The next morning, the royal convoy prepared to depart.
With the Frostward Core replaced by the Titan's Heart, the barrier was fully restored. The immediate threat of constant monster incursions had been completely neutralized, so there was no longer any tactical or political reason for the princesses to remain in this freezing wasteland.
The heavy iron gates were drawn open, and the royal carriages were lined up, surrounded by the elite Royal Knights.
Before boarding, Princess Rumina paused. She turned, her black fur cloak billowing in the cold wind, and fixed her metallic amber eyes directly on me.
"I will be watching you very closely from now on, Cadet Lucien," she said, her raspy voice carrying a terrifying, amused promise.
Please, for the love of the gods, don't, I begged internally, keeping my face perfectly neutral. "I am honored by Your Highness's attention."
Rumina let out a short, knowing chuckle and stepped into her carriage.
