*TOMORROW EARLY MORNING*
I wake up early, feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep.
I quickly get dressed in my simple yet practical healing attire and head downstairs.
In the courtyard, I wait patiently near the fountain, exactly as planned with Nao.
The sun rises higher, casting a warm glow over the castle grounds.
Just as I start to wonder if Nao overslept, she appears – but looking exhausted.
"Hana, good morning..." Nao says softly, rubbing her eyes.
"I wanted to come with you so badly, but... Instructor Lyra scheduled an unexpected advanced magic practice for me today."
My face falls slightly, disappointed we won't be spending the day together.
Nao notices and adds reassuringly:
"You'll be safe with the royal guards, won't you?"
The guards approach us, led by a familiar face – Guardian Thomas, who nods at me respectfully.
I smile faintly at Nao:
"Yes, I'll be fine. Go practice your magic "...I'll hear all about it tonight."
Nao smiles back, looking relieved, and heads off towards the magic training halls.
Guardian Thomas clears his throat to get my attention:
"Hero Hana, shall we proceed to Brindlemark village? The carriage is ready."
My heart skips a beat at the village name – Mark is there.
I nod calmly and enter the carriage, sitting across from Guardian Thomas.
The guards mount their horses outside as the carriage moves through the kingdom's streets.
Guardian Thomas asks, "Hero Hana, shall I inform the city guards of your destination?"
I smile politely:
"No need, Guardian. I'd like to make some routine visits to the city's clinics and hospitals
just in case there are any seriously ill patients who need my healing magic."
He nods approvingly:
"Wise precaution, Hero Hana. Your kindness benefits our kingdom's people."
My mind wanders to a distant place... and a certain someone exiled far from here...
I gaze out the window, lost in thought, wondering how he's faring in his new surroundings...
My reverie is short-lived as the carriage stops:
"We've arrived at the first clinic, Hero Hana," Guardian Thomas announces.
I step out to begin my healing visits.
The next two days pass in a blur of clinics, hospitals, and even churches –
my magic soothing suffering souls throughout the kingdom.
On the third day, as I continue healing the patient's wounded arm, my focus intent...
But my ears pick up a hushed conversation between other patients nearby:
"...our homes destroyed... Royal Guards came yesterday..."
"...Goddess Yui's decree, they said..."
My head snaps up, attention diverted from the healing magic.
I look at Guardian Thomas briefly, then back at the patients:
"Excuse me, what's happening? What decree are you talking about?"
One of the elderly men glances nervously at Guardian Thomas before responding:
"Our village, Oakwood village... was partially demolished by Royal Guards yesterday.
They said it was ordered by Goddess Yui, but we don't know why..."
My mind races with questions and concerns...
I ask Guardian Thomas if he knew about this Royal Guard action beforehand:
"Guardian Thomas, were you aware of this demolition in Oakwood village?"
He looks taken aback, exchanging surprised glances with his guards:
"No, Hero Hana. This is news to us. We only escorted you for healing visits."
I request to visit Oakwood village immediately to assess the damage and help survivors.
Upon arrival, my heart sinks:
Almost every house lies in ruins, smoke billowing into the air.
Royal Guards continue demolishing remaining structures, facing resistance from desperate villagers.
People cry, plead, and even fight back – only to be brutally subdued by guards.
I rush forward, hands raised:
"Stop this at once! What is the meaning of this destruction?"
A senior guard officer approaches me, expression unyielding:
"Hero Hana, this is by Goddess Yui's decree. Oakwood village will be reborn as...
a grand magic school campus and orphanage – for the future of our kingdom's magic wielders."
My mind rebels against this justification...
I argue passionately:
"Destruction without consent is never righteous, even for a noble cause!
These people have lost their homes, their livelihoods – what of their well-being?"
The senior guard officer remains unmoved:
"Goddess Yui's order and King Malakar's approval surpass our questioning."
He produces a parchment bearing the royal seal and Goddess Yui's symbol:
"This letter confirms the decree – destruction for rebuilding."
I insist:
"I want to speak with Goddess Yui herself, to understand her true intentions behind this devastation."
The guard officer nods:
"Goddess Yui resides within the castle walls. If you wish to speak with her, you must return there."
My gaze falls upon the distraught villagers, my heart heavy with sorrow...
I approach them, voice filled with empathy:
"I'm deeply sorry for your loss. I will try to make this right..."
They look at me with mixed emotions – hope and despair.
I turn to Guardian Thomas:
"We must return to the castle immediately. Prepare the carriage."
Guardian Thomas nods and starts preparing the carriage while asking me:
"Hero Hana, if I may ask, what do you plan to do when we meet Goddess Yui?
Will you try to persuade her to reconsider the demolition or..."
His voice trails off, awaiting my response.
I climb into the carriage, my mind racing with strategies:
"I plan to understand her reasons first, Guardian Thomas.
As the Archpriest of this kingdom, I have the authority to intervene if her motives are unjust...
I will ensure justice is served and protect these innocent people and possibly others who might face similar fate..."
Guardian Thomas looks concerned but nods in respect as the carriage starts moving.
The carriage wheels creak softly as we move towards the castle...
My mind races with disturbing thoughts about Goddess Yui's decree:
"Why would she order such destruction?
Yui is only 14 years old... still a child herself..."
I recall her innocent smile and playful laughter during past castle events...
"It's unthinkable she'd conceive such massive projects, let alone consider them worthy of displacing hundreds."
My heart sinks deeper:
"And worse... she didn't seem to consider the people affected –
The elderly, children, families... all left homeless and helpless.
What kind of guidance is she receiving to lead her to such cruelty?"
A shiver runs down my spine as I wonder:
"Is she still the sweet Goddess Yui I once knew, or has something changed her?"
** A Day Later**
The carriage stops at the castle entrance, and I step out determined to uncover the truth.
The guards step forward, blocking my path to the castle entrance.
"Goddess Hana, forgive the intrusion, but may we ask...
What is your intention for entering the castle today?"
Their polite tone contrasts with the hint of caution in their eyes.
I look at them directly, my voice firm but curious:
"I'm here to see Goddess Yui.
May I ask, is she unwell or... is something troubling her?"
The guards exchange a brief, guarded glance before responding.
"Goddess Hana, Goddess Yui is resting at the moment.
We suggest you return another time when Her Highness is... receiving visitors."
I shake my head firmly, my eyes narrowing slightly.
"No, I insist on seeing her now.
This 'resting' is unlike Yui. Something's wrong."
Just as I'm about to push past them, Kai appears beside me, a calm smile on his face.
"Hana, what's all the commotion about? You're looking quite determined to see Yui. Is everything okay?"
His calm tone immediately contrasts with my racing thoughts.
I turn to him, voice laced with concern:
"Kai, Yui's decree... the destruction of Oakwood village to build a magic school –
It doesn't sound like her at all.
Did she really think this through?"
Kai's expression turns thoughtful, and he nods slowly:
"Actually, Hana... I was the one who proposed the idea to her.
I thought it would benefit our mission to clear the Realm more safely and faster."
My eyes widen in alarm:
"But Kai, the villagers... they'll be displaced, hurt –
Does you truly understand the devastation this will cause?"
Kai's expression turns solemn, and he places a gentle hand on my arm:
"Hana, please understand... this was the King's order.
And besides, this destruction is... necessary to remove a dark curse from the ancient tome, 'Elyria's Heart'.
Clearing this mission will save countless lives in the long run."
My mind races with questions about the dark curse he mean, but my concern for Yui overrides everything.
"Kai, Yui – what's happening to her?