"The Unknown Sea?!"
Yuki's voice broke the tense silence, her shock ringing loud in the chamber. Her wide-eyed gaze locked onto Emperor Reynaldor as though she doubted her own hearing.
Sylvia's sharp eyes narrowed, scrutinizing the Emperor with a piercing skepticism that felt out of place amidst the unwavering loyalty surrounding them.
"How can you make such a claim so decisively, Your Majesty?" she asked, her voice calm but challenging—a rare audacity.
A sharp intake of breath swept through the room. No one had dared question the Emperor's proclamations until now.
"Sylvia, mind your tongue!" Rosalind snapped, her tone carrying both reproach and disbelief. "How dare you doubt His Majesty's wisdom?"
Renji, however, heard none of it. His mind spun with a relentless thought.
My son is heading straight to death... the Unknown Sea, a place of corruption.
He gripped the armrest of his chair tightly, his knuckles pale.
Yuki clutched her trembling hands close to her chest, her distress visible despite Hannah's gentle attempts to console her. Meanwhile, Kaelan remained silent, his gaze sweeping across the group with an air of detachment, though his thoughts were far from idle.
The Unknown Sea... he mused inwardly, his lips curling into a faint smirk. Finding you, Kai, is shaping up to be quite the journey.
Reynaldor exhaled deeply, his steady demeanor unshaken. His gaze shifted to Rosalind, who had been watching the growing tension anxiously. "Ms. Monroe," he said with calm authority, "do you still have the divination clue?"
Rosalind blinked, caught off guard by the question, before fumbling into her satchel. "Y-Yes, Your Majesty," she stammered, producing a small, crumpled note. Unfolding it carefully, she began to read aloud:
"Where the water meets the sky, and shadows never die,
In the silent echoes of the deep, his secrets lie."
The cryptic verse lingered in the air like an unsolved riddle. Hannah's eyes widened with sudden clarity, her voice soft yet urgent as she murmured, "The Unknown Sea... it has to be. There's no other place that fits the descriptions of this cryptic message."
"But the real question," Sylvia interjected, her sharp gaze unrelenting, "is how. How could Kai have reached the Unknown Sea in just one night? From here to Verdentia's northern border takes at least four days, even with the best aircraft."
Alice nodded in agreement, her calculating tone cutting through the speculation. "Divination clues indicate a person's current location, not where they're heading next. This doesn't add up."
Reynaldor allowed their doubts to simmer before finally raising his hand for silence. "You are not wrong," he admitted, "but there is more to this than you know." His tone darkened as he pulled a crimson gemstone from his robe, holding it up for all to see.
The room stilled. The gem seemed to pulse faintly, as though alive.
"This stone," the Emperor began, "is proof of Kai's involvement in last week's incident. The same incident where the almighty devil was said to have appeared."
A murmur rippled through the group. The "almighty devil" was a hushed legend, spoken of in whispers. How could Kai—their Kai—be tied to something so catastrophic?
Reynaldor's voice cut through the unease. "You all remember the storm that descended on Lycran last week. Kai ventured out into it, correct?" His gaze settled on Renji and Yuki.
Renji hesitated but finally nodded. "He... he ran out into the storm," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. His trembling hands tightened into fists. "Your Majesty... is my son going to be alright?" His mask of composure shattered, his words laced with desperation.
The Emperor's gaze softened, and a rare smile crossed his face. "I will bring him back. You have my word."
For a moment, hope flickered in Renji's eyes, mirrored by Yuki's tear-filled expression. She watched Reynaldor with newfound faith.
Maybe... they really can bring him back.
The Emperor turned to address the room. "Frostwynd's heir, Valehart's heir, and Liora's blessed—Sylvia and Rosalind—you will accompany me to the castle. We have much to discuss."
Sylvia nodded silently, her gaze unreadable, while the others bowed in unison.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The group descended the creaking wooden stairs leading to the porch. The air was still cold, carrying with it the fresh scent of the morning. The corruption and dense atmosphere from before had vanished, replaced by the crisp clarity of dawn. Alice couldn't help but wonder...
Emperor Reynaldor really did purge all the corruption from this house.
