Chapter 19: The Meeting 1: The Link-up of Two Empires
Chervil was walking through one of the corridor in the council holding a parchments followed by Céllistáh whose holding a tray that has three envelopes. They entered the room as the double door was being open by one of the guards that was there on stand and saw that not everyone is there yet, and thus they are still waiting for the others to arrive before they would to start the meeting.
Céllistáh was asked by one of the higher ups of the council to get the envelopes from the head council's room, and about to head back as she walked pass one of the corridor and turn to her right when she saw Chervil talking to one of the councilman who he had asked about the documents in his hand, and the man left after.
It has been four days since they left the mansion and the meeting for the last three days were all about how to control the industrial estate on MacQuíd Kingdom, how should they straighten and resolve the empire's problems without affecting each other lands, and how could they minimize the slavery system of their lands and probably take it out. Whereas today they weren't entirely informed what is the meeting was all about; hence, they were being verified about the meeting just early this morning when they were having breakfast.
"What's that letters?", asked Chervil when he saw Céllistáh walking in his direction.
"No idea.", Céllistáh shrugged as she walked pass him carrying the tray that has an envelopes on it. "What do you think of this unexpected meeting was all about?", she asked while they were walking down the stairs. "Any thoughts?"
"Hardly. You know I was hoping to witness some act from the theater these passing few days on the discussions regarding the empire's issues and all.", he said in a bored way.
And Céllistáh was holding her laughed as she thought, 'Looks like his bored from all those discussion.'
They went down to the sixth floor where the meeting would be held whist Céllistáh and Chervil met at the eighth floor of the building. Thus, the council on Questillia was the tallest building in the entire empire as a main court whist the elders and the head council chambers were at the nineth floor.
Céllistáh put the tray on the table that has three envelopes on it which belong to the head council who just came out at the door behind his table.
Chervil walked to his chair next to Céllistáh's chair and glance at Dion on his side who was sitting there leisurely at the meeting room with the others while waiting for the gathering to proceed, then the door opened again behind the head council as it make a light sound then five people comes in that complete the empty spots of the table.
Everyone look at them while others murmured when they saw the late coming which wasn't allowed in the higher ups gathering of the Council Court except if there were important matters which are reasonable enough to be late.
"Look. They were late as always,", whispered one of the councilwoman while getting annoyed seeing them late, "Looks like the protocol are taking lightly as always by them."
"I thought she was dead already.", said one of the higher up.
"Why was the Princess of MacQuíd is here?", some of them were wondering as they never seen her participating in gathering regarding the empire, and thus this is the first time which was unexpected. "Just what's going on? What is the meeting was all about?"
Chervil watched the people who entered at the same door as the head council and took a sit on the empty chairs, then he noticed four familiar faces which had his brows knitted as he has acquainted with the two a while back while the other two were recently, and wondered what are they doing there as it shouldn't be allowed by the protocol of the council; ergo, he turn to Dion who doesn't give an expression on the matter and just kept silent whist he expected him to greet them like usual but he didn't.
"Just who are they?", Céllistáh while taking a sit on Chervil side asked, "And why they were late?"
She only knew two person who were with the group as one of Chervil's families on his grandmother side while the other one was a daughter of the Arch-Grand Duke which was a ruler of MacQuíd Kingdom, "Arch-Grand Duke Alphonse's daughter Lady Aaliyah and Lord Ulysses is with them too."
"Two of them I had acquainted not long ago.", whispered Chervil to Céllistáh while glancing at the young man and the girl on the side. "But I never thought of encountering them again sooner, and thus this is unexpected."
"I thought young ones below sixteenth, humans nor vampires or anyone ain't allowed by the protocol to attend the meeting with the higher-ups of the empire...", whispered back the second-in-command whist wondering while her red eyes were at the girl which she never saw before.
One councilwoman on her side heard her and said in a low voice, "Indeed. It's against the council jurisdictions, but that one is Miss Priselz. The only human child who survived the test three years ago, thus Elder Avis took her but we thought she died that year as we never saw her again. Well, this is really unexpected to us because she is shockingly alive."
Chervil was just listening the councilwoman but he notice something which had his curiosity on, the girl's name was different from what he had known.
"Hey! Been a while, Crist.", said one of the man cheerfully after he sat down. He was one of those five who arrived late. He wore a blue suit that has gold lining and a white rose was on his chest pocket. "You didn't visit us for seven years, not even one of your family or the previous Queen, Aunt Docellia. Thus, I couldn't come also because of something that my father asked of me to do which involved the council there; hence, we're hoping to have at least one of the Centersouth Arch-Royal as part of an empire that built by our ancestors."
Chervil looked at him and responded, "I have to apologize for that, Ulysses. As you were busy there, so did I here; and my dear sister ain't allowed to go out without any companion as she was and still is irresponsible of her own safety. Hence, my brother went there to visit last two years incognito with our cousins to attend one of their friends regale, but I guess he didn't even went to uncle to say hi."
And Ulysses nodded in acknowledgement, "That's ashame. Well, I hope next time then...", he said with a smile and turn his attention to the side at the two ladies and joint in their conversation. They were also the ones who arrived late.
He looked at Ulysses with an exppression that was opposite to what he said. Nevertheless, it's indeed true that he wasn't able to go there for almost decade because of his works that's holding him back which he usually do whenever a festivities occur at his grandmother's homeland; thus Chervil noticed Ulysses's eyes that wasn't the color he remembered them when he last saw him which was like a gem, as Ulysses eyes now were light shade of brown.
