Sungalepore was a kingdom built on a foundation of respect and unwavering order.

Soldiers patrolled the streets in perfect formation, their bright red flags adorned with a diamond symbol held high. Citizens either stayed inside their homes, silently watching the soldiers march, or cautiously moved about the streets, adhering strictly to the kingdom's laws.

Fear, respect, and discipline were ingrained in every aspect of life here.

As Axel's group approached the city gates, they were promptly stopped by a squad of soldiers. One of them stepped forward and demanded, "State your business here."

Axel calmly retrieved an invitation from his coat pocket and handed it over. The soldier examined it briefly, nodded, and returned it, "Welcome. Enjoy your stay."

Without another word, the group continued toward the palace.

---

At the palace entrance, they were greeted by a demi-human maid with dog-like features. Her sharp eyes immediately lit up with recognition when she saw Axel.

The maid approached with a wide smile, her tail wagging despite her attempts to maintain composure, "It's a pleasure to see you again, young lord. I assume you're here for the celebration?"

Axel dismounted from the wagon and helped Ivy down, "Indeed, Zeether. It's been a while. Should I be worried about any familiar faces?"

Zeether's excitement was evident despite her best efforts to remain professional, "Only one familiar face today, my lord. The rest are new nobles and royals from across the world. The one you should be aware of is Queen Elizabeth of the Kingdom of Elizabeth."

Becca, curious, tilted her head. "Wait, isn't that the same kingdom that makes the worst beer imaginable?"

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Cj and Philly stifled laughter at Becca's remark, but their amusement faded when they noticed Axel and Ivy trembling.

"What's up with you two?" Becca asked, her initial grin turning into concern. "You both look like you've seen a ghost."

Axel and Ivy turned their heads slowly, their faces pale and covered in a thin sheen of sweat. The nervous smiles they wore only deepened the group's unease.

Lunar, who had never heard of Queen Elizabeth before, remained clueless about the tension.

---

Inside the castle, the group walked along pristine white walls and red-carpeted hallways.

Axel and Ivy, leading the group, whispered anxiously to each other, their nerves growing with every step. Ivy, in particular, clutched a notepad, scribbling out potential sentences to say if they encountered the queen.

Becca, Cj, and Philly, sensing something ominous, whispered among themselves. "Who is this woman?" Cj asked. "She's got them terrified."

"Maybe she's some kind of dragon monster," Philly guessed.

"Or an elven goddess," Becca added.

"Or worse…" Philly muttered.

The speculation continued until the group reached the grand hall's doors.

Axel suddenly stopped in his tracks. His body tensed, and he refused to move forward.

"Axel?" Ivy asked softly, concern in her voice.

Before anyone could say more, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed behind them. A commanding voice called out, "You two by the door—show me your faces."

Axel and Ivy froze.

They turned slowly to face the speaker, a tall, muscular woman clad in a sleek black dress. Her imposing presence radiated authority.

It was Queen Elizabeth.

Her sharp gaze locked onto Axel and Ivy. For a moment, her expression softened, relief flickering across her face. But it was short-lived.

Her eyes narrowed, and anger took over as she closed the distance between them in an instant, "WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU TWO BEEN?!" she roared, her voice shaking the hall.

Before Axel or Ivy could react, Elizabeth punched them both, sending them flying through the grand hall doors catching the attention of the nobles at the party.

As the two scrambled to regain their footing, Elizabeth stormed inside after them, her expression a mix of fury and sorrow.

"For years, I grieved for you!" she shouted, her voice trembling. "I thought you were gone, but here you are—alive and well."

She reached them and pinched both of their cheeks with surprising force, her towering frame leaning over them.

"NOW TELL ME WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY TO YOUR AUNT ELIZABETH!"

Her words echoed through the hall, and the rest of the group gasped in shock.

Becca, Cj, Philly, and Lunar stared in disbelief. Axel and Ivy… related to Queen Elizabeth?