______
Lucina
The next day, the Tayar Tribe basked under a sky of vivid blue, with sunlight spilling over the rolling greenery. The air carried a gentle warmth, the kind that made the leaves shimmer and the river nearby sing softly against its banks. I sat outdoors with my companions, the pleasant breeze tugging lightly at my hair, and couldn't help but comment on the scene.
"The weather here is truly wonderful," I said, letting my eyes wander across the lush expanse. "It often rains at the Brionian Royal Palace, so the world always looks gray from there. Here, everything feels alive... vibrant."
The man seated across from me, with striking blonde hair and a crisp white uniform, tilted his head slightly. His gaze was thoughtful, measuring. "Have you thought about what I said?" he asked, his tone calm but probing.
I nodded slowly, my glance shifting toward the woman sitting beside me, her long dark hair catching the sunlight. Her presence was steadying, yet I felt the weight of the decision pressing on me.
He studied me for a moment longer before speaking again. "I have no intention of forcing you to come with me. You must be preparing to go to war with the Shifters."
I swallowed hard, a mix of resolve and sorrow settling in my chest. "Yes... I... won't leave the Tayar Tribe," I admitted, my voice quieter but unwavering.
A faint smile curved his lips, though his eyes remained gentle. After a pause, he reached across the table, his white-gloved hand brushing against mine in a gesture both formal and intimate. "I thought you were still young, but you've grown up before I knew it."
"Pardon?" I asked, a little startled by the unexpected compliment.
He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "It's nothing."
Taking a deep breath, I allowed my voice to steady with conviction. "I am the Queen of Tayar. I cannot simply save myself and leave while Hakan is heading into battle. My people... my responsibilities... I must stay."
His gaze softened, understanding evident in the tilt of his eyes. "If that is what you wish, then I will not pursue the matter any further."
---
The blonde man, whose authority and composure made him appear almost otherworldly, spoke with careful deliberation. "In that case, I will lend you the Holy Relic to ensure your victory against them."
Hakan, sitting beside me, froze for a brief moment, disbelief flickering across his features. "What? Really?" he exclaimed, his voice a mixture of astonishment and caution. I lifted my eyes to the blonde man, equally stunned by the unexpected offer.
"He's going to lend us the Holy Relic even though I refused to go back to the Great Temple with him?" Hakan asked, a frown deepening on his brow.
"Yes," the blonde man replied, his tone unwavering. "Regardless of your decision... I want to protect you and your child, Lucina."
Hakan's expression remained skeptical, his grip tightening slightly around my hand. I squeezed my eyes shut briefly, feeling both gratitude and doubt. "Can I really trust you, Your Eminence?" he asked, the caution in his voice masking his concern.
The blonde man laughed lightly, a sound that carried warmth and reassurance. "Haha, you don't trust me, do you?"
Hakan's eyes darkened, serious and measured. "What's wrong, Hakan? If I were naive enough to believe... that you'd lend us the Holy Relic without asking for anything in return... then I would not be fit to be the King of the Tayar Tribe."
"What do I have to do to make you believe me?" the blonde man asked, genuine in his inquiry, his eyes meeting Hakan's with an unspoken plea for trust.
Suddenly, a commotion shattered the calm. The sharp sound of sprinting feet approached, followed by a panicked shout: "YOU CAN'T COME OVER THERE, LADY ADAR!"
A silver-haired woman burst into view, her expression fraught with worry. "THERE YOU ARE, MISS!" she called, relief and urgency in her voice.
I looked up, startled, my heart skipping. "Lady Adar...?" I murmured, recognizing her role but puzzled by the familiarity in her tone.
Another woman, crouched nearby moments before, rose quickly, bowing her head in apology. "I'm sorry, my lady. I let my guard down because she had been doing so well..."
The older woman, still catching her breath, shook her head gently. "I let my guard down because she had been doing so well recently..."
I offered a small, reassuring smile, my voice calm despite the sudden flurry. "It's okay. I'll be done soon, so please wait for me."
The tension in the air eased slightly, though the weight of the coming war and the Holy Relic's power lingered, unspoken but palpable between us.
"In that case, I will lend you the Holy Relic to ensure your victory against them."
