Chapter 80: Mulan and the Queen

Mulan followed Walton to the mirror, and by now she had noticed several other mirrors in the distance. Sensing her gaze, Walton took the initiative to explain.

“Some of those mirrors are fixed passages connecting to the Inner World. There are guards stationed on both sides, either the Black Castle or the Royal Family’s direct forces. If someone gets lost in the Inner World, they can try to find those locations. Of course, it looks like the mirrors are close together from here, but in the Inner World, their positions are actually extremely far apart—and they’re always shifting.”

Walton smiled as he spoke.

“You know, the Inner World is full of unpredictable dangers. It’s impossible to keep a ‘door’ fixed in one place. Some mirrors, though, lead to even more extraordinary places—like the Enchanted Forest.”

“The Enchanted Forest? So it really exists!”

Mulan had read about this place in a spellbook. The description spoke of a forest brimming with magic, full of wondrous plants and animals, as well as rare flowers and mystical creatures. It had once been ravaged, but now was protected by powerful magic, making its entrance nearly impossible to find.

To Mulan, the known world consisted mainly of two continents and several large islands—territory well within human knowledge. Even if there were unexplored regions, it seemed unlikely that the Enchanted Forest was among them—unless, of course, it was a secret kept by all parties.

“Come, don’t stare. You’ll have the chance to explore yourself one day.”

With that, Walton tapped a few times on the edge of the nearest mirror.

Knock, knock, knock.

Ripples spread across the surface, as though he’d tapped on water, and soon the once-blurred reflection sharpened, revealing the scene beyond: a room with crimson walls adorned with paintings and statues, a grand piano standing within—a music room, currently empty.

A few seconds later, someone entered and approached the mirror. The newcomer gazed into it, but Mulan keenly noticed that he couldn’t actually see her or Walton. His eyes didn’t focus on their positions but rather searched the surface at random.

“If a mirror can’t be crossed directly, here’s a little trick for communicating through it—like this.”

Walton began moving his fingers on their side of the glass in an awkward manner.

After a moment, Mulan realized that Walton was writing, but in reverse, so the message would appear legible to the person on the other side.

Indeed, in the royal music room, the person standing before the mirror saw mist gathering on the surface. Then, as if a finger traced through the fog, words began to appear, stroke by stroke:

I am Walton, here with Sir Jonester to see the Queen.

Upon reading this, the man on the other side immediately drew a semicircle along the mirror’s edge. Instantly, the glass glowed faintly.

And so, Walton led Mulan straight through the mirror.

“Sir Walton, Sir Jonester! Please, follow me.”

Walton had the privilege of meeting the Queen directly and without announcement, so the attendant led them straight to her office.

Nisheheliel was reviewing a document—a reply she was about to send. She hadn’t drafted it herself, but was giving it a final check for errors.

“Your Majesty, Sir Walton and Sir Jonester are here.”

At this, Nisheheliel looked up, greeting them with a radiant smile as Walton and Mulan entered.

“Your Majesty!” “Greetings, Your Majesty!”

They each bowed in turn. Nisheheliel rose from behind her desk.

“Walton, what brings you here?”

“Your Majesty, Mulan is applying to officially join the Court’s Department of Magic. I believe he’s more than qualified, so I brought him to you to hear your opinion.”

Walton gestured to Mulan, who bowed his head respectfully.

“Sir Jonester, of course there’s no problem. I’ll write the order shortly and send it to the Department of Magic by tomorrow. Your position will be Magic Advisor. Is there anything else? I’ve just had refreshments prepared—stay and join me?”

Walton waved a hand and yawned.

“No, Your Majesty. I’m utterly exhausted these past days and desperately need rest. If Mulan hadn’t blocked my door, I wouldn’t have moved at all. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

Noticing Mulan’s silence, Nisheheliel smiled understandingly at Walton, then returned to her documents, granting his request.

“Go ahead, Sir Walton. Sir Jonester, please stay. Have a seat, and wait until I finish reading this—just a moment.”

