Azania stirred, her consciousness gradually emerging from the depths of a dreamless sleep. The soft light filtering through the curtains cast a warm glow across her room, and she felt the gentle weight of the blankets enveloping her. As she blinked her eyes open, the familiar sight of her room brought a sense of comfort and security.
Her body ached from the intense battle with her father, but there was a newfound strength coursing through her veins. She could feel the remnants of the mana surge still lingering within her. Azania turned her head and saw Miku sitting by her bedside, her expression a mixture of relief and pride. "Mother," Azania whispered, her voice hoarse from disuse.
Miku's eyes brightened, and she leaned closer, gently taking Azania's hand in hers. "Azania, you're awake," she said softly. "How are you feeling, my dear?" Azania managed a weak smile. "Sore, but... different. I feel stronger, more connected to something deep within me."
Miku nodded, her eyes reflecting a mother's unwavering love. "You were incredible, Azania. Your father and I are so proud of you. You showed a strength and determination that goes beyond anything we've seen before."
As Azania tried to sit up, Auric and Marcus stepped forward, their concern evident. "Easy, Your Highness," Auric said, his voice gentle but firm. "You need to take it slow. You've been out for a couple days."
Marcus added, "Your body still needs time to recover Princess."
Azania's eyes widened in surprise. "A couple of days? Why didn't you wake me up? There's so much to do!"
Auric shook his head gently. "You exhausted your mana during the battle. It finally caught up to you afterward. Waking you prematurely could have been dangerous."
Marcus stepped forward, his expression serious. "We couldn't risk it, Princess. If we had awakened you without giving your mana time to recover, there was a possibility that you could have developed Mana Exhaustion Syndrome, or MES. It's a serious condition that could have had long-term effects on your abilities. Your safety and health are our top priorities."
Azania sighed, absorbing their words. She looked down at her hands, still trembling slightly. "I understand. Thank you for looking after me. I feel... different. Stronger, yet somehow more connected to something deep within me."
Miku smiled, her eyes glistening with pride. "That's the mana surge, Azania. It's something only a few have experienced, and it's given you a unique bond with the mana around you. But remember, you must be cautious. We need you at your best, and that means taking the time to fully recover."
Auric and Marcus exchanged a glance, both nodding in agreement. "We will stay by your side, Your Highness," Auric said. "Just take it easy for now. We have everything under control."
Azania allowed herself a moment to relax, the tension in her body easing. "Thank you, both of you. I appreciate everything you've done."
Miku smiled warmly. "We've been handling things in your absence. There are many new developments you have missed. The Napaj delegation, led by Jakob Higgins, has proposed an alliance that includes advanced medical technology and resources. However, their request for access to our historical records has raised significant concerns. Lysandra and Riven are investigating Homa's true intentions."
Azania's curiosity was piqued. "What have they found out so far?"
Miku's expression grew serious. "There are still many unknowns, but they've uncovered some troubling rumors about Homa's activities. Lysandra has been very thorough in her research."
Azania's resolve strengthened. "I want to help. As soon as I'm able, I want to join Lysandra and Riven in their efforts."
Miku placed a reassuring hand on Azania's shoulder. "You need to rest and regain your strength first, Azania. The empire will need you at your peak. For now, let Lysandra and Riven handle the investigation. They will keep you updated, and we will ensure that you are fully briefed on any critical developments."
Azania sighed, knowing her mother was right. "Very well. I trust Lysandra and Riven. I will focus on my recovery and be ready to act when the time comes."
As Miku and the retainers continued to discuss Azania's care, the princess closed her eyes, feeling the comforting presence of her family around her. She knew the challenges ahead were formidable, but with her loved ones by her side, she was determined to face them with unwavering resolve.
As the conversation lulled, Azania felt the weight of exhaustion pressing down on her once more. Her eyes grew heavy, and despite her best efforts to stay awake, she found herself drifting back into sleep.
Time passed in a peaceful haze until the sound of the door opening roused her from her slumber. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, Azania looked towards the door to see Lysandra entering, her face alight with excitement.
"Azania! You're awake!" Lysandra exclaimed, rushing to her sister's bedside. Without a moment's hesitation, she jumped onto the bed and enveloped Azania in a tight hug. "I've missed you so much! I have so much to tell you!"
