“My… my lady? Is it really you, my lady?”

“I should be asking that. Egru, is it really you?”

“How did you recognize me? I mean, I’ve changed so much…”

“How could I not recognize my dearest friend?”

At the word ‘dearest,’ Röweghor’s back twitched noticeably. She was in the middle of negotiating with Felmus to secure the elf who was her wife’s friend. Mayfield, not noticing this, cupped Egru’s face in her hands. As if unable to believe it, she examined every feature of his face.

“You’ve changed a bit, but that doesn’t matter at all. You’ve grown so tall, Egru. Now I have to look up at you?”

Not only had his skin color changed, but the scars on his pointed ears had vanished as well. There was no trace anywhere of the severe injuries Barden had reported. But whether it was Barden’s mistake or some miraculous magic, it didn’t matter at all. She was just grateful to see her friend alive again.

“I’m sorry, Egru. I’m so sorry…”

Mayfield couldn’t hide her overwhelming emotions. Her eyes, which had been full of joy, became tearfully tender.

“That day, that last day, I didn’t mean what I said.”

She buried her face in her friend’s shoulder, whom she’d met again after such tribulations, and repeatedly apologized. The apology she had longed to give but couldn’t, thinking she would never have the chance again.

“You must have had such a difficult farewell too, but I only forced my own feelings without considering yours. I shouldn’t have done that, and I can’t even imagine how deeply I must have hurt you. I was such a complete fool back then.”

“N-no, that’s not true! My lady has always been wonderful!”

Seeing Mayfield cry, Egru hurriedly embraced her tightly. Endless sobs escaped her lips, pressed against his warm embrace.

“I’m so happy to see you again. I wanted to keep telling you how sorry I was…”

“D-don’t cry. My lady has nothing to apologize for!”

“Egru…”

Mayfield suddenly looked up at him, sniffling.

“Yes, I do.”

“Pardon?”

“I absolutely do. Trust me on this. But it’s okay.”

A gentle smile spread across Mayfield’s face as she firmly held Egru’s hands.

“You’ve probably never had a proper chance to receive an apology, or anyone to teach you how to handle one. I’ll teach you from now on, so you don’t need to worry about anything.”

Egru smiled brightly in response to Mayfield’s smile.

“You adorable thing.”

Mayfield gently pinched Egru’s cream-colored cheek as she laughed along with him.

“Let’s go to the palace now. I have so much to talk about. I need to hear how you ended up here…”

“Pardon my intrusion, Your Majesty.”

Felmus suddenly stepped between them and grabbed Egru’s forearm. Then, addressing Röweghor rather than Mayfield, he spoke:

“King Röweghor.”

Mayfield tightened her grip on Egru’s hand. Her tension was evident, fearing he might be taken away.

“I apologize, but your verbal oath alone is insufficient. Would you be willing to sign this makeshift contract our side has prepared?”

“I agree. To us orcs, honor is as solid as metal and stone.”

Their interests seemed to align, as the negotiation appeared to proceed smoothly. It was the result of Röweghor’s careful efforts to minimize friction with the elven side. As Röweghor carefully examined the contract under the elven delegation’s guidance—

“Come here, Egru. We can go together now.”

When Mayfield gently pulled Egru, Felmus whirled around to face him, still not releasing his grip on Egru’s arm.

“You.”

“Y-yes!”

Egru’s posture stiffened rigidly, apparently tense at Felmus’s call.

“Bring your face here for a moment.”

“?”

“Now.”

Mayfield was horrified as Egru approached with a bewildered expression.

“What are you doing!”

Because Felmus had grabbed both of Egru’s cheeks and pulled him close. As if about to kiss him. Fortunately, Felmus merely pressed his forehead against Egru’s.

“It’s nothing to worry about, Your Majesty. Please be at ease.”

Calmly reassuring Mayfield, Felmus lowered his voice and looked directly at Egru.

“These are the location and passwords for elven territory.”

As Felmus quietly chanted magic, a faint light swirled between their touching foreheads. Egru’s eyes widened in surprise at the information flowing into his mind.

