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She was once again convinced that the path she had chosen was not wrong.
'All this time, I've been assuming that I wouldn't be able to do anything...'
The fact that a completely different future was unfolding before her eyes filled her with emotion.
Princess Peony clenched her fists and turned to face the imperial family.
It was to give her final greetings before leaving for the Sanctuary.
The Emperor and Empress opened their mouths with benevolent faces.
"Have a safe trip, Peony."
"It will be a long journey, so be careful."
Princess Peony bowed politely to the two of them.
"Yes, I will return safely without causing any worries."
The Emperor smiled contentedly and looked over her shoulder.
"Do you see that, Peony?"
Princess Peony slowly turned her gaze. There, the Kistar Knights, clad in shining silver armor, were lined up.
"Duke Argenta has sent the elite division of the Kistar as your escort."
At those words, a subtle crack appeared on the Empress's face, and Christina, who was standing next to her, also glared at Princess Peony with jealous eyes.
However, the Emperor, unaware of their reactions, laughed heartily.
"As expected, our daughter is very popular, haha!"
Princess Peony gave a graceful smile and bowed her head.
"You flatter me, Your Majesty. It is all thanks to Your Majesty's virtue."
"Even humble. I am so proud of you, Peony, for growing up so well without your mother."
At those words, Princess Peony gave a bitter smile.
The Emperor still reminisced about her mother, but Princess Peony had no memory of her, as she had passed away immediately after she was born.
Princess Peony slowly turned her gaze to the side.
There, Empress Christina was standing with a sulky expression.
After a moment of silence, she bit her lip and opened her mouth with a reluctant voice.
"Congratulations on your coming of age. Have a safe trip."
After finishing her short greeting, she leaned towards her son, who was standing next to her. And she whispered in a low voice so that no one could hear.
"When you come of age, you will lead an even bigger procession than this, Adolf."
"Yes, Mother. I think so too."
Princess Peony pretended not to hear their conversation and turned her head.
At that moment, a man standing at the end of the group caught her eye. It was Darian.
Princess Peony tilted her head in confusion at his unusually haggard appearance.
'Why does Brother look like that?'
His eyes were bloodshot, as if he hadn't slept properly for at least a few days.
Darian hesitated for a while, then barely managed to speak.
"Congratulations on your coming of age. Have a safe trip, Peony."
He let out a short sigh and added in a voice that was barely audible.
"And... I'm sorry."
His low voice was filled with so many emotions that it was impossible to guess what he was thinking.
"Sorry?"
Princess Peony looked at Darian with wide eyes, as if surprised. But he couldn't say anything more and turned his gaze away.
Princess Peony wanted to ask more, but she couldn't bring herself to do so.
It was because he retreated as if refusing all questions.
Her feet wouldn't move, but Princess Peony had no choice but to turn her body.
There was no more time to delay. The procession to the Sanctuary was waiting for her.
She walked on the red carpet with the help of her maids.
And soon, she boarded the ceremonial carriage decorated with splendid flower arrangements.
A moment later, a cheerful trumpet sounded. The horses vigorously kicked the clouds with their front hooves, and the procession finally departed.
Now, a long journey to the Sanctuary after circling the capital had begun.
Felix was riding his horse, closely following her side.
Princess Peony stared at him blankly and asked in a small voice.
"Do you know about when we'll arrive?"
"We'll probably arrive around evening."
"Haa... It's going to take so long. How am I going to endure the boredom?"
Princess Peony let out a long sigh and leaned back against the backrest.
Felix clicked his tongue softly at her.
"Don't let your guard down, though. You never know what might happen along the way."
"Enough with the nagging. I already got an earful from Ayla before we left."
Felix chuckled in disbelief at Princess Peony's grumbling voice.
"Where did the dignified princess from earlier go?"
"I'm a person too, I need to relax sometimes."
Princess Peony maintained a nonchalant attitude towards him for a while.
As the procession entered the heart of the capital, her expression changed instantly.
The relaxed appearance from just now was nowhere to be found, and a bright smile appeared on her face as if nothing had happened.
She even waved to the people with a dignified and confident posture.
She was a sight to behold, worthy of being called the protagonist of the day.
The sunlight shone warmly on her, as if blessing her.
Felix, who was watching the scene, admired inwardly.
'...As expected, the Emperor's bloodline is different, huh?'
Soon, he shook his head and swallowed a bitter smile.
'Well, thankfully, I don't have to worry about her.'
As the dawn air permeated coldly, Princess Peony's maids stood in a row in the hallway surrounding the prayer room.
They had been guarding Princess Peony's side all night, looking tense in preparation for any possible situation.
"Ugh, I'm starting to get hungry."
"Should I prepare a late-night snack?"
It was then, as the maids were whispering to each other in small voices, that Lona stepped forward.
"I'll ask the kitchen to bring some."
At those words, the maids' wary gazes turned to her.
But Lona was already leaving the building, as if no answer was needed.
"...Why is she suddenly like that?"
"Has she finally come to her senses after being scolded so much?"
The maids giggled in small voices.
But the ridicule didn't last long.
Soon after, when Lona appeared with warm food, everyone's attention was focused on her.
"Wow, that looks delicious. Bread with honey and nuts."
"Mmm, it smells really good."
Lona forced a smile and spoke in a friendly voice.
"Are you hungry? I brought something to drink too, so let's eat together. Everyone must be tired from standing for so long."
She handed each of the maids a piece of bread and a warm cup of tea.
They scanned Lona with prim faces before finally reaching out their hands.
"Ahem, I'll enjoy the meal."
"I should at least taste it, since it's a rare act of kindness."
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