Elowen sighed contentedly as she leaned back in her chair, her fingers grazing the rim of her new glasses. It had only been three days since she'd begun fully incorporating Rodion into her work routines, and the results were undeniable. The seemingly never-ending mountain of paperwork, the diplomatic discussions, the analysis of supply lines—everything that normally took weeks was now complete.
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It was astonishing to think she'd completed two weeks' worth of work in just three days, all while still managing to finish early.
She smiled, letting herself relax as the last stack of docunts was laid before her. Pri Minister Aelthrin, his shoulders slightly slouched from the day's labor, looked surprisingly cheerful as he placed the pile on her desk.
"Your Majesty, today has been another excellent day of productivity. Your insight during the council eting was crucial, and we have completed quite a bit of paperwork as well," he said, his voice holding an edge of relief.
Elowen looked up at him, a tired but warm smile on her face.
"Thank you, Aelthrin. I could not have done all this without your guidance. And of course, thanks to Vyrelda and Serelith as well,"
Pri Minister Aelthrin chuckled, but before he could say anything more, Vyrelda, who was standing nearby, crossed her arms, giving Aelthrin a pointed look.
"You seem happier than usual, Aelthrin," Vyrelda said, her tone teasing but soft.
"What's gotten you so cheerful?"
The pri minister raised his brows, then gave a knowing smile.
"Why shouldn't I be happy, Vyrelda? With all this work being completed earlier than expected, it gives more ti to spend with my grandson. He just turned two months old recently."
Elowen's face lit up at the ntion of Aelthrin's grandson. She rembered when he had shared the news of the birth. The usually composed pri minister had been beaming like the sun that day.
"Ah, right! Of course, the new grandpa wants to visit his grandchild as often as possible." She glanced between Aelthrin and Vyrelda.
"With how smoothly things have been progressing, maybe you should bring him to visit us here at the castle. Who knows? Maybe one day he'll grow to beco the pri minister and advisor for my and Mikhailis's child."
Aelthrin's eyes twinkled, and he gave a bow of his head.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. That would be the most perfect outco."
Vyrelda gave a wistful sigh, her gaze lingering on Aelthrin. She seed lost in thought for a mont, her eyes soft. Elowen caught the look, and a knowing smile crossed her lips.
"You know, Vyrelda," she said gently.
"if you wish to see his grandchild, you could just ask Aelthrin directly. I'm sure he'd love to share the joy with you."
Vyrelda blinked, her cheeks coloring ever so slightly. She cleared her throat, looking aside.
"It's just... I find children quite charming, that's all. They never lie, and they bring such innocence to every interaction."
Serelith, standing in the doorway with her usual confident poise, smirked at Vyrelda's awkwardness.
"You've always been a softie when it cos to children, haven't you?" she teased, her eyes glinting.
Vyrelda straightened, but she couldn't hide the faint smile on her lips.
"I suppose... but only because they represent honesty, which is often rare amongst adults."
Laughter bubbled up among them. It was light and warm, a sign of camaraderie despite their different roles and the heavy responsibilities each of them bore. It had been a long ti since such genuine laughter filled the council room, and Elowen cherished it.
After the chuckles subsided, Aelthrin's face grew a shade more serious. He adjusted his glasses and glanced at Elowen.
"Your Majesty," he began, his tone becoming professional once more.
"Isn't it ti for you to respond to the saintess of the Elder Tree?"
Elowen's smile faltered slightly, her brows knitting together. The ntion of the saintess brought forth an old tension. Her mind imdiately went back to the incident involving Mikhailis. He had been on his way to visit the saintess at her request—her dwelling was located at the edge of the capital—when he was abducted in the middle of the road.
It was a bold and reckless attempt by the technomancers' league, one that could have ended in disaster if Mikhailis hadn't managed to fend off his attackers and Rodion didn't told her his location.
Since then, Elowen had felt an unspoken anger toward the saintess, even if she had offered a formal apology and pleaded for another visit to nd things. Elowen had declined every invitation, unwilling to expose her beloved Mikhailis to any more potential danger.
The diplomatic tension between the queen and the saintess was palpable, yet to Elowen, Mikhailis's safety ca first, even before political ties.
She let out a long sigh.
"Yes... I suppose it is ti. Tomorrow is the day of her invitation, isn't it?" She looked at Aelthrin, her voice tinged with reluctance. "I think I will accept. But this ti, we will proceed at my own pace."
Aelthrin gave a nod, a respectful smile crossing his lips.
"That is certainly the best course of action, Your Majesty."
Rodion's voice chid in through her earpiece.
Elowen's gaze softened, and she nodded. She looked back at Aelthrin.
"After the visit with the saintess, we also have the journey to the northern province, correct?"
The pri minister straightened, looking at the papers in his hand.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. The Fall season approaches, and with it, there is likely to be another monster uprising. It's an annual occurrence, and the northern border has been preparing for it." He paused before looking up, eting Elowen's eyes. "It would certainly be fine for the prince consort to accompany you to the northern province, given the potential dangers there.
However, as for visiting the saintess, I believe it is wise to keep a distance between her and His Highness, at least for now."
Rodion chid in once more.
"Rodion!" Elowen's cheeks flushed at the bluntness of Rodion's statent. She looked around quickly, hoping no one had overheard.
Rodion continued, undeterred.
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