Princess Connie's martial skills had significantly improved since her maiden spar with the Emperor of the Tremaux Dynasty, her father. Her agility, reflexes, and ability to anticipate her opponent's moves had been honed.
She had developed a strong bond with Kejora Bersatu, the Spirit of Charity and Prosperity, and had grown closer to Babah, the Soul Traveler who shared her vessel. Under the guidance of the Eidolon, Princess Connie had gained access to ancient knowledge and learned to harness the power of the ethereal realms.
Babah's connection with his previous vessel, Zanno, had proved beneficial to Princess Connie. They shared their conscience and past experiences, which enabled Princess Connie to understand how magical energy was regulated inside a Gear much faster.
Together, Princess Connie and Babah formed a formidable team, their strengths complementing each other. Kejora Bersatu watched over them, offering guidance and wisdom whenever needed. In preparation to face the imminent threat posed by Raf il-Cul, the Lord of Anguish, Princess Connie, Babah, and Kejora Bersatu delved into ancient texts and legends, seeking clues and insights to aid them in understanding the true nature of their adversary.
Every day, after her routine training at the Royal Garden, Princess Connie would make her way to the Royal Library. Her mentors and tutors would join her, guiding her through the vast collection of books and scrolls.
Princess Connie's thirst for knowledge was insatiable, and she absorbed every bit of information like a sponge. They would spend hours pouring over ancient texts, deciphering cryptic symbols, and piecing together fragments of forgotten lore.
As her knowledge grew, so did her understanding of the immense responsibility of unlocking her True Form. She realized it was not just about gaining power for the sake of power, but about using it to protect and bring harmony to the realms.
Babah, too, had delved deep into his own research, exploring the ancient arts of soul manipulation and the intricacies of spirit channeling. This left Princess Connie's educators amazed as she was seen as reading two books at the same time.
Kejora Bersatu provided invaluable insights, sharing his wisdom and experiences from centuries past. He recounted tales of great battles fought by legendary warriors, their courage, and their unwavering determination to protect what they held dear.
Kejora's guidance helped Princess Connie and Babah navigate the complexities of their journey, teaching them not only the physical aspects of combat but also the importance of inner strength and resilience.
With each passing day, their confidence grew, and their understanding of their abilities expanded. They were no longer novices in this realm of magic; they were becoming formidable warriors, ready to face the imminent threat that lay ahead.
◈◈◈
「 Carrier Master Charlotte 」
"Your Excellency..."
"May I have your attention?"
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"Yes, Charlotte..."
"You may."
Emperor Alardus was in the throne room, attending to matters of state when Carrier Master Charlotte, a trusted advisor and commander of the Tremaux Dynasty Information Division, approached him. Charlotte's expression was serious, indicating that she had urgent news to deliver.
「 Carrier Master Charlotte 」
"Your Excellency, a carrier pigeon arrived moments ago."
「 Emperor Alardus (whimsical) 」
"A lot of carrier pigeons come and go at the aviary, Master Charlotte."
"Hahaha..."
"Please, get straight to the point."
「 Carrier Master Charlotte 」
"It has one leg..."
"Your Excellency."
Emperor Alardus was deeply concerned upon hearing Charlotte's statement. He was cognizant that the carrier pigeon with the impaired limb belonged to Shadow Guard Reza, who only dispatched the swiftest of all messengers - Che Ami - to convey vital messages. The bird was capable of covering the distance from Cardinal Peaks to Acrania in precisely six days.
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"Bring me the message immediately, Master Charlotte."
"This could be a matter of grave concern."
Charlotte swiftly handed the message to Emperor Alardus, who carefully unfolded it and read its contents. His expression changed from curiosity to deep concern as he absorbed the information.
「 Empress Arielle 」
"What is it, my love?"
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"The Qeddah Sultanate is mobilizing their army."
「 Empress Arielle 」
"Oh, dear..."
"And their target?"
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"Cardinal Peaks."
The words of the Qeddah Sultanate Army mobilizing sent shockwaves through the throne room. Emperor Alardus and Empress Arielle exchanged confused glances, realizing the oddity of the situation.
「 Empress Arielle 」
"But..."
"Isn't Cardinal Peaks under the Sultanate itself?"
"Why is Sultan Areef sieging a town under his rule?"
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"I don't know dear..."
"But according to Reza, the town was to be held accountable for the death of Laksmana Bujang Sangga."
"And they want the prodigal child, Zanno Starr to be surrendered."
「 Empress Arielle 」
"Zanno Starr..."
"Words about him have been flying around lately."
