The former captain of the imperial army smirked as he heard the marquis' words.

Hector asked, confused.

Dale leaned slightly towards him and looked him straight in the eyes while smiling mischievously.

Arminel smiled back before waving at the man that was standing in the doorway.

A few seconds later, the man entered with a small cart full of plates filled with delicious food. He set them up on the table after bringing the cutlery.

he said before disappearing from the room.

Hector took the bottle of apple juice and poured some for the marquis.

he says.

Dale added wryly.

asked the former captain with a sneer.

Hector remained silent, looking at his interlocutor.

the Marquis continued.

It was Hector's turn to lean over to Dale and look him straight in the eye.

Dale muttered with a sneer.

After a few seconds of silence, he spoke again.

he asked coldly.

Dale said nothing and just kept looking at him angrily which made the former captain sigh heavily.

asked the Marquis, completely confused.

he replied with a smirk.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

The next morning, Lucas and Luana prepared themselves to return to the capital. They had taken some provisions that Sofia had prepared for them and some vials of quick remedies that Alastair had given them.

Standing in front of the house's door, it was time to say goodbye.

Alastair said.

the young princess added.

Sofia replied.

Susan asked with sad eyes.

Luana knelt in front of her and stroked her cheek and hair softly.

With these words, the princess hugged the little girl tightly before getting up and hugging the grandmother.

she said, smiling affectionately.

Sofia said, smiling back at her.

Lucas helped the young princess onto her horse before getting on his own to head back to Stuvia.

Before walking away, little Susan's voice echoed through the air.

she called.

The young knight turned to her, smiling affectionately at her.

Hearing these words, the captain's face turned very red.

added the little girl, laughing and waving her hand.

Walking a little away from the house, Luana turned her head towards Lucas, smiling.

The young man nearly fell off his horse in surprise. His face turned red again as he scratched the back of his neck nervously.

she remarked with a giggle.

Lucas smiled affectionately at her, his cheeks slightly rosy, before looking straight ahead to continue on their road.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

Four hours later, they finally arrived in the capital and entered the palace. They were greeted by Gardner and the other servants who took care of leading the horses back to their stables.

Gardner said, bowing.

Luana smiles before turning to the young captain.

he replied, smiling and bowing slightly.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

A few minutes after taking her bath and getting dressed in a comfortable outfit, someone came to knock on the door of the young princess's room.

she ordered.

It was Agnes, the maid, who came into the room.

she asked, curious.

A big smile appeared on the girl's face.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

Once in the living room, Luana saw a lovely young woman sitting on one of the sofas. She had lovely tanned skin, shoulder length dark brown curly hair and black eyes. She was slim and of average height.

She was wearing a pretty black suede dress with long sleeves and a pair of ankle boots of the same color.

Seeing the princess, she stood up and bowed to her.

she greeted, smiling warmly.

Luana slowly approached her before hugging her tightly.

The girl who was a little bit surprised at first hugged her back.

she whispered.

After that, the two young girls sat down to have tea together.

the princess began.

Luana said, placing her hand over her friend's, a sad expression on her face.

she said, her cheeks slightly flushed.

she replied teasingly.

she added with a smile.

she chuckled.

she said, teasing her friend.

the princess answered, blushing slightly.

she teased her more.

exclaimed the young girl in embarrassment, which made her friend laugh.

After having tea and talking for a long time, the two friends said goodbye to each other.

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

Before nightfall, Luana went to her father's office to greet him. She found Angus and Lucas there.

she greeted.

Seeing her, the Emperor rose from his seat and walked over to her before hugging her tightly.

he asked, checking that she wasn't hurt.

he whispered.

Angus said, smiling.

Arthur affirmed.

Lucas added.

Arthur decided.