House of Varian
Rose Garden
"It's the time of year when flowers all around the Kingdom bloom, my lady", Gilbert informed while walking beside Eleanor.
"Ah~it's been a while since I've seen too much light. I think I'll pass from going further", Eleanor gave a short sigh.
"Is that so, my lady? Then, shall we go back to the library?", Gilbert said with a hint of disappointment from him. Eleanor noticed it. "I was just reminiscing how dark it was in the prison", Eleanor grabbed his arm and dragged him further inside.
"If I have the power, I could have...", Gilbert clench his fist.
"Enough Gil. What's done is done. But then, I appreciate your concern. I am really a high-maintenance lady", Eleanor laughed.
"Welcome back! Lady Eleanor", almost all of the servants are present. Eleanor's eyes widened. "I guess you really are", Gilbert had a short laugh. Seeing the man laugh, Eleanor flushed a bit yet hid her face from him. They started the welcome party with some of the servants playing music.
Palace Terrace
"How peculiar", Theo sat on the chair prepared for him overlooking the capital.
"What is, your majesty", former Chancellor Dan, Aileen's father was promoted to be the Head of the Royal adviser.
"He will not show his fangs to me unless it's about his older brother", Theo smirked. "He is growing older, your majesty. He will soon break free from the cages he's been kept from", Dan smiled.
"Yes indeed. And so, when are you going to give your consent regarding your daughter's engagement? My son will soon have his coming-of-age party", Theo leaned on his palm. Dan flinched. "It is a great honor for my daughter to be chosen as the candidate for the Crown Prince's wife but... it is not my position to say whether she will take it or not. As long as she does not consent, I won't either", Dan bowed his head. "You're too soft with your child Dan. Aileen is such a capable woman. She's intelligent and she has the power to improve this kingdom", Theo stood up and looked down from the terrace.
He saw two ladies on the palace Court having a playful conversation. "Don't blame me if she doesn't end up next to the throne. You're aware that she's not the only one who is capable", Theo smiled.
Palace Court
"So, he smiled when the Crown Prince appeared", Claudia continued.
"I see. Jenos helped the Crown Prince catch the culprit. Now, I was wondering what he was doing while I was out of commission from the Council", Eleanor sighed. "Are you really just fine? You can take a week's break. Plus, coming back to this place...don't you feel anger that they doubted your service ", Claudia looked at the ground and felt bad. "They're just doing what they're supposed to do. Claudia, if the nobles do not follow the law... How can they expect others to do the same?", Eleanor cupped her face.
Another lady wearing military clothes passed by.
"Congratulations on your release", Fiona gave a slight bow of the head.
"You're wearing another set of uniform from the last time I saw you", Eleanor tilted her head. "I became the Commander of the Capital's soldiers", Fiona informed. Claudia and Eleanor's eyes sparkled. A woman leading the soldiers. She looks charming. "Then, be on your way. I still have some patrolling to do", Fiona said with irritation and left.
"What's wrong with her?", Eleanor shrugged and entered the Palace.
"Then, I'll be on my way as well. Ellie, see you", Claudia waved her hand. Eleanor did the same and walked opposite Claudia's direction.
Crown Prince's Office
"Welcome back, Council Eleanor. It was tough without you here", Liam whined.
"I'm back. You've been doing this job ever since. What could have gone wrong even without me here", Eleanor chuckled.
"A lot", Liam patted her head and looked at Xylan ignoring the lady. "Your Highness, thank you for-", Eleanor was cut off.
"I already have your solution filed on the Council and they are studying it. After which, you'd be going back to the Council. I'll be requesting Council Jenos to assist me here", Xylan said then stood up preparing to leave the office.
Eleanor stood just near the door.
"Your Highness", she called for him.
"If you got what I said... You may now leave. I already have Liam pack your things", Xylan said without looking at her.
"I would just like to...", Eleanor stepped forward but saw Xylan emitting a dark aura demanding her to stay away from him.
"It's not that I did it to save you. It will cause great damage if your father would cause an internal war. He is a powerful man we cannot mess up with", Xylan explained and walked pass Eleanor. "Regardless!!!", Eleanor got quite pissed off having her words blocked off every time. Xylan and Liam flinched.
"Regardless of any reason you have, I still want to thank you. Thank you... for saving me, your highness", Eleanor clenched her fists.
Xylan left the room.
"It's the first time he did something that's not a command from the Empress. I'm sure he doesn't know how to react as well", Liam smiled and followed his master.
Greenhouse
"Ellie!!! I'm glad you're here", Keanne jumped to hug her tight. Eleanor returned a hug which made Keanne startled.
"I knew you also were having a hard time during my days in prison. Thank you for trying to help me", Eleanor bowed. "It wasn't me who proved your innocence", Keanne lets go and turned away from the lady. "Your Highness, I would like to see your herbs. I haven't visited since the last time", Eleanor smiled.
"Have you seen Lady Aileen around?", Eleanor asked.
Keanne stopped walking. "She's in the south", Keanne answered. "What is she doing there? The Prince's birthday is around the corner. Isn't it that she will be his escort?", Eleanor asked.
"For some reason, I get the feeling that she's running away. She volunteered to oversee the restoration expedition to the South. Just a few days ago, it was attacked by pirates", Keanne shared. "Running away?", Eleanor chuckled because it wasn't like Aileen to run away from anything. "Her candidacy of being the next empress isn't that easy", Keanne understood. Eleanor covered her mouth. Of course, it is not an easy matter but for some reason, the former Eleanor and Fiona are both aiming for the position. "How about you, Ellie? Do you still want to become the empress?", Keanne was curious.
"I am happy to be part of the Council", Eleanor answered with a smile plastered on her face.
"Then, it would be okay if you will be a duchess?", Keanne averted his stares.
The door of the greenhouse opened.
"You rested for quite some time and now you're laying around", Jenos crossed his arms as he stares at Eleanor. "Jenos!", Eleanor was excited to see him.
"Forgive me your highness, she must be bothering you. I'll be taking her from her. She still has a lot of things to do", Jenos glared at her. Eleanor shivered and followed him sheepishly. "See you later, your highness", Eleanor bowed at Keanne.
Jenos looked at Keanne and seems to declare something. Keanne just smiled. Jenos nodded then pulled Eleanor's cloak.
Chapter end