Ulysses was one of Chervil grandmother's nephew and a Prince that not everyone know because when he decided to stepped down on his title to be part of the council; hence, the Arch-Grand Duke of Dylarianion Kingdom gave him a land of his own to have and look after, and therefore he was now known as Lord and not as a Prince by his father.
Chervil lean on Dion side. "Why so quiet? Do you mind explaining this to me?", he said while his eyes were on the late coming.
Dion then looked at him confused and finally spoke, "Why asked me? What explanations?"
"What explanations my ass. Do you really think of me as dumb to even not recognized them?", he whispered. He knows Dion was somehow hiding something from the start because he never saw him react to the situation like he expected them to occurred sometimes, and was just playing along with them which he doesn't understand.
"Yeah, I know what you mean but I don't really know why they're here.", said Dion in a whispered looking confused as well. "Why not ask them after this?", he said and smiled.
"You really have some fully-long explanation to do someday.", murmured the Prince and sighed.
"That's...", Dion trilled before he finished the sentence, "If I can explain it to without getting killed."
"What was this unexpected meeting is all about, Sir Owen?", said one of the councilman impatiently while looking at the head council; as he has some works to finish when the letter arrived at his mansion asking him to be present at the court, thus he got no choice but to leave his works behind.
"Yes. I am well aware that this meeting was not discussed to any of you here, thus it is oddly unexpected to some of you since we're at the unusual meeting court and the elders ain't with us like always but this matters is important, and hence it can't wait: therefore I had sent a letter earlier this morning to those who was chosen by the elders and will be involves in this discussions. This matter is a result of the request that was made six decades ago by the former Arch-King, hence before he died he instructed us, the higher-ups to continue what it is that he requested on that time.", started the head council while flipping the parchment on his table like he's searching for some documents. He then looked up at those who were at the table to see if they're listening or if there're some objections on their faces which some of them had. "The open links of two empires between the western and ours has been approved by their ruler five years ago. However, it needs preparation to be effective thus we keep it under by the elders command, and now that all preparations have been meet according to each Imperial Rules and the guidelines of each underling Kingdoms. We will be operating the link out Council Test this coming years for the inspiring councillors."
The room full of murmured and chatters turns into dead silence after hearing the purpose of their meeting that they can even hear their own breath.
And this caught Chervil's attention so does the other after hearing the head council's explanation. They couldn't believe the rumor was right. Except for the six people there who are just observing the scene and the conversations.
All the people in the room were shocked upon hearing the purpose of their meeting. They thought it was just an ordinary one since they already finished the most important part of their gathering regarding the recent happening.
The head council, Sir Owen was silently gasping everyone especially those who have an objection eyes and expressions on of the matter, and took a glance at the six people whose just sitting properly with their eyes cast down like they are thinking deeply.
Dion, who couldn't stand the unbearable silent in the room and notice how their eyes moved. "Are we having a staring competition? I would like to withdraw fro- AHHH- OUCH! YOU, Stupid mouth! Why can't you remain silent.", he chastising himself for talking and hit his mouth with his palm that makes a sound while wincing of pain from his side.
Everyone looked at their direction. Some are annoyed and confused, some were never bothered with the sudden loud pitch while others are trying to hold back their chuckle.
Céllistáh shook her head and just remain silent while looking at the Prince pinching the side of his friend who broke the deadly silence in the room.
"This is not a play for a human like you to be middle with.", scold one of the councilman looking on them. Particularly looking at Dion.
"Ain't you a human yourself...", said Dion to the man who has a brighter red colour eyes then his voice turn cold, "Oh, right! You threw your dignity of being a human for such a short span of immortality."
The man is about to act as he was offended by the Prince's third-in-command when they hear a loud clap coming from the head council.
"I think it's enough, Sir Tadd.", said Sir Owen with a dry and nervously smile while looking at the man whose about to launch on Dion. "Violence isn't allowed in here. So please restrain yourself from doing shameful actions towards one another."
The others on the moment didn't notice the nervousness the head council were having, and was glad that it doesn't take any roots.
"Anyway... Let just move on to what matter it is that required us to have a link with the Western Empire.", the woman who talked to Céllistáh earlier said looking at Sir Owen inquiring him to explain further. "What exactly was this all about that it just surface now, Sir Owen?"
They all are confused. In fact, they don't even know that the former Arch-King requested something so outrageous that would caught them off guard, except for the head council who the former Arch-King made a request with, that even the Prince of their empire was momentarily shocked after hearing it.
"However... Before I go on that matter about the procedures and all, Councilwoman Nihal. I would like you all to know that a letter arrived from the Western Empire's First Palace month ago inquiring our progress but they also made a proposal that can make a huge profits for us..."
"Western Empire's First Palace?", asked Céllistáh flabbergasted that caught everyone's attention. "You mean the First Palace is on act with this matter, and even giving us a good proposal?"
Sir Owen look at her and nodded then he asked, "Do you know something about the First Palace on the West Continent, Lady Céllistáh?"
"Not much, Sir head council.", answered Céllistáh then she remembered something that she heard when she went to MacQuíd. "I've just heard from a merchants on MacQuíd that the First Palace never took the initial interest in taking action of their empire and stayed dormant for many centuries even though the First Palace royalties were the ones who build their empire, and just let the council govern the underling lands. However, seven years ago the merchant said, the First Palace royalties sent a letters to it respective underling lands, and thus the first First Palace Gathering Ball was held whist not to have a party but to discuss the open-link with the Grand Princess whom they never heard a news for aeons, and it seems that their council was only to maintain the laws balance of each other and is always been under the First Palace command, which means the First Palace wasn't dormant all those centuries but just doing their Imperial job under the council's name."
