Beautiful Night
“Your Highness!! I am back!!”
After entering the palace, the four sisters and their two guardians remained in the main hall. The youngster bolted straight upstairs while simultaneously shouting. Perhaps he hoped to see his Queen. Well, technically, she wasn’t the Queen, yet. The four sisters stood in the hall feeling hopeless. The maid came up to them to take their cloaks and luggage. The maid gave them a bow: “Please come to the guest room to wait.”
The group went to rest in the guest room. Nona sat down into the soft sofa and looked at the walls around: “This imperial palace doesn’t look any different.”
Vera looked around and then corrected Nona: “It’s a bit smaller than Dad’s, but this place isn’t as rich as the North, so it’s normal for it to be smaller. Plus, the imperial palace is the most resplendent building here.”
Curious, Liu Yue scanned her surroundings. Every part of the palace was a new experience to her since she rarely went to the Imperial Palace. Compared to her three sisters who resided in the more resplendent edifice, Liu Yue felt that the palace they were in was grandeur.
Ying and Tanya inspected the surroundings of the guest room to ensure there were no secret passages or traps. Once they ensured the safety of the room, the two took the front and rear of the room and prepared themselves. The two were always in full gear, which was burdensome for the four sisters, so they weren’t all that lively.
Soon, footsteps came from outside. Ying pressed her hand on her sword handle to ready herself for any threats. A guard slowly pushed the door open and looked inside. He respectfully bowed to them: “Esteemed guests, Miss Vera will soon personally be here. We are aware of your identities. We welcome you to Galaluocia’s imperial palace. We will do our best to take care of you for you are our esteemed guests. Would you like to have something to drink for now? Perhaps fruit juice or tea?”
Nona raised her hand and cheerfully exclaimed, “Fruit juice!”
“Fruit juice.”
Besides Vera, the other three selected fruit juice. Ying, Tanya and Vera opted for tea.
The tea wasn’t the tea the elves and humanity had but brewed tea leaves. They tried it at the port. Ying and Tanya felt it was a new taste, and they were fond of it, while the four sisters considered it too bitter. Vera, however, probably started drinking the local tea to prove she was the eldest sister and was a grown up.
Their drinks were soon delivered to their room. To prove there was no poison, the maid, who delivered their drinks, stirred all their drinks with a small spoon, and then scooped out a small amount to have in front of their guests. Ying intently watched them for a few minutes. Once she confirmed the maid was all right, she distributed the drinks.
The four sisters held their drinks and comfortably rested in their chairs as they listened to the crackling flame from the fireplace. Ever since they left home, the four sisters hadn’t enjoyed the comfort of a room. With their sweet drinks in their hands, the comfort of the chair and the warmth of the fireplace, the four sisters were finally able to relax.
Vera, who peered out the window the entire time, remarked, “Oh, it’s raining outside.”
Vera’ three sisters excitedly ran to the window as if the rain in this place was somehow different to the rain at home. That was when the four emotionally sighed whilst gazing out the window, the lights down below and the flowers that shook.
From the door, someone suddenly stated, “It is impossible to know when it will rain. Therefore, it will be wet and cold.”
Ying and Tanya froze when they saw the dignified lady. They then bowed: “You must be Miss Vera, correct? It is a great honour to meet you. We are the King of the North’s envoys, Ying and Tanya. These girls are King Troy’s daughters. They have come here for a holiday.”
“Welcome and welcome Princesses. Galaluocia is a perfect place for a holiday. The ancient ruins, beautiful scenery and beach are fantastic tourist attractions. Oh, pardon me. I almost forgot to introduce myself. I am Vera Galaluocia. I will soon be the Queen of Galaluocia. I hope you can attend this time’s coronation ceremony.”
The four sisters oddly felt close to Vera. Vera appeared gentle, but she also exuded the confidence and pride of a Queen. Princess Vera noticed Miss Vera was also dressed in an emerald green dress. Those traits, her appearance and her emerald dress reminded her of her Grandma Vyvyan.
Ying nodded. In a tone void of emotion, she responded, “We will be there. Thank you very much for your invitation. Although the Princesses are here for a holiday, we have come here with a mission from King Troy.”
“I understand. To be honest, I was in despair upon hearing my ship sunk. I never thought he would show such strong resolve and determination to successfully find you. It was an incredibly perilous journey. Lots of those with power around me are eyeing me, which is why I need King Troy’s support. I never thought he would send two envoys. I am grateful to King Troy.”
“Two? Oh…”
When she heard ‘two’ Ying dawdled for a moment, but she glanced over to Tanya and realised that Vera must’ve meant her and Tanya as two separate envoys. Thus, she didn’t inquire any further.
The youngster then appeared behind Miss Vera. He had changed into the uniform of a guard. He wore a long robe with a white emblem embroidery on his chest. Perhaps that was the logo for a guard unit. The youngster gave the girls a cheerful and proud smile. His attitude was similar to a primary school child flaunting his toys at home.
“Let us discuss the details tomorrow. Things are undoubtedly urgent here, but we have prepared dinner. You have come to help me and are our friend’s guest, so please accept this kind gesture of mine. Your rooms and hot water has been prepared. My bathroom is also available for you to use. My palace is not as stately as King Troy’s. But nonetheless, I hope I can provide you with the same comfort you feel at home. Should you have any requests or needs, please let me know. I will be sure to address it.”
“Thank you very much. We will gratefully accept your offer.”
“Great. You must be tired from your long journey, so please join me. We have our most outstanding chef with us here. A sumptuous banquet awaits you.”