Chapter 25.
Mikrok’s Return
“Millie, can you still not see the vanguard’s flag?”
“No, not yet.”
Millie and I were standing atop the highest tower of Fritan Castle.
A biting wind blew in from all directions. Even though I was wrapped in fur from head to toe and clutching heating magic stones in both hands, the wind stung my cheeks so much they’d gone numb.
For the past four days, everyone inside the castle had been frantically busy cleaning and polishing every inch in preparation.
The banquet hall had been lavishly decorated for the thousand knights returning after successfully completing their mission.
Afraid the hall might be cold, I had even removed heating magic stones from the Queen’s Palace and placed them all around the hall.
Maybe it seemed a bit miserly, because Duke Zenon commented:
“Your Majesty, there are still plenty of heating stones left in storage. There’s really no need to take those…”
But I had no intention of wasting anything unnecessarily. Frugality is a virtue!
“We can just use the ones we’ve already got. The banquet will only last two days anyway—there’s no need to bring out new stones. I heard they only last four or five years, right?”
“That’s true. There are rumors that some demons know how to use heating stones almost permanently, but that’s still beyond Fritan’s technology.”
“Exactly! These are precious—why waste them?”
Sure, maybe it was the penny-pinching I’d picked up living in the slums as a child, but I couldn’t help it. Waste is waste.
Originally, the plan was to hold a welcome banquet for three full days. But then a better idea came to me.
On the first day, I’d invite all the knights’ families to the banquet to eat and drink together. Private rooms would be provided so they could spend time with their loved ones, and the next day, they could freely explore Fritan Castle. A full two-day itinerary.
Some of the knights were nobles, but most were commoners. Their families might never again have a chance to step inside Fritan Castle.
What better gift than showing their families just how great, how important their father, husband, or son truly is?
When I shared the idea, Duke Zenon was overjoyed.
“So many banquets and celebrations have been held at Fritan Castle over the years, but none as well thought out as this.”
He spoke with genuine admiration.
“I got the idea after seeing you, Duchess Zenon, and Violet strolling through the gardens.”
“So we were Your Majesty’s inspiration? We’re honored.”
With the Chancellor’s approval in hand—battle preparations began!
The royal kitchen descended into chaos preparing enough food to feed over a thousand men and their families.
“Your Majesty, the royal chef of Modavi collapsed from exhaustion early this morning.”
“What?! I told you to hire more assistant cooks!”
“Of course we did. But it seems the head chef didn’t trust them enough to delegate.”
Two days into preparations, the royal chef fainted. It was a full-blown disaster.
The court physician sent by Rea insisted he take complete rest.
But the chef, feeling responsible for such a major event, kept trying to get up, insisting he couldn’t just lie around.
With no other choice, I went to the break room where he was resting.
I had Millie keep everyone away, not even letting an ant near. Then I handed the chef a cup of tea and forced him to drink it.
“I’m honored. Since I’ve drunk this precious tea given to me by the Queen herself, I must now rise and—”
He fell asleep within five seconds. I had laced the tea with a sleeping draught.
Once I confirmed he was in a deep sleep, I activated my healing powers.
Placing my right hand on his forehead, healing energy flowed through my arm and into him. Slowly, color returned to his pallid, wilted face.
I felt a bit dizzy afterward, but Millie helped me back to my room without incident.
Thirty minutes later, I received word that the chef had miraculously recovered and was back to work at full speed.
And just like that, four chaotic days passed.
Soon, the proud king of Fritan and his knights would appear over the horizon.
My heart swelled at the thought when Millie suddenly pointed and shouted:
“Your Majesty, look! Over there!! It’s the vanguard’s flag!!”
✦✦✦
“Your Highness, Mikrok—Fritan Castle is in sight.”
William, riding at the front, turned to inform Mikrok. Mikrok nodded, the emotion showing in his eyes.
Since ascending the throne at fifteen, he’d fought countless wars and led endless campaigns—and returned victorious each time.
But today’s return to Fritan Castle felt different.
Rea… the place where my wife is waiting…
He wanted nothing more than to gallop straight there, but there were still many formalities to overcome.
First, the masses of Fritan’s citizens waiting beyond the castle.
“There! It’s Prince Mikrok and the Fritan Knights!”
A man at the front of the crowd waved a flag wildly as soon as he spotted the knights.
A roar spread like a wave:
“Long live Prince Mikrok!! Long live Fritan!!!”
At the sound of cheering, the knights straightened and raised their spears high. Colorful scarves tied to the tips fluttered like flags.
Mikrok took the lead, followed by William and Ralph. Behind them marched a hundred elite knights in tight formation.
Then came Joseph and the heads of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd divisions, proudly escorting wagons loaded with spoils from the campaign.
