[Sorry for the wait! I had to rack my brain on what kind of special chapter I should do, and I had to put in extra time and effort so it would tug your guys' heartstrings. Anyways, here it is! If you like my works, be sure to leave a Powerstone, add my novel to your collection or take a minute or two to leave a review. Your feedback and support inspire me to continue working on this series. Without further ado, enjoy!]
[PS: I'm wondering if I should stop labelling my chapters "Old Knight ---." If you wish for my chapters to have their own titles and not with Old Knight ---. Be sure to let me know in the comments or reviews.]
Several worlds away in a vast universe created by the gods, a beautiful creamy, milk-skinned maiden with long pointy ears and pale golden hair dressed in a white silk nightgown, which revealed her beautiful slender arms and bare shoulders, lay asleep on her side in a simple wood oak bed with cotton sheets and blankets in a small bedroom filled with basic and minimalistic furnishings and decor unfit for her beauty.
If we were to look at this scene from several feet away, we would be put into awe by the
However, as we get closer to the bed, not all is as beautiful and peaceful as it seems.
Several patches of tear stains could be seen on her pillow where she rested her head.
Zooming in closer, we could see an expression of sadness and loss on her face.
Further proving that fact were several little beads of tears that slowly trickled down her beautifully carved doll-like face.
While the elf remained asleep and dreaming about her inner monologue.
Outside the room, bright stars and moon filled the beautiful unpolluted night skies of Solaris.
Under the blanket of night soars a single white dove with a simple, clean white envelope tied to its feet.
Despite its small size, it flew beneath the stars at an unprecedented speed.
The dove travelled over vast forests and plains, over massive rocky mountains, through cities and towns, eventually reaching the capital city of Ezaran, Ezra.
Over the heads of the patrolling guards and rooftops of buildings, it flew to a simple, two-story wooden cottage surrounded by unspeakably beautiful flower beds and nature, standing out of place with the mostly industrialized and clean capital.
Seeing it had arrived at its destination, the dove landed on a window sill of the second floor.
The dove rapped its beak against the window several times.
Suddenly, an intense amount of mana was gathered within the room of the cottage, and a sword of light flew past the dove, missing by a father.
*Window Shattering SFX*
*COO!*
The dove let out a shrill cry of alarm and flew away faster than it had come, wanting to escape the wrath of the crazy occupant of the cottage and wishing to go back to its master, but not before leaving the letter it was carrying on the window sill.
Izelia POV:
Why, Commander?
Why did you leave?
After giving me --- which meant --- you left me alone.
You left everyone behind.
Are you dead?
Alive?
In mortal Peril?
Indulging a luxurious lifestyle?
Why are you gone? Why are you doing this to everyone? To me?
You promised.
You gave me --- and promised --- after the battle.
So why?
*TAP! TAP!*
!?
*SHING!*
I grabbed and unsheathed the sword by my bedside and readied myself into a fighting stance within less than a second.
Then I materialized several blades of light made from mana and threw them at where I sensed the intruding presence, which was near the window.
Probably one of those annoying suitors who constantly harassed me about marriage and took it one step too far.
Once I catch whichever fool invaded my property, I'll castrate him and hang him naked by his feet at the city square.
Annoying nobles, they can't complain to me about using excessive force to deal with their disgusting animal children.
I swear, all of them are after me for my looks, supposed wealth, fame or connections with my homeland. Even though I long abandoned my position and power in that place after --------.
*Window Shattering SFX*
*COO!*
*FLAP! FLAP! FLAP!*
...
Oh, it was just a bird.
*Sigh!*
I'm really on edge these days.
After the Commander left or died, I became... depressed to say the least, and the days and aftermath that came with the defeat of the Demon King Notoros were hectic and didn't help to improve my mood and condition at all.
With the world-ending Demon King threat gone, everyone began to rebuild, and everything seemed as though it would improve. In some ways, it got worse.
The destruction and damage caused by the Demon King was immense, with many countries either destroyed or ruined.
This wouldn't be much of a problem if we used the wealth we gained from defeating the Demon King. There was so much wealth stored within the vault in his palace that we could spend it all on rebuilding victim countries of the Demon King and still have plenty to spare for everyone to get an equal and fair share.
Yet the first thing everyone did, at least all the upper-echelon nobles and rulers did, was to immediately hog all the wealth to themselves, and when their lands and nations remained as impoverished as ever during the war against Demon King Notoros. They began blaming each other and started minor conflicts and skirmishes against each other to claim others' wealth to "gain their rightful share and rebuild the land."
The greed these aristocrats have is astonishing and sickening.
While people who lost homes and families lived on the streets in despair, suffering. The leaders filled their pockets with wealth and treasures that they contributed very little in its obtainment.
I wonder why I my homeland in the first place.
The civilizations outside were all loud, noisy and dull.
Whenever someone offers you help, they always expect or want something from you.
If you fly too high, others will be overcome with jealousy and insecurity, and aim to drag you down.
Everyone constantly fought over trivial things.
You could never tell who your enemy or friend is at court.
There were so many horrible things that I hated about human civilization, and yet there was one who made it worthwhile to stay.
The Commander.
