Chapter Eleven
Can we just talk?
~*~
It has been two days since the hunting event. And as the Head Healer have instructed Lyma was invisibly chained to her bed. For the past two days she only did was to lie down and to sit up on her bed. The king have forbid her to never let her feet touch the floor. And even threatened to behead all of the Smaragd Palace's staffs if she ever do so. Aside from that, the king have also ordered to let no one visit the princess except for him, which includes even Guerrier and Gustave.
Because she have stayed inside her room for two days, she missed the last day of the festival. And so the news of her being unconscious and is still on the brink of death have circulated. This forces the king to address this concern during the closing ceremony.
"As a father, I am grateful to all of you who have shown concern and devotion to the princess' wellbeing for I too was worried of her. So I have to address such rumors of her condition. Though she is not present in today's ceremony she have asked me to convey her sincerest apologies to everyone. She is still in need of due rest because of her condition but it is not as serious as what the rumors says that is currently circulating. She is trying to recuperate faster and I hope all of you would lend prayers to help her heal as soon as possible."
After the king's speech many have even visited the temple just to offer prayers for the princess' recovery. And upon hearing this, Lyma teared up and almost jump off her bed to ask the king to let her visit the temple and witness the scene herself. Thankfully, Lily manage to sway her and offered to just send a letter to the king instead of going herself.
And that is the reason why Lyma is currently standing in front of the Temple's entrance. She's wearing a white long dress paired with her white sandals.
Many people have gathered in the Temple's garden. Lyma asked the king to let her thank all the citizens who have prayed for her and to also celebrate the festival with them even if it is a day late. The Temple agreed to hold the celebration in one condition. And that is for Lyma to offer a prayer herself. At first Lyma was surprised to how simple the condition the Temple have set but she still said yes to it.
"Your highness, the room is ready." One of the Temple clerics informed her. She followed the cleric into the inner chamber and outside the transcendence chamber. Just then, flashes of memories from just three days ago come into mind.
'Oh. How did I forgot about that?' She thought as she turn open the door and entered the room. Instantly, she was greeted by the square jarred tablet. She stood by the door for a couple of seconds and just look at the tablet. 'You won't be doing that this time, right?'
[I cannot promise that.]
Lyma almost jump out of surprise upon hearing those words. "Who's there?!" She asked looking around the room with her both arms up guard. When she confirmed that no one else besides herself is inside the room she let her guard down. And then the voice spoke again.
[I apologize for surprising you.]
Once again her arm went up guard after hearing the voice. "Where are you?"
[I am in front of you.]
Lyma quickly snapped her head to look forward. But she did not see anything besides the altar and the… 'The tablet?'
[Yes. It is I.] The voice confirmed as if reading Lyma's thoughts. [I have been waiting for you.]
"Did I hit my head during the hunting event?" She asked herself and chuckled. "I'm going crazy, aren't I?"
[Of course not. You are as sane as you can be.]
Lyma look at the tablet again. "I…"
[You don't need to speak. I know. I will be the one to talk.]
"Okay. But what do you want to talk about?"
[Your future. But before that, why don't you take a seat first?]
'I guess this is better than it showing me those bright letters in the air. That would make me dizzy.'
Lyma walk over to one of the chairs and made herself sit comfortably.
***
At the middle of the cold and snowy place a small cabin covered in white can be found. Inside, a couple of people gather around the round table. Six men dressed in thick animal skin robe stared at the crystal ball at the center of the table.
"We have gathered as you previously instructed, Master." One of the six announced. This man is wearing a golden ring with a red stone in the center. All the other men are also wearing the same ring but with different colors. "And each of the tasks that you have given have been fulfilled."
[Yes. All thanks to that the plan is going smoothly.] A voice spoke from the crystal.
"Master, I have something to consult you. This is about the seven princes that is currently in the kingdom. They seem to be a hindrance in our plans." Another one of the six spoke up. This one is also wearing a ring but instead of red it is blue.
[There is no need to worry. I have already included them in our plans. Their actions will aid us in the future.] The men all nodded. [The child of light, the child of darkness, the child of fire, and the children of nature will be the key in order for us to use the child of chaos.]
"Those seven princes are the children of the prophecy, Master?" The man bearing a yellow stoned ring asked.
[Yes.] All the men look at each other. It is their first time to hear about the other children of the prophecy. Their master did not divulge any further information aside from the fact that the princess of Ytopia is the child of chaos.
[I will put them to good use.]
***
Lyma stared at her hands. Her head is still processing the information she got from the tablet. She still could not believe what it said.
