Volume 8 : CHAPTER – 1 : THE PRICE OF WONDER (1)

I gently extended my hand towards the rim of the tub and stepped into the bath, allowing myself to sink into the soothing warm water with a contented sigh.

It was a massive bathtub carved out of a single glittering stone. Usually, I would be excited to take bath in a fantastical world grand bathing chamber of a real royal palace. Intricate tile work and a sparkling chandelier adored the place. Steam rose from the water's surface, carrying with it the scent of exotic herbs and oils.

But despite all the amusement, I still yearned for the hot springs back in the labyrinth home, especially after a long day of sword training with mother.

I closed my eyes and took a dip. The water enveloped around me, letting my muscles relax and I waited for all the worries to slip away. But the dream was just so real, and I could still feel the tingling feeling running through me.

“….She was powerful,” I remember the rush of magic power and that was far from being just abnormal. The problem was I could not determine what it was really capable of.

Ahem! It’s not like I was trying to be jealous of her magic power or getting nosy.

But the question still remained whether such a thing existed or I just made it up.

While soaking in the massive bathtub, I was joined by two new companions without prior notice.

A young princess, Arya, dressed in a silk robe, gracefully stepped into the water, her long hair pinned up in an elegant bun.

Beside her was Regis as she soaked her red hair in the steamy bath. Times like these her delicate features and pointed ears really made her appear otherworldly.

"Miss Regis, I didn't know you were up so early," Arya smiled and said as if she was not expecting her to be here.

“I always wake up early in the morning for my bow practice,” Regis replies boldly.

The two rushed towards me like it was some kind of race going on when I only came here alone for some solo time. How did the two of them even know I would be here?

As for Hana, she was still sleeping peacefully. It only meant that the assimilation of my magic into her body was going well. And she was growing conscious of herself in this world and learning at a much faster rate than I expected.

“Miss Regis you seemed to be accustomed to such large baths. Usually, people are always flummoxed and scared to step in at first.” Arya asked casually.

“I have a very similar one at my home. It is always a bother when traveling and not to be able to relax like this.” Regis too seemed to be at ease without realizing she was giving herself away even if she was trying to hide her elf princess identity.

“Regis you came from the Ascalon Kingdom. Very little is known of that place. Are such kinds of huge baths common in the elf kingdom?” Arya bombarded her second question as if she had planned it.

“…Of course. Yes…” Regis now realizing her mistake had no choice but to swallow it. She starts looking at me, hoping for some help.

Arya has still not suspected but she would catch on any time if it was not out of concern for us by not prying into it. But I can’t blame her for being curious at the same time.

Suddenly, a mischievous thought occurred to me. I summoned a burst of magic, sending waves rippling across the surface of the water. The two fell right in with a big splash.

I dove again inside the water, trying to hide my giggle.

And just as I rose, to my surprise, there stood Regis in front of me. Assuming her turn she pushed a force of water with her wind magic. Almost bringing a tsunami and drowning us at the spot.

“Take that.”

I somehow managed to maintain my balance but Arya was drenched from head to toe. I thought that witnessing such disorderly conduct would provoke anger or disappointment in Arya, being that she was a princess.

I had already assumed that Regis wouldn't be bothered, as she rarely paid attention to the respect her position commanded.

But Arya instead of being reserved, could not resist the joy of the moment and laugh.

Giggling, she splashed and returned the favor back at Regis.

At some point, the whole activity turned into some kind of a play sports. I used my magic to fill the bath with foamy bubbles, which floated on the surface and burst in rainbow-colored sprays.

Later we began playing something similar to a game of water polo. Using magic to create makeshift balls and send them flying across the tub. Me being the most experienced in magic proved to be the strongest player, but the princess was good at analyzing magic too and Regis was unyielding as always.

We three girls continued to play in the bubbly bath, splashing with each other and laughing.

I had never imagined that a simple bath could be so fun with many.

After we got tired we decided to chat and laughed, swapping stories and getting to know each other. I had forgotten all that was worrying me and couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment.

