Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess Chapter 520: What Fell from the Sky

Elowen's brows lifted slightly. "Didn't you already give me a gift?"

Flowira held the box out with both hands, her tone steady. "You should take a look first."

Elowen's curiosity deepened, but seeing how serious Flowira was, she matched that tone.

She handed the carved case to Mira, then took the smaller box.

It was heavier than she expected.

There was no clasp, yet it was tightly sealed. She applied a bit of pressure, and with a soft click, the lid loosened.

Elowen slowed her movements, opening it carefully.

Inside was a layer of deep crimson velvet, rich and dark like aged wine.

At the center lay a single object.

A seal.

Gold in appearance, sized perfectly to fit in her palm. Its design was ancient and unusual. The handle was carved into the form of a creature she didn't recognize, coiled with its head raised, the lines abstract yet powerful.

Elowen hesitated. "This is... a gold seal?"

Flowira spoke calmly, "It's too early to explain everything clearly. What it is, and the history behind it, involve too many events and agreements. If I tried to explain now, it would take too long and might only cause misunderstanding."

She paused, then continued with emphasis, "What I can tell you tonight is this. It isn't made of ordinary gold. The gold you see is only a thin layer added later, for protection and symbolism. The core material..."

She met Elowen's eyes directly.

"...came from the sky."

Elowen stilled. "From the sky?"

"Yes." Flowira nodded. "It's part of an old legend. Long ago, a burning star fell into Nordia. Our ancestors found strange stones at the site, incredibly hard, neither iron nor ordinary rock, dark in color. The largest piece was kept by the king at the time. After many years of shaping and refinement, it became this seal. The elders say it came from the Eternal Sky, something belonging to the divine."

Elowen felt a quiet shock settle in.

After a moment, she closed the box and gently pushed it back. "This is too valuable. I can't accept it."

Flowira and Zachary exchanged a glance. Zachary's expression shifted, the hint of a smile gone, replaced with seriousness.

Flowira turned back to Elowen, her gaze deeper now. "This isn't a gift from us."

Elowen paused. "Then who is it from?"

Flowira considered briefly. "You may think of it as a gift from your grandfather."

Elowen froze.

Her confusion only deepened. A stone that fell from the sky, preserved for generations in Nordia, how could it possibly belong to her grandfather, let alone be given to her?

She was about to ask when Flowira spoke first, her tone firm and composed. "My uncle's death is still recent. The situation hasn't fully settled. My brother and I came tonight at some risk to celebrate your birthday. We can't stay long. But aside from the gift, there is one more important matter you need to know."

Elowen held the box more carefully, looking at her. "Go on."

Flowira said, "The news of my uncle's assassination in Vanelle, along with how your emperor handled it, has already reached Nordia. The response was swift, fair, and even strict. Because of that, my father is not angered."

Elowen listened closely.

"Last night, a royal courier arrived with my father's decree."

Elowen asked, "What did he decide?"

"My uncle's body will be returned to Nordia and buried according to royal rites. In addition, another envoy will be sent to Vanelle to continue what he left unfinished."

Elowen nodded slightly. "That's good. It means this incident won't damage the fragile peace between our nations."

Flowira's expression remained measured. "The decision itself is good. However, the person being sent this time is somewhat... unusual."

Elowen asked, "In what way?"

"It is our youngest aunt. She shares the same mother as my father. She is only a few years older than my brother and me, and she is the one my father favors most. Based on the timeline, she should arrive in about two weeks."

Elowen gave a small nod. "Understood. Thank you for telling me."

"You're welcome."

Flowira inclined her head slightly, and Zachary followed suit. "It's late. We won't disturb you any longer."

Elowen personally walked them to the study door, watching as Anson led them away, their figures gradually disappearing into the night beyond the courtyard.

Only then did she let out a quiet breath. For now, things with Nordia seemed stable.

But the envoy who's coming... what kind of person is she really?