In an ancient place,
The wind howled fiercely, carrying an ominous chill through the air, rustling the once vibrant leaves that hung from dying trees. The flowers, once in full bloom, were slowly withering, their colors draining as if life itself was being siphoned from them.
The rivers, once full and flowing with crystal-clear water, were gradually drying up, leaving behind cracked and barren riverbeds. The great trees, towering and proud, stood like silent sentinels, slowly dying, their branches devoid of life as leaves fell to the ground, lifeless.
The very land seemed to groan in pain, as though it, too, could feel the weakening of the life force that once thrived within it.
Inside a grand chamber,
A group of figures sat around a large stone table, their faces tense with worry. Their eyes darted from one another, the weight of the situation pressing down on them like an invisible force. The air was thick with unspoken fears, and each person knew the gravity of the discussion that lay ahead.
"My lord's 'Essence' is growing weaker, and weaker day by day" one of them spoke, voice shaking slightly with concern. "The life force that sustains him, that sustains us all, is dwindling. If this continues, not only will we lose our lord, but the very life force of our world will wither away with him."
Another voice joined in, filled with quiet urgency, "Our lord's 'Essence' is intrinsically tied to the Heart of the world. If it fades beyond recovery, the clan will cease to exist, and the balance that keeps this land alive will shatter."
The room grew silent, the reality of the situation settling like a heavy cloud over them. The great world they had known, the land they had cherished for centuries, was slipping through their fingers like sand. Without their lord's 'Essence,' there would be nothing left to hold the world together.
A figure of high rank, garbed in ancient robes, stood from their seat. Their face was calm, but eyes spoke volumes of the burden they bore. The figure addressed the room with quiet authority, their voice steady despite the gravity of the moment.
"There is no time left," The figure said, their tone leaving no room for doubt. "We can no longer wait for the situation to resolve itself. We must act now. It is time to send our lord to find it."
A murmur of agreement passed through the room. The others knew what they meant. There was a way to restore the lord's 'Essence,' a way to save the world, but it required something more than mere power— time. The lord must find the it as soon as possible.
But there was a cost, none could say what would become of their world if the journey failed.
The air in the room grew thicker, the tension mounting. With the weight of their world on their shoulders, they all realized the impossible truth: Only by sending their lord on this unknown journey could they hope to save everything they held dear. But would it be enough? Would their lord succeed in finding it before it was too late?
With a final, resolute look, the high-ranking figure turned to leave. "I will tell him," they says in a calm voice. "Time is slipping away."
And as the figure exited, the room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by the sound of distant winds that seemed to echo the fate of a dying world.
————————————
Cristiane Empire
Black Rose Palace
In the Princess's Room-
The golden rays of the setting sun filtered softly through the tall, arched windows of the Black Rose Palace, casting long shadows across the velvet-lined chamber. The scent of fresh roses lingered in the air, faint but present, as a small group of girls stood before the Princess of Cristiane.
Evelyn's presence alone was commanding silence. She was standing in front of the group and observed them for a moment—each girl standing upright, awaiting her words.
Evelyn: "Do you know why I called for you?"
They: "No, Your Highness."
Their response was swift, spoken with confidence. None of them showed guilt or confusion—almost as though they believed they had done nothing to warrant her attention. Evelyn's lips curled into a faint smile.
Evelyn: "I have some tasks for you."
A brief pause. The girls glanced at one another, brows furrowing.
They: "Tasks?"
The word lingered uncertainly in the air.
Evelyn turned away and walked towards a deep crimson couch adorned with golden embroidery. She sat gracefully, one leg crossed over the other, her eyes never leaving them.
Evelyn: "I suspect there are spies within the palace. Your task will be to keep watch—on everyone. Take note of movements, conversations, subtle changes. Report back to me directly. Do not confront anyone. If we simply eliminate them, more will come. But if we observe… they will lead us to the roots."
They: "Understood, Your Highness."
Evelyn gave a single nod of approval.
Evelyn: "Now… what should I call you?"
A girl with soft cyan hair stepped forward with her identical-looking sister beside her.
Lily: "I'm Lily, and this is my sister, Lora."
Evelyn's gaze moved to the girl with reddish-brown hair.
Ella: "I'm Ella."
Another young woman, with an elegant posture and calm voice, spoke next.
Melinda: "Melinda, Your Highness."
One by one, they introduced themselves—until only one remained. A girl with black hair, her head lowered, stood in silence.
Evelyn's gaze softened, but her voice remained composed.
Evelyn: "And you? What is your name?"
The girl hesitated. Her lips trembled as she struggled to form the words. Her voice came out broken, uncertain.
"I… don't… name… Black hair… called… everyone..."
Her words stammered, her pronunciation distorted and weak. It wasn't fear—Something else.
Evelyn watched her in silence, thoughtful.
Evelyn (thoughts): (It's quite normal. It would've been strange if she had a name. She must have suffered a lot, which resulted in her speaking like this. Not to mention name, people with black hair and red eyes in this empire… they aren't even considered human.)
She stood and walked towards the trembling girl, her voice turning gentler.
Evelyn: "We can't just call you 'Black hair.' Since you don't have a name, then let's give you one. Hmm… What do you think of Clair? It means 'Bright.'"