Emperor Reynaldor walked at the front, his tall frame almost glowing in the soft light of the rising sun. His presence was commanding, but there was a certain warmth to the way the sunlight touched his platinum blonde hair, slightly tousled by the breeze. He glanced toward the Mizuhara family, who stood near the porch, preparing to bid farewell. But before that, there was one final matter to attend to.
Without a word, Haruka, Yuki, and Renji dropped to their knees on the wooden porch, their heads bowing low in deep gratitude. The gesture was one of respect, but also of sincere appreciation.
"Your Majesty," Haruka began, her voice steady despite the weight of her emotions.
"We can't begin to express our gratitude. You've already done so much for us... and now you're willing to do even more. We... we don't know how we could ever repay you."
It was true. Not only had the emperor rid their home of the suffocating corruption, but he was now involving himself in the search for their missing son. For someone of his status, to step into the lives of a common family so willingly—it was both unexpected and overwhelmingly generous.
Renji, standing tall beside Haruka, added his own words, the weight of the situation not lost on him. "We'll forever be in your debt, Your Majesty."
Yuki glanced at her family, their expressions of gratitude and reverence filling the air. She added softly, "Not just you, Your Majesty, but everyone who has helped us. Thank you all. We are truly grateful."
Alice, standing slightly apart from the group, awkwardly smiled and waved her hand. "Oh no, it's really not a big deal!" she said, trying to downplay the situation. "We didn't even do that much..."
Haruka, however, quickly countered with a soft chuckle. "Even so... Thank you, Alice. Thank you all."
The emperor paused, his sharp eyes softening slightly as he regarded them. His lips curved into a faint smile. "Debt?" he asked, his tone calm, but carrying a weight of history that seemed to echo in the cool morning air. "You misunderstand."
Haruka lifted her gaze, confusion flickering in her eyes. "What do you mean, Your Majesty?"
Reynaldor's gaze shifted slightly, settling on Renji. "It is not you who owe me," he said, his voice steady, almost reverent. "If anything, I am the one repaying a debt long overdue."
Renji blinked, surprised. He tilted his head slightly, his confusion only deepening. "Repaying us? I... I don't understand."
The emperor placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, his fingers tracing the time-worn grip. With a soft metallic whisper, he slowly drew the blade halfway out of its sheath. The intricate patterns etched into the steel caught the light, gleaming with a sense of age and honor.
Renji's breath caught in his throat. The sword. It was the same one crafted by his grandfather for the royal family. He had known of it, but to see it in the emperor's hands—this sword had been passed down to Emperor Reynaldor, the very legacy of the Mizuhara family. Now, standing before him, Renji understood exactly what the emperor meant by repaying a debt.
"Your Majesty, but that sword... it was meant to be a gift..." Renji murmured, unsure of what to say.
The emperor's eyes softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. "I will never consider it merely a gift," he said. "It has saved my life on more than one occasion. I never had the chance to show my gratitude. So, in truth, it's not a big deal."
Renji could see that there was no room for argument here. The emperor's words were final, and though Renji had his own feelings about the matter, he couldn't help but wear a faint smile, one that conveyed his understanding. His family's legacy had been honored. All he could do now was trust the emperor, and with that, Renji silently accepted the debt had been repaid.
As the group prepared to leave, Yuki waved from behind, and Alice waved back, her smile kind and bright.
She really is a cute girl…
...
The scene shifted, transitioning to the grand and majestic royal castle by the water's edge. The castle was a sight to behold, perched on the coast and connected to the mainland by a long, elegantly arched bridge. Tall spires and towers rose into the sky, their green roofs glistening in the soft light of the sun. In the distance, the sprawling city surrounding the castle was visible, its buildings all sharing the same vibrant green roofs, giving the area a harmonious and cohesive feel.
The water surrounding the castle reflected the light, adding to its serene and almost magical atmosphere. Behind the castle, the distant mountains loomed, their peaks bathed in soft beams of light, creating a peaceful and ethereal backdrop.
This area of Lycran was home to many noble families, from distant relatives of the royal family to military generals and prestigious families like the Valehart and Frostwynd families. It was a place where the elite lived, and the castle stood as a symbol of that power.
Inside a royal carriage, Alice looked out at the view, her gaze drawn to the water surrounding the bridge as they made their way toward the castle.
