Richard felt that Grace now had a more relaxed personality despite her cold exterior—unlike when she was a child, when she had been truly cold-blooded.
He entered the castle, its living room simple with few furnishings.
"Why did you choose to live alone here, Grace?" Richard asked.
"Just seeking comfort. Plus, I prefer border regions where real battles happen more often. In the middle of the kingdom, no one dares oppose me once they know my background." Grace sat on a sofa and gestured for Richard to sit as well.
After taking a seat, she looked toward the short-haired green-haired Elf.
"Nella, bring snacks, fruits, and a few bottles of wine from the kitchen," she said.
The Elf nodded to Grace and left.
Richard couldn't help watching her, still wondering how Grace managed to have an Elf serving as her maid.
But this was personal—and likely a secret—so it wasn't appropriate to ask.
"Grace, I want to thank you for helping protect my city," Richard said again.
