Chapter 167 - 166: Celebration

A few days had passed since Sylfia disappeared.

The kingdom was restless.

Inside the capital, rumors spread quietly through taverns, markets, and noble halls. Knights were seen moving more often than usual, patrols increased, and whispers followed every mention of the palace.

But officially, nothing had been announced.

Inside the royal council chamber, the king stood with both hands pressed against the table.

His expression was worn, his eyes sharp despite the exhaustion.

"We can’t keep this hidden anymore," he said.

Several ministers exchanged uneasy glances.

"If the truth comes out now, Your Majesty," one of them said carefully, "the people will question everything. Why she lived as a servant. Why she was hidden."

The queen spoke before the king could answer. Her voice was calm, steady. "They will question us whether we speak or stay silent. At least this way, they will know who they are truly searching for."

The king straightened.

"Prepare a public announcement," he ordered. "Today, we tell the kingdom the truth."

By midday, the royal plaza was filled.

Citizens gathered out of curiosity, nobles stood beneath the banners of their houses, and knights lined the platform in disciplined ranks.

No one knew the reason for the sudden assembly only that it came directly from the king.

Princess Tiana stood near the royal family.

The king stepped forward.

"My people," he began, his voice carrying across the plaza. "I have summoned you today because the kingdom stands at a crossroads."

The murmurs slowly faded.

"For years, you have known Princess Tiana as my daughter."

A pause.

"That belief... was built on a lie."

Shock rippled through the crowd.

Tiana’s breath hitched.

"The young woman known as Princess Tiana," the king continued, his voice heavy, "was raised in the palace for protection. But she is not my biological daughter."

Gasps erupted.

The queen stepped forward beside him. "Our true daughter," she said softly, "is Sylfia."

The name spread like wildfire.

"Sylfia...?"

"The servant girl?"

The king raised his hand, silencing the noise.

"Sylfia lived within the palace under a false identity," he said. "Not because she was unworthy but because enemies sought her life."

His voice hardened.

"And now... she is missing."

The plaza fell silent.

"I ask you," the king said, bowing his head slightly, "not as your ruler—but as a father. Remember her face. Remember her name. If you see her... bring her home."

The bells of the capital rang soon after.

By evening, the entire kingdom knew.

The announcement echoed once more through the magic communicator placed in the Grand Duke’s study.

"...The crown will spare no expense. Any information leading to Princess Sylfia’s safe return will be rewarded accordingly..."

The voice faded.

For a moment, the room was silent.

The butler, an elderly man who had served the Dravenhart family for decades, stepped forward and bowed.

"Your Grace," he said respectfully, "the palace has begun offering rewards. The king has mobilized knights, informants, and mercenary groups. Every route leading out of the capital is being monitored."

The Grand Duke’s expression darkened. "He’s truly desperate."

"Yes," the butler replied. "The kingdom is moving in full force to retrieve the princess."

At the far end of the hall, leaning casually against a stone pillar, Axelius listened without a word.

An apple rested in his hand.

Crunch.

He took a slow bite, unfazed by the tension filling the room.

Owen is comfortably on his shoulder, tilted its head, golden eyes blinking once. "So the quiet days are over," the owl murmured softly.

Axelius chewed, then swallowed. "Looks like it."

"The king offering rewards means outsiders will get involved," Owen continued.

"Treasure hunters. Assassins. People who don’t care whether she comes back alive."

Crunch.

Axelius took another bite.

The entire kingdom was busy chasing a shadow.

At first, everyone believed it would take only a month. Knights, mercenaries, informants every corner was searched, every rumor chased.

But one month became two.

Two became four.

And before anyone realized it

Six months had passed.

Princess Sylfia was still missing.

Inside a quiet room far from the capital, Axelius stood before a full-length mirror.

A sleek mask rested in his hand, crafted from dark material and etched with faint runes. It covered the eyes completely, elegant yet unsettling. He lifted it, placing it over his face, then turned slightly to admire his reflection.

Behind him, a woman sat on the edge of the bed.

Sylfia.

Her hair was longer now, her expression calmer but firmer than before.

Axelius turned around and looked at her. "You sure you don’t wanna come?" he asked casually, waving the mask in his hand. "It’s a masquerade theme. No one will recognize you, Sylfia."

Sylfia sighed deeply. "How many times do I have to tell you?" she said, crossing her arms. "I don’t want to."

Axelius hummed, unbothered. "Suit yourself." He slipped the mask off and rested it against his palm. "The royal family is still looking for you. They’re surprisingly persistent."

Sylfia didn’t answer.

She turned her gaze toward the window, staring at the distant sky. Her eyes were steady, her face firm.

"It’s safer this way," she said quietly.

Axelius studied her for a moment, then shrugged. "Fair enough."

Without another word, he stepped toward the open window. Outside, Crow waited silently, wings folded.

Axelius jumped, landing smoothly on Crow’s back.

He glanced back inside and grinned. "Goodbye, Sylfia. Don’t worry," he added with a wink. "I won’t cheat on you."

Sylfia rolled her eyes. "Cheat your face," she shot back. "They can take you whenever they want."

"Ouch," Axelius laughed. "How heartless. I’ll be back."

Crow spread its wings and lifted off into the night.

Axelius disappeared into the sky.

Inside the room, Owen is beside Sylfia, watching the empty window.

Sylfia exhaled slowly, her hand tightening on the curtain.

Axelius flew fast through the night sky, the wind rushing past as Crow cut through the clouds.

Not long after, the dark outline of the forest near the Dravenhart estate appeared below.

Crow descended silently, landing between tall trees. Axelius jumped down, adjusting his coat as the bird dissolved into shadowy mist.

"Good timing," he muttered.

He walked through the forest path at an easy pace until the iron gates of the Dravenhart mansion came into view.

Tonight, they were wide open.

Music drifted through the air. Light spilled from crystal lamps, and laughter echoed beyond the gates.

As Axelius stepped inside, he was greeted by a sea of masks.

Nobles filled the courtyard and main hall men and women dressed in extravagant outfits, their faces hidden behind ornate masks of gold, silver, feathers, and jewels. Servants moved gracefully between them, carrying drinks and trays of food.

A masquerade.

Axelius glanced around calmly, eyes sharp despite the mask covering his own.

"Brother!"

He turned just in time to see Ellory waving enthusiastically from one of the tables.

Axelius smiled and walked over.

"Took you so long!" Ellory said as soon as he reached her, pulling him into a quick hug.

He chuckled and patted her head. "Yeah, sorry. Did I miss anything?"

Ellory shook her head, her curls bouncing. "Nope, You’re just in time."

As if on cue, the music slowly faded.

The crowd shifted, attention turning toward the raised platform at the front of the hall.

The King and the Grand Duke stepped forward together.

The King spoke first, his voice warm and steady. "Tonight, we gather to celebrate the birthday of the Grand Duke of Dravenhart."

Polite applause filled the hall.

The King smiled slightly and continued, "In truth, the Grand Duke did not plan for his birthday to be celebrated on such a grand scale."

The Grand Duke gave a small, resigned smile.

"But I insisted," the King said. "This kingdom has endured tension and worry in recent months." His tone remained composed. "I did not wish for personal matters, no matter how heavy to affect the lives of our people."

A pause.

"We will celebrate tonight," the King declared. "As nobles. As allies. As a kingdom that continues to stand."

The applause this time was louder.