Everyone was listening, whist some are trying to understand the concept while others strongly disagree of the link up with other empires and is suspicious about the proposal after hearing the second-in-command. And the four people in the room, one twist his lip while the other bit their lower lips as they're amused whist they heed well to what Céllistáh heard from a traveling merchants.
"What are your thoughts on this, Crist?", asked Ulysses looking at Chervil. "Should you have to think of it longer? Let me give you some good details... The First Palace was responsible for their lands richness, the Grand Princess is responsible for Children-no-to-Slave System, a Human Justice Rights, and a degree of Equal Privilege. All of it was under the council's name for the last nine centuries, but was revealed not long ago that behind those acts was the First Palace royalties."
"How come you know all these information, Lord Ulysses?", one councilman asked wondering where the young lord heard or know of it.
"Travelers and traveling merchants. Since they were the ones who can come and go without any restrictions of each lands.", he said and grinned.
The head council pass one of the envelopes that Céllistáh brought earlier to the girl named Priselz who took it and stood up, walk across the table toward where Chervil is and handed the envelope to him, then went back to her chair after bowing without saying a word.
An envelope that handed down to Chervil was already opened and on it seal is a crown with rose symbol, but what made his one brow raise was a black and white wax. Naturally, it isn't acceptable to use two wax in one as a seal because the wax color is also used to identify ones estate of living, and the white and black wax combination wasn't really an option to use as it is considered improper.
"That envelope contain a letter from the West Continent, Grand Princess, First Palace royalties. And don't worry about the seal as it is an identification of the Grand Princess. As improper as it is may be, however, not one sees the ruler of the Western Land, and only that seal stamp means power in there, even on that regale seven years ago she was not present and only the butler and her underling were attending.", explained Sir Owen after seeing the Prince's reaction on the envelope. "You hold on to that and decide about the proposal on your own. Think cautiously, as your actions are crucial to each one life of this land."
"Why?"
While looking at the other two envelopes seal his eyes turn wide for a moment at the blue sealed one and took it then put it in his pocket while talking. "Your grandparents gives you the authority to act according to what they taught you from your early age, and you learned from them til this day. Your Highness, as the future ruler of this empire you have the power to make a decision on your own without the Arch-King, your father's acknowledgement. And the King knows of it."
Then, a silent was once again engulfed the room as they couldn't speak nor think because they don't know what the head council, the elders, and even the former Arch-King were thinking.
Should they rejoice that there is a proposal that can benefit them, the empire? Would they take into consideration about the link up operations with the Western Empire? Should they be wary about the Western Empire's First Palace taking action on this? They don't know what will to happen as there so many buts, what ifs and ifs that needs clarity.
Thus, a light claps was heard that had them look at it direction. "That aside. Let us continue on the link up matters and not think nor confuse ourselves with another matters...", said Aaliyah the Princess of MacQuíd plainly. She looked at the head council after looking at the people that's on the room in a tired and boring way. "Shall we now, Sir head council?"
Sir Owen smile seeing the bored expression of Aaliyah and pass the documents to each person on the table that contains a summarize descriptions, while he talks and explains. "These documents are the summarize copy of the one we saw that the former Arch-King had."
"What kind of trash-", councilman Tadd said and was cut off by the head council.
"There was a document or a small bunch of parchments the former Arch-King discovered on MacQuíd bygone one century and a half. In the parchments stated the prosperous empires with one another without arguing over each other; thus, that was the former ruler trying to make and achieve for the better future."
Chervil was trying to understand what his grandfather's purpose on this link up with the Western Land, and the document in his hand is impossible to believe. However, it isn't impossible to make and achieve...
"The former Arch-King was trying to achieve the dream that he wanted for his people and his descendants that they may live a life where the environment and lifestyle were different from what he had grown. From his ancestors to his father, he was tired of seeing such a land. So he made a drastic decision more than half century ago; and just like how this Southern Empire was build, the documents also stated that connect with people of each lands is necessary and is a must to make a peaceful living. This drastic decision was also concluded to ensure that his promises to a certain someone whom the former Arch-King entrusted to help aid our land.", explained Sir Owen.
'And achieving it would be great since I also want to change this land rusted policy.', Chervil thought while listening to the head council's explanation.
"Even if its kind of agreement of the past, still I'm not understanding this. Why would we need to have a link up operations with them, the Western Empire?!", Sir Tadd exclaimed looking at the head council. He couldn't believe this. Just because of the discovery of some documents that they don't even know if it's true. He would strongly object with this link up.
"This is madness, Sir Owen!", exclaimed councilwoman Nihal as she look through the documents. "Even if this document was really discovered inside our empire, it doesn't mean that whatever written on it were genuine. What if it just made up? What if this is a scheme of the Western Empire to infuriates us? Does the former Arch-King thought of it before making such a decision? What if this is just a false statement?"
"We thought the same, Sir head council.", said one councilman while pointing at both his side who nodded their head, "This is suspicious since they sent us a proposal. This might cause a huge problem to us, Sir Owen."
