It was late at night in Gawain's private study, where the warm glow of candles cast a soft light on the shelves and furnishings. Rebecca stood by his side, her face a mix of curiosity and confusion. She had never seen Gawain so focused, as though something truly significant was about to be revealed.
Moving to a wooden cabinet in the corner of the room, Gawain carefully opened it and pulled out an ancient wooden box. The box appeared heavy, its edges carved with intricate designs that suggested it held something of deep importance.
"What is this, Ancestor?" Rebecca couldn't help but ask.
Gawain gave a slight smile and gestured for her to be patient. He placed the box on the table and slowly opened it. Inside lay a few seemingly ordinary items, yet each emanated an aura of age and mystery in the candlelight. The most noticeable was an old parchment scroll, covered in tightly-packed writing.
"This is one of the Cecil family's ancient heirlooms," Gawain explained with a soft look, his eyes reflecting memories of a distant past. "When I left the family all those years ago, I entrusted these items to them and asked that they be passed down from generation to generation."
Rebecca gazed at the parchment, almost reaching to touch it, but Gawain gently held her back. "Be careful, child. These items carry more than just family history—they are priceless treasures."
He then reached into the box and took out a beautifully crafted crystal. The crystal gleamed, its depths seeming to hold countless points of light. Rebecca was mesmerized by its beauty.
"This is a magical crystal from the ancient empire," Gawain continued. "It holds a powerful spell capable of helping the Cecil family in times of grave danger. However, I always hoped it would never need to be used."
Rebecca looked at him, puzzled but respectful. "Why, Ancestor? Wouldn't such powerful magic be exactly what we need?"
Gawain shook his head. "With great power comes a high cost. The magic within this crystal demands a tremendous price—potentially even the life of its bearer. It's a sacrifice no family member should have to make lightly."
Placing the crystal back in the box, he lifted an old medal. The medal had the family's crest engraved in deep red, symbolizing honor and glory.
"This medal was awarded to me by the first king when I opened up the southern frontier. It bears witness to the hardships and triumphs we faced as a family." Gawain held the medal with a quiet pride, as if looking through it to the glorious days long past.
Rebecca's eyes were filled with admiration. "Ancestor, you truly are our family's pride!"
Gawain smiled and spoke, "These items are more than just heirlooms; they represent the spirit of resilience and sacrifice that defines the Cecil family. It's this spirit that has allowed us to survive through everything." He sighed, "But the true family legacy is much more than just these artifacts."
Reaching to the bottom of the box, he pulled out a yellowed book. Rebecca could see the cover inscribed with ancient characters, their meanings unknown but radiating a sense of reverence and gravity.
"This book records the wisdom and experiences of the Cecil family through the ages. Each family head has written their insights and guidance here, a beacon for future generations." Gawain looked at her with pride and warmth. "I want this to be more than a book, Rebecca. Let it be a legacy that prevents you from ever feeling lost in the face of any difficulty."
Rebecca nodded silently, feeling a weight she had never experienced before. She understood now that she bore not only the family's glory but also the hopes of all her ancestors.
"This legacy is priceless." Gawain looked deeply into her eyes. "Guard it and pass it down. This is the most important task I leave to you."
Rebecca took a deep breath and answered firmly, "I understand, Ancestor. I will protect our family's honor and live up to your expectations!"
Satisfied, Gawain closed the box and carefully returned it to the cabinet. These items, though modest in appearance, contained the most valuable wealth the family had to offer—the priceless legacy of the Cecil family's endurance.
---
In truth, Rebecca wasn't very adept at understanding these matters, and even though Gawain had explained it to her, she only half-understood. But one thing she grasped clearly: her ancestor didn't seem to have a particularly favorable view of the current king, Francis II.
"It's not quite hostility, but vigilance is absolutely necessary," Gawain responded candidly to her question. Glancing at Amber, he continued with full transparency, "This is the Second Dynasty, Rebecca. For a royal family that wasn't even legitimate to begin with, the Cecil family can be seen either as heroes or... as part of the previous regime. Even if we have no ambitions, Francis II as king is bound to have his doubts—and his suspicions lead to my caution."
"So, are you planning to cause trouble for him?" Rebecca asked, wide-eyed.
"No, I don't plan to trouble him," Gawain shrugged. "I'm simply stirring things up a bit."
Rebecca stared blankly, "Huh?"
Realizing the difficulty in explaining, Gawain smoothly changed the subject. "Forget it; that's not important. Let's continue with what we were discussing. Amber..."
