Chapter 31

Third Person’s POV

“Welcome, everyone.” Lena’s voice carried clearly through the Grand Hall as she stood before the men who had just returned.

“You made it sooner than I expected,” Lena continued, folding her hands behind her back as she surveyed them. “I was certain you wouldn’t arrive until tomorrow afternoon.”

A tall man with long hair tied neatly into a ponytail stepped forward, a crooked grin already tugging at his lips. “Well, Your Highness, we figured the palace beds are far superior to any countryside inn. So we spared ourselves the misery and rode straight through.”

A few of the men chuckled. The atmosphere, heavy from weeks of tension, felt lighter already.

“By the way…” the man’s gaze drifted past Lena, settling on the far edge of the hall. “Who might that beautiful lady be?”

The subtle shift in attention rippled through the crowd.

Lena turned.

At the far corner stood Miu, hands clasped politely in front of her, posture straight but careful—as if she were making herself smaller on purpose.

For a brief second, the hall seemed to fade away.

Their eyes met.

Miu’s expression held a flicker of uncertainty—like she wasn’t sure if she was meant to stand there at all. Lena felt something tug at her chest at the sight.

Without saying a word, Lena offered her a small smile and tilted her head slightly, a silent invitation.

The hesitation was visible. Miu glanced around, aware of the eyes now subtly watching her. Then, slowly, a soft smile bloomed across her face—gentle, but brave.

And after only a moment’s pause, she began walking toward Lena.

Miu had known this day would come.

Ever since she began growing accustomed to the palace walls again, to the weight of silk on her shoulders and the echo of her own footsteps in marbled halls, she knew it was only a matter of time before she would stand before the people who truly mattered here.

At first, the thought had terrified her. The stares. The judgment. The silent calculations behind polite smiles.

But when she glanced at Lena—at the calm certainty in her expression—the panic in Miu’s chest loosened, just slightly.

Maybe… maybe this wouldn’t be as frightening as she once imagined.

Drawing in a careful breath, she positioned herself in a respectful distance beside Lena, posture straight, chin lifted just enough to appear composed.

“Allow me to introduce her to you,” Lena announced smoothly, her voice carrying through the grand hall. “This is Lady Miu, the Royal Commissioner for Tungsten’s Civic Restoration. She has been my esteemed guest for some time now and will remain in the palace until further notice to properly attend to her civic duties.”

There was a subtle shift in the room. Eyes turned. Assessing. Measuring.

Lena’s gesture invited her forward.

Miu stepped ahead, feeling every gaze settle onto her like weight.

“It is a pleasure to meet all of you.” She gathered the hem of her dress, lowering into a graceful curtsy. “My name is Miu.”

When she rose, she did not allow her smile to falter.

“Welcome home, everyone,” she continued warmly, her voice steady despite the drumbeat in her chest. “You must be exhausted after such a long journey. Your rooms have been carefully prepared for your return. Please, enjoy the feast and take the time to rest after.”

Her smile remained gentle.

The crowd erupted into a wave of delighted murmurs. Soft laughter. Polite applause. Whispers carried from one noble to another as they openly admired the unfamiliar woman standing beside their Queen.

Her beauty did not go unnoticed.

Heads turned. Eyes lingered.

But not all gazes were filled with admiration.

Within the sea of smiling faces, two figures stood rigid—unmoving, unblinking.

Major General Jayden felt the blood drain from his face.

A ringing filled his ears as his eyes locked onto Miu.

He took an unsteady step forward, then another, until he stood closer to Duke Christian, whose hand had instinctively settled over the grip of the g*n strapped at his hip.

“Sir…” Jayden’s voice was barely above a whisper, tight and strained. “Are you seeing what I’m seeing?”

Duke Christian did not tear his gaze away.

“Yes,” he murmured, his tone low, controlled—but far from calm. “As clear as day. With my own eyes.”

There was something sharp in his stare. Not confusion.

Recognition.

Jayden swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. “Miu… she says?” His brows furrowed as disbelief twisted across his features. “How can this be…?”

He blinked once. Twice.

Was he drunk? Two cups of wine would never be enough to conjure a ghost.

Her name was different.

Her gender—different.

Everything about her presentation had changed.

And yet—that face.

Those eyes.

He would recognize them anywhere.

Jayden’s breath hitched.

No matter what name she carries now… No matter what identity she wears…

That face was without a doubt… His.

