"Elizabeth, are you okay? You look pale," Shirley said concernedly.
"It's nothing…" she murmured.
Shirley could read her friend's thoughts well. Elizabeth was unusually direct about her emotions after all. There was basically zero filter from thought to expression. Thinking about it seriously, Shirley realized how insensitive she was with her words. She was so absorbed in talking about their families that she excluded Elizabeth entirely. For someone who had no one close to them, would they like that? Would that make them happy? Shirley sighed. She really was an idiot.
The girl gestured to Elizabeth to come over. Since she was still injured, she could not move herself. Elizabeth did as she was told. When she reached the bedside, Shirley pulled the girl into her grasp. Initially, Elizabeth was surprised and tried pulling away. However, Shirley was as rigid as a rock, holding the girl's head to her chest. Despite that, there was a certain warmth and comfort that transcended ages. It was like a mother comforting her child. It felt incredibly gentle.
For a moment, Elizabeth felt transported back into the past, when she was a child. Back then, she never got along with anyone. None of the children her age liked her because of her crimson red hair. She was called names like demon or witch. They even threw sticks and rocks at her. They bullied her to an extreme extent. However, the adults had no intent to stop anything. These men and women felt the same way about Elizabeth. She was different! That was all it took for this small town.
Communities that were small and isolated would develop a sense of identity. Closeness, so to speak. It was what divided the outsiders from the townsfolk. It was a form of protection, of security. In reality though, it was a cruel thing. Outsiders were ostracized. Everyone would show them the cold shoulder. Elizabeth was not a true outsider, of course. She was raised on New Havens like everyone else. She had proper foster parents who took care of the unnecessary questions. There was no reason for any coldness.
Yet, Elizabeth had red hair. That was all it took. One simple difference was enough to invite a mountain of scrutiny. For everyone to greet her with disdain, for children to mock her, it was simply too much for a child like her to handle. For years, it was the same story. She had no friends. She knew no one. That was why when New Havens fell, she felt no sadness for anyone except her family. No one else mattered. That was why she wanted to run away on a grand journey through the world below. She wanted to run away from it all.
However, every time those thoughts came, her mother would inevitably appear. Her mother was at times strong and scary, but other times, she was soft and gentle. She would always know when Elizabeth was down. Perhaps, it was her motherly instinct. And whenever Elizabeth was down, her mother would inevitably caress her gently, much like Shirley was doing right now. Elizabeth felt that overflowing sense of safety again. It was a simple act, but it was enough.
"Don't be sad," Shirley whispered. "I'll be sure to visit the capital once in a while. I'll even drag Freon with me if I must. This won't be the end, you hear me?"
"If you insist," Freon sighed with a smirk.
"Besides, Benedict will be right there with you! He'll basically be next doors!" she laughed. "You'll be able to see each other whenever you want."
"Please don't phrase it in such a weird way," Benedict grumbled.
"So, you see? You're not all alone, Elizabeth," Shirley said. "Let's treasure the time we have right now!"
"Okay," Elizabeth happily replied.
In the coming days, the fleet successfully met up with the forty-thousand strong Alzar fleet from the Yunyun Stronghold. They were initially surprised, but after a short explanation from General Illion, they no longer delayed. They immediately changed course for Presharvo Port in the Zino Kingdom, south-east of here! It was such a monstrously massive force that any thought of launching an offense was discarded by the Xingyuu Empire's Imperial Council. The Four Great Nobility Families were already gearing up for war. There was no time to dabble in external affairs, especially after their goal had been achieved. Therefore, as General Illion suspected, the journey was relatively smooth. There were no problems at all.
Elizabeth and her friends enjoyed each other's company for the past few weeks. Eventually, Nassandra awoke and there was a grand celebration. Everyone was in high spirits. They talked about their hopes and dreams, their woes and worries, as well as their joys and pleasures. The days never seemed to end, but alas, every day had come to an end. Much to Elizabeth's disappointment, their fleet entered the vicinity of the Zino Kingdom, Presharvo Port!
It was a little over mid-December now, but the port city remained as busy as ever. That was expected as this port was one of the biggest ports that serviced the Teria Sea! It was overflowing with various merchant ships, doing their last rounds of trading before the year ended. Furthermore, military ships were abuzz. The turmoil caused by Emperor Lianghu and Lord Korogin's deaths forced these soldiers to work especially hard. The need for public order was reaching an all-time high.
