After returning from the secret chamber, Eira's mind was in turmoil. The truth of the prophecy had illuminated her path, but it also placed an even heavier burden upon her shoulders. She was no longer just a woman seeking vengeance, but the chosen one tasked with the fate of the Erylian Empire. She could see her mother's gentle yet sorrowful eyes gazing upon her, hoping that Eira would restore the Empire's former glory, seeking justice for her and the innocent servants who had perished.
"I am ready, Teacher," Eira said silently, her gaze resolute and determined, like a warrior about to enter the battlefield, filled with the courage to face any challenge. She knew her path of vengeance would be filled with thorns, but she was prepared. She would bravely confront everything, for her mother, for the Erylian Empire, and for those who had sacrificed everything for the Empire, only to meet a tragic end.
Eira began to strategically execute her plan for vengeance. During the day, she continued to play the role of the naive and carefree Erikr family's second daughter, attending various banquets, balls, and social gatherings, discussing fashion, art, and gossip with other noble ladies, as if she were truly an unconcerned aristocrat interested only in leisure and pleasure. She always wore a sweet, harmless smile, her tone gentle and her manners graceful, making it impossible to connect her to the vengeful woman burdened with a blood-soaked vendetta.
But behind the scenes, Eira was secretly training and honing her abilities. She utilized every available moment in her room, practicing magic, swordplay, and various combat techniques, pouring out sweat without respite. Her room was filled with books on magic, swordsmanship, politics, economics, and military strategy, as she immersed herself in learning, determined to absorb all the knowledge she could.
In the secret chamber, the mysterious elder became Eira's teacher, imparting to her his lifetime of knowledge and experience without reservation. He taught her how to control her magical powers, how to use various spells, how to employ tactics and strategy, and how to lead and govern a nation, to become a worthy ruler.
Eira was like a parched sponge, greedily absorbing the knowledge and experience the mysterious elder imparted. Her learning speed astonished even the experienced elder. Not only did she possess extraordinary magical aptitude, but she also had exceptional intelligence, learning ability, and unwavering determination, allowing her to master in a mere three years what would normally take most people years, or even decades, to achieve.
"Child, you are truly a prodigy," the mysterious elder said, his eyes filled with contentment and expectation. "You possess immense magical talent, as well as unparalleled wisdom and courage. I believe you will become a great queen, leading the Erylian Empire to prosperity and restoring its former glory."
Eira remained silent, simply nodding, her eyes brimming with determination. She knew she carried the fate of the Erylian Empire on her shoulders. She could not disappoint her teacher's expectations, nor her mother's, nor those of the people who had sacrificed everything for the Empire, only to meet a tragic end.
In addition to studying magic and various fields of knowledge, Eira also began to seek allies within the imperial court. She knew that she alone could not confront Empress Anya and Chancellor Kalen, who had firmly entrenched themselves at the pinnacle of power in the Erylian Empire, amassing vast resources and influence. To overthrow them would be no easy task. She needed to find trustworthy individuals who could assist her in her quest for vengeance, people who were loyal, reliable, and possessed sufficient strength and influence.
Eira's gaze first fell upon Duke Ryce. As one of the most powerful nobles in the Erylian Empire, Ryce commanded the imperial armies, renowned for his military exploits and highly esteemed by the Emperor. He was the hope for the Erylian Empire's future and the most likely successor to the throne.
Eira had previously encountered Duke Ryce at the royal banquet, and she had a favorable impression of him, seeing him as an upright and courageous man. Unlike the hypocritical and artificial nobles, Ryce possessed a unique charm that drew one to him, to understand him. Moreover, there was one aspect that intrigued Eira – Ryce's striking resemblance to Chancellor Kalen. This planted a seed of suspicion in Eira's mind.
Could there be some unknown connection between Duke Ryce and Chancellor Kalen? Was there a secret between them?
Eira decided to test Duke Ryce, to uncover his true nature.
One day, Eira was strolling in the garden, purposefully making her way to the area where Duke Ryce often took his daily walks to unwind. As expected, it wasn't long before she spotted him.
Duke Ryce was dressed in a black hunting attire, the garment accentuating his tall, well-built figure. A sword hung at his waist, the scabbard adorned with gleaming gems, exuding an air of nobility. In his hands, he held a magnificent bow and arrow, crafted from the finest purple sandalwood and dragon sinew, a priceless weapon. He was about to go on a hunt, accompanied by several guards and a black hunting hound.
