As the demon invasion subsided, Marybelle and Elysandra finally rested, collapsing from exhaustion. Healers and priestesses took over, though their power was limited to supporting one region at a time. Fortunately, with the demon numbers dwindling, they could strategically focus on critical areas. After several days, the invading demons were defeated, and the people celebrated their victory. However, the king and the royal family understood this was only the beginning. The demon king himself had yet to appear. Reports stated that the current Sword Hero had inflicted a devastating wound on the demon king during the war, buying humanity precious time while the demon king retreated to recover. Tragically, the Sword Hero perished in the battle, leaving the kingdom without its greatest champion.
"So, Belzegor, the demon god, is controlling the demon king... What a hassle." said Princess Blight, the 4th princess. "Still, this gives us time to prepare and strengthen our forces." Prince Percival, the 3rd prince replied, "I estimate we have about 10 years before the next demon invasion." Both were the children of the 3rd Queen, Quintosa, and shared the same determined outlook. Blight nodded, her eyes narrowing in agreement. "Indeed, Belzegor's influence reaches beyond the mortal realm. Ten years may seem like ample time to prepare, but we cannot afford complacency. Our soldiers, wizards, and warriors alike must undergo rigorous training and honing of their skills during this interim period."
"Looks like we siblings will be staying in the capital for a while, huh? The last time we were all together was during that meeting about that commoner girl's actions toward a noble." Seig's cheerful declaration filled the air with warmth, his siblings exchanging amused smiles at the memory of their last gathering- the heated discussion surrounding Bartolomeo's scandalous behavior. For the siblings, reunions were always a cause for celebration, no matter the circumstances. However, beneath the surface of familial camaraderie, subtle undercurrents of annoyance bubbled. Veldina's expression darkened, her thoughts drifting to the inevitable chaos that would ensue with their presence back in the castle. Maxwell, ever the voice of reason, let out a weary sigh, foreseeing the impending pandemonium.
Arriving, Marybelle's gentle laughter echoed through the throne room as she surveyed her assembled siblings, her surprise evident. "Oh my, is there some celebration or reunion underway that I wasn't informed of?" As she spoke, Veldina approached, her expression a mix of concern and warmth. The two shared a deep bond, forged through countless trials and tribulations. Veldina's worry was palpable as she then glanced toward Elysandra, ensuring that the 1st Queen was indeed recovering well.
Simultaneously, Valleria, Quintosa, and Alexandra converged upon Elysandra, their faces reflecting a blend of relief and concern. "Ely, you're looking much better now," Valleria remarked, her tone softening. Quintosa chimed in, her voice laced with gentle admonishment. "You really should prioritize your rest, dear. We can't afford to lose you again so soon."
"Oh, I'm perfectly fine now, my fellow queens. But more importantly, where is Aira? I don't see her here," Elysandra asked. The 7th Prince, Arin with the 8th Princess, Celeste, replied, "Mother is- The 5th Queen, Aira, is taking care of the youngest princess, Sylveria, right now."
"What!? That annoying brat Sylveria finally caught a fever? Ha!" Prince Seig laughed mockingly. He disliked Sylveria because of her serious and logical demeanor, which made her no fun to tease. Celeste, equally enthusiastic, added, "Yes, Sylveria's been gravely ill, but with mother's care, she's expected to recover!" Seig's snicker cut through the tense atmosphere, drawing disapproving glances from his siblings. The 4th prince's mirth was short-lived, however, as he caught the sharp looks aimed his way. "What? Sylveria's not exactly the life of the party, is she?"
"Shut your mouth!" Prince Arin's sharp retort left Seig raising an incredulous eyebrow, the air thickening with tension. Maxwell and Veldina, attuned to their siblings' dynamics, couldn't help but share a weary sigh. They knew all too well the reality behind the royal family's seemingly harmonious facade. Behind the playful banter and jests, bitter rivalries and fundamental differences often simmered just below the surface. Each prince and princess harbored distinct beliefs, values, and aspirations, leading to clashes and misunderstandings that sometimes bordered on open conflict. Yet, despite these rifts, a profound love and devotion bound the siblings together. They might quarrel and tease, but ultimately, their affection for one another remained unshakeable. It was a complex web of emotions, one that only those deeply entwined in royal politics could truly comprehend.
Quintosa's gentle yet firm hand connected with Seig's skull, the force of her reprimand echoing through the throne room. The 3rd Queen's warm smile belied the steel in her voice as she addressed her youngest son's egregious lack of tact. "Seig, have you forgotten that Sylveria and her companions risked everything to safeguard Marybelle and Elysandra? Those brave children are the reason our 1st princess and 1st queen survived that fateful day, and their actions ensured the integrity of the Magical Land Table - an artifact crucial for our kingdom's defense." Quintosa explained, her words laced with stern conviction.
