Lucien explained, "I don't know the details, my lord, but I do know he survived deep in the Sylvaria Forest, which borders the cursed Netherbane Forest, for four months alone. He was likely enlightened during the life-or-death situation when he was hunted by the Lavindra family, my lord."
Duke Crimsenne smiled and said, "Remarkable. Even my most elite knights couldn't survive in the deepest parts of Sylvaria Forest for a week. Alright, Lucien, you've earned my positive regard. I'll make my decision when I meet the boy. Please arrange a time for me to see him."
Lucien replied, "Certainly, my lord. Right now, he's saving his friend. Once I return to my residence, I'll bring him here directly."
Duke Crimsenne said, "No, I'll accompany you to your residence. For someone as extraordinary as you say, I can't wait to meet him, especially since he's the child of my mentor."
"Then I'll ask my colleague about the situation there through the communication scroll, my lord." Lucien said.
"Very well," Duke Crimsenne replied.
Lucien then took out a scroll from within his robe and infused it with mana. The scroll floated, and soon a voice spoke.
"What is it, you bastard? Why are you contacting me?"
Lucien fell silent, embarrassed, before replying, "Hey, watch your tone, Thoran. I'm with Duke Crimsene and Princess Eloria right now."
Thoran answered, "Is that so? Then what's going on? Why are you using this precious scroll?"
Lucien responded, "Hey, show some respect."
Thoran replied, "Yeah, yeah. So, what's the matter, Marquess Roussanne?"
Lucien sighed, "Fine, whatever. I want to know how things are going there. Is the mission progressing smoothly?"
Thoran answered, "Smooth, my ass. Your knight commander and I nearly died, you know."
Lucien was shocked. "What? Is that true? What about Tristan?"
Thoran replied, "What else? Of course, he took care of everything by himself."
Lucien exhaled in relief. "I'm glad to hear that."
Thoran continued, "Hey, the ones who almost died were me and your knights. Why aren't you worried about us?"
Lucien answered coldly, "You're grown-ups, you can take care of yourselves."
Thoran grumbled, "Haah, damn Marquess."
Lucien then asked, "So, do you know when Tristan will return to the Roussanne estate?"
Thoran replied, "He'll be leaving tomorrow morning."
"Very well, then," Lucien said, cutting off the communication even before hearing Thoran's response.
At Thoran's location, as Lucien ended the communication, "That damn Marquess, I'll make sure to give him a beating when I get to his house," Thoran muttered angrily.
Back to Lucien.
"Very well, Your my lord. After the ceremony for Miss Lyssira's coming-of-age, we can depart, my lord," Lucien said.
Duke Crimsenne responded, "Alright, I can't wait."
Suddenly, Eloria spoke up, her tone annoyed, "What about me, gentlemen?"
Lucien and Duke Crimsenne looked at Eloria, and Duke Crimsenne, realizing they had neglected her, offered an explanation.
"Ah, yes. I was just thinking of a great idea, Your Highness. I wasn't forgetting about you."
Lucien thought to himself, "Clearly, he forgot."
Eloria asked, "What idea is that, Duke Crimsenne?"
Duke Crimsenne looked puzzled. Seeing his confusion, Lucien stepped in to help.
"Here's the thing, Your Grace. How about you send a letter to his majesty asking for knights to escort you from my residence? I'm sure you have something to tell to Tristan, don't you?"
Eloria smiled happily and said, "Yes, I have many things I want to say to Tristan. That's a great idea, Sir Roussanne."
Lucien replied, "It's my pleasure, Your Highness. Would you like to write it now? I believe our discussion has concluded, hasn't it, my lord?" Lucien gave Duke Crimsenne a subtle signal.
Duke Crimsenne understood and immediately said, "Yes, Your Highness. Use the night to think about what you'd like to write in your letter."
Eloria responded, "Alright, I'll write the letter right away."
Duke Crimsenne shouted, "Someone, call the head butler."
Moments later, the head butler arrived. "I am Henrry, my lord. How may I assist you?"
Duke Crimsenne said, "Henrry, please escort the Princess to her room and provide her with writing materials. She wishes to write a letter to His Majesty the King."
"Of course, Your Grace." Henrry turned to Eloria and said, "Please, Your Highness, follow me. I'll guide you."
