Lyra awoke with a sharp headache, pain radiating across her forehead. She winced, pressing her hand to her head, trying to ease the discomfort. Glancing at the table beside her, she noticed a jug of water and an empty glass. She poured herself some water, her mind struggling to recall what had happened. Suddenly, she remembered—there was a lunch to attend. She called out loudly for Priscilla.
Priscilla, already on her way to Lyra's room, didn't hear the call. When she entered, she was surprised to find Lyra rushing around in a panic.
"Where were you?" Lyra asked urgently.
"Is everything okay?" Priscilla flinched at the question.
"Did I miss the lunch?"
"No, I was on my way to wake you up. We're just a little behind schedule, but don't worry, we'll get you ready quickly."
"What about you?" Lyra asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Pardon?"
"You'll be at the lunch, right?"
"Oh, yes. I forgot."
Priscilla let out a nervous chuckle, realizing that she would have to face King Mildred again. After their last meeting, she had hoped never to see him again, but now, plans were falling apart.
"Then what are you waiting for? Call Fiona and the others."
"Right."
Soon, after getting ready, Lyra and Priscilla headed out of the room, only to run into Dylan and his aide, Ian, who had replaced Xavier, who was occupied in Boreas.
"Ah!" Lyra exclaimed, surprised, and quickly nodded shyly at Dylan.
Dylan, clad in his military uniform, looked incredibly striking. Gaia had a rule that for official events, military attire was required. Dylan wore the black and gold military uniform of the Commander of the Knights, complete with badges and a gold emblem. His hair was neatly gelled with a half-ponytail, and a few strands framed his forehead. This was the first time Lyra had seen him dressed like this, and she couldn't help but stare in awe. He looked incredibly handsome, and for some reason, in this attire, he looked even more attractive.
Dylan, noticing Lyra's gaze, couldn't help but find her stunning as well, dressed in Anemoi's female military uniform. Her hair was casually tied in a ponytail, and she wore a red shirt with two tails and golden buttons, paired with long boots and black pants. Though she wore the traditional headwear, her crown was absent. Dylan shyly scratched his neck and averted his gaze.
"Ah, looks like everyone is ready," Mildred remarked, walking into the hallway with a smile.
"I was just here to escort you to the dining room."
"We were on our way," Dylan responded, and Mildred smiled. For a moment, his gaze lingered on Lyra, who instinctively hid behind Dylan.
Priscilla, noticing Mildred's gaze, shot him a piercing stare. Her gaze made Mildred recall Peter's words. Even though Priscilla tried to glare at him, he was oblivious, assuming she was simply looking at him.
Dylan, noticing Lyra hiding behind him, couldn't help but wonder why she was acting this way. Lyra usually exuded confidence in front of strangers, but in the company of those she was close to, she became more adorable and clingy.
Curious, Dylan observed her actions and realized her gaze was averted from Mildred.
'King Mildred?' Dylan thought, furrowing his brow as he tried to understand why she would be avoiding him.
Meanwhile, Lyra regretted hiding behind Dylan. She hadn't planned to do so, but when she saw Mildred, the events of their last encounter replayed in her mind, and she felt embarrassed by her previous actions.
"Now, let's go," Mildred said, prompting everyone to start walking. He then turned to Dylan and asked, "Do you know anything about the Kingdom of Ras?"
"Yes. What happened?" Dylan replied.
"They've been making moves, trying to take what they can't obtain," Mildred explained.
"I've had similar issues with them," Dylan added.
"I feel something is off. A coup was about to happen there, but it was handled. All the traitors were dispersed."
"The King claims the rebels were behind it," Mildred continued.
"Or so he claims," Dylan muttered, skepticism in his voice.
"I doubt it as well," Lyra chimed in, eager to join the conversation and end her embarrassment.
"Are you dealing with similar troubles?" Mildred asked.
"The north, near Boreas, is facing some minor issues," Lyra explained.
