The grand guest receiving chamber welcomed the two elves, their presence distinctly contrasting against the opulent human decor. The elder elf, wise and weathered, stepped forward alongside a captain adorned in elegant elven armor.
The City Lord, regal in his presence, extended a welcoming nod. "Greetings. I am the City Lord of Jontran, Cedris Voss. How may I assist you?"
The elder elf, bowing with respect, began, "I am Elandril, and this is Captain Elowen, leader of our elven guards. We come seeking your cooperation to investigate the demise of one of our own, Thalia."
City Lord's expression remained composed, though curiosity lingered in his eyes. "Thalia? What happened to her?"
Elandril sighed, a weight of sorrow evident in his eyes. "Her Card of Life has shattered, a clear sign of her death. We wish to understand the circumstances surrounding her demise and seek justice if foul play is involved."
City Lord nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "I see. Thalia's death is regrettable. We will assist in the investigation. Can you provide any details that might aid us?"
Elandril explained, "Thalia was a skilled adventurer, known for her connection to the forest's life. We detected the disturbance through our magical network when her Card of Life shattered. We believe she met her end here in Jontran."
City Lord, somber, replied, "I assure you, we will cooperate fully in this matter. It is our duty to ensure justice."
"I know her."
Lysandra's revelation hung heavy in the air, her voice cutting through the tension. "Thalia was captured, and her fate was to be auctioned on the black market. I witnessed it myself."
Elandril's eyes widened, the elder elf's demeanor showing both grief and anger. "Captured and traded as a commodity? This is an outrage!"
Captain Elowen clenched her fists, ready for action. "We must act swiftly to bring those responsible to justice."
The City Lord's gaze hardened, his concern shifting to determination. "Lysandra, provide every detail you know about Thalia's capture. We will bring justice to those who have wronged her."
As Lysandra began to recount the events, the elves listened attentively, their expressions reflecting a mix of sorrow and fury. Aurelius, however, feigned ignorance, attempting to distance himself from the black market's darker dealings.
"I have no knowledge of this elf, Thalia, nor any involvement in such matters," Aurelius claimed, his tone measured.
The eldest son scoffed, unimpressed. "You claim to control the black market's security, yet an elf was abducted under your nose?"
Aurelius retorted, "The black market operates independently. I may oversee its security, but I cannot control every transaction. If an elf was taken, it is beyond my influence."
The City Lord's stern gaze shifted between Lysandra and Aurelius. "We will investigate this matter thoroughly. If there is any connection to the House of Ravenscroft or the black market, justice will be served."
The elder elf, Elandril, spoke with somber authority, "Thalia was not just any elf. She was the only princess of Eldorinthal, the kingdom of elves deep within the Savage Forest."
City Lord Cedric's expression shifted, a mix of surprise and concern clouding his face. "A princess? This complicates matters."
Lysandra and Aurelius, now tasked with escorting the elves, stood ready for the upcoming investigation.
"Escort them to the prepared residence, ensure their comfort, and be ready for the investigation," City Lord Cedric commanded, his tone firm.
The elves bowed gracefully, expressing gratitude. "Thank you, City Lord Cedric. We appreciate your cooperation."
As Lysandra, Aurelius, and the elves left the room, the eldest son, Seraphius, lingered, sensing the gravity of his father's next words.
"Seraphius, stay," City Lord Cedric ordered, his tone urging a private conversation.
##
City Lord Cedric gazed at his eldest son with a mixture of concern and authority. "Seraphius, I need you to conduct a separate investigation into Thalia's tragedy. Keep it discreet, and do not let Aurelius know."
Seraphius nodded in acknowledgment, his expression serious. "I understand, Father. I'll get to the bottom of this."
City Lord Cedric leaned forward, his voice lowering. "There's something more, Seraphius. I fear that the descendant of the original sin, Sloth, is awakening, and it might be influencing Aurelius."
Seraphius's eyes widened in realization, and he spoke in a hushed tone. "Sloth... waking up? Could that be why Aurelius is involved in this dark plot?"
City Lord Cedric nodded gravely. "It's a possibility. Be cautious in your investigation, and do not let the darkness taint you."
Seraphius, taking his father's words to heart, suggested a drastic measure. "Father, perhaps it's time to eliminate Aurelius directly. If he's consumed by the evil, we should end the threat before it grows."
The City Lord's expression hardened, and he sternly replied, "Seraphius, he is still my son. I won't entertain the thought of killing him. We must find a way to suppress the darkness within him."
Seraphius, however, persisted with an intensity in his eyes. "Aurelius was given to the Voss family by the King of Eldoria. The King knew about the curse within our bloodline, and he hoped that by placing Aurelius under your care, we could find a way to suppress the original sin."
City Lord Cedric's eyes tightened, a mix of frustration and worry evident. "Seraphius, we do not discuss such matters openly. That information is to remain hidden. I cannot risk the political ramifications if it were to be revealed."
Seraphius reluctantly acquiesced but couldn't suppress his concerns. "Father, we're treading on dangerous ground. We need to tread carefully, for the sake of Jontran and our family."
City Lord Cedric leaned back, weariness etched on his face. "I know, Seraphius. The shadows cast by our own sins are engulfing us, and we must navigate them with caution. Now, proceed with your investigation and keep me informed, but remember, discretion is paramount."
##
Three days swiftly passed, and the time had come for the promised sparring session between Lysandra and Gothar. The air in the private estate's training ground was tense, and both combatants stood ready, their eyes locked in determination. The clash of Blue and the newly evolved Blue mixed with black aura was imminent. The battleground awaited the echoes of their cards' manifestations, a prelude to the forthcoming battle that would unfold in the chapters to come.