Seeing the bountiful results with their own eyes, the people of Fritan cheered even louder for their king and knights.
“Open the gates!”
William called out as they reached the castle gates. The massive doors of Fritan Castle swung open.
“Wow… it’s all changed so beautifully.”
Freddy whispered to Ralph upon seeing the splendid decorations.
“Must be Her Majesty’s doing.”
“See? That’s why you need the right woman as your queen!”
Inside the gate stood Duke Zenon and the nobles.
Though they were loyal officials greeting their king with respect, to Mikrok, they were just obstacles standing in the way of seeing Rea.
“Your Highness, maybe relax your expression a little,” William said, unable to bear the tension.
Mikrok finally smoothed out his scowl, returning to his usual stoic self.
He dismounted, and the knights followed suit.
“We joyfully welcome the safe return of His Highness, Mikrok, our great King of Fritan, and our proud knights.”
“You’ve worked hard too, Chancellor.”
Mikrok lightly tapped Duke Zenon on the shoulder, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Just those few words were enough to make Duke Zenon’s face light up as if all his hard work had been rewarded.
Mikrok made eye contact with each noble standing behind Zenon, offering them quiet encouragement. Then, as he stepped forward, the nobles parted to make way.
Rea!!
At the end of the path, standing at the base of the stairs, was Rea—always in his dreams—with a radiant smile on her face.
Her platinum-blond hair was swept up elegantly, and she wore a soft silver fur cloak matching her shimmering hair. She looked regal, like the Queen of Snow.
No image could better embody the Queen of Fritan. Mikrok realized he had spent the last three months racing home just to see her like this.
As he strode toward her, Rea reached out her hand with a trembling voice.
“You’re here.”
Mikrok grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms.
“I’m back,” he whispered, wrapping his arms around her shoulders.
“Just like you said, I returned with the same face as when I left.”
Rea smiled, and Mikrok pressed his lips gently against her temple.
“WOOOOOAAAAAHHH!!!”
The nobles, the knights, everyone inside the castle erupted into cheers. But at that moment, Mikrok and Rea heard none of it.
✦✦✦
“Millie, are you serious? Prince Mikrok already left the banquet hall?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I went to the wine cellar and when I returned, I heard he told everyone to enjoy the banquet and quietly left.”
“Ugh, really. He didn’t even wait for the main dish!”
I was genuinely disappointed upon hearing Mikrok had left the banquet early.
When he embraced me in front of all those nobles and knights the moment he arrived, I had half worried he wouldn’t let go—maybe even felt a bit fluttery.
But after that brief moment, he released me and immediately headed to the office with Duke Zenon.
The other knights went to the grand hot springs to bathe and change into comfortable clothes before filtering into the banquet hall.
“Daddy~~!”
Inside the hall, children’s cries echoed. The knights turned in surprise to see dozens of kids rushing in, looking for their fathers. Soon, wives, parents, siblings—their families—poured in after them.
They were wide-eyed, overwhelmed by the grandeur of the palace, but their focus was on reuniting with loved ones.
Even the typically stoic Fritan knights, hardened by battle, had tears welling in their eyes. Some of the younger ones openly wept.
As the families ate, drank, and laughed together, Mikrok finally reappeared—long after the feast had begun.
“You’re just now arriving? Aren’t you hungry?”
“I’m more hungry for you.”
I whispered complaints in his ear to avoid others hearing—and got that embarrassing response. My goodness!
With cheeks flushed, I busied myself helping him eat and managing the overall banquet.
Even as he ate, Mikrok didn’t let go of my right hand.
“Your Majesty,” said Colin, the chamberlain, appearing with an uneasy expression. “There’s a small issue with the entertainment troupe. Could you come for a moment?”
Mikrok immediately scowled and glared at him. But this was a circus team I had painstakingly invited for the knights’ families. The children were especially looking forward to it—any hiccup would be serious.
I lightly tapped Mikrok’s hand and rose.
“I’ll be right back. Ten minutes—fifteen at most.”
But in that short span, Mikrok disappeared. He left before the main course—after I’d carefully planned the course order! I couldn’t believe it.
It drove me crazy thinking he’d miss the best dish.
I should have just stayed glued to his side.
I rushed to his chamber in the East Palace, but it was empty.
“Where is His Highness?”
“He’s currently bathing.”
Ah… That made sense. He’d gone straight to work after arriving while the other knights bathed.
I should’ve made sure he bathed before eating. I felt guilty.
“Take me to him.”
His attendant looked surprised at first but soon led the way.
The bathroom was full of warm steam. Mikrok was reclining in a large tub that could easily fit ten people.
His damp black hair was slicked back, his eyes closed in fatigue. Above the water, his broad, muscular shoulders showed.
I swallowed hard without even realizing it.