"It seems like they're trying to take over the whole grand line," Dylan added.
"Taking control of that would block the transport of goods," Mildred observed.
"This means... war," Lyra concluded, and Dylan, Mildred, and Lyra all exchanged a knowing look.
As they continued their conversation, they reached the royal dining hall, a vast room with soaring ceilings, gilded details, and luxurious tapestries. A long table set with silverware and porcelain stretched beneath a crystal chandelier, while the soft fragrance of candles and the subtle sounds of musicians filled the air, creating an ambiance befitting a royal gathering. The views of the palace gardens or cityscapes through the windows only added to the room's grandeur.
Inside, the Queen Mother, dressed in an elegant gown with intricate lace and gold accents, welcomed them with grace. The air was rich with the scent of candles and the soft hum of music.
"Welcome! I trust your rest was peaceful. If there's anything lacking, do let us know."
Dylan, ever polite, responded, "Thank you. We've had no issues."
"Yes, everything is fine, thank you for looking after us."
The Queen narrowed her gaze slightly, sensing a closer connection between Lyra and Dylan than expected. They seemed to be answering each other's questions, hinting at a potential rivalry for her son's affections. This thought irritated her, and she shot a glare at an oblivious Mildred, who ignored her as he focused on a request from Priscilla.
In truth, Lyra was an excellent candidate for queenship—intelligent, kind, beautiful, and capable. Mildred had assessed her based on their interactions thus far. He'd worked with Duke Nabal before, whose handling of affairs left much to be desired. Rumors of their troubles had circulated.
Lyra's letters showed determination, traits Mildred admired. However, he didn't want to marry without love. He had also noticed the dynamic between Lyra and Dylan but chose not to intervene.
As the conversation shifted, he turned his attention to Priscilla, who pointedly ignored him despite being aware of his gaze.
"Please, feel free to eat and discuss matters of politics. I need to prepare for tonight's welcome party. It's a pity you declined; we could have had a party every night during your stay."
Lyra smiled at the Queen's words as everyone took their seats. The Queen leaned toward Lyra, gently clasping her hands.
"If you're free after this meeting, would you like to join me for afternoon tea? It would be a pleasure."
"Thank you for your invitation, but I have prior plans," Lyra replied.
The Queen raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Prior plans?"
Lyra nodded. "Yes, I have already made plans to meet someone. Perhaps we could have tea another time?"
"Of course, my dear," the Queen replied, though slightly puzzled about whom Lyra could be meeting in a foreign land. She assumed Lyra must be busy with work and meetings.
"I'll see you at tonight's party," the Queen added as she left.
At the dining table, before the food was served, the topic shifted to the construction of a bridge connecting Anemoi, Helios, and Gaia.
"We understand your proposal," one of the council members began. "But some of our committee members feel that Gaia stands to gain little. They worry about security risks and the potential harm of allowing access through our kingdom. What about the public? How will you ensure daily life is not disturbed?"
"Your concerns are valid," Lyra replied confidently. "But rest assured, we have a solution."
She gestured to the world map in front of them. "See here, Anemoi and Helios are connected only at two points: through the northern mountains, near Boreas, and via sea trade. Boreas has a trade route, but due to the harsh winters, it often closes for most of the year. To the west of Anemoi lies the Kingdom of Gaia."
The room quieted as everyone gathered closer to examine the map.
"Instead of passing through Gaia's main city, we propose using the no-man's land around the outskirts. This will prevent any illegal crossings, and public life will remain unaffected."
Everyone was silent, taking in her suggestion.
Mildred, grabbing a marker, added, "What about here? Halim, a village in Gaia. You would need to pass through it to reach Helios. The no-man's land doesn't extend that far."
A hush fell over the room as everyone processed the new information.
"We could build a tunnel," Dylan suggested.
"A tunnel? On a flat surface?" one of the elders questioned, astonished.
