After a cheerful breakfast with my family, the taste of those delicious dishes still lingered on my tongue.

  I had, of course, painted my brother and sister’s faces black — and the whole dining hall was filled with laughter.

  Back in my room, soft dresses lay neatly on my bed. A blue Sylph gem encased in a crystal frame with a sky-colored ribbon glimmered beside them. At its center shone the crest of a princess’s crown — the treasure of our race and a sacred relic forged by the Goddess Sylphid herself.

  I reached for my sword. The sheath was finely engraved with elegant floral motifs from hilt to tip. When I drew the blade, its surface gleamed with tranquil azure light — like the still waters of a serene lake.

  “Swan Lake…” That was the name I gave it — the masterpiece I forged myself in the city’s grand forge.

  It was the culmination of everything I had learned in swordcraft, unbreakable, unblemished — because it carried my very own feathers within.

  I swung it through the air; the wind answered with a sharp, singing whisper.

  “Ah, right! Marinette! I should prepare some gifts for her.”

  As the thought crossed my mind, I called for my maids. They appeared instantly, bowing.

  “Your Highness, you called for us?”

  “Yes, please bring me several rolls of the newest high-grade fabric — and some elegant gift boxes as well.” I smiled warmly.

  “As you wish, Your Highness.”

  They bowed and hurried off.

  I tied the Sylph gem around my neck, stored my sword back within its magic seal, and checked my elemental flow. A small flame of azure danced in my palm — radiant and captivating, yet I felt no warmth from it.

  I clenched my fist, and the flame vanished without a sound.

  “Your Highness, we’ve brought the items you requested.”

  “Good. I’ll handle the rest myself — you may go.”

  After a polite bow, they withdrew.

  Before me now were fine fabrics of every color, and boxes of exquisite craftsmanship, all neatly arranged on a wooden table.

  I touched each fabric gently; the smooth, flowing texture glided over my fingers like liquid silk. Holding each folded piece up to the light — not a sound, not a wrinkle. Satisfied, I placed them carefully into the boxes.

  Smiling to myself, I stored the gifts into my magic circle.

  Then I left my room — and as I thought of Marinette’s delighted face, her starry eyes sparkling in excitement, I couldn’t help but smile quietly.

  As I walked through the halls, memories came rushing back — the days when she was always beside me: a companion, a student, and my little cat wandering the palace with pride and affection.

  Those days were precious. I still remember teasing her into brushing my hair just so I could talk with her, or discussing fashion designs with the others. And now… I walk alone, while she’s gone from this castle to Chanson de Lune, chasing her own dreams.

  The corridors echoed with my soft laughter as I wandered — bittersweet but warm.

  Eventually, I reached the Great Hall, where my family was already gathered. Before I could even step forward, my sister Saphira approached and handed me a small note — the ink still fresh.

  “I know you’re leaving soon, but don’t forget our promise from last night,” she said.

  “These measurements… did you cheat?” I asked, eyeing her mischievous grin.

  “I didn’t! Mother was there as witness.”

  Father, Mother, and my brothers all laughed. I folded the note and tucked it safely into my storage spell.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  “Well, if you listed them wrong, I’m not taking responsibility for the results.”

  “And if the outfit comes out strange, you’d better watch out.” I playfully threatened.

  “Ahaha, I know, I know! Celeste always gets scary when it comes to these things.”

  Everyone laughed together — even the maids couldn’t help but giggle.

  Then Mother’s calm voice silenced the hall.

  “Celeste, one more thing.”

  “Yes, Mother?”

  “About the letter this morning — you must never keep Queen Selena or anyone waiting your reply it. "

  After hearing this,i immedialetly hid myself in a corner. Mother did not scold me or get angry, but she made me feel scary.

  “To delay a response is to disrespect the one who wrote to you. Especially when that person is a Queen.”

  I bowed my head immediately. “I’m sorry, Mother. I have no excuse.”

  Mother smiled softly and patted my head. Her touch was light and soothing; I relaxed under her hand — perhaps a little too content.

