Return to the Palace
Ashytara shot Ludenberg a dissatisfied glare as he returned from his conversation with Professor Nah Tes and sat back down at the table in the cafeteria.
"What did you talk about with Professor Nah?"
Ludenberg had noticed Ashytara's foul mood from earlier. He realized he couldn't just brush it off with half-truths.
With no choice, he began explaining everything to her—save for the facts he absolutely had to keep hidden.
"That big guy from before. The one I called Nadan."
"Yeah."
"He's a Star Pilgrim. Professor Nah is one too, actually. The two of them asked for my help with some things."
"What?"
Ashytara's eyes widened in genuine surprise. Not at the revelation about Professor Nah, but at the idea that the flighty-looking Nadan was a Star Pilgrim.
"Help with what?"
"Nadan said he needed info on the erosion beasts in the Eastern Zone. I was on my way back after sharing what I knew. Same with Professor Nah."
"But why are you helping them?"
"I can't tell you about that part. I'd like to, but I made a promise to them. We're bound only by that agreement—not close friends or anything. I'll explain when the time comes."
"Fine, then... I get it."
Ashytara dropped her probing. She didn't want to strain things with Ludenberg over it, especially seeing his genuine discomfort. Besides, she'd gotten what she needed: they weren't personally close.
That was enough for her. Ludenberg wasn't one for lies, especially not with her involved.
"What should we do after eating...?"
Ashytara muttered absentmindedly, and Ludenberg replied,
"If there's nothing pressing, let's just rest today. We'll be training nonstop once we get to my territory anyway—Father won't hold back."
"Maybe. But we can't just sleep all day."
"True... Huh. Nothing to do, really."
"Then, Rud—wanna head to the Imperial Palace? It's been ages."
Ludenberg scratched his head awkwardly, but Ashytara thought for a moment and made a suggestion.
"The Imperial Palace? Why there?"
"The joint funeral's coming up soon. Like I mentioned before, I have to attend as a Solem priestess, so I need to prep. My sister told me to come back today anyway."
"Then let's go. But... is it okay for me to tag along?"
"No reason it wouldn't be. C'mon."
"Uh, sure."
The Imperial Palace wasn't far from the Imperial Knights' quarters, so the two set off on foot.
"By the way, Tara."
"Yeah?"
"No damage on the palace side?"
"Just some crumbling on the outer walls. The Imperial Guard was there, and the Knight Commander too. They focused on defense, though—no spare forces to send elsewhere. Several high-grade erosion beasts broke in, apparently."
"Ah."
"Oh, forgot to mention."
"What?"
"Star Auntie—she's fine, luckily."
"Good to hear."
"Yeah. I checked just in case, and she was staying with the Setra Order temporarily."
"I should visit before heading back to the family."
"Mm."
They exchanged recent news as they walked, soon arriving at the palace gates.
"Man, it's been forever since I've been here. Seven years?"
"Yeah. We stayed a bit when I was ten. That's when we first met Star Auntie."
"Right. Hope we don't get lost... This place is huge."
"We'll stick together anyway. Oh, and I'll have the maids prep a room in my palace for you—stay till the funeral's over."
"Huh? I was gonna head back to the knights' quarters."
"What's there to do? More training? You'll get drilled mercilessly back home anyway—better rest. Facilities are nicer here too."
"Lemme think on it."
Ludenberg pondered briefly, then nodded. No downsides for him right now—no urgent tasks, and his condition wasn't great. Resting made sense. Staying with Ashytara before heading to Lavante together wouldn't cause issues.
"Alright, I'll grab my stuff later. Gotta delist from the dorms... and tell the professors."
"Got it. Knights' quarters aren't far—you'll be quick."
With that, Ashytara informed the gatekeeper of the Second Princess's arrival, and the massive palace gates swung open.
The grand vista of the Imperial Palace stretched before them, vast enough to widen their eyes. Maids hurried over upon spotting her.
"Welcome back, Your Highness. Thank goodness you're safe."
"Thanks for worrying, Marina. Glad you're okay too."
The middle-aged head maid bowed, and Ashytara nodded with a relieved smile.
"Returning to the palace now? I heard Solemnute Adem issued a closure order."
"Yeah. Planning to stay till the joint funeral. Rud's with me—prep a room in my palace for him. Make it nice."
"Understood, Your Highness. Ah, Young Duke Lavante. Any items to bring to the room?"
"No, nothing now. But... I'll fetch my gear from the knights' quarters later."
"Shall I send maids to retrieve it?"
Ludenberg shook his head.
"No need. I'll handle it."
"Very well. We'll take our leave, Your Highness."
"Mm."
After Marina departed, they headed to Ashytara's palace. The walk was longer than from the knights' quarters, but they strolled leisurely, reminiscing.
"Remember that tree? We ditched training and hid up there. Got caught quick and chewed out."
"Oh yeah... But you kept egging me on to run—I had no choice."
"All my fault? You bolted the second I suggested it!"
"Fair."
Ludenberg chuckled sheepishly. He recalled that day vividly—a time he especially hated training.
"And that garden—we always played there with Sione sis."
"Yep. But she went too far. Solem's Eye for hide-and-seek?"
Ludenberg slipped into old habits, calling her "Sione sis" without thinking.
"Right? We'd complain, and she'd tease, 'Get born with Solem's Eye yourselves.'"
"How old was she then?"
"Eighteen. Just a year older than us now."
"...She probably played along like that on purpose."
Ashytara shook her head ruefully at his question.
"That's just her personality. Loves teasing people. She's a professor now, so she tones it down."
"True... She pranked us tons when she watched us. We'd retaliate with mischief."
"Probably gave her headaches. Hehe."
"Yeah. But looking back, it was fun."
Ludenberg smiled softly, and Ashytara's expression turned wistful, lost in memories.
Their stories continued: sneaking out of the palace to roam Solemnute, arguing over who started it, and the brutal scolding from Sione when caught.
How long had they walked, chatting? They arrived at Ashytara's palace—Itara Palace.
Built by Emperor Rajeta Solenute for Empress Itara upon her marriage, it had become Ashytara's after her death.
Upon arrival, Ashytara turned to Ludenberg.
"Rud, I gotta prep for the funeral. See you at dinner."
"Got it."
Maids whisked her away immediately—Sione had ordered preparations start the moment she returned.
Left alone, Ludenberg followed Marina to his new room. Mindful of his dislike for ornate decor, she'd tailored it to his tastes. He was quite pleased.
"How's the room, Young Duke? To your liking?"
"Yes. Thank you."
"Rest well. Ring the bell anytime—maids will assist."
"Understood."
Once Marina left, Ludenberg flopped onto the bed.
Gotta fetch my stuff. Oh right—Libera's there too. Need to swing by the knights' quarters.
He'd refused Marina's offer partly because of Libera. He couldn't let others carry it, especially now that he was mobile.
Go now? Tara's busy with funeral prep anyway...
He rang the bedside bell at once.
"You called, Young Duke Ludenberg Lavante?"
A maid rushed in at the sound.
"Yeah. I'm heading to the knights' quarters for my things. If Tara asks where I went, tell her right away."
"Understood."
Ludenberg left the room the moment she did, making straight for the knights' quarters.