Chapter 19. The Three Gathered in One Place
When she saw the expression on Vandel’s face, Ellea spoke with gentle sincerity.
“You should smile like that more often. You look much better that way. Honestly, when I first saw you, you didn’t look too happy, and I was a little worried. I even wondered if you hated coming all the way to the border to pick me up.”
Of course, her last words were meant as a joke, but Vandel seemed to take it seriously, thinking she might have truly been offended.
“I apologize for causing you concern due to personal matters. But I assure you, it wasn’t for the reason Your Highness suspects.”
Ellea thought it was just like Vandel to bow his head so earnestly, admitting fault. Wanting to make sure he didn’t misunderstand her, she quickly added,
“I was only joking to lighten the mood, so raise your head. Still, I was genuinely worried. But hearing that you’re okay puts me at ease.”
Is she really a princess?
To Vandel, Ellea felt so natural and easy to talk to that he found it hard to believe she held the title of princess. Despite being strangers, their conversation didn’t feel awkward at all. In fact…
Why does it feel so comfortable? Like we’ve known each other for a long time.
“Anyway, thank you for stepping in earlier. If you hadn’t, I might not have been able to control myself. The person they were talking about… is too precious to me.”
Seeing the emotion in Vandel’s eyes—he looked like he might cry at any moment—Ellea could only feel sorry that she couldn’t tell him the truth about herself.
Just then, another voice called out from behind them.
“What are you doing over there?”
Recognizing the voice coming from the shadows, Vandel immediately bowed his head.
Terban approached and glanced between the two, then turned to Ellea and asked,
“Did something happen?”
He mustn’t mention what happened earlier, Vandel thought anxiously as he awaited Ellea’s response. As if she sensed his worry, she answered casually.
“No, nothing. I just came out for some fresh air and happened to run into Sir Vandel. We were chatting. I’ll go in first and rest for tomorrow.”
After saying goodbye, Ellea walked away, and Vandel couldn’t take his eyes off her retreating figure. For some reason, he had a feeling she would leave a lasting impression on him.
Just who is she…?
The final night of the journey passed, and the group quickened their pace toward their destination.
As the familiar scenery came into view, Ellea felt a rush of complicated emotions.
It’s all still the same.
Nothing had changed here. And that made one thing clear to her: it wasn’t this place that had changed—it was her. She was no longer El, but Ellea Zebenica.
I’m really back. I thought that chapter of my life was over.
Ever since she chose to live as Ellea, she’d vowed never to return to Luvain. Not only had things ended badly, but she couldn’t even imagine what kind of face she’d wear in front of Terban and the people who used to be close to her.
Maybe it’s a good thing no one recognizes me as El.
While she was lost in thought, the carriage reached the capital without issue. Seeing the palace in the distance, her heart began to race violently.
It’s really the imperial palace.
To stay calm, Ellea turned away from the window, closed her eyes, and steadied her breathing.
It’s fine. I’m just here for a short, quiet visit. That’s all I need to focus on.
Across from her, Terban silently watched Ellea’s restless movements. She looked even more nervous now than when she’d first met him.
The carriage gradually slowed and then came to a stop at their destination.
Sensing the halt, Ellea opened her eyes and stepped out after Terban through the carriage door.
Vandel extended his hand to help her down, and she took it naturally. Then, slowly turning her head, she looked around her surroundings.
The capital’s streets, and even the Luvain Imperial Palace, were exactly as she remembered.
Massive in scale, majestic, and dazzling with golden splendor, the palace’s appearance was enough to overwhelm anyone.
“It’s real.”
“What is?” Terban asked.
“That I’m really in the Luvain Empire. To be honest, it didn’t feel real until now. But seeing the palace, I can believe it. That I…”
…really came back.
Hearing the emotion in Ellea’s voice, Terban sensed something unusual. It wasn’t quite fear or anxiety from being in an unfamiliar place. It was more like tension… or longing.
Just then, a woman who appeared to be the head maid approached.
“Your Majesty, Your Highness, welcome. I am Borens Lebe, the head maid assigned to attend to Her Highness.”
Knowing this woman would be by her side during her stay, Ellea took careful note of her. Thankfully, her first impression wasn’t bad.
