{ Seraphine Vale, Queen of Floravane, had been a constant presence in the Elenhart family's life since childhood. She and Victor Elenhart, Grace's father, shared a bond that was closer to that of siblings than mere friends. Through years of laughter and hardship, she remained by their side—celebrating every birthday of Grace, Ray, and Rui, and offering unwavering support during the family's darkest days.
When their parents passed, Seraphine was among the few whose grief was genuine, mourning them as deeply as her own kin. As the years went by, her affection for the three siblings only grew stronger, evolving into a bond built on profound love and mutual respect. To Grace, Ray, and Rui, she was far more than family; and in Seraphine's heart, they were the children she had never had. }
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Sera glanced at Welfred and smiled. "So, how have you been, Welfred?"
Welfred returned a small, slightly flustered smile. "Everything has been wonderful, Mrs. Sera."
A perfectly proper answer.
Yet Grace knew him well enough to see what lay beneath it.
Standing off to the side, she watched with faint amusement. Though Welfred's expression remained composed, his eyes softened whenever they rested on Sera.
"Grace, guess what I bought you for your birthday," Sera said, a playful gleam in her eyes.
Grace smiled. "What is it?"
"This." Sera motioned toward her attendant.
The attendant stepped forward, carefully carrying a potted plant.
More accurately, it was a medicinal herb.
Grace stared at it for a moment before letting out an awkward laugh.
(Why am I not surprised?)
"You know," Sera began enthusiastically, "I was trying to think of something you don't already have, and this immediately came to mind."
She pointed at the herb.
"Now that you're queen, you'll be taking on even more responsibilities. This helps replenish the body, improves stamina, and—"
Sera continued, launching into a detailed explanation of the plant's properties.
Grace simply watched her, noting the unmistakable sparkle in her eyes whenever the conversation turned to herbs.
(She always brings plants as gifts.)
(She may not specialize in medicine, but she absolutely loves herbs—and talking about them.)
Grace smiled faintly.
(Well, I suppose she is the Queen of Floravane, after all.)
Welfred listened quietly as the two spoke. For some reason, however, he appeared tense. Each time his eyes landed on the gift, they would linger for only a moment before lowering to the floor.
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As the coronation came to an end, the royal attendants ushered the guests into the grand hall.
Rui stretched her legs with a groan. "I can't feel my legs anymore after sitting on that throne."
"Same here," Ray murmured, rubbing the stiffness from his knees.
With Welfred at her side, Grace reviewed the remaining proceedings with the royal council. Once all matters had been addressed, she dismissed the council members to their appointed duties.
She then turned to Rui and Ray, a warm smile on her face.
"Shall we go change for the imperial gala?" she asked.
Both nodded in reply.
As Grace stepped onto the carpet, Rui let out a dramatic groan.
"Don't tell me we have to walk all the way back again."
"Afraid so," Ray replied. "Come on."
As they walked side by side, Grace's gaze drifted to Welfred.
For once, his usual composure had slipped. A quiet smile lingered on his face, and there was a lightness about him that hadn't gone unnoticed.
Grace's lips curved upward.
"Well, well..." she teased. "Looks like somebody really liked their gift."
A faint blush spread across Welfred's cheeks.
"I-It's not like that," he stammered.
Unfortunately for him, the smile lingering on his lips gave him away.
Grace let out a soft laugh.
Welfred quickly straightened, attempting to regain his composure, but the shy smile he couldn't quite suppress made the effort futile.
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{ "And this is for you, Welfred," Sera said, presenting him with a delicately adorned box.
"For... me?" Welfred whispered, staring at it in disbelief. A faint pink touched his cheeks.
"Open it, Welfred," Rui said, unable to hide her curiosity.
"Please do," Ray agreed, watching the box expectantly.
Welfred paused and looked to Sera, silently seeking permission.
She met his gaze with a gentle smile and nodded.
"Go on. It belongs to you now."
Welfred carefully lifted the lid.
Nestled within was a brooch of remarkable beauty.
The children leaned in to admire it.
"It's beautiful," Rui breathed.
Ray studied it for a moment before his eyes flicked to Welfred.
"The color..." he murmured thoughtfully. "It matches your eyes perfectly."
The brooch was exquisite, its teal-green gemstones arranged in the shape of a delicate flower.
"It was crafted with you in mind," Sera said gently. "That's why its color matches your eyes."
"Butyou didn't have to—" Welfred began, only to be cut off by Grace's playful voice.
"He would be more than delighted if you put it on his coat yourself."
Welfred flushed crimson, shooting Grace a helpless look. But before he could protest, Sera replied eagerly, "Really? Then I'd love to."
Welfred turned to her, intending to say something, but the words never came.
Sera was already standing before him, brooch in hand. As she reached up to fasten it to his coat, her fingers grazed the fabric with delicate care, prompting him to lower his gaze to meet hers.
Her warm hazel eyes held a quiet kindness that made the world around him seem to fall away, if only for a moment.
"There," Sera said softly, stepping back to admire her work. A radiant smile lit her face. "It really suits you."
Welfred remained motionless, his gaze fixed on her. It wasn't the brooch that held him spellbound, but the warmth of her smile and the quiet sincerity of her words, which settled deep within his heart. }
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Welfred's fingers brushed the brooch with quiet reverence.
(Thank you, Mrs. Sera. I'll treasure it forever.)
Watching him, Grace couldn't help but smile a little wider.
Retracing their steps, they made their way back into the hallway.
As their footsteps echoed toward the dressing room, Grace broke the silence.
"I've been thinking... perhaps we should hold another coronation ceremony—this time for our people."
"I like that idea," Ray said. "Especially if it's for the people."
Rui nodded in agreement.
"What are your thoughts, Welfred?"
"I couldn't agree more, Your Majesty. It's a splendid idea."
"Very well. Then let us hold it next month."
"Indeed," Welfred replied. "That should allow sufficient time for the necessary preparations."
"Since we can't invite everyone, the responsibility falls to us to choose the guests and extend the invitations personally," Grace said with quiet certainty.
"Can we invite all our friends?" the two asked in unison.
"Certainly. I have no objection on my pa—"
Grace stopped abruptly, a sharp sensation crawling over her skin as though someone were staring directly at her.
She turned for a quick look, but found only the silent guards stationed by the doors.
No one else.
Yet the eerie stillness of the hall lingered, refusing to ease her unease.
"Is something wrong, Sister?" Ray asked, concern evident in his voice.
"Oh, it's nothing," Grace said, though her mind remained unsettled.
(It felt as if... someone was watching.)