"The boy who wields Spirit Magic."
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"Yes, dear..."
"The boy who saved our daughter's life, a year ago."
The door to the throne room suddenly barged open. Princess Connie was standing there, her eyes were determined.
「 Princess Connie 」
"Father, Mother... I overheard your conversation."
"I won't let them take Zanno."
"He is innocent, and he has already suffered enough."
Emperor Alardus and Empress Arielle exchanged a glance, a mix of concern and pride in their eyes.
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"Connie, my daughter..."
"I understand your sentiments, but we must tread carefully."
"The situation is delicate, and the Qeddah Sultanate's actions are puzzling."
Princess Connie's voice was firm as she responded.
「 Princess Connie 」
"I know, Father."
"But we need to protect Zanno and uncover the truth."
Empress Arielle stepped forward, placing a hand on Princess Connie's shoulder.
「 Empress Arielle 」
"Connie, we admire your bravery and determination."
"But we must consider the safety of our kingdom comes first."
"We have no right to meddle with a country's internal affairs."
Princess Connie nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.
「 Princess Connie 」
"A request for help will arrive from Cardinal Peaks in another week."
"But by that time, it will be too late to help them."
"We must send aid, now!"
Princess Connie's parents were shocked by her statement about Cardinal Peaks' aid request as if she knew something about the future that they did not.
「 Emperor Alardus (confused) 」
"What are you talking about, Connie?"
Following a slip of her tongue, Princess Connie fell silent inside the throne room. She was the only one who knew about future events through her connection with Babah.
「 Princess Connie 」
"Well..."
"Umm..."
"Kejora!"
"Kejora Bersatu told me!"
"He recently..."
"Recently had a premonition!"
Princess Connie was searching for the right words to weasel her way out of her father's question, trying to keep the secret about Babah hidden. Emperor Alardus and Empress Arielle exchanged curious glances, intrigued by their daughter's cryptic explanation.
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"A premonition, you say?"
"Connie, please elaborate."
Princess Connie took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts.
「 Princess Connie 」
"Yes, Father."
"Kejora Bersatu, the Spirit of Charity and Prosperity, has shared visions with me."
"He showed me a possible future where Cardinal Peaks is in great peril."
Empress Arielle's eyes widened in surprise, while Emperor Alardus furrowed his brow, deep in thought.
「 Empress Arielle 」
"Connie, are you certain?"
"Kejora Bersatu is known for his wisdom and foresight, but visions can be ambiguous."
Princess Connie nodded, her voice filled with conviction.
「 Princess Connie 」
"I understand, Mother."
"But this vision was vivid and ominous."
"I believe we have a responsibility to act, even if it means intervening in another country's affairs."
Emperor Alardus sighed, torn between his duty as a ruler and his love for his daughter.
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"Connie, your desire to protect others is commendable."
"But we must consider the consequences of our actions."
"Intervening without solid evidence or diplomatic channels could escalate tensions."
Princess Connie looked at her parents, her eyes pleading.
「 Princess Connie 」
"I understand the risks, Father."
"But Zanno Starr is innocent, and I cannot stand by while he is unjustly accused."
"We must find a way to uncover the truth and protect Cardinal Peaks."
Empress Arielle exchanged a knowing glance with Emperor Alardus, realizing the determination in their daughter's eyes.
「 Empress Arielle 」
"Connie, if we are to help, we must do so diplomatically and discreetly."
"We will explore all avenues and gather more information before taking any action."
Emperor Alardus nodded in agreement.
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"You are right, Arielle."
"Connie, we will support you, but we must proceed with caution."
"Let us convene with our advisors and strategize a plan of action."
Princess Connie's face brightened with gratitude, knowing that her parents were willing to listen and consider her plea. She bowed respectfully to her parents, grateful for their support.
「 Princess Connie 」
"Thank you, Father, Mother."
"I appreciate your understanding and willingness to help."
"May we find a way to protect Zanno and uncover the truth."
Emperor Alardus and Empress Arielle smiled warmly at their daughter, their love and pride were evident in their eyes.
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"Connie, you have grown into a remarkable young woman."
"We are proud to have you as our daughter."
"Let us gather our advisors and discuss the best course of action."
Princess Connie nodded, a renewed determination shining in her eyes.
「 Princess Connie 」
"Agreed, Father."
"Time is of the essence, and we must act swiftly."
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"General Martel..."
From out of nowhere, General Martel appeared before the Emperor, kneeling.
「 General Martel 」
"Your Excellency."
「 Emperor Alardus 」
"Invoquer la Cour de Tremaux!"