Leticia, recovered from her cold, returned to her activities and soon learned of Laurenn's broken engagement. She found him absorbed in sadness and tried to cheer him up.
"It seems Lady Rachel has called off the wedding," Leticia said, trying a gentle approach.
"Yes… Some unforeseen events occurred," Laurenn replied dejectedly.
"Don't worry! You're kind, polite, handsome, and have a good heart. A wonderful woman will appear for you. Prepare for a flood of suitors!" Leticia exclaimed optimistically.
"But Lady Rachel didn't like my personality. Am I not romantic enough? Or do I not know how to treat a woman?" Laurenn questioned insecurely.
"Well, I can't say… but the important thing is to find someone who likes you for who you are. Don't accept anything less. And, to be honest, I never liked that woman. She had a strange aura. Consider yourself lucky she's gone," Leticia stated frankly.
Leticia's words comforted Laurenn, who gradually recovered from the shock. His sister's sincerity was a balm for his doubts and insecurities.
Two weeks later, Leticia, Aleph, two knights (Ritz and Werner), and an assistant assigned by King Hayden prepared to depart for the Autumn Kingdom.
…
"Your name was included in this mission for a specific purpose."
"I understand perfectly, sir. I will fulfill my task with maximum efficiency," Ritz replied firmly.
"Don't wait for my instructions. Anticipate. The sooner you complete your objective, the better."
"Sir, if I may… is the information regarding Queen Risny's exceptional beauty accurate? Have you had the privilege of meeting her?" Ritz inquired, displaying unusual curiosity.
"Yes, the rumors are true. And speaking of which, I am to meet with her soon," Shineid replied with an enigmatic smile before walking away.
Risny appeared to be 25 years old, though her true age was a mystery. Standing at 1.78 meters tall, she had long black hair, a thin, delicate face, and flawless, unmarked, pale skin. Her elegance was unmistakable, and her almost ethereal beauty impressed everyone she met. Risny enjoyed varying her hairstyles and fashion, but she had a predilection for kimonos and long dresses of unique sophistication.
Later, in Risny's Castle, she waited, accompanied by two elite knights. They stood in silence, attentive, as they waited for the general to arrive with his report.
The Elite Knights of Risny, selected through a continuous combat system where they constantly had to prove their strength, represented the pinnacle of the kingdom's martial prowess. Generals of lower ranks frequently challenged them, seeking to ascend to positions of greater prestige.
General Shineid, after being granted permission by Elite Knight Eisen, entered the throne room and bowed before Queen Risny.
"Queen Risny, I beg your forgiveness for my failure, but I have not yet completed the task assigned to me. My efforts to eliminate Leticia, essential for my plans to control the Winter Kingdom, have been thwarted," Shineid confessed apprehensively.
"Do you dare place your personal plans above your obligations to Queen Risny?" Eisen interjected, his voice sharp and his icy gaze fixed on Shineid.
"With Leticia's departure, eliminating her will be easier. I implore your assistance, Supreme Queen," Shineid pleaded, ignoring Eisen's reprimand.
Queen Risny, with her supernatural insight, analyzed the situation, her eyes penetrating Shineid's mind, unraveling his hidden thoughts.
"This agreement between the Autumn and Winter Kingdoms intrigues me. What are the terms? What do they gain from it? I will grant the necessary assistance to eliminate Leticia, but I demand answers. Commander Eisen, thoroughly investigate this treaty," Risny commanded in a firm and authoritative voice.
Eisen was a Shineid who had served Risny for many seasons, though his appearance suggested he was around 30 years old. Tall and slender, standing at 1.80 meters, he always maintained an impeccable appearance: carefully styled black hair and an attentive gaze from violet eyes, a unique characteristic among Shineids. Meticulous in all aspects, Eisen was rigorous in both his attire and his actions, reflecting a discipline that was admired and respected.
…
In the Winter Kingdom, Leticia requested Aleph's presence for an important ceremony.
"Sir Aleph," Leticia said solemnly, "would you accept being named my knight?"
"Your Highness, I swear to protect you until we reach the Autumn Kingdom. You have my word," Aleph replied, kneeling before the princess.
Aleph then offered his sword to Leticia. On the blade, the detailed image of a dragon entwined with the symbol of autumn shimmered. The princess, fascinated by the beauty of the weapon, felt a pang of familiarity with the symbol, as if she had encountered it in another context. The memory, however, faded like mist. Taking the sword, Leticia officially knighted him.
The day of departure finally arrived. An atmosphere of melancholy hung over the castle. Leticia's personal assistants, and all those who had accompanied her throughout her life, bid her farewell with tears in their eyes. Despite their sadness, they held onto the hope that the princess's journey would bring prosperity to the kingdom.
Leticia, her heart filled with gratitude, said goodbye individually to each person who had served her for years, from the cooks to her ladies-in-waiting. Dagmar, in particular, felt the imminence of separation like a blow.
"I'm so sorry King Hayden didn't choose me to accompany you. I would have been so happy," Dagmar lamented, her voice choked with emotion.
"I will miss you," Leticia replied sincerely.
Hesitantly, Dagmar wasn't sure if she had the liberty to hug the princess. Leticia, sensing her hesitation, took the initiative and embraced her warmly. Dagmar, unable to contain her emotion, burst into tears.
The official farewell took place in a long line of subjects and castle staff, all wishing the princess good luck. At the end, Laurenn waited.
Sadness was evident on the prince's face. Separating from Leticia, even temporarily, caused him great anguish. The longest they had been apart was the three years he spent in royal succession training. The uncertainty of their reunion and the worry about the dangers his sister would face consumed him, despite the trust he placed in Aleph.
"Take care, Leticia," Laurenn murmured, tenderly caressing her face.
Laurenn's restrained tears finally flowed when Leticia hugged him tightly, trying to comfort him with sweet and encouraging words. The reciprocal longing was evident in the princess's tear-filled eyes.
After the farewells, Leticia and her entourage departed for the Autumn Kingdom.