Reina got dressed in a gown of the softest blush silk, the fabric cascading like quiet rose–tinted moonlight. The bodice hugged her slender frame, the ribbons at the center tied just enough to hint at delicacy while still holding a subtle regal grace. Ruffles flowed down the front of the skirt like ripples on still water, each layer softly catching the light.

Her snow-white hair fell freely down her back in a gentle waterfall, the pale strands glowing almost silver against the warm pink of the dress. A few loose locks framed her face, softening the natural sharpness of her features. Those deep, hypnotizing blue eyes—blue like the calm before dawn, blue like quiet tides—lifted slightly when she glanced up, and in that moment it felt as though the entire room held its breath. Or at least the maids who were dressing her up did.

There was no need for any expensive jewels, she only wore a bracelet that concealed her mana presence, the pendant that her brother gifted her on her birthday and a pair of simple tear drop diamond earrings to complete the look.

"It seems like our lady’s beauty keeps increasing day by day." A maid sighed.

"I understand, one look at her and I feel like I will live if I can only see her face and never eat."

Reina looked at them and smiled making them almost collapse and she chuckled at their overreacting. She was used to getting such compliments from her maids.

Reina stepped out of her room and walked towards the entrance of the mansion where Rune and Celestia were waiting for her.

Celestia was dressed in a gown of sky-blue chiffon, the color soft and light like a clear spring sky. The bodice followed the gentle line of her frame, neither too tight nor too loose, while layers of pale fabric cascaded down into soft, airy ruffles that swayed with each delicate step she took. Everything about the dress spoke of grace without force—elegance that simply existed.

Her long lavender hair had been gathered up into a braided bun, the strands woven neatly yet with a certain softness, as though the style had been done by gentle hands. A few fine wisps framed her face, light as silk threads, softening the sweep of her features. The style revealed the curve of her neck, slender and graceful, making her seem every bit the princess born rather than made.

Her pearl-like eyes shimmered gently, warm and serene, reflecting not the power to command—but the power to comfort.

Where Reina’s beauty was breathtaking—divine in nature—Celestia’s was tender, something that stirred the urge to protect, to adore quietly. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Rune was dressed in a tailored ensemble that balanced nobility with ease—refined enough to mark his status, yet relaxed enough for a day out in town. His coat was a soft sky blue, matching Celestia’s gown in a quiet, thoughtful harmony. The fabric fell clean along his shoulders, and the light embroidery at the cuffs added just the right touch of elegance without drawing attention to itself.

Underneath, he wore a white, finely-stitched shirt with a modest lace-trimmed collar, tucked neatly into fitted charcoal trousers. The trousers provided structure to the otherwise gentle palette, grounding the look without diminishing its softness. A slim silver chain rested against his collarbone—subtle, but noticeable when he turned his head and the light caught it.

His boots were a polished deep brown, practical yet well-maintained.

His pink hair was brushed back loosely, letting a few strands fall naturally. His golden eyes stood out clearly, bright and noticeable even in casual daylight. He looked like he had tried his best to not over do it and had just ended up with something that would make him look charming without any efforts.

Also, not so surprisingly, his and Celestia’s outfits matched, Reina noticed that in an instant and her smile made Rune turn his head as he knew she would tease them about it.

"I’m sorry, did I make you wait?" She asked as she hurried a little towards them.

"Not at all, we also just arrived." Celestia answered.

Reina smiled and then looked at her brother who seemed to be thinking: here it comes.

"You look really beautiful, Celestia."

"So do you, Reina."

The two ladies exchanged plesantries and Rune looked at Reina almost suspiciously before he cleared his throat.

"Shall we leave now?" He suggested.

"Sure," Reina said and hooked her arm with Celestia’s.

"Let’s go." Celestia’s cheeks went a little pink as Reina beamed at her and the two ladies walked out of the mansion with Rune in tow.

They reached at the market square a few minutes before the decided time and they watched as their carriage rode away.

The passerby people stared at the trio especially the beautiful ladies and Rune sighed.

"Aunt is late." He spoke.

"We’re early, brother." Reina corrected and noticed a presence approaching her from behind.

She remained still as the presence came closer and closer until a pair of arms wrapped around her arm.

"Got you!"

Celestia gasped in shock while Rune simply turned having noticed it already as well and Reina chuckled watching her aunt in her new disguise.

She wore a high-waisted burgundy skirt that flowed out in soft, full pleats, the hem trimmed with a subtle ruffle that moved lightly when she walked. The blouse was a crisp white with layered ruffles at the collar and chest, the sleeves gathered at the wrists with lace-like detailing, giving her a neat and refined appearance.

Her long, curly red hair framed her face in warm, lively waves, some strands catching the light like copper. It contrasted beautifully with the deep wine color of her skirt. Her bright green eyes stood out even more against the white of the blouse—clear, vivid, and expressive.

"It’s been a while since I last saw my beautiful niece." Alys hugged Reina.

