"You don't know? Because of your arrival my duel postponed and now your topic is practically reaching the clouds," Enya clarified, her radiant smile showing no signs of fading.
"And look at the knights around, they're giving their all to impress you. See. That's how significant you are," she added, gesturing with her hands to point out the solemn knights nearby.
Rowan pressed his fingers to his temple, as he let out a sigh of disbelief maintaining his stance while Arawn remained silent with an air of indifference, as if the situation held no impact on him.
Draven blinked, his eyes twitching in confusion. "Huh... I did not quite know..." he muttered in response. Enya chuckled heartily, "Well, that's what I'm telling you."
Draven eyed her, and Arawn next, puzzled. Enya suddenly noticed Arawn's presence, her eyes widening in recognition. "Oh, Lord Arawn. Is that you? Long time no see. You just erased me from your memory, didn't you?" Stepping towards him with an animated grin, she spoke casually offering a half-bow. Arawn eyed her from the corner of his eye, silent and unfazed.
Draven even more befuddled asked, "Um. Do you two know each other?" Enya's laughter danced on the air, light and carefree, as she made a typical joyful hand gesture playfully pointing towards Arawn, "Oh, you might be friends, right?" she mused with a fascinated glint in her eyes, "But. Didn't he tell you? Haha, it's all thanks to our duel that I achieved this prestigious rank. And guess what? He played the 'silent observer' role, while here I am, soaking in the spotlight!"
Draven's smile took on a slightly nervous edge, with a bead of sweat forming on his forehead, "Um. Arawn didn't tell me about this...?" he uttered in genuine surprise, his gaze flickering toward Arawn who remained unresponsive.
"He didn't tell you? So what? I'll tell you. Come." Enya chimed in, her interest undeterred.
Rowan abruptly interjected with a polite yet bemused expression, addressing Draven, "Pardon the intervention, Lord Draven. Our newly recruited knightess might come across as a bit perplexing. Best not to take it too seriously,"
Draven scratched his head in confusion, "Is she saying the truth Arawn?" he questioned confirming.
Arawn gave a light nod. He wasn't a fan of loud confusion hence, he smoothly sidestepped.
"What are you doing? Going back?"
"Mm."
Enya's smiled in amusement, "Leaving, already?" Draven looked back grinning, "Hey. You know, your conversational style is quite entertaining. What's your name, little knightess?" Enya tucking her hairs behind her ears smiled, "Me? I am Enya Verne." Draven nodded acknowledging.
"And- this is Leader Rowan." she instantly added patting Rowan's shoulder. Draven chuckled heartily.
The marching cavaliers, engaged in their patrols, couldn't help but stare at Arawn, their mocks and gossips flowing without pause. After all, he was different. Either by appearance or sentiments. But. It did not matter to Arawn, having grown accustomed to such remarks from a young age.
However, Enya, known for her short temper, found it increasingly difficult to bear.
Enya, folding her arms positioned herself in front of the knights. Displeasure was evident in her gaze which landed on the gossiping group.
"Hahaha. Very funny." she commented, her chuckle ringing out. The cavaliers exchanged perplexed looks, one of them retorting, "What's the joke? Is something your problem? Or did no one ever teach you that it's unethical to eavesdrop on others' conversations?"
Enya's lips played a sarcastic frown, retorting, "Heh, right. Then, talking ill about someone right in front of them? Is that a shining example of ethics? I assume no one taught you that."
"How could a knight of your rank dare to talk back?" the knights gritted, their frustration evident.
Enya's intense glare didn't waver as she stepped forward mischievous, "Just so you know, General Void himself granted me this authority. And he said, if anyone tries to provoke me, then I should inform him right away so that he could knock some sense in them."
The knights clenched their fists in fury, doing their best to maintain decorum in the presence of Prince Draven, who observed the situation with an intrigued gaze.
Rowan and Arawn, meanwhile, stood off to the side, quietly observing.
"Utter another word and we won't compromise." the knights shot back, their anger at its peak.
Enya's sudden hearty smile carried an undertone of mischief. "Oops, my bad," she chimed innocently. "Don't get too upset now. Consider this my generous side coming out. But hey, remember this—utter one more word about him ever and, well, let's just say you'll find yourself swimming in a sea of regret."
Her peculiar threat caused Draven's eyes to widen in surprise. The knights, who had temporarily delayed their patrol, retorted, "We will get back at you." Enya nodded with unwavering confidence, "Oh really? You're on." she grinned.
The Imperial Palace:
"Where's Draven? He hasn't returned yet?" inquired King Edgar, to which the Empress responded, "He left with Abel... perhaps they're sightseeing."
The Emperor continued, "That being so, you may as well take a tour of Almeria... And once you're done with that, we can delve into the matter with no delay." King Edgar regarded him with a smile, saying, "Absolutely! Why not? I will take the honour to see Almeria."
"Would you like some company?" the Emperor offered.
"Haha? How come? No need to trouble yourself. I'll be back shortly," King Edgar responded with a smile, and met with approving nods from his subordinates.
"Well, that won't do. Hold on. Let me call for a cavalier," the Emperor intervened, directing a high ranked cavalier to accompany King Edgar, who also enlisted his own attendants.
King Edgar's smile persisted as he replied, "Very well, then."
Knights Training Base:
"That was absolutely awesome!" Draven's praise resonated, his hands coming together in applause, delighted.
Enya nonchalantly brushed her hair back, "Well. It's like dealing with a never-ending riddle," Enya sighed, clearly frustrated, "They are one to talk? humph."
Rowan simply placed his fingers on his forehead, speechless while Arawn stared at Enya without saying a word.
