Two days later.

Early Morning.

Elven Nation.

Royal Palace.

"Liana~ How do I look?" Gloria turned left and right, showing off her high-ranking elven female officer uniform. The outfit was elegant and form-fitting, consisting of a tailored white and gold tunic with intricate elven embroidery, a fitted dark green corset that accentuated her curves, and high-waisted trousers that hugged her hips and thighs before tapering into polished knee-high boots.

A flowing half-cape was draped over one shoulder, secured by a silver brooch bearing the Sylvaris crest. Her hair was tied back in a sleek, professional style, and her glasses added an air of authority.

Liana, who was adjusting her own matching officer pants, glanced at Gloria and sighed. "Yes, yes... you look good."

Gloria pouted, puckering her lips. "Mou! At least give me a proper compliment!"

"Ugh! Stop being annoying and just focus on getting ready!" Liana hissed, her tone sharp. "We have to be in position to watch Young Master from a distance!"

Gloria narrowed her eyes at Liana. "It’s not like something will happen to Young Master while he’s in disguise. Did you see how perfect his disguise is? Even the beggar outfit looks real. He even made his hair look messy and his posture slightly hunched. He’s a master at this."

Liana gave Gloria a sharp side glare. "That’s not what I’m worried about! We both know he’s stronger than both of us combined, or even his whole harem. No, that’s not what I’m worried about!"

"Hmm?" Gloria tilted her head, her expression curious. "Then what are you worried about?"

"The elven girls around! Especially the younger ones! Didn’t you see how he looks? Even in that disguise, with his ruffled hair and that rugged, unkempt look, he’s still more charming than most elven men!"

Gloria gave Liana a sly smile, her voice dropping into a teasing purr. "Arara~ Where’s the Liana who said she wasn’t jealous anymore?"

Liana shot her a sharp, hard glare before crossing her arms. "That only applies to my co-wives! Not other girls! And besides, you forgot Young Master still has one more slot to complete the seven wives before his heart closes to others. The Elyria Dance binds us all, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to let some random elven girl try to sneak her way in before the circle is complete."

"Ah... right." Gloria tapped her chin thoughtfully, glancing up. "Well, I don’t think that’ll be a problem. Elven girls aren’t really easy to fall for humans or other races. They’re quite reserved."

"That was before! But ever since the alliance with Armand, elves have become more open to people from Armand. And Young Master has everything an elven girl could want, tall, perfectly built, not too bulky but with a lean, muscular frame, more handsome than most elven men, and that charming voice of his could melt any girl’s heart in seconds."

"Ah..." Gloria’s eyes widened as she realized Liana was right. "That’s... actually true."

"Now finish getting ready so we can watch him. And don’t forget, we still have to travel to the border town, which takes more than a day by horse. Luckily, the Armand Pekko transport is always available. We can borrow a Pekko and reach the northern Elven border town from the palace in just two to three hours."

Gloria shook her head before adjusting her collar again, glancing at the mirror. She checked her pointed ears, making sure they looked natural, and nudged her glasses into place with a satisfied nod.

Liana bit her lower lip, her expression tense as she watched how relaxed Gloria was.

"Ugh! Gloria!"

"W... what? I was just checking to see if everything was perfect." Gloria turned to face her, a hint of confusion in her eyes. "What’s with the rush?"

Liana clenched her fists, her voice sharp. "I already said before, we have to get moving! We can’t just stand here all day!"

Gloria shook her head and chuckled softly. "You didn’t notice I’m wearing the mana glasses? I’m currently checking on Young Master right now. And chill, Liana. With the Sky Eye view, I can watch him anytime. Besides, we both have these and the mana talkie. We can contact him and watch him whenever we want."

Liana gave her a sharp side glare. "But that won’t stop any girl from approaching him! And don’t forget, Gloria, elven girls are pretty!"

"Okay, okay! Sheesh." Gloria rolled her eyes, adjusting her boot. "If you put on your own mana glasses right now, you’d see Young Master is sleeping on the side of the road again, with his orange pekko, Buddy. With how relaxed and carefree he looks, I’m sure no elven girl is going to approach him."

"Doesn’t matter. We leave now."

Liana said, giving a slight nod toward the elven staff who had been assisting them. The elven attendant responded with an elegant and respectful bow, her voice carrying the melodic grace of the elven tongue.

"May the stars guide your steps, Star Daughter."

Liana paused and exhaled softly.

It feels weird to be called with such a title.

Ever since my father was appointed as King of the Elven Nation, I was officially recognized as a princess of the royal bloodline. But I still haven’t gotten used to it. I’ve spent most of my life as a maid, serving Young Master. Being addressed as ’Star Daughter’ or ’Princess’ still feels foreign to me.

Gloria, who was following behind her, let out a soft laugh, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper.

"Something wrong, Star Daughter~?"

"Ugh! Stop that, Gloria. Don’t forget your father is Aunt Mylezra’s first cousin. That means you’re also related to the Elven royal family."

"Yes~ But I’m not a direct descendant like you, so I don’t get the fancy title." Gloria smirked, adjusting her glasses. "Besides, I don’t mind being called ’Lady Gloria.’ It has a nice ring to it."

Liana smirked, her eyes fixed on the main door as she continued walking.

"Don’t forget, we’re both marrying Young Master in the future. That means you’ll get the princess title too, whether you like it or not."

"Well~ I know I’ll get that title after marrying our Young Master, since he’s a prince of Armand, but that’s after the wedding. Not now, Star Daughter~" Gloria teased, her voice playful.

Liana ignored her and reached for the main door handle.

But before her fingers could touch it, the door swung open from the other side.

Liana paused, forcing herself to hide her sigh.

"Liana?"

"Yes, Mother..."

"My~" Viessa stood before her, a delicate elven fan held in her hand. She gently waved it as she spoke, her voice soft but firm. "Going somewhere without having a proper breakfast with your family? Hmm? Even your older sisters, Azariah, Qamara, and Enania, are eager to see you."

( End Of Chapter )