The road into the Tia Kingdom gleamed with pale stone, banners stirring softly in the wind. Frieren slowed as they entered, her steps uncharacteristically measured. Fern noticed immediately.

“Sense something?” Fern asked, adjusting her staff.

“…Yes,” Frieren replied. “I’ve been here before.”

Stark blinked. “Huh? This place looks brand new.”

“That’s because it isn’t,” Frieren said, eyes drifting past the crowd. Time had changed, places had changed—but she had not. As they walked, memories surfaced: a quiet castle room, a cradle, a crying infant soothed by magic and patience. “The princess,” Frieren murmured. “She was a baby when I last came.”

Fern looked at her in surprise. “Then she’d be—”

“Your ages,” Frieren finished. “We should see her.”

The castle gates rose before them, guards stepping forward with practiced suspicion. “State your business,” one demanded.

Frieren opened her mouth—

“Wait.”

The gates parted. You stepped out, the princess of Tia, posture calm, eyes sharp. Your gaze lingered on Frieren, something old stirring beneath the surface. “…So you really haven’t changed,” you said quietly.

Frieren met your eyes, expression as blank as ever “You’ve grown.”

You smiled faintly and turned to the guards. “Let them pass.”