Lyra's POV:
The moment the spatial gate collapsed behind her, silence returned to the world.
Lyra stood still for a few seconds.
The faint distortion in the air slowly faded, leaving nothing behind but the rustling sound of wind moving through the forest.
They had arrived.
The Lower Realm.
In her arms, wrapped securely in soft cloth, was the most important person in the entire universe.
Evan.
Lyra looked down at the small child resting against her chest.
For a moment… the strong and composed maid of the imperial palace disappeared.
Only a woman left behind by her queen remained.
"…Your Majesty…"
Her voice was barely a whisper.
The memory of the palace hall replayed vividly in her mind.
Her queen stood tall despite her injuries.
Blood hidden beneath royal robes and armor.
Yet still smiling gently while placing the infant into Lyra's arms.
"Take him far away."
"Raise him well."
"One day... I will come and get you both."
This was what Her Majesty told her before she lifted Evan from the crib.
Lyra tightened her hold slightly.
Her chest felt heavy.
She had served her queen for many years. Through wars, political storms, and countless dangers.
But leaving her behind like that…
It felt wrong.
Painfully wrong.
"…I'm sorry, Your Majesty."
The wind carried her quiet apology into the endless forest.
But the sadness in her eyes slowly faded.
In its place, something steadier appeared.
Determination.
Her gaze returned to the child in her arms.
Evan's tiny fingers were moving slightly, as if trying to grasp something invisible.
Lyra's lips curved into a soft smile.
"Well now…"
She gently tapped the baby's nose with one finger.
"You traveled across worlds already, and you're still this energetic?"
The baby blinked up at her.
Lyra chuckled quietly.
"You truly are her son."
Her tone softened.
"But things will be different here, my prince."
The words slipped out naturally.
That was how she had always addressed him in her heart.
Even if this world never knew it…
Even if he had to grow up as an ordinary child…
To her, Evan would always be the prince of the highest realm.
Lyra slowly lifted her head and observed their surroundings.
Step one.
Confirm location and safety.
The forest around them stretched endlessly.
Towering trees.
Untamed wilderness.
No signs of major settlements nearby.
Only a small city in the distance.
That was actually good.
If the enemies of her queen ever searched for the child, they would start from the major cities of the Lower Realm.
Not a forgotten wilderness like this.
Lyra closed her eyes briefly.
A faint ripple of energy spread outward from her body.
Her senses extended through the forest and city like invisible waves.
Minutes passed.
Finally, she opened her eyes again.
"Hmm."
Her voice sounded relieved.
"No high-level cultivators nearby."
A few weak spiritual beasts.
Small animals.
Nothing threatening.
This place was suitable.
Step two.
Secure shelter.
Lyra adjusted the cloth around Evan to protect him from the wind.
"We can't stay out here too long, my prince."
She gently bounced him once in her arms.
"Babies need proper sleep, warm rooms, and a lot of milk."
She paused thoughtfully.
"…Actually, I might need to figure out that milk part soon."
Lyra sighed dramatically.
"You see, my prince, your loyal maid is excellent at many things."
She started walking slowly through the forest.
"Combat."
Step.
"Espionage."
Step.
"Negotiation."
Step.
"But unfortunately…"
She looked down at him with an amused smile.
"…raising babies was not part of my training. Definitely not part of my training, at least."
Evan blinked.
Lyra laughed softly.
"Don't worry."
She brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
"I'll figure it out."
Her gaze sharpened as she scanned the terrain ahead.
They needed a home base first.
A place hidden enough to be safe…
But close enough to avoid looking suspicious.
Somewhere safe enough to rest and plan their next move.
Step three.
Establish identity.
Lyra could not simply walk into a city claiming noble status.
That would draw attention immediately.
Fortunately, her queen had prepared for this.
Inside the spatial ring hidden beneath Lyra's sleeve were resources from the imperial treasury.
Gold.
Rare materials.
Identity papers prepared for the Lower Realm.
Everything necessary to start a new life.
But for now…
This small city would be enough for now.
"Well, my prince."
She gently tapped his tiny nose.
"It seems we arrived in a rather peaceful place."
Her gaze moved toward the road again.
Travelers used roads.
And where there were travelers—
There were villages.
Or towns.
Lyra shifted Evan slightly in her arms and began walking again.
"We could build a house somewhere in the forest…"
She paused thoughtfully.
"…but that sounds like unnecessary work."
She sighed dramatically.
"You see, my prince, your loyal maid is capable of many impressive things."
Then she lowered her hand with a tired smile.
"But construction?"
Lyra shook her head.
"Absolutely not."
She looked down at him again.
"So instead…"
Her lips curved slightly.
"We will simply buy one."
After all, the resources hidden in her spatial ring could easily purchase half a kingdom in this small lower world.
A modest house in a quiet town would be nothing.
More importantly—
It would allow Evan to grow up normally.
Hidden.
Safe.
Far away from the eyes of powerful cultivators who might sense something unusual about him.
Lyra's expression softened again.
"That is what Her Majesty wanted."
She continued walking toward the road.
"The prince of the highest realm…"
Her voice turned playful again.
"…growing up in a small town in the Lower Realm."
She chuckled quietly.
"That would be quite the story, wouldn't it?"
Evan blinked at her.
Lyra leaned down slightly.
"But don't worry, my prince."
Her tone became warm again.
"No matter where we live…"
She gently placed a hand over her heart.
"I will raise you into a man worthy of Her Majesty's pride."
Her eyes lifted toward the distant horizon.
"And one day…"
A quiet determination filled her voice.
"We will return."
As she finished speaking, she gave Evan a small peck on his nose.
Her cheeks turned slightly red afterward.
Evan blinked.
'Did she just…?'