"Please, do not be overwhelmed by this gesture," Emperor Reynaldor said, breaking the silence. His voice was calm, yet there was a hint of a smile in his tone as he glanced at the slightly awkward Rosalind. "I am only doing this for the sake of the investigation."
Sylvia, sitting beside Rosalind, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Yeah, Reynaldor treats his guests with pleasure," she teased, her voice light but mischievous, implying something more. Rosalind's cheeks flushed as she lightly hit Sylvia on the head.
"Sylvia! How dare you say such things?" Rosalind's voice was filled with embarrassment.
Alice tilted her head slightly, her confusion clear as she didn't understand the hidden meaning behind the sentence.
What's so bold about that?
Hannah, who had been silent until now, stared out of the window, silently appreciating the tranquil view.
The emperor chuckled softly at Sylvia's teasing, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You seem to still be the same, Sylvia."
Sylvia rolled her eyes in response. "Like you've changed," she retorted, her tone playful yet sharp. Rosalind glanced between them, her curiosity piqued. It was clear Sylvia and the emperor shared a history, but what was their relationship?
Kaelan, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke up, his voice filled with genuine curiosity. "Your Majesty, may I ask why you have such an interest in this case? I mean no offense, but it's unusual for someone of your position to go so far out of your way..."
This was a question on everyone's mind, and they all waited eagerly for the emperor's response.
"The only reason," Reynaldor replied, his tone unshaken, "is the incident that occurred last week. That's all. If not for that, my only involvement would have been helping Alice, as Sylvia requested. But it seems that this case is tied to something I've been investigating. As for the details of that incident, I'll explain when we reach the castle. You have my word, Frostwynd's youngest."
Kaelan gave a nod of acknowledgment, his gaze shifting toward the window as if processing the emperor's words.
Alice, still curious, couldn't help herself. "If you don't mind me asking, Your Majesty, I'm really curious about your relationship with Ms. Sylvia?"
The emperor's gaze shifted to Sylvia, who sighed deeply. "I'll tell you when the time comes, Alice," she said with a knowing look, leaving Alice to nod slowly in understanding.
It was clear now that some topics were better left for another time. Alice accepted that. Some mysteries, after all, were meant to be solved later.
The Emperor's sharp eyes shifted toward Hannah Valehart, her silence seemingly catching his attention. "Hannah Valehart," he addressed her with calm authority, "may I ask what's troubling you? You've been unusually quiet since we left."
Hannah flinched, clearly caught off guard. The others turned to her, curious about her response. Alice furrowed her brows and instinctively touched her forehead, closing her eyes briefly. When she opened them, she could see faint, swirling colors around Hannah—blue, dark purple, and yellowish-green—emotions made visible to Alice through her gift.
Sorrow and worry.
Alice's lips tightened as she observed her friend.
You're worried about Kai, aren't you? He must be so important to you… someone you truly care about.
Hannah glanced at the Emperor and forced a shaky smile. "I-it's nothing, Your Majesty. I was just… thinking about a few things. That's all."
The Emperor gave her a long, assessing look before nodding subtly. "If you say so," he said simply, though his tone suggested he didn't entirely believe her. Kaelan sighed, his expression unreadable, though his eyes betrayed faint disappointment.
You've always struggled to express yourself, Hannah, Kaelan thought. But everyone here knows what's on your mind.
Alice sighed inwardly, wishing she could cheer Hannah up, but this wasn't the time or place.
Kai, whoever you are, you must mean a lot to her for her to carry this much worry.
The carriage came to a gentle halt, its wheels crunching against the smooth cobblestone. One by one, the group descended, their shoes clicking softly against the stone. Before them loomed the magnificent royal castle, its towering spires and green roofs glinting in the sunlight. The sheer size of the structure made Alice's breath hitch—its massive front doors alone were large enough for a giant to pass through with ease.
The castle was surrounded by a high, circular wall, its gates guarded by soldiers in striking crimson uniforms with black pants. Each guard bore a row of stars pinned near their chests, marking their rank and achievements, while a silver insignia of two crossed shotguns crowned with a royal emblem gleamed below. Their postures were perfect, and their eyes were sharp, betraying no emotion.
As the Emperor stepped out, the guards immediately snapped to attention, bowing deeply with their left hands placed over their hearts. "Your Majesty," they greeted in unison. The Emperor smiled faintly and gestured for them to stand at ease.
