Chapter 30

Lena’s POV

My tasks in Tungsten had wrapped up quicker than I expected, so I decided to return to the palace to check on Miu. Only… I found her here, in the backyard garden, doing the laundry.

I froze for a moment, just watching. She hadn’t noticed me yet, stomping on the massive fabrics with a focus that made her look… impossibly serious for someone who should be resting.

When her eyes finally met mine, they went wide.

“L-Lena,” she muttered, stopping mid-stomp and holding up the hem of her dress like a startled statue.

“You’re home early today…” she added awkwardly, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes,” I said, stepping closer. “The bank reinforcements are almost done. I just inspected the city a bit and came back.” My gaze flicked over her, noting how she balanced herself on the wet fabric.

“But more importantly… what are you doing?” I asked, folding my arms over my chest, trying to sound stern.

She looked down at her feet for a long moment.

“Oh… this?” Her voice was small. “If it starts raining again, we won’t be able to do the laundry for these fabrics for a while since winter’s coming soon.”

She tilted her head toward the sky, as if measuring the clouds herself. “It’s a bit cloudy, but… there’s a good breeze. Perfect for drying.”

I let out a slow sigh, my eyes narrowing just slightly. Somehow, despite the pragmatism in her explanation, my chest tightened a little at how stubborn she could be.

She glanced back at me and caught my serious expression. Almost instantly, she let go of the hem of her dress, waving her hands frantically—and of course, the fabric got soaked in the water.

“Daliah did say I should rest you now!” she exclaimed, panicked. “But I… I didn’t listen to her and—”

“It’s fine.” I sighed, cutting her off before she could continue. “I didn’t expect you to stay still anyway.”

The moment my words sank in, her body visibly relaxed, and I finally got a proper look at her.

She was wearing one of the new dresses I’d chosen. And…

“You hair…” I muttered under my breath.

It was neatly pinned into an updo, a small ribbon tucked carefully into the bun, and the side bangs framed her face perfectly.

“Oh, Daliah did it for me. Does it… look bad?” She reached up, fidgeting nervously with a strand of hair.

“No.” The word slipped out before I could stop it, almost too quickly. Her eyes widened in surprise, and I realized I might have startled her.

A long, heavy silence stretched between us, and I couldn’t bear her questioning gaze, so my eyes flicked away instinctively.

“Would you… uh… like to visit Tungsten?” My hand went to the back of my head on its own, scratching as if that could make the question sound less awkward.

“It’s still early, and like you said, we won’t be able to do much outdoors once it starts—”

“Okay! I’ll just finish this one!” Miu cut me off, practically bouncing as she stomped onto the fabric again.

I let out a quiet sigh, watching her, and immediately regretted changing the subject.

Why did I do that?

I could’ve just said it.

‘No, that style really suits you.’

Or even…

‘It’s pretty.’

That’s it. That’s all I had to say.

So why did it feel so impossible?

—

Third Person’s POV

The tour around Tungsten was mostly done from the car. Lena had insisted that Miu stay seated—she didn’t want her tiring herself out by walking through the streets after everything that had happened.

Still, Miu found small ways to stretch her legs. Every so often, she asked to stop, stepping out just long enough to speak to a few residents, check on their progress, or hand out encouragement.

Each brief interaction brought smiles and gratitude, and Lena couldn’t help but notice how naturally people responded to her presence.

By the time they headed back to the palace, the day had drained them both, but Miu’s expression remained bright and unguarded, the kind of happiness that seemed to come from pure satisfaction rather than relief.

Lena stole glances at her, a quiet warmth stirring in her chest.

“You seem happy,” Lena said finally, breaking the stillness in the car.

Her voice made Miu turn instantly, and a wider smile spread across her face.

“Of course. Did you not see?” Miu asked, as if Lena should have already known the answer.

“They were smiling…” she continued, turning back to the window, her eyes tracing the scenes from Tungsten earlier. “Not too long ago, they didn’t even have the strength to stand…”

Her smile deepened, quiet and genuine. “People can actually find courage from even the tiniest sliver of hope. Isn’t it fascinating?” Miu turned to Lena this time, her face calm and content, a sense of relief shining through.

Lena paused, taking in this unguarded side of her. She hadn’t expected to see Miu like this when she would look back to the night she first met her. She seems open, thoughtful, almost radiant in her quiet joy at the moment.

“It is…” Lena finally admitted, letting the words escape in a soft exhale.

The car finally screeched to a stop, and before either of them fully realized it, they were staring at the palace.

Lena’s eyes shot to the driveway—and froze. Gleaming cars lined up in perfect formation. Her heart skipped a beat. Without hesitation, she bolted from the car, leaving Miu blinking in surprise.

“Lena?” Miu called out, clutching the hem of her dress, but the Queen didn’t slow. She was already racing toward the palace doors, her boots echoing against the stone steps.

“Your Highness! Wait—what’s happening?!” Miu yelled, sprinting to keep up.

They burst into the Grand Hall together. Lena skidded to a stop, and the sight before them made her chest rise with excitement.

Her lips curved into a wide, unstoppable grin—pure, unguarded joy that lit up the room. Miu’s breath caught. She had never seen Lena like this in a very long while.

Following Lena’s gaze, Miu’s eyes widened. The hall had been transformed—tables overflowing with food, golden platters gleaming under the chandeliers, the air rich with the scent of roasted meats and fresh bread.

And there, in the center of it all, stood a familiar figure—Duke Christian.

Miu’s chest tightened, and a small smile tugged at her lips. Her family… they’re finally home.

“Lena! My dearest!” Duke Christian’s voice rang across the hall, warm and booming, his grin nearly matching the sunlight streaming through the windows.

“Father!” Lena’s voice cracked with delight as she ran forward, arms outstretched, her smile brighter than any crown or jewel.

The crowd froze and all eyes turned toward the Queen.

“Your Highness!” they chorused in perfect harmony, bowing deeply, the hall buzzing with energy and reverence.

Miu stood for a moment, heart pounding, watching Lena and her father embrace. The air felt electric, alive with warmth and a sense of home.