"This is so hilarious... that I don't even know whether you all are poltroon or just a dimwit. Why are you all so afraid to have a link up with other empires?", questioned the Princess of MacQuíd coldly looking at those who objects on the link up operations of both empire. And she glance at Chervil, "No offence, Your Highness. I just need to say it."
Chervil just smile, "Hardly taken."
"WHAT?! What did you just say?!", said councilman Tadd angrily. He then pointed at her while cursing, "You WITCH! You might be the Princess of MacQuíd, but you have no right to say things nor questioning us since you doesn't participate on any occasions related the empire or anything."
"I maybe not participating on any summons that my father asked of me to go and participate. However, it doesn't mean I am oblivious of anything.", Aaliyah smirked looking at the man while crossing her arms. She looked at the man intensively for a few minutes that made the vampire to feel unease, "I am a Princess so as you stated. A royal noble Princess. Thus, a normal noble man like yourself cannot question me or say to me that I have no right to take part just because you don't seen me participating in gathering such like this, Sir councilman. And only His Highness, Prince Chervil can order me to stop speaking. Not a lowly little dimwit like you can bring me to my silence."
Hearing Aaliyah spoke like a true Princess that she is while smirking with confidence, they couldn't seem to recognize her as her attitude wasn't like this a few decades ago they met her. They wondered if this is her true self, and not the shy, almost mute, low confidence and incapable young Princess that they knew.
"Fine! I don't want to participate with this link up matters.", after sometimes Sir Tadd said as he stood up and walk toward the entrance, "But if you want my vote... No, is my answer."
Thus, after councilman Tadd walked out of the room, two councilman followed suit; then after sometimes councilman Nihal stood up as well leaving the room without saying anything and followed by three others who were not pleased with their meeting and are opposed in the link up operations.
"You're so savage.", commented the man on her side and chuckled lightly with his three companions after seeing the other storm out in their meeting. "You have slayed them perfectly."
"Thanks for the compliment, Eilwe.", she said nonchalantly.
Chervil raised his one brow in question while listening. He, himself did not understand the concept of their meeting but it seems his grandfather wanting him to make a decision that would change the course of the empire. And Aaliyah, her attitude is different from the last time he saw her, and Ulysses too. And why does the other two was here with them while the other one just kept silent?
"Oh well, let just proceed. They aren't really important in this meeting.", said the head council nonecaringly. He then look at Chervil whose at the other end of the table. "With your grandmother, the former Arch-Queen's approval almost two years ago with our other underling Kingdoms the linkup on the west was half done. We sent ten people in total to participate there, and it went smoothly. Miss Priselz can you tell us what is the procedure was there, and we conducting here in the near future. Please..."
The young girl stood up facing them as she says, "The methodology of the west was done not long ago, and it consists with three methods that we will also be applying on ours: The writing, the solving, and the survival skills. This methods was quite similar to ours but different since we only conduct the writing and the survival test. However, what we saw on the west, the solving is necessary to solve a crimes. And all test will be conduct every three to five years to an aspiring councillors who would wants to join the council. As we speak now, the east chosen participants of the Western Council are conducting a test of solving in their land, nevertheless, the First Palace and the Western Council are not link up with one another since the west rejected the proposal of link-up with the east seven times now, and the reason wasn't revealed. Hence, the reason why some of the councillors weren't seen for eight months or more two years ago was because we went there as part of the trial. The link-up methods weren't of any threats but to ensure the safety of each other, by supporting laws and lands; And since they already finished their deeds with what the former Arch-King requested, thus they're just waiting for us to finalize ours. The methodology of this empire will be done in a few years if this is being approved now."
"Your grandmother already done her part; thus now, you will finalize it. What is your thoughts of the matter, Prince Chervil?", asked the head council and stood up, walk across the table with the last envelope in the table and hand it over to Chervil. "Your grandparents gave you the authority on this matter and hope that you will choose the right path as they failed to do with their other son, your father. So you must think wisely."
"What do you mean? Why me?", inquired Chervil as he took the envelope which has seal of magnolia flower which never been open, "Should it be my father, the current Arch-King who should be here?"
"Indeed. And I know you're confused about this, nonetheless, you have to make a decision.", said Sir Owen as he handed the blue sealed envelope to Dion in silence which no one notice, and said again, "That envelope contains your grandfather's explanation for you, and the methodology that he asked with the Western Council participation."
"You don't have to worry about the threats, Your Highness. The First Palace royalties on the west weren't your enemy. In fact, they were the ones who wants a linkup but was rejected six centuries ago before your grandfather ascending to the throne. The council record stated it.", said the one who kept silent all this while. He had blonde short hair, his eyes were like an ocean and a seven pointed star earing on his lift side. His wearing a white suit. "The ones you should be worry and be wary about were those who are in this empire."
Sir Owen went back on his seat and sat down, "We will be waiting on your approval within a month."
Chervil was lost for words. Is this his grandfather's testing his skills and decision making? But why? Even his grandmother was on this? 'It seems like these five people here were once acquainted with my grandparents... aside from Dion.', he thought glancing at them.
"And whom was this someone who will aid us when we're in a tight situations, Sir Owen?"
He was so emerged with his thoughts until he heard Céllistáh asking the head council in a confused tone that made him snap back, and look at the head council as he almost forgot about it.
"The third elder...", said the head council. He took a glance to the person beside Prince Chervil before continuing, "It is the third elder who he entrust with everything, from the former Arch-King empire's people to his own descendants safety.
