A week passed unnoticed. Life within the castle settled into a quieter rhythm than before, almost monotonous. No attacks, no grim tidings from the outside world. Sylvia, as usual, spent most of her time in the study with Celes: signing documents, managing distribution routes, and occasionally reviewing reports on the fortress's defenses.
Alicia and Stacia, who had been frail not long ago, were now much better. Their wounds had fully healed, leaving only faint soreness. Stacia had already returned to burying herself in books and research on dimensional communication, while Alicia busied herself helping the servant-zombies who still struggled with kitchen or household duties.
At midday, Sylvia stood on the high balcony, gazing at the vast courtyard blanketed in snow. Her long black cloak fluttered in the cold wind. She pulled the fur-lined collar closer, her crimson eyes reflecting the pale sunlight.
Then, a deep voice resonated within her mind.
"Your Majesty…" Zark's voice.