—

The night carried on in music and laughter.

Goblets clinked. Stories of the rebellion were retold with exaggerated gestures. Servants moved with trays of wine and roasted meats. The Grand Hall glowed in gold and celebration.

And yet—In the midst of it all, two men barely spoke a word.

Major General Jayden answered questions automatically. Nodded when spoken to. Smiled when expected.

But his eyes never strayed far.

Duke Christian was worse.

He did not smile at all.

From time to time, his gaze drifted toward Miu—sharp, calculating, almost hunting. The warmth of the feast did not reach him. Not when a ghost stood breathing in the same room.

The night went on with everyone blissfully unaware of the storm brewing beneath the surface.

Until eventually, the music softened.

Lena rose from her seat.

“Before I let you go to your own rooms for the night,” she announced, her voice carrying effortlessly across the Grand Hall, “let me formally ask all of you something.”

Conversations quieted. Chairs shifted. Attention returned to their Queen.

Lena’s gaze found Miu among the crowd.

“Miu is an important figure in the rehabilitation of Tungsten. Soon, many of you will be working alongside her regarding the matter as well.”

Lena’s eyes sharpened just slightly as she turned to her men.

“So in other words,” she said evenly, “you will be serving her as well. You would do well to remember that.”

Lena stepped down from her place and approached Miu, the faintest hint of reassurance in her smile. She gestured for Miu to stand beside her.

“Miu,” Lena said gently, yet loud enough for all to hear, “these are my men who risked their lives to win back the royal palace for the people of Elysia. They are among the most capable people in this kingdom.”

Her gaze flickered toward Duke Christian and Jayden for the briefest second.

“So you should remember them well.”

Miu nodded, her composure steady despite the dozens of eyes weighing her worth.

“First off, Piolo and Paolo. They’re twins. Two of the most outstanding Lieutenants of the Royal Guard. Both exceptional marksmen.”

Lena gestured toward the long-haired man with the ponytail — who now stood shoulder-to-shoulder with someone identical to him, save for the half-bun tied neatly at the back of his head.

The resemblance was almost comical.

The twins grinned in perfect sync.

Piolo raised his goblet slightly. “At your service, Lady Miu.”

Paolo followed with a dramatic bow that nearly made him lose balance. “If anyone troubles you, just point. We’ll handle it.”

A ripple of laughter passed through the hall. The scent of alcohol around them was undeniable.

Miu couldn’t help but smile, amused despite herself. She dipped her head politely in acknowledgment.

Lena moved on. “This here is Lieutenant Earn.”

A woman stepped forward—tall, composed, eyes steady and sharp like tempered steel.

“She is particularly skilled in hand-to-hand combat,” Lena continued, a faint teasing note in her voice, “and rather terrifying with a whip.”

A few soldiers snickered under their breath.

Earn did not react. She simply bowed—clean and precise—her expression unreadable.

Miu felt a strange sense of comfort from her silence. Not everyone needed to be loud to be powerful.

One by one, Lena introduced the remaining officers—commanders, captains, strategists. Names and titles flowed through the hall.

Then Lena’s steps slowed. She turned toward the back.

“Of course,” she said, voice softening just slightly, “my father. The former King of Elysia before me. Duke Christian Silvervein.”

Duke Christian stepped forward. He bowed with perfect elegance. “It is my honor to make your acquaintance.”

His smile was immaculate. Polished. Practiced.

Miu returned it just as gracefully.

“The honor is mine, Your Grace.”

Their eyes met.

For anyone watching—it was nothing more than courteous diplomacy.

But beneath it, his gaze searched. Measured. Weighed.

And hers did not flinch.

Lena turned once more.

“And this is Major General Jayden. My father’s right hand.”

Jayden’s shoulders stiffened almost imperceptibly. For a heartbeat, he did not move.

Then he stepped forward.

Miu’s breath hitched ever so slightly.

Recognition flickered. Not full. Not clear. But something.

Where have I seen him…?

A flash of memory brushed against her mind—too quick to grasp. A silhouette. A uniform. A voice calling out.

“I am honored to meet you, Lady Miu…” Jayden said at last.

Miu held her smile. “And I you, Major General.”

For a second longer than necessary, their eyes locked.

Miu gently pushed the thought away. Now is not the time. She turned to the rest of the room once more, smiling warm and sincere.

“I am very much delighted to meet all of you.”