Seig, taken aback by his mother's scolding, rubbed the spot where her palm had made contact, his earlier nonchalance replaced by a contrite expression. He looked to his siblings, who were watching the exchange with varying degrees of amusement and understanding, silently acknowledging the gravity of his mistake. Veldina's raised eyebrow conveyed her skepticism, her voice laced with doubt. "So, it's true that those brats managed to save Big Sister Marybelle and First Queen Elysandra?"
Before Veldina could hear the rumors dismissed outright, Valleria stepped forward, her regal demeanor unwavering. "While I didn't witness the battle myself, the reports paint a compelling picture. It seems Sylveria and Isao played crucial roles in nullifying the main general's regeneration, dealing significant blows that made my own triumph possible when I arrived on the scene." Valleria's words carried weight, the 2nd Queen's battle-hardened experience backing her claims. Though initially dubious, even Veldina found herself reconsidering the youths' contributions, a begrudging respect simmering beneath her surface.
Queen Elysandra's face split into a beaming grin, her pride in Isla's accomplishments evident. "And let's not forget, it was the commoner girl, Isla, who single-handedly defended the Holy Chamber against two demon generals! Had she not been there, the Magical Land Table would have fallen into the wrong hands or have been destroyed, and our entire kingdom's fate would have hung in the balance." Elysandra's praise rang out, acknowledging Isla's valiant efforts in the face of overwhelming odds. The monarch's words served as a testament to the young woman's bravery and skill, silencing any lingering doubts about her worthiness.
Around the throne room, whispers of awe and gratitude spread, most of the siblings realizing anew the debt they owed to the quiet, unassuming heroine who had safeguarded their kingdom's future.
On the other hand, Seig and Veldina exchanged incredulous glances, their voices rising in unison. "Are you serious? There's no way that damn brat did that alone!" Their incredulity was palpable, but Marybelle's subsequent explanation brought a newfound understanding. "Well, yes, Isla did fight and defeated the first demon general rather easily, given her lack of armor and defensive power. But the second one... he was a formidable foe, with armor and skin as hard as diamond. Most would have been overwhelmed." Marybelle's smile grew, her pride in Isla's accomplishment evident. "However, Isla managed to turn the tide by utilizing my holy mana. She channeled it through her own technique, unleashing a devastating attack that felled the second general." The princess paused, her expression turning somber. "Of course, the toll on Isla's body was severe, given the incompatibility of the holy mana. That's why her flesh and skin exploded afterwards.
"I see... So that's why my 5th Queen isn't here. How are the three girls doing?" the King asked as he entered the throne room.
"W-Well, Father," Princess Celeste replied with a worried frown, "their conditions have stabilized, but none of them have woken up for the past three weeks. It's probably due to overusing their powers and sheer exhaustion."
King Edric's brow furrowed with concern as he listened to Princess Celeste's report. "Overusing their powers and exhaustion, you say? No wonder they haven't awakened yet." Despite the passage of three weeks, their fragile states weighed heavily on his mind. As a father, he yearned to see them recover, to hear their laughter once more filling the palace halls.
Celeste's frown deepened, worry etched on her face. "Father, I fear it may take some time for them to fully recuperate. Their bodies pushed to the limits, and their minds... well, it's unclear when they'll regain consciousness." Edric nodded solemnly, his grip tightening on the armrest of his throne. The burden of his daughter and her friend's health rested squarely on his shoulders, and he would stop at nothing to ensure their recovery.
In a secluded chamber, Queen Aira carefully tended to her injured daughter, Sylveria, as well as Isla and Isao, the brave young heroes. The trio lay unconscious, their bodies battered and drained from the grueling battle against the demon generals. Aira's hands glowed softly as she channeled her mana to aid their recovery. "Why must you girls always push yourselves to the brink?" she murmured with a sigh.
Sylveria and Isao had completely depleted their mana along with sustaining multiple sprains, fractures, and torn muscles from their movements during their fight with the Demon General. Isao's condition was particularly alarming—her extreme mana exhaustion had caused her eyes and mouth to bleed. Isla, on the other hand, bore the consequences of using holy mana, which her body wasn't compatible with. While her injuries were fully healed like Sylveria and Isao, the overwhelming pain from the ordeal had rendered her unconscious. Aira worked tirelessly, ensuring they would recover fully despite the toll the battle had taken.
