The skies above Luminaria were shrouded in thick clouds. Merslin and Elena, both guardians and leaders of the kingdom, bore the weight of their responsibilities day by day. Not long ago, Elena began feeling unusual changes in her body and sought guidance from healers and mages. To her surprise, they revealed that she was pregnant—expecting fraternal twins.
With a joyful smile, Merslin clasped Elena's hand tightly."Elena, we're going to be parents."But the moment he heard the word fraternal twins, his smile turned to concern. In Luminaria, deep-rooted superstitions held that twins were a bad omen.
Elena, sensing his shift, squeezed his hand."Merslin, the prejudice against twins is still too strong. We have to find a way to change this before our children are born."
Merslin nodded, but internally, frustration boiled. Back on Earth, twins were often seen as a blessing."It's absurd that such outdated superstitions still linger in our kingdom. Fraternal twins should be seen as a symbol of fortune—not misfortune. Somewhere else, they'd be celebrated."
Elena's visible worry only steeled Merslin's resolve. He summoned his most trusted advisors and the kingdom's wisest prophet to shift public perception.
Gathered were Edmund, the conservative official; Lowell, the progressive one; and Darius, Merslin's long-time loyal companion.
Merslin addressed them firmly:"Luminaria still views twins as an ill omen. But this superstition helps no one—not the kingdom, not the future we're building. Twins are a blessing, a symbol of balance and new hope. As we forge a new order, we must also reshape outdated beliefs."
Edmund, frowning, stepped forward."Your Majesty, this prejudice is more than just superstition—it's a pillar of our cultural equilibrium, reinforced for centuries. Trying to overturn such a belief could plunge the kingdom into chaos."
Merslin countered with unwavering conviction:"We are building a new kingdom. A new order demands new laws, new values. Fear must give way to understanding. This is not the time to cling to the past—it's the time to shape the future."
Lowell spoke in support:"I stand with His Majesty. Tradition matters, yes, but it must not shackle our future. Embracing change is the only way we truly grow."
Though still hesitant, Edmund had no rebuttal. Merslin continued, calmer now:"Our children will not represent division—they will symbolize harmony. The belief that twins bring misfortune is simply wrong. A future worth building must be built not on fear, but on hope."
Darius, who had been listening quietly, stepped forward."I agree with Your Majesty. Creating a new story around twins won't just dispel superstition—it may well open the gates to a new era."
Inspired by Merslin's determination, the officials slowly came to understand the necessity of change. Merslin asked them to work with a seer and forge a new narrative around the birth of twins.
He then sought out Altheia—the kingdom's most respected prophetess. A white-haired elder with piercing eyes and vast wisdom, Altheia had accurately foretold many of Luminaria's past crises and guided its people through each.
At Merslin's request, Altheia agreed to deliver her prophecy in the town's central square. As the people gathered, she ascended the high podium and began to speak, her voice deep and resonant.
Altheia:"People of Luminaria, lay down your fears and open your hearts to a new age. Twins are not a curse. They are a blessing sent to us—to bring light to our future."
Just then, a solar eclipse began. The bright sun dimmed behind the moon, casting an eerie darkness across the land. The people looked to the sky in awe and fear. To them, this celestial event felt like confirmation—an omen that her prophecy was divinely sanctioned.
Altheia's Prophecy:"Light and shadow, sun and moon—two children shall be born as one, yet walk divergent paths. One shall govern war and peace, the other life and death. Bound by fate's thread, they shall encircle the skies and illuminate the earth. This marks the dawn of a new era. The twins will be born as symbols of balance, saviors of the kingdom, and bridges between two worlds."
As she finished, the sun emerged once more, and the land was bathed in light. The perfect timing of the eclipse and its end mirrored the opening and close of the prophecy. The people could not take their eyes off the sky—or off Altheia.
Under Merslin's orders, Edmund, Lowell, and Darius went to towns and cities to spread the new prophecy. At first, reactions were skeptical.
Elderly villager:"Twins a blessing? It's just a tale. They've always brought misfortune."
Young farmer:"I've never heard such a thing. We always believed twins meant chaos."
Yet after the prophecy and the eclipse, minds began to shift. Lowell, ever the persuasive speaker, did his best to sway public opinion:
Lowell:"The King believes this prophecy brings hope. Twins are not a sign of conflict—but harmony. What did the heavens show us that day? Not fear, but light."
Gradually, even Edmund began to speak to the people, albeit reluctantly:"This prophecy differs from the old ones, but if we trust in the King's vision, perhaps good will come of it. Who knows—maybe a new age is upon us."
