For some reason, this name sounded familiar… No, not just familiar.
Su Ling suddenly remembered—the last time she had heard this name was at that banquet. Moria Anderson. She was Sista’s progenitor, the Crown Princess of the Kingdom of Ansels, the future Queen, a figure whose power overshadowed the entire realm.
“What’s wrong, little cannon Su Ling? You look so surprised,” Moria covered her mouth and laughed, clearly amused by Su Ling’s reaction.
“Meeting the noble Crown Princess in the palace’s rear garden—such an honor, is it a bit too much for you to bear?”
“My apologies, Your Highness. I was rude just now.” Su Ling had already slipped fully back into her usual maid demeanor, bowing respectfully. Even so, she remained cautious toward the woman before her.
“Ahahaha, don’t worry, don’t worry. I don’t care about such trivial matters. Besides, I was the one who started the conversation, so there’s no need for you to feel guilty.” Moria spoke lightly, walking past Su Ling.
As she brushed by, she patted Su Ling’s shoulder. Halfway down the path, she turned back and glanced at Su Ling and Mr. Gardener.
“Since my secret return to the Castle has been discovered, could one of you please inform my parents and my dear Sister?” When she said “Sister,” Moria deliberately emphasized the word.
“I wanted to give dear Sista a little surprise, but seeing your reactions, perhaps it’s better if I give her a heads-up. Mmm~.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” Su Ling and Mr. Gardener replied in unison.
—
Inside the Castle’s Dining Hall, candlelight flickered, illuminating the golden, resplendent dome. Every carved pillar shone brightly in the glow.
The servants, dressed in crisp uniforms, moved nimbly among the flower arrangements, balancing their trays steadily, each one laden with exquisite delicacies.
Plate after plate of colorful, aromatic dishes was placed upon the long table.
At that moment, the great doors opened. Everyone looked up as the Crown Princess Moria and the Queen entered, walking side by side. Flowers adorned her hair, and she wore a striking ceremonial gown.
Her return was like an unstoppable storm, sweeping through the room in an instant. King Steyat, who had been quietly conversing with several servants, flashed a look of astonishment that quickly melted into delight.
He sprang to his feet, moving toward Moria, his gaze flickering with a complex mix of pride, joy, and a hint of worry.
“Moria, my daughter, you’re finally home!” King Steyat’s voice trembled with emotion as he gripped Moria’s hand tightly. Moria smiled gracefully.
“Father, the City of Sunset Pepper Forest—Golden Finch City in Valivadan—has fallen to our family. Our banners now fly high over those lands.”
All around, the servants cast admiring glances her way. In the corners, whispers could be heard as they tried to contain their excitement.
“It’s her, she’s finally back! My goddess, the noble Lady Moria!”
“That’s right! Her Highness the Princess is not only unmatched in beauty, but also wise and brave,” a young maid whispered to her companion, eyes full of admiration.
“She’s the legendary Goddess of War, yet so kind at heart. She never harshly scolds us servants,” the other agreed. Moria glanced at King Steyat’s expression, then swept her gaze around the hall, a subtle smile appearing at the corners of her mouth. “Freya, you’ve truly brought us great honor this time.” Queen Clis gently stroked Moria’s hand, her words full of pride and affection.
“Your courage and wisdom make the entire Kingdom proud.”
“Thank you for your praise, Father and Mother.” Moria smiled softly, her tone carrying the steely calm of a commander.
“However, Father, though we won this battle, Valivadan has not fully submitted. They are still plotting in the shadows. We must strike while the iron is hot, consolidate our gains, and strengthen the borders to guard against surprises.” King Steyat nodded, approval glinting in his eyes.
“Moria, you always think so far ahead. Don’t worry—I’ll summon the ministers right away to discuss our next steps. As for you, it’s time to rest and enjoy the glory you’ve earned.” Moria shook her head gently.
“This is simply my duty. For the glory of the Kingdom, I am willing to give everything.”
—
Suddenly, the mood in the Dining Hall shifted. The lively atmosphere began to quiet, as everyone’s gaze turned toward the entrance.
Amid soft footsteps, a figure slowly entered, their movements carrying an almost imperceptible coldness. It was Sista. She didn’t look at anyone. Her long black hair was simply tied back, and she wore a plain, deep blue dress, far from formal, and out of place in the golden splendor of the Dining Hall.
Sista’s face was expressionless, her eyes cold. She walked silently to the table, said nothing, and simply allowed Su Ling to quietly pull out a chair for her to sit down.
Her sudden appearance caught everyone off guard, including Moria and King Steyat.
Queen Clis was even more surprised, her mouth agape. She hadn’t expected Sista to appear at this time, nor to join the family dinner in such a manner.
“Sista, you… I heard you weren’t feeling well, so I didn’t ask the servants to invite you for dinner,” Queen Clis tried to keep her voice calm, though her surprise was obvious.
“Seeing you looking so well puts my mind at ease.”
“It’s nothing,” Sista replied coolly, not even raising her head. “I heard that Moria was back, so I came to take a look.”
King Steyat simply waited quietly on the side, saying nothing, and for a moment the atmosphere was awkward.
It was Moria who broke the silence, smiling as she gestured for a maid to serve Sista. “You came at just the right time. We were just discussing the recent war and the future of the Kingdom. You’ve always been clever, why not listen in? Perhaps you’ll have some new ideas for us.” Sista nodded slightly, but her expression didn’t change. “That’s unnecessary. I’ve always stayed in the palace and know little of outside affairs. You’re more familiar with such things.”
“My Sister is too modest. You’re the once-in-a-century genius of the Bloodline Trial, who in the Kingdom doesn’t know your brilliance?” Moria smiled meaningfully.
“Or is it that I’ve bored you with such dull topics the moment we meet?”
“I didn’t mean that.”
“Really? Haha… Well, let’s first taste this fine wine, and celebrate our family’s reunion on this beautiful night.” Moria raised her glass elegantly, reaching it out to Sista.
Sista lifted her cup coldly and lightly touched it to hers.