Queen Of Adis

Since her awakening the other day, the entire Light Palace had completely been peeled off of its grayish-white blanket and myriads of colorful flowers started to bloom, creating warmth and joyful atmosphere throughout the place. The towering golden gate of the palace had been opened for the public to witness the spirit of spring.

The enormous roots of the giant oak tree were slowly growing beneath the ground, traveling beyond the palace walls and into the city. As the snow gradually melted, the moisture seeped through the soil and became the roots' nutrients. Verdant grass stretched across the land as its new carpet.

Inside the greenhouse, shoots of plants visibly sprouted from the dark-brown pigmented soils when fair and delicate fingertips brushed through it. Golden speckles drifted in the air and sprinkled its l.u.s.ter on top of the plants.

"Adis, what will happen if all the glaciers melt at once?" Haru asked as she continuously grazed the beds of soil with her touch, using her ability to hasten the growth of every plant.

The Demon King was currently seated on the garden chair while carrying Fenrir in his arms and feeding him with milk through a feeding bottle.

Vladimir was standing in front of his father while watching in amazement at how his little brother was eagerly s.u.c.k.i.n.g the rubber teat, petting the pup's head from time to time.

Fenrir had shown great improvement since he first came into the palace. He could now open his eyes and slowly walk by himself. He had also gained weight and could make faint mumbles.

Adis casually stated his reply without taking his eyes off of Fenrir. "If the glaciers melt all at once, the world's sea level will increase and it will cause devastating consequences. It will alter the geography of Trium Regum. Small islands and cities near the coast will be submerged into water and will cease to exist. Atlantis will take the biggest hit and perhaps will just become part of history."

Zen and Aquarius' footsteps halted when they heard their big brother's theory. They looked at each other before continuing their strides towards the family of four.

Zen scratched the back of his head as he remarked. "Well, that's quite a depressing topic for a breakfast conversation." He took a bite of a freshly baked blueberry scone before he added, "Sister-in-law, why did you suddenly asked such a question?"

"Well, I just thought that if I can melt the ice at once, it will greatly reduce the citizens' suffering and they can start tilling their lands again." She responded while wiping her dirty hands on the sides of her clothes.

As always, Fang, Millie, and Hannah were patiently standing at the corner, waiting for their master's beck and call. When Haru dirtied her pristine white long dress, it instantly earned a deep scowl from the stiff and stern chamberlain. He loudly cleared his throat to get the Demon King's attention and motioned his head to look at the spring maiden.

When Adis lifted his head to glance at his beloved, his eyes softened at her childlike behavior. "Haru, don't do that. You look like a grimy kid early in the morning. Come, let Adis clean you up."

He tried to scold her but it came out as though he was doting on her, which he truly was.

Haru's ladies-in-waiting just giggled when Fang sighed and shook his head in defeat.

Aquarius continued the topic as he took Fenrir from his brother's hands and softly patted the pup's back to make it burp. "I understand that you would like to end the winter soon, however, your power is also limited since you just acquired it. If you go beyond your strength and mana, you will suffer a backlash and even lose your life."

"So, where should I start? I want to do something today before I go and talk to Elior later." She pouted while her mind was bust thinking of something.

Then, her eyes suddenly lit up, an expression that they became accustomed to whenever she thought of a brilliant idea or huge mischief. They all prayed that it was the former one, though.

"Oh, I know! To lessen the mortality rate of the merpeople and other water creatures in Atlantis, I can melt the frozen lakes and rivers, at least the average ones for now. Then I can also plant a tree in the Water Palace to dissolve the snow there."

"That sounds like a plan to me," Aquarius was happy to hear that his realm will be the next to experience the blessing of the spring maiden. "I can accompany you on your tasks today, sister-in-law. What do you think, big brother?"

Adis nodded in agreement. He had to go back to Umbra as the ominous energy inside the Dark Palace was starting to become restless due to his long absence.

"Oh, oh, I can go with them, too." Zen raised his hand to volunteer.

"Very well. Please make sure to drop Vladimir back to the orphanage before you proceed with your business." He looked up at Haru and wiped the mud off of her cheek.

The couple was notified by the orphanage's administrator to return Vladimir in the shelter as some government officials would make their monthly census of the orphaned kids. Though they were saddened that the boy had to leave, they were assured by the administrator that it would just be for three days.

Adis and Haru already talked to their son about it and the boy obediently agreed. To make sure that he won't feel lonely, they promised that either of the two will visit Vladimir every day.

Haru smiled as he stroke Vladimir's head lovingly. However, her smile stiffened when a l.u.s.trous glow flashed in her eyes as if a transparent figure was standing in front of her. She blinked her eyes to adjust her sight, making sure that she wasn't hallucinating.

"Haru?"

She gasped softly and woke up from her daze when Adis called her name. She suddenly looked back at him and hum her inquiry, "Hm?"

"Why are you still standing there like you have seen a ghost? Sit beside me and have your breakfast." He patted the chair near him as he ordered her to move.

"A-all right," she faltered.

Before she sat on her chair, she rigidly glanced on the direction where she saw a glowing transparent figure but there was no one there. 'Was it really a ghost or just a product of my imagination?'

After their breakfast, Vladimir and Haru kissed Adis goodbye as they left for Atlantis together with Zen and Aquarius. Fenrir will be left in the care of Millie and Hannah.

That day, the mission of 'Melting the Ice and Snow' became known across the realms and every soul on the land prepared to witness the spring maiden and her miraculous touch.