The castle within the castle—this was the sight that greeted Arabela. The grand structure, blending shades of blue and white, towered above the ancient trees of the kingdom. Golden accents adorned every corner, giving the place an air of refined elegance.
"Welcome to the Castle of the Western Kingdom, Lady Arabela," August announced as the massive doors swung open, revealing rows of castle staff awaiting them.
Dozens of servants stood in neat lines by the entrance, bowing slightly as if they had been expecting her. Their gestures were respectful, yet precise, fitting for a royal welcome.
"Please, come in, milady."
With August leading the way, Arabela stepped inside. The interior was even more breathtaking than the exterior. Grand pillars rose high on every side, casting shadows across the hall, while enormous chandeliers bathed everything in a warm light. A plush blue carpet stretched across the hall, leading to a grand staircase.
Arabela hesitated for a moment when her eyes caught two imposing statues of black wyverns flanking the staircase. The statues were expertly carved, their details so lifelike they seemed ready to leap into action.
"Please follow me, miss" August said, gently breaking her trance.
They moved to a room just beyond the main staircase. Sunlight streamed through large windows, illuminating elegant sofas arranged beneath ornate wall lamps. Arabela noticed these were no ordinary lamps; their craftsmanship was exquisite.
"Please, have a seat, Lady. I'll inform the lord of your arrival," August said, bowing before leaving the room.
"Thank you. I'll wait here," Arabela replied, her gaze wandering around the room.
With August gone, she rose and began to explore. Her eyes soon fell upon a large, gold-framed portrait of a man and a woman. The portrait seemed partially obscured by vines creeping in from the garden.
"It looks like they intentionally left it uncleaned," she muttered.
The woman in the portrait had pale skin and long, wavy hair cascading to her waist. Her brown eyes seemed to glimmer with a strange hint of orange when observed closely.
Beside her was a man dressed in royal attire, a crown resting on his head. His striking blue eyes and jet-black hair made him appear both regal and intimidating. The couple exuded an air of elegance, yet something about them felt... off.
(Arabela's POV)
It seems that everything in this castle was designed to impress. Even the portrait's frame glimmered with gold. But unlike the grand frame, the portrait itself made me feel uneasy.
"There's something strange about this painting."
No matter how much I tried to wipe away the dust on the frame, it wouldn't come off. It felt odd. Why would such a prestigious castle neglect something so prominent?
"Her hair... it's the same color as mine."
The woman looked graceful, but her face sent shivers down my spine. Who is she? And why does looking at her feel so unsettling?
I decided to stop and move on, eager to distract myself. That's when I noticed the large windows, offering a view of the castle's expansive garden—a lush, green field stretching into the distance.
"It looks like a sports field."
"What's a sports field?"
Startled, I turned around to see August. I hadn't heard him approach. His appearance was different—his usual calm demeanor replaced by a subtle tension, and his hair slightly disheveled, as if something had disturbed him.
(Author POV)
August hurried toward the room of the Western Kingdom's leader, Lord Keilisto.
The door was a majestic blue and gold, standing out among the others. On either side were ornamental candles with a calming fragrance. August knocked on the door.
One knock, two knocks, three knocks, but there was no answer. A thought crossed his mind that perhaps the room was unoccupied.
"Wasn't today supposed to be a day off for the lord?" he muttered.
He recalled that today was supposed to be a holiday for his master. So, August knocked once more.
"My lord, it is me," August said politely, pressing his ear to the door.
Though faint, he heard a groan from within.
"…hah…hah."
August immediately recognized the voice. He rushed inside, ignoring the risk of his impudence. He knew something terrible was happening to his lord.
"My lord!"
August found his lord collapsed on the floor, slumped against a bookshelf, his hand gripping his chest tightly, as if he had been struck through the heart.
Without hesitation, August rushed to his side and help him..
"My lord, where is your medicine? Let me fetch it. Can you hold on for just a moment? I'll call the royal physician!"
August's flood of questions seemed to irritate Lord Keilisto, despite his pain.
"Why are you making such a fuss?" the lord of the castle groaned.
Hearing his master's voice brought August a wave of relief.
"Because I'm worried!"
Still gasping for breath, Lord Keilisto muttered, "Help me up," as he struggled to stand, using the wall and bookshelf for support.
August quickly grabbed hold of him and carefully helped his lord to a nearby chair, the closest to where he had fallen.
Once he ensured his lord was seated comfortably, August was about to rush off to summon the royal physician—but his steps were halted.
"That won't be necessary."
The King of the Western Kingdom was resolute in keeping his condition hidden.
"But my lord, given your current state, you still need the physician's help."
"Don't make me repeat myself."
Stubborn. The word echoed in August's mind, but he couldn't force his way, not if he valued his life.
"Now, tell me why you're here."
August frowned, momentarily taken aback, but quickly regained his composure and answered.
"There's a special guest, my lord. But that's not important right now—you need to rest."
"A special guest?"
"Please, my lord, just rest. I'll take care of everything—"
"August."
Hearing his name spoken so sharply sent a chill down August's spine. He knew all too well that when his lord was displeased, he would cut through words like a blade, addressing him by name alone.
