After finishing my reading, I couldn't help but massage my temples, trying to process the weight of the information I had uncovered.
So, that's why there was opposition to Ludwig ascending to the throne.
During my research on the Sealing Charm and Transcendence, I stumbled upon details related to Ascendants, particularly Ludwig's grandfather, King Aurelius.
King Aurelius, Ludwig's paternal grandfather, was also an Ascendant, but his true power remained largely unknown until he assumed the throne. Initially, the Ministers were pleased with their powerful king. However, tragedy struck when King Aurelius' Fate unexpectedly perished, his heart filled with fury and unleashed uncontrollable power.
In a cataclysmic event, King Aurelius exploded, unleashing devastating destruction that ravaged half of the kingdom. The casualties were numerous, including innocent Fire Faes who perished in the chaos.
When the Ministers had learned the destructive potential of an Ascendant, they became cautious. Anyone accused of being a Possessor of Darkness would face the Council for judgment.
The books didn't detail what happened to those in the Council, but now, I understood why there was so much opposition to Ludwig's rule. Besides being an Ascendant, he had inherited his father's power, the Ruins.
The motive behind someone wanting to poison Hiyasmin became clearer to me. She was the one who could potentially save the kingdom. As the next in line to the throne and with her familial connections, including her grandfather's former role as a Minister, she was viewed as the best option for stability and progress.
With Hiyasmin as Queen, other kingdoms would be more willing to assist her in obtaining the Ones, as there would no longer be the fear associated with Ludwig's Ascendant nature and the looming threat of a catastrophic explosion.
"Your fondness for reading truly knows no bounds," Hiyasmin remarked with a smile as she approached me, leaning lightly on a walking stick handcrafted by a Warlock.
Following the recent explosion and Alexa's disappearance nearly a week ago, Ludwig swiftly ordered our evacuation from the castle. Alongside me were Hiyasmin and Commander Rivalz, along with his trusted companion, Commander Leonel.
Both Commander Leonel and Rivalz held Ludwig's utmost trust among all his knights. Ludwig ensured our safety and secrecy about our destination as he departed.
It took us three days to travel due to Hiyasmin's condition, as she was unable to flash. Upon reaching a secluded forest, we found a massive cave hidden beneath a towering hill. Hiyasmin remained unconscious throughout the journey, so Commander Rivalz and Commander Leonel carried her into the cave.
As we emerged from the cave, we found ourselves in another unfamiliar forest, but amidst the trees stood a quaint wooden house, nestled beneath the open sky.
Without asking about our location, I recognized that we were no longer within the Fire Faes kingdom but still on the continent of Etherealis.
"What are you reading now?" Hiyasmin's voice, gentle and serene, broke through the quiet surroundings as she smiled warmly.
A day had passed since our arrival when Hiyasmin finally woke up, the effects of the Stardew Hyacinth having worn off during our journey. Upon awakening, Hiyasmin immediately felt thirsty and questioned the taste of the water, and I suspected that the Enchanted Moonvine had been added to it, causing her paralysis.
For two days, Hiyasmin remained in bed to recuperate, and during that time, her condition steadily improved. Her skin regained its vibrancy, her body grew more lively, and her once-cheerful face returned.
During those two days, I filled her in on everything that had transpired in the kingdom during her prolonged slumber. I recounted Alexa's disappearance, the explosions, and the impending marriage between Prince Ludwig and Princess Amethyst. I also shared our suspicions that Hiyasmin had not been cursed but instead poisoned. However, the motive behind the poisoning and the identity of the culprit remained unknown to us.
At one point, Hiyasmin's anger nearly set the wooden house ablaze, but Commander Rivalz and Commander Leonel swiftly extinguished the flames before any harm was done, although the rest of us were immune to fire anyway, except me.
After a few days of rest, Hiyasmin expressed her apologies for her outburst earlier. It was then that I realized the deep bond between Ludwig and Hiyasmin, evident in their shared traits and emotions.
