"Stop! This is the Imperial Embassy. No outsiders are permitted beyond this point," barked the black-armored guard at the entrance, his voice clipped and his Uriah heavily accented. His eyes held an arrogant gleam as he raised a gauntleted hand to halt them.
As they neared the embassy's gates, Leon had his first close look at the foreign soldiers he'd only glimpsed the day before. The sight of them was striking. Each soldier wore a helmet with an open-faced design capped with a distinctive diamond-shaped top. Unlike the helmets common to Western armies, theirs left the face exposed while a high neck guard reached up to cover everything below the nose.
Across the foreheads of their helmets was a bold strip of color, with the officers bearing symmetrical feathered crests extending from either side. The soldiers' black breastplates gleamed with a dark, burnished finish, emblazoned on the chest with the iconic golden one-eyed emblem of the Atias Empire. Gold trim edged the armor in select places, though Leon guessed it was more for show than function, likely a painted effect rather than true gold.
As Leon took in the scene, he couldn't help but feel a shiver of curiosity. The soldiers were uniform in every detail, from the cut of their armor down to the precise layering of plates and the standardized weapons they carried. It was as if each soldier were a replica of the next, a stark contrast to the varied, piecemeal armor typical among Western troops.
He wondered if these were truly the elites of the Atias Empire or simply standard infantry. If they were the latter, then the empire must be a society of advanced industry, operating at a level beyond anything seen on the Western Continent.
Brandon stepped forward, holding out the letter of invitation with an air of authority. "Alea Casoles, son of Baron Redingburg, here by invitation of Lord Pirieno," he announced, his voice steady and confident.
The guard scrutinized the letter, his gaze flicking from the paper to Brandon's face with an odd look, as if sizing him up. With a raised eyebrow, he muttered something in his native tongue to his subordinates, a remark that earned a few chuckles from the men.
"Enter straight through to the hall. Speak to the servant there, and he'll bring you to Master Pirieno. But don't wander, or you'll regret it," the guard said with a casual wave, swinging open the iron gate without further ceremony.
Leon couldn't help but feel a flicker of surprise. No escort, no additional precautions. The guards allowed them to walk freely into the embassy courtyard without even a cursory follow-up.
As they stepped inside, Leon glanced back at the soldiers at the gate, still wary despite the apparent ease of entry. The setup struck him as strange, the gates were heavily guarded, with crossbowmen posted on the towers, but beyond that, the embassy grounds seemed almost deserted. There were no patrols, just a few servants tending to the manicured garden.
*Are they really so confident that the walls alone can keep everyone out?* Leon wondered, remembering his own success in scaling them the night before. If someone with his limited skills could sneak in, then a trained assassin would surely find it even easier. But he kept these thoughts to himself, grateful for the opportunity.
He took a mental note of everything as they walked, observing the layout of the courtyard, the positioning of windows and doors, and the few exits that might prove useful later. He memorized as much as he could, knowing that each detail could be crucial in the plan to free Elena.
Entering the embassy's main building, Leon immediately felt the vastness of the quiet lobby. The silence amplified the sense of space, as if the emptiness made every corner stretch wider. Aside from the maid who approached them, it seemed they were alone in the entire building.
"The master is resting upstairs," the maid announced, bowing politely. "Please follow me to the reception room, where you may wait for him." She gestured gracefully, then turned to lead the way.
Leon's eyes followed her movements, noting the thin, red magical collar around her neck, just as he'd seen on Elena. The sight made him uneasy, a reminder of the stakes they faced here.
The maid led them into an elegantly furnished reception room and disappeared to alert her master. The minutes that followed felt endless for Liam. He fidgeted, glancing at the doors and barely able to contain his nerves. He was so close to finally seeing his sister, and yet the delay gnawed at him, stretching his patience to its limit.
Their wait didn't last long, though. Soon, they heard footsteps outside, and the door swung open. In strode a rosy-cheeked man in an elaborate black robe, his red hair bright and carefully groomed. His face lit up with warmth as he spotted Brandon, and he immediately walked forward, arms open in greeting.
"Oh, Alaia! Welcome, my friend, welcome!" Pirieno's voice was rich with enthusiasm. He stepped forward, pulling Brandon into a hug, and gave him the customary "Joe Oldman" double-cheek kiss — a theatrical, over-the-top display of friendliness.
Brandon flinched slightly, the stranger's wiry beard scratching his cheek, but managed to maintain his composure. Playing his part, he returned the hug and endured the overly intimate greeting.
