Silvale's Royal Palace, the Chamber of Council, Curia Regis.

  Queen Asria had called all the high-ranking nobility and functionnaires of Silvale to the Palace, holding a meeting of utmost importance.

  "Ladies, Gentlemen, I hereby proclaim the beginning of our 424th Curia Regis.", she uttered, her words absolute.

  Many a person were present, among those Baroness Reina, Count de Firuet, Margrave d'Arco, and other important figures in the upper echelon of Silvale.

  Of the aforementioned, the Baroness and Count belonged to the Royalist faction, those that support, openly and with pride, the von Hohenheim royal family.

  On the other side, there stood the biggest supporter of the Aristocrats faction, the d'Arco family, whose most prominent member was the prime minister of the country.

  As Reina's eyes danced across the seats and whoever occupied them, she noticed a peculiar, unfamiliar face. Duke Alian, the Entover Vassal Prince.

  As if invisible, he sat and uttered not a single word of his own. The young duke seemed like a specter, if anything. She thus paid him no mind, thinking it to be courtesy toward him to be included in the politics and quarrel of this country.

  The queen motioned for her secretary, Reina, to read the order of topics out loud.

  Feeling a slight tug in her stomach, she pressed on showing little through her stoic exterior and expression. "On today's agenda, we have the attack of the Holy Tyrian Empire of Rans on our nation's border in the southeast, which was, bravely and skillfully, repelled by Sir Adalbert..."

  The nobles, attending the important meeting with a sense of duty, nodded as the agenda was read aloud. Reina continued, ending it with the final topic. "And lastly, Ladies, Gentlemen, there is much to discuss regarding Isrule's attack on the tri-border."

  As soon as the affair was mentioned, Alian was seemingly roused awake, paying close attention to the words that would fall.

  "During this incident, I shall summarize, a rogue troop, led by an important, ranking officer of their army, pushed forward through the Great Forest, eventually ending up in our territory.. where they promptly laid waste to a village in our lands, killing some of the villagers and burning it to ashes."

  Taking a deep breath, Reina then read out the last of the words, as she was supposed to.

  "To confront this transgression, soldiers were sent to secure the border, and dispatch the rogue band. Along with them, two promising children accompanied the hardened soldiers.."

  Truthfully, the room.. was stirred. Not to mention... everyone seemed on edge, waiting impatiently for the next words to pour out of her mouth. It made her skin crawl with anxiety, though Reina shook it away.

  "These two children, both half elves and half human, miraculously fought off not just the rogue band of soldiers, one of them killing their officer, but also managed to survive, no, destroy, an attack by the Empire of Rans secretly sent to support Isrule."

  "Unheard of!", shouted a handful of nobles in the background. "Their foolishness knows no bounds, those zealots!"

  "An impressive feat by all means, it was discovered by Count de Firuet and the powerful sorceress Mena Cyriana... that Lady Fia of Soriam, my daughter who was one of the two children, is a prophetess of the Goddess Gaia. What's more.."

  Nobles interjected rudely. "Wasn't she a fairy tale? Gaia is real?"

  Tumultous as the chamber has become, to the Queen's dismay, only one man's stern voice and gaze made it quiet down. Eruan d'Arco, the prime minister.

  "Now, now.. Ladies, Gentlemen. We are gathered here to discuss the most important matters of this nation, not to chit-chat and gossip. Take these matters seriously."

  In his eyes, Reina found a hint of annoyance. Particularly when his eyes met hers, they stung fiercely, attempting to pierce her soul.

  "Cough.. Excuse me. To finish: Not only is she a confirmed prophet of a Goddess, but Gaia, herself, descended through an avatar to deliver a message, warning Isrule and Rans, as well as ordering the Queen of Silvale herself to make sure Lady Fia is in safe hands."

  Isn't that.. "Preposterous!", one of the men shouted, getting angry and pounding the table. "How dare she tell her Majesty what to do?"

  His eyes fixated on Eruan d'Arco. It was quite clear that this was his doing. Only he knew, ahead of time, what the agenda would entail.

  "Her Majesty intends to celebrate our victory at the southeastern border.. as well as the victory against Isrule, achieved by the two children. Sir Adalbert will be rewarded fairly, as it is custom for the royal family, and so, too, will Lady Fia and Erica."

  "...", silence fell like a curtain draped over the chamber. No one dared to speak up for the next few moments, yet one person, with incredible fervor, stepped up.