Hakan, the King of the Tayar Tribe, blinked in astonishment, the words catching him completely off guard. "What? Really?" His tone was a mix of disbelief and cautious hope.
He turned toward the blonde man, skepticism clear in his sharp gaze. "He's going to lend us the Holy Relic even though I refused to go back to the Great Temple with him?"
The blonde man's expression remained calm, serene even. "Yes. Regardless of your decision... I want to protect you and your child, Lucina."
Hakan's hand tightened slightly around mine, and I felt the familiar weight of worry and responsibility pressing against my chest. I bit my lip, unsure whether to hope or to doubt. "Can I really trust you, Your Eminence?"
A soft, amused chuckle escaped the blonde man. "Haha, you don't trust me, do you?"
Hakan's eyes remained unwavering, his voice firm. "If I were naive enough to believe... that you'd lend us the Holy Relic without asking for anything in return... then I wouldn't be fit to be the King of the Tayar Tribe."
The blonde man's gaze softened, yet there was a quiet determination in his voice. "What do I have to do to make you believe me?"
Before Hakan could respond, a sudden commotion disrupted the moment. A panicked voice shouted, "YOU CAN'T COME OVER THERE, LADY ADAR!"
A woman sprinted across the grass, urgency in every stride. The grey-haired woman who had accompanied me rushed forward, relief flooding her features. "THERE YOU ARE, MISS! I WAS LOOKING FOR YOU EVERYWHERE!"
Another woman, who had been crouched nearby moments before, quickly rose, bowing her head in apology. "I'm sorry, my lady. I let my guard down because she had been doing so well recently..."
I offered a reassuring smile, crouching slightly to meet their gaze. "It's okay. I'll be done soon, so please wait for me."
The older grey-haired woman pouted, clearly still unsettled. "NO! IT'S SO BORING INSIDE THE CASTLE!"
The blonde man's lips curved into an amused smile as he observed the scene. "Then why doesn't she join us? I don't mind at all." He gestured toward the table with a gentle wave of his hand. "Here, take a seat next to me."
"THANK YOU, MISTER!" she exclaimed, practically sliding into the seat beside him, her energy infectious.
Hakan spoke quietly, glancing at the blonde man. "This is my mother. She can be a little insecure at times now that she's older."
The blonde man's gaze sharpened as he studied her intently. "It seems like she's been under the influence of Black Magic for a long time. She appears to have recovered a lot, but there are still traces left in her body."
Hakan's eyes widened in shock. "How did you...?!"
"I know I don't look like much," the blonde man replied smoothly, "but something like that is easy to detect with my powers."
He turned toward Hakan, offering a proposition that carried both hope and authority. "How about I use my Holy Power to completely remove all traces of Black Magic from your mother? Would you believe me then?"
Hakan's gaze was intense, full of cautious curiosity. "Is that even possible?"
"It's a simple task for me," the blonde man asserted with quiet confidence.
After a long moment, Hakan finally nodded. "...Then... please do. But if you try anything else..."
The blonde man's smile returned, serene and reassuring. "I understand." He added softly, almost reverently, "...I can't guarantee your safety, despite your position."
"Please excuse me for a moment," he said, his gloved hand lightly tapping the older woman's shoulder.
He placed both hands gently on her shoulders, and a brilliant golden light of Holy Power radiated from him, bathing the immediate area in warmth and luminescence.
The older woman, Adar, blinked in surprise, her voice trembling. "What's going on?"
I bent down beside her, worry and hope mingling in my chest. "How do you feel, Adar?"
Her eyes widened, clarity flooding her features. "Oh my goodness... Is that you, Lucina?" She looked around in astonishment, noticing the change in herself. "She's talking normally again!"
The woman who had previously been confused reached up, touching her head in disbelief. "It feels like the black fog inside my head has been lifted completely. How is this possible...?"
Hakan stepped forward, his voice catching slightly. "Mother..."
Adar looked up at him, a small, awed smile crossing her face. "The Cardinal from the Cameru Religion has come to visit..."
---
"In that case, I will lend you the Holy Relic to ensure your victory against them."
Hakan, the King of the Tayar Tribe, froze mid-breath, his surprise evident. "What? Really?" His eyes widened, a mix of disbelief and cautious hope reflecting in them.