[Child of chaos.]
Lyma look up and look at the tablet in front of her. She remembered hearing that title for the first time. It was when she met the Inkanyamba. It called her the child of chaos and Lyma did not understand the extent of that at first. She just assumed that it has to do with her ability. But now that the tablet have explained it to her, she understood why she is called that. Child of chaos, or as what the tablet explained, means the vessel of Chaos the devourer of life. The tablet also explained that the prophecy that the Inkanyamba told her is one of the many versions of the Prophecy. Though it cannot tell her about the other ones it knows that all of the prophecies have one in common. And it is the prophesied child of chaos.
[What will you do next?]
"Pursue destiny's path. You said that Destiny's Path is a name of a weapon."
[Yes. It was one of the weapons used by Emperor Throndsen as he conquered the Temnien Continent.]
Emperor Throndsen is the first to conquer all the kingdoms in the Temnien Continent and named it Throndsen Empire. That was eight hundred years ago. The Throndsen royal bloodline ruled the whole continent for five hundred years before the throne was overthrown by the six descendants of the six fallen kingdoms of Temnien. And one of those six is her ancestor, Amara Grace Ytopia. She was the first ruler of Cockaigne Kingdom and one of the best swordswoman.
"Where is the sword now?"
[Who said it was a sword? It is not a sword rather it is a pair of scissors. And it is currently being kept by the Weapon Tower.]
"Ha?"
'It is a what?! A pair of scissors?' Lyma was taken aback that one of the weapon of the first Emperor of the continent is a pair of scissors. Many history books have described Emperor Throndsen as someone cold and brutal. And to imagine that Emperor to wield a pair of scissors as he conquer the land is something that cannot be supported by Lyma's limited imagination. "A pair of scissors? It must be one of a kind to be used as a weapon of the first Emperor."
[Indeed. But the weapon's details, I have little knowledge. I apologize.]
"No. This is a great help already. Thank you…err…do you have a name?"
[I have none. You can call me anything you want.]
"Ah. Uhm…how about Stone…Stony…Tony! Right. From now on you'll be Tony!" Lyma smiled contently.
[That, I will gladly accept. Then it's best for you to retrieve the weapon as soon as possible.]
"Yes. Many merchants have already left the kingdom. It would be quite difficult for me to avoid the guards on the gates without a proper disguise."
Lyma pondered for a plan for her to escape when a soft knock came from the door. Lyma turn just in time for a cleric to pop his head in.
"Your highness, I apologize for disturbing you. But the Head Cleric have advised us to inform you of the ongoing situation outside."
"Ongoing situation? Did something happened?"
"Yes. If you may, I will speak of it as we walk back."
Lyma nodded then she turn back to look at the tablet in front. "I'll be leaving now." She whispered as she stood up and walk out of the room.
[I wish you success in your endeavor, Child of Chaos.]
As the two walk towards the Temple's garden, Lyma tried to listen to any loud noises that should cause a commotion. But everything seems quiet. And so she turned to the cleric beside her.
"Not long after you entered the room your highness some nobles arrived to join the feast in the garden. It caused a change in the occasion's atmosphere. And suddenly a dispute occurred when a noble accidentally poured a glass of water to a young girl." The cleric explained. As if she was there, Lyma can visualize the scene between the noble and the young girl and thought that there is no such thing as 'accidental' in that situation. And by this Lyma already know how it went afterwards.
'How long was I inside to miss such event?' Lyma thought as she sighed. "I apologized for my negligence. I should have been at the place to supervise the occasion."
When they finally arrive at the Temple's garden she immediately saw the situation. The crowd was divided between the nobles and the citizens. A noble is standing in front of all other nobles and is angrily looking at the people in front of him. On the other side, the citizens are agitated and it is visible that men are constantly looking after each other so as no one will start an uproar. Children have also hide behind their mothers and some have even sobbing. It was just a 'staring contest' between the two parties. But even a blind would feel that any second, someone from either side would snap and a large commotion would happen.
When Lyma walked closer, some knights noticed her and they gave their greetings.
"Her Highness Princess Pandora Ytopia has returned." The leader of the knights announced. The tension immediately lessen and everyone's attention was directed to her.
"We greet the star of the kingdom, her highness Princess Pandora Ytopia. May the blessing shower upon thy throne." The man who is standing in front of all the other nobles present greeted her.
"I see that you have graced us with your presence Baron Swindly. I hope you are enjoying yourself well. Though I must say, this is just a humble feast." Lyma replied.