Everyone seems not to believe about the third elder since they only heard rumors about the third elder's existence which circulated many years ago; thus they even never saw what kind of person the third elder was, as only less than few people who probably sees the said elder.
"And to help you, Prince Chervil in making decisions and aiding you if necessary. Because your grandparents believes that only you can achieve, and walk the path opposite to what your ancestors took.", added the head council looking at Chervil.
Sir Owen then glance at the time on the wall, and he said starting to get up and gather his things, "If any of you wants to object with this, then come to my office. But you all must know that we are just honoring the last will of the past King."
He went to the door behind him. "I'll give you a month to think, and reconsider your decision on this one." He turn looking at each person in the room, "Meeting adjourned.", and he left the room leaving everyone who looked worried, confused, and some were hiding an amused look.
* * * * * * * * * *
After the meeting was done, and everyone is starting to leave the court-meeting room with chattering about the meeting that just ended.
What's going on?", said one of the councilors to her companion as they went out of the room. "I'm completely bewildered with this link up matters."
"Well,", said her companion. "I just let it be since it was a "will" of the previous roler. And my family respects him for what he had done. Though, what I don't realy get was that the previous King left the aiding if something are to happen on the third elder hands which whom we don't know. We don't even have any idea of He or She does really exist."
"We can still say no-"
"The procedure is already half done. It would be shameful to our side... After all, it was us who approached them first fifty years ago, when it was also us who declined theirs more than thrice..."
"Yeah. I can see why we shouldn't say otherwise with this matter.", said the woman as she thought about it.
Chervil was talking with Dion and Céllistáh to four of the councillors who approached him to discuss the issues when they were outside of the meeting room. And he saw Ulysses going out while talking to a young man whom he doesn't know, but who he recall was the one who kept silent and just talked on the last part, who had a short blonde hair. Then he saw not far behind them were Aaliyah speaking to the man named Eilwe as Chervil recalled from last time, and with them is the girl who everyone called Priselz or Miss Priselz as they are ascending the stairs.
However, he saw Ulysses just nodded thus never joined the others on the stairs who only stop and stood at the bottom then bowed as Aaliyah and her companion went upstairs. And Ulysses talk to some councillors as he descending the stairs with the others.
Chervil was still talking to when he heard Céllistáh quietly said beside him, "We'll follow later. Go after your uncle."
"He'll kill you if you said that in front of him.", Chervil said amused.
"Well,", Céllistáh mused trying not to be notice. "I have you and Dion to take the blame for. And I'm sure he wants to hit the both of you than me."
He chuckled, and then excused himself to went downstairs after.
Moment later as they went down the stairs. Dion faced Céllistáh after talking to the council members who approached them, "It's unlike you to do that. You know, letting him make excused himself."
"I do thinks because it is required. Unlike you who is free, and only takes commands from Crist or his father... Well, I am the second-in-command which means alot of works for me than you. I have my works to be expected. "
"And much less work for Fanies on my part.", he added and sighs.
"Indeed.", second Céllistáh and sigh too.
Chapter 20: The Meeting 2: Third EElder's Proxy
The stairs was long as he was trying to get through the way which was crowded with busy councillors that was way unusual to Chervil. He was going down stairs to go to his uncle who looks much younger than himself which was unsettling for him. Chervil following Ulysses after he spotted him on the second floor while going down to the ground hall. He tried calling him aloud, in which gain alot of attention from the councillors and guards.
"Ulys! Ulysses!", Chervil called. "Ulys!"
Catching up with Ulysses who went down to the ground hall who turn to one of the corridor which Chervil knew where it leads. He tried to call him out but it seems Ulysses didn't heard him. And Chervil knows one option which was drastic for him to use as it would have a consequence later, but he needs to talk to Ulysses about what he knew, and so he braced himself for the after consequence.
"Ulysses! Uncle!", he said again going toward Ulysses. "Uncle! Uncle Ulysses, wait up!"
He saw how Ulysses stopped on his tracks after hearing Chervil and turn with his disapproving look and wait for him to catched up.
When Chervil catched up by Ulysses side he was then punched on his guts with such force which made him crouched down because of pain. And the punishment is served.
Even vampires of his generation can also feel pain, thus unlike humans whose pain would last longer; vampires pain would only last a few seconds. But there was something on the punch which hits his abdomen that cause the pain to last longer than normal, in which Chervil doesn't know how, when his uncle was a human. Well, at least... that's what everyone else knows, as his grandmother was.
"Couldn't you say "Hello" without violence here?"
Ulysses then walk pass him taking the entrance stairs to the underground without a words. The people who saw the scene never bothered to ask and just watched as they passed by. Ulysses was aware of what he did which wasn't allowed in the council, but he also know that shouting around was forbidden too. And thus it gives him an acceptable way of excuse to hit his nephew for calling him "Uncle" which he doesn't like to be called.
Chervil followed after the pain subsided on his guts to the underground where Ulysses went, where many rooms laid out.
The underground was dark with only the none-steady illumination coming from the torch-like-stone thing on the wall which Chervil doesn't know how it was possible, and everytime he were in the council the torch stones on this underground was what he does want.
Then he saw Ulysses walking pass some corridors and turn on his left and walk.
"Next time you call me like that,", said Ulysses coldly and turn to face him with eyes like light-wooden shade. "I'll have both your eyes turn purple-black like a pet fat belly beast on the East Empire."