Watching this display, Leon raised an eyebrow, quietly impressed. He hadn't realized Brandon had managed to become so friendly with this Atias noble after only a brief exchange the previous day. *Maybe our plan to negotiate a ransom could actually work,* he thought, noting the rapport Brandon had managed to build.
"I'm truly grateful for your generous offer yesterday," Brandon said, his voice steady as he carefully extricated himself from Pirieno's grasp. "I've come today to discuss the finer details on behalf of my family."
"Yes, yes, of course! It's a privilege to support a friend in need," Pirieno replied heartily, placing a hand on Brandon's shoulder. "Please, feel at home here. Stay the night, if you wish! There's plenty of space, and I'd be honored to host you."
"Thank you for your hospitality," Brandon replied, nodding politely.
As the two began their conversation in earnest, Leon found his attention drifting. Brandon was skillfully spinning a tale of family honor and ambitions to reclaim a lost inheritance — a backstory they'd crafted to appeal to Pirieno's sense of nobility and intrigue. To Leon, it was all fiction, a web of lies spun solely to earn Pirieno's trust and cooperation. But watching Brandon play the role with such conviction, he almost had to remind himself that none of it was real.
Inwardly, Leon admired Brandon's finesse. He hoped this rapport would be enough to secure Elena's freedom, or at least open the door to negotiating her ransom. For now, all he could do was wait and trust in Brandon's skill at navigating the noble game.
Leon and Liam could only stand and wait outside, hoping for a chance to see Elena.
The elaborate conversation in the dining room finally drew to a close, and Pirieno rose, inviting Brandon to join him for lunch. Leon and Liam, playing the part of loyal servants, had no place at the table and remained near the doorway, alert and watching.
Servants began entering the dining room, carrying trays piled with food. Leon and Liam scanned each face as they passed, waiting for any sign of Elena.
And then — Liam's breath caught. There she was, carrying a plate, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief as her eyes locked onto her brother's. She froze, barely able to process what she was seeing, her cheeks flushed with surprise. It took a gentle nudge from another maid to snap her out of her trance. She hurried forward, casting a final, lingering look toward Liam before stepping into the dining room with the others.
As Elena arranged the food on the table, she seemed entirely focused on the knowledge that her brother was alive and well, so much so that she didn't even recognize Brandon seated before her.
But Brandon recognized her. The realization sparked in his eyes, and he immediately shifted tactics. Subtly, he let his gaze rest on Elena more than necessary, allowing a look of "interest" to cross his face, carefully designed to look innocent, almost smitten.
Pirieno, of course, noticed. He grinned slyly, raising his glass as if sharing in a private joke. "Sir Alea," he teased, "you seem quite taken with my slave."
Brandon blinked, feigning surprise, as though caught in a moment of youthful inexperience. "My apologies, Lord Pirieno. I didn't mean to stare… I was simply struck by your maid's appearance."
Pirieno chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. He seemed to enjoy the idea of sharing his "possessions" with trusted companions; especially a young nobleman with such apparent charm and promise. "Oh, think nothing of it! If you fancy her, why not let her share your quarters tonight?"
The casual offer hung in the air, and Elena, lost in her thoughts, only registered her own name after a moment. She looked up, confused, her heart skipping a beat as she took in what Pirieno was suggesting. *Sleep with a guest?* Panic flooded her at the thought; she had managed to avoid this fate so far, and now the prospect loomed closer than ever.
Her gaze shifted to Brandon, the young noble who seemed vaguely familiar. As she studied his face, recognition dawned. Brandon, sensing her confusion, turned his head away from Pirieno's line of sight and discreetly began winking, hoping to signal her that he wasn't just another guest but an ally.
Memories from the dark, cramped cage flooded back to Elena, and in an instant, she understood. The young man who had introduced himself as Liam's friend, the brief, heart-stopping glimpse of her brother just moments ago, and now, the familiar face of Brandon… It was clear that Liam and his friends were risking everything to rescue her.
Catching on, she quickly lowered her gaze, masking her reaction to avoid tipping off Pirieno.
Brandon exhaled in relief, grateful she hadn't acknowledged him directly. One wrong move, one spark of recognition, and they could all be exposed. Their safety — hers and his friends' — now hung by a delicate thread.
"Your Excellency, I'm deeply grateful," Brandon said, turning back to Pirieno with a look of genuine appreciation. "I hardly know how to repay your kindness."