Eloria stood and followed Henrry. Before leaving the room, she said, "Alright, see you tomorrow, Duke Crimsenne, Lord Roussanne."
"Very well, Your Highness. I hope you have a pleasant evening," Duke Crimsenne replied.
"Very well, Your Highness. I hope you rest well," Lucien said.
Eloria left the sitting room.
After Eloria left the room, Duke Crimsenne suddenly remembered something.
"Didn't we want to ask her how she was kidnapped?"
Lucien was startled and awkwardly laughed. "You're right, Your Grace. I also forgot about that. Although I already know, it would be better if you hear it directly from the Princess herself."
Duke Crimsenne then said, "No matter, just tell me."
Lucien nodded and began to explain.
"Well, my lord, according to Princess Eloria, she was on her way back to her residence from the Celathor Academy. At that time, she didn't notice anything wrong, but suddenly her carriage stopped, and there was an uproar outside. The Princess looked out and saw her knights fighting each other. That's when she realized some of her guards had betrayed her and handed her over to a demon who was waiting in the area. After a few days, one of the betraying knights freed her. That knight confessed they were being threatened, their families kidnapped and held hostage. When the knight learned his family had been killed and eaten by the demon, he tried to redeem himself. It was then that the Princess fled, but she was spotted by an Ogre and chased until she met Tristan."
"So there were traitors, then?" Duke Crimsenne asked.
"Yes, my lord. The same thing happened to my daughter, Sheyla. Even my residence was infiltrated by demons disguised as my knights," Lucien replied.
"It seems this organization is larger than it appears and well-organized," Duke Crimsenne said firmly, giving his opinion.
"Exactly, my lord. The village of Allrose was even burned to the ground by their group," Lucien responded.
"I see. That means the demon king will be a bit harder to deal with this time because they have a strategist on their side," Duke Crimsenne said.
"Exactly, my lord. We must be even more vigilant, even with our own people," Lucien replied.
"Well, this concludes our conversation. I must tighten security at my residence," Duke Crimsenne said, standing up from the sofa.
"Understood, my lord. I'll see you tomorrow at the celebration," Lucien replied.
"Alright, enjoy your time here, Lucien," Duke Crimsenne said, then turned to his servant. "Show Marquess Roussanne to his room."
"Yes, Your Grace," the servant replied.
***
At the same day, in another location, someone was praying in front of a statue. In the middle of their prayer, a brilliant divine light shone down on them, and they heard a voice speaking directly into their mind.
"My child, justice has revealed itself. Seek and guide the justice. This time, justice will end the suffering. East, red, tower."
The person praying was startled and fell to the ground, immediately panicking. They shouted, "Someone, gather all the bishops and high priests to the Fire's Circle now!"
The guard standing by the prayer room door rushed in, panicked to see the Archbishop sitting on the floor in distress.
"Your Grace, what happened? Are you alright?" the guard said, hurrying toward the Archbishop.
"I'm fine. One of you, gather all the bishops and high priests. For those outside the church, call them back. This is an emergency."
One of the guards responded urgently, "Understood, Your Grace. It will be done."
Minutes later, the bishops and high priests gathered in the Fire's Circle, the highest meeting place in the church.
Fifteen high-ranking church officials gathered in the Fire's Circle, and they began to wonder what was happening.
"What's going on? Why have we all been called to this meeting room suddenly?"
"Shh, calm down. If we're all gathered here, it must mean something very important and world-changing is happening."
"Really? My apologies, Bishop, I've just been promoted to high priest."
"It's alright. Next time, please stay calm and ask someone. It will help reduce your panic."
"Thank you, Your Grace."
One person overhearing this commented, "World-changing, you say? I'm sure what the Archbishop is about to say is news about the hero."
"Yes, you're right. It's been hundreds of years, and the demon king hasn't been defeated. I'm sure this time will be the same."
Suddenly, everyone fell silent.
The Archbishop entered the room and stood on the pulpit before the high-ranking officials.
The Archbishop began speaking, "Everyone, I've gathered you here because I've received a revelation from the God."
Everyone started whispering, certain that the news to be delivered was about the hero.
The Archbishop continued, "This time, the revelation I received didn't come from a guardian angel, but from the God Himself."
Everyone was shocked and began to wonder what was going on.