Chapter 210: Epilogue

Maxi inspected her reflection in the mirror. Her flowing, pearly gown was adorned with a colorful girdle, and a golden cape draped her shoulders. She looked more radiant than ever.

The freckles that usually dotted her face were hidden under a layer of powder, the one she had brought from Balbourne without Riftan's knowledge. She admired her reflection for a moment before turning to Ludis.

"How do I look?"

"Stunning, my lady," her maidservant replied while deftly braiding Maxi's hair. "Of all the festival-goers today, I doubt any will make a more beautiful dryad."

Maxi gave a bashful smile before looking back at her reflection. Once, she would have dismissed such praise as empty flattery. Now, she responded to the words as a sincere compliment. Even she could not deny the charm of the silver-eyed woman smiling at her in the mirror.

Lost in thought, she barely noticed Ludis finishing the intricate braid.

"All done, my lady," Ludis announced with a look of satisfaction.