Dawn broke, and the weather became suitable for departure.
After eating breakfast, we were scheduled to leave immediately. Because it was to be a quiet departure, there would be no ceremony followed by a fanfare sending the carriage off. There would be no finely dressed cavalry leading the way in front of the carriage. A completely ordinary (or rather, ordinary in a way I didn't know) carriage should be waiting at the entrance.
I walked toward the entrance of the Rear Palace together with Mother and Cass. Mother wore a sad expression, but Cass had her usual face. Cass-san, where had that passionate tsundere Cass gone? The slight firmness visible in her skin — was that because of last night's bath?
At the entrance… the Queen was waiting. His Majesty the King was not there. Lily and Stevie were also present, of course.
"The Queen!?"
Mother was speechless. She stared at the Queen with wide, round eyes.
"It has been a long time since we last met, yet you are so beautiful…"
