"Intriguing, isn't it?" Mila said, holding a glass of red wine in her hand. The room was dimly lit, with flashes of lightning illuminating her beautiful face through the large arched window. A young maid dressed in servant attire bowed before her.
"Your Highness, Sir Leylin possesses the aura of a true Knight. His every move exudes vigilance, and he possesses a sharp mind and a profound perspective on life," the maid explained.
"Ah, then he and Olma should get along splendidly. It would bring me joy to see my son make friends with him, as it would give the young knight an emotional reason to protect Olma," Mila responded with a smile on her face and a glimmer of intrigue in her eyes. However, her smile quickly faded as she noticed the hesitance on Dilly's face.
"Speak up, I want to know what is troubling you," Mila urged, her voice subdued.
"My Queen," Dilly wrangled her hand nervously, her face revealing a hint of anger. "The young knight is quite greedy and power-hungry. His demands and desires all point towards a pursuit of power. But there's something else I noticed." She paused, swallowing nervously. "During the gallery tour, when he came across Your Highness's portrait, his expression changed," she hesitated, not continuing.
Mila sighed and smirked mockingly. "Let me guess, he had that look that many noblemen have. The look that says, 'I would give everything just to have her in my bed for one night.'" She trailed her finger along the rim of her wine glass, lost in deep thought. Her conversation with Arslan echoed in her mind.
[Previously]
"Keep the noble children occupied for two more days. The Magi will need that time to fully recover," Arslan had said mischievously.
"I understand, Lord Protector," Mila replied calmly.
[End]
She rose from her seat, wine glass in hand, and walked toward the window overlooking the city. Dilly followed closely, observing Her Highness's sapphire eyes flicker with unspoken emotions. Mila's breath held a tinge of sorrow, and her visage revealed a sense of helplessness. Her eyes displayed vulnerability. Mila was not a prudish woman. Since her husband's passing, she had chosen to abstain from carnal pleasures. However, sometimes the world doesn't align with our desires.
Mila gazed into the distance for a while, then turned around and made her way to her private bathhouse. Dilly witnessed a transformation in her Highness with each step she took. The helpless and vulnerable aura shifted into one of regality and pride. Dilly was one of the few fortunate enough to witness the Queen's softer side, different from her usual regal demeanour.
"Tell Sir Leylin that the Queen has extended an invitation for him to visit her chambers after tonight's dinner, when you deliver his rewards," Queen Mila's voice carried the weight of authority as she spoke.
**********
Leylin sat cross-legged on his bed, his body enveloped in a crimson hue as wisps of steam rose from his form. With a slow exhalation, a cloud of white smoke billowed from his lips. His gaze shifted towards a shadowy corner of the chamber, his emerald eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"If you value your head, reveal yourself," Leylin growled, his hand instinctively reaching for the sheathed sword at his side. The figure draped in a black cloak emerged from the darkness, their gender concealed, and their face hidden beneath a shroud.
"I mean you no harm, Sir Leylin. I am here to deliver the rewards you requested from Arslan Arstin, the kingdom's protector," the figure's voice echoed through the chamber. Leylin maintained his defensive stance, gripping the sheathed sword in his left hand while his right hovered over the hilt.
"Why, then, did you enter my room without announcing your presence and concealing your face?" Leylin asked, a sly grin playing on his lips, though his posture warned of imminent attack if the answer failed to satisfy him.
The figure remained silent, instead placing a briefcase-like bag on a nearby surface. Without another word, they melted back into the shadows, disappearing from sight.
Time passed, and Leylin clenched his jaw upon learning from the AI that the mysterious person could no longer be tracked. It seemed hidden passages were connected to his chamber.
Approaching a grand mahogany table adorned with delicate designs, Leylin's attention turned to the bag that had been left behind.
**********
Resting upon a sturdy wooden table, surrounded by the vintage decor, lay a leather briefcase that seemed plucked from the 1950s. Crafted from weathered leather, its rich patina exuded an air of timeless elegance. The surface bore the marks of age, adding character and history to its appearance.
Like Newt Scamander's enchanted suitcase, the briefcase possessed a touch of magic, luring one to explore its contents. It sat there, seemingly ordinary yet brimming with secrets waiting to be unveiled. Its worn brass clasps and hinges hinted at the countless adventures it had witnessed over the years.
With a concealed button pressed by Leylin, the enchantment woven into the briefcase awakened. As if guided by an invisible hand, the clasps released, and the lid gracefully lifted, unveiling the wonders held within. It was as though a hidden realm lay just beyond, beckoning to be discovered.
The interior of the briefcase was a marvel to behold. Divided into meticulously crafted compartments of various sizes, each designed to cradle precious artifacts and curiosities. Burgundy velvet lining, plush and opulent, embraced the contents, offering a luxurious embrace to the treasures within.
Within this mystical storage, bathed in the soft glow of runic markings, rested an enchanted rune katana. Leylin's hand reached for it, drawing the blade from its sheath. The masterfully forged steel shimmered with an ethereal radiance, intricate symbols and sigils etched upon its surface, pulsating with arcane energy. Each rune held a story, a connection to ancient powers long forgotten.
