After closing her eyes, Sylvia's mother began to do something that seemed like a kind of prayer. As Sylvia explained, her mother was invoking the Phoenix, which was a high-level spirit. This initially left me puzzled, and I asked Sylvia if it was necessary to perform a prayer or something similar whenever they wanted to summon a spirit.

Upon hearing this, Sylvia chuckled and explained that it was only necessary when summoning high-level spirits. She added that people with contracts with high-level spirits were extremely rare, and their number probably didn't exceed a hundred.

Listening to this information somehow made me look at Sylvia's mother in a new light. Not that I had underestimated her previously, far from it. In fact, I understood that being the queen of a country was an incredibly challenging task. I could never imagine myself in a position where I would have to watch over the lives of so many people.

While observing Sylvia's mother with renewed eyes, I noticed that her lips began to move as if she were speaking. Strangely, although I should have been able to hear, for some reason, no sound came out. Even with Sylvia's mother's lips moving, not a single word could be heard. Although this was peculiar, I chose not to comment, as no one seemed surprised by the situation.

After a few seconds, which felt like an eternity to me, a magic circle appeared above Sylvia's mother's head. Then, a kind of bird emerged from the circle and began to glide over the area before landing gently on her shoulder. The bird had dazzling silver feathers with a faint bluish tint.

It was a strange but beautiful combination of blue and silver. Just like in legends and myths, the bird emitted blue flames that seemed to originate from its body. Although I wondered if it was hot, that didn't seem to be the case. After all, even perched on Sylvia's mother's shoulder, she showed no signs of discomfort.

However, as I watched the bird, a question arose in my mind: why was it so small, almost like a common bird? Moreover, why were its colors silver and blue instead of the traditional red and yellow? In my conception, the phoenix was much larger and more imposing. While I reflected on this, Sylvia asked me beside her.

"Are you surprised by the colors and size of the phoenix?"

Although I was initially surprised that Sylvia seemed to know what I was thinking, I simply nodded in agreement with her words. Letting out a small laugh, Sylvia continued.

"Many people have the same reaction as you when they see the true phoenix for the first time, but in reality, that's not her true form. Although it may seem funny, my mother's phoenix likes to be pampered by her, so she takes on this smaller form"

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Sylvia explained. Although, in a way, it was indeed a funny fact, I just thought that if they were friends, this would probably be a common and normal interaction. While these thoughts ran through my mind, Sylvia's mother looked at the phoenix and said.

"Fe-chan, could you?"

Sylvia's mother requested. Saying these words, the phoenix on Sylvia's mother's shoulder made a small grunt while flapping its wings. Although I had no idea what that could mean, it didn't seem the same for Sylvia's mother.

"Thank you, Fe-chan, as always, you're quite reliable"

Thanked Sylvia's mother as she gently stroked the phoenix's head. Then, Sylvia's mother picked up the vial in her hand and brought it closer to the phoenix. Instantly, the phoenix closed its eyes naturally, and seconds later, a small blue flame emerged from its eyes.

However, oddly enough, the flame seemed to be in a liquid form, yet it was clearly still on fire. As soon as the “phoenix flame” touched the water in the vial, the water transformed from crystal-clear blue to a bluish-silver hue.

Afterward, with a gentle smile on her face, Sylvia's mother placed the vial containing the “Remedy” back on the tray. Then, Rena approached delicately, carrying the tray with the vial in her hands. Carefully, Sylvia took the “Remedy” vial and turned to her mother.

While observing her mother, I noticed that Sylvia's expression briefly became concerned. Confused, I turned my gaze to Sylvia's mother and noticed a few drops of sweat on her forehead. I didn't know the reason, but something told me she seemed extremely tired. While pondering this, the king's voice echoed in the room.

"Rena, could you escort the queen to her chambers? She needs some rest for a while. Also, inform the kitchen staff to prepare her usual meal"

Requested the king. Upon hearing these words, Rena bowed before going to the queen and guiding her to the exit. As soon as the sound of the door opening and closing could be heard, I remained silent. No one was speaking, and I thought it best to observe the situation first, after all, I was an outsider.

"You may go now, Sylvia. I believe the sooner you deliver the vial to Prince Daemon, the better"

Suggested the king. Contrary to what I initially thought, upon hearing these words, Sylvia made a slight bow and replied.

"As you wish, your majesty"

Sylvia responded with deference. Leaving these last words, both Sylvia and I left through the door and walked back down the long corridor that stretched through the castle. As we walked, unfortunately, it seemed that my concern was visible on my face, which did not go unnoticed by Sylvia.

"Are you worried about my mother?"

Sylvia asked, noting my concerned expression as we walked. Upon hearing these words, I looked at Sylvia and let out a small laugh.

"Was it that obvious?"

I asked with a smile. As soon as she heard these words, Sylvia let out a small laugh and, maintaining the smile on her face, replied.

"I appreciate your concern; it means a lot to me, but you don't need to worry. My mother will be fine. This magic uses a lot of mana; even a person with an incredible amount of mana, like my mother, can only use this magic three times a year. That's why this remedy is so rare and coveted"

Sylvia explained with a reassuring tone. She continued, keeping her gaze forward.