He turned toward the blonde man, a sharp edge of skepticism in his gaze. "He's going to lend us the Holy Relic even though I refused to go back to the Great Temple with him?"
The blonde man smiled calmly, almost serenely. "Yes. Regardless of your decision... I want to protect you and your child, Lucina."
Hakan's grip on my hand tightened slightly, a small tremor betraying his anxiety. I bit my lip, unsure whether to trust the offer or to brace myself for disappointment. "Can I really trust you, Your Eminence?"
The blonde man chuckled softly, a sound that carried warmth yet carried authority. "Haha, you don't trust me, do you?"
Hakan's eyes remained unwavering, his jaw firm. "If I were naive enough to believe... that you'd lend us the Holy Relic without asking for anything in return... then I wouldn't be fit to be the King of the Tayar Tribe."
The blonde man's gaze softened, yet a quiet insistence lingered in his tone. "What do I have to do to make you believe me?"
Before Hakan could respond, a sudden commotion erupted. A panicked voice shouted, "YOU CAN'T COME OVER THERE, LADY ADAR!"
A woman came sprinting across the grassy courtyard, urgency etched into every stride. Another voice cried out, "THERE YOU ARE, MISS! I WAS LOOKING FOR YOU EVERYWHERE!"
A third woman, crouched nearby, quickly rose, bowing her head in apology. "I'm sorry, my lady. I let my guard down because she had been doing so well recently..."
I looked up, startled, muttering in surprise, "Lady Adar...?" Then, offering a reassuring smile, I said, "It's okay. I'll be done soon, so please wait for me."
The older grey-haired woman pouted, clearly restless. "NO! IT'S SO BORING INSIDE THE CASTLE!"
The blonde man's lips curved into a gentle, amused smile. "Then why doesn't she join us? I don't mind at all." He gestured gracefully toward the table. "Here, take a seat next to me."
"THANK YOU, MISTER!" she exclaimed, practically sliding into the seat, her energy and relief evident in her movements.
Hakan spoke softly, glancing at the blonde man. "This is my mother. She can be a little insecure at times now that she's older."
The blonde man's gaze grew sharp and discerning as he studied her. "Hmm... It seems like she's been under the influence of Black Magic for a long time. She appears to have recovered a lot, but there are still traces left in her body."
Shock widened Hakan's eyes. "How did you...?!"
"I know I don't look like much," the blonde man replied smoothly, "but something like that is easy to detect with my powers."
He turned to Hakan with a proposition that carried both hope and authority. "How about I use my Holy Power to completely remove all traces of Black Magic from your mother? Would you believe me then?"
Hakan's gaze sharpened with intensity. "Is that even possible?"
"It's a simple task for me," the blonde man assured, his calm confidence steadying the tense air.
After a long moment, Hakan finally nodded. "...Then... please do. But if you try anything else..."
The blonde man's serene smile returned. "I understand." He added softly, almost reverently, "...I can't guarantee your safety, despite your position."
"Please excuse me for a moment," he said, placing his gloved hands gently on Adar's shoulders.
A brilliant golden light of Holy Power radiated outward, bathing the immediate area in warmth and a soft luminescence.
Adar blinked in confusion, her voice uncertain. "What's going on?"
I bent down to her side, worry and hope swirling in my chest. "How do you feel, Adar?"
Her eyes widened with sudden clarity. "Oh my goodness... Is that you, Lucina?" Astonishment filled her voice as she looked around. "She's talking normally again!"
Adar reached up, touching her head in wonder. "It feels like the black fog inside my head has been lifted completely. How is this possible...?"
Hakan stepped forward, his voice catching slightly. "Mother..."
She looked at him with a small, awed smile. "The Cardinal from the Cameru Religion has come to visit... and has completely removed any traces of Black Magic that remained in your body."
Turning to the blonde man, she bowed her head respectfully. "But why...? You have my heartfelt gratitude, Your Eminence."
The blonde man shook his head, his smile calm but firm. "You don't have to thank me. I only did what I had to do." Then, meeting Hakan's eyes, he asked softly, "Now do you believe me... when I say I truly want to help your people?"
Hakan bowed deeply in response, gratitude and relief evident. "Of course. Thank you for healing my mother, Your Eminence."
