Frontline Empress

(Alexandra POV)

I woke slowly, the weight of a thick, warm blanket wrapped around me. It was so different from the thin linen I'd grown used to, the kind that barely kept out the cold, where I relied on the closeness of my comrades for warmth during the night. For a moment, I simply stayed still, feeling the unfamiliar comfort.

Rubbing my eyes, I sat up, pulling the blanket tighter around my bare skin. My gaze drifted around the dimly lit tent until it settled on Ophelia. She was sitting cross-legged near the center, her body still except for the slow rise and fall of her chest. She wore only her undergarments, her silver hair loose around her shoulders. Her eyes were open, fixed on the ceiling above her.

It took me a moment to realize she wasn't meditating. Her gaze was unblinking, distant, and heavy with exhaustion. The dark circles under her eyes were deeper than I remembered. I had barely noticed before, but they'd been getting worse.

I stood, still clutching the blanket, and took a few quiet steps toward her. Even as I moved in front of her, she didn't react. Her focus remained elsewhere, lost in whatever thoughts weighed on her.

"Ophelia?" I said softly, tilting my head to meet her gaze. She blinked once, her attention slowly shifting to me.

"Alex? It is not morning yet," She softly replied, standing up and guiding me back to the center of the tent before sitting down with me. 

"Have you been awake this entire time?" I worryingly asked. "Is there something on your mind?" 

"Oh, no, I was just planning for the future."

"You look exhausted," I said, keeping my voice soft but steady.

Ophelia gave me a small smile, one that didn't quite reach her silver eyes. "Go back to sleep, Alex. You need to rest."

I tightened the blanket around me, shifting closer instead of listening. "You need to rest too. You've got a big day tomorrow. We'll be in the capital by noon, and you'll need all your energy to deal with what's waiting there."

Her gaze flicked to me briefly, then returned to some unseen point beyond the tent's ceiling. "That is exactly why I am still awake," she said. "I'm planning for the future… and speaking of my plans, I hope you understand, but nobody except the people close to us can know about our relationship. I am sorry, but it is too dangerous."

The calm in her tone made my stomach knot. I hesitated for a moment before pressing on. "I… I understand… but what else are you planning? Are you going over your itinerary? Thinking about who you'll meet?"

Her expression didn't change, but when she spoke again, her voice carried an edge that sent a shiver down my spine. "No, Alexandra. I'm planning for each and every possible interaction I could have tomorrow."

"H-Huh? Seriously?" 

"Yes, now go back to sleep. I can nap in the carriage anyways." 

My lips pursed for a moment before cracking open once again. "But you never nap. I don't think you realize how much we all pay attention to what's happening inside the carriage." 

I stared at her for a moment, my chest tightening with worry. The way she spoke, the weight in her voice—it was too much. Without thinking, I moved closer and wrapped my arms around her. "You don't have to do this alone," I murmured, holding her tightly.

To my relief, Ophelia hugged me back, her arms encircling me with surprising warmth despite her exhaustion. "Are you really alright?" I asked softly, resting my chin on her shoulder. "I mean it. If something's bothering you, I'm here. I'm worried about you… about your health."

I waited for her response, but none came. Her breathing slowed, her grip loosening ever so slightly. Confused, I pulled back just enough to glance at her face.

That's when I heard it—a faint, almost inaudible snore. I froze for a moment before realization set in. She'd fallen asleep, just like that.

I let out a soft sigh of relief, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Poor thing," I whispered under my breath.

Carefully, I shifted her weight, laying her down on the soft bedding. I wrapped the thick blanket around her, tucking it securely to keep her warm. She barely stirred, her expression peaceful in a way I hadn't seen in what felt like weeks.

Still clutching the edge of the blanket, I slid under it beside her. The tent was cool, and her warmth was a comfort I hadn't realized I needed. I pressed close, snuggling up against her and draping an arm gently over her waist. Her steady breathing filled the quiet room, and for the first time in a while, I felt my own body begin to relax.

"Sweet dreams," I whispered, my eyes closing as sleep slowly pulled me under.

… 

The carriage creaked to a gentle halt as it reached the edge of the mountain cliff. Captain Edwin leaned out from the driver's perch, turning slightly to knock on the door. "You'll want to see this," he said, his tone light but carrying a hint of awe.

Ophelia stepped out, her silver hair catching the sunlight as the cool mountain breeze brushed past her. She blinked against the brightness and took a step forward. The view opened before her, and even she, so rarely moved by grandeur, found herself momentarily breathless.

Spread out below was the Holy City of Jangbrat III, nestled within a massive canyon. The jagged cliffs surrounding the basin gave way to lush greenery that sprawled across the floating plateaus and the earth below. 

The city itself rose like a jewel in the center, its towering spires glinting gold in the sunlight, as though each were carved from a single piece of divine metal. Smaller islands of land floated lazily in the air around the city, connected by shimmering bridges of light.

At the city's heart, a colossal tower pierced the heavens, its pinnacle crowned with a radiant crystal that pulsed softly like a heartbeat. Streams of light stretched outward from it, illuminating the city in a holy glow that spilled into the surrounding landscape. 

Nearby, a shimmering lake reflected the city's brilliance, its waters broken only by the gentle cascade of waterfalls tumbling down the cliff faces. In the distance, glowing green sigils marked sites of mysterious power, humming faintly with energy.

