As the morning sun cast its warm glow over the land, Valentina awoke with a sense of lingering frustration. The vividness of the dream and the weight of Lyrastra's words still clung to her thoughts. She rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of the dream's emotions.Beside her, Arthfael also stirred, his brows furrowing as he processed the events of the dream. Valentina glanced at him, recognizing the intensity of his expression."Arthfael," she said, her voice tinged with a touch of annoyance, "I can't believe Lyrastra didn't tell us where to find the darkness mage. Isn't that crucial information?"Arthfael sighed, his fingers raking through his hair as he propped himself up on his elbows. "I know, Valentina. It's frustrating. But maybe she has her reasons for not revealing everything to us just yet."Valentina's irritation persisted. "Reasons or not, we're the ones who have to face this threat. It's our fight, and we deserve to know where to find our enemy."Arthfael nodd
"Are you ready?" Camilla asked, pulling up the zipper of her attire and looking at her reflection in the mirror.Valentina, standing beside Camilla, nodded her head and fluttered towards Camilla with her petite figure. "I'm ready!""Neptunis?" Camilla called out.Neptunis popped his head out from the doorframe, glancing at Camilla. Seeing Camilla, who had just finished getting ready and tied her wavy hair, he nodded in affirmation. She grabbed her messenger bag and slung it over her shoulder as usual.Camilla walked towards the door with Valentina and Neptunis in tow. As she reached for the doorknob and swung the door open, she was met with a sight that left her utterly shocked. Standing right before her were her own parents, Anna and Hudson. Her heart skipped a beat, and her surprise was palpable."Mom? Dad?" Camilla stammered, her eyes widening in disbelief. She hadn't expected her parents to be standing at her doorstep, especially not at this moment."Camilla?" Anna called out, her
Camilla's heart sank as her mother's words hung in the air. The fleeting moment of connection they had shared over the tea seemed to shatter. She exchanged a quick glance with Valentina, who had been observing the interaction from the corner of the room.Anna's gaze remained fixed on Camilla, her expression determined. "Camilla, I understand that you've been living your life the way you want here, but it's time to face your responsibilities. The Prince of Esteria, Frederick, is waiting for you. We've made arrangements for the wedding."Hudson's shock was evident, his gaze shifting between his wife and daughter. He had been quiet for most of their conversation, seemingly lost in thought, but Anna's declaration seemed to have caught him off guard as well.Camilla's heart raced, a whirlwind of emotions crashing over her. She had left Esteria to escape the marriage proposal that had been forced upon her, to live a life on her own terms. Yet here it was, the very thi
As the day wore on, the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the verdant landscape. Arthfael's journey had brought him back home, and with a sense of weariness that only a warrior could understand, he entered the house. His steps were heavy but purposeful as he carried his sword, the blade reflecting the fading sunlight.Valentina, ever vigilant, greeted him with a smile as she fluttered over. "Welcome back, Arthfael. How did your day go?"Arthfael's lips curved into a tired smile. "It was eventful, to say the least. But I'm glad to be back."His gaze shifted around the room, his eyes searching for someone. "Where's Camilla?"Valentina's wings fluttered with a knowing glint. "She's in her room. She's had a bit of a day herself."Arthfael nodded, his curiosity piqued, but he knew better than to pry when it came to matters of the heart. "I see. Well, I'll just put this sword down and take a shower."Valentina's laughter echoed as she watched Arthfael head to hi
Arthfael, Valentina and Flare embarked on a journey to the Kingdom of Verdantia, a realm of breathtaking beauty that was as enchanting as it was majestic. As they approached the kingdom, they was met with a landscape that seemed to have sprung from the pages of a fantastical tale.The kingdom was nestled within a lush valley, surrounded by rolling hills and vibrant meadows that stretched as far as the eye could see. Tall, ancient trees with leaves of emerald and gold formed a natural canopy overhead, their branches swaying gently in the breeze.The air was filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers and the melodic symphony of birds that danced among the branches.As Arthfael walked further, he was greeted by a flowing river that wound its way through the heart of the kingdom. Its crystal clear waters sparkled under the warm sunlight, reflecting the vivid colors of the surroundings. Bridges of intricate design arched gracefully over the river, connecting different parts of the kingdom
As the fragrant aroma of the tea and the delicate flavors of the cakes mingled in the air, Endeavor leaned back in his seat, his demeanor regal yet approachable. He fixed his gaze upon Arthfael, curious about the purpose of this meeting."What brings you here today, Arthfael?" Endeavor inquired, his voice resonating with both authority and genuine interest.Arthfael, composed and determined, looked directly into the eyes of the king. "Your Majesty, I've fought Searox not only to protect Verdantia but also to bolster its reputation among the other kingdoms. I believe our victory has garnered some attention and respect."Endeavor chuckled heartily, his laughter carrying the weight of experience. "Indeed, young warrior. Your actions have not gone unnoticed. You've carved your name into the annals of our history with your bravery."Arthfael nodded, a hint of pride touching his expression. "Thank you, Your Majesty. And that leads me to why I'm here. I seek a reward, not just for myself, bu
In the early morning light, Camilla arrived home, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. She had managed to avoid encountering Arthfael and the others, a decision that brought a mix of relief and guilt.Her journey back had been facilitated by the carriage Anna and Hudson had left near the village of Anvilhelm. As the carriage rolled along, the throbbing pain in her neck that had been caused by her mother's magic seemed to lessen, perhaps a testament to the distance she had put between herself and Verdantia.Camilla stared out of the carriage window, the passing landscape a blur as her thoughts swirled within her. Her return journey had been fraught with uncertainty, a battle between her own desires and the expectations her parents had set for her.The weight of her decision hung heavily on her shoulders, and she found herself uttering apologies in her heart, not just to Arthfael, but also to Neptune, the contracted monster who had become her friend.As the carriage approached the
At the dinner table, a sense of anticipation hung in the air as King Endeavor from Verdantia took his seat. Elsher, his loyal aide, stood respectfully beside him. The atmosphere was a blend of formality and warmth, as the grandeur of the occasion was matched by the camaraderie between the assembled company.Beside King Endeavor, Arthfael sat with a mixture of humility and reverence. The presence of royalty did not diminish his own stature, for his own strength of character and unwavering dedication were evident to all.Neptunis, the majestic waterfall monster, and Flare, the radiant phoenix, stood as guardians behind Arthfael, their postures resonating with a combination of vigilance and respect.Valentina, with her petite frame, found her place atop Arthfael's shoulder, her presence no less significant despite her size. Together, they formed a united front, a diverse group bound by friendship and shared purpose.As the Hudson household's servants moved w