  “Bring honor to the Sylphid royal family once more, Celeste. And keep me informed of everything there.”

  “Yes, Mother. I promise.”

  Then my eldest brother, Albedo Sylphid, approached. Elegant, poised, and calm — dressed in black with a white shirt and short cape, his red-tinted eyes observing me carefully.

  “Celeste,” he said simply, “do you have a plan?”

  I smiled gently. “ I have a plan. But you wouldn’t like it anyway.”

  “I only need a few things from that place. Don’t worry — I know its structure well.”

  A moment of silence. Then—

  “What?” Albedo’s expression froze. “That’s reckless!”

  He turned to our parents. “Father, Mother, I recommend that I go to her place.”

  Father glanced at Mother, but she spoke first:

  “No, Albedo. This is Celeste’s mission.”

  Reluctantly, he stepped back.

  He sighed, smiling faintly. “At least tell me you’re properly prepared.”

  “Of course,” I said, winking.

  Our second and third brothers laughed. “Relax, big brother! Don’t forget, Celeste once planned an entire campaign by herself!”

  Albedo groaned and flicked them both on the head.

  Moments later, I curtsied before the palace gate, smiling one last time at everyone.

  Then, with a graceful motion, I spread my wings and took flight.

  From behind, Mother Seraphina watched quietly, leaning into Father Sylpharion’s shoulder.

  “That sight… I’ve seen it in a dream before. Beautiful… and somehow sorrowful.”

  “Don’t be sad,” Father murmured, wrapping an arm around her. “It’s a farewell — but a beautiful one. And not yet the last.”

  As Celeste vanished into the sky, the royal family lingered — smiling with pride.

  “Mother,” said Saphira, “you’re not going to tell her it was you who drew on her face last night, are you?”

  Seraphina chuckled softly. “Why would I ruin the surprise?”

  The night before, after Celeste had fallen asleep, Saphira had been watching her peaceful face when Seraphina entered the room.

  “She didn’t mean any harm,” Saphira whispered. “Celeste just loves giving others little surprises.”

  Seraphina smiled down at her sleeping daughter. “So happy… and yet she dares ignore Selena’s letter.”

  She sighed, then pulled out a pen — and quietly drew a little cat face on Celeste’s cheek. Saphira nearly burst out laughing.

  “Sleep well, little sister… tomorrow will be fun,” she whispered.

  The next morning, as I soared above the city, the people looked up and waved.

  “Good morning, Princess Celeste!”

  “When’s your next fashion showcase, Your Highness?”

  “Thank you for everything, Princess!”

  I smiled and waved back at everyone. Their voices filled me with warmth and a touch of melancholy.

  The gardens were greener, the trees fuller — everything had changed since centuries past.

  Spreading my wings, I flew toward the gate of the Holy Kingdom. The knights guarding it immediately lowered their spears and bowed.

  “Princess Celeste, are you departing the realm?”

  “Yes. I have royal business in Sylphira Realm.”

  “May your journey be safe, Your Highness.”

  I nodded, stepped to the edge — and dove into the clouds below.

  Through the sea of white, crystal lakes appeared beneath me. Fish and tiny crabs swam among Calla lilies, and birds bathed by the shore.

  “Ahaha, so lively!” I called, swooping down to tease them. The flurry of feathers and splashes made me laugh aloud.

  Following the river through the forest — an ancient woodland older, some said, than even Queen Selena herself — I marveled at its life and music.

  “The forest’s still as vibrant as ever… I miss playing here with my sisters.”

  The chatter of animals echoed all around — a natural symphony without rhythm or end.

  Eventually, I reached an island where a grand orange villa gleamed like sunset.

  On the lawn played several Lion Gryphons, tumbling in joy, while a gray Griffin dozed lazily nearby.

  A black dragon conversed with a red-haired girl — her hair tied in a fiery ponytail, dragon horns crowning her head, a swaying red tail behind her white dress tinged with scorch marks.

