Chapter 145: Unknown Princess 6
Now this was solved, or at least it looked solved on the surface, and as that thought settled into Ank's mind.
He paused for a brief moment, standing still as if searching for the next step, because although one problem had been handled, many more still remained, waiting quietly, and without wasting more time.
He moved toward the outside of the house, his thoughts still tangled yet his body already acting on instinct,carving for some training.
The moment he stepped outside, his eyes landed on Maya and Freya, and what he saw made him stop immediately.
Because both of them were standing face to face, their expressions sharp, their bodies tense, their eyes locked onto each other as if they were only seconds away from starting a fight.
Not with weapons, but with something far more complicated, something filled with emotion.
With words.
Ank took a step forward, ready to stop them, ready to intervene before things escalated further, because he knew very well how quickly their arguments could turn into something uncontrollable.
But before he could say anything.
Seraphina stepped in.
"Enough."
Her voice was calm.
But firm.
Not loud.
But powerful enough to immediately break the tension between them.
"You two go and eat your launch," she said, her gaze moving between Maya and Freya, not giving them a chance to argue back.
And at that exact moment.
Ank walked closer.
Both Maya and Freya noticed him at the same time.
Their attention shifted instantly.
And without hesitation.
Both of them ran toward him.
They did not slow down.
They did not stop.
And in the next second.
They jumped.
Ank caught them.
But he was not surprised.
As if he had already expected it.
He was holding both of them, his expression softened slightly, because despite everything, moments like this were something he had not experienced for a very long time.
"Now," Ank said, his voice calm, looking at both of them, "I will tell you everything tomorrow morning."
"My entire past."
He paused slightly.
"So can you both be ready?"
"Yes," both Maya and Freya answered at the same time, their voices overlapping, their agreement immediate, without hesitation, as if they had already been waiting for this moment.
Ank nodded slightly.
And then.
They all moved inside.
Ank wanted to train but stopped himself seeing Maya and Freya like this.
Launch began.
Everyone sat together, the atmosphere calmer now, though not completely free from tension.
Maya and Freya sat close to Ank.
Seraphina maintained order quietly.
And Celestia.
Watched.
She sat slightly apart, her eyes moving between them, observing every detail, every expression, every interaction, and although she wanted to interfere, although she wanted to join in, to speak, to act, she did not move.
Because Seraphina stopped her.
"Celestia," Seraphina said softly, her tone calm yet meaningful, "this is their moment."
She looked at her younger sister directly.
"You have already irritated Freya enough," she added, her words carrying a quiet truth that Celestia could not deny.
"She will not say it," Seraphina continued, "but she does have a problem with you right now."
"So wait."
"Until tomorrow."
Celestia remained silent for a moment.
Then she nodded.
Not because she fully agreed.
But because she understood.
And for now.
That was enough.
Time passed slowly as they ate.
The sound of utensils.
Soft conversations.
Quiet glances.
Everything moved naturally.
And Ank quickly moved outside for training.
Many hours had passed.
Ank came again for dinner.
The same situation repeated at dinner time as in the afternoon.
Maya and Freya both were sitting close to Ank.
While Celestia was watching them.
Until.
The door opened.
And Ember entered the room.
Her steps were slow, cautious, her expression still carrying traces of confusion.
Because her mind had not yet fully settled,she still did not believe Ank completely,and at the same time, a faint hunger pushed her forward, guiding her steps without her needing to think about it.
The smell of food reached her first.
Warm.
Fresh.
Inviting.
And without realizing it.
She followed it.
Until she reached the dining area.
The moment she appeared.
Everyone noticed.
And surprise spread across their faces.
Because they all knew.
She had been unconscious.
She had been in a coma.
And yet.
She was standing there.
Awake.
Seraphina was the first to move.
She stood up calmly, her expression composed, her posture graceful, and walked toward Ember without hesitation.
"Welcome," Seraphina said gently, her voice carrying warmth that did not feel forced, "please, join us."
She gestured toward the table.
Inviting her.
Ember hesitated for a brief moment.
Then slowly.
She walked forward.
And sat down.
Food was placed in front of her.
And without speaking much.
She began to eat.
Quietly.
Time passed.
And after a while.
Her stomach was full.
She stopped.
And placed her hands lightly on the table.
Seraphina watched her.
And then spoke.
"I am Seraphina Noaheart," she said, her tone calm, formal yet not distant.
The moment Ember heard that name.
Her expression changed.
Immediately.
Her eyes widened.
Her body tensed.
And she stood up from her seat so quickly that her chair shifted slightly behind her.
"Y…you are Seraphina Noaheart the First Princess of the Diamondheart Empire?"
She asked, her voice filled with shock and admiration, as if she had just met someone she had only heard about in stories, someone far beyond her reach.
Everyone at the table stopped.
They watched her.
Curious.
Surprised.
Seraphina smiled softly.
"Yes."
That was all she said.
But it was enough.
"Finally I meet you " Ember said, her voice lowering slightly, relief and excitement mixing together, as if she had found something she had been searching for.
And then.
Without wasting another moment.
She spoke again.
"Can I meet the Emperor?" she asked suddenly, her tone urgent, her expression serious now, the admiration replaced by desperation.
"He is the only one who can help me," she continued, her voice trembling slightly, but not from fear, from urgency, from need.
"Please," she added quickly, her hands tightening slightly, "I will do anything."
"I just want to meet him."
"And ask for his help."
"To save my family."
Her words fell into the room.
Heavy.
Honest.
And desperate.
Seraphina looked at her.
Carefully.
Then she spoke.
"Relax," she said softly, her voice steady, calming.
"First."
"Tell us what happened to your kingdom."
"And then."
"I will tell you."
"Whether that is possible or not."
The room fell silent.
Waiting.
Because whatever Ember was about to say.
Would decide their this conversation would go.