Translator: apinklover Editor: apinklover

Now that I look at it, when I left the Nest of the World Tree, most of the humans Ive met kept talking about those disasters. I think those disasters may have been caused by the fragments of magic when Lucas fought the World Tree.

So what? Its not like I did anything. Its just that dumb old World Tree throwing a hissy fit and scattering magical powers all over the world.

Lucas scratched his head in confusion.

Lucas, who not only recovered but exceeded the powers of his olden days from absorbing one of the branches from the World Tree, was a fully mature man by now.

A most handsome figure of a man appeared under the shimmering moonlight.

His hair seemed a bit long and messy but I didnt cut it because I was lazy.

He didnt really have a solid reason to visit the tower today.

He just came over here in boredom, having consumed something far better than what he had been expecting to (the Fruit from the World Tree) and fully recovered his magical powers.

But something bugged him the second he stepped into the tower.

Who the hells been here?

Probably because he left the tower without taking any preventative measures right after waking up from the deep sleep, there were signs of intruders.

The red eyes engulfed in darkness were cold. A chilly smile was on his lips.

This bitch must be begging for death

Lucas expressed sincere disgust and muttered along.

How should I kill you

The moonlight shined on the mage in the tower once again after so long.

The world was to be rattled again, with no one knowing.

* * *

Father, Ill be off for now.

Ezekiel closed the door and went outside. He wanted to greet his father, who came back from the long outing.

Ezekiel let out a low sigh, standing on the corridor.

His face was covered in exhaustion. His father, too, was tired from everything going on these days.

Ezekiel?

A voice called him from not too far away. I turned my head and found Jennette watching him from the shadowy end of the corridor.

Jennette.

Are you coming back now?

Its been a while since Jennette came out of her room by herself. I used to hear her weeping whenever I passed by her room after Mrs. Rosarias death.

Ezekiel couldnt look after Jennette ever since because he had left the mansion right when she died.

Yes. I wanted to check on you since its been so long since I left the mansion. Ill be going again tomorrow.

Youre gonna leave again tomorrow?

Jennette hesitated for a second and asked back. Ezekiel thought of her voice as peculiar and examined her face for a moment. But because they were too far apart, or because of the darkness that lay upon her face, he couldnt get a grasp of how she was.

Or it could be that hes just very tired right now.

Jennette?

N-nevermind. You must have a busy day tomorrow too. Please, get some sleep.

She whispered after not saying a word for some time.

Yes, I will. You take a rest too.

Alright. Good night.

Ezekiel didnt drag the conversation any longer and walked away.

She paid close attention to the footsteps dissolving in the heavy silence.

But they did not stop; Jennette was left completely alone not too long after.

Her rose-red lips frowned somewhat as it spoke for her mind.

If it were some other time, he would have comforted her but she knew why he had acted in such a stubborn manner.

He was constantly on the lookout for the missing Princess Athanasia. The only thing on his mind was Athanasia so he didnt have the emotional capacity to care for anyone else.

Jennette walked towards her room, startled. As she came back, the moonlight shining between the windows greeted her.

How would he react if he knew the very person he was looking for was in this room merely hours ago?

Jennette felt guilty for hiding this much important secret.

But that was also what Princess Athanasia wanted. Not to tell anyone about her visit here.

Jennette walked towards her bed, muttering herself excuses.

On the white blanket was the interwoven bracelet. Jennette held it in her hands and brought it towards her chest.

Even though it wasnt all that fancy, it meant a lot for her because it was Princess Athanasia who gave it to her.

The more she thought about the time she had spent with Athanasia today, the more her heart beat with excitement and anticipation. Spending time with her had always been sweet and happy.

I like her so much. How could she be so kind? Plus she came and comforted me when I was going through my toughest times. She held my hand when I needed someones warmth so badly.

She lay on her bed, still holding on to the bracelet.

She was going to keep the promise. As much as she felt bad for Ezekiel to not know about Athanasias whereabouts, shed never tell him that.

Then If that does happen Is she going to become my Princess? It doesnt look like she has anywhere else to stay after leaving the palace anyway

Ah Maybe its just all a feeling? It does feel like Ive grown a lot closer to her than when we used to see each other in the palace though.

That very thought tickled her into a smile. Her gemstone eyes shined brightly under the diffused moonlight at the window.

What a beautiful night, as always.

It was a sleepless night for everyone.

* * *

This cyanobird really likes this pop-pop fruit. Thats why we use it to train these birds yaddi-yadda.

Oh, really?

Buy two packets of pop-pop fruits and get one free!

I was being fed information once again from the man at the bird stand about cyanobirds. I knew they would put up a bird stand once the Founding Celebration comes around.

Sometimes it scratches its wings, but when you rub some pop-pop oil on This essential oil is blah blah blah. Were doing a special promotion for yaddi-yaddi-yadda.

Uhmmm It sounds more like advertising than information. I think I asked about training homing pigeons but never got an answer. Instead, hes talking about buying this, buy that

Uh, actually I didnt bring any money today.

Oh. You shouldve told me that earlier.

His face suddenly turned indifferently neutral. Hey! I could be a potential customer, you know!

Welcome! You look like youre into parrots.

I bitterly left the merchant who was now turned to a different customer.

After the Quick-and-Easy Cosmetic Surgery thing I could now freely roam around the Obelian downtown.

Now that Ive changed my face, nobody could notice that Im actually the princess. Ugh Why does that make me sad

Whoooo! The Palace gates have opened!

Already? Come on! Lets go see!

Me too!

The street became relatively noisy all of a sudden. It looks like it was time for the Founding Parade and Claudes coming out.

Everyone was excited; it was hard for the normal folks to see the royal family up this close. I slipped away from the now-crowded streets.

I then teleported up to a roof and watched the extensive parade coming from the palace.

Damn, this is big! The knights, all in spectacular uniforms, were all lined up along the parade route to keep the excited spectators away from the march.

Then is Felix there too? Whats up with all the petals flying around? Looks like magic.

A little later I spotted the attention-grabber in the center of the parade; he was none other than Claude with his glittering blonde hair.

So it is the Kings Parade. Theyre gonna do this for two hours?

I clicked my tongue thinking of the contradiction between his impatient character and the elongated parade.

Should I go now?

Almost in reflux, my heart flinched seeing Claude even from far away. But this was my only foreseeable chance.

I gazed at the parade far away, feeling the wind up the roof. Then I snapped my finger.

* * *

Swish!

As I opened my eyes, a familiar scenery greeted me.

Its been a long time, Emerald Palace.

P-Princess!!

Lili!

Whoooo! Long time no see, Lili!

As I appeared, Lili suddenly opened her eyes, sitting on the sofa. The embroidery she had been working on fell on the floor. Sob, Im sorry for making you worry! I really missed you, Lili!!

I ran over to her in a flash, sobbing.

But the emotional reunion I was hoping for didnt happen.

Finally. Youre here.

Gasp!

I was frozen as I was running towards Lili by the ominous voice coming from behind.

=======================================