"Your Grace." Eira approached and curtsied respectfully, a faint smile on her lips, as if she had truly stumbled upon Duke Ryce by chance.
"Lady Eira, what a coincidence. Are you also out for a stroll?" Duke Ryce greeted her with a smile, his tone warm, as if meeting an old friend.
"Yes, Your Grace." Eira nodded, the breeze gently brushing her bangs aside, revealing her smooth forehead and clear, bright blue eyes. "The weather is lovely today, perfect for a stroll. The flowers in the garden are in full bloom as well."
"Indeed." Duke Ryce's gaze fell upon the white rose in Eira's hand, the delicate petals glistening with dewdrops, sparkling under the sunlight in a rainbow of colors, exuding an irresistible allure. "That white rose is beautiful."
"Thank you." Eira smiled, "I picked it from the garden. I love white roses; they symbolize purity and beauty."
"As do I." Duke Ryce's eyes were deep and captivating, as if he could see into Eira's very soul. "How have you been faring lately? Are you adjusting well to life in the palace?"
"I'm doing well, thank you for your concern, Your Grace." Eira replied, "The life at the palace may be a bit dull at times, but I'm slowly getting used to it."
"I'm glad to hear that." Duke Ryce nodded, his gaze lingering on Eira, as if observing and probing her. "I must be going now. Enjoy your stroll."
"Of course, Your Grace." Eira curtsied again, watching as Duke Ryce's figure disappeared into the distance.
After Duke Ryce's departure, Eira did not immediately leave, but continued to wander the garden, pondering how to get closer to him, how to uncover his true intentions, and to understand the relationship between him and Chancellor Kalen.
Suddenly, Eira noticed Duke Ryce's hunting hound approaching her, wagging its tail as if greeting a friend and inviting her to play. The black hound was large, its coat shiny and its gaze sharp, clearly a well-trained hunting companion.
Eira bent down and petted the hound's head, smiling. "Hello there, little one. What's your name?"
The hound responded by licking Eira's hand, seemingly enjoying her affection.
At that moment, Duke Ryce returned, seeing Eira playing with his hound. A look of surprise, as well as a barely perceptible smile, crossed his features.
"Do you like dogs?" Duke Ryce asked, his tone gentle, as if conversing with an old friend.
"Yes, I do." Eira nodded. She had loved animals, especially dogs, since childhood, seeing them as the most loyal of human companions. "I've always enjoyed playing with animals, especially dogs. They are so adorable and loyal."
"Is that so?" Duke Ryce said, approaching Eira and crouching down to pet the hound, who nuzzled his hand affectionately, almost playfully. "This one is called Caesar. He's a gentle one, so you don't need to be afraid."
"He's so cute." Eira smiled, gazing at Caesar with tenderness. "Hello, Caesar."
Caesar wagged his tail, as if understanding Eira's greeting.
"If you'd like, you're welcome to come and play with him more often," Duke Ryce said, a glint of something unreadable flashing in his eyes.
"Really? That would be wonderful!" Eira exclaimed, surprised that Duke Ryce had invited her to play with Caesar. This only increased her positive impression of him. "Thank you, Your Grace."
"It's my pleasure." Duke Ryce chuckled. "I'm quite fond of animals myself, and I'm glad to see you enjoy Caesar's company."
And so, Eira and Duke Ryce grew closer through their shared affection for the hunting hound. Over the following days, Eira frequently visited the garden to play with Caesar, and Duke Ryce would often join them, engaging in casual conversation about the weather, flowers, books, and other innocuous topics, as if they were truly ordinary friends enjoying a rare moment of leisure.
Eira found Duke Ryce to be a fascinating individual – erudite, witty, and possessing a special affection for animals. This only deepened her fondness for him.
However, Eira had not forgotten the striking resemblance between Duke Ryce and Chancellor Kalen, nor the fact that Ryce was Empress Anya's trusted confidant. These factors kept her wary of him.
She did not know what kind of man Duke Ryce truly was, nor whether he could be trusted as an ally to help her accomplish her quest for vengeance. But Eira knew she had to uncover the truth in order to make the right choice.