Days passed, yet there was no word from the Emberlain Kingdom, which Vivia found increasingly strange. In recent days, she had tried hard to awaken Clairette's memories, but nothing substantial returned.
Still, she uncovered fragments of moments that revealed Clairette as a compassionate and kind woman. Despite her royal status, she carried a rare humility, who would frequently express her desire to end the hatred between the two races.
"The royal family hates demons, so I wonder what changed Clairette's heart amidst a family like hers?"
"Princess?" Azarael's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Oh Azarael. Come in."
Her gaze fell on a hanger holding an overcoat. "Isn't that my lord's coat?"
Vivia immediately refuted. "...This is nothing. He only offered it to me because I felt cold."
"As expected of my lord. He is very kind," she nodded in appreciation.
Vivia fell silent, her heart stirring again with memories from that night.
'But when it's just the two of us, I'll call you Vivia because Vivia is also alive.'
She had lost count of how many times those tender words kept echoing in her ears like a sweet melody. Everything had felt so dark and burdensome to her before that moment.
But the simple acknowledgement of her life - Vivia's life and Vivia's existence breathed new strength into her that gave her a renewed outlook to face her second life. She softly slapped her cheeks, waking herself to reality.
Thank you, Clairette. I'm so sorry for not acknowledging this precious second chance before. I only kept worrying and worrying about my future.
But no more! This is our future now. Not only will I take revenge for my death but give you justice too!
"Heh. I can't wait for my prey to fall in my hands," Vivia rubbed her hands together like a villainess.
Azarael took a step back. "Princess, apologies, but why are you making that evil expression?"
"Evilness has such a good charm to it, doesn't it?"
"What about being gentle and kind?"
"Only for as long as you don't let others take advantage of it."
Azarael gave it a thought and nodded. "That's true. Princess, I came to relay my lord's message that if you're feeling any discomfort with your injuries, don't hesitate to meet Sir Doloros."
Vivia let out a gasp. "Oh yes, Sir Doloros. I wanted to pay him a visit to express my gratitude. Azarael, do you know where he is now?"
—
Vivia lifted her dress slightly as she bowed to Doloros, who was kneeling before some bushes in the courtyard. "Sir Doloros."
Doloros glanced over his shoulder and squinted. "Princess Clairette. Your injuries are recovering."
"Yes, and I came here to express my sincerest gratitude. It's because of you I'm able to hop around so quickly!" She smiled brightly.
"It was upon my lord's orders."
"Of course, I'm grateful for the Crown Prince's hospitality. But you personally attended to me as did Azarael, Chef Andras and his sous chefs. Everyone has been so kind to me."
"Are those words coming out of fear of us demons hurting you?" he asked pointedly.
"These are my genuine feelings, Sir Doloros."
He took a moment's pause. "You should rest, my lady. Though you claim you can run around, I'd strongly recommend against that. At this moment, your health is paramount to the royal family."
Vivia smiled. "My father will have no further grievances with your hospitality, I assure you."
Doloros didn't respond to that.
She knelt beside him. "May I help you?"
"It'd be humiliating for a royal princess to dirty her hands with soil."
"There is nothing humiliating about tending to such beautiful flowers. On the contrary, I feel honored. I can feel your sincerity in every tree and flower here," she said, softly touching a half-red half-white flower petal.
"Isn't this a glimmerpetal that glows and blooms at night? I've read that it has medicinal effects in helping with visual disability."
Doloros paused. "Glimmerpetal only grows in the Demon Realm. How do you know about it?"
"I've studied under a very knowledgeable master," she proudly said.
His eyes narrowed. "The royal family masters teach their heirs about the Demon Realm? Is that even allowed?"
She inwardly choked.
Idiot Vivia!
"Sir Doloros, Her Majesty awaits you," Zerath's aide, Lucian, arrived just in time, and she sighed in relief.
Vivia met Lucian's keen eyes that arose a strange thump in her chest.
First Zerath and now Lucian - a demon's eyes are so breathtakingly beautiful!
"Sir Lucian. May I ask if any letter came from my father?"
"Not yet, Princess."
Why is King Rosrell taking so long? She frowned.
"I apologize for imposing. I was wondering if I could talk to the Crown Prince about my accommodations."
"I'm afraid you'll have to wait for that. My lord is preparing for his departure to Nethermoor."
Vivia's eyes lit up. She had been longing to visit more of the Demon Realm's beautiful towns and cities during her stay.
"Is it regarding the investigation of the eternal winter?"
Lucian gauged her expression. "Is my lady aware of Nethermoor's situation?"
"Yes. Sous Chef Ronove and Chef Vassago mentioned it."
Doloros murmured, disgruntled. "Those hyperactive chefs should learn to control their enthusiasm…"
"Indeed, my lord will visit the town to investigate the situation again."
She cleared her throat. "May I accompany him too?"
Doloros narrowed his eyes. He shared a glance with Lucian, and the air strangely turned somber.
Vivia sweated.
Well, they won't be so thrilled about a human tagging along with their Crown Prince…
Lucian bowed politely. "I'm afraid the princess's request…is a little difficult to accommodate."
"It's not difficult, Lucian."
Zerath arrived with two knights following him. Dressed in an exquisite black military-style uniform, gold embroidery flowed across his chest and sleeves. A high collar added a touch of formality while the uniform held epaulettes with silver fringe on his shoulders.
Vivia's gaze fell on his deep blue cloak edged with golden trim that reminded her of the warm cloak Zerath had draped over her shoulders that night.
Zerath smiled, pleased. "I appreciate the Princess's praise for my attire."
"I didn't say anything."
"Sometimes silence speaks louder than words," his eyes glinted mischievously.
"..."
She smiled, her lips twitching. "Crown Prince Zerath has good humor."
"Whether it's humor or not, Princess Clairette knows the best."
She copied the same harmless expression. "Indeed, I do. After all, I've had the pleasure of meeting many charming dukes and lords in Emberlain."
Zerath arched his brow. "I'm glad then. I expanded my lady's limited horizon in men."
Is there no limit to his narcissism? Vivia was aghast.
Doloros said, "I'll head back to meet Her Majesty. Have a safe trip, my lord."
"I will, Sir Doloros."
Zerath turned to Vivia. "I overheard that you wish to join me for the trip to Nethermoor."
Her ears perked up, immediately discarding all the frustration. "You heard it right."
"That was a swift change in your demeanor," he chuckled.
She coughed.
Lucian said, "I'll advise against it, my lord. The road to Nethermoor is rough and the winter is even harsher. The princess is recovering, and if something untoward happens that hurts her, how will we explain it to the Emberlain King?"
Vivia quickly said, "I feel fine now, Sir Lucian. I promise that I'll take care of myself and not be a burden."
Master Nara has trained me, after all, a shudder escaped her, recalling her harsh training regimen.
"And if something still happens?"
"I shall take full responsibility."
"The princess may understand that, but will your father understand the same?"
Her face fell.
"It'll be fine, Lucian," Zerath intervened. "Princess Clairette will accompany me all the time. I'd not let a single harm come to her."
Her face shone with hope once again. "I'll stick to the Crown Prince's side like glue!"
Their mouths twitched.
Zerath smiled. "Well, that settles it then."
Lucian released a sigh. "If that's what my lord wishes. I will ask Azarael to pack some necessities for her."
Vivia danced inwardly in joy.
Yes! Nethermoor, here I come!