As the carriage rolled through the gates of the capital city of Constellation, Lily couldn't help but marvel at the sight before her. The sky was ablaze with stars, each one twinkling brightly in the darkening sky. But it was the four red stars that caught her attention. They seemed to pulsate with an otherworldly energy, as if they were alive.
In the center of the sky was the bright morning star, its light casting a warm glow over the city. Lily couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the beauty of it all.
As the carriage came to a stop, Lily stepped out and was greeted by her head knight, Sebastian.
"Welcome to Constellation, Your Highness," he said with a bow.
"Thank you, Sebastian. I must admit, I'm quite impressed with the capital," Lily replied, still taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city.
Sebastian chuckled. "I'm glad you like it. Now, if you'll follow me, I'll take you to your quarters. We have much to discuss."
Lily nodded and followed Sebastian through the crowded streets, her mind racing with questions. She had just arrived in Constellation after a raid on her party by bandits, who had stolen a mysterious wooden box. Lily had no idea what was inside the box, but she knew it was important.
As they walked, Sebastian filled her in on the details of the raid. "We believe the bandits were hired by one of the other three kings, or perhaps even the emperor himself," he said gravely.
Lily's brow furrowed. "Why would they do such a thing? What could be in that box that is worth risking war over?"
Sebastian shook his head. "We don't know for sure, Your Highness. But whatever it is, it's clearly important enough for someone to go to great lengths to obtain it. We must do everything in our power to retrieve it and bring those responsible to justice."
As the night sky twinkled with stars above the imperial capital of Constellation, Lily Valette and her head knight, Sebastian, made their way through the shadowy streets. Clad in black and concealing their identities, they were determined to find the thief's guild that worked for Lily's father, the infamous assassin king, Edmond Valette.
Their mission was simple: find the bandit gang that had attacked their party and stolen a mysterious wooden box, killing many of their knights in the process. They had a feeling that the thieves were hiding somewhere in the capital, and they were determined to track them down and retrieve the stolen property.
Sneaking through the quiet streets and alleyways, they finally found the entrance to the thief's guild. It was a secret door hidden behind a crumbling altar inside an old church, and it led them down a narrow staircase into the underground world of the guild.
They were greeted by the local leader, a hooded figure with piercing green eyes. Lily and Sebastian explained their situation and asked for the guild's assistance in finding the bandits.
"We will do everything in our power to help," the leader promised. "But be warned, the streets of Constellation are dangerous at night. There are many who would do anything to get their hands on that box, and they will stop at nothing to get it."
Lily nodded, her determination only growing stronger. "We are prepared for any danger that may come our way. We just need to find out who is behind this attack and bring them to justice."
The leader nodded, a sly smile on his lips. "I have a feeling I know just the person who can help us. Follow me."
As they sit in the crowded tavern, the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses fill the air. Sebastian glances around, his eyes taking in the rough-looking patrons, trying to spot any potential threats.
Lily is deep in conversation with the informant, a small man with a greasy ponytail and a sly smile. He's telling them about the various criminal organizations operating in the capital, and the names of the leaders who might be responsible for the attack on their party.
"There's the Dancing Skeleton Gang, led by Lady Nightfall," the informant says, his voice low and secretive. "She's a notorious necromancer, known for raising the dead to do her bidding. And then there's the Black Hand, led by the King of Assassins himself. He's a slippery one, always one step ahead of the law. And of course, there's the Emporer's own secret police, the Red Blades. They've been known to eliminate anyone who stands in their way."
Sebastian nods, taking in the information. He's heard of Lady Nightfall before, and knows that she's not to be underestimated.
"We need to find out who was behind the attack," he says, his voice firm. "And we need to find out where they're hiding. The bandits took something from us, something valuable. We need to get it back."
The informant nods, a glint of greed in his eyes. "I might be able to help with that," he says. "For a price, of course."
As Lily and Sebastian walked through the empty streets of the outskirts, they couldn't help but feel the weight of the recent raid on their minds. "I can't believe that we were attacked like that," Lily said, shaking her head. "And to think that whoever did this is still out there somewhere..."
Sebastian nodded, his face grim. "We need to find out who did this and bring them to justice. But in the meantime, we need to focus on your debut in high society. Your father wants you to make an appearance as soon as possible."
"Sebastian, I really don't think now is the best time for my debut," Lily said, trying to keep the desperation out of her voice.
Sebastian stopped and turned to face her, his expression stern. "Lily, we discussed this. Your debut is crucial for the success of our family. You need to make connections, and the sooner the better."
Lily took a deep breath and mustered up all her courage. "But Sebastian, I almost died during that raid. Don't you think it's a bit irresponsible to push me into the spotlight so soon after such a traumatic event?"
Sebastian's expression softened slightly. "Lily, I understand your concerns. But we can't let this setback deter us from our goals. We have to move forward and make the most of every opportunity presented to us."
Lily sighed, knowing that Sebastian was not going to budge on this matter. But she had one last ace up her sleeve.
"Sebastian, you were supposed to protect me during that raid. You were my head knight, and yet you let me almost get killed. If I debut now, it will reflect poorly on you and our entire family. Do you really want that kind of scrutiny?"
Sebastian's face fell, and Lily could see the wheels turning in his head. She knew she had won this argument, at least for now.
"Fine, Lily. We will postpone your debut until the situation with the bandits is resolved. But you have to promise me that you will be ready and willing to make your debut as soon as possible."
Lily nodded, relief washing over her. "I promise, Sebastian. Thank you."