Lovigary Empire
Mabel stood before the grand gate of her former home, the Imperial Palace of the Lovigary Empire. The towering structure brought back a rush of memories, and she couldn't help but smile.
"It feels good to be back home," she murmured to herself, taking a deep breath before stepping forward.
As she approached, the two guards stationed at the gate crossed their spears, blocking her path. One of them, a burly man with a stern expression, spoke up. "Halt! Who are you, and state your business."
Mabel looked at the guards, her eyes twinkling with a mix of nostalgia and amusement. "I am Mabel, returning to visit my family. Please inform them that I'm here."
The second guard, a younger man with a hint of curiosity in his eyes, glanced at his companion before responding. "Mabel? As in Lady Mabel? From the Imperial Family?"
Mabel nodded, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Yes, it's me. I've been away for a while, but it's good to be back."
The burly guard's expression softened slightly as he scrutinized her. "We apologize for the precaution, Lady Mabel. It's been a long time. Welcome home."
The guards stepped aside, and Mabel continued toward the palace, feeling the weight of her absence lift as she neared the familiar halls.
"I wonder how my brother and sister are doing, and Father too," Mabel mused aloud as she walked into the grand palace. The familiar surroundings filled her with a sense of nostalgia and anticipation.
As she strolled through the halls, she noticed a maid attending to her daily duties. Recognizing her, Mabel's face lit up with a smile. "Leah, it's been a long time, hasn't it?" she called out warmly.
The maid, Leah, was initially startled by the familiar voice. Turning around quickly, her eyes widened in surprise and joy as she saw Mabel standing before her. "Princess Mabel!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion.
Griffith's eyes lit up with joy, and he laughed heartily. "Mabel! My dear, it's so good to see you. I see that rascal has been treating you well. You know, I almost mobilized the entire Lovigary Empire to deal with him," he joked, knowing full well that Adams could easily handle any threat he sent his way.
Mabel chuckled, her eyes sparkling with affection and amusement. "Father, you should know by now that he can hear you, even now. Nothing is hidden from that 'rascal's' eyes," she teased.
Griffith shook his head, still smiling. "Ah, yes. That man's power is something else. But enough about him. Tell me, how have you been? It's been too long since we've had you here."
Mabel stepped closer, taking her father's hand. "I've missed you, Father. Life has been... eventful, to say the least. But it's good to be home, where everything feels right."
Griffith squeezed her hand gently, his eyes filled with warmth and pride. "It's good to have you back, Mabel. Let's catch up properly. I've missed our talks."
As they walked together towards his study, the halls of the palace seemed to come alive with their shared laughter and conversation, a reunion long overdue.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the little prodigal daughter. Who else would it be?" A familiar voice rang out, dripping with playful sarcasm. Mabel turned to see a man who bore a striking resemblance to their father, Griffin. It was her brother, Francis, the crown prince of the Lovigary Empire.
"And if it isn't the proud Crown Prince of the Lovigary Empire, Francis. Who else would it be?" Mabel shot back with a smile, her eyes sparkling with genuine affection.
Francis chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, I see you're still the same as ever," he said, embracing his father before turning to his sister. "So, what brings you back home? From what I've heard about that sect the man who took you away built, it's like paradise on earth. I doubt you'd leave that haven for the Lovigary Empire. Your new home is there now, isn't it?"
Mabel sighed, shaking her head at how perceptive her brother was. "You always did have a way of getting to the heart of things, Francis."
Griffin, watching the exchange with a mix of pride and concern, interjected, "So, he's really the one causing all the commotion in the Divine Plane?"
Francis nodded, his expression turning serious. "Yes, Father. It's him."