Gilbert was the first to greet me upon my return.
“Ahh, it’s a relief to see you looking well, Your Majesty.”
“Where are the others?” I asked him.
“They haven’t made it back yet, but I received word that they successfully completed their missions and are on their way.”
“I see. Very well.”
“Did you run into anyone from the Celden Republic?”
“No. Thankfully, they kept their heads out of tonight’s proceedings.”
“Good. It seems there was merit in getting this done so quickly after all.”
“Indeed. I am especially glad we pinned down House Slade before Celden became involved.”
“I agree, that would’ve been a terrible scenario. Even the illustrious Queen Luxeria would struggle to face down an entire nation.”
“That, and it would’ve been quite the pain if Slade had slithered his way into their borders.”
Gilbert chuckled. “How true. I’m sure Lord Slade wasn’t expecting to be captured so quickly that he wouldn’t even have time to call for backup.”
“Possibly.”
“Your plan to capture them all before Celden could make any moves was a major success. I’m very relieved.”
“It only worked out because everyone did their best.”
As we continued to banter, we eventually arrived at my private quarters.
“Gilbert, I need to rest.”
“Understood. Sorry for getting in the way of that. I’ll see myself out.”
Once he’d left, I entered the room to find Alicia waiting for me.
“Thank goodness you’re safe!” She was smiling in relief as tears flowed down her face. Seeing her truly made me feel like I’d returned home.
“That I am,” I said.
“I’m…” Alicia sniffled. “I’m so happy you’re all right…”
“Thank you, Alicia.” I embraced her tightly for a moment as she cried. “Are you okay?”
“S-sorry, I didn’t mean to…”
Alicia blushed bright red. Ahh, how adorable she is.
I giggled. “It’s quite all right. It’s a sign of how much you wished for my safety, no?”
“Y-yes. I’m so glad you’re safe.”
“I’m glad to be home, and to be able to see you once more.”
After she had calmed down, I stripped away my dirty clothes and took a nice, warm bath. Then I put on some comfortable clothing and sank into the cushions of my sofa.
“Alicia,” I said.
“Yes, Queen Luxeria?”
“May I have some time to myself?” I asked.
“Of course.”
Once I was alone in the room, I could no longer keep myself upright. Darkness warped my vision, and immense pain shot through my nerves. I gasped and clenched my teeth, desperately trying to stay quiet. I bit down so harshly that the taste of iron filled my mouth. Given that I had used two of the Sacred Swords today, the agony was to be expected. I should have been glad the symptoms weren’t worse.
I coughed twice. Blood sprayed from my mouth—not just from the bite wound but from deeper within me as well. Another cough, and my consciousness faded. The damaged vessel that was my body had finally shattered. Reality melted as all light ebbed away.
Only an endless expanse remained, shrouding me in boundless darkness. It seeped into me, infecting every aspect of my being, threatening to erase me completely. All I felt was fear. I wanted to escape. The moment I wished for it, I felt someone grab hold of me. The hand was shaking, but it woke me.
When I came to, my body felt incredibly dull and heavy. Better than it was before I fainted, at least. Having confirmed my physical state, I wiped my bloodstained hand with a wet cloth.
“Is anyone there…?” I murmured.
“You called, Queen Luxeria?” Freesia replied.
“Ah, Freesia. Where is Alicia?” I asked.
“She anticipated you would wake up soon and is currently preparing tea.”
“Ah, good, good. How long have I been asleep?”
“Not very long,” she said, and I nodded.
“Freesia, wash this cloth and ensure nobody sees it,” I ordered. “Call Alicia for me, would you?”
“As you wish.”
Freesia stashed away the cloth and carried it out of the room. I waited on the sofa for Alicia to arrive.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Queen Luxeria!” Alicia said, bounding inside.
“Oh, what a sweet and lovely aroma. You included dessert with the tea tonight?”
“That’s right! You worked very hard today, so I made both a light and a heavy dessert. Which would you like?”
“Hmm… I’ll have both.”
“Both it is, then—wait, both? Really?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t dare let your efforts go to waste. What are they, exactly?”
“The light dessert is a Bellean mousse, and the heavy one is a Tutton tart.”
“My, how wonderful! Thank you, Alicia.”
I indulged in her delightfully tasty desserts. They were the perfect ending to a long day. After I finished the treats, I had her brew me more tea.