“At your command, Your Majesty!”

It was clear Mulan had a private matter to discuss with the Queen.

Walton gave Mulan a subtle look, bid the Queen farewell, yawning as he left.

Mulan settled by the desk, pulling out his spellbook and watching Walton’s departure with amusement. For Walton to complain of exhaustion, the past few days must have been truly taxing.

Soon, the only sounds in the office were the turning of pages and the Queen’s pen.

While reviewing her papers, Nisheheliel occasionally stole glances at Mulan. He sat quietly to one side, his features sharp and serious, eyes fixed on his book. Soft brown curls fell over his ears. When he happened to glance at her as well, she quickly looked back to her paperwork.

After a while, Nisheheliel stretched in her chair.

“All right, I need a break. Bring the refreshments, please.”

The attendants bowed and exited to prepare snacks. Mulan closed his book and sat up straight.

“Mulan, is there anything you wish to discuss with me in private?”

The Queen dispensed with formal titles, calling him by name—a sign of intimacy.

“Your Majesty, I am concerned about the Black Castle’s reform plan. Although Sir Walton is powerful, the Department of Magic seems too lax. Perhaps I don’t know enough, but that’s my impression. I hope to use this opportunity to link the Black Castle School and the Department of Magic under unified management, as well as to better screen external assignments.”

Nisheheliel smiled.

“Your thoughts are much like Sir Walton’s. He’s proposed the same before, and he thinks very highly of your work!”

Mulan was a bit surprised—Walton really was looking out for him everywhere. He almost felt petty by comparison. Of course, he knew the matter of the sirens was connected to Walton, though whether the Queen was aware he couldn’t say, nor was it his place to reveal.

“I didn’t expect Sir Walton to be so dedicated to the Empire and the Department. I thought he was too undisciplined—it seems I was mistaken.”

“Ha! Mulan, you weren’t wrong—Walton is very lax, and the entire Department is as well. By agreement, the Crown can’t interfere too much. If you’re willing to help, and Walton supports you, all the better!”

“The world is changing so quickly now—mysticism, technology, industry—sometimes being Queen is truly exhausting, with so many things to juggle…”

Nisheheliel looked into Mulan’s eyes.

“I truly need your help.”

She spoke with rare vulnerability. Mulan was briefly taken aback, then stood and bowed solemnly.

“To lighten Your Majesty’s burdens is my honor!”

“Sit down!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

He sat promptly, military discipline evident in his bearing.

“No need to be so formal.”

Mulan glanced at her, said nothing, but relaxed a little.

“It’s clear Walton values you highly. If—just if—he takes you to any less-than-reputable places, don’t let him lead you astray. His private life is… complicated.”

Mulan smiled.

“It seems Your Majesty is fully aware of Sir Walton’s private affairs. I’ll say no more. Regarding the restructuring of the Black Castle, might I see Sir Walton’s proposal?”

The Queen looked helpless.

“His so-called proposal was just a conversation—no document at all. Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll issue an order approving his idea and give him three days to submit a detailed plan. He’ll most certainly throw the task your way.”

She grinned mischievously at Mulan, winking.

“Don’t worry, I won’t mention your ‘informing’—you are, after all, my person!”

Mulan looked a little awkward.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Now, let’s have some refreshments—they’ve arrived.”

Nisheheliel rubbed her hands together eagerly as servants brought in trays of pastries and steaming milk tea. Mulan knew those syrupy sweets were coming.

It was evening before Mulan finally left the palace. He and Nisheheliel had spoken at length, and he’d learned much he’d never been privy to before. The Queen also showed concern for his personal affairs and his future, and hearing her call him “Mulan” no longer felt strange.

This time, Mulan didn’t leave through the mirror, but by the main gate. Faced with such favor and trust—trust laced with something more—he was moved, but also felt a twinge of guilt. For he knew he could never give his absolute loyalty to Dilga, nor to Nisheheliel.