  "Your Majesty, with all due respect..", he coughed, "not only have you appointed a *dishuman* to nobility..", his hand gestured crudely into my general direction as to not directly say it out loud, "but what's more, you intend to let such... *creatures* soil the very ground this holy Palace, this sanctum, is built on, by letting them receive such a prestigious reward by yours truly?"

  Asria's eyes coldly scrutinized the man speaking these words, one of the former emperor's kin. Archduke Perenaye von und zu Grimwald, the former emperor's brother. Her late husband's family.

  He was adept at politics, that she was aware of. As such, with meticulous intensity, his eyes bore into her. The man seemed somewhat agitated, as well, boding concern and headache for the queen.

  Indeed, he was also supported by the Aristocrats, being next in-line to Kingship.

  "What wrong is there with someone as much a human as we?", Asria asked him, intently staring at his lips, waiting for a reply like a funnel spider for prey.

  "The answer is quite simple, your Majesty.", his words slurred a little, which the man apologised for, though he continued where his speech left of. "*Dishumans* are not pure, never were, never will be. I beseech all of you, those here with us in this chamber, to collect your thoughts about the matter. Are they not.. truly *beneath* us?"

  His superiority complex dominated the room, souring Reina's mood.

  "Enough of your theatre, Lord Perenaye", the queen's hand shook, and he was told to sit down. "We are not here to discuss the very rights, the lifeblood our nation is founded in, of our citizens. While I do understand your sentiment..", she could feel a hostile gaze on her, "that is not on the agenda. This discussion is over. It is *I* who will reward such a brave girl, fighting for our nation, and not *you*."

  Disgruntled, he sat down. The meeting continued without a hitch, marking an important step forward. Once it was over, Asria whispered something into Reina's ear.

  "Ignore Perenaye and Eruan. I am fully aware of their schemes. Though I wish to meet that child of yours..", she smiled, slightly curious.

  -Ophilanna

  In Silvale's Royal Palace, the day of the commemoration ceremony.

  The carriage rumbled to a halt, and the door was opened by a liveried footman, revealing a sight that stole my breath away: The Royal Palace of Silvale. It wasn't merely grand; one would call it breathtaking.

  Towers of ivory, white stone, kissed by the morning sun, pierced the azure blue sky. Their spires, in turn, adorned with gleaming gold, hung in the sky like the Tower of Babel.

  Intricate carvings decorated every part of their surface, depicting such scenes as those of human history, especially the mythos behind Silvale's founding.

  Fountains sculpted into fantastical creatures gurgled merrily throughout sprawling courtyards, paved with such luxurious, polished marble, it would make any architect jealous.

  Not to mention the gardens, bursting with vibrant, lively flora and a sweet scent of a thousand blooms, all cascading down terraces, the summit of a symphony of colour and fragrance in one.

  Erica, beside me, gasped in awe, even though this wasn't her first impression. She was equally mesmerized as I, and despite having seen it herself hundreds, nay, thousands of times, mother, the Baroness, seemed to soften a little, a hint of awe in her eyes, mixed with a tinge of anxiety. Usually, her composed and regal demeanor would hide these feelings, though now, she was rather vulnerable in comparison.

  My teacher, Mena, who was invited along with Sir Adalbert, only nodded, as observant as she was, acknowledging the palace's undeniable majesty and grandeur. Adalbert, while outwardly stoic, subtly shifted his weight, betraying a flicker of impressed surprise.

  Once we made way towards the palace entrance, a figure suddenly emerged from the throng of courtiers and officials. It was a young man, handsome in a refined, almost ethereal way; he had eyes the colour of a summer sky and his hair like spun moonlight. The hushed whispers of the Baroness and Adalbert indicated the identity of this man. It was none other than Duke Alian, his presence radiating effortless charm. He barely paid notice to us, however, offering a nod to the Baroness, being on his way soon after.

  While we walked, Adalbert mumbled and murmured something about needing to find Elliot.

  It was revealed to Erica and I that he hid his identity while on our mission, though that was hardly something we would be mad about. Once Adalbert had detached himself from our little group, he disappeared into the palace's bustling interior. We continued onwards, entering the main hall.

  Inside, the spectacle intensified.

  Soaring ceilings, decorated with frescoes depicting such celestial scenes that stretched towards the heavens and above, made way to stained glass windows, being masterpieces of artistry, casting kaleidoscopic patterns of light across the polished floors.

