"Shall we go back to Valeria?" Ferdinand offered his hand.

It was time to go back to the Imperial Palace. A lot of work was surely waiting for them there.

Ferdinand spoke with Rendell to get updates about security matters regarding Arabella but she did not leave the palace so there were no issues.

They then teleported to the Magic Tower and just seconds after they arrived, Raymond teleported with Riley.

It was vivid in their eyes that they were eager to hear from Ferdinand what happened in Umbra for him not to return for more than two months without any form of communication with any of them, especially Arabella.

"Welcome back, Your Majesty," the two bowed.

Before Ferdinand could even reply, the Great Elders appeared as well.

"Your Majesty, you are finally back," the two elders sighed in relief. They had also been waiting for Ferdinand to return. They were ready to listen for an explanation about his absence.

Ferdinand had to update them about what happened, so he had to be in a meeting with them.

"I’ll go ahead first then, Your Majesty," Arabella gave them space so they could speak freely.

"I’ll see you later then," Ferdinand kissed the back of her hand and let Rendell escort her.

Alwin followed her since they both already knew what happened.

"Your Majesty, Riley informed me two days ago that a letter for you had arrived from Princess Evania," Alwin informed her now that they had a chance to talk.

"Oh, then can check it first before I return to work," Arabella knew it must have been sent by Orpheus’ messenger bird again so Alwin would have instructed Riley to let it stay in the same room it did last time.

"Yes, I shall teleport us there then."

Alwin indeed teleported them to the same room as last time, and silently staying in a bird cage was Orpheus’ magic messenger bird.

Like a real live bird, it blinked and tilted its head when they arrived at the room. Its red eyes were a bit unnerving, but it suited its black feathers.

Alwin checked the letter like last time and opened it for Arabella. Once he was sure it was safe, he finally handed it to her.

*** 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

To Her Imperial Majesty Arabella Lobelius Valeria:

The constant rumblings and earthquakes had finally stopped.

I believe His Imperial Majesty is already on the way back to Valeria since his presence here is gone.

I hope you meet him soon.

By the way, I thought I should inform Your Majesty that I would return to the human realm once things here settle down.

My father has allowed me to take vengeance against Chester and Fatima so Darcus and Orpheus will be with me.

Rest assured that whatever I do, I shall ensure that nothing seems to be related to you.

Oh, and my father said he’d like to express his deepest gratitude to you and everyone else who helped me return here.

He also deeply apologizes to Alwin for the treatment he received here.

My father would send a separate letter soon along with his gratitude and apologies.

.

- Evania

***

’She would come back?’ Arabella suddenly had a headache. She rubbed her temples.

She kind of already expected this since Evania’s suffering due to Chester and Fatima was too heavy to simply let go.

Still, it gave her a headache that Evania would truly come back here since the latter might accidentally drop hints they knew each other.

But at least, no longer as her maid Renee but as Princess Evania of the Shadows.

No matter what Evania does here in the human realm, as long as she doesn’t say she knew Arabella, no one would know the connection between them.

"What’s wrong? What did she say?" Alwin frowned at her reaction.

"She said she would return to take her vengeance against Chester and Fatima," Arabella handed Alwin the letter.

He read it and didn’t look surprised either.

"I knew she wouldn’t give up on that."

[But I hope she doesn’t dare to set foot here in Valeria.]

Alwin was also partly worried about it because of Evania’s affection for him.

[I hope she would simp for Uncle Alvis, but do not bother him. Or she should just be content with her two husbands instead.]

Alwin sighed before teleporting to Arabella’s office to get her seal and a paper to write on. He returned in a few seconds with everything Arabella would need.

She then wrote her reply to Evania so the messenger bird could return to Umbra.

***

To Princess Evania:

Thank you for the information you sent last time.

We were able to find a way to get His Majesty’s attention so he would return.

He is back in Valeria now.

.

Thank you for informing me of your plans to return to the human realm.

Please be careful in your travels and in dealing with Chester and Fatima.

I hope you find what you seek once you have exacted your vengeance.

.

Regarding your father’s gratitude, he is very much welcome.

As for his apology, Alwin and His Imperial Majesty would reply to his letter once he sends them one.

.

- Arabella Lobelius Valeria

***

Once the messenger bird was sent home, Arabella asked, "Is there anything else?"

Alwin thought about it and there was nothing else she needed to take care of here so he said, "No. You may return to the palace now."

"Oh, since I’m here, I should see Dimo for a bit," Arabella recalled the child.

Alwin checked the time and said, "Right on time. He’s probably in the break room after some studying."

They headed to the break room and Dimo was indeed there. He was having tea and eating some sweets.

"Your Majesty!" he squealed when he saw her.

He wiped the chocolate and icing on his lips and rose. He greeted her politely before running to meet her.

Arabella gave him a hug and the child reveled in it. It seems she was indeed Dimo’s older sister and mother figure now.

"Oh my, you can continue eating," Arabella chuckled. He was so adorable.

"I missed, Your Majesty. I wanted to see you the other day, but I heard you were busy, so I waited for you to visit instead," Dimo acted all cute.