"You mean to say a good looking guy right?", he asked while walking towards him. "Were you staying here Ulysses? How come I didn't sees you around?"
"No, not me.", said Ulysses. "I am staying at my friend's estate. But I knew you were, with your two friends. And that you are fascinated with these torch stones on the wall since you were seventeen years old. The first time you seen a torch stones-"
"Don't look bemused. I'm not here for that a long time ago moment.", Chervil said with serious voice.
"I want to talk about the link up matters. You know about it right? I know you do know-"
"Yes, I did.", said Ulysses calmly cutting Chervil words. "I do know all about it since I was there when your grandparents decided it more than five decades ago. So does some others; and we all agreeing to it. And its not about that documents in your hands right now, Chervil. The documents was just a little proved of it for questioning, but the documents are real. There was no fake on the documents. The link-up? You want to ask about it?", and when Chervil nodded: Ulysses proceed saying, "It's a gift for helping this very land of ours. A good gift which was not enough for us to give. Really."
"A gift?", questioned Chervil bewildered. How could a link-up be a good thing as a gift? Could the third elder be on it too? But... "Is the third elder was the reason? I thought it is a plot to invade the Western Empire."
At that, Ulysses laughed like a child who never hold back his happiness. "Invade the west?", he said amused. "We aren't capable of doing so. The Western Empire are great for alliances, but not as an enemies. And the said elder wasn't the reason. Really. You can understand more if you read the letter from your grandfather, before asking aunt Docellia, your grandmother for anything else."
"Who was this third elder, Ulysses? Who are they and what was with them not appearing?"
"The third elder is always been around. We just don't know who.", answered his uncle shrugging.
Chervil was about to ask again when he heard Céllistáh talking to Dion in a hushed and amused voice.
"As I told Ulysses wants to hit him more than me."
"I don't know what a fuss with that guy not wanting to be called "Uncle Ulysses" when he was right with the title.", said Dion while walking to where their room were. He then saw Chervil on the way looking ghostly, "Are you done chatting with your uncle, Crist? I'm kinda famish-"
In a swift movement Ulysses walked pass Chervil, went and lunch a double punch at Dion's face which made him to rolled back on the ground.
"Told you not to call me that.", said Ulysses casually like he didn't hit a person.
Meanwhile, Céllistáh just ignored and avoid the rolling Dion on the ground, and just inclined with Ulysses then walk casually towards Chervil who had a worried expression that was unusual to see on the Prince face nowadays, for Dion he had that kind of expression which is good, thought Céllistáh.
"See! Told you...", she said grinning. She went pass him to go to the room first. "He wants the both of you."
Chervil rushed to help Dion who turnout unconscious, and a red around the eyes was visible. And he was sure it will leave a bruises mark for half a month. He held Dion and asked Ulysses to help him to get Dion inside their room.
Ulysses, however, didn't speak a word and just do as what was told, helping Chervil carried Dion in to the room as he open it.
Céllistáh just laughed lightly at the sight of them carrying an unconscious man, then she help them laid Dion on his bed and she put some medications on the wounds and a cold towel on his eyes.
The main council, or as by its official given name the Q Court was in Questillia as the main Kingdom of the Southern Empire. And was half a day travel from the palace, thus it is more convenient for Chervil to stay near the Q Court if there is a meeting as he doesn't want to waste time traveling. Hence, those who had traveled far, especially those who traveled from MacQuíd and Dylarianion to attend the summons would to stay at the Inn not faraway from the council, or some would just stays in the council's first underground rooms where most of the personnel were staying whenever they couldn't go home, and if they wants to have a rest.
The underground has three layers. The first layer underground where Chervil, Céllistáh and Dion are staying with some others who stayed and can rest. The second layer underground were jail with light sentence of punishment and can be free. While the third layer which was the last, the very most underground were for the death sentence and for those law breakers.
* * * * * * * * * *
A girl was walking down the stairs to the first floor underground alone. And when she was on the ground she just walk freely like a child that she was without worry about her surrounding nor the place she was in.
The underground was dark with just a little light coming from the torch stones on the wall that gives an eerie atmosphere if one wasn't used to.
But the girl. She moans a song like a hunting fairy tale lullaby, and sing it while passing by the hallway alone. Dancing as she sing.
🎶"La la li - La la lah
Li la la La, la li Ahhh...
I sing you a lullaby, my lovely little one
As you sleep through the night
As you close your eyes
and thus open your mind for an endless dreams
Oh, dear. My sonia is for you to have peace...
La la la li la la la li, li la, la la
Li la la, forever in slumber... La la li la, lah...
As you sleep forever, and never be 'woken
Forever and ever, is my sonia for you.
La la la, last breath... I shall take it from you
For your dreams so peace is not free, my dear...
And the payments will be given
As low as your life.
La la la li, la la li la la laaaahhh.
Li la la... Lullaby de sonia, my dear..."🎶
As she spanned around the way, alone as she thought she was, someone caught her arm and pinned her on the side wall hard enough, but she didn't scream for help. And when she doesn't make any sound she was thrown a distance away, in which she struggles to sit up as she heave of breathe.
As she sat up she saw three man walking towards her hungrily as there eyes shone in the illumination light coming from the torch stones, gleaming like a red sapphire luring her to be afraid. But she was calmed, and afraid wasn't there in her face nor on her eyes.
She recognized them as council members that was working on the administrative area in fourth ground. Then she just reached her hair and as if she throw something coming from her head, however, when she threw her hand it was empty and the guys laughed at her.
