Chapter 25………
The Return of Mikrok
“Milli, can you still not see the vanguard’s banner?”
“No, not yet.”
Milli and I were standing atop the tallest tower of Pritan Castle.
The icy wind howled from every direction. Even though I wrapped myself in fur and held a heating magic stone in each hand, the gusts that struck my cheeks left them numb and stinging.
For the past four days, everyone inside and outside the castle had been frantically polishing, sweeping, and decorating.
The banquet hall to celebrate the safe return of the thousand-strong Order of Knights was splendidly adorned.
Worried that the hall might still be too cold, I even had the heating magic stones removed from the Queen’s Palace and placed throughout the hall.
Perhaps it looked a little shabby, because Duke Zenon commented:
“Your Majesty, there are still plenty of heating stones in the storage. There’s no need to dismantle the ones already in use…”
But I had no intention of wasting resources. Waste not, want not!
“We can just use the ones we already have. The banquet will only last for two days anyway, so there’s no point in bringing out new stones. Don’t they last only four to five years?”
“That’s true. There are rumors that some demons have ways of making them last nearly forever, but with Pritan’s technology, it’s impossible.”
“Exactly! All the more reason to save them.”
Yes, maybe it was the thriftiness drilled into me from growing up in the slums, but precious things should never be squandered.
Originally, the plan was to keep the celebratory feast running for three days. But then I came up with a better idea.
On the first day, all the knights’ families would be invited to eat and drink together in the hall. Then, families would be given their own rooms to spend private time, and the next day they would be free to tour the castle.
Some knights were nobles, but most were common-born. Their families might never again have the chance to step inside Pritan Castle.
What greater gift than showing a wife, a father, a son, just how great and important their loved one truly was?
When I told Duke Zenon my plan, he was delighted.
“Countless banquets have been held in this castle, but none with such magnificent thought behind it.”
He seemed genuinely impressed.
“I thought of it when I saw you, your wife, and Violet strolling through the garden.”
“Then we have inspired our Queen. We are honored.”
With the Chancellor’s approval secured, the preparations began in earnest!
The royal kitchen was in chaos, cooking enough food to feed over a thousand men and their families.
“Your Majesty, the royal head chef, Modavi, collapsed from overwork at dawn today.”
“What? I told you to hire more assistant cooks!”
“Of course we did, but it seems he simply couldn’t trust them with the responsibility.”
And so, after only two days of preparation, the disaster struck—the head chef fainted from exhaustion.
The palace physician, sent specially by Lea, insisted he must rest no matter what.
But the chef stubbornly tried to get up, saying he could not lie down with such an important event ahead.
Left with no choice, I went to the resting chamber where he was lying.
After ordering Milli to keep everyone else away, I offered him a cup of tea—and made him drink it.
“Your Majesty, to drink this precious tea from your own hand—surely I must rise and return at once…”
He fell fast asleep within seconds. I had laced the tea with a sleeping draught.
Once he was deep in slumber, I laid my hand on his forehead and summoned healing energy. Warmth flowed down my arm into him, and color slowly returned to his face.
I grew dizzy from the effort, but with Milli’s support, I managed to return to my room.
Half an hour later, word came that the chef was up and working again—energetic as if nothing had happened.
Thus, four tumultuous days passed.
And now, at any moment, the horizon would reveal the proud King of Pritan and his knights.
As my heart swelled with anticipation, Milli suddenly pointed and shouted:
“Your Majesty, there—look!! I see the vanguard’s banner!!”
*****
“Mikrok, Pritan Castle is in sight.”
William, leading the front, turned to Mikrok. The King gave a small nod, eyes heavy with emotion.
Since ascending the throne at fifteen, he had fought in countless wars and campaigns, always returning victorious.
But today’s return to Pritan was unlike any other.
Lea… the place where my wife is waiting…
His heart ached to gallop ahead alone, but too many obstacles awaited.
First, the crowds of citizens outside the walls.
“Look! Prince Mikrok and the Pritan Knights are coming!”
A man at the front of the crowd spotted them and waved his flag furiously.
At once, a tidal wave of cheers erupted.
“Long live Mikrok! Long live Pritan!!!”
At the roar of their people, the knights straightened proudly, raising their spears high. Colorful scarves tied to the tips fluttered like banners.
Mikrok rode at the very front, William and Ralph at his side. Behind them marched the hundred-strong Royal Guard, followed by Joseph and the commanders of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd divisions, guarding wagons loaded with spoils from the campaign.
