The walls of Re-Estize rose before us like the gates of familiarity. After the long trek through the mountains, the sight of the city's spires and towers was a welcome change from snow and stone.
The guards stationed at the gates immediately recognized Blue Rose and waved us through without question. Our group passed into the capital with quiet relief, each of us keen to return to comfort, even if only briefly.
As we walked the stone-paved streets, I could sense the city's pulse again—markets busy with trade, citizens bustling to and fro, the occasional street performer catching the attention of children. It was a stark contrast to the blood and frost we had faced deep in the Dwarven territories.
We didn't linger. Lakyus led us directly toward the royal palace. Though weary from travel, she insisted we complete the formalities before allowing ourselves rest. I didn't protest. The faster we got this done, the less likely politics would find an excuse to bind us further.
When we entered the royal audience chamber, Princess Renner was already waiting for us.
Dressed in royal blue, seated on her usual throne-like chair with her hands folded gently over her lap, Renner looked as regal and composed as ever. Her golden hair was perfectly arranged, and her smile was radiant, the very picture of grace. If one didn't know better, they might believe she truly was nothing more than the "Golden Princess" beloved by the people.
But I knew better. Her smile was too perfect.
She rose slightly from her seat as we approached, arms opening slightly in greeting. "Welcome back, heroes of the mountain. I was told to expect your return this morning."
"We came straight here," Lakyus said with a respectful nod. She stepped forward and pulled a rolled parchment from her satchel, then presented it with both hands. "This contains the official seal of the Dwarven Council, confirming the completion of the quest. The details of our victory against the Quagoa threat are within."
Renner took the parchment and delicately broke the wax seal, skimming the contents with her piercing blue eyes. Though her expression never wavered from that calm smile, I could see her mind working behind her gaze.
Finally, she looked up. "Were there any casualties among your team?"
"No," Lakyus answered, then paused. Her gaze shifted to me. "All thanks to Alex."
Renner's eyes turned to me with that same poised smile. "Then it seems once again, we are indebted to you, Alex. Your name continues to echo in noble circles, I hear."
I gave her a faint nod, neither acknowledging nor denying the compliment.
She didn't miss a beat. "Your agreed-upon rewards have been prepared and may be collected from the Adventurer's Guild. Everything was arranged the moment word of your success reached us."
Tia and Tina both gave satisfied nods. Gagaran stretched with a grin. Clementine rolled her shoulders with her usual swagger, and Solution stood quietly with a serene smile, always unreadable. Lakyus bowed slightly, while Evileye kept her head tilted downward, quiet and masked.
Everything was proceeding exactly as it should.
But I couldn't ignore the deeper undercurrent running through this meeting. Renner's smile never faltered. Even when her gaze swept over the others and lingered ever so slightly on me, there was not a single crack in her composure. She looked every bit the benevolent princess, proud of our success.
And yet, I knew she was disappointed.
Her previous efforts—the subtle positioning, the veiled offers of trust, even the carefully arranged 'coincidences' meant to draw me closer—had failed. My relationships with others had already solidified. If she had hoped to make herself the one I turned to, she had failed.
But unlike others, Renner did not rage or pout.
No. She adapted.
I could see it behind her eyes. Calculations, strategies. Her mind wasn't resting. She was already crafting her next move, finding a new path to her goal. She was like a river—if a stone blocked her flow, she'd simply go around it.
I respected that. And I didn't trust it one bit.
Still, she made no mention of anything personal. No probing questions, no hints of disappointment. Just that ever-courteous smile.
"I hope you will remain in the city for some time," she said lightly. "Your presence is always welcome, and I believe the people would rest easier knowing heroes like you are close."
"We may stay for a while," Lakyus answered diplomatically. "There are matters to tend to—supplies, rest, and reconnecting with contacts."
"Of course," Renner said, nodding. "Should you need anything, do not hesitate to ask. The crown is grateful for your service."
With that, the formal audience concluded. The princess returned to her seat, still smiling as she watched us turn and leave.
I was the last to step out. As I passed through the doors, I glanced back once.
She was still watching me.
But she won't need to watch anymore, tonight; I am giving her a visit.
~~~
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