When I left my homeland, I never imagined I would --- for a man who's a century and a half younger than me, one who looks older than me no less. Yet, that is who ---.
[Author's Note: Be sure to write in the comments if you want more sections/chapters like this with a flair of mystery.]
I can't remember when or how --- in the first place.
Was it the first time we met?
The numerous times we fought alongside each other?
Him saving my homeland?
The free time we idly spent with each other?
Whatever it was, I have finally known that I ---.
Then, I recalled what had transpired during the final battle and slowly felt myself breaking down again for the umpteenth time.
I managed to somehow hold it in with willpower and decided to distract myself from the resurfacing negative thoughts by focusing my attention on the window I broke.
Walking up to the window sill. I used my mana to create thick green vines around the window frame that intertwined with each other to create a makeshift board to block the cool wind from the approaching harvest season.
Then, as I was about to turn around and head back to sleep, a small white sheet caught my eye.
A tightly closed envelope without a seal.
Very suspicious. I wonder who it would be from.
It certainly won't be the other Saints or any of my acquaintances because they would all stamp a seal on their letters or use unusual forms of communication like Mina with her Halo Progenitor or something? Honestly, the names and creations that the child makes are very unusual, but nonetheless, she is a good friend.
Besides my friends and acquaintances, no one else comes to mind, short of...
Could it be!?
Is it from him!?
After checking to see it wasn't rigged with a trap, I created a small and thin blad of mana that opened up the envelope.
I hurriedly took out the letter contained within and began to read.
Although a brief one page long, the message within brought me to the verge of tears.
My dear Izelia,
I hope this letter finds you in good condition, but knowing the circumstances I left you in, you're in a state of sadness, distress, or maybe both.
Many things have happened to me after the battle that I'm afraid I don't have the time to write all down in one letter.
So to start off, I apologize for my sudden disappearance from the battle with Notoros. Unlike what rumours say, I am well and alive.
You are likely skeptical of the legitimacy of this letter and wish for proof that I am who I say I am, so proof I shall give.
Before the battle and negotiation session with Notoros, who attempted to trick us into signing the, if you'll forgive my play on words, the devil's contract. We had a small discussion.
That discussion was about how good an elf's memory is. Somewhere along our short conversation, we veered off to reminiscing how we first met forty years ago at the Ezeran Tournament held once a year to scout out potential talents or to gain fame and wealth.
When we first met, it wasn't in one of the tournament matches, but after you became the tournament's champion.
After your final match, I decided to issue a friendly duel, which you accepted.
The match resulted in a tie. Impressed by your skills, I offered you to join The Goddess' Sword.
At first, you refused, but after a series of events in which I helped you and your people, winning their trust, you decided to change your mind and join.
However, if you still don't believe I am your Commander. Then I offer one last proof of evidence.
After we finished talking, I gave you a ring made of silver and a green gem. The ring was a gift from --- after saving your homeland.
There are only two of those rings to have existed on Solaris.
One belonged to the First Elven Lord --- when he ---.
The second ring was formerly in my possession, which I gave to you.
Just as the Elven Lord ---.
I to, offered you the ring with the same intention and meaning that the Elven Lord had.
Unfortunately, I am unable to hear your response to my proposal as the Goddess has sent me to a faraway land in need of assistance from a great threat.
However, this doesn't mean we won't ever meet again. After I save the land and its inhabitants I find myself in, Lady Ishta promised to send me back. Then I can finally hear your answer.
My dear Izelia, when one story ends, a new one takes place. The end is always just the beginning. Knowing those selfish, grubby nobles, they'll be engaging in some political nonsense again in order to obtain more wealth for themselves at the cost of everyone else.
Although the threat of Notoros is gone, other threats will arise, perhaps as bad or worse than Notoros.
As I am currently busy accomplishing Lady Ishta's task, it is up to you my dear Izelia to become the guiding light that leads everyone forward. It might not be today or tomorrow, but someday, you'll have to take up my mantle.
Just like the field of White Lilies we gazed upon that early summer, there is never truly an end, only a beginning or rebirth.
Lastly, before I end this letter, if you don't mind agreeing to my request when I meet you, would you mind wearing a White Lily? Think of it as a non-verbal answer to my proposal. I just find you incredibly beautiful with/next to them.
Be well, my --- Izelia.
--- Charles
*Sob!*
He's alive!
*Sob!*
I knew it!
Thank the Goddess he's alive!
Commander, no, what am I saying? When he comes back, our relationship won't remain as it had before.
Charles, when you return, I won't just wear a single White Lily. I'll make sure to wear a dress of them to show my response and feelings, and I won't wear them on just that day.
No, I'll wear them starting tomorrow. After all, you forgot that White Lilies don't just symbolize rebirth. They also symbolize a promise.
Grabbing a nearby flower pot, I used my mana to create a sprout which after several moments grew into a White Lily.
After plucking it and casting a Preservation Spell on it, I wore it on the right side of my hair.
"Charles Integra, I, Izelia Arisphel, pledge my heart to you and you alone as I await your return. Many years may pass, and the hardships we face will be great, but as long as the two of us breathe and walk the earth, we shall meet again someday. When we meet, I shall give you my answer, and I shall ---."
Thus, on this quiet and beautiful night, the Knight of White Lilies was born.