Beastkin Kingdom.
Royal Capital Outskirts.
"Hyaaa!"
Princess Mimi vaulted gracefully over the tall palace wall, her movements light and fluid as a cat. Her soft boots barely touched the stone before she whistled sharply.
A loud squawked answered from beyond the garden.
Her Pekko, sleek, white-feathered raced toward her. The moment it reached the wall, Mimi leapt, landing perfectly on its saddle with the ease of long practice.
"Letâs go, Jiko!" she grinned, tugging the reins.
But behind her.
"Princess Mimi!!" shouted a royal guard from the courtyard, his voice echoing through the still air. "You donât have permission from Her Highness or His Majesty King Lioness!"
Another voice joined in, breathless from running.
"Princess! Please! You still need the proper travel documents!" cried the royal advisor, waving a handful of parchment like a flag of desperation.
Mimi turned slightly in the saddle, her long tail flicking with delight as her golden eyes sparkled with mischief.
"Bweekkk~!" she stuck out her tongue playfully. "I donât think the future wife of my husband needs permission, nya~!"
The guards froze. "Future... what!?"
But it was too late.
"Jiko! Dash!" Mimi shout, pulling the reins forward.
"Cuquawked!!"
With a powerful kick, Jiko launched forward, leaving a cloud of dust, and several stunned guards, in her wake.
The advisorâs voice echoed faintly behind her. "P-Princess Mimi!!! Come back!!"
Mimi only laughed, wind rushing through her hair as she leaned low over her Pekko.
"I will secure my number three spot!" Mimi shouted over the rushing wind, her voice full of determination and mischief.
"Big sister Felicia wonât get it! And neither will Delya!"
Her tail swished wildly in excitement, her grin radiant as she leaned closer to Jiko.
"Nyaaa~! Husband-sama! Iâm coming!!"
"Cuquawked!!" Jiko cried proudly, racing faster across the grassy plains, leaving the capital far behind.
In the royal palace.
Felicia stood by the balcony, her eyes narrowed as she watched the distant speck of her younger sister vanishing beyond the horizon atop a Pekko.
She bit her thumb in frustration. "Ugh! Mimiâs going alone!? That fool, sheâll try to take the number three spot, Iâm sure of it!"
Her ears twitched sharply as she growled under her breath. "Liana and Gloria already said Iâm number three! Grrrrrr!"
But the moment footsteps echoed behind her, she straightened instantly, graceful, composed, and every bit the noble princess once more. Her tone shifted like magic, soft and proper.
Two beastkin maids entered, both with fluffy fox tails swaying behind them. They bowed deeply.
"Princess Felicia," one said respectfully.
Felicia turned toward them, calm and dignified. "Yes?"
"The Queen requests your appearance, Your Highness."
Felicia nodded gracefully, her voice polite and refined. "Very well. I shall attend Her Majesty at once."
Yet even as she turned to leave, her tail betrayed her mood, swaying sharply side to side, the tip flicking with irritation.
Inside her thoughts, her expression shifted once again.
"Mimi... you little brat. I wonât let you steal that spot. If anyoneâs going to be number three... itâs me!"
Royal Demon Palace.
Throne Hall.
"If youâll excuse me, Your Majesty, I will take my leave now."
Veldrac leaned back on his throne, the crimson glow of his eyes softening as he gazed upon the petite figure standing before him. The dark stone hall shimmered faintly under floating crimson crystals, their light casting elegant reflections on the obsidian floor.
"Are you sure you want to go alone, little sister?" His voice carried a mix of fondness and quiet worry.
Delya smiled, her posture perfectly composed. "Yes, Your Majesty. I believe the Pekko need time to rest in Armand. They grow restless if they donât return there at least once every three months."
Veldracâs lean lazily behind the throne. "I understand," he said, exhaling slowly, "but you should at least bring an escort. Who knows what could happen before you reach the Armand Region?"
He leaned his cheek against his palm, his tone deepening with genuine concern.
"Once you arrive, I have no worries. Garius would never let harm come to any guest in his land. But the road between our kingdoms is long... and not without danger."
Delya tilted her head slightly, smiling with quiet confidence.
"Iâll be fine, Brother. Youâve trained me well. And besides," she added softly, her eyes gleaming faintly with excitement, "Iâve been meaning to visit the Armand estate again... and see him."
Veldrac raised an eyebrow, a faint grin forming. "Heâs going to be your husband in the future, what could possibly go wrong?"
Delya bowed her head politely, but her tone softened with a rare touch of honesty.
"Your Majesty, even love needs to be maintained. Just because something is promised... doesnât mean itâs secured."
Veldrac chuckled under his breath, a deep, rumbling sound that filled the throne hall.
"You speak as if youâve already lived a century. Fine then, little sister. I wonât stop you."
His grin curved slightly. "But donât cause trouble for Garius. He already has enough to handle without a mischievous demon princess sneaking around his estate."
Delya smiled sweetly, clasping her hands behind her back. "I promise, Brother. Iâll behave."
"Somehow, that doesnât reassure me," Veldrac muttered dryly as she turned and walked toward the great doors.
The towering doors shut behind her with a deep boom.
And the moment she stepped into the sunlit corridor outside, Delyaâs composure melted away instantly.
"Ah~ Danna-sama~!" she whispered dreamily, spinning once in excitement, her long hair fluttering.
"Your third wife is coming to meet you~!"
Her eyes sparkled with mischief and joy.
"I missed you so much, Danna-sama~!"
Armand Estate.
The main dining room was filled with the soft clatter of cutlery and the quiet hum of conversation.
Javier sat at the end of the table, his usual spot.
A fork in one hand, halfway through a bite of roasted meat when a sudden chill ran down his spine. His whole body stiffened.
!!!!
He glanced left. Then right.
Everyone at the table turned to look at him.
Francesca, seated gracefully near her husband, tilted her head with a gentle smile. "Whatâs wrong, honeybun?" she asked sweetly, her voice calm and tender as always.
Javier blinked, forcing a smile while still feeling that creeping dread. "Ah... I donât know, Mother. I just... felt something."
Across the table, Marcellus raised an eyebrow. Cedric paused mid-drink. Even Athine and Aelius exchanged a glance.
Francesca giggled, covering her mouth. "Oh my, what could make my little honeybun so nervous?"
But before Javier could say something.
Garius sighed and set down his fork, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Javier..." he said in his calm, commanding tone, "eat your meal."
"Yes, Father..." Javier muttered obediently, returning to his plate, though the unease didnât fade.
( End Of Chapter )