As Lysandra excitedly jumped onto the bed, Auric and Marcus immediately sprang into action, their faces etched with concern.
"Princess Lysandra, please be careful!" Auric exclaimed, his voice tinged with worry. "Princess Azania is still recovering. She needs rest."
Marcus nodded in agreement, his expression equally serious. "Yes, Your Highness. We understand your excitement, but Princess Azania must take it easy to ensure a full recovery."
Lysandra looked apologetic but undeterred. "I'm sorry, Auric, Marcus. I just couldn't help it. I've missed her so much."
Riven, standing nearby, stepped in to diffuse the tension. "Auric, Marcus, relax a little bit. The princesses haven't seen each other in a couple of days. You know how close they are. A little excitement won't hurt."
Auric and Marcus exchanged a glance, their worry easing slightly. "Very well," Auric said, his tone more gentle. "But please, Your Highness, try to be mindful of Princess Azania's condition."
Marcus added with a smile, "We only want to make sure she gets better as soon as possible."
Lysandra nodded, her enthusiasm tempered with understanding. "I promise, I'll be careful."
Azania, feeling the love and concern from everyone around her, smiled at her sister. "It's alright, Lys. I'm just happy to see you."
Lysandra pulled back slightly, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "You won't believe what we've found out about Organization Homa and Jakob Higgins. We've been working tirelessly to gather information, and I've got a lot to fill you in on!"
"Alright, Lys," Azania said, her curiosity piqued. "Tell me everything."
Lysandra settled in beside her sister, her voice a mix of excitement and urgency. "So, we started by looking into the rumors and whispers about Homa. It turns out that while they are known for their advanced medical technology, there's more to them than meets the eye. Some say they are involved in questionable experiments, and their interest in ancient artifacts is more than just academic."
Azania's brow furrowed in concern. "Questionable experiments? That doesn't sound good."
Lysandra nodded. "Exactly. We also found out that Jakob Higgins has been particularly interested in our empire's historical records. He believes there are hidden secrets and powerful artifacts buried in our past that could be of great value to Homa."
Azania's eyes widened. "Hidden secrets and artifacts? That could be dangerous in the wrong hands."
"That's what we think too," Lysandra said, her expression serious. "That's why we're being extra cautious. Riven has been helping a lot, and we're working on gathering more concrete evidence before making any decisions."
Azania took a deep breath, feeling a mix of concern and determination. "We need to make sure our empire is protected. I'm glad you're on top of this, Lys. You're doing an amazing job."
Lysandra beamed at the praise. "Thanks, Zee. We're all in this together, and we'll make sure to keep you in the loop. For now, just focus on getting better. We need you at your best."
Azania smiled, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "I will." Auric and Marcus, sensing that Azania needed some time alone with Riven, stepped forward. "Your Highness," Auric said gently, "we'll leave you to rest now. Princess Lysandra, please come with us. Riven and Princess Azania need some time to catch up."
Lysandra hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. Get some rest, Zee. We'll catch up more later." She gave her sister one last hug before following Auric and Marcus out of the room.
Once they were alone, Riven's demeanor shifted to his usual stoic self, his expression neutral and his tone direct. "Princess Azania, there's much we need to discuss."
Azania nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Go on, Riven."
Riven began to fill her in on the events of the meeting with Jakob Higgins, his voice steady and measured. "During the meeting, both Princess Lysandra and I sensed an ulterior motive with Jakob Higgins. His interest in our historical records is too keen, and it raises suspicions about his true intentions."
Azania's eyes narrowed. "What have you done to gather more information?"
"I have dispatched a shadow operative to gather intel on Organization Homa and potential candidates for Princess Lysandra's retainer," Riven replied.
Azania's expression turned stern. "Riven, you know how I feel about you using your shadow operatives. You threw away your ties to the assassin guild for a reason."
Riven met her gaze evenly. "Princess, cutting that tie for information would be extremely detrimental. The intelligence network I built within the guild is invaluable. We need every advantage we can get, especially when dealing with a potential threat like Homa."
Azania sighed, knowing he was right but still uneasy about it. "Just be careful, Riven. We can't afford any missteps."
"I understand, Your Highness," Riven said. "Rest assured, I will handle this matter with the utmost discretion."