"Foolish human child.", said one of them and chuckled darkly.
"You wake me up with your hunting song, little girl.", said the other one grinning. "As far as I know... It was meant to lul me to sleep forever, right?"
Then, the other one was about to say something when he suddenly felt heavy on his knees and lost consciousness, the same happened with his two companions and fell on their ground. Unconscious and motionless like they were dead.
"Careful who you attack Sirs.", she said as she giggled and walked pass the three council personnel, then went on her way. "Those guys were lucky. Violence isn't allowed in the council."
* * * * * * * * * *
The room was big with no windows as it was built under the council's building, and there were three beds, nightstand-cupboard tables with a stone torch lamps, and a three small cabinets for each: hence, one of it has a divider that separates the other two which has a female ambiance. And the room also has a couch, a small oval table and a fireplace as its like a small living area. There were two fireplace in the room: one was on the living area set up, while the other one was near to one of the bed where the divider wall was.
Céllistáh could not believe when she first saw the room as its like a small cabin house with no separation of rooms; and thus she asked Chervil to get the place only for them so whenever they were on the Q Court the same room would belong to them. The same as some others.
She was putting a warm towel that was soaked in warm water on both Dion's eyes where the punched hit who was still unconscious in his bed, and some bandages on his face, arms and back. She was sure that when he wakes up he would freaks out about his face having twin bruises visible, and scratches on his face and body due to him rolling on the hallway a few moments ago.
Chervil was on the couch with Ulysses talking about the issues, and Céllistáh could tell how Ulysses's eyes would avert to his nephew and glance at Dion worriedly and then back to Chervil.
"Ulysses, what do you mean by "The third elder is always been around we just don't know who"?", Chervil was saying. "I thought those were just passing rumors-"
"There's no rumors if there isn't much true to what was being spread around.", Ulysses said cutting his nephew's words. "I am not sure am the one who can provide you with the best answers that you seek, Crist. Might you read the letter from your grandfather, and maybe there was something he wrote down. But do that when you got back to your humble mansion from here."
And they heard a grunting sound, coming from the bed which Céllistáh was occupied with her patient.
Dion was struggling to sit up with his aching body, and Céllistáh helped him. He looked around and found himself inside their chamber and on his own bed that was near the fireplace side. And he saw Céllistáh arranging an ornamental medicine on its box after helping him.
On the couch he saw Ulysses sitting motionless while looking at him, and Chervil who gets up and walked toward his bed then sat on his own bed.
"Did I passed out?", he asked Chervil.
Chervil sigh. He observed the bruises on Dion's face and slowly, almost deliberately nod his head. "How do you feel?"
"My body's sore alot."
"That is an example of a fat belly beast face of the east.", Ulysses said suddenly while grinning proudly. He was still sitting on the sofa casually with a cup of wine in his hand.
Dion just looked at Ulysses without a words but his face shows an unrecognizable expression which Chervil doesn't know what it means.
Céllistáh, however, getting up from the bed side took an oval shape face mirror on her own bed side behind the wall, brought it and handed it over to Dion who was inspectioning his bandaged arms. "Wanna see what happened?"
He took the mirror confused and look at his own reflection wide eyes in shocked, then blinked two times when he saw himself. Unsure. And then he touched the round bruises around his eyes that begin to puff. What happened? He looked like a Ailuropoda melanoleuca which could only be found in the eastern continent. He sigh.
"For this,", said Dion pointing his face while looking at Ulysses emotionlessly, "I'll have you pay when time is given for-"
"I'm so so very sorry.", Ulysses cut off Dion words as he apologized on the floor kneeling that made Chervil thought of theater. "I thought you would dodge it."
Dion just glared at him like if he could he would have Ulysses beat up.
Then, they heard a soft knock outside the door, in which Chervil stood up walked to get the door open, and when he saw who it is his one eye brows went up inquiring the person to speak.
"Is Lord Ulysses here with you?", questioned a little girl's voice. "I need to deliver a word to him..." She looked at him calmly like before when he first saw them, "And to your group as well."
At that, Chervil open the door widely and asked her to enter which the girl entered without a words. Before closing the door Chervil look around the hallway and saw three figures on the floor. Motionless. He then closed the door turn towards the girl who stood there facing the other, and he could see Ulysses's expression turned dry.
"Did you killed those guys outside?", asked Chervil to the girl as he walked toward the couch. "Those three of them on the hallway were vampires. I could tell."
"Indeed, they are. Well, they attacked me.", said the girl nonchalant. "I just rendered them unconscious in only a day. Violence isn't allowed in the council."
Céllistáh frowned looking at the girl after hearing the girl's responsed. How could she rendered a vampire when she was just a girl? A human child even? And without killing them? Or even having a wounds which she doesn't?
"I- umm, Uhh. You see- see the uhh... I wasn't re- real- really-", said Ulysses trying to get the words right to explain something. And he broke off; thus, he instead said, "What is it Lady Tha- I mean miss Priselz?"
Céllistáh's thoughts were interrupted when Ulysses scrambled for words, and she saw as he stood straight, hands in his back. She could see how nervous he was.
Chervil, too, could see how nervous his uncle was with the girl in the room. Then he saw the girl as he sat down across Ulysses that wasn't looking at his uncle but on the man in the bed who's staring back at the girl with annoyance.
They suddenly heard a soft clapped from the girl, and she spoke, "I must say... whoever does that to you, must get a reward from me.", she sounded mockingly. "That was a death wish consequence after all."