A few whispered words between the guards caused one of them to slip inside the castle, and moments later, a tall figure emerged. He was clad in ornate dark armor that gleamed faintly in the light, his presence exuding authority and mystery. His face was concealed behind a shallow mask adorned with small, crown-like decorations, reinforcing the air of nobility. A long, flowing cloak swept behind him as he approached, his footsteps echoing across the stone.
His voice was deep, commanding, and deliberate. "Your Majesty, an urgent matter requires your immediate attention."
The Emperor turned to the group. "Duty calls," he said with an apologetic smile. "I won't keep you waiting long. Until then, you'll be in capable hands."
Alice tilted her head as she studied the masked figure.
Who is this guy? He looks like someone out of a storybook.
The man turned to face the group, his eyes briefly lingering on Sylvia. His stance stiffened slightly, though he masked it well. Sylvia smirked, stepping forward. "Well, well, if it isn't the Dreadborn of Verdentia himself," she said, her tone a mix of amusement and challenge. "Always a pleasure to see you, Draven."
Draven's lips pressed into a thin line behind his mask. "Sylvia," he said curtly, clearly unimpressed. Without further comment, he turned back to the rest of the group. "Come. I'll escort you to the waiting chambers."
Alice and Rosalind followed him, with Alice still wearing the oversized brown coat she had borrowed from the Mizuhara family. The others lingered momentarily, their thoughts swirling.
Kaelan's eyes sparkled with admiration.
This guy is so cool!
Hannah, on the other hand, was more skeptical. She had heard of Draven—also known as the Dreadborn. A military general and the Emperor's right hand, his reputation was legendary. Whispers of his unmatched skill and fearsome presence spread even among those who had never met him.
Why does no one else seem to recognize who he is?
"Are you three coming?" Alice called from ahead, her voice breaking their thoughts. Kaelan, Sylvia, and Hannah quickly caught up, following Draven as he led them through the towering gates.
Once inside, Alice's eyes widened in wonder. The castle's interior was breathtaking. High ceilings stretched above them, with grand chandeliers dripping with crystals that shimmered like stars. Walls adorned with paintings—both serene landscapes and portraits of historic figures—lined the halls, their gilded frames adding to the regal atmosphere. The floors were polished marble, reflecting the warm light of the chandeliers, while red carpets ran the length of the hallways.
"This place is incredible," Alice whispered, her voice barely audible over the faint echo of their footsteps.
Kaelan and Hannah, having been to the castle before, were less awestruck, though Rosalind couldn't hide her amazement. Her gaze darted from one painting to another. "Did… did the Emperor paint these?" she asked softly.
"Yes," Draven replied without turning. "His Majesty is fond of art, especially landscapes. Many of the paintings you see here were created by him."
Alice's admiration grew, her eyes lingering on a painting of a serene forest bathed in morning light.
The Emperor painted this?
She felt a faint sense of connection, as painting was one of her own hobbies.
Kaelan, unable to hold back, finally blurted, "Sir Draven, may I ask what the Emperor is dealing with right now? I know it's something urgent, but it would be reasonable for us to know. We have many important matters to discuss."
Before Kaelan could say more, Hannah immediately smacked him on the head.
"Ouch! What was that for?!" Kaelan exclaimed, rubbing his head as Hannah crossed her arms with an annoyed glare.
"Finding Kai is our priority, not the Emperor's," she stated firmly. "He's involved himself out of personal interest and shared goals with this investigation. We should be grateful he's even helping us."
Rosalind nodded in agreement, her expression serious.
Alice watched quietly, curious about what her friends were thinking, while Sylvia's smirk grew wider. She seemed amused, though her thoughts were her own.
Draven, unfazed by their brief interaction, added in his deep voice,
"The matter concerns politics. It's better if you stay out of it. Though…" He paused, glancing over his shoulder, "… I'm quite curious about this 'investigation.' What exactly are you kids looking into?"
Sylvia took it upon herself to answer. "A missing case. A boy involved in something Reynaldor himself was investigating. It's tied to the storm last week… and the 'Almighty Devil.'"
Draven's eyes widened slightly, though his expression remained unreadable behind the mask. "Interesting…" he murmured under his breath before gesturing for them to follow.
