The palace library was a vast, sprawling maze of towering bookshelves and ancient scrolls. The scent of old parchment filled the air as Elara Aetheon stepped inside. Sunlight filtered through the large, arched windows, casting soft golden light over the room. Elara's eyes quickly found Rowan Eldric, seated at a large wooden desk, surrounded by stacks of books and notes.
Rowan was the most enigmatic of her husbands, a man consumed by his passion for knowledge. His dark hair fell into his eyes as he read, and his thin-framed glasses balanced precariously on his nose. He was deep in thought, completely unaware of her presence.
Elara watched him for a moment, admiring the way his focus never wavered, even when the world outside was full of distractions. Rowan's brilliance was undeniable, but his thirst for knowledge often left him isolated.
Elara cleared her throat softly. "Rowan Eldric?"
Rowan flinched at the sound of his full name, blinking rapidly as he looked up. "Oh, Your Majesty," he said quickly, his cheeks flushing as he stood and bowed. "I didn't see you come in."
"Just Elara, Rowan," she reminded him gently, stepping forward. "You've been cooped up in here for days. I wanted to see how you were doing."
Rowan smiled awkwardly and scratched the back of his head. "I've been… busy. There's a new text I've been studying, something that could change everything we know about the history of Aethoria."
Elara raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of text?"
Rowan's eyes lit up with excitement, and he gestured to a tattered, ancient book on the desk. "It's a journal from a scholar who lived centuries ago, during the founding of the kingdom. There are references to a forgotten civilization—one that might have existed long before Aethoria was even founded."
Elara leaned over to examine the book. Its pages were yellowed with age, the ink faded but still legible. "That's fascinating," she said, her voice filled with admiration. "But why hasn't anyone else discovered this?"
Rowan's excitement dimmed slightly. "It's incomplete," he admitted. "The most important parts—especially about the lost civilization—are missing. I've searched every archive, every library, but I can't find the missing pieces."
[New Quest: Help Rowan Eldric find the missing pieces of the ancient text.]
Reward: 200 points.
Hint: The royal archives may contain what Rowan seeks, but they are restricted to only the highest-ranking officials.]
Elara frowned thoughtfully. "The royal archives could have the answers you need," she said slowly. "But gaining access won't be easy."
Rowan's expression brightened at the mention of the archives, but it quickly turned uncertain. "Those archives are restricted," he said, shaking his head. "Only the royal family and high-ranking officials are allowed inside. I don't know if even you can access them."
Elara crossed her arms, her mind racing. She knew of the strict protocols surrounding the royal archives, but if anyone had the authority to bend those rules, it was her. "I'll make sure you get what you need," she said firmly. "We'll find the missing pieces, Rowan. This could be the discovery of a lifetime."
Rowan's eyes softened, his uncertainty melting away under her confident gaze. "I… I don't know what to say," he murmured. "You're always doing so much for us."
Elara smiled and placed a gentle hand on his arm. "You're not alone in this, Rowan. You never have been. I'm here to support you, just like you've supported me in your own way."
Rowan nodded slowly, his eyes meeting hers. "Thank you, Elara," he said softly, his voice laced with emotion. "I'll keep working on what I have. I just hope we can find the missing parts soon."
[Quest Updated: Gain access to the royal archives and find the missing text.]
Reward: 100 points for emotional support.
As Rowan returned to his notes, Elara made a mental note to arrange for access to the royal archives. It wouldn't be easy, but Rowan's discovery could reshape Aethoria's history. And if it was important to him, it was important to her.
Elara left the library, the system chiming in her mind again as her points increased. It felt good to know she was making progress, not just in fulfilling the system's demands, but in deepening her bond with Rowan. His world was vast, filled with the mysteries of the past, and she wanted to be a part of it.
Later that night…
The moon hung high in the sky as Elara sat in her chambers, reviewing her day. She had made progress with Kael and Darian, and now, with Rowan, the pieces were starting to fall into place. Her husbands were all so different, each with their own strengths and dreams, and she found herself marveling at how much they enriched her life.
Just as she was about to retire for the night, the system buzzed once more.
[New Quest Unlocked: Soren Arvast wishes to perform at the Spring Festival. Help him create the perfect performance.]
Reward: 150 points.
Hint: Soren's performance could draw international attention, but he'll need the best dancers and musicians to succeed.]
Elara chuckled softly. Soren, the free-spirited performer, was always full of surprises. She looked forward to visiting him tomorrow and helping him with his preparations. The Spring Festival was just around the corner, and it seemed each of her husbands had a role to play.
But tonight, she would rest. The kingdom might demand her strength, but her family demanded her heart.