“Likewise, I’ll be in your care, Borens.”
“Yes, Your Highness. I’ll escort you to the prepared palace.”
Just as Ellea turned to bid Terban farewell, a cheerful voice interrupted.
“Terban!”
That voice…
Ellea instinctively froze. Slowly turning her head, she saw a figure approaching from afar—still radiantly beautiful, still smiling in a way that made hearts flutter. But Ellea’s body stiffened in contrast, her hands clenched so tightly the blood drained from them.
Unaware of Ellea’s reaction, Chenil hurried over, and Terban stepped forward to greet her.
Ellea once again came face-to-face with the perfectly matched couple.
You’re still the same.
Seeing Chenil smile so happily—so guiltlessly—after pushing her to her death, Ellea felt fury rise within her.
No guilt, no sign of remorse. Just that bright, fake smile.
“You’ll hurt yourself if you walk so fast,” Terban said gently.
“How could I sit still after hearing you’d arrived? You returned safely, right?”
“Yes. Nothing to worry about.”
Chenil let out a sigh of relief at seeing him unharmed, but then noticed Ellea standing a short distance away.
She subtly scanned Ellea from head to toe without anyone else noticing, but Ellea understood the meaning behind her gaze.
Behind that smile was a calculating and ruthless woman—someone who assessed others to determine whether they were useful or a threat.
In the past, Ellea would’ve bowed her head to the noblewoman. But not now. She no longer had any reason to avoid or defer to Chenil. So she stepped forward.
“May I ask who this is, Your Majesty?”
Before Terban could answer, Chenil stepped in with a charming smile.
The title of princess suits her, at least. I’ll play along for now. She might become a useful connection.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Chenil Raymil of the Duke Raymil family. Welcome to Luvain.”
“I see. I’m Ellea Zebenica.”
“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness. I’m staying at the palace too—hopefully we’ll get to see each other often.”
Ellea simply listened without reacting. She could already guess what kind of person Chenil truly was.
So instead of replying, she turned to Terban with a radiant smile.
“Thank you for accompanying me on this long journey, Your Majesty. It was a comfortable trip thanks to you.”
Chenil’s expression hardened for just a moment as Ellea completely ignored her and addressed only Terban. But she quickly masked it before anyone noticed.
“Well, to me, you didn’t look all that comfortable.”
“I won’t deny that. But wouldn’t anyone react the same if they were stuck in a carriage alone with His Majesty?”
Having spent some time with him, Ellea had grown a little more comfortable and was able to respond without flinching.
Terban, too, seemed to have a better understanding of her by now, and didn’t take offense at her remark.
What is this…?
Chenil felt a flash of unease as she watched the two interact. They seemed closer than she expected. And Terban—he wasn’t the type to speak so casually with anyone.
Anyone except her.
Ellea then turned to Vandel, who stood nearby.
“Thank you as well, Sir Vandel.”
“Not at all. I was simply doing my duty as a knight.”
If we meet again… would I be able to greet him more warmly than now?
The question remained in Ellea’s heart, unspoken. They had once been very close, and part of her wanted to return to that.
But he had ties to El—just like Terban. And so, she had to keep her distance.
Whether she could actually do that, she wasn’t so sure.
“Well then, I’ll head to my quarters, Your Majesty.”
“Of course. You’ve done well—it couldn’t have been an easy journey.”
After Ellea left, Chenil stared coldly at her disappearing figure. She had been clearly, deliberately ignored.
But Terban hadn’t noticed. Once Ellea was gone, he turned to Chenil.
“There’s work I need to catch up on. Let’s talk more over dinner later.”
“All right. Don’t overwork yourself.”
She wanted to question him about Ellea immediately, but for now, all she could do was nod.
As soon as Terban and Vandel left, Chenil’s gentle smile vanished. Her gaze followed Ellea’s path, icy and calculating.
That princess had blatantly dismissed her—as if saying she didn’t even consider Chenil her equal.
Let’s see how long you can keep that confident act. You’ll be bowing your head before long.
Chenil was already certain of it. No matter her title, in Luvain, Ellea was no match for her. And just like always, she would prove it.