Later that day, Hakan spoke with another man, whose expression was thoughtful and serious. "So she's made a complete recovery... That's a relief. I was struggling to find a cure despite all my efforts..."
He paused, glancing at the man with quiet curiosity. "Have you made any progress on your research regarding Lucina's healing power?"
The man hesitated, uncertain. Hakan's expression then shifted to curiosity as he asked, "Have you ever heard of the Moon Tribe from the Kingdom of Brion?"
"No," the man admitted.
Hakan continued, his tone measured. "Believed to have been the source of the Cameru Religion, they were called the Moon Tribe due to their appearance. Also, unlike Holy Power, it is said that they were granted special powers by the moon... which is why they are called the Moon Tribe."
He concluded thoughtfully, "It is possible... that Lucina's healing power came from the blood of the Moon Tribe that flows through her veins."
I pondered this revelation, my mind racing. "Does that mean... one of my ancestors could have been a member of the Moon Tribe?"
The other man confirmed, "It seems that way." But he added cautiously, "However, there's a chance that the results are incorrect."
Hakan nodded, issuing a command with resolve. "Very well. If you come up with any ideas to make better use of her power... then tell me immediately."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the man replied solemnly.
Afterward, he reflected on the day's events. The Cardinal had healed Lady Adar completely, something that seemed nothing short of miraculous given how quickly it occurred. And yet that wasn't all-the Cardinal was also willing to lend them the Holy Relic.
He thought to himself, a shadow of doubt creeping in, "It feels like he's managed to get Hakan to trust him completely. What if this is all a trick?"
The next day, the Tayar Tribe was bathed in sunlight, the sky a vivid blue and the breeze carrying the scent of blooming flowers and fresh grass. I looked around, taking in the serenity of the tribe's land, and commented softly, "The weather here is truly wonderful. It often rains at the Brionian Royal Palace, so the world always looks gray from there."
The blonde man-the Cardinal-tilted his head, his expression calm and unreadable. "Have you thought about what I said?" he asked, his tone gentle but probing. He made no effort to coerce me, understanding that my duties as Queen would require my attention during the looming conflict with the Shifters.
I nodded firmly. "I... won't leave the Tayar Tribe." My voice carried the weight of responsibility. I was the Queen of Tayar; I could not abandon my people while Hakan prepared for war.
The Cardinal's gaze softened, and he reached out to touch my hand. "I see," he said quietly. "I thought you were still young, but you've grown up before I knew it."
"Pardon?" I asked, surprised.
He merely smiled faintly. "It's nothing." Then he inclined his head slightly. "If that is what you wish, then I will not pursue the matter any further."
A moment of calm followed, and then he continued, offering his aid. "In that case, I will lend you the Holy Relic to ensure your victory against them."
Hakan's eyes widened in astonishment. "What? Really?" He turned toward the Cardinal, skepticism written across his features. "He's going to lend us the Holy Relic even though I refused to go back to the Great Temple with him?"
The Cardinal's expression remained serene. "Yes. Regardless of your decision... I want to protect you and your child, Lucina."
Hakan's hand tightened slightly on mine, and he asked warily, "Can I really trust you, Your Eminence?"
A soft, amused chuckle escaped the Cardinal. "Haha, you don't trust me, do you?"
"If I were naive enough to believe... that you'd lend us the Holy Relic without asking for anything in return," Hakan declared, his eyes unwavering, "then I wouldn't be fit to be the King of the Tayar Tribe."
The Cardinal's gaze softened, his tone sincere. "What do I have to do to make you believe me?"
Before Hakan could respond, a sudden commotion erupted. A panicked voice rang out, "YOU CAN'T COME OVER THERE, LADY ADAR!"
A woman sprinted across the grassy courtyard, calling, "THERE YOU ARE, MISS!" I looked up in surprise. "Lady Adar...?"
Another attendant quickly rose, bowing slightly. "I'm sorry, my lady. I let my guard down because she had been doing so well recently..."
I offered a reassuring smile. "It's okay. I'll be done soon, so please wait for me."
Adar pouted, clearly restless. "NO! IT'S SO BORING INSIDE THE CASTLE!"
