Royal Tour: Shadows in the Crown

  The second month since arriving in the new world had begun with pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and a queen more lively than ever. Maple, riding Syrup with a smile and a scarf knitted by Iz, continued her journey through the archduchies. Her idea was simple: to see with her own eyes how the people lived, share moments with the leaders of the mega guilds, and learn from the real problems they now faced since the virtual world was no longer a game.

  First Stop: Dragon’s Garden

  The duchy of Haruka stretched across green pins, mist-covered hills, and crystal-clear kes where dragons drank freely. People had started building houses made of enchanted wood with moss-covered roofs that glowed at night. Haruka, accompanied by Colin, Al, and Montana, welcomed Maple with a soft and shy gesture.

  —Thank you for coming, Your Majesty —she said in a low voice, though her magical pressure caused the ground to tremble slightly as she approached.

  —You don’t have to call me that, Haruka. I’m Maple, I’ll always be Maple —she replied with a nervous ugh.

  During her stay, Maple noticed that the people of Dragon’s Garden were very respectful but a little distant. Many feared Haruka without wanting to, as despite her kindness, she left deep footprints when walking and broke porcein cups without realizing it. Montana, during one of the walks, told Maple:

  —We’re working on controlling the magical mana. Since it’s no longer a game, the body’s reactions are real. For example, Haruka can’t stop constantly strengthening her body.

  Colin, the treasurer, proudly showed the market organization and the beginning of trade with Iz’s guild. However, they had problems with transporting heavy goods, so Maple promised to send help from the capital.

  The Last Duchy: Aria and the Shadows of the Limit

  It was a gray day, the evening breeze caressing the hills stretching toward the horizon in the duchy of Aria. A peaceful ndscape, despite the growing tension. Aria, the 'Princess Crowned in Ash', had invited Maple to her nd to complete the tour of the new archduchies. News of the Queen's arrival had spread quickly, and the vilgers, like the pyers, were eager to see how the legendary leader would behave in nds that were not entirely her own.

  Maple sat in her carriage, contempting the ndscape as she thought about the magnitude of what was coming. It had started as a simple trip, but as it continued, she felt more connected with each part of the kingdom. The borders were blurred, the entire world had changed, and there was no going back. The nature of magic was different; it wasn’t just enough to think of spells, but mana flowed more instinctively, more naturally. Still, there were problems to solve, and something in the air in Aria put her on edge.

  The carriage stopped in a clearing, and Aria quickly appeared to greet her. Her presence was imposing, though her reserved tone softened it. Aria wore a bck velvet cloak with silver details that sparkled in the sunlight. She was a figure that embodied seriousness, but at the same time, warmth, at least for those close to her. She bowed slightly in respect toward Maple.

  —Welcome, Maple. —her voice was soft but firm—. I’m grateful that you’ve come.

  —Thank you, Aria! It’s an honor to be here. —Maple smiled, with her usual kindness, unaware of how significant each word she said became.

  The arrival had been calm, but there was something in the atmosphere that was not common in other nds she had visited. Maple, with her ability to perceive small details, noticed a slight friction in the eyes of the soldiers and in the gazes of the vilgers. The people didn’t seem as rexed as in other pces. Aria expined that, due to the proximity to the neighboring kingdom, some undesirable people had crossed the border, seeking refuge or taking advantage of the instability.

  —We have a problem, Maple. —Aria said seriously as they walked toward the vilge center—. Some criminals from the neighboring kingdom have started to infiltrate our nd, causing several disturbances. They are not pyers but humans from this world who, taking advantage of the transition, have begun to steal and create chaos.

  —What do you pn to do about it? —Maple asked, her brow slightly furrowed, curious but fully trusting in Aria’s ability to handle the situation.

  Aria smiled with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. Her gaze, though calm, sparkled with fierce determination.

  —We’ll do what’s necessary. I won’t tolerate anyone harming our people. If any of these criminals cross the line, they’ll be treated as they deserve. I don’t care if they come from outside. This kingdom and its inhabitants will be safe, at any cost.