Despite that, everyone took the time to admire the approaching fleet. Elizabeth's fleet, which nearly amounted to fifty-thousand soldiers in total, was nothing short of small. It was a massive force that spanned the horizon. Not to mention, their ships were quite iconic. The Zino Kingdom's fleet bore the symbol of the Celestial Council of Magic! In other words, an extremely high-ranking official was onboard. Anyone with half a brain would realize that the ships were the same as the ones Ten Dawn Iris and Krogan used weeks ago! Moreover, the Alzar ships carried the symbol of General Illion Doro, the Third-In-Command of the Quinvoren Army! His authority in the military was enough to send tremors anywhere he went.
The Royal Family's personal escort fleet had also arrived recently, straight from the Alzar Kingdom's capital city. Heading it was the Royal Warship Excellica, the largest and most exquisite ship in the entire kingdom. It was mobilized only when the Royal Family moved! It was a symbol of power, wealth, and influence of the family that ruled over millions! Connecting the dots, people would realize that they were witnessing the arrival of the rumored Princess Elizabeth Etuvel Reindel, the new heir apparent of the Alzar Kingdom! The hottest topic among the people was finally revealing herself to the masses!
Elizabeth overlooked the port from the ship's taffrail with a sense of lethargy. Even from so far away, she could hear the cheers, see the crowds, and imagine the headaches to come. She was originally an introverted person, bordering on timid. However, this was her future! If she wanted to climb to the top, this was a hurdle she had to overcome! Sir Winstin nodded his head in approval. That was the correct mindset to have!
The fleet gradually docked in the harbour as swarms of people wildly cheered and clapped. Slaying Emperor Lianghu and avenging the death of King Harth and Lord Korogin… These feats alone were enough for her reputation to shoot straight to the sky! Among the people, who did not loathe the emperor? Who did not hate the empire? After the Invasion of Aereon, the Zino Kingdom suffered tremendously, and Presharvo Port was particularly ravaged during the war. These people held nothing back and hollered till their throats hurt and eyes turned red, as if venting their emotions to the skies! It was a splendid reception!
Elizabeth meekly greeted the masses with a stiff smile. She felt awfully awkward but tried her best regardless. Shirley restrained her chuckle from behind as Freon and Nassandra prepared to disembark. By now, everyone had more or less fully recovered from the battle with the emperor. Freon's Core was still damaged, and Ten Dawn Tengon… There was no helping him. Even with Iris's hand, he still needed to have his arm amputated. It was a sad sight. Thankfully, Nassandra was in peak condition since most of the backlash had transferred to her partner when she had fallen unconscious…
By now, Nassandra was wearing her official Ten Dawn robe again. Her arm was clung to her older brother, as if he would disappear at any moment. There was a very faint sense of sadness in her eyes. However, she did not outwardly show anything. Instead, she displayed the very image of youthful innocence! Freon approached Elizabeth and was at a loss for words. They might have enjoyed each other's presence for these past few weeks, but farewells were never his strong suit.
"Elizabeth, well…" he started. Freon could not help his embarrassment.
Nassandra rushed forward at this moment and hugged Elizabeth. Since the girl had reawakened, she spent her time also playing with Freon and his friends. Naturally, she had grown fond of Elizabeth. Elizabeth smiled and gently patted the girl's head. In her mind, the images of her own little sister from New Havens came flashing back.
"Come and visit me from time to time, okay?" Elizabeth whispered.
"I will!" the little girl shouted.
"You too, Freon. You better look after her. If you mess up…" she warned.
Freon shook his head wryly. "You don't have to tell me twice! Once you're the queen, let me bask in the glory as well."
Elizabeth grinned. "A deal's a deal." Suddenly, her gaze turned serious, "I wish I could give you something, but…"
"My life is good enough," Freon said. "If I ever change my mind, I know who to complain to." After speaking, his gaze shifted to Shirley and Benedict.
"Oh, come here you!" Shirley fumed and stepped forth to give a big hug. She knew he would not budge, so she took the initiative instead.
Freon was as stiff as a board. "I never asked for this!" Gradually, the girl relented, allowing the boy to breath again.
Benedict stepped forth and held his hand out. He said, "It was an honor meeting you, Freon. We'll see each other again, I know it."
Freon laughed and grabbed the knight's hand. "We definitely will!"
With that said, Freon and Nassandra stepped off the ship and joined the other Ten Dawns below. The Zino Kingdom had already arranged an escort. Before they stepped into the carriage, the two siblings gave one last farewell. In a matter of minutes, the large convoy sounded their horn and began moving. The crowds gave way as the horses sped down the road. Freon revealed a content smile. Before long, they were out of sight. Their destination was Firecast, the Zino Kingdom's capital city, Freon and Nassandra's home!