"Yes. Can we see a map of Halim?" Dylan asked.
After a moment, a map was handed to him, and he marked the area.
"We have no issues here, correct?" Dylan asked, pointing to the map, and everyone nodded.
"If we build a bridge here, it would overshadow the village's market and disrupt daily life. But what if we build an underground tunnel slightly further away? This way, we can avoid trespassing, and the public will remain undisturbed."
"That sounds good in theory, but why would we build a tunnel on flat land?" another elder questioned.
"I believe it's feasible," Dylan explained. "There's no water near this area, so the ground should be stable enough for construction. A 5-kilometer tunnel may seem long, but with proper lighting and security checkpoints, it could work."
Priscilla nodded in agreement, "We can use guards from both countries to ensure safety and smooth operations."
Mildred smiled, turning to Dylan. "Are you sure this can be done?"
Dylan nodded, "Yes. The timeline will take longer, but I'm confident it's possible."
Lyra added, "And once completed, it would prevent the influx of travelers and keep public spaces free of any disturbances."
With the proposal now on the table, discussions were made to finalize plans for the construction.
"To the best of my knowledge, I am certain of this." Dylan remarked. Turning toward one of his colleagues, he then asked, "Cyrus, is this feasible?"
Cyrus, the head of the development and engineering team, examined the map closely before responding, "I believe there should be no issues, and the potential benefits are worth it."
"Then I entrust you with overseeing the construction of that area. My men will, of course, assist as well."
Mildred added his thoughts, prompting Lyra to ask, "Does this mean we can consider the treaty successful?"
"For now, yes," Mildred replied. "We'll need to conduct further research, finalize the terms, and then officially sign it."
"Thank you," Lyra and Dylan said in unison, surprised to be speaking together. They exchanged a smile.
"May we visit Halim?" Priscilla inquired. Mildred nodded.
"Of course. I'll arrange a day for us to survey the area."
As they were about to leave, a knock interrupted the conversation and the butler came news that food has been served.
Mildred smiled and addressed everyone, "I find it appropriate that we begin our meal now. Please, indulge yourselves; our chef has prepared the finest dishes from Gaia. I trust you will enjoy them."
As the group moved toward the dining area, Mildred, with grace befitting his station, led the way. As they sat down to eat, a knight in Lyra's service quietly entered with a letter, which was handed to Priscilla. Upon reading it, her face darkened, and her mood soured.
Noticing this change, Lyra leaned closer and whispered, "Is it from him?"
Priscilla nodded, her voice tinged with bitterness. "Yes, he sent me a dress for tonight's event, asking me to wear it and shine in his honor."
Lyra's expression softened. "Has he done this before?"
"Yes," Priscilla replied. "The same exact dress, sent again, just like all the other times."
Lyra's heart went out to her friend. The bond between them had grown so deep in such a short time, and she could sense the weight of the situation.
Priscilla gripped the letter tightly, her voice trembling. "While I appreciate the gesture, it's clear this comes from his mother, not from him. He doesn't even know I'm in Gaia..."
Lyra gently took her hand. "I'm sorry you're feeling this way."
Just as she was about to speak further, Mildred interrupted with a lighthearted tone. "Is something wrong with the food? You two haven't touched it."
Both women quickly masked their expressions, forcing smiles.
"The food is wonderful," Lyra said, her tone casual. "We were just caught up in conversation."
Priscilla nodded, her face still carrying a hint of sadness, which Mildred, though curious, chose not to pursue further.
After the meal, Lyra quickly prepared to leave, signaling for Priscilla to join her. Dylan, noticing their departure, followed them. As they neared a quiet hallway, he stopped Lyra.
"Princess Lyra, may I have a moment?" he asked.
Surprised, Lyra nodded and motioned for Priscilla to go on ahead. The two retreated to a quieter space.
"Is everything alright?" Dylan asked, his voice cautious.
Lyra could tell he was nervous, and she smiled to ease his tension.
