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Chapter 20: Farewell to the Capital
Morning sunlight streamed into the palace as Queen Clarice stood by the window, gazing out at the garden below. The past few days had been emotional for her—watching Alice struggle, then slowly finding herself again. It wasn't that Alice had fully sensed mana yet, but something had changed. Her daughter seemed lighter, more at ease. Clarice could tell Alice was close to a breakthrough.
A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. King Leon entered, his expression thoughtful. He came to stand beside her, both of them gazing at the peaceful garden.
"You're up early," Clarice said softly, glancing at him.
Leon nodded. "I've been thinking," he said quietly. "A lot has happened over the past few days. Alice... she seems different."
Clarice smiled gently. "Yes. She's making progress. I think she's finally starting to believe in herself, after all this time."
Leon stayed silent for a moment, his eyes distant. "She's always had potential," he murmured. "But I'm glad she's starting to see it too."
Clarice knew how much Leon cared for their children, even if he didn't always show it openly. His expectations for Alice had always been high, but she could tell he was relieved to see her moving forward, even if Alice hadn't sensed mana fully yet.
"Ryan and Aria have been a good influence on her," Clarice said, breaking the silence. "Especially Ryan. He's helped Alice in ways we couldn't."
Leon nodded, his expression softening. "Ryan is impressive. His control over mana is remarkable for someone his age. But more than that, he gave Alice something she needed—confidence."
Clarice smiled, her heart lightening. "Yes. And with friends like them, Alice won't have to face her challenges alone anymore."
Leon agreed, though he remained quiet. He watched the sunlight dance over the garden, lost in his own thoughts. Clarice knew that Leon, for all his sternness, felt deeply for his family. Now, with Alice showing progress, there was a sense of peace between them.
After a moment, Leon turned to Clarice, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Do you think she'll keep this up?"
Clarice glanced at him. "I do. She's always been strong, but now... she's starting to believe it herself. That's the difference."
Leon nodded thoughtfully. "Yes. Maybe with Ryan and Aria's influence, she'll push herself even further. We'll see where she goes from here."
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In the palace courtyard, the Alestra family was getting ready to leave. Their carriage was packed, waiting under the bright morning sun. Servants finished loading the last bags as the horses stood patiently, their reins held by stable hands.
Ryan, Aria, and their mother, Alena, stood beside the carriage, talking quietly. Ryan, as usual, looked calm and composed, while Aria bounced with energy, taking in the sights of the palace one last time.
Alice stood a little apart from them, watching everything unfold. Her heart felt heavy. These last few days had changed so much for her. She had come close to sensing mana, and for the first time in a long time, she had found friends who truly understood her. The thought of them leaving left her feeling... unsettled.
She had grown comfortable with their presence, and now, without them, she wasn't sure how things would feel. Could she keep moving forward without their support? That question weighed heavily on her mind.
Queen Clarice and King Leon stepped into the courtyard, followed by Lucas and Eric. Clarice approached Alena with a warm smile.
"Thank you for being here, Alena," Clarice said gratefully. "Your children have been such a wonderful support for Alice. I don't think she would have made so much progress without them."
Alena smiled in return. "It was our pleasure. Ryan and Aria have enjoyed spending time with Alice. I'm glad they could help."
Alena's voice was warm, but Alice could hear the slight sadness in her tone, the reluctance to leave. Alice felt that same reluctance deep in her chest. The past few days had been... different. For the first time, she had felt understood, supported. Now, as Ryan and Aria were about to leave, it felt like a piece of that was slipping away.
Meanwhile, Ryan and Aria walked over to where Alice stood. Aria was the first to speak, her voice bright as always. "It was so fun, Alice! I'll miss you, but I know we'll see each other again soon, right?"
Alice nodded, trying to smile. "Yes... I hope so."
Aria grinned, reaching out to give Alice's hand a quick squeeze. "Don't worry! We'll be back before you know it. And next time, we'll have even more fun!"
Ryan stepped closer, his blue eyes meeting Alice's. "Remember what we talked about," he said gently. "You're doing great. Don't give up."
Alice felt her throat tighten. His steady, encouraging presence had been a lifeline for her over the past few days. Now, she wasn't sure what it would be like without him around. She gave him a small, shaky smile, her voice soft. "I won't forget."
Ryan and Aria hugged Alice one last time before separating . He and Aria then turned to climb into the carriage, followed by Alena. The door shut with a soft thud, and the horses began to pull the carriage forward.
Alice stood with her family, watching as the carriage moved slowly through the gates. Her heart felt both heavy and hopeful. These past few days had changed her, and she knew she wasn't the same person she had been before Ryan and Aria arrived. She hadn't fully sensed mana yet, but she was closer—and she wasn't alone anymore.
Queen Clarice placed a gentle hand on Alice's shoulder. "They'll be back," she said softly. "And when they return, you'll be even stronger."
Alice nodded, taking a deep breath. Her heart swelled with determination. She had new friends, new hope. She wasn't afraid of the challenges ahead anymore.
As the carriage disappeared beyond the gates, Alice looked up at the bright sky, feeling a sense of peace. This wasn't the end. It was only the beginning of her journey.
As friends depart , the heart must stay
With memories bright to guide the way
New bonds are formed, though miles may part
And the courage grows within her heart
Though trials faced and shadows cast
Strength will bloom and peace will last
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