The sheer scale and artistry of the city were overwhelming. It felt alive, as though the very air vibrated with the past, present, and future. The distant hum of bustling streets, the faint sound of bells chiming in harmony, and the occasional glimmer of golden birds flying around the peaks of each building.

Ophelia stood at the cliff's edge, silent for a long moment, her silver eyes scanning every detail. She folded her arms over her chest, her usual composure only slightly masking the awe that spread through her body.

Captain Edwin watched her from his seat, a light smile playing on his lips. "Beautiful, isn't it?" he said softly.

She nodded, her voice quiet when she finally spoke. "Beautiful… and overwhelming. The city feels like a living being."

'It is a shame I never got to see this place before I regressed…' She then thought to herself.

"You'll be at its heart soon enough," Edwin replied. "Take your time. Views like this don't come often."

Ophelia let the moment linger, allowing herself to absorb the sight. Whatever trials awaited her in the Holy City, they could wait just a little longer…

Soon, the descent down the winding path was slow and arduous. The narrow road hugged the cliffside, each turn revealing a glimpse of the vast canyon below. The city glimmered in the distance, framed by the flowing river that encircled it. The air grew cooler as they descended, the sound of rushing water growing louder with each passing moment.

Finally, the group reached the base of the cliff, where the path leveled off near the riverbank. Standing near the edge was a pylon. It towered over them, its surface smooth and carved with intricate runes that glowed faintly in the daylight. At its peak, a crystalline jewel shimmered, radiating a quiet, golden light that pulsed like a heartbeat. 

Guarding the pylon was a giant, towering over the carriage at eight meters tall. His frame was encased in thick metal armor, each plate burnished and battle-worn. On his chestplate, the insignia of a golden sun stood out prominently. His rugged face was framed by a long, unkempt brown beard and equally scruffy hair that hung past his shoulders. His black eyes were sharp, piercing, and unwavering, holding an intensity that made even the bravest hesitate… of course except for Ophelia.

As the carriage approached, the giant's gaze swept over them. For a moment, his expression remained hard and unreadable. Then recognition flashed across his face. He stepped aside without a word, the heavy sound of his armored boots reverberating against the ground. His massive hand gestured toward the pylon silently, giving the group permission.

Captain Edwin guided the carriage closer, halting just before the glowing structure. He climbed down, extending a hand toward the pylon's jewel. In his palm, a golden flame flickered to life, small yet impossibly bright. He pressed the flame against the jewel, and the entire pylon responded, its light intensifying in a sudden, blinding flare.

In the blink of an eye, the world shifted. The roaring river, the cliff, and the towering giant disappeared. The group found themselves standing in front of a sprawling estate, its gates tall and ornate, flanked by manicured gardens and shimmering pools. The air here was still, heavy with the faint scent of blossoms and stone warmed by the sun.

Captain Edwin turned to the group with a small nod. "Welcome to the estate. The city awaits."

Captain Edwin stepped to the carriage entrance, offering his hand to Ophelia. She didn't hesitate to place her fingers lightly in his, allowing him to guide her down. As her boots touched the cobblestone path, her gaze lifted to the grand estate before her. Its tall gates stood open, leading to a meticulously tended garden lined with trimmed hedges and flower beds bursting with color. The faint hum of a fountain added to the tranquil scene.

Walking through the gates, Ophelia's presence seemed to ripple through the air. Ahead of her, two perfectly arranged columns flanked the path. Six maids stood in one line, six butlers in the other, their uniforms crisp and pristine. As she approached, they all bowed in unison, their voices ringing out in a rehearsed chorus, "Welcome, Lady Ophelia. We are honored to serve you."

Ophelia nodded curtly, her expression calm and unreadable. Her silver eyes flickered briefly over them before turning to the Holy Knights, who had followed her out of the carriage. Captain Edwin stepped forward, his armor clinking faintly as he spoke. "Our mission ends here, Lady Ophelia. We will take our leave, but rest assured, you will see us again soon."

The knights gave their formal bows, but Alexandra lingered. Her golden eyes were dim with sadness, her movements hesitant as she tried to step closer to Ophelia. However, Ophelia's eyes remained cold, yet as they parted, she could see Ophelia mouth a few words…

I love you.

She nodded silently with a smile, holding back tears as she turned to join the other knights. The group returned to the carriage and soon escorted it back to where it was supposed to be held. 

Now alone with the servants, Ophelia turned, her sharp gaze meeting theirs. Though their heads remained bowed, she could feel their eyes on her, watchful and piercing. Every detail about her—her posture, her expressions, even the rhythm of her steps—was being silently cataloged. She knew their observations wouldn't end here. 

The empire's network was vast, and reports would travel quickly, undoubtedly landing on the desk of one man in particular: Royal Attendant Stegertath. Their brief encounter in the forest had left her with no illusions about his influence, and she was certain he wasn't the only one watching her now. The weight of scrutiny would only grow heavier once she was officially titled a Duchess, a fact she had already anticipated.

As Ophelia walked past the two rows of servants, her lips curled into a faint smile. They couldn't know the thoughts racing behind her calm exterior. 

'Now,' she thought to herself, 'I hope you do not disappoint me, O' Great Holy City.'