"Yes, everything is fine."
There was an awkward silence before Dylan spoke again. "I was wondering... would you like to visit the marketplace with me after the party tonight?"
Lyra's heart skipped a beat, and a grin formed involuntarily. "Oh... sure," she mumbled, blushing at the thought.
Dylan's smile widened, and Lyra tried to compose herself. "Well, I must be going. I'm in a bit of a hurry."
"Who are you meeting?" Dylan asked, clearly curious.
"Lady Aurelia," Lyra responded, her excitement palpable. "She's an old friend, and I'm really looking forward to seeing her."
Dylan nodded, remembering her mention of Aurelia before. Seeing Lyra so happy brought a smile to his face. "Cute," he muttered under his breath, realizing too late he had spoken aloud.
Lyra blushed even more, shaking her head as she excused herself, calling over her shoulder, "See you later."
As Lyra and Priscilla rode in the carriage, Priscilla's mood remained somber, which didn't go unnoticed by Lyra. Concerned, she asked, "Are you alright? Is it because of... him?"
Priscilla shook her head. "No, not at all. I'd rather not think of him right now."
Lyra smiled. "That's the spirit."
Priscilla sighed, her voice quieter now. "I'm just nervous about meeting Lady Aurelia. It feels like I'm intruding."
Lyra reassured her. "You're not intruding at all. I know you two will hit it off. She already knows who you are through my letters, and she'll be glad to meet you."
"Thank you, Lyra."
Priscilla had recently dropped the formalities with Lyra after constant insistence. She only did it when they were alone.
Changing the subject, Lyra asked, "By the way, did something happen between you and King Mildred? He kept looking at you during the meal."
Priscilla laughed lightly, though a hint of unease remained. "Why would he look at me? Perhaps you're imagining it."
Lyra raised an eyebrow playfully. "Maybe it's because you're so beautiful, he couldn't take his eyes off you."
Priscilla burst out laughing. "I highly doubt that... but now that you mention it, I think I have an idea..."
Lyra leaned in, curious, but Priscilla's mood shifted. "I... I'm sorry, your highness. Yesterday, I spoke to King Mildred. I was worried he might use what you said against you, so I apologized on your behalf. It was foolish of me, wasn't it?"
Lyra frowned. "No, you did the right thing. It's just... embarrassing to talk about these things. I'm grateful yet sorry you did it for me."
Priscilla's expression grew more serious. "And... about the Queen Mother... she's been pushing for your marriage to her son. I'm not sure if you've noticed, but it's frustrating. The son doesn't do anything to stop it. If they're serious, they should be upfront. If not, they should stop with this matchmaking game."
Lyra nodded thoughtfully. "What did he say in return?"
"He said he was going to keep it a secret and tell his mother to stop. But... something about his smile seemed off to me."
Lyra smiled gently. "You did well, Leah. I'm glad you spoke up."
"It felt great to speak up…if only I could speak up like this in front of Charles, my fiancé'…" Priscilla added and smiled back, but it was tinged with sadness, "Thinking about it... Charles has everything—money, looks, status. People praise his character. But I don't know what he's thinking. And it hurts."
Lyra took her friend's hand, "You deserve someone who truly cares for you. Someone who loves you for who you are."
Priscilla hesitated before speaking softly, "I need him. But... it's not love. I'm just... stuck."
Lyra's heart ached for her friend. "I just want you to find someone who loves you, Leah. Not Priscilla's shadow."
Priscilla looked down, uncertain of how to respond. "Does Lady Aurelia know that I'm Leah and not my sister Priscilla?"
Lyra shifted uncomfortably, looking away. "I told her. She asked about you, and I explained everything."
Priscilla smiled, relieved. "Thank you. I'm glad I'll meet her as myself."
Their carriage continued its journey toward Aurelia's estate, nestled on the mountainside. Lyra was excited, knowing her friend would finally be able to step into her true self.