As the prophecy spread across Luminaria, more and more began to accept it. What began with hesitation turned into hope.
Woman in the crowd:"Twins, a blessing? What wonderful news! I wish I could have twins too!"
Merchant:"The King and Queen having twins must be a sign of fortune. I should hang a twin symbol in my shop."
Having seen the change in the skies with their own eyes, the people began to believe. Long-held prejudice slowly gave way to wonder. Watching it all unfold, Merslin and Elena felt a deep sense of relief. The old fear was fading. A new hope was taking root—and they knew they had made the right choice.
**
Edward's Resolution and Persuasion — The Letter of Trust and Deployment
With Elena temporarily stepping away from the party, Merslin and the remaining members found themselves in need of someone to fill her place. After careful thought, Merslin concluded that Edward would be a suitable addition—based on Elena's recommendation and his own judgment.
Due to his royal duties, Merslin decided not to act in person, instead sending someone he deeply trusted. During a meeting, he weighed the decision heavily.
Merslin:"Edward is skilled in both swordsmanship and magic. I believe his abilities are exactly what our party needs right now. But… he's still inexperienced in some ways. And as a subject of the Kingdom of Altekna, he bears responsibilities there as well…"
As Merslin hesitated, Elena, sitting beside him, spoke up. She had full confidence in Edward's potential.
Elena:"Merslin, Edward is exactly the kind of person we need. I still remember his quick thinking and bravery in the last battle. With war drawing near, he's not just fit for our party—he has the qualities to lead a mage division. And a unit under his command could make a significant impact from a key strategic position."
She praised Edward's leadership during past combat, emphasizing his capacity to become a core ally. Listening to her, Merslin fell into deep thought once again, before finally nodding with resolve.
Merslin:"You're right, Elena. This is an important moment in Edward's growth. His talents will serve both the party and the mage division well. Serena—would you travel to Count Leon of Altekna and try to persuade him?"
Serena:"Yes, Merslin. I'll do my best to convince him."
Without hesitation, Serena took the mission. With Merslin's sealed letter in hand, she departed for Count Leon's estate.
Upon meeting Count Leon, Serena handed him the letter. The Count unfolded the parchment and began reading Merslin's message.
Letter from Merslin:"To the Honorable Count Leon,I wish to recommend Edward as a replacement for Elena in our party. His swordsmanship and magical talent will be of great value to us, and I believe he possesses the potential to lead part of the mage division in the battles ahead.If you would grant him permission to join us, it would be a great honor for both our party and the kingdom."
After finishing the letter, Count Leon fell into a long silence. Torn between a father's concern and a ruler's foresight, he wrestled with his thoughts. The looming war clouded his mind.
Count Leon:"A great war is approaching… and I fear Edward may be drawn into it. But then again… perhaps this experience will allow him to grow into someone even greater."
Just then, Edward entered the room. He had overheard the conversation outside and decided it was time to speak for himself.
Edward:"Father, I heard everything. I believe this opportunity is vital for me. I know a war is coming—but within it, I see a chance to test my strength and grow.By joining Merslin, Serena, and the rest of the team, I can learn, evolve, and serve both the party and our kingdom more effectively."
Edward took his father's hand, his voice earnest and firm.
Edward:"Please trust me, Father. I want to become a warrior worthy of the crown, someone who can take on greater responsibility. Even in the face of war, I don't want to waver—I want to walk my path. Please give me this chance."
Count Leon gazed into his son's determined eyes and let out a quiet sigh. He realized Edward was no longer a child—he was ready to become his own man.
Count Leon:"Very well, Edward. If your resolve is this strong, I won't stop you. Go and learn all you can. But remember—your safety must come first, no matter what happens in the war ahead."
Bowing his head in gratitude, Edward answered with conviction.
Edward:"Thank you, Father. I promise—I won't let you down."
And so, Edward officially joined Merslin's party. Welcomed by the team, he quickly proved himself in his first mission, using both sword and spell to make a decisive impact. He also took command of a segment of the mage division, earning their trust and respect.
Merslin:"Edward, I'm truly glad to have you with us. Your talent and passion will be a great asset. Let's lead the mage division well and prepare together for what's coming."
Welcomed warmly by Merslin and the others, Edward pledged to fulfill his new role to the best of his ability. He was determined not only to fill Elena's absence but also to strengthen the party through his command of the mage corps.
Edward:"As a member of this party, I will give my all—for Elysium, and for the Kingdom of Altekna. I'll lead the mage division with pride, grow stronger, and return wiser."