The girl's shoulders began to shake. Her head dipped lower, and soft sobs escaped her lips. She cried silently—tears for the name she had never been given, for the acknowledgment she had never received.
Evelyn reached out and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
Evelyn: "I don't like cowardly people. My people must be strong enough to ignore the barking of dogs."
The girl—Clair now—slowly lifted her tear-streaked face, her gray eyes glistening with something unfamiliar: hope.
Evelyn: So, will you be able to carry out the task properly?
Lily, Lora, Ella, Melinda, and Clair: Yes, Your Highness.
They answered confidently. Evelyn dismissed them, and they left the room to return to their duties. Evelyn walked back to the couch and sat down. Cassy, who had been quietly watching, turned to Evelyn.
Cassy: Your Highness, you...
Evelyn: I know what you want to ask. Don't worry. They are perfect for this job. As for why... you'll understand in time.
Cassy: If you say so, Your Highness.
Cassy bowed and left the room with Gerald. Evelyn picked up a book titled "Literature of Christiane" out of boredom and began to read.
In the Afternoon,
In Evelyn's Room,
Evelyn was lounging on the chaise, a plate of snacks beside her, engrossed in her book. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, disrupting her peace. She sighed, clearly annoyed, before calling out.
Evelyn: "Who is it?"
Cassy: "Your Highness, Young Master Rochester has come to visit."
Evelyn: "Rick has arrived... Very well, let him in."
Cassy: "Yes, Your Highness."
The door creaked open, and Edrick stepped in, looking every bit the part of the well-dressed noble. He was in a blue suit, his posture straight, exuding an undeniable charm. Yet, there was something more—a strange, powerful presence hanging around him. Evelyn's gaze sharpened.
Evelyn (thoughts): (To think I didn't notice something so important that day...)
Evelyn whispers, "E.L.S. Scan Body."
Ding...
[Body Scanning in progress.]
Ding...
[Body Scanning completed.]
Ding...
[Detected the presence of a familiar.]
Ding...
[Information of the familiar.]
[ Familiar Name: Lightning Bird.]
[ Type: Elemental Beast.]
[ Rank: Emperor.]
[ Ability: Lightning, Thunder, Fly.]
[Summoning age: 9.]
[Status: Sleeping.]
Evelyn (thoughts): (An Emperor rank Elemental Beast... I did heard that he summoned his familiar at the age of 9. So, it's indeed an Elemental Beast, and an Emperor-Class one at that. Truly deserving of the title of genius.)
[The four elements—Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth. There are also two rarest elements—Lightning and Ice. Many mages have these attributes, but not many manage to summon an Elemental Beast familiar. Beasts with elemental powers are known as Elemental Beasts.
Summoning magical beast familiars is no easy feat, requiring abundant mana and the acknowledgement of the beast. That's why those who manage to summon powerful beasts are highly respected in this world.
Lightning and Ice are the rarest elements, and the beasts tied to them are even rarer. They are seen only once every century.]
Evelyn (thoughts): (To summon such a rare Elemental Beast, he must have an abundant amount of mana.)
Evelyn continued to think, staring at the information panel. Edrick thought she was staring at him, but surprisingly, he didn't feel as annoyed as before. Cassy cleared her throat, seeing Evelyn distracted. Evelyn snapped out of it and shifted her gaze away from the panel and it disappears.
Evelyn: Ah, hi, Roddick. Please, take a seat.
Edrick: Please don't call me that, Your Highness.
Edrick sat down on the couch opposite Evelyn. She smiled calmly, still relaxed.
Evelyn: Come on, just think of it as a nickname.
Edrick: No need. I don't like being called anything other than my name.
Edrick said, his face stern. Evelyn listened intently, as if taking his words seriously. She looked like she understood his point. Evelyn smiled at Edrick.
Evelyn: Understood, Nick.
Edrick: It's not Nick... E.D.R.I.C.K. Edrick.
Edrick nearly shouted but controlled himself and said politely.
Evelyn: Yeah, I know, Rick.
Evelyn looked as if she hadn't even been listening to him. Edrick stopped explaining, too tired to keep arguing.
Evelyn: So, what brings you here?
Edrick: What, can't I even come to see my fiancée?
Evelyn: Of course, you can.
Edrick: This palace has changed quite a lot since before.
Evelyn: I know, right.
Cassy brought some snacks and placed them on the table before Edrick. Evelyn began reading her book again without paying much attention. Edrick, seeing Evelyn's behavior, grew a little frustrated.
Edrick: Is this how you treat a guest?
Evelyn: You came to see, right? You've seen, and now you should go back.
Evelyn said carelessly, still focused on her book. Edrick was confused. How could a person change so much?
Edrick (thoughts): (She's so indifferent. She wouldn't even have spoken to me in such a cold, distant way before.)
Suddenly, Edrick came to his senses and stood up abruptly.
Edrick (thoughts):) (What's wrong with me? Why do I feel sad about it? Ah...)
He shook his head and looked at Evelyn, who was still engrossed in her book. He bowed slightly, placing a hand on his chest.
Edrick: I should take my leave for today, Your Highness.
Evelyn: Yeah, sure.
Edrick stared at Evelyn for a moment, then left the room. Evelyn slowly lifted her head from her book and looked in his direction. She wondered what had gotten into Edrick today. After a while, she refocused entirely on her reading.