Under a clear sky, a sturdy wooden table stood on the terrace, laden with an appetizing spread.
Well-stuffed sandwiches, ripe fruits bananas, oranges, strawberries and refreshing drinks, including a pitcher of orange juice glistening in the sunlight, composed the feast.
The peaceful atmosphere and the soft murmur of birds created an almost picnic-like ambiance.
Kaylen, dressed in a light blue shirt and casual trousers, calmly ate a sandwich after finishing his glass of juice.
His clear eyes, always carrying a hint of mischievous curiosity, rested on me with a discreet smile.True to his habit of speaking candidly, he said:
"So Jonady, making progress?"
I raised my head, a glimmer of determination in my eyes, and confidently replied:
"Yes, I feel my swordsmanship improving every day."
Sitting to my right, Gilbert nodded to affirm my words. His imposing stature and gray hair softly flowing in the breeze gave him an air of wisdom and gravity.
"His Majesty is making excellent progress, Lord Kaylen. He only lacks field experience to test his new skills. Applying these new abilities in combat will solidify his growth."
Kaylen frowned slightly and turned his head toward Gilbert:
"You don't need to use 'Lord' with me Gilbert. After all I'm not a noble, just a peasant."
Gilbert, true to his stoic nature gently shook his head and calmly replied:
"I owe you respect, Lord Kaylen not for a social status you don't hold, but for your exceptional skills. After all, you are His Majesty's right-hand man."
Raelia, who was observing the exchange with an amused smile, chimed in:
"Gilbert is my childhood friend, Kaylen. I can assure you, he never judges people by their rank, but only by their worth and merit."
To Kaylen's right, Sienna, with her light chestnut hair and stunning violet eyes, burst out laughing. She suddenly grabbed Kaylen's arm with a mischievous smile:
"Well, Kaylen, it doesn't matter if you're not a noble. If you marry me you'll become Kaylen Cerkol."
Caught off guard, Kaylen blushed slightly and looked away.
"You... What are you talking about now?"
The scene made the entire group burst into laughter, dissipating any tension in the air. After this lighthearted moment, Kaylen straightened up slightly, crossed his arms, and fixed me with his now-serious blue eyes:
"Jonady, we need to address the issue of the great forest of Izulte."
Gilbert nodded, confirming:
"Yes, I received a similar report from Lord Robert. The area is off-limits at night due to the dangers it harbors. Wild animals become uncontrollable there."
I pondered for a moment, my thoughts drifting to similar situations in my previous world. There, animals could become more aggressive due to environmental changes or disruptions in their habitat. Perhaps it was a comparable situation here.
"Apparently, the creatures of the forest of Izulte are conducting incursions into nearby villages. If we don't act, it could even threaten Amiria."
I raised my eyes, fixing them on Kaylen and Gilbert in turn, my resolve renewed:
"We'll handle this issue."
Gilbert frowned slightly, a hint of doubt in his gaze:
"Are you certain Majesty? I can arrange a garrison to intervene on your behalf."
I shook my head with a confident smile:
"No, Gilbert. This is the perfect opportunity for me to test my skills in the field."
Raelia always at my side, locked eyes with me with her amber gaze. She rose gently and grabbed my arm, her expression reflecting a determination equal to mine:
"If you're going I'm coming too."
I looked at her, weighing her words, then slowly nodded:
"Very well. Tomorrow at dawn we'll depart to explore the forest of Izulte and put an end to these nocturnal attacks."
Everyone seemed to approve of my decision, though subtle concerns lingered on some faces.
We all knew this mission wouldn't be a simple walk in the woods.
The forest of Izulte with its mysteries and dangers, was not to be taken lightly.
After this unanimous decision, the atmosphere relaxed somewhat.
The sun continued to shine, and the birdsong seemed to prophesize a promising day.
Yet deep down, I knew that the following dawn would mark the beginning of a very different kind of trial.
The forest of Izulte awaited us, its looming threats beyond anything we could yet imagine.