  That was Crimson Flare, the half-dragon descendant of the Scarlet and Crimson lines — and the fiery assistant of my cousin Charlotte.

  “Flare, Dark’kar — it’s been too long. How have you been?”

  They turned at once, bowing deeply, those Lion Gryphons roar at the same times.

  “Princess Celeste! It’s an honor — everyone’s been well!” Flare smiled, the dragon Dark’kar roaring in greeting.

  I approached the gray Griffin and bowed in return.

  “Laula, it’s been ages. Are you happy living with Charlotte?”

  She cooed softly, pressing her head against me, her feathers warm and silky.

  Then, tiny chirps came from below — five adorable griffin tiny tumbled around her legs.

  “Laula, you’re a mother now. Congratulations!”

  Joy filled my heart. Laula and her kin were dear to our family — and every new life among them was a blessing.

  “She laid her eggs two months ago, Your Highness. Three daughters, two sons — all strong and healthy,” Flare said proudly.

  “Laula’s mate, Griffion, went hunting earlier, though I told him not to.”

  I sighed, smiling helplessly. “Flare, don’t argue with them — the Griffin are the pride of my nation, you know.”

  “Yes, Your Highness… though I wouldn’t mind a fight,” Flare muttered, tail flicking. Dark’kar chuckled deeply.

  I spent a while with them, then entered the house.

  The interior was vast — decorated with perches for birds, toys for beasts, and potted plants everywhere. The scent of applewood and animals filled the air — like stepping into a living forest.

  “Flare, does Charlotte visit often?”

  “From time to time,” she sighed. “Always with some new thing or excuse.”

  Then she smirked. “I suppose you’re here because the Star Gate is sealed, aren’t you?”

  She formed a crimson magic circle, producing a golden key. Approaching a carved wooden door the color of applewood — Charlotte’s signature hue — she turned the key. Above the frame spun a ring of colored lights, stopping on yellow.

  Click. The door opened to reveal a luxurious golden room — warm and sweet like coffee with cream.

  “This, Princess Celeste, is one of Charlotte’s little inventions — the Travelling Door. "

  " Take this key. It’s important — lose it, and you’ll never find the door again. And don’t forget to lock it behind you.”

  I accepted it carefully. “Thank you, Flare. I’ll treasure it.”

  She grinned. “You’ll have more fun if you just go, trust me.”

  I blinked. “Wait, did you just—”

  “I know, I know. You’re about to tell me not to be so short-tempered.”

  I froze. She really read my mind. In one day, i be read mind in two times.

  I chuckled awkwardly. “Still, anger’s dangerous, you know. What if you burn this place down?”

  “Impossible,” she said casually. “Tried that once. Total accident.”

  …I definitely need to talk to Charlotte about this.

  After saying goodbye, I stepped through the door. As it closed behind me, I thought I heard Flare say something faint — but her voice vanished in the shimmer of magic.

  The moment the door clicked shut, sunlight filled my vision.

  On the glass table sat a bouquet of her favorite blooms, basking in the light.

  I approached the balcony, gazing out over a lively city. Doves fluttered between rooftops; people chatted and laughed below, their melodic accents unmistakable.

  “This really is Chanson de Lune.”

  “Though… this building’s rather big. Almost looks like a hotel.”

  On the shelves, I found framed photos of Charlotte with all of us — including the twin princesses Luna and Arianna, daughters of Queen Selena. Their smiles were as bright as ever.

  “Those days… so nostalgic. She still cherishes them.”

  The photos were well-preserved — as if taken just yesterday.

  I returned the frame to its place and approached the door. My hand froze on the handle.

  Then it hit me — Flare’s final words.

  I sighed, resigned. “Guess I’ll have to do it this way. Let’s hope nothing breaks.”

  Taking a deep breath, I let the azure flame rise once more.

  Warmth enveloped me as my body dissolved into light — and in an instant, I vanished into the air.

  How do you feel on my novel, just tell, i will talk when im in.