Chapter 90

Of all the preparations she made for Stella, the biggest was this ceremony of setting magic stones afloat on the river.

‘They said this event hadn’t been held for a while because of Uncle Maurice.’

Her eyes grew cold at the memory. Still, things were different now. Everyone was smiling as they sent the magic stones drifting down the river, wishing for happiness. Watching the joyful villagers, Karentina believed that goodness could overcome anything.

She handed Stella a little basket made of birch bark.

“Shall we send them off now?”

Stella stared in awe at the glowing mana stones in the basket and nodded eagerly.

“Yeah!”

On the count of three, Karentina and Stella released the basket together. Baskets full of glowing mana stones drifted slowly downstream on the shimmering water, carried by the rippling current. Watching them go, the little girl pressed her hands together and squeezed her eyes shut.

‘What could she be wishing for so earnestly?’

Karentina found Stella so adorable that she couldn’t help but laugh.

Glancing around, she saw Gemma and Joseph making their own wishes as they sent magic stones floating down the river. Off in the distance, Ignis was leaning against a tree, quietly watching the glowing lights drift by.

“Gemma, could you watch over Her Highness for just a moment?”

“Of course.”

Karentina approached Ignis and held out a basket.

“Your Highness, come join us and make a wish as well.”

Ignis glanced down at the basket, then shook his head with a disinterested voice.

“Stella already did it, so I’m fine.”

Karentina gathered her courage and grabbed the edge of his cloak. Ignis looked at her in surprise, staring at her hand clutching his cloak.

“From now on, only good things await you. May all unhappy memories fade away. I truly believe Your Highness will ascend the throne as its rightful ruler, through just means.”

“…What?”

Ignis moved his lips as if he had a lot to say, but Karentina just tugged on his cloak again, urging him along.

“Come on.”

He followed her, unable to take his eyes off her hand still holding onto his cloak.

“Brother!”

Stella’s face lit up when she saw Ignis approach, and she waved him over to sit beside her. He let out a small laugh.

“Huh? Looks like Brother’s magic stone is about to go out. It’s flickering.”

As his magic stone’s light was fading completely, Karentina hurriedly took out another mana stone from a different basket.

“Your Highness, why don’t you use this one instead—”

But before she finished, Ignis sent his magic into the fading magic stone.

The red magic stone glowed with his magic, shining like a brilliant sun, dispelling the darkness. It was so beautiful that it was hard to look away.

“Wow!”

The little girl’s eyes shone as she clapped with excitement. Ignis gently placed the basket with the magic stone in the river and stood up.

Stella, standing between them, reached out and held both their hands.

It looked like the river was lit up with thousands of lights. The three of them stood there, taking in the stunning display of colors. The softly glowing magic stones looked like stars scattered across the night sky, making the river resemble a breathtaking, magical Milky Way.

‘I might never get to enjoy peaceful moments like this in the capital with Imperial Consort Christina there.’

But she didn’t feel afraid. She truly believed that goodness would always win in the end.

It seemed as though the lights, carrying everyone’s wishes, had joined together to illuminate the path ahead for them.

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ୨ৎ ໒꒱ ‧₊ ୧‿︵

“Achoo!”

The cold made Stella’s cheeks and nose flush bright red in no time. Afraid she might catch a cold, they quickly went back to the castle, warmed up with hot water, and had a simple dinner in the child’s room.

Click—

The doorknob turned, and Ignis walked into Stella’s room.

Karentina’s eyes went wide.

‘…Was he worried that Stella might have caught a cold?’

Gemma, standing nearby, explained in a calm voice.

“His Highness always stays with Princess Stella until she falls asleep.”

With a bow, Gemma left the room, as if she had finished her duties for the day.

Ah. Karentina let out a quiet sigh. She used to think he was cold and distant, but when had that impression changed so much?

‘He really is gentle, after all.’

Karentina closed the book she was reading and glanced at the clock on the table. The hour hand had already passed nine.

“It’s time for bed now, Princess Stella.”

“Already?”

Stella fidgeted with her fingers, looking disappointed.

“Have a nice talk with His Highness. I’ll take my leave now.”

Karentina gave the child a warm smile, tucking the blanket up to her chin as she stood. But at that moment, Stella quickly grabbed her hand.

“Karen, um, you know…”

“Yes?”

Stella burrowed deeper under the blanket, her eyes darting between Karentina and Ignis.

“Since I said I’m the queen today, I can still do whatever I want, right?”

Karentina sat down again at the edge of the bed.

“Is there something else you still want to do, Your Highness?”

“Uh-huh.”

Sneaking a glance at Ignis, Stella whispered softly.

“Can Karen and Brother sleep here with me tonight?”