Enya offered a sympathetic pat on his shoulder, "Ignoring is a solid approach, but you see, some stupid people are a bit loose in the head. A little tightening is required," she assured with a grin. "Don't worry, I have got things covered, anyway. But try to ponder upon what I said."
Draven draped his arm across Arawn's shoulder, with a teasing smile on his face, "Come on, can't you throw in a few words?"
Arawn's serious demeanour persisted unchanged as he stepped onwards to leave.
Enya directed her gaze towards him, a sneer forming on her lips. Draven and Rowan shared a glance as she chortled bowing low, "Heh... Cocky, aren't you? You're welcome. Anyways ~"
Arawn looked over at his companion as they left the Knights training base. The long walk had clearly exhausted Draven; he constantly yawned.
"...What?" -
Draven questioned somewhat irked by Arawn's interest.
"It's rare to find you so thoroughly inactive."
"Hey, I really feel tired you know. You had me searching all over for you, tall brat."
"... My apologies."
While making their way through the streets toward the Imperial Palace, Arawn made an apology to Draven.
Moreover, he did not get why Draven perceived him as being very tall, considering their figures only had a slight height difference. Perhaps since 7 years, a considerable span of time, had brought changes Draven could not fully grasp.
Draven, yet, seemed to have completely put aside their earlier conversation as he casually draped his arm over Arawn's shoulder,
"Let's go."
Arawn eyed him from the corner of his eye with his arms folded. Wordless, he closed his eyes with a sigh.
Meanwhile, the diligent knight continued to accompany King Edgar, guiding him through the various noteworthy sights in Almeria that had captured his interest. The knight inquired, "Is there anywhere else you would like to visit?"
King Edgar's gaze wandered around, momentarily taking in the surroundings until by either fortune or misfortune, he caught the sight of Arawn and Draven.
"I'd like to go there!" he declared, his voice laced with a tint of malice, prompting the knight to lead him in that very direction.
Eventually, they arrived there, a wide grin spread across King Edgar's face as he took a step forward.
Confronting Arawn, his gaze bore a dark, ominous edge, with a chilling intensity. A lofty sneer escaped his lips, exuding a malevolent aura that hung in the air,
"Quite a long time has gone by, hasn't it? Yet, the same sight of you persists," he uttered, his tone carried a blend of derision and bitterness.
Arawn met his stare, his narrowed crimson eyes reflecting an unwavering gaze. Beneath his eye, a crescent shaped mark gleamed with a silver shade.
Draven's astonishment grew, his own gaze widening as he hesitantly spoke, "Father?"
Arawn, as usual, appeared apathetic. His eyelids lowered, as he immersed himself in the world around him, silently absorbing its essence, "..."
"What's wrong? Do you have something to say?" King Edgar questioned.
With no reply forthcoming, King Edgar cleared his throat, serious, "You're quite bold to meet my gaze directly, aren't you? Cursed child?"
"Hm... Such air of threat," Arawn whispered unfazed, "... It's as formidable as the Grim Reaper itself, if not more so."
King Edgar smirked, his response laced with a self-assured edge, "You sense it? Haha. After all my presence exudes mighty dominance and supremacy. However, you must consider stepping aside. Why aren't you doing so? It might just spare your pitiful existence," he taunted, his words cutting like honed blades. Draven gritted vexed.
"...Because I hold no fear for the reaper, let alone a mere sovereign." Arawn spoke, his voice undisturbed.
King Edgar scoffed, "You have a keen eye, indeed to be attempting to judge a sovereign, so haughtily." Squinting his eyes, he continued, "However, it's profoundly unwise. You must be aware of your feeble bounds and never should you make the mistake of underestimating us, sovereigns with mere ghosts."
Arawn closed his eyes, a wry smile appearing on his lips, "I see...there's truth in what you speak...the living holds their own strengths, in ways it's yet to grasp..."
Draven eyed the both of them, sensing a rising tension in the atmosphere, which he could not comprehend.
"Hmph. Your foolish audacity have been on display for far too long. I won't tolerate you looking down on me any further," King Edgar cautioned grave.
Draven's forehead creased as he interjected, "Audacity? When did he display such a behaviour? Father."
Turning a blind eye to Draven, King Edgar carried on, "Your history appears to have taught you nothing, Arawn. That arrogant expression you wear makes me want to erase it entirely, so you won't ever consider crossing your boundaries." His gaze pierced Arawn, carrying traces of resentment.
Draven uttered, "That's enough-" King Edgar directed his gaze to him, his tone dripping with disdain, "You stay silent. You're nothing but pathetic."
Draven, startled, averted his gaze conflicted. "Know when to talk. You accomplice of this devil!" Edgar's words prompted concerned glances from both the knight and aides present.
"Leave," the command sliced through the air, directed squarely at Draven, who left alongside an aide, while casting one final glance at Arawn.
With that, King Edgar directed his attention back to Arawn. His eyebrows furrowed as their eyes once again met.
Arawn's gaze, in turn, narrowed, "If all that eludes you is mere prestige, then so be it. Your words are but an affront to my dear friend."
Having said that, Arawn's countenance sharpened, his gaze evading Edgar's sight as he curved around. His expression remained concealed beneath the fall of his hair, as he carried on walking with brisk steps.
Edgar's eyes grew wide, perceiving those words as a menacing threat- it settled like a weight upon him.
However determined he might be, he couldn't avoid the same sentiments. Hence his expression was marked by a growing fury. "Who do they think they are, daring to defy me with brazen insolence? Utterly disrespectful," he voiced.
Draven walked along the corridor, dismayed. His lustrous white hairs concealed a darkened countenance, "Why...? Why is it always like this? I don't want everything to keep reoccurring yet I find myself constantly incapable. Why?" His voice carried a sense of desperation, the weight of his words heavy with his longing for understanding.