Before he could give further instructions, Amber raised both hands in a quick signal. "I know, I know—stand guard outside, right? Ah, the life of a workhorse..."
"No," Gawain raised an eyebrow. "I mean, you can stay here if you like. Or, if you're tired, you can go rest in your room. You must be exhausted after tonight's... excitement."
Amber looked at him in disbelief. "What? Did you suddenly get a heart?"
Then she shook her head and shuffled over to the table. "No way! I'm staying here to see what you two are up to... Wait, is this really about inheritance?"
Ignoring Amber, Gawain placed the platinum disc he had shown Rebecca earlier back on the table.
"You said this is a key," Rebecca recalled, "Is it... the family's secret treasure?"
Amber immediately perked up, feigning nonchalance but obviously listening intently.
Gawain chuckled. "It is indeed a treasure. Hidden in the southern borderlands is a cache that was originally prepared for the Ansu kingdom. Perhaps it's no longer a significant amount of wealth by today's standards, but for the pioneer forces fleeing to this land, it was half of our resources."
Rebecca's eyes widened in surprise.
"It was meant as insurance," Gawain explained, finally revealing the true purpose of their trip to the capital. "The pioneer forces had fled from the ruined Gondor lands, collecting resources and growing stronger. As we journeyed north, we became a massive target, attracting the attention of a horde of monsters from the wastelands. Realizing that we were too weighed down to escape, King Charlie and I decided to leave some resources behind in an abandoned outpost and sealed it with powerful magic.
"Afterward, we traveled light, leaving that cache behind. And as we settled in the north and built a new kingdom, it became less and less necessary. Eventually, it was almost forgotten."
"Why didn't you ever retrieve it?" Rebecca asked.
"At first, it was too risky and costly. Pollution from the wasteland spread north of the Dark Mountains, turning the cache area dangerous. And as we discovered resources in the northern mountains, that old cache became increasingly insignificant. But we did intend it as a legacy, something future generations could claim if the need arose. Charlie and I agreed that both the royal family and the Cecil family would keep the secret. Generations of heirs would pass it down as a sort of heirloom, waiting for the time when it might be safe to recover those resources."
Amber shot Gawain a sidelong glance. "Let me guess—you two came up with this after a long night of drinking?"
Gawain coughed. "Close enough."
Rebecca stared at him in wonder. "Yet I, as the Cecil heir, never heard this story..."
Gawain sighed. "Oral traditions are prone to lapses, especially when... well, when someone departs without passing it on."
Rebecca was silent.
"But it seems Charlie managed to pass it down to his descendants," Gawain continued with a dry chuckle, holding up the platinum disc. "I'm here to ensure the key is still intact. Since it is, it means the Ansu royals have never accessed the cache. Charlie and his legitimate heirs would have known of its existence, but a bastard child wouldn't."
Rebecca, her eyes fixed on the "key," asked hesitantly, "But is it right for us to take it, Ancestor? Isn't that for the kingdom?"
Gawain gave her an assured look. "Rebecca, you are a Cecil by blood. Have confidence. That cache was buried by Charlie and me, and who better than I to claim it? Besides, I doubt Charlie will rise from the grave to object..."
Rebecca looked wary, then gripped Amber's arm. "Please don't try to raid any royal tombs!"
Amber was taken aback. "What?"
Gawain continued, "I'm trusting you to keep all this quiet. You might get the idea to steal the disc, but it can only be activated by the blood of the Cecil or Moen family."
Amber stepped forward, an earnest expression on her face. "Serving an ancient hero is an honor beyond riches. I'll gladly do my duty!"
"Glad to hear it. But no pay," Gawain said with a smirk.
Amber sighed. "Fine, but if you insist..."
In the quiet hours of the night, no more unwelcome visitors arrived.
The next day, well-rested, Gawain and his entourage made their way to the White Silver Castle.
The inner court official from yesterday was there to greet them, and Francis II had even recreated the lavish welcome ceremony, making clear that he was putting on a show.
Moreover, two teams of heralds were dispatched, clearing the way and announcing "The founding Duke of Ansu, Gawain Cecil, is about to enter White Silver Castle" in loud, amplified voices.
It was clear that Prince Edmund had effectively conveyed Gawain's message to his father; Francis II was ensuring an impressive reception.
As Gawain prepared himself, adjusting his attire and making sure the sword at his waist was prominently visible, he took a confident step into White Silver Castle. Today would be the day that his long-held plans began to take shape.