Chapter 235: Saving the Queen

After our kiss, Aria's gaze shifted to the ring I had slipped onto her finger.

We were back in the real world now, no longer in need of illusions for her to see.

She had already witnessed everything—my past, my present, the darkest corners of my life laid bare before her. I had feared she might leave after seeing the truth, but I was relieved that she hadn't.

Aunt hadn't held back; she had shown Aria every aspect of my life, from my past to my present, from the joys to the sorrows.

Aria must have a general idea of what my family truly is, and I couldn't help but wonder if she was filled with worries and thoughts about them.

Yet, instead of dwelling on those heavy topics, all she seemed to focus on was the ring on her finger.

I chuckled softly as I watched Aria play along with my act, allowing me to pat her head affectionately. Despite the weight of everything she had just learned, she remained lighthearted, giggling like a girl in love.

It was moments like these that reminded me why I had fallen for her in the first place—her ability to find joy even in the midst of darkness, her unwavering love and acceptance.

'Ian, you should probably head back to the Holy Kingdom...' Aunt's telepathic message jolted me out of my stupor, my fingers still tangled in Aria's hair as I absentmindedly played with it.

How long had that entire illusion lasted? Time seemed to blur in the presence of Aria's warmth and the revelations of my past.

If the attendants back in the Holy Kingdom noticed my disappearance, explaining it would be troublesome. But then again, I had gathered all the information I needed here.

It was time to return.

Lifting Aria into my arms like a princess, she looked surprised. "W-wha?"

"Let's go back... the others would be worried," I said gently, hoping to reassure her.

"O-oh... yeah," she responded, understanding dawning in her eyes.

But there was something else there, a glint of happiness that made my heart swell with warmth.

Was she excited to return? Perhaps eager to show off the ring I had given her?

The thought brought a smile to my lips. If Aria wanted to share our relationship progress with others, who was I to stop her? In fact, it filled me with happiness to know that she was proud of our love.

Though, I couldn't help but wonder if she had plans to annoy Elena even more. Knowing Aria's mischievous personality, it wouldn't surprise me.

'I feel a bit sorry for Louise and Ana... I should probably give them there rings soon'

For my future second wife to already be attempting to start a fight with the first wife... I couldn't help but wonder how the two would get along. It seemed like a recipe for drama, but perhaps they would surprise me.

'We're going back now, Aunt... Sorry for the trouble. You can't even meet her properly right now,' I said with a tinge of disappointment. It had taken a considerable effort from Aunt to transfer the memories of my past scenarios over to Aria. Aunt might be powerful, but even she had to be cautious to ensure the transfer wouldn't harm Aria in any way.

Hearing my words, Aunt chuckled in my mind, her voice as soothing as ever. 'Fufu... You don't have to worry, Ian. I also enjoyed all of it. Her reactions were quite entertaining. And also, Nyarla wants to say that she's sorry for suddenly interfering midway.'

"It's fine... Sis interfering and showing Aria my scary side was quite helpful in its own sense. Just tell her to say that to me in person once Mom lets go of her..." I mused aloud, considering the recent events.

Despite my inability to properly feel my connection with my sister, I knew she was probably still stuck with Mom.

How she interfered, I couldn't quite comprehend, but if Mom was truly watching, it would make sense for my sister to act if ordered to.

After all, she wouldn't want to jeopardize my relationship with Aria or any of the other girls I cared for.

"Yes, I'll tell her that," Aunt replied in a faint voice, her words tinged with understanding.

Suddenly, my staff activated on its own, without me even activating my mana. Perplexed, I wondered what was wrong, but before I could react, a sudden teleportation spell was activated around us.

With a clapping sound, I looked up and saw Loki standing there with a smile.

Maintaining discretion was paramount to their success, yet Evadne seemed unconcerned with the need for subtlety.

As they trudged onward, the landscape around them grew increasingly desolate. They were now at the very edge of the Bayar country, a land governed by tribal traditions and shamanistic beliefs.

Despite passing through numerous villages along their journey, they had encountered nothing but eerie silence and abandoned dwellings.

The tension hung heavy in the air as the two men struggled to find the words to reprimand Evadne for her reckless actions.

However, as they glanced back at the massive crater she had created with her astonishing attack, any words of admonishment died on their lips.

They exchanged hesitant looks, silently acknowledging the futility of trying to scold someone who wielded such incredible power.

Their resolve faltered further as Evadne forged ahead, her fiery aura blazing a trail through the snowy expanse.

With a shared nod, the men resigned themselves to following her lead, knowing that any attempt to dissuade her would likely be met with resistance.

"Is Tristan at the camp?" Evadne inquired, her voice cutting through the icy silence.

"Yes, Sir Tristan is still preparing alongside Grandmaster Siena," one of the men responded.

Halting in her tracks, Evadne's brow furrowed in contemplation, her hands coming to rest beneath her chin as she pondered their next course of action.

Minutes stretched into an eternity as she weighed their options, the gravity of their situation weighing heavily upon her.

Finally, she turned to face the bewildered men trailing behind her, a determined glint in her eyes. "Tell him demonic beasts are beginning to show up," she instructed, her voice tinged with urgency.

Without waiting for a response, she pivoted on her heel and strode purposefully back in the direction from which they had come.

Confusion etched itself onto the faces of the two men as they watched Evadne's retreating figure, their minds whirling with unanswered questions.

Why was she suddenly divulging such crucial information? And why was she venturing back towards the danger they had just narrowly escaped?

"E-excuse me?" one of the men stammered, his voice wavering with uncertainty.

But Evadne paid them no heed, her focus fixed on the task at hand. If her intuition proved correct, there were more sinister forces lurking in the shadows, and she was determined to confront them head-on, no matter the risk.

"Do as you are ordered and don't look for me! Tell him I'll be back soon, don't worry about safety with him and his master there; nothing would harm you guys. Then see ya!" Evadne's words echoed in the frosty air, her tone brimming with an impulsive energy that left the two men bewildered.

Before they could utter a word in response, she leaped into motion, vanishing from their sight in a blur of movement.

Left standing in stunned silence, the two soldiers exchanged incredulous glances, their minds racing to comprehend the sudden turn of events. Had Evadne truly abandoned them in pursuit of her own whims? The notion seemed almost absurd, yet her actions spoke otherwise.

"Did she really just leave like that for her own personal affairs?" one of the men murmured, his disbelief evident in his tone.

They had known Evadne to be impulsive, but this level of impulsivity was beyond anything they had anticipated.

Meanwhile, as Evadne descended towards the ground, her eyes sparkled with excitement at the sight of a slumbering black serpent below.

Without hesitation, she unleashed the full force of her fiery power, transforming into a blazing meteor as she hurtled towards her unsuspecting prey.

With a resounding impact, she landed atop the monstrous serpent, her strike infused with a newfound strength that sent shockwaves rippling through the air.

As the creature writhed beneath her, its scales crackling with the intensity of her flames, Evadne's grin widened with exhilaration.

Back at the camp, the princess of the empire awaited the return of her soldiers with a sense of growing unease.

As they approached, she noted the absence of Evadne with a coldness that belied her usual gentle demeanor.

The warmth in her emerald eyes gave way to a chilling frost, her expression inscrutable as she fixed the soldiers with an unwavering gaze.

"What did she say again?" she demanded, her voice sending shivers down their spines.