  Nobles wore opulent robes, with jewels of theirs glittering like captured starlight, and they mingled with the upper echelon, such as those high-ranking officers in their gleaming armour, among which Adalbert would be counted.

  The air, humming with anticipation, contained a palpable sense of excitement and nervous energy.

  Erica and I stood slightly apart from the Baroness and Teacher, our eyes as wide as they could eat, to take in the marvelous scene playing out.

  "This is... incredible," Erica breathed, her voice hushed with wonder and excitement.

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  ? whispered back, feeling a strange mix of awe and unease: "More incredible than I could ever imagine." I felt out of place, like a forest creature, amidst such dazzling splendour. It was.. wasted on us.

  Suddenly, a voice, smooth and cultured, addressed me, her finger tapping on my shoulder. I was a little surprised, though tried hard not to let my shock be shown. "Lady Fia?"

  I turned around to find a woman in beautiful, elegant robes, whose eyes were intelligent and kind, and a circlet of silver subtly marked her as someone of great importance.

  Oh, I definitely know her. She is the Court Magician of Silvale, Brynhilde the Battlemage, known for her magical prowess and scholarly nature.

  She was, no, is, someone I greatly admire, so her words that followed made me blush.

  "It is such an honour, getting to meet you in person. Excuse my manners, Lady Fia. I am Brynhilde", she bowed her head politely, "the Court Magician of Silvale."

  "I have been.. most impressed by the reports of your.. rather unique magical abilities", she paused, a hint of awkwardness in her demeanour. "As such, I was wondering.. if you could, perhaps, spare me a moment to speak with you after the ceremony? I.. want to hear from you about your ideas, Lady Fia."

  Blindsided, I only blinked with surprise, written across my face. "Oh.. why, yes, Lady Brynhilde.. I would be honoured!", words left my mouth a stammer, a blush rising to my cheeks. I wasn't quite sure what she wanted from me; but a magicians earnest gaze was strangely compelling.

  Erica nudged me gently, whispering with a smug grin, "See? Told you so. Lady Brynhilde is shy, but rather fascinated by your magics."

  Though before I could fully reciprocate her teasing, a hush fell over the entire hall, previously so lively, now dead silent.

  Then, trumpets blared, fanfare echoing through the vast space, and all eyes turned towards the raised dais at the hall's far end.

  A person of utmost importance seemed to make their entrance:

  Silvale's Queen, Asria Iris Elizabeth von Hohenheim, entered.

  A figure of regal grace and quiet power, her silver gown shimmered like moonlight on water, and her delicate crown of interwoven metal and gemstones rested upon her braided, black hair. She wore a gaze sharp and intelligent, one that swept swiftly across the assembled court, commanding in an instant silence and respect.

  The first person to step forward, bravely, was Adalbert, summoned by a royal herald.

  He knelt before the Queen as they exchanged hushed whispers, with his usually boisterous presence now only radiating solemnity and loyalty. Queen Asria addressed him, her voice resonant and clear, carrying to every corner of the hall, as far as it be.

  "Sir Adalbert, Knight-Captain of Silvale and Commander of the Elite Troop led to Rans", she began, her voice ringing with authority, "Your bravery and unwavering loyalty, an example to many and all of us, have defended our borders against a most cowardly foe, one who hid behind their false god and unleashed vile, abominable creatures upon our lands. Not only have you stood firm in the face of such dangers, but even in the face of near-certain death, you prevailed, protecting our realm and its people."

  A murmur or approval rippled through the court, and the Queen continued, wielding gaze unwavering.

  "For your exceptional service and your courage in the face of these dangers, and your excellent dedication to Silvale, I bestow upon you the title of Margrave, heir to the lands of Galenn."

  A collective gasp filled the hall. Margrave. A noble title of significant standing. Adalbert, visibly moved, bowed his head deeply. "Your Majesty, I am… unworthy, but I am eternally grateful. I shall serve Silvale with every breath I take."

  Queen Asria smiled, a rare and radiant expression that illuminated her face. She gestured, and a royal attendant stepped forward, bearing a velvet cushion upon which rested a jeweled signet ring and a heavy, ornate sword – symbols of his newly bestowed title and lands. Adalbert rose, accepting the honours with a proud, yet humble demeanour, the hall erupting in applause.

