Demacia is one of the more powerful nations on the continent of Valoran. In the midst of the chaos that engulfs the land, Demacia's legal system stands relatively robust. Having long been distanced from the ravages of war, most cities, apart from a few bordering the sworn enemy Noxus, enjoy a scene of peace.
Among these cities, which shimmer like jewels nestled within mountains, valleys, and plains, the imperial city of Maple Leaf Snow is the most renowned and distinctive.
Since Emperor Jarvan I established the empire here, Maple Leaf Snow has a history of over four centuries. The former head of state, upon gazing at what was then a forest, declared, "Here shall be the capital of the empire founded by me, Jarvan I!"
Subsequently, under the stewardship of three successive kings, this city, established less than five hundred years ago, became the most celebrated city of charm throughout the Valoran continent.
As dawn's first light cascaded down, the massive city gates slowly swung open, and the eager crowds outside surged inward. At that moment, the sound of galloping hooves announced the approach of a squadron of formidable soldiers racing from afar. Their distinctive golden armor shone brilliantly under the sun, and even before their arrival, the fierce aura of battle that surrounded them swept toward the spectators with each synchronized thud of their mounts.
The throngs along the road instinctively parted to create a clear passage.
Leading the charge was a girl clad in a sky-blue robe, standing out amidst the uniformed soldiers in their golden armor. Her flowing robe elegantly accentuated her alluring silhouette, and the rising dust could not obscure the stunning beauty of her refined face.
With the girl at the forefront, the knights surged through the grand gates of the imperial city, racing along the main avenue, their destination a cluster of towering edifices—the royal castle.
On either side of the streets stood rows of lofty snow maple trees, a species unique to Demacia, swaying gently in the breeze as if extending a warm welcome to the girl who had journeyed from afar.
Delicate white maple leaves floated down like snowflakes, creating an enchanting scene reminiscent of a winter wonderland, while the gentle sunlight flickered through the cascading "snow," casting a faint golden glow upon the glazed rooftops of the taverns lining the streets.
The gracefully falling snow maples and the soft, radiant sunlight represent the most famous sights of the imperial city of Maple Leaf Snow, giving rise to its evocative name.
However, the girl today had no time to revel in this captivating scenery. Accompanied by the city guard for protection, she and her sixteen knights carved through the intricate streets, making their way directly to the royal castle.
After leaving the Forest of Winter Embrace, the girl returned to her station, neglecting post-mission tasks. She hastily dispatched essential instructions before racing through the night toward the imperial city, determined to report everything to King Jarvan III, seeking swift resolution to the prince's curse. For reasons known only to her, she had not sent any prior word to the capital.
As dawn broke, the gates of the royal castle opened slowly. Just as Lux dismounted and entered the vast castle, a voice echoed in her ear, "You're back? What was the outcome?"
Turning to look, Lux saw a woman clad in heavy armor standing before her. The armor, crafted from precious metal known as golan gold, was famed not only for its strength but also for its lightness and flexibility. Though it was heavy armor, it fit the woman as perfectly as a second skin, accentuating her exquisite curves. Her long, fiery red hair flowed in the wind, yet in stark contrast to her passionate locks was her serene, impassive face.
At that moment, the owner of that face regarded Lux with a hint of nervousness.
For reasons unknown, upon seeing this face, Lux's mind involuntarily conjured another expressionless visage—though this one belonged to her sister Shyvana, who had been thawed from her icy prison; the former seemed perpetually unyielding.
Shaking her head, Lux quietly chuckled to herself, recognizing her recent fatigue as the cause for her wandering thoughts about the Forest of Winter Embrace. "Apologies, Sister Shyvana, but time is of the essence. Let's discuss as we walk. I deployed all my informants, yet still found no leads."
"Ah... I see," the red-haired woman named Shyvana sighed, shaking her head. "So, still no luck? By the way, did you return to the royal city because of any new developments from Noxus?"
"Ha! I can't say for certain what's happening in Noxus," Lux replied with a teasing smile, "but I do know that if there are no further updates regarding the Ancient Golem Crown, the main party may still be unharmed; however, someone is likely fretting tremendously."
"I..." Shyvana's face flushed, and she stomped her foot. "At a time like this, you're still making jokes?"
"Hahaha..." Lux laughed unabashedly. After all, the most amusing thing in the world was to see Shyvana blush, transforming from an icy beauty into a bashful girl. "Don't worry, don't worry! I actually found the Ancient Golem Crown, but the terms of exchange have yet to be negotiated. I expect that to happen soon, and I'm planning to consult His Majesty."
"Lux... you're deceiving me again," Shyvana replied, realizing the trick. "Is it really so entertaining to fool me?"
