The conversation Patriarch Renata was engaging in seemed to be quite crucial since even though he had glanced up to see who had entered his office, he still continued speaking with the man on the crystal ball for another few minutes; though, I didn't mind as it gave me a few moments of peace, which is something I haven't had since arriving here. I was eavesdropping on the conversation in the beginning, but they then started speaking about things I found uninteresting, so I just ignored the conversation while silently pondering about random things.
Once Patriarch Renata finally finished his conversation with the man, he shut off the crystal ball and released a sigh of exhaustion before focusing on us; though it might've just been my imagination, I'm nearly positive his eyes lingered on Illumia for a little longer.
"As a host, I apologize for making you wait so long as I talked with my confidant, Prince Elif. It is quite an important matter that couldn't be postponed for a later date." Stated Patriarch Renata with a light smile as he stood up from behind his desk and approached Elif.
"After what had transpired, I'm not the least bit bothered; I actually quite enjoyed the moment of peace and quiet." Replied Elif lightly as he outstretched his arm to shake Renata's hand, though Elif's words caused him to look at Hayat in confusion while raising an eyebrow.
"Haa, I'll explain, Father, though it's probably best you sit down as you won't like it." Said Hayat while sighing, his response causing Renata to have a foreboding feeling.
With Hayat's words, he sat down, and as we did, he began explaining what had happened; I would occasionally butt in since, while he did learn what transpired, I knew everything as I was the one involved in the conflict and by the end of it, Patriarch Renata was outraged.
"I do not mind if Hayat erupts into blue flames; however, I very much can't say the same about you, Patriarch Renata, as I'm not very interested in turning into a pile of ash." Remarked Elif while fanning himself as he glanced at the livid Renata, who seemed to be on the verge of exploding.
"Haa, I apologize for my lack of emotional control; since I was young, I've always been easily angered; unfortunately, it seems my son has inherited that trait as well." Said Renata as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm himself, though he nearly lost himself when Illumia spoke.
"I imagine it must be hard for a flaming chicken to control its emotions." Muttered Illumia, though everyone clearly heard her words, especially Renata.
Hearing Illumia mock Patriarch Renata, I momentarily froze before looking at her with widened eyes, not even knowing what to say to her; however, before I said something, Patriarch Renata responded, and from his words, it seemed like they had some history between each other.
"Now Isn't the best time for this Illumia; besides, at least I'm not like you, who can't even display emotions." Replied Renata while eyeing Illumia, his words causing her to click her tongue in response before going quiet.
Hearing their little squabble, I looked at Hayat, who happened to also look at me, and from his expression, I could tell he was just as shocked as me.
"Anyways, back to the problem at hand; I'm deeply ashamed of my niece's actions, Prince Elif. Know that she'll be heavily punished. If there is some way we could possibly show our sincere apology for the whole thing, do not hesitate to state them." Stated Renata seriously as he ignored Illumia while staring at Elif, though his words caused Hayat to sigh internally.
"That is very generous of you, Patriarch Renata; Hayat had said the same thing earlier, and while I had something in mind, he said only the Patriarch would be able to permit such a thing." Said Elif lightly while nodding at Renata's words, though his response caused Renata to furrow his brows as he glanced at Hayat, who merely sighed.
"I see then; it must be something quite important if my son couldn't agree to it; however, as the Patriarch, my words are law. So what did you have in mind, Prince Elif?" Replied Renata with a slight smile, though when he heard Elif's response, he instantly regretted his choice of words.
"I appreciate it, Patriarch Renata; however, it isn't anything too much; I'd just like the opportunity to bathe in the Flames of Rebirth. Of course, since Hayat told me you're only able to use its abilities three times per generation, I'd, of course, use my own resources, so you don't need to worry about that; he's also informed me of possible dangers." Stated Elif lightly with a friendly smile, though his response caused Reneta to freeze despite being a phoenix.
"T-The Flames of Rebirth, Prince Elif? D-Did I hear correctly?" Asked Reneta with a very troubled expression while hoping his ears were playing tricks on him; however, Elif's nod of confirmation sealed the deal.
