"What a nice mystical library." V muttered, her eyes roaming all corners of the well-maintained, majestic library.
The library had a dome carved with dazzling star clusters that, when exposed to candlelight or lamplight, shone as brightly as real stars. A grand chandelier in the center dome. The golden abstract striped mosaic pillars and lotus blooms make the granite floor sparkle.
Three enormous windows showed the waterfalls and rivers that cut through the crystal-clear Oakhaven valley, and V saw rows of gnomes working diligently on the riverbank carrying firewood, fresh fruits in baskets, and fetching water from the bulky bottles they carried on their backs.
"They're so cute." V chortled simply. "Can I see them up close? I'd love to touch them."
Deep in the heart of the forest behind the bushes, V caught the small Enfield family training their babies to learn how to hunt. Various types of flying fae, fluffy white mothcats perched on the tops of pine trees, and green orchis resembling leaves fluttered about, moving from branch to branch in search of food.
V's eyes widened in astonishment to find a spirit fox with orange fur with white in the misty fog. Its tail was wagging pretty. "Oh, is that a Kitsune?!"
But just as the fog cleared, Kitsune vanished without a trace, as if a gust of cold wind.
"What is it?" V confirmed her vision; on the balcony she found a phoenix cub hobbling around, wailing in agony, and unable to move its wings. V rushed out onto the balcony, approaching the whimpering phoenix child. "My dear, are you hurt?"
The reddish-orange phoenix child initially refused to be touched, whimpering in fear. Howling, begging for help from the parents who were separated from it.
V kneeled down, trying to calm the phoenix cub that was cowering frantically in the corner of the balcony. Coaxing it through a husky voice. "Relax; I won't hurt you. Let me see your wing, okay?"
V carefully examined the phoenix chick's left wing, giving it a gentle caress to make it trust her. "Your wing is broken. That's awful. What should I do to save you?"
V's silver light suddenly reacted; dazzling light vibrations shot out from her hands. "What? It's?"
Valeska saw her hand throbbing until the silver light shone out into the sky. She tried rubbing the phoenix's left wing gently and healing it.
The phoenix cub cooed in delight, realizing its left wing was restored. Again and again, it moved the wings nimbly.
"Oh, thank goodness." V was delighted and melted when the phoenix child bowed respectfully to her as a sign of gratitude. "That's cute. It's my honor, too."
Valeska jumped in fright when a gigantic Forest Dragon rose from the middle of the forest, its reptilian body able to camouflage with the surrounding pine trees. V did not expect to see it move, flapping its immense wings, walking toward V as it was attracted by the power of her silver light.
"What the?!" V choked, knowing that the Forest Dragon hunter's eyes were focused on her and wanted to finish her.
The forest dragon's footsteps thumped, shaking the entire land until it gripped V's heart.
V was terrified; she reflexively hugged the phoenix tightly in her arms. She tried to run for her life, but her legs were becoming too weak to move. She collapsed, knowing her life was in a minefield and there was no time to run. V staggered back, her tongue too stiff to make a sound; the behemoth head of the Forest Dragon monster was right before her eyes.
Rows of sharp teeth ready to tear V's body apart with ease.
V's face turns blanched, and her breaths choked.
The phoenix cub made a cute sound, as if it were explaining something and communicating with the Forest Dragon. V didn't follow it—but she knew it seemed like this Forest Dragon had no intention of harming her.
Forest Dragon's nose gurgling sniffed around Vienna's body scent—she had no idea, but the hulking monster walked backwards, spread both wings, and bowed before Vienna. It made a strange rattling sound from its jaws.
V murmured in anxiety. "What the hell just happened?"
***
"It's the Forest Dragon—his name is Emer Algon. He's the guardian of the Oakhaven valley as Crown Prince Ares's order, my lady." Maddie explained, chuckling slightly.
"He won't invade us? I mean, that dragon is freaking gigantic. Aren't they savage and hard to control?" asked V, trying to quell her panic.
"It's fine, my lady. Algon can tell the difference between his enemies and his friends. He will not harm the inhabitants of Oakhaven territory. Unless he finds a foreign intruder. He will definitely kill him." Maddie explained patiently. "Do not worry. As long as His Highness orders him to guard Oakhaven, then there is nothing to fear."
Valeska remained silent; she remembered how the dragon bowed respectfully before her. And her power reacts when Valeska wants to treat something. "So, all regions in the Alverton Empire have dragon guards like him?"
