Side story 1
***
"Are you that excited?"
"Of course! It's my first family trip ever. And it's to Elmir, my mother's homeland! I've been waiting for this day for so long."
Kayan smiled as he gently pinched Adeline's cheek.
Following Kayan's escort, the two women boarded the carriage heading to Elmir.
Though she tried not to show it, Ihedia couldn't control her racing heart for days on end.
It had been over ten years since she had left Elmir.
Given her status as empress, it was nearly impossible for her to leave the country for an extended period.
Moreover, since Ihedia was as involved in politics as the emperor, Kayan, she could only take the time to visit her homeland after all the important national projects had been completed.
Having longed for this for years, Ihedia's heart was filled with endless excitement.
"Has Evan changed much?"
Evan had his eyes treated at the spring in Apeso and soon after crossed over to Elmir to ascend the throne.
He was the sole heir to the Elmir lineage and hoped to become a king who would prosper Elmir, following in his father's footsteps.
Evan was no longer the fragile being she remembered, and Ihedia accepted that as well.
Evan could not leave his post for similar reasons.
Therefore, though the two had frequently exchanged letters and stayed in touch, it was only natural that their longing could not be fully alleviated by that alone.
"Just wait comfortably in the palace. Anyway, you're stubborn for such a little thing."
"That's the same as Father. Don't even think about leaving me behind and monopolizing Mother."
Kayan raised his eyebrows slightly in exasperation and looked at Ihedia.
However, Ihedia did not take his side.
"She’s not wrong."
Originally, she had planned to visit Elmir alone in peace.
But Kayan absolutely refused to accept that.
Even in everyday life, he was so obsessed with being with his wife that he disregarded the emperor's dignity, and being separated for months would be like torture.
Even if hundreds of guards were assigned to protect her, Kayan would be unable to eat or sleep, constantly worrying about whether something dangerous might happen to Ihedia.
It was highly unusual for both the emperor and empress to be abroad at the same time.
Moreover, the young princess was also included in this journey.
Adeline, like her father, was so determined not to be separated from Ihedia for even a moment that she had no choice but to give in.
While she worried whether the child could endure the arduous journey, she feared that forcing her to stay behind might lead to unforeseeable consequences.
“They say there’s going to be a huge hunting festival in Elmir by the time we arrive. Just thinking about it makes me excited.”
“I know the hunting grounds are your playground, but this time, please behave yourself and don’t cause any trouble. Especially at an official event in a foreign country, I hope you’ll show the dignified demeanor befitting Princess of Anut.”
When Ihedia spoke those harsh words, Adeline pouted.
“Mother, really? Where else could there be a princess as well-behaved as me?”
Before Ihedia could continue, Adeline quickly transformed into a wolf.
The silver-haired wolf wagged its tail and burrowed into Ihedia’s lap.
At such moments, Kayan wondered if Adeline was not the brave descendant of Hirpus but a wolf-shaped puppy shapeshifter.
Most people, including Ihedia, were so charmed by Adeline’s true form that they didn’t know what to do.
No wonder—Adeline had fur of a mysterious color not found in ordinary wolves, and her appearance was even more gentle than a puppy's, enough to stir protective instincts.
If Ihedia had been a wolf shapeshifter, would she have looked like this?
Thus, every time Kaan looked at Adeline, his heart couldn't help but soften.
Kayan sighed as he looked at the small pup that bore a striking resemblance to Ihedia.
Unless Adeline was marked by someone, it seemed there was no one in the world who could tame the wild princess.
Nevertheless, Kayan could only hope that this adorable troublemaker would stay by their side forever.
At that moment, Adeline, who had been rubbing her head against Ihedia's knee, tried to squeeze between her and Kayan.
Kayan swiftly picked Adeline up.
"Pup, don't cross the line. The spot next to your mother is mine. No matter how cute you are, I can't let this slide."
Adeline then looked at her mother with a pitiful expression.
Ihedia smiled softly as she watched the father and daughter bickering over her again today.
***
Just as Ihedia had once greeted Evan at the gates of Anut, Evan too had come out to the gates of Elmir to wait for her.
Ihedia left her husband and child behind and ran straight to him.
"Evan!"
"Sister!"
