Return of the Legendary Runesmith

There was something Jean had noticed recently. Her queen had grown noticeably calmer.

"Wait, really?" The way she reacted to the news only reinforced that feeling. Something had definitely changed.

Jean nodded. "Indeed, my lady. We have been invited by the Towers for a meeting. There are even rumors that it has been postponed, as they are waiting for our response."

Lately, word had spread that every Tower across the continent was planning to gather to discuss something urgent.

Even with their influence reaching every corner of the world, Umbral could not determine the reason behind such a sudden assembly.

Yes, there had been sightings of cult members, and whispers suggested they were joining forces for something major. But would that alone be enough for all the Towers to set aside their past grudges and unite?

Jean found that hard to believe.

"Hmm, you do realize this is nothing more than a trap, right?" Annabelle said, folding the parchment in her hand. "If you plan to send someone, make sure they are capable of taking down a few key figures in that room if things turn hostile."

Jean nodded. "I understand, my queen."

Annabelle rose from her seat, preparing to leave. With her darling away, she intended to inspect matters in the East herself.

"My lady," Jean called out just as she reached the door.

Annabelle paused with a soft hum.

"You seem different today," Jean said. "I believe something good has happened."

Annabelle chuckled. "Who knows..."

And just like that, the composed maturity she carried slipped away, replaced by a childlike gleam of joy.

....

Querella exhaled softly and asked, "How many of them?"

"Thirteen families, around fifty members," the maid and also her assistant replied, standing beside her queen with troubled expressions.

Querella found herself in a difficult position. It had become increasingly common these days. Ever since the news of successful crop production spread across the nation, people had begun migrating to the capital.

They came from distant lands, walking for days just to reach here. And it was understandable. For someone on the brink of death, even a sliver of hope was enough to keep them moving forward.

"Your Majesty, things will only grow more difficult from here," the maid said carefully. "We are already running low on rations. Supporting more people will be hard for us."

Querella glanced at her and asked, "Do you want me to tell those fifty starving people, who have nothing but hope keeping them alive, to turn back? Because I am an incompetent ruler who cannot provide even their basic needs?"

The maid fell silent.

Querella lowered her eyes. She was being unfair, scolding the girl like this. The maid was speaking rationally, while she herself was being driven by emotion. And truthfully, she did not feel very guilty about it.

She could not turn her back on those who sought her help, those who depended on her.

Taking a deep breath, she said, "Use next month’s rations to support them."

The maid stiffened. For the first time in months, they had gathered enough grain to last at least two months without worry. It was a necessary safeguard. As long as the Queen remained healthy and able to work, she could take care of the people.

Still, the maid did not question her decision. It was not the first time her lady had sacrificed her own comfort for the sake of others.

"As you wish, my lady." The maid gave a faint bow and turned to leave, when suddenly—

"Shaera, has the announcement about the greenhouses reached every corner of the nation?"

The maid gave a small nod. "We have sent messengers in every direction. They should have covered most of the major towns by now. However, my lady... may I ask something? Could this not backfire?"

Querella chuckled softly. "You mean, what if after announcing it to the world, I fail to deliver on my promise?"

The maid remained silent, and that was answer enough.

Shaking her head, Querella leaned back in her seat, her gaze drifting to the ceiling.

"I may hesitate when something must be done by my own hands," she said quietly. "But when it comes to Adrian, and something he has promised, I do not even bother questioning whether I heard him right."

The maid could not help but smile. Her lady truly loved that man, enough to trust him without hesitation.

Without another word, she quietly left the room.

Raven closed her eyes and let out a slow breath.

She would not lie. The sudden surge of immigrants unsettled her. Ever since word spread about the improving conditions in the capital, people with nothing left to lose had begun moving toward it, chasing even the faintest strand of hope.

It was because of Adrian’s promise. She had been reluctant to let him shoulder so much, and even now, worry lingered in her chest. But if not for him offering his help, if not for the hope he gave her that every corner of the nation could one day sustain itself, she might have fallen into despair long ago.

"Without reading your mind, I can tell you’re thinking about me."

Her eyes snapped open.

Standing beside her, calmly pouring tea, was the very man her thoughts could never seem to escape.

She exhaled and asked, "Just to confirm... I’m not dreaming or hallucinating, right?"

Adrian hummed, setting the teapot down before leaning closer.

His lips met hers, soft and warm. He gave her lower lip a gentle nibble, followed by a few soft pecks before finally pulling back.

Tilting his head, he looked at her flushed face and said, "I hope that answers your question."

Querella lowered her head, her smooth black hair falling to cover her left eye as she murmured, "Would I sound childish if I asked for a hug?"

Adrian chuckled softly. "Of course not. Come here."

He gently took her hand and pulled her closer, lifting her as he settled on the table.

His arms wrapped around her waist, her toes barely brushing the ground, though she no longer needed that contact to steady herself. She let her full weight rest against him, her head leaning against his chest.

He could feel it then, the tension in her body, the quiet strain of the burden she carried.

Squeezing her just enough to reassure her of his presence, he said, "Sorry for not coming sooner. Work got a bit overwhelming."

Raven hummed softly. "I understand, as a queen. But as your wife, I’m a little upset. It’s been twelve days, you know."

So endearing... he really wanted to kiss her until not a single complaint remained.

But he held himself back and said, "I’m sorry. But I’m here now. Two days, just for you."

Raven let out a quiet groan. "As much as I want to lock you in my room and keep you there without any interruptions... I know that’s not possible."

Querella already understood that his arrival must be tied to the greenhouses.

And she could not complain about it. He was not a free man. If anything, she knew he must have pushed aside important matters just to be here.

Adrian leaned closer, his hand finding hers as he whispered, "We can handle everything in a few hours. For now, let’s spend some quality time."

Raven felt warmth rise through her as she looked at him. Then she nodded.

"Take me to my room."

The tea was forgotten as the two of them quietly made their way toward the bedroom.

...