Two days later, Astrid and Lyra boarded the improved magic-energy airship, crossing wind and snow to return to the imperial heartland, the city known as the Capital of Glory.
Following Astrid's own wishes, Amalia did not make a grand announcement of the regent's return. Instead, she hosted a private banquet to welcome her elder sister back to the capital after her long absence. The honorable knight who accompanied her, Lyra Beckett, granted a baron's title by the empress, was also on the guest list for the evening.
After dinner, the head maid escorted Lyra to the former Third Princess's chambers, the current Regent's bedroom, to place her luggage. The specific room remained unchanged, still the one adjacent to Astrid's bedroom, separated only by a wall. Lyra had spent an unforgettable period of her life here as a maid. Now her status has changed, yet the most basic furniture and layout remain just as neatly arranged as they once were.
