EIDOLAN
Midday in the kingdom.
Servants moved busily back and forth, carrying out their duties throughout the grand hall, the kitchens, the dining room, and every corner of the castle.
The sharp clang of swords echoed loudly from the knights' training grounds.
Lucas patrolled the area around the castle, his focus split between training the other knights and keeping watch, making sure Krai did not move toward Nia.
He shook his head lightly as he realized how far he had wandered. His gaze shifted toward a massive door beside him.
The king's chamber.
"Looks like I've been spacing out too much…"
He was about to turn back toward the training grounds when his steps halted.
Voices.
Krai was speaking with someone inside the room.
Lucas moved carefully, suppressing his presence as much as possible. He leaned close to the door, listening in.
"Was the takeover of that village successful?" Krai asked as he flipped through documents on his desk.
"What did the village chief say? Did he accept?"
Zain nodded calmly.
"All settled, Your Majesty. Just as you ordered, we now have full control over the village's resources. As for the village chief… I eliminated him."
Krai signed several documents, a satisfied smile forming on his face "Excellent. You truly are reliable."
"Thank you, Your Majesty" Zain replied, clearly pleased.
"Proceed to the surrounding villages," Krai continued.
"Once we control those, we will move on to directly invade and annex the neighboring kingdom."
"Prepare and train your forces. If necessary, you may even request Bellrion to lend his troops."
"There's no need to trouble Lord Bellrion," Zain replied confidently.
"My troops alone are more than enough."
Krai nodded, then leaned back slightly.
"And what about Nia? Now that Aven is dead, she must be feeling lonely. I intend to make her my wife, if necessary."
He chuckled darkly.
"She surely won't refuse, Your Majesty," Zain said smoothly.
"After all, who would dare reject a king such as yourself?"
"I've had my eyes on her for quite some time" Krai continued.
"Perhaps now is the perfect moment. Prepare a carriage, some knights, and a bouquet of flowers. We'll go fetch her."
"As you command" Zain replied, bowing slightly before turning to leave.
Outside the door, Lucas's expression hardened, fury burning in his eyes.
That vile king, daring to lay his hands on Nia.
He stepped away just as the door opened.
Zain exited the room and instantly sensed it.
Someone had been listening.
Lucas closed his eyes briefly, trying to decide his next move.
"I see we had an eavesdropper~" Zain suddenly appeared in front of him.
Lucas opened his eyes, meeting the face he despised most "Still busy oppressing weak villages, huh?"
"Of course" Zain replied cheerfully "It's fun. You should try it sometime, crushing the weak and killing those who refuse to obey."
Lucas spat to the side in disgust.
"I never will. That suits demons like you."
Zain clapped his hands lightly, his expression darkening "Let's change the topic."
"You're protecting Nia, aren't you?"
Lucas laughed coldly "So what if I am?"
"I'll kill you" Zain said with a smile.
Lucas shoved him back.
"Know your place. Don't think killing Aven suddenly puts you above me."
"You killed him when he was exhausted, out of mana, and severely wounded, and even then, you stabbed him from behind."
Lucas grabbed Zain by the shoulder.
"What makes you think you can match me?"
Zain smiled faintly "Nothing. I know I can't beat you in terms of strength."
He brushed Lucas's hand aside.
"Do whatever you want. Just don't interfere with Lord Krai's plans."
As he walked away, Lucas snapped,
"How long will you stay his obedient dog? You have your own life, Zain. Why swear loyalty to a king that despicable?"
Zain paused.
He turned back, his expression unreadable.
"My loyalty belongs only to Lord Krai, no matter how vile he may be."
After a brief silence, he smiled.
A tired, resigned smile "I don't have a choice… you know."
Then he turned and left.
Lucas let out a frustrated breath, standing alone in the corridor.
"Nia… I won't let Krai take you."
A door opened.
Lucas instantly erased his presence, turning invisible.
Krai exited the chamber, stretching lazily.
"Time to visit my future bride."
He headed down the corridor toward his carriage.
Lucas's heart pounded "I have to get to Nia. Now."
He sprinted to the nearest window and leaped.
"Summons: Phoenix."
A magic circle appeared in the sky, and a massive crimson phoenix emerged, catching Lucas midair and allowing him to mount it.
The phoenix soared through the sky toward Nia's home.
Summoning was a rare technique possessed by only a handful of Beast Tamers. Lucas was one of them, bound by multiple soul contracts.
Phoenix was one of those partners.
"Greetings, my master. It has been a long time" the phoenix spoke.
"It's rare for you to summon me."
Lucas scratched his head awkwardly.
"Sorry about that. Just fly as fast as you can to the place I tell you."
The phoenix accelerated instantly.
Lucas leaped down mid-flight.
"Thanks!"
He landed right in front of Nia's house and gently knocked.
"Nia, it's me."
The door opened.
Nia appeared, yawning.
"Lucas? What is it?" She had just woken up.
Lucas smiled "I just wanted to visit. Took a nap?"
"Yeah," she rubbed her eyes.
"You know, the older you get, the faster you get tired."
"You're not that old," Lucas replied.
She smiled warmly "Thanks. Have you eaten yet? Want me to cook something?"
Lucas shook his head "How about we eat outside today?"
Nia smiled, "I'll change my clothes first, okay~"
"I'll wait."
Nia returned to her room.
Lucas sat down, lost in thought.
"At least she won't meet Krai today…"
"Summons: Fenrir."
A massive blue-furred wolf appeared before him, its sharp eyes locked onto Lucas.
"You summoned me, my lord?"
"Can you disguise yourself?" Lucas asked.
"Yes. As what?"
"A necklace."
Fenrir tilted his head "For what purpose?"
"You'll protect someone. Stay disguised as a necklace, keep her safe, and inform me if anything happens."
Fenrir bowed.
Light enveloped his body. Ting...
In Lucas's hand now rested a necklace.
Nia exited her room "Who were you talking to?"
Lucas shook his head "No one. Just talking to myself."
He looked her over, her beauty undeniable.
His cheeks flushed briefly before he quickly composed himself.
"You look beautiful," he said.
"But isn't that a bit much? It's just lunch."
She giggled "I'm eating with one of the greatest knights. Of course I won't look ordinary~"
"…Alright," Lucas replied.
"Close your eyes for a moment."
"Don't do anything weird~" she teased, closing them.
Lucas stepped behind her and fastened the necklace around her neck.
"Done."
Nia opened her eyes and touched it, smiling brightly "You bought this for me? You're so sweet~"
"Y-you're welcome."
Lucas's heart raced.
"Think of it as… a gift."
Her face turned red "Let's go!" She grabbed his arm and dragged him outside.
Lucas stiffened.
"Aven… forgive me. Your sister is always teasing me."
Meanwhile…
RED DRAGON CLAN PALACE
"Hachoo!" Aven sneezed suddenly, rubbing his nose.
Lilith nudged his shoulder.
"What's wrong? Catching a cold?"
"I feel like someone's talking about me," Aven replied.
Mika scoffed "You're too overconfident."
Tia chuckled "Mika's right."