“Miss Regis you have such an unusual color for your hair? I have seen some elves before but never with such a striking expression.” Arya was drawn to Regis’s unusual hair color. Well, I did remember Regis was the only red-haired in her family or the palace.

“There was a time when I did not like them that much. But I love them now.” Regis gently washed her hair in the tub with care.

“Miss Regis you have traveled so far from home. So, what brought you here in the human Continent?” Arya genuinely asked. She had traveled to the demon Continent and was interested to know Regis’s reason as well.

“I left my homeland to gain more experience in this world and to learn lots of new things. And now I am tagging along with Alicia.”

My reason to get reincarnated into this world. It was to have fun and explore this new world. I was disheartened at the start most probably because I couldn’t get any clue where to look for Athena next.

But right now, I wanted to see that magic that had caught my eyes. Athena wouldn’t be happy if I just kept sulking around when we had both worked so hard to get here. It would be bad if I had no stories to tell when we meet.

“I have decided, what I have to do now.”

“What? Weren’t you yesterday yourself complaining that you couldn’t find anything?”

“Yeah, but now I know what I need to look for.”

At the same time, Arya became all serious and looked at us.

“Alicia, the reason I came here was to thank you for all you have done for me. Both the King and Queen are well, in fact, I have never seen them so active at work.”

I remember my healing magic went a little too far, but as long as there are no side effects to their health. I should not be charged with any crime.

“We have been working hard to restore order in the palace and open its doors to the kingdom again.”

“Well, I am glad everything is turning out to be fine.”

For a month the palace was shut off, they must have their hands full now trying to get things in order.

“The King has summoned everyone today to reward them and while I have made sure there are as many few people present who are aware of the full situation...” Arya paused.

The truth was that neither Oweyn’s treason was made public nor the news that the King and Queen were poisoned. It was an unavoidable measure taken to stop further chaos and unrest appear in the people. And our involvement will be kept a secret too.

Arya finally decided to speak up again, “⸻I know there is hardly anything I could offer you in return that you might need. I think it’s my time to fulfill the promise and honor the miracle you have shown me. I have still not forgotten every word you spoke to me and I am determined to follow through on my commitment.”

“I knew I could trust you.”

“The meeting at the throne room will start soon. You can join us after you have your breakfast.” Arya reluctantly climbed out of the tub and decided to leave the bath to prepare for her appearance in the throne room.

"I don’t want any prize. But, Alicia... are you truly intent on doing this? Isn’t this going too far?" Regis regarded me with hesitation.

“Before using my power, I had already decided what I wanted. There are rules and even I don’t want to go back on them.”

After all, in the end, it is for my own benefit. From my experiences in the labyrinth and observing mother and father. I knew I could neither be a hero who helps others selflessly nor play the role of a demon lord to launch a world conquest. Thus, I made the choice to forge a path that would allow me to stay true to myself.

The thought of not being able to determine where to proceed next in my search or being stuck in one place scares me the most. But right now, I felt rejuvenated and revitalized. The mystery of that vision, the power of the person's magic. And the question of whether they were a foe or not, still remained.

***

The Throne Hall

After having breakfast prepared by the workers in the palace, the three of us got ready to head to the courtroom. Alfred himself came to escort us to the place.

As the guards opened the huge door, the three of us together entered the throne hall and were struck by its sheer magnificence. The walls were made of gleaming marble, carved with intricate designs, and were also inlaid with precious gems. The tall ceiling was decorated with sparkling crystal chandeliers, radiating a comforting golden light throughout the room.

The overall appearance of the room evoked a sense of grandeur, majesty, and power, highlighting the significance of the throne room as the hub of the kingdom's political and societal activities.

We continued walking down a long red carpet that lead us to the throne, which sat on a raised dais at the far end of the hall. We paused halfway and believed that we were close enough to the throne.

In front, the King and Queen sat on the throne and Arya stood beside them. A few of the ministers in line stood at the side observing us. While they stole their eyes from me after glancing over my mask, they were most probably wondering what a red-haired elf was doing here.