As the days passed, Hiyasmin's recovery progressed, albeit slowly with our assistance. She regained her ability to walk, her muscles growing stronger each day. Her tears of gratitude flowed freely as she moved across the ground, once believing she would remain paralyzed forever, trapped without freedom. She repeatedly thanked me, acknowledging that without my passion for reading, the truth about the flowers and their detrimental effects on her body may never have been discovered, overshadowing any supposed curse from Amelia.
In response to her gratitude, I confessed, "I am still searching for information about the Sealing Charm and the portals, but unfortunately, I haven't come across any significant leads yet."
With a reassuring smile, Hiyasmin sat down in front of me, offering words of encouragement. "You can do it, Louise," she said warmly. "I have faith in you."
Commander Rivalz appeared before us with a respectful bow, inviting us to join him for lunch, while Commander Leonel remained on duty, ensuring the safety of our surroundings. This arrangement was carefully planned, with one commander eating while the other kept watch, alternating during rest and throughout the day and night shifts. Both Hiyasmin and I were grateful for their dedication and loyalty to the kingdom, as well as to Ludwig.
As Hiyasmin finished her meal, she looked around with curiosity and asked, "Who owns this place?" Her captivating gaze roamed the surroundings, intrigued by the secluded yet charming setting.
"The old man who reared us, Your Highness," Commander Rivalz replied with a nostalgic smile, reminiscing about the moments spent with their mentor. "I am honored to serve you here, as it was the old man's wish." He paused, observing the reactions in the room. "This is also where Liam grew up," he added, noting the connection.
Hiyasmin's expression showed surprise. "Really?" She seemed incredulous. "My brother lived here?" She asked again, seeking confirmation. There was admiration in Hiyasmin's voice, and I was taken aback by how she referred to Liam. It was easy to forget that they were siblings, although perhaps not as close as others might expect.
It was a revelation to me that Liam grew up without a mother, as she had passed away when he was very young. The identity of his father was also unknown to anyone except those closest to Liam, as he had disappeared during his mother's pregnancy. However, I had no idea that Captain Rivalz and Liam had grown up together.
As Commander Rivalz continued to speak during our meal, he shared more about their past. He recounted how he first encountered Liam wandering the streets when Liam was around eight years old. From there, they grew up together in this very house under the guidance of the old man who acted as their parental figure. When Liam was thirteen and Commander Rivalz was fifteen, they came across Commander Leonel, who was then just ten years old, imprisoned and orphaned.
It was astonishing to learn that Liam, unbeknownst to everyone, was actually the son of a prince. After being discovered by the Royal Knights and brought back to the palace, his identity shocked many. However, Liam continued to visit the house almost weekly, bringing food and support to Commander Rivalz and Leonel when he was free from his princely duties.
As Commander Rivalz and Leonel reached the appropriate age, Liam assisted them in gaining entry to the palace and enrolling in the military academy. After enduring challenging years of training and examinations, they eventually rose to become royal knights of the Fire Faes in the lands of Fortunalia.
I greatly admired Commander Rivalz's backstory, which shed light on the deep bond and camaraderie forged through shared experiences and mutual support among them. I didn't know Liam very well. He always seemed busy and distant whenever we crossed paths. It was surprising to learn that he had a similar upbringing to mine. We shared the experience of growing up without parents, taken care of by others with love and care, making us almost siblings in terms of our experiences.
Unlike Commander Rivalz, Commander Leonel was more introverted, rarely engaging in conversations unless prompted or ordered by Hiyasmin or me. On the other hand, Commander Rivalz was outgoing, charming, and not afraid to express himself. I suspected he might be seen as a heartthrob given his personality.
Commander Rivalz often shared stories of their lives together with Liam, and Hiyasmin was always curious, asking questions and eager to know more about her brother's past. Despite their differing personalities, both commanders were patient and dedicated to serving us to the best of their abilities, even though protecting ladies might not have been their primary training or expertise.
"We're just the same," I began after Commander Rivalz finished recounting their early days. "I also grew up without parents, but I consider myself fortunate that someone took me in and treated me like their own daughter." A smile lingered on my face as I reminisced about the moments with my adoptive family.