He kept his tone controlled, not pushing to redeem her outright. Any eagerness would only spark suspicion. Instead, he focused on laying the groundwork. He'd simply endure tonight in Elena's company, carefully staging the "tragic love story" they'd planned. By morning, he could feign an impassioned plea to "purchase" the woman who'd "captured his heart."
Brandon calculated that Pirieno, so willing to invest in a young noble's ambitions, would likely see little harm in exchanging a single servant for the goodwill he'd gain. The plan might actually work.
Pirieno's grin widened, clearly pleased. "Oh, think nothing of it, my dear Alaia. Friendship, after all, is the greatest reward," he replied grandly, before clapping his hands. "Now, leave us," he instructed the servants, dismissing them with a casual wave.
The servants filed out, bowing on their way. Pirieno poured another glass, his eyes sharp and appraising as he looked at Brandon. "So, Alaia, you seem to appreciate romantic pursuits as well?" He narrowed his gaze, his voice carrying a hint of challenge. "Tell me, have you had a partner before?"
Outside the dining room, Leon and Liam watched as the maids departed one by one. Elena trailed at the back, and just before disappearing into the main corridor, she turned, her eyes meeting theirs. With a quick gesture, she pointed toward the courtyard at the back of the embassy.
Leon nodded, piecing together her hint. He remembered the secluded corner where he had first encountered her the previous day, and he signaled to Liam to follow.
Barely containing his anticipation, Liam fell in step with Leon, holding his emotions in check as they slipped out of the embassy building, making their way to the back garden while dodging watchful eyes. Finally, they rounded the last corner, finding the hidden statue in the backyard — and there she was.
The moment their eyes met, Liam's restraint broke. He rushed forward, wrapping his sister in a fierce embrace, tears spilling from his eyes. "I'm so sorry, Elena… I came too late!" he choked out, his voice thick with emotion, almost afraid that this was only a dream.
Elena clung to him, her own tears flowing freely as she rested her head on his shoulder. Smiling through her tears, she gently patted his back. "You're here now. That's all that matters. Knowing you're alive and safe… nothing could mean more."
As Liam and Elena embraced, Leon took a step back, leaning against the statue, his gaze scanning their surroundings, alert for any potential interruptions. This rare moment of reunion, fragile and precious, wasn't one he wanted to disrupt. Whether they could truly rescue Elena now hinged on whatever news Brandon managed to secure from Pirieno. Leon and Liam dared not act rashly, especially with the looming curse.
"Sister," Liam's voice was thick with emotion, though he tried to steady it. "Listen to me. I'm a knight now, in Orland! I have land, and a home waiting for us there. Once we break this cursed magic on you, I'll bring you back with me, and we'll start a new life together."
Elena's expression softened, a bittersweet smile crossing her face. "Liam, you don't need to risk everything for me. Seeing you alive is more than I could ever have dreamed. Look; I am safe enough here. You and your brave friends… why would you endanger yourselves for me?" She shook her head, fear mingling in her gaze. "That wizard has powers like a god, Liam. He's terrifying, and anyone who angers him is bound to die."
Liam's determination only hardened, and he glanced over his shoulder at Leon. "That wizard? Bah! He just knows a few spells. Leon here is a spellcaster too! He's even taken down demons: that red-haired sorcerer doesn't stand a chance. We *will* get you out of here, I swear it."
Leon couldn't suppress a faint, bemused smile at Liam's unwavering confidence, though he couldn't help but think his friend might be overestimating his magical skills just a bit.
Suddenly, a calm, steady voice sounded close by, cutting through the quiet. "Are you the one responsible for disabling the spell here?"
Leon's heart jolted as he spun around, hand instinctively reaching for the dagger tucked in his coat. But as he scanned his surroundings, there was nothing, no one. He'd been on alert the entire time and hadn't seen anyone approach. A chill of unease crept over him, wondering if he'd only imagined it.
But Liam had clearly heard it too. He spun around, instinctively shielding Elena, eyes darting to find the source. Yet there was no one there.
Then, a realization seemed to cross Elena's face, and her expression softened with recognition. "Corvis… is that you?" she called, her voice steady.
A shimmer appeared in the air, a subtle distortion that grew brighter until, before their eyes, a young man with golden eyes and hair emerged, almost as if he had materialized out of the very light itself.
"It's me," Corvis said gently, offering Elena a reassuring smile before his gaze shifted to Leon, studying him with curiosity.
"Did you disable the warning spell here?" Corvis asked again, a hint of expectation in his voice.