Six days passed quietly.
The kingdom continued to function with its usual rhythm, and Lilith found herself spending those last few days finishing every matter that could reasonably be completed before their departure.
Council meetings became shorter, reports were reviewed more quickly, and responsibilities were gradually handed over to the ministers who would govern in her absence.
By the morning of the seventh day, there was very little left to do.
The final council meeting was held shortly after breakfast. Every councillor was present. The noble elder stood first, looking around the chamber before addressing Lilith.
"Your Majesty. I am pleased to report that all preparations have been completed. The border commanders have received their updated orders. The ministries have accepted temporary authority within their respective jurisdictions. The treasury has finalized the emergency reserve. The royal teleportation hall remains on standby."
He closed the report in front of him.
"There is nothing further requiring Your Majesty’s immediate attention."
Lilith listened quietly before nodding.
"You all have my thanks."
She slowly looked around the chamber.
"I expect no less while we are away."
One of the older councillors smiled.
"You have our word."
She rose from her throne.
"I will repeat one final instruction. If a situation develops beyond your authority... do not hesitate to contact us immediately."
The noble elder inclined his head.
"We understand."
She continued.
"The expedition remains an exploration. We are not travelling to wage war or to interfere in Demonic affairs. Our purpose remains unchanged."
The councillors answered together.
"As you command, Your Majesty."
Once the meeting concluded, the councillors slowly departed. Only the Noble elder remained behind. Lilith looked toward him.
"Something else?"
He smiled faintly.
"Nothing official. I simply wished to wish both of you a safe journey."
Atheline smiled.
"We’ll return before you have the chance to enjoy ruling without us."
The old councillor chuckled.
"I wasn’t planning on enjoying it. I’ve grown accustomed to letting someone else make the difficult decisions."
Lilith raised an eyebrow.
"That’s unlike you."
"I’ve become wiser with age."
Even she couldn’t suppress a quiet laugh.
Outside the council chamber, Simion was waiting. He had apparently anticipated when the meeting would end. As soon as he saw the royal couple, he walked over with a respectful bow.
"Your Majesties."
Atheline smiled warmly.
"You’ve been waiting?"
"For a little while."
He hesitated before speaking again.
"I wanted to wish you both a safe journey."
Atheline placed a hand on his shoulder.
"We’ll be back before you know it."
"I know, but..." He smiled sheepishly. "...someone should still say it."
Lilith nodded.
"Thank you."
Simion relaxed slightly.
"I’ll make sure my father doesn’t overwork himself while you’re gone."
Atheline laughed.
"That might be the most difficult task in the kingdom."
"I was thinking the same thing."
All three shared a quiet laugh.
The remainder of the afternoon passed peacefully. Rather than burying themselves beneath paperwork, they simply walked through the palace one final time before their departure.
They visited the western gardens where spring flowers had fully bloomed. The fountains sparkled beneath the afternoon sunlight.
Atheline slowed near one of the gardens.
"It’ll be nice coming back."
She glanced toward him.
"Already planning our return?"
"I prefer having somewhere to return to."
She understood exactly what he meant.
By late afternoon, they reached the royal stables. Although they had no intention of taking horses to the Demonic Kingdom, the stable master insisted on greeting them.
"Your Majesties, I heard you’ll be travelling again."
"We are."
He smiled.
"I’ll make sure your horses remain well exercised until you return."
Atheline gently stroked the neck of his favorite black stallion.
"I’ll be expecting him to have forgotten all his bad habits."
The stable master laughed loudly.
"I can promise to try."
Nearby, the white fox had discovered an entirely different source of entertainment. Several palace hounds watched curiously as the much smaller fox approached them without the slightest hesitation.
The largest hunting dog lowered its head to sniff the newcomer.
The fox sniffed back. A moment later... The fox darted away. The hounds immediately gave chase.
Within seconds, five large dogs were racing through the exercise yard while the tiny white fox zigzagged effortlessly between them.
The stable hands burst into laughter.
"She’s teasing them!"
Atheline folded his arms.
"She definitely inherited someone’s personality."
Lilith looked at him.
"...Someone?"
He pretended not to notice.
As the sun slowly began setting, the royal couple returned to their chambers. The packed travel cases already waited near the entrance.
Zelpher entered after knocking softly.
"Your Majesty. The teleportation chamber has completed its final inspection. You should be able to use it without a hitch."
Lilith nodded.
"Excellent."
He continued.
"The palace staff also wishes to express our hope for your safe return."
Atheline smiled.
"We appreciate it."
Zelpher bowed deeply before quietly leaving the room.
Dinner that evening was noticeably simpler than the elaborate meals usually prepared for official occasions. They requested many of their favorite dishes. They wanted familiar food before another long journey.
The fox received her own small portion of roasted meat and proudly carried it beneath the table before beginning its meal.
Atheline watched it with amusement.
"She still thinks no one will steal her food."
Lilith smiled.
"I don’t believe anyone is brave enough."
After dinner, neither returned immediately inside; instead, they climbed the highest balcony of the royal residence. From there, nearly the entire Court stretched before them.
It was peaceful, exactly as they had hoped it would remain while they were away.
Atheline rested both hands on the stone railing.
"It feels different this time."
She stood beside him.
"It does."
"When we travelled before... There was always uncertainty." He nodded slowly. "This time... ...it feels like we’re representing the kingdom with nothing hanging over our heads."
"Aaah, the poisoning. I’ve never feltso scaredin my life," She looked across the city. " I was so helpless when I had thought I would always be on top of the world."
Her hands trembled slightly. She tightened them around the rail. Atheline didn’t look to her; he could feel the familiar guilt eating him up.
"I apologise. That was immature of me."
She gave him an amused look.
"You look like you want to cry; it makes your face less attractive. "
Atheline chuckled at that.
"I don’t think I’ve ever cried, except when I was young."
The breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers from the palace gardens below. For several quiet minutes, neither of them spoke. Eventually, Lilith broke the silence.
"Tomorrow... We’ll meet the Demon King."
Atheline nodded.
"I wonder whether he’ll already have prepared questions."
"He almost certainly will. It’s rare for monarchs to go to each other’s kingdom to just take a walk."
The stars gradually appeared overhead. One after another, until the entire sky shimmered above the sleeping kingdom.
Atheline exhaled quietly.
"Are you nervous?"
She considered the question honestly.
"A little. We’re walking toward something neither of us understands. The Goddess showed us a vague destination, but she didn’t tell us what waits there."
He nodded.
"I’ve been thinking the same thing."
He reached over and gently intertwined his fingers with hers.
"But whatever it is... we’ve handled uncertainty before."
She squeezed his hand gently.
"And we’ll handle it again."
Behind them, the white fox finally climbed onto one of the balcony chairs before curling herself into a fluffy white ball. Within moments, she was asleep.
Atheline looked back and smiled.
"She doesn’t seem worried."
"Because she trusts us," she answered softly, "Perhaps that’s enough."
He looked out across the capital one final time. Tomorrow morning, their peaceful routine would end.