Baron Swindly is the leader of a small fraction of nobles that supports the Temple. And though they did not have openly expressed their dissatisfaction against the king's plans on making solid relations with Krefja Kingdom, they have often times do something like this just to stir doubt on people.
"How dare this lowly subject not to show up and greet your highness when you have recovered safely." He responded. Lyma did not miss how the Baron put emphasis on the word 'recovered'. She knew that news about the hunting incident have been suppressed. And this event would give a chance to these people to dig any information from her. But Lyma have expected for that and have come prepared.
"It must have been hard for you, Baron. You must have frequented the Temple and pray for my recovery as well." She countered. Lyma noticed the Baron went stiff and even forced a smile. The other nobles that are standing behind the Baron instantly whispered with each other. And even the other citizens are snickering. Everyone knew too well that the Baron did not even so set a foot inside the Temple in these past days as he was busy with his dealings. Dealings that Lyma knew through the information Lily have provided her.
After the incident during the hunting event, Lyma realized that those bandits have come to the capital with a backing from someone with a title. No ordinary group can ruin such event and be bold enough to target her. And so, while she was on bed arrest she instructed Lily to get a couple of information for her.
"Of course, I did, Your Highness!" His voice is shaking but there is still boldness in it. Lyma knew that the Baron is not the head but rather just a twig of the tree. But she felt satisfied teasing someone other than her brothers. And she felt even better because the person she is teasing is someone that deserves more than just the teasing.
"Is that so? Then you must have met with all the people present here." Lyma presented and then she look over the crowd opposing the Baron. "Then I assumed that you have somehow made good relations with them at some point." She turn back to the Baron with a smiling face. "Am I correct?"
"Y-yes, your highness!" The Baron answered wavering.
'They really is just a small fraction. Seeing that they don't even support their leader right now.' She thought as she made a quick look over the other nobles who are busy hiding themselves behind Baron Swindly's back. 'I really wanted to tease them more but that is not the purpose why I am here. Besides, I already sent all the reports to Brother Gustave. And speaking of him, I still need to talk to him about that time,'
"I feel relief then. I am sure I won't need to keep an eye on things from now on." Lyma expressing putting emphasis on the last part. She knew the Baron will take notice of this warning and will be wary. But that is her plan. She don't know how her brother will get to the bottom of the incident but right now what she wanted is that the ones responsible will feel panic. Even if that will make them more careful and will be difficult to capture. But… 'Brother is Brother, he will surely get them one way or another.' She has faith in his brother.
After Lyma returned to the Fortalitia, she was called to the King's office. There she received the best news she could receive.
"I'm going to travel?" She asked enthusiastically. She was both surprised and delighted. She even thought that her happiness is both conscious and unconscious for she knew the real Pandora, according to her memories, have difficulty leaving even the Capital. "You can't withdraw that decision now!"
The king was also surprised with the princess' reaction. But he soon realized that it was given since Pandora is almost like confined inside the Fortalitia. Not that he can help it with all the reasons that he should secure her safety first.
"Of course. Now that you have celebrated your coming of age, It would be wise for the only princess of the kingdom to go visit our neighboring kingdoms."
Lyma is still smiling and it can be clearly seen on her face that she is beyond ecstatic to partake at such opportunity.
"Now, I believe you have many things to prepare for you'll be leaving three days from now."
"Yes. Thank you, father. Then I shall take my leave now." Then she made her way out the office.
Even after Lyma arrived in her room she is still smiling and is radiating. Lily immediately took notice of this and asked. "You seem to be in such a good mood, Your highness. Is there something good that happened?"
"Lily. I will be leaving the capital."
"Your highness?" Lily exclaimed worriedly.
"Oh. It's not like what you are thinking. I am going to visit Reafian in three days' time!"
Lily's worried face was quickly changed to a big smile. "Your highness! That is good news! I'm so happy for you."
"I can't still believe that the king would let me go. I was not expecting that when he have called for me."
"The king must have noticed that you need to socialize and be out more now that you are of age."
"Yes. That was exactly what His highness have said."
"But why Reafian of all places? Not that Reafian is not a good choice. But did something happened?"
"Not really. King Randolf have invited us over. In fact I will be going there together with the Crown Prince and the Beta Battaglia. It's for the Harvest Festival."
"This really is a good news, your highness." And I believe this is the right time to tell you something, your highness."
"What is it?"
"This is about that task that you have entrusted me. Someone knows something about it and have arranged for a meeting this evening. I would-…"
"Really?! Where and what time?"