The Forgotten Princess

Chapter 467  Journey to the East (1)

We have been staying in the capital of Alvannia for a few weeks now. Regaleon had helped my brother with their pest problem which were a swarm of killer wasps as big as a horse.

The resurgence of these ancient beasts is giving a hard time to my brother Richard. We still do not have much information on these ancients beasts and as we can see, only people with magical abilities which is us Atlantians are the ones who can deal a significant damage to them.

"Mama…" Alphonse ran towards me holding a piece of flowers that looks like a camellia.

"Oh my, is my little Al giving mommy a flower?" I asked with a sweet tone.

"Fower…" Alphones tried to speak. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Yes, this is a camellia flower." I said. "And it has a pink color."

"Mama…" Aerith was trying to run with her little legs towards us. "Fower… fower."

Aerith also gave me a light pink camellia flower.

"Yes, this is also a camellia flower." I said with a smile. "This has a light pink color while your brother's has a bright pink color." I said.

Seeing my twins playing and giggling made my heart feel warm. It was a feeling I guess all mother's could feel when seeing their children who were just babies not long ago now growing up.

"So you are here, Lili." Mother said while walking towards us. "The twins love playing here in the garden."

"Hmm, yess." I nodded. "The weather is quite good today and it is our last day here in Alvannia before departing to Atlantia. I thought having a little picnic here would be good before the trip."

"I cannot believe we are departing tomorrow." My mother said. "It has been a while since I have set foot on Atlantian soil. I never thought I could return."

"Do you feel a little nostalgic, mother?" I asked.

"Well… a little I guess." My mother replied. "I was young when I left my home country, and that was to flee the impending devastation back then. I also felt guilty that I was able to survive while many of my people perished becuase of my father's doing." I can see the sadness in my mother's face.

"There was no helping it, mother." I said while holding her hand. "If you hadn't done so, then I wouldn't be here alive today." I said.

"Yes… you are the best thing that happened to me after escaping the doom of Atlantia back then." My mother said.

"And how about me?" My father who sneeked behind my mother surprised her.

"Oh my!" My mother was startled.

"Am I not one of the best things that happened to you?" My father said pouting with puppy dog eyes.

"Well I cannot say that our time together was the best." My mother said teasingly. "I was put through such hardships because of you. Hmp…" My mother acted as if she was irritated by I knew she was acting.

"I-I am sorry honey." My father who did not catch on my mother's acting was worried. "I-I was still young back then and was blinded with obtaining power… after getting older I have reflected on my mistakes. I will always apologize to you the rest of my life. Just do not get angry, please."

I was trying to hold on to my laughter seeing my father sincerly apologizing to my mother. I know that my mother had already forgiven my father but she said that she still likes to tease my father like this. She said that even she had forgiven him with his mistakes, it was hard to forget the hardships we both faced in the past. And so teasing my father like this is a small payback she does from time to time. Seeing my father frantically apologizing and frightened that mother would leave him also give me a little satisfaction.

After some wooing from father, mother accepted his apologies and they were being lovey dovey once again.

"Grapa, grama…" The twins ran towards their grandparents.

"Oh look at my little angels." My father caught Alphonse and tossed him in the air. "You are getting heavy, Al. I am afraid if you get even bigger, grandpa could not do this any longer."

"Me, me, me…" Aerith was tugging on my father's legs.

"My little Rith's turn, hahaha." My father then tossed Aerith in the air.

Hearing them both giggle made my parents smile happily.

"Careful now…" My mother said. "You are not that young anymore." She got Alphonse and carried.

"Are you done with all your arrangements for your departure tomorrow?" My father asked.

"Yes, we are already done." I replied. "Regaleon had already arranged everything we needed beforehand."

"He will be going back to the capital of Grandcrest after your departure tomorrow, correct?" My father asked.

"Yes." I replied. "He cannot leave his work for too long. We have already extended our stay here, I cannot impose on him any longer. This trip is my responsibility as empress, not his."

"Still, I could have been a little more at ease if he would have come with you." My father said with worry. "Should you not postpone your trip to a later date? Especially with everything that is happening right now."

I know that he is worried about with all this ancient beasts emerging and attacking citizens of the empire.

"I am aftaid we cannot postpone this trip any longer, father." I said. "And this trip could also help us get answers with this ancient beasts." I said.

Some of the documents about the Almighty One and the ancient times were saved from the purge by survivors from Atlantia. All the texts and books have now been brought back to the newly emerged Atlantian continent and are now housed in the Atlantian Museum of Culture and History.

The Atlantian Museum of Culture and History was one of the projects that Dimitri and Gladiolus have finished to showcase the rich culture and history of the old Atlantia. This is to help reintroduce the forgotten old Atlantian culture and history to the new Atlantians of today's age.

"Do not worry to much, honey." My mother said. "My brother is also there to protect us. He is the second most dependable person to our son in law."

"And we are capable of protecting ourselves, father." I added. "The twins might be the most powerful magic users there is."

"I know, I know…" My father sighed. "You cannot stop me from worrying."

"I know father." I giggled. "Do not worry to much. It is not good for your health." I comforted him with a hug.

"Dada…" Alphonse who was squeezed between me and father said.

"Akle…" Aerith who was being carried by my mother chimed in.

I looked around and saw Regaleon and Richard walking towards us.

"I hope we are not late with the picnic." Richard said with a smile. "Did you leave uncle some food?"

Aerith transferred from mother's to Richard's arms.

"Food…" Aerith pointed out to the picnic basket lying on the picnic cloth. "Kiss Rith… kiss, kiss."

"Thank you for leaving me food, my little Rith." Richard gave Aerith a peck on the cheek.

"Dada…" Alphonse stretched his arms towards Regaleon, wanting to be carried.

Regaleon took him from father and carried him in his arms. He then walked towards me and gave me a light kiss on the lips.

"Sorry we are late." Regaleon said. "We were finishing up on some things about the pest attack."

"I know, no need to worry." I replied. "I just wish that both you and Richard could get some rest after wrapping the incident."

"I hope there will be no attacks in the near future." Richard sighed.

"That is what we all hope." Regaleon said. "But it is best to be prepared."

"It looks like you have your work cut out for you." I teased my little brother.

"I swear, if my brother in law was not here to help me I would be on my wits end." Richard said. "I am really greatful with all your help, Regaleon."

"No need for thanks." Regaleon said humbly. "You are one of my vassals, and this land is our land. Your people are my people as well."

"Still, please accept my gratitude." Richard said. "Your countermeasure plans and forming a branch that deals with these emerging monsters are of big help."

"Just make sure to continue what Regaleon had established and thought you." I told my brother. "You are still young and having to receive guidance is something you must not be ashamed of."

"I know, sister." Richard nodded. "Now that grandpa Robert is retired, having my brother in law mentor me is really much appreciated." He smiled.

"Grandpa Robert is happily spending his days in his country side home." I said. "We should drop by to visit him since it is along the way." I said.

"That would be a good idea." My mother said.

We continued chatting and eating our picnic in peace. By tomorrow we will begin out journey to the east. We will also be apart from Regaleon which saddens me.