lord or lady, must bear their mark! It symbolizes allegiance and belief, unique to each bearer." She presented Sutaro with a collection of vibrant oils. "What hue shall adorn thy mark, my lady?"

Sutaro selected a brilliant aqua blue. With the princess's consent, Jennifer dipped the pen stabbing and carefully etching a crescent symbol on her arm, embellishing it with a small circle and intricate lines. "This, young one, is the mark of time. It represents thy journey from princess to knight."

Sutaro gazed at her arm, recognizing the mark's resemblance to her father's cherished timepiece.

Finally, Jacob and James took their turn. James, the taller and more refined of the two, bowed deeply and gently took Sutaro's hand. "Lady Sutaro, it is our utmost honor to serve thee! A warrior's journey would be incomplete without a worthy weapon. I beseech thee to choose any from Sir Jacob's illustrious collection: be it lethal or non-lethal, for ranged combat or close quarters."

Jacob unveiled an impressive array of weaponry. Sutaro's gaze was drawn to a common blade, the most formidable weapon in the assemblage.

“Ah! The common blade—a weapon of unmatched versatility and might!” James exclaimed. “With sufficient skill, it becomes a deft counter to even the swiftest projectiles! This blade is now thine to wield and master.”

Sutaro grasped the handle firmly, her mind filled with visions of heroic demon-slaying exploits. She executed a few careful maneuvers to acquaint herself with the blade's balance and feel.

At this moment, Jacob approached Sutaro with a gentle smile. "My lady, I feel compelled to inform thee that in this new chapter of thy life, thou art no longer bound by the rigid conventions of royal speech. Thou art free to express thyself as thou seest fit."

James interjected, his voice warm and encouraging. "If I may, I find the lady's manner of speech most becoming. It befits both a lady of refinement and a knight in training."

Sutaro blushed slightly, considering their words. "I... I appreciate your counsel, Jacob, and your kind words, James. Perhaps, in time, I shall find a balance between proprietary and casual discourse."

Just then, Charles sauntered over, his demeanor relaxed and carefree. "Hey, Princess—I mean, Knight-in-training! Don't sweat the small stuff. You do you, and let the words flow naturally. We've got your back, no matter how you choose to chat."

Sutaro couldn't help but giggle at Charles's approach, feeling more at ease with each passing moment.

Suddenly, Jasmine's voice rang out across the clearing. "Hark! The evening meal awaits! I have prepared a sumptuous Fogbeast feast!"

The Soto siblings rushed to assist Geralt, while Sutaro stood tall, her posture reflecting her newfound purpose. In her heart, she decided that henceforth, she would be known as ‘Suki’ having completed her transformation from princess to aspiring knight. As she gazed at her companions, a sense of excitement welled up within her. Her true adventure, she realized, was only just beginning.