It was only a month or so ago that the rebellion was finally quelled. She helped her brother and saved many people’s lives, gaining her some prestige, though she had to admit her treatment growing up would forever stay with her and it kept her heart guarded against everyone else.
They started investigating where the Queen and the Prince had gone during this time, finding clues they had left behind. Eventually, a messenger bearing news appeared.
It was the Queen’s maid who had obviously gone through many tribulations, sending the letter before finally succumbing to her wounds.
Her sister-in-law perished during the escape, but they had managed to find the adventurer guild for help. They found out the child was sent to the Royal Capital for protection, with them promising a lot of things in exchange.
Back to the present, Syl couldn’t help but look out the window, peeking at the massive palace at the end of the road.
"Athie..." she whispered, looking forward to seeing the boy.
Her nephew was very cute and lovely. However, he was also very, very reticent, even worse than her.
Appearance-wise, had the most ’blessed’ golden eyes that glittered like the sun, framed by curly shimmering azure hair that was like the sky. This was in stark contrast with lifeless white hair and red eyes. He was beloved the moment he was born, and Syl herself carved a good part of her heart for the little one.
This was in stark contrast to how Syl grew up. Because of her unusual appearance, she had always been quite lonely. They would be respectful to her because she was a princess, but they would keep their distance, afraid that she really was a bringer of misfortune just because of her appearance.
It was quite unfair, and it wasn’t like they hadn’t had people with these features in the family line. There had been a few people with red eyes, and there had been people with colorless hair. However, the intensity and the combination seemed ominous, and she had to suffer because of it her whole life.
You’re so beautiful
A certain redhead’s words echoed in her mind again, and her bad mood immediately lifted.
...
The carriage stopped in front of the palace grounds. Carriages were no longer allowed within the palace grounds, so they had to disembark at the gates.
Syl was asked to escort her nephew back to Etheria. Finally, their family—or what remained of it—would be reunited.
The Human King was expecting their arrival, so they were welcomed well by the servants and the knights.
She and her entourage were led to the magnificent throne room lit by tainted glass. At the front, on an elevated platform, was the King, Queen, and their two children, waiting for her in their thrones.
She, along with their entourage, gave a formal greeting between fellow nobles and they did the same.
"Welcome to our Nisguard," the King said, standing up to head to her. Similarly, the rest of the family did the same.
"It is my honor," Sylwen said. "Thank you for the warm welcome."
Her nephew was also there to greet her, and he immediately went to her. His face did not show much, but the sparkle in his eyes was telling enough.
Syl’s eyes warmed, patting the boy’s dark blue hair. "Have you been well?"
"I am fine, thank you, Auntie."
"Shall we go catch up in the dining room? We have prepared the best midday meal for you," the Queen said, and naturally, the elves obliged with polite smiles on their faces.
The King was naturally at the head of the table, with the Queen on the left, and the young prince at the right.
The Princess sat next to her mother, the picture of the perfect royal family.
As they ate and made small talk, Sylwen observed the royal family.
Sylwen had naturally done her research before coming here.
The current King, Darius, was a man in his late 50s. He had dark hair, but some streaks of white were already visible in his hair. Of course, because of his level, he still looked younger than he was, no more than 40.
He was hailed as a hero of the humans. Standing at the peak of Fortified level, he was on the verge of upgrading to the Apex tier at a relatively young age.
He was also one of the main defenders during the previous two Aphelion months. Sadly, he had lost many relatives in those times, including his wife and children, though the people were happy that he finally found happiness with a new, beautiful family.
The current queen, Lirean, was a beautiful woman with golden hair inherited by one of her children.
Their blonde hair was not nearly as glimmering as Athie’s eyes, but was still quite beautiful.
Lirean was also of Elven blood, although only a quarter. She was actually her sister-in-law’s distant cousin, which was how she decided to trust this family with the elven heir in the first place.
Unsurprisingly, she was also a gifted mage who had entered the second tier of the Blessed stage, which was the magical equivalent of the Fortified level.
Princess Claire was a pretty lady who had golden hair like her mother. She had beautiful hazel eyes as well, ones that would make people want to stare at them for a long time.
She was also a mage and was said to have fairly high potential as well. She was apparently already at the peak of the Charged at the young age of 21, and it was only a matter of time before she upgraded to the Resonant stage, where Syl was currently in.
Finally, there was Caelan, the Crown Prince. He inherited his father’s black hair and green eyes, but the personality of his mother.
The boy was only 5 years old and apparently had a bubbly and notorious personality, as little boys often did.
Apparently, it was her nephew who was unusual. But...she was glad. At the very least, her little nephew did not suffer much.