Leticia, having recovered from her cold, returned to her duties and soon learned of the breaking of Laurenn's engagement. She found him absorbed in sadness and tried to cheer him up.
"It seems Lady Rachel has called off the wedding," Leticia said, seeking a gentle approach.
"Yes... A few things happened," Laurenn replied, disheartened.
"Don't worry! You are kind, polite, handsome, and have a good heart. A wonderful woman will come along for you. Prepare for a flood of suitors!" Leticia exclaimed with optimism.
"But Lady Rachel didn't like my personality. Am I not romantic enough? Or do I not know how to treat a woman?" Laurenn questioned, insecure.
"Well, that I can't say... but the important thing is to find someone who likes you for who you are. Don't accept anything less than that. And, to be honest, I never liked that woman. She had a strange aura. Think of it as you being lucky she's gone," Leticia stated frankly.
Leticia's words comforted Laurenn, who gradually recovered from the shock. His sister's sincerity was a balm for his doubts and insecurities.
Two weeks later, Leticia, Aleph, two knights (Ritz and Werner), and an assistant assigned by King Hayden were preparing to depart for the Autumn Kingdom.
...
"Your name was included in this mission for a specific purpose."
"I understand perfectly, sir. I will carry out my task with the utmost efficiency," Ritz replied firmly.
"Do not wait for my instructions. Anticipate. The sooner you complete your objective, the better."
"Sir, excuse me... is the information about Queen Risny's exceptional beauty correct? Have you had the privilege of meeting her?" Ritz inquired, showing an unusual curiosity.
"Yes, the rumors are true. And, speaking of which, I am to meet with her soon," replied Shineid with an enigmatic smile, before walking away.
Risny appeared to be 25 years old, though her real age was a mystery. At 1.78 m (5'10") tall, she had long black hair, a fine and delicate face, and flawless, fair skin, without a single mark. Her elegance was unmistakable, and her almost ethereal beauty impressed all who met her. Risny liked to vary between different hairstyles and styles, but she had a predilection for kimonos and long dresses of a unique sophistication.
Later, at Risny's Castle, she waited, accompanied by two elite knights. They stood in silence, attentive, while they waited for the general to arrive for his report.
Risny's Elite Knights, selected through a system of continuous combat where they had to constantly prove their strength, represented the pinnacle of the kingdom's martial capability. Lower-ranking generals frequently challenged them, seeking to ascend to more prestigious positions.
General Shineid, after being authorized by the Elite Knight Eisen, entered the throne room and bowed before Queen Risny.
"Queen Risny, I ask for your forgiveness for my failure, but I have not yet completed the task assigned to me. My efforts to eliminate Leticia, essential for my plans to control the Winter Kingdom, have been frustrated," Shineid confessed with apprehension.
"Do you dare place your personal plans above your obligations to Queen Risny?" Eisen intervened, his voice cutting and his icy gaze fixed on Shineid.
"With Leticia's departure, eliminating her will be easier. I implore your assistance, Supreme Queen," Shineid pleaded, ignoring Eisen's reprimand.
Queen Risny, with her supernatural insight, analyzed the situation, her eyes penetrating Shineid's mind, unraveling his hidden thoughts.
"This agreement between the Autumn and Winter Kingdoms intrigues me. What are the terms? What do they gain from it? I will grant the necessary help to eliminate Leticia, but I demand answers. Commander Eisen, investigate this treaty thoroughly," Risny ordered, her voice firm and authoritative.
Eisen is a shineid who has served Risny for many seasons, though his appearance suggests he is around 30 years old. Tall and slender, at 1.80 m (5'11"), he always displays an impeccable look: carefully arranged black hair and an attentive gaze from his violet eyes, a unique characteristic among the shineids. Meticulous in all aspects, Eisen is rigorous in both his attire and his actions, reflecting a discipline that is admired and respected.
...
In the Winter Kingdom, Leticia requested Aleph's presence for an important ceremony.
"Sir Aleph," Leticia said with solemnity, "would you like me to name you my knight?"
"Your Highness, I swear to protect you until we reach the Autumn Kingdom. You have my word," Aleph replied, kneeling before the princess.
Aleph then offered his sword to Leticia. On the blade shone the detailed image of a dragon wrapping around the symbol of autumn. The princess, fascinated by the beauty of the weapon, felt a pang of familiarity with the symbol, as if she had encountered it in another context. The memory, however, faded like mist. Taking the sword, Leticia officially invested him as her knight.
The day of departure finally arrived. An atmosphere of melancholy hung over the castle. Leticia's personal assistants, and all those who had been with her during her upbringing, said their goodbyes with tears in their eyes. Despite the sadness, they harbored the hope that the princess's journey would bring prosperity to the kingdom.
Leticia, with a heart full of gratitude, said goodbye individually to each person who had served her for years, from the cooks to her ladies-in-waiting. Dagmar, in particular, felt the impending separation like a blow.
"I am so sorry that King Hayden did not choose me to accompany you. I would have been so happy," Dagmar confessed, her voice thick with emotion.
"I will miss you," Leticia replied sincerely.
Hesitant, Dagmar was unsure if she had the liberty to embrace the princess. Leticia, sensing her doubt, took the initiative and enveloped her in a warm hug. Dagmar, unable to contain her emotion, burst into tears.
The official farewell took place in a long line of subjects and castle staff, all wishing the princess good luck. At the end, Laurenn was waiting.
The sadness was visible on the prince's face. To be separated from Leticia, even temporarily, caused him great anguish. The longest period they had spent apart was three years when he underwent his training for royal succession. The uncertainty of their reunion and the worry about the dangers his sister would face consumed him, despite the trust he placed in Aleph.
"Take care of yourself, Leticia," Laurenn murmured, caressing her face tenderly.
The restrained tears finally rolled down Laurenn's face when Leticia hugged him tightly, trying to comfort him with sweet and encouraging words. The reciprocity of their longing was evident in the princess's teary eyes.
After the goodbyes, Leticia and her retinue departed for the Autumn Kingdom.