"Yes, almost all of them. Even His Highness also sent defender dragon troops to guard Sellia and Digris Northlandic."
I have no idea. I feel insane.
Although V's head was throbbing, she glanced at Lionel Farren, who stood before her in a stern manner. Expressionless, his eyes seemed as calm as a mysterious lake. Experience on the battlefield and a lot of training made Lionel's body durable and towering.
V hides mysteriously smirks; she never misjudged anything. "You are Lionel Farren?"
Lionel showed a respectful gesture, bowing briefly and keeping his gaze polite. In his eyes, Lady Vienna appeared heavenly, yet she was only wearing a simple navy-colored gown with white stripes in some parts. Lady Vienna's unworldly beauty was able to divert the world of any nobleman in the Alverton empire. Her shining hair was exquisite, always styled in various shapes. A pair of brilliant blue eyes that were as tranquil as the deep blue of the ocean but as crisp as glass as if to melt Lionel's heart.
Lionel was somewhat startled when Maddie came to him and brought the message that Lady Vienna wanted to see him. This was the first time Lionel had ever seen Lady Vienna this close. Usually, he could only admire her perfection from afar.
"My respects to Lady Vienna Beaumont. Is there anything you would like from me?"
Vienna guffawed sweetly, "Maddie's right, you're a stiff and expressionless person. Just relax, Lionel."
Her sweet, lively laughter stirred Lionel's soul.
"I've often noticed you practicing your sword all night." V added, casting Lionel a straight look. "I also see that your skills are admirable."
"Thank you, my lady. Your praise is excessive." Lionel replied, but still lowered his gaze. Watched all night? Lionel's mind was in turmoil now.
"I called you regarding that matter. Be my sword mentor; I want you to teach me, Lio." V uttered to the point. She didn't like beating around the bush.
Maddie let out a stifled squeal of delight. She could imagine how marvelous Lady Vienna would be if she could master swordsmanship. Choosing Lionel as her mentor was the right choice—as Lionel's reputation for swordsmanship was excellent. Even young Lord Vante had not been able to defeat him until now.
Lionel was astounded to hear that. He snapped up, stricken by the charming smile on Lady Vienna's blood-red lips. "Me? As your mentor?"
"Yes." V nodded firmly. "Why? Do you mind? If you refuse, you'll break my heart, Lio."
"It's not that, my lady." Lionel stammered in reply, at a loss for what to say. He glanced in the other direction, remembering that Lady Vienna had just woken up from a coma. Lionel was worried about her physical condition. Surviving the Dark Witch's assault was no easy feat. "I mean, you're physically just recovering from a coma."
"You're just like Maddie." V snorted indulgently and pouted slightly, "I'm fine. Are you agreed or not?"
"Then, what about Lord Count and Madame Countess? If they find out, I could be in trouble for putting you in jeopardy." Lionel continued thoughtfully, yet in his mind he was excited and wanted to be Lady Vienna's mentor.
"There won't be any problems if we keep it under wraps from anyone, right? It would be great if you had a secluded place of recommendation outside of this residence. Some sort of secret training base. Wouldn't that be awesome?" V giggled gleefully, her jovial voice echoing uniquely in the tower's library.
Maddie interrupted, then she gave Lady Vienna a worried look. "If you were to leave the residence, how would you do it, my lady? I mean, the guarding in this residence is quite tight. I don't think it's possible to get out of this tower."
Who said that? I have a genius plan, Maddie. That's why I asked you to bring Lionel Farren here. And I didn't choose him wrong.
V grinned oddly, "It looks like I'll be needing your help, Maddie, just when I'm practicing with my sword. You must promise. It's confidential. Remember, it. Only we know." V emphasized her words, then glanced at Lionel again. "Do you have any recommendations, Lio?"
"Actually, there is one secluded place, rarely known to others. Well, I'll prepare that place to be your training base." Lionel ventured to answer. He didn't want to dishearten Lady Vienna.
"Good. Tidy up the place straight away." Vienna beamed a wide smile, one step of her plan realized. "Thank you so much for you all. How could I have done it without you? Oh yes, if one day I manage to defeat you, you must give me a gift, Lio."
"A gift?" asked Lionel with knitted brows.
V napped, showing a cheerful, smiling expression on her face. "You must give me the best recommended sword in this empire."
Lionel cast his blushing gaze in another direction again. "All right, my lady. I promise."
"Maddie, please prepare my training clothes, if possible, something comfortable to wear, okay? I want to start practicing tonight. Since my family is traveling to the capital. This is much easier."
***