Evan, too, set aside the dignity of a king for a moment and greeted his sister with a cheerful, childlike expression.
"Evan, I missed you."
Ihedia embraced her younger brother with tear-filled eyes.
"You must have had a long and tiring journey."
Evan's demeanor had changed significantly since they last saw each other.
It wasn't because of his fancy clothes or jewelry.
He was now about the same height and build as Kayan, and his handsome features were enough to make every woman in Elmir admire him.
After undergoing eye surgery and continuing a comfortable lifestyle, his severe stuttering had completely disappeared.
Since the condition had been caused by psychological reasons rather than a congenital disability, it naturally returned to its original state as he regained stability.
But that was not all.
His bright expression, refined speech, and graceful gestures made anyone who saw Evan for the first time mistakenly believe he was a nobleman who had never experienced hardship.
Above all, the noble spirit emanating from his clear eyes resembled that of his father, the late emperor, causing Ihedia to feel a lump in her throat.
Just as she had firmly rooted herself in distant Anut, her younger brother had also established himself as a sturdy pillar of Elmir.
As Ihedia looked at Evan and felt a sense of nostalgia, the high voice of the young wolf who had followed her closely interrupted.
"Your Majesty, it is an honor to meet you."
Adeline bowed in accordance with Elmir’s etiquette, as Ihedia had taught her.
"Goodness, Adeline?"
Evan smiled broadly and stroked Adeline's head.
Adeline was too young to remember Evan, but seeing him gave her a strange sense of familiarity.
Perhaps it was because her uncle, the king, resembled her mother so much.
Adeline felt a sudden fondness for him just knowing that.
***
Ihedia waited nervously in the audience chamber.
Today was the day she would finally meet the person she had longed for so much.
Soon, the sound of knocking could be heard.
Ihedia jumped up from her seat and rushed toward her.
"Aurora."
"Sister!"
The two women embraced deeply, expressing their joy at seeing each other again.
"The title 'Her Majesty the Empress' still feels awkward, so it's a bit of a hassle."
"It doesn't matter. Just do whatever feels comfortable."
"Hehe. I knew you'd say that, sister."
As Aurora flashed her signature bright smile, Ihedia's mood lifted as well.
The region where Aurora's homeland, Zelrod, once stood had become a highly contentious area where the interests of various nations were intertwined.
Unable to return home, she chose Elmir, where she could live stably with the people.
Zelrod was located in the same southern region as Elmir and shared similar cultural customs.
Therefore, the northernmost part of Elmir was suitable for Zelrod-born nomads to settle.
All of this was also due to Ihedia's efforts.
She had worked closely with the Elmir royal family to help southerners who had lost their country due to Anut settle down and live stably.
Moreover, since Zelrod was the most developed country in the south in terms of handicrafts, it was also beneficial for Elmir to engage in exchanges with them.
“I hurried here as quickly as possible to see you sooner upon hearing the news that you were coming to Elmir, but I ended up being a bit late.”
“It’s okay. I didn’t wait long anyway. How have you been? You seem to have changed a lot since we last met.”
Although they had frequently exchanged letters with Aurora during that time, seeing her face to face made the passage of time all the more evident.
Now, Aurora, the last royal of Zelrod and the spiritual pillar of the people, no longer had the youthful appearance of the past.
Her jawline had become more defined, perhaps from losing a bit of weight, and her graceful gait gave her the elegance of a refined lady.
“You, on the other hand, haven’t changed at all. I could even believe you’re my younger sister now.”
“You’ve gotten more playful.”
Ihedia and Aurora burst into laughter at the same time.
Ihedia gently pulled her hand and sat her down.
“The last time I saw you was about five years ago.”
“It’s been that long already. I moved to Elmir right after that.”
Before that, Aurora had traveled to various countries to rescue the scattered people of Zelrod.
After the process of sending them to the northern part of Elmir was mostly completed, she briefly stopped by Anut to express her gratitude to Ihedia.
That was the last time she saw her, as Aurora immediately departed for Elmir, and afterward, they each went on to lead new lives in their respective locations, with no opportunity to meet again.
“Let’s chat all we want today!”
“Of course.”
The two women spent a long time chatting, catching up on everything they had missed.
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