Cior's body felt heavy after the teleportation. The mana consumption had taken its toll, and she collapsed onto her bed, allowing herself a moment to recover. Her eyes fluttered shut as she tried to regain her breath, the exhaustion sinking in. She had expected a slow re-adjustment to her old life, but nothing could have prepared her for the whirlwind of emotions she would feel stepping back into the place she once called home.
After a moment, she opened her eyes, and before she could fully process her surroundings, she froze. Standing in front of her was someone she had never expected to see again—her maid. The same woman who had taken care of her when she was young, the one who had always been there for her.
"What are you doing here?" Cior asked, the words barely escaping her lips, her voice filled with both surprise and disbelief.
The maid's eyes widened in recognition, and then she gasped, her hands flying to her face. "Lady Lunette? Is that really you?" she stammered, tears welling up in her eyes. And then, as if overwhelmed by the flood of emotions, the maid broke down, crying like a baby.
"I missed you so much!" she sobbed, her voice trembling with emotion.
Cior's heart clenched as she saw the woman she once knew so well, now so changed by the years. "Emily, yeah... It's me," Cior replied softly, her voice filled with a mixture of warmth and sadness. "Didn't I tell you to enjoy your life? Why are you still taking care of the mansion?" she asked, her brow furrowing in concern.
Emily shook her head, tears streaming down her face as she hugged Cior tightly. "I can't leave the memories behind," she whispered, her voice full of longing and affection. "This place... It's full of you."
Cior closed her eyes, feeling the embrace of the maid she had left behind. She hadn't expected such an emotional reunion, but now that it had happened, she couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and sorrow. She had missed this warmth, this familiarity, more than she realized.
After a few moments, Emily finally calmed down, her sobs quieting as she pulled back, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. Cior gently placed her hand on Emily's shoulder, her expression softening.
"Are you okay?" Cior asked, her voice filled with concern.
Emily nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "Yes, I'm fine," she replied, though her voice still trembled slightly. Then, her eyes met Cior's with a hint of seriousness. "But... it wasn't the only reason I stayed at the mansion," she confessed.
Cior raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Emily hesitated for a moment before continuing, her gaze dropping. "Sir Arven, Mateo, Ziven... and King Amaias," she began. "They requested and paid me to stay and look after it. They... they wanted to make sure the mansion was kept safe, that it was preserved, in case you ever came back."
Cior's heart tightened. She hadn't realized how much her absence had affected them, how much they had done to keep the memories of her alive. The thought of them—each in their own way—ensuring that the place she once called home would be ready for her return filled her with both gratitude and sorrow.
Emily looked at Cior with a hopeful expression. "Should I tell them that you're back?" she asked, her voice laced with uncertainty.
Cior shook her head, a playful glint appearing in her eyes. "No, no need," she replied with a soft smile. "I'll find a way to surprise them in a better way. Just wait and see, Emily."
Emily's eyes brightened, a sense of excitement returning to her. "Will you help me?" Cior asked, her tone gentle yet filled with an unspoken trust.
Without hesitation, Emily nodded, a smile breaking through her tears. "Of course, Lady Lunette. I'll help you in any way I can."
Cior's heart swelled with warmth, grateful for the maid's unwavering loyalty. "Thank you, Emily. We'll make this perfect.
Cior sat back, her curiosity getting the better of her as she turned to Emily. "Tell me everything," she said, her voice soft but eager. "What have the boys been doing? How have they been?"
Emily hesitated for a moment, then began, her tone reflecting both admiration and a hint of sadness. "They've all been very responsible with their duties. Amaias is still doing his best as king, handling everything with care. Arven, Mateo, and Ziven are all deeply involved in their respective roles as well, making sure the lands are secure, and their people are well taken care of. They've matured a lot."
Cior nodded, pleased to hear that they had grown into their responsibilities. But then, Emily's next words caught her off guard.
"Sadly, none of them have married yet," she said, a faint sigh escaping her lips. "Even with the continued persistence of the council, they've refused to listen to their demands. They've always been too focused on their work, too devoted to their duties."
Cior raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a slight frown. "Those fools," she muttered, more to herself than to Emily. "Can't they forget their little crushes? I was hoping to see their children." She smiled wistfully, a mixture of fondness and frustration filling her heart. "They're so stubborn."
Emily smiled, amused at Cior's reaction. "It seems that way, Lady Lunette. They've always had their hearts set on something more... than just marriage."
Cior chuckled softly, the familiar banter lightening her mood. "I suppose they can't help it. But still, it's been five years. Maybe it's time for them to start thinking about the future... and not just their duties."
Cior yawned, stretching her arms as she sat up. "Okay, let me rest now," she said to Emily, her voice laced with exhaustion. "I'll talk to you tomorrow. I've been too sleepy."
Emily nodded understandingly. "Of course, Lady Lunette. Rest well."
Cior collapsed onto the bed, the soft comfort of the familiar room enveloping her. The day had been long, and with all the emotions stirring within her, she needed time to recharge. She drifted into a peaceful sleep, her body finally giving in to the weight of the journey and her thoughts.
The next morning, Cior awoke to the delicious aroma of breakfast wafting through the air. She opened her eyes to see Emily standing by the table, a warm smile on her face as she served a beautifully prepared meal.
"Good morning," Emily said cheerfully, placing the plate in front of Cior. "I hope you're feeling better."
Cior smiled, her stomach growling at the sight of the food. She took a bite and then looked up at Emily, her expression full of appreciation. "I miss your cooking. It's been so long," she said, her voice sincere. "Your food is still as good as ever."
Emily's face lit up, the compliment clearly making her day. "I'm so glad you like it, Lady Lunette. It's always an honor to cook for you."
Cior chuckled, enjoying the warmth of the moment before her thoughts shifted to her plan. "I have a very good idea," she said, her voice now filled with purpose. "You mentioned that they take reports of the mansion every month, right?"
Emily nodded, waiting for her next words.
"Tell them that there was a letter from me," Cior continued, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "And ask them to come here. I want to surprise them."
Amaias was buried in his work, sitting at his large desk, surrounded by piles of papers that needed his attention. The weight of his duties was ever-present as he signed documents, gave orders, and handled the constant flow of reports. His focus was unwavering, his mind sharp as always.
Then, in the midst of his work, a report arrived from the mansion. Amaias glanced at the letter, his eyes scanning over the words, and suddenly, he froze. His heart skipped a beat, and before he knew it, he had jumped out of his chair in a way that startled even him. His hand shook slightly as he held the letter, the ink on the paper blurring for a moment.
"I am going," he muttered, his voice filled with urgency and excitement. He turned to his secretary, who was standing nearby, watching in confusion as Amaias briskly stood up from his desk. "Do all the work yourself today," he added, his tone uncharacteristically casual. "I have something important to do."
With that, Amaias grabbed his coat and headed for the door, his steps quick and determined. The secretary stood there for a moment, staring after him, utterly baffled.
"Sir Amaias?" the secretary called after him, but the king was already gone, moving faster than he had ever seen.
It was the first time in all their years working together that Amaias had acted so... non-seriously. Unprofessionally. The secretary couldn't help but stare at the door, completely bewildered by his sudden departure. What could possibly be so important that the king would leave all of his responsibilities behind without a second thought?