"I'm not the type of person who would go back on his words, Prince Elif, but the Flames of Rebirth is an Immortal treasure; we can't just allow anyone to be given access to it, especially if the said person is an outsider, so-to-speak." Said Renata awkwardly while sporting a troubled expression as he tried indirectly refusing Elif.
Although neither Hayat nor Patriarch Renata had outright denied my request, I could quickly tell they wouldn't allow me access to it easily; however, that didn't deter me since as long as they didn't outright deny me, I still had a chance.
"I completely understand and agree with your logic, Patriarch Renata; I suppose it's good that I'm not just anyone; I'm Elif August, Crown Prince of the Immortal Elven Empire. Besides, seeing how you and Illumia spoke to each on such friendly terms, you could also say I'm not truly an outsider, a Phoenix, no, but not an outsider." Said Elif calmly with a smile, not feeling one bit shameless from his statement.
"I also wonder how Their Majesties will feel once they learn that the Patriarch's niece had used a forbidden technique in an attempt to kill his Highness." Added Illumia quietly, though her words were the final nail in the coffin, causing Renata to rub his head in exhaustion while intensely sighing to himself.
"Haa, alright, give me some time to speak with the ancestors; this is an important matter; not even I can just grant permission to a non-Phoenix to bathe in the Flames of Rebirth without consulting with the Ancestors." Stated Renata in exhaustion as he stood up before making a slicing motion with his hand, causing a rift in space to appear just before him.
Seeing Patriarch Renata create a tear in space just as Mother did several years ago, I watched how he entered the rift before it closed on itself. Not knowing how long it'll take before a conclusion is made while he is consulting with the Phoenix Clan's Ancestors, I looked over to Hayat sitting beside me.
"So, do you have any idea how long this will take? I don't really wish to sit here for hours on end." Said Elif, though he was in the process of standing up as he asked that question.
"I don't know, Prince Elif; for as long as I've been alive, he's only consulted with the Ancestors once. This could take merely a few minutes, or even days, though considering the topic is about the Flame of Rebirth, I'm willing to bet it'll at least be a day." Replied Hayat while shaking his head as he stood up and followed behind Elif, who was already heading towards the exit.
Humming in response, I exited the room alongside Illumia and Hayat, though I just stood before the exit, pondering which direction I should go as I had no idea where the paths led; thankfully, it seemed Hayat noticed my trouble as he advised me to the take the right hall, which I did.
"I'm a little curious, Hayat; would you prefer if I wasn't allowed access to bathe in the Flames of Rebirth? If you could be honest, that would be much appreciated." Asked Elif while glancing at Haya, his question slightly startling him.
"In all honesty, Prince Elif, as the heir, one of three spots is already mine, so whether you're allowed the chance doesn't really affect me, so I'm not too bothered by the idea, though I believe my thought process would be different if you weren't offering your own resources." Replied Hayat calmly as the three walked through the halls, occasionally passing servants.
Nodding in response, I stayed silent as I enjoyed the peace while admiring the Phoenix clan's architecture, though it seemed like Hayat had some questions for Illumia, which also happened to be questions I was intrigued in learning the answers about.
"Ms. Illumia, if you don't mind me calling you that, but from how you and my Father spoke, it seemed like the two of you have some sort of history; could you possibly shed light on the subject?" Asked Hayat curiously while looking at Illumia, who was walking behind Elif.
"I've known that fool for some time and fought against him many times as well; he was one of Her Majesty's many admirers when we were young. The bastard wouldn't leave Her Majesty alone even after she had rejected his advances multiple times, so I attempted to defeat him in battle, though that proved to be futile as he was just as powerful as me, so I was forced to deal with him whenever he got close to Her Majesty for many years before he eventually got betrothed to your Mother." Replied Illumia with a frown, her words shocking Hayat while surprising Elif.
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Created a discord server, so if anyone wishes to join, it also works this time; I've reset it again, https://discord.gg/5n7RV7Xu (Note: this link only lasts for one week)
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Elven Legacy (Chapter 179: First Sign of Danger) || Hero of Harmony (Chapter 60: Beauty & Handsome) || One Piece: Chaos Kong (Chapter 95: Parting From Chandelier City!) at [patreon.com/Ozonelayer691]