Draven led them through the grand hall and stopped in front of an ornate door. Even the door itself was a work of art, with intricate carvings of vines and mythical creatures woven into its design. With a firm push, he opened it, revealing a massive room inside.
The waiting chamber was as grand as the rest of the castle. A large circular table stood at the center, surrounded by plush chairs upholstered in deep red fabric. The walls were lined with tall bookshelves filled with leather-bound tomes, and a fireplace crackled softly on one side of the room, casting a warm glow. Tall windows draped with rich green curtains overlooked the castle gardens, where vibrant flowers bloomed in neatly arranged patterns.
Draven gestured for them to enter. "You may wait here. His Majesty will join you once his business is concluded."
As the group settled into the room, Sylvia leaned back in her chair, smirking. "Looks like we're in for an interesting time."
...
Kai stepped into the lighthouse, his boots splashing gently in the ankle-deep water that filled the space. The sound echoed faintly, but it wasn't the water that caught his attention. The moment he entered, the sky outside transformed. The once-cloudy, oppressive atmosphere gave way to a radiant, sunny day. Rays of warm light filtered through the windows, illuminating the algae-covered pillars with an almost divine glow.
In the center of the room stood a door—its frame made of celestial white stone, adorned with intricate sculptures that seemed to tell a story long forgotten. The carvings radiated an ancient aura, one that pulled Kai toward it like a moth to flame. The door itself had no visible hinges or handles, and beyond it, there was nothing but emptiness.
Kai's instincts screamed at him to approach with caution, but the door's pull was irresistible. His fingers grazed the stone surface, cold and smooth to the touch, as if it had never known decay. He stepped closer, but just as he moved to inspect the sculptures more closely, a chill ran down his spine.
His hand froze mid-air. Something was wrong.
Kai spun around, his fingers instinctively curling into a fist, summoning the energy within him. A blinding flash of light erupted from his hand, solidifying into a blade of pure energy that hummed faintly, as if alive.
A metallic clang reverberated through the chamber as his sword met another.
The knight stood before him, its form cloaked in shadow. Its armor was jagged and unnatural, pulsating with dark substance that dripped like ink onto the water below. The knight's eyes—or where its eyes should have been—glowed faintly with a sickly hue, staring at Kai without emotion.
For a moment, neither moved. The room was silent except for the steady drip of water.
Then the knight attacked.
Its blade, dark and jagged, came down with the weight of a collapsing mountain. Kai sidestepped, the energy blade in his hand moving swiftly to deflect the strike. Sparks flew as their weapons clashed, lighting up the dim chamber with brief flashes. The knight's movements were slow but deliberate, each strike calculated, leaving no room for error.
Kai danced around the room, his movements fluid and precise. He aimed for the gaps in the knight's armor, but each strike seemed to pass through, as if the knight wasn't solid. It was like fighting smoke given form—a creature of nightmare.
The water rippled with every step they took, and the algae-covered pillars seemed to sway, as though alive and watching the battle unfold.
Kai leaped back, creating distance, his breath coming in steady bursts. "What are you?" he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
The knight did not answer. Instead, it raised its sword again, pointing it directly at Kai.
And then the light in the room began to dim.
The golden rays that had bathed the lighthouse in warmth moments ago faded, replaced by a cold, oppressive darkness. The celestial door behind Kai no longer gleamed—it dulled, its sculptures losing their brilliance, as if drained of life.
Kai's grip tightened on his blade. The knight moved forward, its form growing larger, more imposing, as the shadows around it deepened. The air grew thick, suffocating, and for the first time in years, Kai felt a flicker of doubt.
The knight lunged again, faster this time. Kai raised his sword, ready to counter—but the strike never came.
The scene wavered, like a reflection on disturbed water. The knight's form flickered, breaking apart into fragments of shadow, before the entire vision dissolved.
As if whatever he was seeing the moment he entered the lighthouse was an illusion. The figure he had fought was nowhere to be seen.
Kai stumbled backward, his heart pounding. The water was still. The pillars remained covered in algae, but the light was gone.
The door stood in the center, unchanged but lifeless. Its glow was gone, and the sculptures on its frame seemed cracked, broken in places. The room was silent once more, save for the faint drip of water.
Kai gritted his teeth. The fight wasn't over—he could feel it. But whatever this was, whatever he had just seen, was only the beginning.
"That figure will definitely come back..."