Enya made her way to the route of the training base, her pace deliberately unhurried. Just this once, she had no mood of taking the wagon.
Her disheveled hair wafted in the breeze as she stepped forward, her hands clenched tight. Her countenance differed from her typical self, as her brows remained downturned and eyes bore a sense of heaviness.
Knight's Training Base
After practice, General Void was settled on the bench next to Enya, "Hey, what advice did your guardians give you? You donot have to talk about the Grand Cheif Commander in public. People tend to jest and tease then. They are stupid. They laugh because they cannot achieve that rank themselves. Idiots." he clarified dabbing her back.
Enya gazed downwards with her eyebrows drawn nearer and a pout forming on her lips, while her hands remained tightly clasped together, "It slipped my tongue. But what if I even have said that? Can't I become the grand cheif Commander? Why not? What do I lack?" General Void smiled, "Nothing. What would you lack? You see, you can become whatever you desire. The crown prince doesn't know you, we do." Enya pursed her lips conflicted as he continued, "That is the reason I advice you to keep this goal a secret."
Enya's eyes widened, "... Yeah... you know what, I might even get an evil eye like this. Yes." she uttered concerned. General Void nodded, "Exactly." Enya stood up, "I'll take your advice to heart. Thank you. I'm feeling much better now," she replied, swiftly returning to her usual vibrant self.
General Void eyed her and broke into a smile, "By the way, your duel is postponed for now." Enya eyed him back troubled, "What, again?"
General Void gave a nod, "This is due to the unexpected visit from the Camellias realm tomorrow," he explained, "According to the law, competitions are avoided during guest visits. So, I've organized a practice duel for tomorrow instead. Don't worry, I'll take care of the arrangements and accompany you for your ease. You need not feel overwhelmed, okay?"
Enya, shoving her hairs back, delivered a smile speaking, "No, no, how would you come to the battle grounds? You would have so much work in the headquarters because of guests anyway. Believe me, I would face and do everything here on my own. Don't worry, okay?"
General Void sighed, nodding, "I believe in you. That's why I've stood by your side up until now. Just ensure you put on the provided uniform tomorrow. It maintains decorum." Enya in turn responded with a sweet smile, nodding in agreement, "Mm."
Enya left the training base, soon strolling, "If he laughed at me or even the Empress thought of my words as a joke, why did I get so disheartened...Are my opinions changing too by living here time to time...But my wellwishers believe in me, so why did I take such distracting remarks to heart just now? I feel pathetic," Enya contemplated, her expression subtle,
"But now. It's enough. I won't let myself make this mistake ever again. Come. Grand Chief Enya, you won't surrender without proving your rank! You have to fulfill Noah's dream." Her thoughts abruptly shifted, and she quickly solidified her resolve, hurrying down the side road.
As the air held still, silver petals gently descended, revealing the presence of a familiar, ethereal figure clad in black. Enya bent forward, capturing his sight, her expression a mix of confusion and intrigue, "Hold on. Am I at the Evelyn Bridge??" she pondered beffudled.
Arawn stood silent on the bridge, immersed in the graceful cascade of petals that shimmered under the moon's tender glow. A bird, slightly grander in stature than the usual raven, clasped a parchment as it winged its way towards him. Gesturing with a gentle uplift of his hand, Arawn gazed ahead, until the bird descended upon his hand, bowing its head ever so slightly. Delicately unraveling the scroll, he followed its words. An unexpected smile traced his lips, concealing his emotions beneath.
Enya fixed her gaze on the scene, finding cover behind a street lamp, awed, "My, oh my..." Her lips quirked up, "Oh ho~what a strange yet oddly cool presence," she murmured to herself somewhat envious
"But why does encountering this person always send shivers down my spine?" Enya questioned with chills, a puzzled expression crossing her face.
The Imperial Palace
"So, Uncle Edgar's arrival is scheduled for tomorrow. Well, that's quite something," Abel remarked, comfortably seated on the opulent emerald chair within the resplendent hall, one leg resting gracefully atop the other. Raphael stood erect behind him, displaying a stoic posture.
The Emperor standing grim, with his hands clasped behind his back, agreed, "Indeed, that's true. The news has been circulated effectively and preparations are being made as well. However, listen. It's of paramount importance for you to uphold exemplary discipline. You, my dear, are the focal point that will undoubtedly capture everyone's attention."