In the hands of a skilled knight, the katana became an extension of their will. It transcended being a mere weapon; it became a conduit for breath and spirit. There lay a breathing technique with it; the knights practised a delicate art of controlled breathing, a technique that harmonized their breath with the rhythm of combat. Through this synchronized inhalation and exhalation, they summoned strength, honed their reflexes, and heightened their reaction speed.
Scrolls and parchments lay in another section, meticulously arranged. The faded ink on these papers whispered tales of forgotten lore and magical wonders. Intricate illustrations adorned the pages, capturing the essence of fantastical beings that seemed to spring to life beneath the flickering candlelight.
A manual depicted a knight engaged in a dance of deadly grace. Their movements were precise and fluid, a symphony of slashes, parries, and strikes. The importance of footwork was emphasized, maintaining a balanced stance that allowed swift maneuvering amidst the chaos of battle.
On a piece of mysterious beast's skin, a rank 0 spell glowed with ancient power, pulsating with raw magic. The carefully inscribed spell invoked the forces of the elements and the unseen powers of the universe. These were the building blocks of arcane knowledge, granting the acolyte the ability to channel small yet potent bursts of magic when needed. Through incantations and gestures, the acolyte commanded elemental forces and conjured minor mystical effects.
Nestled alongside the enchanted katana and the mystical beast skin, a book awaited, offering a comprehensive insight into the ancient language and aura that surrounded these artifacts. Its weathered pages concealed secrets and translations, unlocking the enigmatic symbols and empowering the reader with the ability to comprehend the intricacies of the ancient tongue. With each turned page, the reader delved deeper into mystic lore, unlocking a realm of forgotten wisdom and arcane potential.
In a small hidden compartment, a black wooden container adorned with intricate golden patterns revealed delicate vials of shimmering potions. Their mesmerizing hues reflected a myriad of colours in the dimmed lighting. Each vial held a unique essence, their labels hinting at mysterious properties waiting to be unleashed.
Amidst these mystical artifacts, a precious envelope rested, emanating an air of utmost importance. Sealed with a wax emblem bearing the Arstin lineage, it held a message of great significance. Its contents remained a mystery, known only to the chosen recipient, awaiting discovery within the depths of this enchanted briefcase.
Together, these artifacts wove a tapestry of ancient power and hidden knowledge. The enchanted katana, the art of knight breathing, the rank 0 spell on the mystical beast skin, the comprehensive book on the ancient language, and the precious envelope whispered of an irresistible allure, where magic and mystery intertwined.
**********
In a grand hall illuminated by a sea of flickering candles, noble children gathered around an expansive dining table that stretched from one corner to the other. Among them sat Besstia, George, Gus, Trevor, Karl, Jonathan, and Leylin, forming the focal point of the banquet. These children of higher status sought to forge strong connections with Leylin after witnessing his remarkable abilities. Some hoped for his protection, while others aimed to join Besstia's Blood Knight Alliance, enticed by the news of Leylin becoming its vice leader. This shift in attention left Ourin and his four friends feeling somewhat bitter, as they were used to being in the spotlight, except for Besstia, who always held her own prominence.
Leylin selectively engaged with a few noble guests, identified as having potential through his AI Chip. However, he remained cautious in his interactions, viewing these individuals as potential snakes disguised in noble attire. The few people he trusted not to betray him for short-term gain were George, Karl, and Jonathan. Karl and Jonathan were part of the ten individuals Leylin had previously selected, and after spending considerable time with them, he had gained a deeper understanding of their personalities. Karl was straightforward, while Jonathan possessed a slightly eccentric nature. With the assistance of the AI Chip's behaviour analysis, Leylin felt reasonably confident in his judgments. Eventually, he entrusted the noble teenagers to George, allowing him to entertain them, while Leylin's thoughts drifted back to the rewards he had received prior to the banquet, including a particular note containing a promise.
Leylin experienced both joy and restlessness upon receiving these rewards. He had engaged in a lengthy and gruelling negotiation battle against Arslan, emerging victorious and acquiring a number of treasures. Among them, the most significant was a katana that would enhance his offensive capabilities and an envelope promising a peaceful life at the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. However, as is often the case with rewards, a price had to be paid. Leylin had solemnly sworn on his soul, under the watchful gaze of the Trial's Eye, to safely deliver Olma Arstin to their destination. If he failed in this endeavour, both his and Olma's souls would find eternal peace together.
Unbeknownst to Leylin, this mission would alter the fate of an individual in comparison to the events of another timeline, setting into motion a series of unforeseen consequences.
*****************
[Author's Note:
First off, I'd want to thank OukisLips for his original suggestion to use Arslan's recommendation letter as a prize for Leylin.
Last but not least, some of you may think I'm stretching the plot of The Great Plains of Death, but I had to do so because I want to introduce some new characters and take the tale in a different direction from the original book.]
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