"Did I not forbid you?" His lord's voice was as cold as ice.
"I'm sorry, my lord, but this is the moment we've long awaited."
That only deepened Lord Keilisto's frustration, making him feel increasingly despondent at his knight's persistence. Even though August hadn't revealed who the guest was, Keilisto already knew what his knight was implying.
"Hah… you can't do as you please."
"But this has all been planned for the good of the four kingdoms, my lord."
"And what of its cost?"
The question struck August like a blow, stunning him. It hit so hard that he struggled to find his voice.
"Stop, before it's too late, August," the master of the Western Kingdom declared.
Keilisto had anticipated that August might ignore his advice on this matter, but he was too exhausted to argue further. His strength was fading fast, and all he wanted now was rest.
"Enough. For now, you are to guard him, treat him as an honored guest of the kingdom."
"And don't forget to inform Jerad to prepare a special feast for tonight," Lord Keilisto added, dismissing August with a wave.
"Yes, my lord. I'll take my leave now."
"Go."
"I'll also inform Jerad of your condition. Excuse me, my lord."
Once again, August acted on his own will, even after being refused. He was the only one in the Western Kingdom bold enough to do so.
(August's POV)
Watching my lord grow frailer each day wounds me deeply. I am a knight of the Western Kingdom—honorable, powerful. But what use is that if I cannot protect the very person I am sworn to defend?
"Just thinking about it makes me more furious."
This is the only path I can take. I will not allow my lord to bear this burden any longer.
"I cannot sit idly by and wait for disaster to strike."
A few meters from the guest room, I stopped before a framed portrait on the wall. It showed a beautiful woman alongside the former lord of the Western Kingdom. The sight of it ignited my anger.
"It's all because of her," I muttered through gritted teeth, clenching my fists tightly.
(Author's POV)
After staring on the portrait for a while, August made his way to the guest room. When he arrived, he found Arabela gazing out of the window, her eyes full of curiosity.
She seemed so absorbed in the view that she didn't even notice when August knocked at the door. Her eyes remained fixed on the empty garden below.
"It looks like a sports field."
"A sports field? What's that?" she asked, startled by August's sudden presence.
Her body tensed, her expression like someone caught in the act of theft.
August found it amusing, and slowly, the anger within him began to fade, replaced by the charm of Arabela's demeanor.
"Have you been waiting long, my lady?"
"Oh! No, not at all. I lost track of time while exploring, so there's no need to worry, August."
"I'm glad to hear that. However, I must apologize that I cannot yet introduce you to Lord Keilisto," August said, bowing slightly.
"…The lord of the Western Kingdom?"
"Yes, my lady. Forgive us, but unfortunately, Lord Keilisto cannot meet with you today due to urgent matters."
"That's quite alright, August. There's no need for such apologies."
August's repeated apologies made Arabela feel a bit awkward. But strangely, she felt a sense of familiarity with the man she had just met today, even calling him by name as if they were old friends.
"Indeed, a lord from the Western Kingdom isn't someone one meets easily, given how busy they must be."
In truth, she didn't mind not meeting the lord at the moment. All she desired was a bed or chair to rest her weary body.
"Thank you for your understanding, my lady."
Arabela had been quietly stifling her yawns, trying to hide her exhaustion out of politeness towards August. But thankfully, August had noticed her weariness right from the start, even though she hadn't said anything.
"In that case, let me show you to your room, my lady," he offered.
"My room?" she asked, surprised.
"Yes. Lord Keilisto instructed us to prepare a room for you to rest in while you're here," August explained.
"Isn't that a bit of a hassle?" Arabela hesitated.
"Not at all. Please, don't worry," he reassured her with a smile.
"Please don't worry about that, my lady. It's no trouble at all."
"…Alright, then."
"Come, i will lead the way."
The two of them quickly left the guest room, heading toward a chamber on the second floor of the castle. It was a grand room, close to a balcony and right next to a beautiful flower garden—completely different from the barren grounds Arabela had seen earlier.
"You can rest here, my lady," August said as he opened the door.
Before Arabela lay a room dominated by shades of white.
The white walls made the already spacious room seem even larger, vast and airy, with everything meticulously arranged.
Seeing Arabela pause at the doorway, August spoke again, "I hope it's to your liking," clearly hoping for her reaction.
He had briefly worried that the room might not meet Arabela's expectations, but her reply instantly put his concerns to rest.
"Of course I like it! It's absolutely wonderful, August."
Unconsciously, August smiled with relief.
"If you need anything, you can find Jerad or me," he replied with a warm smile.
"Thank you so much, August."
"It's my duty, my lady," August said, taking his leave with broad strides as the door to Arabela's room quietly closed behind him, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
"This room is incredible. The blue ornaments and sparkling diamonds catch my eye, the chandelier is adorned with gems, the windows with their fragrant, delicate curtains, the tall mirror framed with white fur, the large, plush sofa—everything is of the finest quality. Goodness… How could I ever bear to leave this castle?" she muttered to herself.
Slowly, Arabela lay down on the bed, her eyes fluttering shut. She drifted off into a deep sleep, blissfully unaware of any hidden dangers that might lurk within the Western Kingdom.