The charity event was planned to coincide with the autumn festival in Arlecia, a decision that Claire knew was unconventional. When she proposed the idea to Royfield, the head butler had expressed his reservations gently.
"It's not usually advisable to merge this festival with other events, Miss Claire," he began thoughtfully. "The people don't celebrate the autumn festival as they would in other regions. Here, it's called the Mourning Sun. It's a solemn time, more about remembrance than celebration, a farewell to those lost during the harsh winter."
Claire understood. The Mourning Sun held significance in Arlecia, marking the many losses families endured each winter. But this was precisely why she felt the charity event was needed now.
"That's exactly why we need to hold it," she explained, determination evident in her voice. "If we introduce a charity event during the Mourning Sun, we can begin to reshape Lord Arlecia's image in the people's eyes. Winter is a season of hardship; we should use this opportunity to offer something that can make the coming months easier."
In her heart, Claire felt the weight of her promise to Seth. The people of Arlecia deserved hope instead of fear, and by providing rations for the townsfolk, she would honor both Seth's memory and her vow to change the estate's legacy. She wanted them to see that Lord Arlecia's rule was different, that he cared deeply for them, even now.
Royfield regarded her in silence, his expression softening. After a thoughtful pause, he nodded.
"Your plan is sincere and well-considered, Miss Claire," he said, his tone filled with approval. "And if it serves the Lord's vision, I will support it wholeheartedly. If there's any way I can help, please use this old man's strength for that purpose." With a hand over his heart, he gave her a respectful bow.
Claire smiled, grateful for his support. "Thank you, Mr. Royfield. Your assistance means a lot to me."
With a gentle nod, Royfield left her office, and Claire took a steadying breath, glancing over her plans again. The charity event details filled her desk, and with renewed focus, she continued working. This would be the first step in honoring Lord Arlecia's legacy.
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Meanwhile, Aiden wandered alone in the forest surrounding Arlecia Castle, lost in thought. Training with the other knights felt hollow, and each session only seemed to intensify the ache of Seth's absence. Seth's lifeless form in the glass coffin haunted him, and he felt as if he'd lost his purpose.
Lord Arlecia had left an indelible mark on him. Seth had once been ruthless, cold—a tyrant in every sense. And yet, he had changed, as if a different soul had taken his place. Aiden remembered their last sparring match, the fire in Seth's eyes, the confidence radiating from him. That memory made Aiden's heart race, rekindling something deep within him.
Following a narrow stream that wound through the forest, Aiden allowed his thoughts to drift. If there's a way to bring back the dead, he thought, I would do anything to bring Lord Arlecia back.
His hand rested on his sword hilt as he pondered the power Seth had wielded. It had been unlike anything he'd ever seen, something otherworldly, able to bring Claire's brother back from the brink of death. Yet, the price was unsettling. Seth must have known the consequences; surely he wouldn't have made such a sacrifice for a stranger without reason. But why Claire? Was she really that precious to him?
Aiden felt a flicker of jealousy, unwelcome but undeniable. He had thought himself closer to Lord Arlecia, bound to him in a way others could never understand.
Just then, a glint of metal flashed in his peripheral vision. Aiden's instincts kicked in, and he dodged as a dagger sliced through the air, barely missing him. His hand immediately flew to his sword as he turned, scanning the treeline.
A figure stepped forward, pulling back a hood to reveal familiar, sharp blue eyes and dark wavy hair—Killian.
Killian raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Oh, I thought I'd have an easy target. Looks like you haven't let your guard down completely, Aiden."
Aiden's wariness softened, but his hand remained on his sword. "Kil? What are you doing out here?"
"Same as you," Killian replied, his smirk widening. "What's with the lone wolf routine?"
Aiden sighed, the weight of his thoughts momentarily easing. He couldn't help but grin. "Maybe you're just what I need to snap me out of this."
Killian chuckled, his eyes glinting. "Didn't realize we shared the same moody habits," he teased, drawing his sword, its blade catching the fading light.
Aiden unsheathed his sword, stepping into a ready stance. "I don't know what's troubling you, Kil, but let's figure it out through a spar."
With that, he charged, his sword flashing. Killian met the attack, their blades colliding with a sharp clang, sparks igniting from the impact.
"Nice strike!" Killian commented, bracing himself against Aiden's forceful swing.
"You're not so bad yourself," Aiden replied, launching another round of strikes. His movements were quick and aggressive, designed to keep Killian on the defensive. His blade swung in controlled arcs, relentless and precise.
Killian absorbed each blow, moving fluidly from one parry to the next. His relaxed stance was deceptive; each block was calculated, steady. Sparks flew as their swords met, filling the quiet forest with the ringing of steel.
Between strikes, Aiden shot him a grin. "What happened to that shining sword technique? I don't remember teaching you to hold back."
Killian parried a fierce blow, smirking. "I don't think I need it here. If you're so eager to see it, maybe shift into that beast form of yours."
Aiden narrowed his eyes playfully. "I'll pass."
After a few more exchanges, Killian shifted to offense, his strikes becoming sharper, faster. He leaped, bringing his sword down in a sweeping arc. Aiden reacted quickly, blocking the attack, though the force reverberated through his arms.
"You're stronger than last time," Aiden admitted as their swords locked. Their eyes met, a shared respect and challenge sparking between them.
"But it's still not enough to beat me," Aiden added, his voice steady with determination. With a surge of strength, he broke the lock, forcing Killian to take a step back.
Killian let out a laugh, his gaze alight with excitement. "It's been too long since I've had a sparring partner this good."
A golden aura began to glow faintly around Killian, the telltale sign of his shining sword technique. Aiden's eyes widened, but he quickly braced himself.
"Let's finish this with one last strike," Killian challenged, his tone serious but laced with exhilaration.
Aiden grinned, letting his own power simmer as his wolf-like ears appeared, signaling his half-transformation. The two of them charged at each other, their final clash sending a powerful shockwave through the forest.
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Meanwhile, in the astral realm, Seth leaned back, fighting a wave of boredom as he listened to the creature's seemingly endless stories. At first, the tales had intrigued him, but now they seemed to drag on forever.
"Let's… let's take a break," he said, rubbing his eyes.
The creature seemed to tilt, as if surprised. "But I still have so much more to tell!"
Seth managed a tired smile. "We can continue later. It's a lot to absorb all at once."
With a faint shrug, the creature backed off. Seth rested his head against the chair's high back, letting his gaze wander around the vast, shadowed hall. "So… do you have any idea what time it is in the outside world?"
The creature shook or shifted its form. "Time flows differently here than in your realm."
Seth frowned. "Could it have been a year?"
The creature considered this, then shook its head. "Unlikely. Perhaps a few days, or weeks though time can be difficult to measure here."
Relief washed over Seth. "That's… something."
A comfortable silence fell, and his gaze drifted to the twelve imposing seats that surrounded the table. A question lingered in his mind, one he couldn't ignore.
"So," he said slowly, "do I really need your master's permission to go back?"
The creature nodded. "Yes. Everything that passes in and out is under the master's control."
It seemed to ponder something before adding, "But if the master wishes, you'll return eventually. That's simply how it is."
Seth let out a sigh, his gaze drifting over the massive, empty chairs. "Eventually," he murmured, then glanced around the hall with curiosity.
As his gaze lingered on the seats, he wondered aloud, "I can't help but think what kind of beings do these seats belong to…"