  Next, the herald called out, "Lady Erica and Lady Fia of Soriam, step forward!"

  I felt a nervous tremor run through my body as we walked towards the dais. The weight of everyone's eyes heavily rested on my shoulders, hushed whispers following our every step. Beside me, Erica appeared tall and proud, briefly squeezing mine in a bid of silent reassurance.

  Queen Asria’s gaze softened as we knelt before her. "Lady Erica, Lady Fia," she said, her voice now warm with genuine appreciation. "Your courage and skill in defending our borders, in facing down the horrors unleashed upon our land, have not gone unnoticed. You have shown bravery beyond your years, and a dedication to Silvale that warms my heart."

  She paused, her eyes twinkling slightly. "Like Duke Alian before you," she added, a subtle smile playing on her lips, "you have proven that true strength lies not just in muscle or magic, but in the unwavering spirit to protect what is dear."

  With blood rushing to my cheeks, I did feel a surge of pride mixed with profound relief. Erica beamed, her eyes sparkling with happiness. Queen Asria bestowed upon us similar honours as Duke Alian had received – symbols of recognition and royal favour, accompanied by words of praise that resonated through the hall.

  Then, Mena and Elliot were called forward, their contributions to the recent events acknowledged and rewarded with accolades and royal commendations, each honour adding to the growing sense of Silvale's strength and unity.

  Finally, as the last applause subsided, Queen Asria rose once more, her voice taking on a new, solemn resonance. "And now," she declared, her gaze sweeping across the entire court, settling finally on me, "we come to the heart of this ceremony. For in these trying times, when darkness threatens to encroach upon our borders, a beacon of light has emerged, a voice of guidance and strength. Someone to guide us in our darkest hours.."

  A hush fell over the hall, every breath held in anticipation. Queen Asria stepped forward, her eyes locking with mine, her voice ringing with conviction. "I present to you all, Lady Fia of Soriam, who is the venerable Prophet of Gaia!"

  Collective gasping swept through the court. Prophet of Gaia. The words hung in the air, heavy with significance. My eyes widened, a mixture of shock and confusion swirling within me. Other voices rose and ebbed like the tide, words and bits of sentences like "Gaia? The elven Goddess?".

  Unshaken, Queen Asria continued, her voice resonating with resolve. "I have never bowed to any God, nor have I ever publicly proclaimed faith in any deity. But I am not blind to the forces that move beyond our mortal understanding. And I am not foolish enough to disregard a blessing when it is bestowed upon my kingdom. I have felt Gaia's presence, and I see her favour in Lady Fia. So, I shall accept this duty upon me, and carry our kingdom to wealth and power, guided by the wisdom of her Prophet!"

  The hall erupted in thunderous applause, a wave of sound that washed over me, leaving me all but breathless and overwhelmed. No longer was I just Fia of Soriam, a half-elf-half-human nothing from the Woods; No. I have become someone significant, someone the people believe in, that they respect. Though the weight of this title was a heavy cloak to wear.

  With the formal ceremony concluded, the grand hall soon transformed into a vibrant banquet with sing and song. Tables were laden with delicacies, overflowing with goblets of wine, and music carried through the air lifted everyone's mood. The court but dissolved into a lively hum of conversation and celebration of all kinds.

  Erica, as watchful as ever, noticed my overwhelmed look, with the sudden development from formality to boisterous feast. Her hand touched mine. "Fresh air?", she murmured, gesturing towards arched doorways leading to a balcony, overlooking the palace gardens in their majestic size. Gratefully, I nodded, and we slipped away from the throng, stepping onto the balcony.

  A welcome contrast to the hall's warmth, the night air was cool and crisp. Below, gardens glowed softly in the moon's light, a tranquil oasis of calm in such.. times of nervousness.

  Finally, I took a deep breath. A figure seemed to emerge from the shadows of the balcony, now illuminated by the moonlight.

  He was tall, slender, with sharp features and such eyes that held a calculating glint, someone ambitious and two-faced. Subtle menace screamt the aura that he gave off, despite his polite smile.

  "Lady Fia.. Lady Erica," he greeted, his voice smooth, almost too smooth. "I humbly introduce myself. Eruan d'Arco, at your service." the aristocratic faction's secretary, he said, offering a shallow bow. "It is an honour to meet *the Prophet of Gaia*. Fascinating..", his gaze lingered on me. But his smile did not quite reach his eyes. "Tell me, Lady Fia, has the Goddess prophesised anything for Silvale.. *regarding the aristocracy*?"

