By mid-morning, the couple returned to the palace to begin their official duties. Today’s council meeting proved surprisingly short.
The Noble elder presented reports regarding the distribution of food supplies throughout the kingdom.
Trade with the northern territories had improved considerably now that winter had ended, and merchants once again crossed the mountain passes in large numbers.
The councillor in charge of Construction reported that work on the widened southern trade road had begun ahead of schedule. Earth manipulators assigned to the project had already cleared nearly a quarter of the planned route.
Lilith listened carefully before approving the next phase of construction. Atheline quietly added a few suggestions regarding supply stations along the road to support both merchants and military patrols.
The councillors readily agreed.
Once the meeting ended, Simion caught up with Atheline outside the council chamber.
"Your Majesty."
Atheline smiled.
"I thought we agreed to stop that outside official meetings."
Simion chuckled.
"Old habits. I’ll work on them but I cannot promise I will be able to stop."
Lilith excused herself to meet with several councillors and officials, leaving the two men walking together through the palace corridors.
"I heard about your visit to the Southern Highlands."
Atheline looked sideways.
"News travels quickly."
"It always does inside a palace."
He laughed.
"Fair enough."
Simion hesitated before asking, "...Who won?"
Atheline thought about it for a moment; it was clear they both knew the answer.
"Neither of us...And both of us."
Simion looked puzzled.
"I don’t understand."
"We weren’t trying to prove who was stronger. We were trying to improve. If both people leave stronger than when they arrived...that’s a victory."
Simion remained quiet for several seconds before smiling.
"I’ll remember that. It’s hard to look at it from that perspective because every fight must have a victor; it is sort of ingrained in our minds."
"That is understandable; that was also how my father taught me."
The two eventually found themselves overlooking one of the palace courtyards where several young guards practiced together.
Unlike seasoned veterans, these recruits still carried the enthusiasm of youth. One particularly eager soldier charged forward with an exaggerated overhead strike.
His opponent calmly stepped aside before tapping him on the shoulder with a practice sword. The duel ended immediately.
Atheline couldn’t help smiling.
"I’ve done that."
"So have I."
Simion folded his arms.
"I think everyone who learns the sword does."
They stood watching for a while.
.
.
.
Elsewhere in the palace gardens, the white fox had become the center of attention once again. Under the supervision of the elderly beast handler, she darted between bushes with far greater confidence than before.
Her once-clumsy movements had grown noticeably smoother. When she spotted a small bird hopping across the grass, she lowered herself instinctively. Her body became almost perfectly still.
Only when the bird lowered its head did the fox spring forward. The bird escaped into the air at the very last second. The fox landed awkwardly before tumbling through the grass.
The beast handler laughed warmly.
"Better, much better."
The fox shook herself vigorously before immediately beginning another attempt. Failure no longer discouraged her; instead, she simply tried again.
That evening, after dinner, Atheline found himself sitting beneath the open balcony overlooking the Court.
The sky had already darkened, and countless enchanted lanterns illuminated the streets below. Lilith joined him a few moments later, carrying two cups of warm tea.
She handed him one before taking the seat beside him. For a while, neither of them spoke.
Eventually, he broke it.
"Do you ever think... about how strange all of this is?"
She glanced toward him.
"What do you mean?"
"A year ago, no, months ago... I never imagined I’d be sitting here."
He looked out across the city.
"Sharing tea and a bed with the Queen of the Dark Elves."
She smiled softly.
"A year ago... I never imagined I’d enjoy sharing my evenings with anyone."
He laughed quietly.
"I suppose we’ve both surprised ourselves."
"We have."
She rested her head lightly against his shoulder. Below them, the city continued its nightly routine.
Atheline took a slow sip of tea.
"It feels peaceful."
Lilith nodded.
"It won’t last forever."
"No."
He looked toward the distant mountains beyond the capital.
"The Demonic Continent is waiting, so is whatever the Goddess surprises us with."
She intertwined her fingers with his.
"When the time comes... We’ll face it together, as always."
He smiled.
"As always."
Above them, the stars gradually filled the night sky. The coming expedition promised danger unlike anything they had faced before. Perhaps even answers to questions neither of them fully understood.
But those challenges belonged to the future. For now, the palace remained peaceful, their kingdom prospered, and their companions continued growing stronger.
A full week remained before their planned departure to the Demonic Continent. Unlike their previous expedition, there was no secrecy surrounding this journey.
Every member of the Royal Council knew where they were going. The commanders of the Royal Guard had already begun adjusting patrol rotations to account for Lilith’s temporary absence, while the palace attendants worked tirelessly to ensure every preparation was completed before the appointed day.
The destination itself was no secret either. Before venturing into the unexplored region shown to them by the Goddess, they would first travel to the Demonic Kingdom capital, because it was the proper thing to do.
As rulers, they could not simply cross another sovereign nation’s borders without first presenting themselves before its king.
It was a matter of respect, and respect between kingdoms often determined whether diplomacy flourished or collapsed.
The morning council convened shortly after sunrise. The grand council chamber was noticeably quieter than usual.
The urgency that had surrounded the kingdom after the attack on the High Elven wedding had gradually faded, replaced by a calmer, more orderly atmosphere. Reports of corruption continued to arrive from various borders, but nothing suggested an immediate crisis.
The noble elder rose from his seat.
"Your Majesty. The preparations for your absence have entered their final stage."
Lilith gave a small nod.
"Proceed."
He opened a leather-bound document.
"Each ministry has submitted contingency plans. The Treasury will continue under Councillor Elena. Military authority within the capital will temporarily fall under General Thulem. The judicial courts have postponed any major rulings until Your Majesty’s return unless immediate intervention becomes necessary."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"The council has also agreed that any matter affecting foreign policy will require a unanimous vote before action is taken."
Lilith looked around the chamber.
"Good. If an issue cannot wait... send word immediately."
The Noble elder inclined his head.
"Of course."
One of the councillors stood.
"There is also the matter of our arrival within the Demonic Kingdom."
Several councillors shifted their attention toward Lilith. She answered before anyone else could speak.
"The Demon King has already received formal notice. Our arrival has been acknowledged. We will first teleport directly to the royal palace. Only after presenting ourselves officially will we begin our expedition."
The councillor nodded.
"That will undoubtedly strengthen diplomatic relations."
"It should."
Lilith’s expression remained composed.
"No ruler appreciates unexpected visitors."
A few councillors allowed themselves quiet smiles.
The noble elder added, "It also ensures that should anything happen during the expedition... the Demonic Kingdom will know precisely where Your Majesties intended to travel."
Atheline nodded in agreement.
"It would prevent unnecessary misunderstandings."