The Spring Festival had been a resounding success, and the kingdom buzzed with the lingering energy of Soren's breathtaking performance. As Elara Aetheon strolled through the palace gardens the morning after, she reflected on the night before. The joy and pride she felt for Soren and her other husbands were immeasurable, but her thoughts soon turned to the system. She could feel the next quest stirring in her mind.
[New Rule: Focus on one quest at a time to maximize efficiency.]
The words flashed in her mind like a firm command. Elara understood the system's logic—juggling multiple quests had its risks. She needed to ensure that each of her husbands received her full attention when it came to their dreams. Only then could she secure a future where all of them thrived.
Her focus quickly shifted to her next task: helping Rowan Eldric recover the missing pieces of the ancient text.
[Quest Activated: Gain access to the royal archives and find the missing text for Rowan Eldric.]
[Current Quest Priority: 100% focused.]
Elara made her way through the halls of the palace with a clear mission. Gaining access to the royal archives was no simple task, but as queen, she held more authority than anyone. Her footsteps echoed through the corridor as she approached the grand double doors of the archives. Two royal guards stood at attention, their spears crossed over the entrance.
"I need access to the royal archives," Elara said, her voice firm yet calm.
The guards exchanged uneasy glances. "Your Majesty, only those with specific clearance from the royal council are allowed inside."
Elara had anticipated this. The council could be difficult, but she wasn't one to be deterred. "Summon the council leader," she instructed. "I'll speak with him directly."
An hour later…
Elara sat in the council chamber, facing the stern gaze of Lord Aric Valen, the leader of the royal council. He was an older man, his silver hair neatly combed, and his expression cold and calculating. The other council members sat silently, their eyes fixed on Elara.
"Your Majesty," Lord Aric began, his voice deep and steady, "while we respect your authority, the royal archives are sealed for a reason. Access to certain documents is restricted to ensure the security of the kingdom's knowledge."
Elara met his gaze unflinchingly. "I understand the importance of these restrictions, but the text my husband Rowan is studying could uncover critical information about our kingdom's origins. It is our duty to uncover the truth, even if it means revisiting the past."
Lord Aric leaned back in his chair, studying her for a moment before speaking. "The council will deliberate. You will have our answer by sundown."
Elara nodded, her face calm but her mind racing. She couldn't afford to wait. Rowan needed this information now.
Later that evening…
Elara returned to her chambers, the weight of the council's decision pressing on her. She had been granted limited access to certain sections of the archives, but the most critical documents remained off-limits. It wasn't enough.
As she paced her chambers, the system buzzed in her mind.
[Quest Updated: You have partial access to the royal archives. However, the key information lies deeper within. Seek assistance from someone within the council who shares your goals.]
[Reward for completing the quest: 300 points.]
Elara sighed, frustrated but determined. She knew of only one person on the council who might be sympathetic to her cause—Lady Astrid Valen, Lord Aric's niece. Unlike her uncle, Lady Astrid was open-minded and had a deep respect for history and knowledge. Elara would need to convince her to help gain access to the restricted sections of the archives.
The next day…
Elara arranged a private meeting with Lady Astrid in the royal gardens. As they strolled along the winding paths, surrounded by blooming flowers, Elara carefully broached the subject.
"Astrid," she began, "I need your help. There are documents in the archives—important ones—that could reveal vital information about Aethoria's past. But they're locked away, and the council won't allow me full access."
Lady Astrid glanced at her thoughtfully, her emerald eyes narrowing in contemplation. "My uncle is… cautious," she said slowly. "He fears what might be uncovered, but I've always believed that the truth should not be hidden. If you truly think this knowledge is vital, I will help you."
Elara felt a surge of relief. "Thank you, Astrid. I know the risks, but this is important—for Rowan and for the kingdom."
Lady Astrid nodded. "Meet me tonight, just before midnight. I'll escort you to the restricted section myself. But we must be careful. If my uncle finds out, there will be consequences."
Elara placed a hand on Astrid's arm. "I won't let anything happen to you. We'll be discreet."
That night…
The palace was quiet, the corridors lit only by the soft glow of moonlight streaming through the windows. Elara and Lady Astrid moved swiftly and silently toward the archives, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpet. When they arrived, Astrid used a hidden key to unlock the door, and they slipped inside.
The restricted section was dimly lit, the air thick with dust and the scent of old parchment. Shelves upon shelves of ancient texts surrounded them, each one containing knowledge long forgotten.
Astrid gestured to the far corner. "The documents you need should be there. I'll keep watch."
Elara moved quickly, her fingers brushing over the spines of the books and scrolls until she found what she was looking for—a series of journals that matched the ones Rowan had been studying.
She pulled them from the shelf, her heart racing. This was it. The missing pieces of the puzzle.
[Quest Complete: You have retrieved the missing text for Rowan Eldric. Deliver it to him to complete his research.]
[Reward: 300 points earned. New points total: 450.]
Elara felt the familiar buzz of satisfaction from the system, but more than that, she felt a sense of triumph. She had done it. Rowan's quest was nearly complete.
She carefully tucked the journals under her arm and nodded to Astrid. "Let's go."
As they made their way back to the safety of the palace, Elara couldn't help but smile. Her husband's dreams were becoming a reality, one step at a time.