The news of the duke's survival put everyone in a better mood, but the reality of their situation is still grim. The duchy can't function without David's leadership, but the duke's soul is currently housed in an unhatched egg waiting to be born. It's unthinkable that the knights of the duchy would seek out their orders from an unborn egg. As the sole heir of the duke, the burden of leadership falls on Ariellia's small shoulders. It's an unfamiliar role she's never had to take part in before, if it were Eren, he'd probably know what to say or do to resolve things maturely. Lost and confused about what to do, she looks to Uncle Jasper for guidance. The older dragon knows just how much he and David spoiled her growing up so he is not surprised by her reaction.
"Go gather the bodies of the dead, we will hold a proper funeral for them once the city is secure and the citizens return. Also gather the loot left by the monsters, deposit them into the treasury, we will hold a feast to honor our dead and reward the living. Those who are severely injured should seek immediate treatment from the healers. Do not strain yourselves any further, you have all fought hard for the duchy. On behalf of the duke, you have my thanks."
The dragon lord then proceeds to do the unthinkable, bowing before everyone present to show his sincerity. It was just moments ago when he turned into a massive red dragon, violently tossing around the intimidating wyrm like it was a stuffed toy. Recalling the deadly beast behind the human façade who would accept such a thing. Many of the knights felt uneasy, unable to accept such praise from such a high being.
"That's enough Uncle Jasper, you'll scare them to death at this rate." Arie chuckles, fondly caressing the egg in her arms with great care. She turns around, properly facing Rei for the first time since she was sealed. It's unlikely that he'd understand the complicated look in her amethyst eyes. He's still the same person, yet she can't resolve her complex feelings after watching him through the seal. The treatment was the same at first, he'd ignored Eren just as much, but things slowly started changing after Jasper kidnapped her. He suddenly started showing a different side to him that she's unfamiliar with. A youthful, vulnerable side, he'd never let show before. She can't help but feel a bit bitter thinking it was Eren that brought about these changes and not her.
If she never summoned Eren would their relationship still be stuck in a state of indifference? Just thinking of such a thing made her heart ache a bit. Should she be grateful for the misplaced affection he's now showing towards her?
"Lady Garrod I must apologize!" Her troubling thoughts are interrupted by Neilos. The green-haired elf still looks tortured by his own incompetence.
"My conscience won't let me rest if I don't clear up the misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding?" She frowns.
"It's not that the duke rushed ahead to fight the wyrm. It was I that couldn't stick to the plan and drew its' wrath. The duke joined the fight only to protect me and the knights. Had I not acted rashly, he would have waited for Lord Jasper to return." By the end of his confession, Neilos is a wreck, crying bitterly over his poor judgement. He knows things might not have turned out this way if David had been paired with Jasper or even Rei. It was his cockiness that cost the duke his life.
Arie sighs, any other time she would curse him for his reckless actions but seeing him beat himself up like this is more than enough. She knows it will only shatter the last shred of confidence he has as a warrior if she adds on.
"It's okay Nei, my dad will be okay. I'm glad you're not hurt."
"Nei?" Rei frowns, feeling uncomfortable by the sudden familiarity between them.
"Arie!" The green-haired elf is so overjoyed to hear her call him by his nickname that he rushes forward to hug her. He's only unsuccessful because Rei quickly grabs his face with lightning-fast reflexes, preventing him from taking a single step closer.
"What's your problem!" Neilos protests, fuming as he's forced to step back.
"Are you blind, look at what she's holding. What if you break the egg? What did the duke ever do to you that you'd risk harming him a second time." His harsh words are seriously effective. The dark elf flees in despair, his guild companions chasing after him soon after.
"What are you being so mean for, a dragon egg wouldn't break from a mere hug." Ariellia mutters while trying not to smile at the fluttering butterflies in her stomach. It's an unfamiliar sight to see him so jealous on her behalf.
"We should get back to the castle."
It's cute to see the kids bickering but they still have many concerns to take care of. Jasper offers to teleport everyone back and this time no one objects. Ariellia feels the egg in her arms shift a bit as they are swallowed by a column of fire. When the spell ends, the next thing she sees is the main hall of the castle. Miranda and the rest of the maids are startled by their sudden entrance. Instead of evacuating with the rest, they had chosen to stay and defend their Lord's home. It's an alarming sight to see the old elf holding a thick intimidating iron spiked ball and chain in her hands, ready to swing it at a moment's notice. All these years growing up under her care, Ariellia has never seen Miranda fight anyone. It appears everyone has a past and she's just been blissfully unaware all these years.
"My lady, you are alright!"
The spiked ball and chain promptly disappear from her hands as though it had all been an illusion. The old dark elf quickly begins to fuss over her, checking for any injuries she may have sustained outside. If she really told the other of what happened to her and how she'd been kidnapped by the king's men, threatened, and nearly defiled, the older elf might faint on the spot from worry. In the end she decides it's best to keep her in the dark for now, it's a good thing Rei was thoughtful enough to wipe all that blood off her face in the cave. She wiggles out of Miranda's hands, purposely hiding behind her husband before the sharp maid can spot her bruised wrists.
"My lady why are you being like this, I need to check to make sure you're okay." Miranda anxiously rings her maid apron in her hands while trying to sneak past Rei to get to her mistress.
"It's okay Miranda, I will take care of the rest." He gives a charming smile that most can't say no to.
"Ah, of course! With young master Rei's excellent skills in healing there's nothing to worry about." She's finally convinced. "But my Lady where is the duke, why did he not come back with you?"
…
There's an awkward silence as everyone tries to figure out how to best explain their current situation. Ariellia finally steps out of Rei's shadow, presenting the blue egg to everyone present.
"He's right here. His excellency may have lost his life as a dark elf, but from now on he'll live on as a dragon lord!" She proudly proclaims with a stiff face, knowing just how crazy it sounds even to her own ears.
"Oh my!" This time the overload is just too much, Miranda really does faint.