  Maple nodded, observing with respect how Aria handled the situation with such composure. She was the kind of leader who inspired confidence and, at the same time, fear in those who sought to exploit the ck of order. Aria would not hesitate to make tough decisions if needed, and her loyalty to her people had no limits.

  Soon after, a crowd gathered in the vilge square. The vilgers were nervous, their eyes fearful of the presence of outsiders and those who had entered their territory uninvited. Some murmured among themselves, recalling past incidents with outsiders. Aria, however, remained firm, showing no signs of fear. Her voice rang out clear and strong as she began speaking to the crowd.

  —The kingdom has opened its doors to those in need of refuge, but that does not mean we allow ourselves to be taken advantage of. To those who think they can cause trouble here, I say this: they will be treated with the justice they deserve.

  The atmosphere in the square grew tense, but no one dared to interrupt her. Aria, with her fixed gaze, knew that she needed to fight not only against the criminals from outside but also against the distrust that existed among the inhabitants of her duchy. While her people respected her, they also feared the consequences of a world so different.

  At that moment, Aria’s soldiers stepped forward, bringing with them two individuals who clearly didn’t belong. They were not pyers, but inhabitants from the neighboring kingdom who had crossed the border without authorization. Both were dirty, disheveled, and their eyes showed a mixture of anger and fear.

  —What should we do with them, Princess? —one of the officers asked, looking at Aria with respect.

  Aria assessed the two men, her gaze cold but calcuting. She used her magic to read their hearts, a skill that allowed her to detect lies. With a gentle wave of her hand, the individuals began to tremble slightly. Aria’s magic was as subtle as it was deadly. There was no need to speak, her very presence imposed an invisible force.

  —They have caused disturbances at the border. They’ve looted houses and attacked vilgers. —her voice was like the edge of a sword, sharp—. I don’t want them alive unless they have a valid reason to be here. If they are guilty, they will face justice.

  Tension grew. Maple observed, bewildered but understanding the gravity of the situation. The criminals trembled, and Aria stared at them with an intensity that exuded confidence. It was clear that Aria was prepared to act decisively if the circumstances demanded it.

  Finally, after a few moments of anguish, one of the criminals began to confess, his words stammering from fear.

  —It was my fault! We just wanted to survive! The soldiers from the neighboring kingdom pushed us here!

  Aria, who had already detected the lie in their words, gestured with her hand, and her soldiers moved closer. It was a swift but just trial, and decisions were made according to the w that Aria had established for her duchy.

  After resolving the incident, Maple approached Aria, impressed by how efficiently and coldly she handled the situation. Without a doubt, Aria was a formidable leader.

  —You have so much calm in situations like these. —Maple commented as they walked toward the castle to continue the tour.

  —It’s necessary, Maple. —Aria replied, her tone soft but firm—. The world has changed, and we cannot allow the fragility of old ws to make us vulnerable. Justice here must be absolute. And, if necessary, it must also be quick and final.

  Maple nodded, grateful for the response, as her thoughts drifted toward the growing responsibility of being Queen. While she couldn’t do everything alone, she felt that, little by little, she was understanding the magnitude of her reign.

  Meanwhile, on the kingdom’s bulletin boards, news of the incident quickly spread:

  Discussion Thread: Incident in Aria

  User: DarkKnight72: Can you imagine someone as brave as Aria making such quick decisions? That’s leadership.

  User: Princess_16: I’ve read about the situation, and I can’t help but think about what Maple would do if something simir happened in her kingdom. It’s amazing how Aria handles everything so calmly.

  User: Fire_Fme: It’s because Aria has everything under control. And what a great show of how her magic for detecting lies made everything more efficient.

  User: Snowwhisper: True, the magic is powerful, but I’ve never seen anyone handle a situation with such authority. Aria isn’t just a fighter, she’s also a strategist.

  At that moment, Maple looked at the sky, wondering what else the days of the tour would bring. She knew that what she had witnessed in Aria was just a glimpse of the real challenge of ruling this new world. Aria’s justice had been decisive, and now Maple understood better what it meant to rule.

  Although the day had been tumultuous, in the end, it left a sense of security: the kingdom was in good hands, not just because of its strength, but also because of the strong minds around it.