Chapter 369: Before the Journey!

After that, Jax left the palace, heading out into the Capital. He watched as workers moved around briskly, preparing for the inevitable arrival of the Fairy Queen.

As Jax walked, the architecture around him changed. The portion of the capital he had arrived at had undergone significant renovation over the past several months.

Now, it had become one of the most important sections of the entire capital.

The Royal Guest District.

Jax slowed slightly as he entered through its enormous eastern gate and the two guards immediately recognized him.

"Your Majesty!"

They saluted and Jax nodded, "At ease."

The district stretched before him. Wide avenues curved between elegant residences built in numerous architectural styles.

It had been designed for various different species, from large ones reminiscent of dragons to naturist environments for any Elves who may visit in the future.

Several elegant villas had been constructed specifically for potential foreign diplomats. There were even residences designed to accommodate species that required unique environments.

One contained a constantly heated volcanic chamber while another was built around a miniature enchanted forest.

A third had an entire section flooded beneath crystal-clear water.

Jax had insisted on the district's creation shortly after taking the throne.

If Aeternum Noctis intended to become a true center of diplomacy, then its guests needed somewhere worthy of receiving them.

The decision had already begun paying off, as Merchants from other Kingdoms and species, who previously avoided the Demon Kingdom like the plague were beginning to check it out.

Realizing the civilness of the Demons, more and more were beginning to appear as word of mouth spread like wildfire throughout the world.

And among those currently residing in the guest houses was Seraphina, the young Merfolk Jax had saved, and the one who inspired this entire journey into the sea.

Jax followed the familiar avenue toward her residence. Her home stood near the northern edge of the district.

Unlike the more elaborate buildings surrounding it, Seraphina's residence possessed a distinctly oceanic design.

White stone walls curved gracefully around a central courtyard. Blue crystals were embedded throughout the exterior, their soft light reflecting across the nearby streets.

Small enchanted streams flowed along carefully carved channels surrounding the building. The water came directly from an underground mana spring and continuously circulated throughout the residence.

The moment Jax stepped through the outer gate, he could already sense her.

"She's here."

Jax smiled. He approached the front entrance and before he could even knock, the door opened, standing before him was Seraphina.

Her long hair fell gracefully around her shoulders as she stood in the doorway.

For several seconds, she simply stared at him and then her face immediately brightened, "Jax!"

She stepped forward quickly.

Jax barely had time to open his arms before she embraced him.

He smiled.

"Good morning."

Seraphina held him tightly.

"Good morning."

Her voice carried obvious happiness.

"You didn't tell me you were coming."

"I thought I'd surprise you."

"You succeeded."

Jax gently rested a hand against her back.

For several moments...

Neither moved.

Eventually, Seraphina pulled back slightly. Her eyes examined him, "You're alright? How was the trip? Did you have fun?"

The young girl barraged Jax with questions and he took quite a bit to answer them all.

Seraphina finally smiled as he finished telling her about his exploits, "Quick, come in,"

The interior of her residence was even more peaceful than the outside. Soft blue light filled the halls. Several large crystal windows overlooked a private garden where enchanted water flowed through marble channels.

The entire place carried a faint scent of fresh rain.

Jax followed Seraphina into the main sitting room. She immediately gestured toward one of the couches.

Multiple Elder Merfolk were stationed around the house, presumably to take care of the young Merfolk Princess Seraphina.

Jax took a seat on one of the couches, while Seraphina settled beside him.

The young Merfolk Princess was visibly excited, still smiling after hearing everything he had told her about his journey to the Western Varoza Ocean.

However, Jax's expression gradually became more serious and Seraphina noticed immediately.

"What is it?"

Jax smiled faintly, "I found a way into the Merfolk Kingdom."

"..."

For a moment, Seraphina simply stared at him.

Then her eyes widened.

"You... what?"

Jax reached beneath his coat and pulled out the crystal pendant Meridia had given him. The small orb attached to the necklace shimmered softly beneath the room's blue light.

"I met someone during my journey who was able to help me," Jax explained. "Now I know how to reach the kingdom, and I have permission to enter."

Seraphina's gaze remained fixed on the pendant.

"Really?"

"Really."

Her expression slowly changed.

The happiness she had displayed moments earlier faded into something much more emotional.

Jax could practically see her thoughts racing about her family and hr home.

Everyone who had spent months believing that something terrible might have happened to her after she had disappeared into the dangerous oceans beyond their territory.

Seraphina lowered her eyes.

"...They're alive, right?"

Jax's expression softened.

"I don't know yet."

She looked back at him immediately.

"But," he continued, "that's exactly why I'm going."

Jax leaned back slightly.

"I'll head to the Merfolk Kingdom tomorrow. Once I'm there, I'll inform your family that you're safe. I'll find out what's been happening, speak with them, and if everything goes well..."

He smiled.

"I'll arrange for them to speak with you."

Seraphina's lips parted slightly.

"Jax..."

"I know you've been worried about them."

She had rarely spoken about it directly.

Seraphina had remained remarkably strong since Jax rescued her, but he knew she missed home. No amount of safety within the Demon Kingdom could completely erase the worry of being separated from her family without knowing what had happened after her disappearance.

Jax reached over and gently rested his hand atop hers.

"You don't have to worry anymore."

Seraphina looked down at their hands.

"You found a way..."

"I said I would help you."

Her eyes slowly began shimmering.

Jax chuckled.

"Don't start crying."

"I'm not crying."

"You are absolutely about to cry."

"I'm not!"

A few of the Elder Merfolk stationed nearby exchanged amused looks.

Seraphina quickly looked away, trying unsuccessfully to hide her expression.

Jax laughed.

Then she suddenly moved.

She threw her arms around him again.

This time, Jax was actually caught slightly off guard.

"Thank you."

Her voice was quiet.

"Seriously... thank you, Jax."

Jax smiled and returned the embrace.

"For what?"

Seraphina immediately pulled back enough to stare at him.

"For everything!"

Her expression became earnest.

"You saved me. You brought me here. You gave me somewhere safe to stay, and now you're actually going all the way to the Merfolk Kingdom just to tell my family I'm alright."

She tightened her arms around him.

"I don't even know how I'm supposed to thank you."

Jax rested his chin lightly atop her head.

"You don't need to."

"But..."

"Seraphina."

She went quiet.

Jax smiled.

"You're safe. That's enough for me."

For several moments, the young Princess said nothing.

Then she nodded against him.

"...Okay."

Jax gently patted her back.

"Besides, I'll be back before you know it."

Seraphina finally released him and wiped quickly beneath one eye.

"I'll be waiting."

"Good."

Jax stood from the couch.

Seraphina immediately looked up.

"You're leaving already?"

"I still have things to prepare before tomorrow."

He glanced down at the crystal pendant.

"The ocean isn't exactly a place where I can show up unprepared, even with Meridia's help."

Seraphina nodded before smiling again.

"Then... good luck."

Jax returned the smile.

"I'll need it."

She crossed her arms.

"You definitely won't."

Jax laughed.

"Fair point."

He began walking toward the entrance before stopping and looking back at her one final time.

"Sit tight, Princess."

Seraphina smiled brightly.

"I will."

Jax nodded.

"Next time I come here, hopefully I'll have news from your family."

Her expression immediately softened.

"I'll be waiting for you."

With that, Jax left the residence, while Seraphina remained standing within the peaceful sitting room.

For the first time since arriving in the Demon Kingdom, the young Merfolk Princess finally allowed herself to feel something she had spent months trying not to.

Hope to see her family once again.