QTMWSFC Chapter 46.1

Only one day remained until the coming-of-age ceremony. Lita had been jumping around with anxiety for days. She didn’t know what to do.

King Serorida was really desperate. In the past two days, he had been sending all kinds of clothes, jewels, and ornaments to the side palace. Not just the things for the ceremony, but even the wedding dress was ready. He was just waiting for the ceremony to end so he could send Freya away.

Lita looked at everything with utter disdain. “This dress, could they try a little harder? It clearly doesn’t fit! Our princess isn’t a short person. Who did they make this for?”

“And this jewelry, what a load of junk! Tacky and cheap! What Lant gives is a hundred times better!”

“And this dowry? They’re practically giving it for beggars! I’m so angry I could die!”

“Princess, what are you even thinking? Why don’t we just run away? I’ve had enough of this rotten palace!”

Freya grabbed the agitated Lita and shook her head. “Lita, think of all the innocent people, the commoners. We can’t be that selfish.”

Lita stomped her foot in frustration. “But Lant… oh dear! Don’t you like him… Ohhh, you’re driving me crazy!”

Freya smiled bitterly. “I should have realized it long ago. He and I… we have no future… He deserves someone better.”

Lita refused to accept that. “You’re just blinded by your own feelings! He has shown how much he likes you so clearly. You’re so good. You two are the perfect match!”

Freya thought about how Lant had still not forgotten to send her a message of safety the night before, and her heart grew even more bitter.

Forgive her selfishness for not telling him that she was about to be married off. But Lant should not be trapped by her… Now, she did not know what to do…

…

Deep in the Dark Night Forest, Lant was like an incarnation of a vengeful god. One sword stroke, one monster.

The blood of beasts and monsters soaked his black clothes, adding deeper layers of darkness to an already ink-black color.

All by himself, he killed nearly three-quarters of the rioting monsters. The ground was drenched in blood and piled high with corpses.

The rest of the Knight Order simply trotted along behind him, cleaning up the mess.

He seemed like a machine that never tired and never slept—swinging his sword, cutting down monsters, unleashing magic, bombing large areas, over and over.

Did his magical power never run out?

Everyone could not help but wonder.

The monsters and beasts were scared senseless by Lant. Their minds cleared. One by one, they fled back deep into the Dark Night Forest.

They originally lived in the Dark Night Forest. It was only due to the loosening seal of the Otherworld Demons that they had lost their reason and ran to human territory.

As time went on, the Otherworld Demons’ seal would only weaken further. The entire continent was like a cracked eggshell, with demonic energy seeping through everywhere.

This energy caused plants to wither and drove intelligent creatures mad. Today, the signs were beginning to show.

After killing the last batch and confirming that the riot had been completely suppressed, Lant’s cold expression remained unchanged. “Set out. Return to the palace.”

No one in the Knight Order dared to disobey. They immediately followed Lant, whipping their horses to full speed and traveling day and night to get back.

Even though Freya said nothing, Lant already knew from 0250 what major events had recently happened in the palace.

The king wanted to separate him from Freya?

Hah.

What a delusion.

He didn’t mind giving the king a little surprise.

…

No matter how much Lita resisted, the day of the coming-of-age ceremony finally arrived.

From early morning, Lita began to dress and groom Freya. But she had none of her usual liveliness and was unusually silent.

“Lita…” Freya also hesitated, not knowing what to say.

“Princess…” Lita’s voice cracked. “At least… at least I will always be by your side.”

“Thank you, Lita.” Freya secretly wiped away her tears.

The moment she thought of Lant, her heart ached. She hoped that when Lant returned to find this empty home, he would not be angry. She hoped he would be well in the future.

After finishing her makeup and grooming, Freya composed herself. She tried hard to maintain a dignified and graceful appearance and pushed the door open.

“Princess!”

“Princess!”

Kemi, Tila, Aiden, and Yuna were all gathered at the door.

“Let us go with you.”

“Yes! I’m afraid that once you’re in Alterg, you won’t be able to stand the food other people cook.”

“I’m really good at growing vegetables now! I’ve even brought seeds with me!”

“Princess, I can keep gathering information for you! And I’ve learned magic like heating and making ice now!”

“I’ve learned how to make clothes. I promise I’ll never let the princess wear ill-fitting clothes again!”

Seeing them all standing there with their bags packed, Freya’s eyes immediately grew moist. She looked up, turned her tears into a smile, and held back her tears.

“Why are you still following me?”

She obviously returned their freedom contracts to them long ago!

“Because you will always be our little princess!” The four exchanged smiles.

“Then let’s go. Even if today isn’t very happy, we can’t lose our dignity!” Freya lifted her chin and strode forward with determination.

“Yes, Princess!” The others followed closely behind.

When was the last time she had come to the palace hall? Freya could not remember the exact date, but it felt like a very long time ago.

Every time she came here, there was never anything happy. Today was no exception. The only time she could recall feeling happy was two years ago, also on a cold day, when she and Lant attended the formal ceremony together.

Seated on the high platform, the king appeared to have aged a lot in just two years. His hair had thinned to a bald patch on top. The personal guard knight at his side had changed. It was no longer Kane.