Azania leaned back, feeling the weight of her responsibilities but also comforted by Riven's unwavering support. "Thank you, Riven. I trust you to keep her safe."
Riven nodded. "Your recovery is our top priority right now. Focus on regaining your strength. We'll handle the rest."
As Azania closed her eyes, allowing herself to drift back into a restful sleep, she felt a renewed sense of hope and determination. With her family and loyal retainers by her side, she knew they could face any challenge that lay ahead.
Meanwhile, back in the bustling heart of the city, Lysandra, once again disguised, navigated the streets with a renewed sense of purpose. This time, she focused on gathering more precise information about Jakob Higgins and Organization Homa. The lively marketplace, filled with merchants and citizens, offered the perfect cover for her subtle inquiries.
Lysandra approached a merchant stall, her eyes scanning the goods on display while she initiated a casual conversation. "These fabrics are beautiful," she commented, her tone light and conversational. "Have you heard about the Napaj delegation in town? Quite a stir they've caused."
The merchant, a middle-aged woman with a keen eye for business, nodded. "Oh, yes, everyone's talking about them. Especially that Jakob Higgins fellow. They say he's interested in more than just trade."
Lysandra's curiosity piqued, and she leaned in slightly. "Really? What else have you heard?"
The merchant glanced around, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "Well, some say he's looking for something specific, something valuable. Artifacts, perhaps. There's talk that Organization Homa is involved in...unethical activities."
Lysandra's mind raced as she absorbed the information. "Thank you," she said with a smile, purchasing a small piece of fabric to maintain her cover. As she moved on to the next stall, she noticed Riven observing her from a distance, his presence a reassuring constant.
In the shadows of a narrow alley, Riven was approached by the same figure he had dispatched earlier. The shadowy operative spoke in hushed tones, delivering their report. "I've gathered some intel on Homa, as you requested. Their medical advancements are genuine, but there's more. They are deeply involved in human experimentation, believing they can harness power to control the world. They think the Celestials will rise again and recreate the world, and they aim to become gods."
Riven's usually stoic expression faltered, genuine concern flashing across his features. The implications of Homa's actions were more dire than he had anticipated. "Human experimentation... Celestials rising again... This is far worse than I feared," he murmured, more to himself than the operative.
Regaining his composure, Riven looked directly at the operative, his voice urgent. "Have there been any spikes in missing people recently?"
The operative nodded grimly. "Yes, there have been reports of increased disappearances across several regions, particularly in areas where Homa has been active. It seems they're taking people for their experiments."
A cold dread settled in Riven's chest as he processed the information. His eyes darted back to the marketplace, where Lysandra was engaging in conversation, oblivious to the lurking danger. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed figures attempting to hide their presence, their intentions unmistakably malicious.
"Listen closely," Riven said, his tone sharp and commanding. "We have to act fast. Those figures over there are targeting Lysandra. I need you to help me take them out."
The operative hesitated, clearly not eager to engage in a direct confrontation. "Riven, you know I prefer gathering information over fighting," they whined. "You owe me for this."
Riven's eyes blazed with determination. "I'll repay you, but we need to move now. Her highness' safety is at stake."
With a resigned sigh, the operative nodded. "Fine, but you better make it worth my while."
Riven and the operative moved swiftly and silently through the crowd, closing in on the hidden figures. The element of surprise was on their side, and they used it to their advantage.
Riven reached the first figure, a hooded individual who was too focused on Lysandra to notice the approaching threat. With a swift, precise strike, Riven incapacitated the assailant, his movements fluid and lethal. The operative followed suit, taking down another would-be attacker with a well-placed blow.
One of the assailants, startled by the sudden attack, lunged toward Lysandra in a desperate attempt to complete their mission. Lysandra gasped, her eyes widening in fear, as the attacker closed in. Riven's eyes narrowed, a cold fury igniting within him. He moved like a shooting star, intercepting the assailant and disarming him in a brutal display of skill.
The assailant struggled, but Riven's grip was unyielding. He pinned the attacker to the ground, his voice a low growl. "You're going to tell us everything."
The operative, watching Riven's fury unfold, backed away in extreme fear. She whispered to herself, "Thank the gods I'm not on his bad side. Otherwise, I'd be dealing with the Star Eater himself."