Chapter 1718 - 137: True Self

The sea of the South Continent is exceptionally beautiful in early autumn; at this moment, when the scorching heat has not yet retreated and deep autumn has not yet arrived, it retains the warmth of vitality without the bothersome heat, leaving only a pleasantly cool comfort.

When Fisher and Elizabeth stepped down from the carriage, the palpable sea breeze felt like an icy soft palm brushing against his cheek, giving him the urge to stretch.

Yet, he couldn’t help but glance at a particular direction behind the carriage, from which he once saw floating eyes and a mouth hanging mid-air before leaving the South Continent. Now, they had mysteriously vanished, like an illusion that left him both wary and bewildered.

"Let’s go, Fisher. I’ve had the place tidied up for us; let’s go have a look."

Elizabeth walked over, ignoring the servants loading the luggage behind her, and spoke to Fisher.

An ailing Alicia and the Emhardt she held were also brought down from the carriage, looking withered like winter flowers.

She was increasingly ravaged by life chaos.

"Alright."

The palace stood several hundred meters away from the ocean’s shore, at the foot of a lush green forest. It had been constructed many generations ago by King Gedelin as a summer dwelling. Every summer, the Gedelin family had the habit of vacationing here, though Elizabeth had been industrious with little time to rest before Fisher’s arrival, as her birthday approached.

This was her first visit here since ascending to the throne.

Thinking of this, Fisher suddenly felt he fit the image of the "Demon Queen" in traditional South Continent stories.

In old tales, there’s always this trope where a devoted ruler gradually becomes indulgent following the arrival of a breathtaking beauty, neglecting state affairs for days of revelry, leading people to blame that woman for the ruler’s downfall, turning her into a devil.

Perhaps Fisher was like them now, unwittingly slandered by outsiders as the "damned Benavides luring the sovereign into dilapidation," then tied to a pillar of shame and brutally flogged.

Not only in South Continent’s history, but even new histories of the Southern Continent Dragon Court and Northern Boundary Parasol Tree would unanimously feature this catastrophic villain image, making such narrative style a worldly standard, with all future works depicting such a "necrotic Demon Queen" for centuries...

But if this were to happen, wouldn’t it only be possible after the Doomsday Prophecy is resolved?

At this moment, the palace, both inside and outside, was bustling due to Elizabeth’s arrival. This royal courtyard that had been on standby for years now faced its moment of trial, with all staff bustling about, servants lined up to greet, and Dianne, who had transferred early, confirming subsequent procedures.

Yet, perhaps due to being inactive for too long, it felt somewhat chaotic to Fisher.

Ignoring Dianne as she confirmed the next steps, Fisher watched as maids carried Alicia into a room to settle her, then turned to Elizabeth and softly said,

"I’ll go check on Alicia; the child seems unwell..."

Before he finished speaking, Elizabeth grasped his wrist and softly said,

"Then I’ll go with you."

"...I’m just checking her health condition, nothing to worry about, right?"

Elizabeth hesitated for a moment, pouting slightly yet still not letting go of his hand,

"Fine, I’ve prepared a surprise for tonight; make sure to come back quickly."

Her adorable demeanor made Fisher’s heart stir slightly. He gazed at Elizabeth before unexpectedly lowering his head to kiss the corner of her lips, watching as she touched her lips in surprise, her face reddening slightly.

While others were unable to see him, only Elizabeth could, and Dianne, chatting with the Royal Beach manager ahead, noticed the Empress abruptly pausing and touching her lips, prompting her to approach concernedly,

"Is something wrong, Your Majesty?"

Seeing Dianne approach, Fisher prepared to leave, squeezing Elizabeth’s hand and quickly following the maids carrying Alicia, leaving Elizabeth standing, who sighed softly.

Yet soon, she flashed a tender smile that quickly vanished, before expressionlessly saying to Dianne,

"Nothing, proceed with the arrangements."

"...Yes, Your Majesty."

Dianne was silent for a moment, seeming unable to smile, and just turned back to continue working.

...

...

Where Alicia was staying was an annex in the palace used for guest accommodations from initial designs, although its name says annex, it wasn’t far from the main palace where Gedelin resided. From the second floor of the annex, one could see the ocean several hundred meters away and before it, the Gedelin Palace.