57 - Expected
The moment the Grand Princess of Forebros stepped back into her homeland, the silence that had suffocated the territory for weeks shattered.
It began as a whisper..Then a murmur. Then a wave.
“Her Highness has returned!”
“The Grand Princess—she’s alive!”
“She’s back in Forebros!”
The news spread like wildfire, carried by messengers, servants, and soldiers alike. From the outer borders to the inner estates, from villages to noble houses, every corner of Forebros breathed again.
The oppressive tension that had gripped the land began to loosen. Guards who once stood rigid now exchanged relieved glances. Servants who had whispered in fear now spoke openly.
Because their light—had returned.
---
At the Vernon estate—
The grand gates opened without delay. Eirwen did not wait for formalities. He kept a firm grip on Mariana’s hand as they walked through the familiar halls, his pace quick, almost impatient.
Servants froze the moment they saw her. Then, “Your Highness…!”
One by one, they bowed. Some trembled. Some smiled. Some even teared up.
Mariana blinked slightly at the overwhelming reaction..“… I was only gone for a bit…” she muttered under her breath.
Eirwen shot her a look. “… a bit?”
“… okay, fine. A dangerous bit.”
The doors to the main hall burst open.
“Mariana!”
A voice filled with both authority and panic echoed through the chamber. Grand Duchess Darelene rushed forward first, abandoning all dignity the moment she saw her daughter.
Mariana barely had time to react before she was pulled into a tight embrace. “… you’re safe…” Darelene whispered, her voice trembling despite her composed nature. “You’re safe…”
Mariana froze for half a second. Then slowly… she hugged her back. “… I’m okay, Mother.”
A heavier presence approached.
Grand Duke Maximus stood before them, his usual imposing aura softened in a way rarely seen. He didn’t speak immediately. Instead, he placed a firm hand on Mariana’s head. “… you’ve returned.” His voice was low. Steady. But there was something beneath it. Relief.
“… yes, Father.”
A pause. Then, unexpectedly, he pulled her into a brief but tight embrace. “… do not make a habit of this.”
Mariana blinked. “… I’ll try.”
Footsteps followed. Grand Prince Eirwen remained close, arms crossed now, watching her like she might disappear again at any moment. Beside him, another figure approached with far less restraint. “Mariana!”
Grand Prince Aguerico grinned widely before pulling her into a quick, energetic hug. “You had us all going mad, you know that?!”
Mariana laughed awkwardly. “Sorry…?”
“You better be!”
A quieter presence lingered nearby. Grand Prince Alistair stood slightly to the side, as always. Reserved. Observant.
But in his hands, a neatly wrapped box. He stepped forward once the others gave space, holding it out toward her. “… you missed dessert.”
Mariana blinked. “… is that—”
“Sweets.” he confirmed simply.
She stared at him for a second. Then smiled. "You’re the best.”
“… I know.”
For a moment, everything felt… normal. Warm. Safe. Like nothing had changed. But beneath it all, everyone could feel it. Something was different.
---
Far away, in the imperial capital—
Inside the grand halls of the palace, the atmosphere shifted the moment the news arrived. “The Grand Princess of Forebros has returned.”
Silence followed. Then, a soft exhale. Empress Lilith leaned back slightly against her throne, her fingers relaxing ever so subtly.
“… good.” A single word. But it carried weight. Relief—not just because Mariana was alive. But because— “… it wasn’t him.”
Her gaze lowered slightly, thoughtful. Because had Crown Prince Zafiel been the one to retrieve her, things would have unfolded very differently.
Not far from her, Emperor Consort Belial remained seated in quiet contemplation. His gaze distant. Unreadable. “… she returned, huh?” he murmured.
But his thoughts were elsewhere. On his son. “… I expected this.” Those words echoed in his mind. Again And again.
Belial’s fingers tapped lightly against the armrest. “… what did you see…?” he muttered under his breath.
Because Zafiel did not speak without reason. And if he had expected this, then whatever was coming next was already in motion.
---
Back in Forebros—
The reunion settled into quieter moments. Mariana sat among her family, a cup of tea in her hands, the warmth grounding her.
“… you’re sure you’re unharmed?” Darelene asked again, her eyes scanning her daughter carefully.
“I’m fine, really.”
Maximus narrowed his gaze slightly. “… your mana.”
Mariana stiffened. “… what about it?”
Silence. Because they could feel it. Even without being mages. It was… overwhelming.
“… you’ve changed.” Eirwen said bluntly.
Mariana hesitated. “… a little.”
“That’s not ‘a little.’” Aguerico muttered.
Alistair, meanwhile, simply watched. Quiet. Calculating.
Outside the estate—
Knights stood guard more rigidly than ever. The lockdown remained. Because even though she had returned, the threat had not disappeared.
And somewhere far beyond sight, a pair of unseen eyes watched. Waiting. Observing. Because the piece that had briefly left the board had returned. Stronger. More valuable.
Back inside—
Mariana stared down at her hands again. Mana stirred faintly beneath her skin. Stronger. Sharper. Alive.
“… I just wanted a peaceful life…” she whispered softly.
But deep down, she already knew. That was no longer possible. Not anymore. Because now, the world knew she existed. And it would not look away again.