Family

"Your majesty, I believe it's dangerous for you to go there." The knight spoke up when I was about to enter an under construction house so I turned to him

"Is it?" I asked and began walking back

"Where do you wish to go to next, your majesty?" he asked on our way back to the carriage

"I'd like to take a look at the outskirts." I replied and I saw how he stilled

"I beg your pardon, your majesty, do you mean the slums?" he clarified and I nodded

"Is there a problem, knight? I believe the outskirts are still part of Astrae." I said

"As you wish, your majesty," I said and he opened the carriage door for me

I went inside the carriage and sat comfortably, I glanced at my wrist, I have not recovered the communication bracelet yet, but I still do wear the necklace. I looked out into the window of the carriage and I saw how the houses change sizes, it became smaller and simpler but a wave of delight touched my heart when I saw that the houses are no longer made of wood, some are made of stone and the doors and windows are obviously reconstructed.

"Are you certain of this, your majesty?" I heard uncertainty in the knight's voice when we arrived in a part of the outskirts and I nodded

"Of course, why would I not be?" I asked he lowered his gaze

"I apologize for my insolence, your majesty." He said and went out, opening the door for me

He was about to announce but I shook my head and went down, he assisted me and I smiled upon seeing how much the outskirts of Astrae has changed after a few months.

"Good afternoon, everyone," I smiled at them and they look thunderstruck upon seeing me

"Y-your majesty," they said and immediately knelt on one knee

"Please, stand up," I said gently and they stood up

"It's our greatest honor to be visited by her majesty, the queen." A familiar woman said

"How are you all doing? I do hope the resources are enough to help you build your shelters." I asked and she looked up and lowered her head again

"We're much honored to be helped by her majesty." Another one said and I looked around

"If you need any other help, don't hesitate to tell the knights so that we are informed." I said calmly as I take a walk and look around

"Yes, your majesty, thank you very much." They said while bowing in gratitude

"It's our duty to see that our people are given homes." I said and smiled

"I won't distract you from your tasks any longer, have a good day and take care, everyone." I said and they bowed again

"Thank you for you visit, your majesty." They said and I nodded

"It won't be the last, I hope to see you all again next time." I said and smiled

I went back inside the carriage and informed the coachman to bring me to the Academy. I smiled when I saw the kids playing happily within the gates. It's quite heartening to see their them smiling and playing around. When the carriage stopped, the knight went out first then assisted me to enter the gates.

"Her majesty, the queen, is here!"

After that, the teaching personnel and children went to us and bowed their heads.

"Hello," I greeted them with a smile

"How are you, everyone?" I asked

"We're doing fine, your majesty." One of the personnel replied and I smiled

"Come inside with the children, your majesty." A gray-haired woman invited me and I smiled before following

We entered the academy and I declined their offer of serving me tea as I did not come to snack her but I came here to see them.

"You're so beautiful." The children looked at me with admiration

"Am I?" I asked and they nodded with their glittering eyes

"You are all so adorable as well, children." I said and smiled

"Do you have baby dragons in the palace?" one little boys asked

Looking at him, how I wish the young prince is awake and is here, playing with these children lively. They are innocently asking me about several of things cheerfully.

"No, we do not have baby dragons in the palace." I said and shook my head

"How about tigers?" another one asked and I shook my head

"How about leprechauns, do they live inside the palace where there are gold and diamonds?" one of the little girls asked I chuckled

"No, we don't have leprechauns as visitors either." I said and while smiling

"Children, I think you are bothering her majesty too much." One of the instructors said

"Oh no, I am delighted to answer all of their queries, children are a breath of fresh air from the walls of the study." I said with a smile and shook my head gently

"You study all the time, your majesty?" another child asked and I looked up and acted like I was thinking before I looked at them and shook my head

"When I was a kid, no, I spend my mornings reading but I get to play after lunch if I am done with my reading assignments and lessons." I answered

"How about now?" another little boy asked

"Hmm, it's my work so, yes, I study after breakfast until the dinner, with only lunch time as my break on daily basis." I answered

"My mother said if I study, I will become smart! Her majesty is very smart because she is always studying." Another child exclaimed while adorably bobbling her head up and down

"Well, it's a different kind of study, actually." I chuckled and then my eyes landed on someone watching us from a bit of distance silently

"Do you know her?" I asked the children and they looked at Avice's direction

"Yes, your majesty!" they nodded their heads

"I apologize, your majesty, she's really a timid girl, she rarely speak and we all only know her as A." The instructor said and glanced Avice before looking at me apologetically

"Children, let's play outside!" one of the other instructors called and the children went running towards her and dashing out on the door, every child except one; Avice.

"A, her majesty is here." The instructor said and went to her but I noticed that she's just looking at me from afar and it dawned to me.

Avice… Her mother died because of a noble family, she must be reluctant to approach me thinking that I am one of those people who had taken her parents away.

"Avice," I called the child standing a bit away from us and she looked at me with wide eyes

"Your majesty?" she looked at me completely confused

"I thought you'd be delighted to see me again." I told her and the instructor looked completely lost as to how I know her

"I brought you bread again." With that her eyes widened and she ran to me, hugging me

I chuckled and caressed her hair as she hugged me tightly. She's still as small as I last saw her but she's no longer as skinny as before, her honey skin tone looks prettier now that she's gained weight.

"I missed you too, Avice." I said and she looked up with her eyes glistened with tears

"How is… how is sister her majesty?" she looked at me confusedly

"I was still planning on taking Astrae back during the time we met, and I am still the sister you met. Don't worry," I said and caressed her cheek

"Really?" she asked with anticipation and I nodded "Yes, of course," I nodded

"Sister," she mumbled and I smiled at her

I didn't mind what she called me as I could be her sister, the other villagers and people of Astrae can also be our uncles, aunts, or cousin as Astrae Kingdom is a family.