Chapter 46: A Bright Future Ahead!

After a grueling 30-hour train ride, the two disembarked, greeted by guards.

Sheffield was already waiting at the station.

To secretly follow Chloe, Larvia hadn’t brought Sheffield along.

“Your Majesty.”

Sheffield bowed slightly to Larvia.

A faint flicker of confusion crossed her usually stoic eyes.

‘Why is Her Majesty empty-handed?’

If she recalled correctly, Larvia had left with a small bag.

Her gaze shifted behind Larvia, and the confusion cleared.

But it was replaced by even greater shock.

“…Chloe?”

Seeing Chloe in a maid outfit, carrying Larvia’s bag, Sheffield froze.

Even Sheffield, who prided herself on facts, couldn’t help but doubt the scene before her.

Chloe had vanished from the palace days ago. Sheffield had asked around, but no one knew where she’d gone.

The gate guards said she’d left to shop, so Sheffield asked Larvia.

The reply? “Sent on a secret mission.”

Back then, Sheffield hadn’t fully grasped Larvia’s meaning.

But now, seeing Chloe, it clicked.

Larvia must have sent Chloe to Tarrilberg to gather clues about the traitor.

But…

Chloe? Why Chloe?

Sheffield’s mind raced, piecing it together in moments.

It was because Chloe was new, with little known about her, making her less likely to be exposed on a covert mission.

‘Brilliant move, Your Majesty!’

A rare glint of emotion flashed in Sheffield’s eyes.

Her gaze toward Chloe carried newfound respect.

‘Such a young girl, executing Her Majesty’s secret mission so well.’

‘No wonder Her Majesty pulled strings to get her into the royal maids.’

‘If her identity is what I think, the vampire race’s future is bright.’

“Sheffield, is the carriage to the palace ready?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. It’s outside the station. Follow me.”

Larvia nodded.

Chloe hurried after her, boarding the carriage.

Larvia and Chloe sat on one side, Sheffield opposite, a small table between them.

Under the clatter of hooves, Larvia leaned in, whispering so Sheffield couldn’t hear, “Remember what I told you on the train?”

“Huh? What?”

Chloe tilted her head, searching her memory.

As Larvia opened her mouth to remind her, Chloe slapped her forehead, remembering, “Oh, right! About me leaving?”

“Yes.” Larvia nodded. “You were secretly sent to Tarrilberg to help me gather traitor clues. Otherwise, I can’t explain your absence.”

“Oh…”

Chloe lowered her head, subtly grabbing Larvia’s hand under the table where Sheffield couldn’t see.

“Larvia~ I know I messed up the palace schedule by sneaking out, but I really know I was wrong~ Please don’t dock my pay~”

“We’ll talk later,” Larvia said coolly.

“Ugh…”

Seeing Chloe’s pitiful look, Larvia hid a smile.

The palace didn’t need her. It ran smoothly before she arrived, and she wasn’t exactly vital.

To reduce noise, the magic train station was on the city’s edge, a bit far from the palace. But Chloe, preoccupied with her punishment and Larvia’s “reward,” felt time fly.

Before long, she glanced out the window and saw the palace.

Looking up at the grand, white structure, Chloe felt a wave of familiarity, like coming home.

Inside, she looked around but didn’t see the figure she’d hoped for.

Sidling closer to Larvia, she whispered, “Larvia, where’s Silia?”

“She’s in class. I sent a letter instructing them not to tell her about this.”

“Huh? Why?”

“You’ll see. Settle in, then wait in Silia’s room. My darling daughter’s been missing you. I want to surprise her.”

“Oh…”

Chloe felt an invisible pressure.

She’d thought Silia would be waiting to greet her.

Back in her room, she set down her bag and looked around.

Despite being gone over a week, her room was spotless.

She was supposed to clean it herself, meaning Larvia had someone do it daily.

‘So, Larvia knew I’d come back…’

‘Ugh… she saw right through me.’

Picturing Larvia’s calm demeanor, Chloe puffed her cheeks in frustration.

‘That sneaky woman knew I’d return!’

‘Well, I was planning to anyway…’

After tidying up, she checked the clock. It was nearly noon.

They’d arrived in Montpelier in the morning, and the carriage ride and unpacking had taken time.

Silia’s class would end soon.

Chloe opened her wardrobe, changed into a spare maid outfit, and hurried to Silia’s room.

She sat on the bed. Soon, the door opened a crack.

“Your Highness, please rest,” Flora’s voice came.

“Hm… Flora, what’s going on today?”

“What do you mean?”

“The palace feels off.”

“Because Her Majesty returned today.”

“What? Mother’s back?!” Silia’s voice grew excited. “Where is she? In her room? I’m going now!”

“Your Highness, calm down… Please return to your room. Her Majesty prepared a surprise for you.”

“A surprise? What could be better than Mother’s return?”

“You’ll see.”

“Fine.”

Silia entered, closing the door, muttering, “If it’s Mother’s wish, then…”

She turned, saw Chloe sitting primly, and froze mid-sentence.