Acknowledging with a nod, Abel affirmed, "Of course, Father. Rest assured." The Emperor responded, "Good. As expected from you."
Abel suddenly twiching his brow recalled, "And...What about the undeniably pathetic brother of mine." A look of devulsion crossed his features as the Emperor spoke, "Him? Hmph. That mastermind is well aware of everything regardless of whether we bother to inform him or not. And do you actually think I would extend him a special invitation just to ensure he's aware?"
Abel scoffed, rolling his eyes in response, "Yeah, who cares anyway." And thus, they resumed the conversation in discussion of further details.
"CAMELLIAS KINGDOM"
"My~my~ I wonder if Ciar delivered my letter to him by now..." A figure mused gazing outside the glass window, his voice carrying a masculine and carefree tone. "I am already missing him by now. Seven years is quite the stretch, after all." Locks of snow-white hair shimmered, framing a fair complexion. His eyes, a mesmerizing shade of turquoise blue, sparkled as he stood adorned in a resplendent white tunic embellished with diamond jewels. And a regal cloak cascaded down his back reaching his waist.
A middle aged man headed over, his attire consisting of a tunic of gilded splendor, adorned with rubies of passionate red diamonds. Complementing by a flowing gown of rich scarlet cascading behind him, his countenance bore a frown, framed by meticulously groomed white hair upon which rested an amber gold crown,
"You are as non serious as ever. You spare no effort to protect my reputation," spoke the man quite displeased, "We are visiting in terms of aid and you are already flying in the skies of your own fantasies."
"Pfft. Haha. Reputation? Aid? Fantasies? What am I gonna do for all that?" inquired the figure in response. The man solemly retorted, "Be an adult."
The figure chuckled, "No, I'm fine as a youth. And as for you, take a good look. You're far from being an adult. In fact, you're more of an aged man. Isn't that enough? Pfft. My bad." The man's rage boiled over, his voice sharp, "You dare label me as old? You shameless rascal!"
The figure responded, "Yeah yeah…whatever~"
The figure's tone was laced with boredom as he whimsically sang, "Ah~ I wish to meet Arawn~"
The man shot him a fierce look and countered, "Tch. What on earth draws your admiration towards him? Don't develop such undue fondness for that demon. His abilities and status? They're nothing short of dangerous! You see...the realm of Camellias is immensely fragile. Put an end to your affection for him right now, Draven!"
Draven smirked at him back, "What exactly do you mean? I absolutely won't entertain that thought. Father, or King Edgar, Listen. What his true nature and character is...I am well aware of it. His position does not hold any concequence in my eyes either. Furthermore, he can never ever do anything that might pose a threat to me. This is why I suggest you to cease belittling him." he spoke, his tone confident.
King Edgar emitted a derisive scoff, "You and your devil cousin! Tch! He was never my nephew to begin with." He continued, ""I desire to meet Abel. That young man carries the peak of elegance. Besides, he bears the title of crown prince of light and stands as the very essence of Almeria's honor. He is, without a doubt, my nephew!"
Draven rolled his eyes, miffed. "You should hold him in high regard. As a senior! He's younger than you but still superior in strength. You can't compare yourself with him! Never in a thousand years would you meet his status!" reminded Edgar with a resenful glare.
A sudden widening of Draven's gaze was followed by a swift reaction—his fists clenching and his jaw tightly set in determination, a muttered "Darn" escaped his lips in response to the unexpected ridicule.
"Abel stands as the finest prospect for you to derive valuable lessons from, while Arawn, on the other hand, holds no such potential! He is a solitary wolf, drawn to the shadows of the night. And yet, doesn't it become evident that Abel is hailed as the noblemen of light and gentleness? So, why do you find intrigue in the one utterly diverse from him?" bragged Edgar frustrated.
Draven's gaze shifted downward, his countenance unexpectedly darkening with a mixture of emotions. "Father! Can I disobey you, this time? While you may derive great pleasure from your time with him, I would also like to follow my own inclinations," And with those words, Draven departed from the room, the door resonating with a resounding slam.
King Edgar's gaze bore into him with his eyes widening, "Arawn... my disdain for you is immeasurable," his words dripped with a venomous tone as he spoke, his hand slamming against the table in a burst of frustration.