"Well, how could I resist when you're so easily deceived?" Lux retorted with a grin. "The sister who is usually so astute becomes clumsy when it comes to matters concerning Prince Jarvan. It's truly... amusing."
"Don't mimic the tone of those unscrupulous middle-aged men," Shyvana responded wearily to Lux's teasing.
As they navigated through the palace, brushing past countless busy attendants, the pair arrived before a towering castle. After announcing their identities to the guards, they stepped into the grand hall, where Emperor Jarvan III was already seated upon the throne.
He was a tall man, his youthful military endeavors and later battles in his prime etched deeply into his commanding presence.
Even at the age of eighty, having entered middle age, he still exuded the formidable spirit of an iron-blooded soldier and the majestic aura of a king, instilling a sense of respect that one would not dare underestimate.
"Have you brought any good news this time, my intelligence officer?" the king inquired mildly. His tone, distinct from the coldness and darkness of Xiao Mu Yu, radiated a confidence that suggested complete mastery of the situation.
Both individuals paid their respects, and the secondary character, Xiwana, quietly stepped aside, leaving the stage to Lux.
"Indeed, Your Majesty," Lux began to recount her findings from the journey, devoid of any unnecessary embellishments or omissions. Her narration unfolded from the perspective of an observer, conveying all that had transpired in a calm manner.
Upon finishing Lux's account, the king closed his eyes momentarily, reflecting on the information. "So, if we are willing to offer the Night Demon Crystal, the current Lord of Winter's Embrace will agree to provide us with the Golem Crown?"
"That seems to be the case," the girl responded thoughtfully. "After all, the entirety of Winter's Embrace Forest lies within Demacia, and its lord harbors his own concerns. He fears that provoking us could bring trouble upon himself. Additionally, I discovered a sealed girl beneath the dilapidated temple, who appears to have a significant connection to the Lord of Winter's Embrace. It is likely that we were targeted by those beasts because we occupied the temple."
The Lord of Winter's Embrace represents a unique entity to Demacia's elite. As one of the few high-level beast habitats on the Valoran continent, Winter's Embrace Forest boasts an extensive coverage of woodlands. This vast expanse serves as a veritable treasure trove for humanity. However, rather than reaping substantial benefits from it, Demacia finds itself plagued by difficulties, being the only empire among the top-tier nations to possess such a treasure within its territory.
The incessant presence of ordinary beasts and various formidable high-level monsters transforms this treasure into a ticking time bomb. Throughout Demacia's founding history, the beasts of Winter's Embrace Forest have unleashed two devastating beast tides that ravaged the empire. This forest has caused generations of kings within the empire great distress, and numerous attempts have been made to broker agreements with the beast monarchs dwelling within its depths.
Yet, the world of beasts differs fundamentally from human society, rife with the age-old law of the jungle. Few beasts remain atop the throne for over thirty years before being usurped by a newly emerged contender. Consequently, the new ruler is unlikely to uphold the agreements made by their predecessor. Although historical records recount only two large-scale beast tides wreaking havoc on the empire, minor incursions by beasts have almost never ceased.
It was not until sixty years ago that the Demacian war god, Zhao Xin, at the venerable age of three hundred and fifty-seven, ventured alone into the Winter's Embrace Forest. What transpired thereafter remains a mystery, as the war god himself has said little. However, from that moment on, the beasts within Winter's Embrace Forest became remarkably well-behaved. Aside from the occasional disturbance caused by low-level beasts straying into nearby villages, the entire forest has been almost entirely cut off from the outside world.
Even though the Demacian war god has long since laid down his arms, and the Lord of Winter's Embrace has changed hands several times, the beasts within the forest still do not dare to cross certain boundaries.
"A sealed... girl? A significant connection to the Lord of Winter's Embrace?" The king appeared to understand something, recalling that the primary function of the Night Demon Crystal is to construct various colossal magical formations.
"Then, my dear intelligence officer, it seems I must trouble you to make another trip. Hmm... this time, let Captain Xiwana accompany you. You must secure the Ancient Golem Crown," murmured King Jarvan III. "Just take my royal seal to Mr. Nesser in the royal treasury to obtain the Night Demon Crystal."
The king decisively issued his command, treating the so-called Night Demon Crystal as a mere commonplace item, not worth much consideration.
"I shall obey your orders, my king." The girl knelt on one knee, rendering a knightly salute.
"How intriguing," the king mused slowly as Lux and Xiwana departed. "The current Lord of Winter's Embrace turns out to be a human—what an unexpected revelation."
As the king's soft words resonated through the silent hall, the morning sun finally began to make its appearance, filtering through the window and casting a warm beam upon the somewhat lonely throne.