Volume 1: Lyl'neyya
Character Introduction
Eirlys Eraria Alcareccia
Current Age: 275 years old (appearance resembles that of a 25-year-old)
Date of Birth: 2nd day of the 12th month, Winter, Year 3030 of the Zhervennia Era
Gender: Female
Race: ???
Appearance: White hair, silver eyes
Height: 166 cm
Weight: 55 kg
Measurements: 90/64/86
Magical Expertise: Elemental Magic Exceptionally proficient in ice magic and highly skilled in water magic. Her mastery of other elemental magics also exceeds standard levels.
She is the former headmistress of the Royal Magic Academy of the Kingdom of Zhervennia. It is said that she is the most powerful mage in the nation and among The Union of Lyl'neyya Peninsula, one of the key power blocs in the region. She is regarded as a pillar upholding the Kingdom of Zhervennia.
Chapter 1: The Black Flame
Episode 1
Date: 42nd day of the 2nd month, Spring, Year 3306 of the Zhervennia Era
Perspective: Eirlys
"Hoo... hoo... hoo..."
The soft sound of my breath created tiny ripples across the surface of the hot cocoa in my cup. The rich, comforting aroma wafted through the air. With both hands cradling the mug, the warmth seeping through helped me fend off the biting chill of the early morning air.
Even though we're nearing the middle of spring, the temperature has dropped so low it's almost subzero. Some patches of snow still haven't melted—not even the rivers or lakes in certain areas.
I stood on the second-floor balcony of my home, gazing out toward the sea. Dark clouds were gathering on the far horizon. The usually calm waves began to stir, growing taller and more forceful, crashing against the shore with a resounding roar. The wind picked up, carrying the salty tang of the sea and a damp coldness with it. Flashes of lightning intermittently lit up the sky, illuminating the roiling clouds.
A storm was brewing.
With weather this cold, a storm could turn into an ice rain, couldn't it? In just a few hours, the rain would likely reach here.
My cocoa was nearly finished. Time to head back inside, I suppose.
"Eirlys, what are you doing out here in this cold?"
"Oh, you're awake?"
"Would you like some hot cocoa? I'll make you a cup."
"That'd be nice, thank you."
'Insiren,' my husband of about twenty years, is a man of leadership and calm composure. Through all the time we've spent together, his steadfastness and consistency have brought happiness and stability to our family life.
As I stepped back into the house, he closed the balcony door behind me.
I walked to the kitchen and began preparing the hot cocoa. A short while later, a steaming mug of cocoa—mixed with milk, no sugar—was served to him. He smiled as he took it. No matter how many years pass, that innocent smile of his never fails to charm me.
"Thank you," he said.
Afterward, the cocoa mugs were washed, and Insiren stood gazing out the window.
"We should hurry, don't you think? If the rain starts, it'll be trouble. Judging by the mist already drifting in with the wind, it's going to be a heavy downpour."
"Got it. Give me a moment."
I'm pregnant. I only found out a few days ago—four weeks along. Physically, I feel no different than usual. It's hard to believe this day has come. Something monumental is growing within me.
My having a child is a significant matter, one that should remain a secret. Only a handful of people ought to know, and one of them is the king.
My task today is to meet with him and devise a plan for what comes next—how to proceed once a new 'Alcareccia' is born.
Insiren was on the phone, likely speaking with the king. Once he finished, he approached me.
"Grandthaleous will be free this afternoon and for the next couple of days."
"Oh, really? That's great! It's been so long since I last saw him," I replied with a wide smile.
"But I see him every day. I'm almost sick of his face," he said with a smirk.
I giggled at his playful jab.
"Come on, you're friends—keep the love alive," I teased, lightly tapping his arm.
"Alright, ready to go?" Insiren asked.
"Mm-hmm!" I grinned broadly once more.
Our home is hidden within the enchanted Zenda Forest, about thirty kilometers from the city. Zenda is a forest teeming with magical creatures—both plants and animals. It serves as both a fortress and a shield for us. Only a select few know its location and how to enter: me, Insiren, Grandthaleous, and perhaps three or four others.
It took us less than a minute to travel to the sixty-eighth floor of the royal palace. This floor houses private quarters for important figures, both domestic and foreign, who need to stay overnight. As long as your citizen ID matches the room's records, you can use it without prior approval.
In a way, it's like our second home.
We took the elevator to the eighty-fifth floor—the highest level of the palace. A faint thrill ran through me as I thought about seeing Grandthaleous again.