Chapter 95: A Brief Farewell
There was once a quiet, desolate, and lonely room. Now it brims with luxurious furniture, and a brilliant chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Despite her newfound position and success, Ardein had grown fond of this modest room and had no desire to leave.
She had overcome her illness and reclaimed a position even greater than before. Hardship transformed into fond memories after success, yet its bitterness lingered in the wake of failure.
“Your Highness has truly returned.”
Carneil, a female knight of the Imperial Palace, requested an audience upon hearing of Ardein’s return. But when she saw her, she realized she had little to say.
After offering her congratulations and admiration, nothing more needed to be said. Years had slipped by without contact, so any conversation beyond greetings and old tales would have been unexpected.
Have you come running to bow your head, fearing I might seek revenge?
There were no thoughts of resentment or gratitude. That was the extent of their relationship.
Carneil was neither unwavering loyalist nor a notorious traitor. As the saying goes, when a tree falls, the monkeys scatter, she was merely one of the birds that flew away when Ardein’s influence waned.
However, she hadn’t tried to win favor with the new rulers, which was commendable.
Even if she wanted to return to Ardein’s side, there was no intention to hire her back. Ardein wasn’t angry enough to drive her away, yet it wasn’t a matter requiring further thought.
Ardein had to rebuild her power, and there was no reason to treat a former subordinate harshly or risk fueling rumor.