""Wait, you're the fourth prince?" Elina scratched her head, feigning confusion. "I never paid much attention to royal families, you see."

The group introduced themselves, but Austin seemed distracted. Iris noticed his lack of interest and filled in the gap. "Actually, Prince Austin is the one who stopped Dorothy from running further into the jungle," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Austin's gaze snapped to hers. "So, can I ask why you all visited our kingdom today?" he asked, his brow furrowed in curiosity. The girls exchanged glances, unsure how much to reveal. Austin noticed their hesitation. "No bother if you're not comfortable sharing," he assured them.

Iris took a deep breath and explained everything, from their initial arrival to Dorothy's sudden departure. "I'm confused as to why she ran off, though," she admitted. "She had never done anything like this before. She is quite obedient to me."

Austin nodded thoughtfully. "So, now you are going back. I guess, you should now start your journey again. And you will reach a little after evening." He skillfully sidestepped Iris' question about Dorothy's behavior.

Elina stood, brushing off her dress. "You're right. We will now head back."

Austin rose as well. "Hm... Again, I thank you sincerely for helping me Prince Austin," Iris said, bowing her head slightly.

"Not a big deal. I gotta go. Bye, see you again." With that, Austin turned and disappeared into the trees.

The girls returned to the riverbank, mounted their horses, and set off towards the "Evergarden" kingdom. The fading sunlight cast long shadows across the jungle floor as they rode in comfortable silence.

Suddenly, Harlin reined in her horse. The others followed suit. "Why did you stop, Haru?" Elina asked, concern lacing her voice. Harlin didn't respond. Iris slid off her horse and approached her friend.

"Hey, Haru. What's wro-", before she could finish, Harlin slumped forward, falling into Iris' arms. The others gasped in shock.

"What's happened to her?" Aylin asked, rushing to their side.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"I guess she has a fever, high fever," Iris said, her voice trembling as she lowered Harlin to the ground. Aylin cradled Harlin's head in her lap.

"She collapsed from the high fever. And we didn't even notice," Aylin whispered, tears welling up in her eyes.

"This weak queen!! Argghhh!!! Why wouldn't she tell us if she wasn't feeling well? She is always so extra. Why would she even fall ill?" Elina's outburst was laced with worry, her way of showing concern.

"I guess we can't wait until we reach the palace. Her condition will worsen. We have to take steps now," Iris said, her brow furrowed in thought.

"But, how could we? I don't think the ghost here will lend medicine for her," Elina said, still visibly upset.

"Don't be stupid. We gotta look for someone. I guess there are some people living in the woods. We just gotta take a look around," Iris replied, her voice firm but gentle.

The girls quickly decided on a plan. Iris and Elina set off to find help while Aylin stayed with Harlin. Elina muttered complaints about Harlin's thoughtlessness the entire time, but the others knew it was just a front.

After what felt like hours, a massive hut came into view. Relief washed over them. The hut was a warm brown color, almost entirely covered in lush green vines. It seemed as though the jungle itself was reclaiming the structure. They approached the door and knocked twice.

"Is anyone here?" Iris called out.

The door creaked open, revealing an old man with a long white beard and an eyepatch over one eye. "Oh my, is that our dearest princess with her company? Hohoho," he laughed, his one eye twinkling.

"So, what brings you here, your highness?" he asked, his voice warm and raspy.

"Please, don't talk so politely with me. And we are here to seek help," Iris said, her usual poise wavering.

"How may I help you, princess?" he asked, his brow furrowed.

Iris explained the situation, and the old man nodded thoughtfully. "Bring her inside," he said, stepping aside.

They carried Harlin into the cozy hut, the air thick with the scent of herbs and old books. The old man bustled around, mixing a concoction of liquids. "Give her this," he instructed, handing Iris a small vial.

After a few minutes, Harlin's eyes flickered open. "Hey, are you feeling alright? Why didn't you tell us about your health?" Elina demanded, but there was relief in her voice.

"Hey, Eli. She just woke up. Are you now feeling better, Haru?" Aylin asked, gently brushing a strand of hair from Harlin's face.

"Yeah, I am feeling much better," Harlin replied, her voice weak but improving.

"Thanks old man. We owe you a lot," Iris said, turning to the old man with a heartfelt smile. But then her expression changed, realization dawning on her face.

"Wait, you are...", Iris trailed off, stunned.

"I am Hares Inkwood, my lady," the old man replied, his eye glinting with amusement.

"So, you are the linguist who researches about ancient languages!!" Iris exclaimed, barely able to believe their luck.

"Yes, my lady."

"Ok, can you come to the royal palace tomorrow at 10 a.m. ?"

"Yes, of course. I would be really glad to help you."

With that, the girls bid Hares farewell and continued their journey. They soon arrived at the grand entrance of the royal palace. The gatekeepers bowed deeply as they rode through. The air was thick with the sweet scent of blooming flowers from the enormous gardens that flanked the path.

They dismounted before the palace, handing the reins to the waiting guards. But before the guards could lead the horses away, Harlin's mount bolted towards the gardens. The guards gave chase, laughing.

"Have all the horses gone crazy today?" Elina asked, shaking her head in amusement.

The girls laughed, the tension of the day finally broken. As they watched the commotion, they couldn't help but feel a sense of cozy contentment wash over them. Despite the unexpected twists and turns, they had found help, reconnected with an old friend, and even stumbled upon a valuable resource. It had been a long, eventful day, but in the end, they had found a sense of warmth and belonging. And as they turned to enter the palace, they knew that no matter what adventures lay ahead, they would face them together.