The Cardinal's lips curved into a gentle, amused smile. "Then why doesn't she join us? I don't mind at all." He gestured toward the table. "Here, take a seat next to me."
"THANK YOU, MISTER!" she exclaimed, practically sliding into the seat.
Hakan leaned slightly forward, his voice soft. "This is my mother. She can be a little insecure at times now that she's older."
The Cardinal's expression grew serious, scrutinizing her carefully. "Hmm... It seems like she's been under the influence of Black Magic for a long time. She appears to have recovered a lot, but there are still traces left in her body."
Hakan's eyes widened in shock. "How did you...?"
"I know I don't look like much," the Cardinal explained calmly, "but something like that is easy to detect with my powers."
He turned to Hakan with a proposition. "How about I use my Holy Power to completely remove all traces of Black Magic from your mother? Would you believe me then?"
Hakan's gaze was skeptical. "Is that even possible?"
"It's a simple task for me," the Cardinal assured.
After a moment of contemplation, Hakan finally nodded. "...Then... please do. But if you try anything else..."
The Cardinal's smile returned, serene and respectful. "I understand. I can't guarantee your safety, despite your position."
"Please excuse me for a moment," the Cardinal said, tapping Adar lightly on the shoulder. He placed his gloved hands on her, and a brilliant golden light emanated, enveloping them both in warmth.
Adar looked around, confused. "What's going on?"
I bent down toward her, concern mingling with hope. "How do you feel, Adar?"
Her eyes widened with sudden clarity. "Oh my goodness... Is that you, Lucina?" she exclaimed. "She's talking normally again!"
Adar touched her head, marveling at the change. "It feels like the black fog inside my head has been lifted completely. How is this possible...?"
Hakan stepped forward, his voice soft but heavy with emotion. "Mother..."
She turned to him, bowing respectfully. "The Cardinal from the Cameru Religion has come to visit... and has completely removed any traces of Black Magic that remained in your body."
Turning toward the Cardinal, she bowed deeply. "You have my heartfelt gratitude, Your Eminence."
"You don't have to thank me," he replied calmly. "I only did what I had to do." Then, looking at Hakan, he pressed, "Now do you believe me... when I say I truly want to help your people?"
Hakan bowed deeply, a mixture of relief and respect in his expression. "Of course. Thank you for healing my mother, Your Eminence."
Later, Hakan met with Turan, a man whose expression was thoughtful and cautious. "So she's made a complete recovery... That's a relief. I was struggling to find a cure despite all my efforts..."
He leaned forward, his tone curious. "Have you made any progress on your research regarding Lucina's healing power?"
Turan hesitated, uncertain. Hakan shifted topics, his interest piqued. "Have you ever heard of the Moon Tribe from the Kingdom of Brion?"
"No," Turan admitted.
Believing this knowledge crucial, Hakan explained, "Believed to have been the source of the Cameru Religion, they were called the Moon Tribe due to their appearance. Unlike Holy Power, it is said they were granted special powers by the moon... which is why they are called the Moon Tribe."
He concluded thoughtfully, "It is possible... that Lucina's healing power came from the blood of the Moon Tribe that flows through her veins."
I murmured to myself, puzzled. "Does that mean... one of my ancestors could have been a member of the Moon Tribe?"
Turan nodded. "It seems that way." He added cautiously, "But there's a chance that the results are incorrect."
Hakan gave a firm command. "Very well. If you come up with any ideas to make better use of her power... then tell me immediately."
Turan confirmed, "Yes, Your Majesty."
Later, Turan reflected privately. The Cardinal had healed Lady Adar completely, almost miraculously quickly. And yet that was not all-the Cardinal was also willing to lend them the Holy Relic. Turan frowned. It feels like he's managed to get Hakan to trust him completely. What if this is all a trick?
He remembered the Cardinal's unusually kind treatment of Lucina. I guess I don't have a choice... I'll have to investigate the Cardinal myself.
Suddenly, Hakan's voice called sharply, "TURAN!"
Turan snapped to attention. "YES, YOUR MAJESTY!"
Hakan's expression was grave. "It won't be long before we engage in a large-scale war with the Dragon Slayers." He continued, issuing a direct order. "I want you to gather all the generals tomorrow."