The next day, Ard, Eva, Beatrice, and Rosalind headed to the palace to meet King Brutus in his study. The rest of the group stayed behind to prep for the journey, including Adeline. They had brought her along because everyone felt more comfortable keeping an eye on her than on Beatrice; besides, the Rosalind who was actually Reyna was there to keep Beatrice in check.
"Blam!" The door swung open. Beatrice burst inside with a beaming face, followed closely by Rosalind.
"Papa!" Beatrice shouted, running into the room.
A large man with a thick black beard, dressed in formal royal clothes but without his crown, looked up from his desk. He took off his glasses, and his face instantly lit up. He stood up and walked out from behind the desk, catching Beatrice as she jumped into his arms for a hug.
"Haha... you're finally home, my daughter," Brutus said, spinning Beatrice around.
"I am, Papa... it turns out the trip from the academy to here is a long one," Beatrice replied.