  I blinked, taken aback by his abrupt, strangely pointed inquiry. The aristocracy? Never mentioned..

  What does that have to do with Gaia? Confusion clouding my features, I opened my mouth to form an answer.

  Before I could, however, Erica stepped forward, placing herself protectively in front of me, between Eruan and myself. Her hand rested on the hilt of her sword, eyes narrowed and focused on one thing, and one thing only. The voice she spoke with was sharp. "What is the meaning of this, Master d'Arco?", she questioned his motives, "What are you pushing for?"

  Tension thickened, though a voice, clearcut and commanding, bellowed through the air. "Lady Fia? There you are. The Queen requests your presence. Lady Erica's, as well. With me, please."

  It was a royal servant, resplendent in her Majesty the Queen's colours, who stood at the balcony entrance, respectful but firm his gaze strafed the balcony. Once it landed on Eruan, a tinge of disgust painted his face. On the other hand, Eruan d'Arco's smile tightened, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. He bowed once more, this time with a touch of forced politeness.

  "Another time, perhaps, Lady Fia. Duty calls."

  He melted into the shadows, leaving us to follow the servant, unease lingering in the air.

  "Don't mind that scheming man", the servant calmly explained, "you are a tool in his eyes. Do not listen to him, at all, and ever."

  After, the servant led us back inside, through a maze of corridors, until we reached a much smaller, more private chamber.

  Queen Asria stood by a large, intricately-crafted window, gazing out at the moonlit gardens. As we entered, she turned, thoughtful the expression she wore.

  "Lady Fia, Lady Erica," she said, softer her voice, regal formality replaced with personal warmth. "I wished to speak with the two of you.. privately."

  She gestured towards a table, upon which rested a beautifully bound book, its cover crafted from dark wood inlaid with silver filigree and a single, luminous gemstone at its centre. "Lady Fia," Queen Asria continued, her gaze fixed on me, "I wish to bestow upon you a gift. A family heirloom, passed down through generations of Silvale's rulers. There are.. only two copies left."

  She picked up the book, holding it out to me. "This is Der ?ther. It is… more than just a book. It is a repository of magical knowledge, a guide to understanding the very fabric of magic itself. It contains notes, observations, insights… things that even our most learned scholars have yet to fully grasp. It is ancient wisdom, something that will surely be of great use to you."

  "I have heard from my Brynhilde", who had followed us into the chamber and stepped forward, eyes wide with reverence, gazing at the book, "that you are quite talented and witty. As such, please accept this gift of mine."

  The court magician followed up with a remark. "Your Majesty.. Der ?ther.. is an unimaginable honour to be gifted. I am deeply.. jealous, but I also agree it to be best in the hands of someone as hard-working as Lady Fia."

  My heart was pounding in my chest. I reached out, taking a look and touching the book. It felt warm to thw touch, a faint hum of energy seemed to emanate from within its pages. As if it was alive, almost. Then, I rested my finger on it, opening it carefully.

  Instantly, my eyes widened through the glimpsed pages, filled with intricate diagrams, arcane symbols, elegant script in a language instinctively understood. Mathematics. A lot of it.

  "Thank you very much, Your Majesty," I whispered, awestruck. "This is... simply unbelievable."

  Queen Asria smiled, pleased. "It is a gift worthy of Gaia’s Prophet, I believe. May it guide you on your path, Lady Fia, and help you unlock the full potential of your… unique gifts."

  Just then, the doors to the chamber opened, and the Baroness entered, a warm smile gracing her lips as she took in the scene. "Ah, there you are, Fia, Erica. I was wondering where you had…" Her voice trailed off as she noticed the book in Fia’s hands, and the Queen standing beside her. She smiled knowingly.

  Queen Asria turned to the Baroness, a conspiratorial glint in her eyes. "Reina, just the person I wished to see. We were just discussing… Lady Fia’s future. But with that, I think it is time to retreat to my chambers, Fia, Erica."

  They were escorted to the main hall once more, and as the heavy oak door closed behind the Baroness, the latch clicking softly into place, my name was mentioned by the two of them, hanging in the air, like a silent promise, or perhaps, a carefully laid plan.

  Brynhilde, Erica and I spent the evening talking about many a thing, but I wondered..

  Where was Duke Alian?