The throne was made of shining gold and covered in plush velvet, and it gleamed in the light of the chandeliers.  The king was dressed in a regal cloak, and the queen was wearing a flowing gown of silk and lace. She passed a gesture of smile at us.

Both Hana and Regis felt a sense of awe. For Hana, it was her first time being a part of a royal court.

As for Regis, she deemed the whole spectacle rather peculiar and ostentatious. In the Elven Kingdom of Ascalon, there was no notion of a throne room, and the King conducted business within the confines of his office, surrounded by fewer individuals.

But Regis soon realized the real meaning behind this grandeur that whoever sat on that throne would hold immense power and influence over the kingdom.

Since we had already reached the foot of the dais, the King and the Queen together stood up. All the courtiers lowered themselves in respect for him.

Regis, refrained from bowing due to her status as a foreign princess. Isn’t she just asking for her identity to be discovered? Thinking about that, I would have possessed the highest noble status since I have the title of the true demon lord candidate and the royal demon family mark. If I wanted I could even assert my claim for the entire Demon Continent. And because I needed to keep the title’s dignity I could not just simply submit in front of any being, at least that’s what father said.

As for Hana, she didn’t have a clue about what was happening and just followed me.

“The royal Stark Family is forever grateful for your services. Your expertise and healing arts have restored the Queen and me to full health and vitality. I extend to you my sincerest thanks and deepest gratitude. The great healer mage Alicia and her elf companion Regis and Hana, from the bottom of my heart." The King announced as he took back his seat.

The attendants who were at a bit odd with us seemed to agree now.

‘Great Healer mage’, that has a really nice ring to it. I finally stand a chance to become the greatest healer and a genius mage. And also, after requesting from Arya that except for the royal family, no one should know that I took down the general so I won’t be pestered for it.

“The events of recent weeks have been a cruel and painful reminder to me that the world can be a dark and treacherous place.” The King started addressing his subjects, “It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the malice and cruelty of others, and to lose faith in the goodness of humanity. But I refuse to give in to despair. I refuse to let the actions of one person define the potential of the peaceful kingdom that I see around me. And though I have had to confront a reality that I never thought would be otherwise possible. I refuse to give those a chance who want to benefit from our current weak position and those who have tried to take advantage of it. So, I ask you, my subjects, to not be consumed by malice of others but built a strong fortitude to defend ourselves from it. Let us continue to work together to build a kingdom that is brighter, and more peaceful, than the one we live in today.”

As the King ended his address, the hall was filled with resounding applause, despite the limited number of attendees. Their enthusiastic claps echoed throughout the room, exhibiting their unwavering support for their beloved king. I could see why Arya idolized her father so much. Of course, someone like that would pass down as one of the wisest kings in history.

“Is there anything you would want to know regarding the incident?” The King directed his gaze toward us.

After thinking for a second the only thing I possibly wanted to know was, “Was the instigator who acted behind the scene identified?”

“Unfortunately, all the trails have gone cold. The further we are led to believe, the more elusive this person becomes.” Even though he did not allow it to appear on his face the King seemed to be frustrated by the failed investigation.

The King did not seem to be hiding anything either. That means, there’s really no way I can know right now who was behind all of this.

“Now the question of your reward for all of your deeds still remains. The Stark family has always been grateful to those who have come to their rescue. And since you all have helped our daughter so much. I have given her the responsibility to fulfill her promise.” The King looks at Arya and she steps further.

“Miss Alicia, I will accept any request if it's in my capacity to do so. So, please ask, and let me show you my resolve.” Just as Arya had said, the stern look on her face was enough to tell that she was ready to see it all through.

And I also know what I am going to ask is not something impossible, but it’s not entirely going to be easy at the same time. In fact, it's going to be a hassle, because I don’t know how the people of this world would react to it.

At one point I had decided that if Arya fails to keep her promise, then I would just make it look like nothing ever happened. And that I can possibly make it happen with my magic.

However, this is a necessary step towards achieving my real goal here.

“I want slavery to be abolished in the Stark Kingdom and make it punishable by crime, right this moment.”

***

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