Chapter 52 · The Taxidermied Palace

It had been several months.

Having escaped the western tower where even her breathing had been monitored, Isadel had finally returned to the princess's palace.

Before the main gate of the princess's palace. Isadel stopped and slowly raised her head.

Against the clear sky, the princess's palace rose majestically into view.

A massive palace wrought of pure white marble.

The blue dome shone brilliantly as if a piece of the sky had been cut away and set atop it, and the golden phoenix perched above displayed a dignity that seemed ready to take flight at any moment.

After a silence, Isadel slowly moved her lips.

"...I've returned."

She had thought this a sight she would never see again. She had not even dared hope she might cross this threshold alive once more.

Yet she had survived to the end and finally returned here.

But the joy of returning did not…