Seeing the wealth of the harvest, the people cried themselves hoarse praising their king and knights.
“Open the gates!”
William’s shout carried, and the castle gates opened swiftly.
“Whoa… look at that. It’s been decorated magnificently.”
Freddy whispered to Ralph as they entered.
“Must be the Queen’s doing.”
“Exactly. That’s why the mistress of the house matters most.”
Inside the gates, Duke Zenon and the nobles lined up to welcome them. Loyal subjects, no doubt, but to Mikrok, they were simply obstacles between him and Lea.
“Mikrok, perhaps you should soften your expression,” William muttered.
At that, Mikrok smoothed his scowl, returning to his usual unreadable face.
When he dismounted, the knights followed.
“Great King of Pritan, Prince Mikrok, and our glorious knights—we rejoice at your safe return!”
“You’ve worked hard as well, Chancellor.”
With the faintest smile, Mikrok patted Duke Zenon’s shoulder.
Even that single curt word was enough to bring tears of joy to the Duke’s eyes.
Then, meeting the nobles’ gazes one by one, Mikrok encouraged them. At last, as he stepped forward, the nobles parted to make way.
Lea!!
At the foot of the steps stood the woman he had dreamed of endlessly—his beloved Lea, smiling brightly.
Her platinum hair was elegantly coiled up, a soft silver fur, like her hair, draped over her shoulders. She stood regal and radiant, like a snow queen.
No queen of Pritan had ever looked more perfect. Mikrok realized then he had endured the past three months of hardship just for this moment.
Striding forward, he reached her. She extended her hand with a trembling smile.
“You’re here.”
He seized her hand and pulled her into his arms.
“I’m back.”
Holding her tighter, he whispered,
“Just as you said, the same face as when I left.”
She smiled, and his lips pressed firmly against her temple.
“Uwaaaaaaah!!!”
Nobles, knights, and all within the castle erupted in cheers. But Mikrok and Lea heard nothing but each other.
*****
“Milli, are you serious? Mikrok already left the banquet hall?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. When I came back from the wine cellar, I heard he told everyone to enjoy themselves and quietly slipped away.”
“Oh, honestly. The main course hasn’t even been served yet!”
I was frustrated to hear he had left so early.
Truthfully, when he embraced me in front of all those nobles and knights upon arrival, I worried he might never let go—and perhaps I even fluttered a little inside.
But he released me quickly and went straight to the Chancellor’s office.
Meanwhile, the other knights washed in the great bathhouse, changed into comfortable clothes, and gathered in the banquet hall.
“Daddy~~!”
Children’s voices rang out. The knights turned, astonished, as dozens of children rushed in, calling for their fathers. Behind them came wives, parents, siblings—families pouring into the grand hall.
It was their first time inside such a splendid palace, and they looked bewildered. But when they spotted their sons, husbands, brothers, they ran to them with joy.
Normally stoic and restrained from years on the battlefield, the knights’ faces were overcome with emotion. Some younger men even wept.
As knights reunited with their families, eating and drinking happily, Mik finally entered the hall—long after the others.
“Why are you only coming now? Aren’t you hungry?”
“I’m hungrier for you.”
I scolded him in whispers, and that was the answer he gave me—how embarrassing!
Blushing furiously, I hurried to serve his meal while overseeing the entire banquet.
Even as he ate, Mik would not release my right hand from his grasp.
“Your Majesty, there seems to be a problem with the performers. Could you come for a moment?”
Chamberlain Colin appeared, looking troubled.
Mik immediately scowled at him, but this was important—the performers were the circus troupe I had personally arranged for the knights’ children. They would be sorely disappointed if anything went wrong.
I patted Mik’s hand lightly and rose.
“I’ll be right back. Twenty minutes—no, ten.”
But in that short time, Mik disappeared. He had left before even tasting the main course!
I had arranged the courses with such care, and now my husband would miss the best dishes!
I regretted leaving his side, but it was too late.
I rushed to his quarters, but the chamber was empty.
“Where is His Majesty?”
“He is bathing.”
Ah… of course. While the knights bathed earlier, Mik had been in the Chancellor’s office.
I should have thought to let him wash first before the banquet.
“Take me to him.”
The attendant hesitated, startled, but obeyed.
The bath chamber was filled with steam. Mik lounged in a vast tub, large enough for ten men.
His dark hair was damp, falling back as he leaned, eyes closed in weariness. His shoulders, firm with muscle, glistened above the water.
Unconsciously, I swallowed hard.