"And my nephew." Alys said as she pulled back and Rune rested a kiss on her knuckles before she turned to Celestia.

Celestia watched her with her wide mesmerizing eyes looking every bit nervous. Celestia quickly dipped in a curtsy.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you Au- My Lady, I’m Celestia, daughter of Duchess Konstantinos of Denril." She introduced herself formally and Alys stood stunned before she chuckled softly.

"She’s very formal." Alys muttered to Reina.

"She’s nervous." Reina corrected.

Alys also stepped ahead and dipped into a curtsy, "The pleasure is all mine, Miss Celestia, I’m Alys."

The ladies straightened up and then looked at each other, Celestia appearing nervous and Alys curious.

"Your name quite suits you, Miss Celestia." Alys commented, "My nephew is quite lucky."

She then looked at their outfits and spoke, "And, aren’t you two matching? It’s quite a sweet way of showing you two are together."

Celestia blushed bright red while Rune’s ears turned red, Reina chuckled. She hadn’t commented on it because she knew Alys would.

Reina smiled while Rune cleared his throat.

"Shall we move already?" He asked and Alys and Reina chuckled.

The four made their way towards the town where they roamed around in different shops first, buying all kinds of things ranging from clothes to shoes to hats and about anything that caught their eye.

"This yellow dress would suit, Celestia." Reina suggested as she held up a beautiful yellow ball gown.

"No, Reina. Look at her, she would look her best in this white dress."

"White dress is for marriage, Aunt. Let her try on other colors first."

Rune could only sit at the side watching as his sister and Aunt showered his fiance with all the gifts. He was allowed to pay but it was split between him and Reina, whatever gifts she would choose, she would pay for them and presently, she was buying way more than him.

After buying everything, they visited a restaurant nearby and sat down for their lunch.

Reina and Alys were talking among themselves so, Rune and Celestia were left alone.

"I’m sorry, if this is a little tiring for you, Celestia." Rune whispered to her and she looked at him with a smile.

"It’s not tiring, it’s fun. My mother always called for the designers at our mansion so, I usually never got to go out and have fun like this. With your sister and Aunt it’s even more lively." She beamed.

Rune felt a tad bit relieved hearing that while Reina and Alys glanced at them.

After lunch, they decided to relax at the garden. Since the spring was returning, the air had turned warm enough to wash away all the snow and give way to the nature to let itself be blanketed in its usual green and earth tones.

There was a lake in the middle of the garden with several trees, a gazebo and benches placed all around the garden.

"Are you two coming for a walk?" Rune asked as he looked at Alys and Reina who took a seat on the bench.

"No, we are tired from all the walking, why don’t you and Celestia go have a walk?" Reina suggested.

Rune glanced at Celestia, "You must be tired from all that too, shall we also take a seat?"

Celestia shook her head, "I’m not that tired."

Rune nodded and then looked at his sister and Aunt, he knew they weren’t tired they had just decided to give the couple finally some time alone.

"All right, we’ll see you in a while." He said giving his hand to Celestia.

"Have fun." Alys waved her hand at the two while Reina simply smiled.

After they walked away and there was nobody in earshot, Alys dropped her smile and asked.

"So, what’s this in hearing about you taking me somewhere after the Prince’s Trials?"

Reina looked at her and sighed, "That plan has to be put on hold, I can’t take you. It’s a dangerous place and Uncle would flip if he knew."

"What do you mean?"

Reina leaned back and explained her about Elvenland which made Alys drop her jaw.

"This is the information that only I, the Elf King and Dwarf King knows. So, I would ask you to not disclose it to anyone, not even Uncle." Reina warned her and Alys leaned in closer to her.

"You mean to say that the demons are plotting the war again?"

Reina nodded, "They never stopped, I guess. It’s just that they are being more active now. Anyways, I can’t take you but I need you to do something for me."

Alys’s eyes focused, "What?"

"As far as I know, Aunt Alys, you are the best explosive expert. And I want you to make a special kind of a bomb for me."

"What would you need a bomb for? You just said that if the Tree is affected it’ll be a huge problem for the world."

Reina shook her head, "That’s why, I said a special kind of bomb. Yggdrasil is sensitive to mana and so are the Elves so, the normal explosive will cause a huge problem. But, what I want is an explosive which works differently."

"You want an explosive which won’t explode or something?" Alys asked and Reina smiled.

"No, but I want an explosive which would affect only the certain kind of mana."

Alys frowned, "You mean, the explosive ingredients should be something that wouldn’t affect mana but something else?"

Reina nodded, she knew Alys was smart enough to get that.

"I’ll give you the details later, but I need to warn you first that we don’t have time. The explosives should be made before the end of the Prince’s Trials." Reina said and Alys sighed.

"And you want me to do it without your Uncle knowing?" Alys asked.

"If possible."

Alys and Reina exchanged a glance wondering if that was possible.