“Come seek this place later. Understood?”

“Y-yes!”

“Ah, I almost forgot to warn you.”

Felmus spoke while slowly pulling his forehead away.

“If you reveal this to other races, your head will explode.”

“Really?”

“I wish I could say no, but it’s true. Guard these secrets with your life if necessary.”

“Yes!”

“Hmph.”

Though reluctantly, Felmus finally stepped back. By then, Röweghor had finished signing and approached with the horse’s reins. As they bid farewell to the elven delegation, orc forces had arrived at the scene.

“Watch your step.”

Mayfield helped Egru into the royal carriage before climbing in herself. When Röweghor boarded on the opposite side, his large frame made the interior feel quite full. Egru quickly bowed his head in gratitude to the nation’s king.

Mayfield spoke with tear-filled laughter:

“Let’s return to the palace, Egru.”

Wiping his own eyes, Egru too broke into a broad smile.

***

“When, when will he come out…”

Mayfield paced in front of the examination room, biting her nails. After what seemed like ages of anxious waiting, the firmly closed door finally opened.

“Well, how is his health?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. He may eat freely. In fact, he’s currently undernourished, so he must consume essential nutrients.”

At the court physician’s words, Mayfield internally rejoiced. Though she maintained her queenly composure briefly, her steps quickened as soon as she entered the private examination room. Her old personality began to emerge as she grew excited after so long. Egru was just changing out of his examination gown while sitting on a simple chair.

“Levian is a liar, Egru.”

“Pardon?”

“How could they interfere with three meals a day? Messing with basic necessities crosses the line by far. They must have been desperate to torment you. If you knew how much resentment I’ve built up…”

Growl – that’s when his stomach rumbled. Egru, who had been wearing a puzzled expression, bent over in embarrassment. He seemed to be trying to tense his stomach to prevent more sounds.

“I-I’m sorry, my lady. Please continue…”

“Get up right now. Let’s go to the banquet hall.”

Mayfield took Egru’s hand without hesitation and led him away.

Opening the ornate banquet hall doors revealed a long dining table. Röweghor was already seated at the head of the table.

“Egru?”

Mayfield turned around to look at Egru, who had suddenly stopped moving. He stood rigid as if struck by lightning.

His amber eyes stared in disbelief at the endless feast before him. The white tablecloth was barely visible beneath the lavish spread that filled every space. There was an abundance of meat dishes, including whole roasted turkey and pork. Various soups, pickled dishes, and unfamiliar breads as well. The magnificent banquet was enough to make his legs weak.

But among everything, what caught Egru’s attention most was…

Gulp.

The cheeses, arranged by type and size. The various cheeses were carefully laid out on a separate square table near the window.

“Egru? Egru!”

“Ah, um…!”

Snapping back to his senses at Mayfield’s call, Egru spoke up.

“I-if you’ll excuse me, my lady. Could I… could I bring the children?”

“Ah, you mean the twins.”

Mayfield suddenly gave a slight smile.

“Why aren’t you eating and trying to give it to the kids again? Philip told me everything. How you kept going hungry because you gave them your food no matter how many times they refilled your tray.”

“P-please. Couldn’t I share my portion?”

“Hm?”

Mayfield tilted her head. Egru seemed to think each person had a fixed allocation of the feast on the table.

“I’m joking, Egru. Of course the children my best friend cares for can eat together with us.”

“Then…!”

“But not today. Don’t worry, I’ve already arranged for the children to be taken care of separately. They’re probably already sleeping in their chambers after eating their fill. And listen.”

Mayfield led Egru to sit at the table.

“You can eat as much as you want of everything on this table.”

“?”

“This is all yours, Egru.”

Röweghor gave a wistful look that seemed to say ‘What about me, dear?’, but Mayfield cut him off with a glance, indicating just for today.

Egru just blinked slowly for a while. Tears gradually welled up in his amber eyes as they wandered dazedly over the table. Sniffling tearfully, Egru broke into a clear smile.

“I… I could…”

“Yes?”

“I could go without food for ten days after this…”