The Royal Mark-Chapter 343: Breakfast in the Garden

Lulu took twelve days to learn to gather enough mana to manipulate and control the elements. During this time, she and Elsa grew closer, spending their days training together in Elsa’s room.

Despite their progress, Elsa’s health was deteriorating. Each morning she woke up sick, vomiting for much of the morning, feeling weak in the afternoon, and exhausted by evening. However, her worsening condition didn’t stop her from mastering her divine magic attack spells, though.

Lulu arrived early as usual to bring Elsa breakfast—chicken with egg soup and her favorite orange juice. But what she saw in Elsa’s room was unexpected.

"Your Majesty! What are you doing? You’re not feeling well; you should stay in bed. It’s so early, where are you even planning to go?" Lulu exclaimed after seeing Elsa dressed, ready to go outdoors. She quickly set the tray of food on the table to help Elsa back to bed.

"We need to go outside, Lulu. It is time for you to discover which element would be suitable for you since there are no mages in your family, you’ve got no influence or history with elemental magic would be best for you.

For you to do that, we should try all four elements to know which one will react to your mana. I am five days away from getting married to the demon king and with my condition now, I don’t even think I could even fly to escape.

Going out could also better my condition. I need fresh air and exercise. This place is making me sick and weak, I need to get out of here as soon as possible," Elsa said as aimed for the door.

Lulu swiftly stopped her and said, "B-But, King Mordrak might not allow you to go out without the guards accompanying us again."

"We will not go far. We just need a place where the four elements are present. Is there a place like that within the castle ground?"

Lulu closed her eyes and thought hard for a while trying to picture the different parts of the castle as if there was a map of it in her mind.

"There is a huge gazebo with a small fireplace near the pond. My father built it and I think it’s a good place for you to stay. You can rest in the gazebo while you tell me what I should do," Lulu suggested.

"Seems like a perfect place. Let’s go there now, bring my breakfast. In case we get questioned, we will say that I just want to eat outdoors since I don’t feel well."

Lulu nodded and picked up the tray from the table before leading the way.

They were almost at the end of the stairs when they ran into the king who was going up to his room.

"G-Good morning, My King," Lulu greeted as she bowed to the demon king.

"Why are you dressed like that, where are you going?" Mordrak directed at Elsa.

"I want to eat my breakfast in the garden," Elsa tersely explained.

King Mordrak frowned upon noticing Elsa’s pale lips and skin. He extended his hand to touch her cheek but she immediately avoided his touch.

"You don’t look good. You have been eating by yourself in your room after that incident with Milda. Your servant said you are not feeling well," Mordrak asked, his voice laden with concern masked by irritation. "You should be resting, Elsa."

"I am going to rest after I eat," Elsa insisted with a firm tone. "I just need a change of scenery. I will not overexert myself. The gazebo is within the castle grounds; it’s perfectly safe."

Mordrak’s eyes flicked to Lulu, then back to Elsa. He seemed to weigh his options before sighing deeply. "Very well. But I am assigning guards to keep a watch from a distance. Do not leave the grounds."

Elsa nodded in agreement and mentioned, "Make sure to tell them to not come near me. My sense of scent is sensitive lately and your guards stink. I might throw up again once I smell them."

Mordrak briskly ordered the guards to follow what Elsa said before they went their separate ways.

Lulu was relieved that the confrontation was over, hurriedly led Elsa out of the castle. The morning air was crisp, and the walk to the gazebo was slow but steady. Elsa leaned on Lulu for support, her steps unsteady but determined.

Once they reached the gazebo, Lulu set the breakfast tray on a small table. The gazebo was beautifully crafted, with wooden beams and intricately carved patterns. The fireplace was indeed small but enough to ignite a controlled flame.

Elsa sank into one of the cushioned chairs, exhaustion visible in her every movement. "Thank you, Lulu. This is perfect," she said, her voice a tired whisper.

Lulu knelt beside her, concern etched on her face. "You need to eat first, Your Majesty. Then we can start."

Elsa nodded, picking up the spoon with a trembling hand. She sipped the chicken and egg soup slowly, savoring the warmth that spread through her. Lulu watched her, worry gnawing at her insides.

After Elsa managed to eat a bit and drink some orange juice, she leaned back and closed her eyes. "We should begin now, Lulu. We don’t have much time."

Lulu nodded, standing up. "Alright, Your Majesty. What do I need to do?"

Elsa opened her eyes, summoning a flicker of her remaining strength. "We will start with fire. Go to the fireplace and try to light it using your mana. Focus on the warmth, the energy that fire brings."

Lulu approached the fireplace, her heart pounding. She closed her eyes, concentrating on the flicker of heat she imagined in her core. She raised her hand, as she directed her mana towards the fireplace.

Beads of sweat formed on her forehead and temple. Her control over her mana was perfect. She practices every day with Elsa and even when he gets home. She barely sleeps at night for she is determined to make her family leave that cursed place.