"Stop that with me and say it.", Dion's voice was firm.
"Should I stop?"
"Thashie! Stop playing around and say it!", shouted Dion. The kind of shout which they don't even recognize. "Say the purpose of you wanting to talk."
Chervil looked at Thashie who never flinched as they did when Dion shouted. He just saw her smile and turn her attention to Ulysses who still stood there.
"Very well.", she said. "Lord Ulysses, your presence are required as the representative of your land at the meeting regarding our link up, which the second elder- Elder Avis are going to explain with the third elder representatives. He said, he likes it to be done without Ruth Hibiscus as he doesn't want to be interrupted while explaining and he knows the representatives doesn't want her presence. Hence, Lady Hibiscus already aware of this link up matters." She looked to Chervil and said, "This also require to have a representative of this very land, to listen what has to say. And thus, it shall be: Princess Aaliyah of MacQuíd, Lord Ulysses of Dylarianion and Prince Chervil and his friends of Questillia are required in the second elder's quarter."
"But Dion couldn't go-", Chervil was saying and cut off by Thashie.
"I can see that. Hence, I am not going to pray about what happen to him.", she said going eye to eye with Chervil. "Thus, I'll call a council physician to administer for him, and sent him home. Is that okay with you, Your Highness?"
"Fine. Then,", he said and turn to Céllistáh who already stood up and was ready to leave. "Let's go to the tenth floor-"
"Stay where you are.", Thashie said cutting Chervil again which made him irritates. "I'll make it easier for the three of you, since they already waited for too long."
Ulysses then said, "B-But, I mean to say, have you put a mark-"
"The whole Southern Empire or just this council alone?", asked Thashie and smile when she saw Ulysses terrified expression. "Yes, already done. But not the whole empire though. Only the councils and some few places." She then clapped her hands and a red spark appears, "Don't fret. I've learned this from the Western Empire. I'll be there in a couple of minutes after I call a physician."
And the three of them vanished leaving only Dion sitting on the bed looking at Thashie in amusement mixed with annoyance.
"Oh, my nature's still love negative emotions.", she said grinning. Walking to the door, she opened it and said, "Let's give it a shot."
* * * * * * * * * *
They appearate at the hallway in front of a double door that has a sign "SECOND ELDER'S QUARTER" on the upper wall that was close.
Céllistáh look around the hallway that was empty and quiet. She couldn't believe that a moment ago they were at the room, then after the girl flicked her finger and red light appear which brought them here instantly. What was going on? Céllistáh never seen it before nor she experience this kind of stuff before. What was it? Was it they called magic...? She doesn't know.
"What kind of trick that girl pulled out?", she asked to no one. "I knew something was wrong with that girl."
Chervil on the other hand was looking at the big portrait of like a bunch of family or of family and friends on the wall opposite to the second elder's chamber. He noticed his grandparents, his grand uncles and aunts, Arch-Grand Duke Alphonse Viéche, and he also saw young Lord Ulysses, young Lady Florencia, Lady Aria, next to her was Elder Avis and some of the council members which some he knows while others don't, probably because they were long gone since most of them were humans.
And it was obvious to Chervil since the portrait was made hundred and fifty more years of the past as what he saw the year below the portrait, Year 1524.
Hence, he also notice some young lady who has some similarities to Thashie and Navetha but much older, then some man caught his attention; two of them were like twins with a long straight golden hair and pointed ears, he noticed one of the two which he saw an hour ago at the meeting court which has the same features. But, what caught most of his attention was the two man who has black long hair as there eyes were different from the rest; one of them has black pupils with yellow iris while other one has like a gem, an imperial topaz gem stone. And one of them who's feature were similar to his friend who died fifty-seven years ago. They all wore a different and yet similar one, formal dresses and suits. In which pointed what they were in society, if they were a commoners, a council member, a royalty, a noble one or an aristocrats.
"These portrait is like a southern empire's power house. All of which is your grandparents achievements. All families, all alliances and all friends of the past. How nostalgia.", said Céllistáh on Chervil side. She pointed at the portrait, "This one is Ulysses. Those were your grandparents and that was my father. So young... And look!", she pointed at the two men. "Look, their eyes were different from the rest. Oh, and that two men too who has a golden hair and pointed ears. What do you think of this? Your grandparents-"
"It seems like there's more to their story. Ulysses, you're acquainted with them...", he said turning to Ulysses who stared at the door and walk toward it, "Who was some of them? They're similarities? Who's these mens that has different eye colours? The clothes they're wearing? What were they? The two man who has pointed ears with golden hair? Who were they?"
However, Ulysses without answering or saying anything step forward and openend the double door as he gestured them to follow inside.
"They're here now.", said the young blonde hair men watching them entering the second elder's chamber. "I wonder what gotten her too long just to fetch them."
"Perhaps some unwanted situations occurred.", said Aaliyah preparing to make a move with her bishop.
"Probably.", second the man who was watching Aaliyah and Eilwe playing chess. Council Elder Avis is sitting beside Eilwe who make a move with his Rook on the left side horizontally which made Elder Avis become excited. As what Elder Avis saw: the two players is almost there, three moves from Aaliyah and she wins; one or two more moves from Eilwe and they wins. But there's a big chance... "But I just hope she doesn't kill anyone."
He has darker shade of red eyes-much darker than Chervil which indicates he was from the very old generation of vampire. The council elder's complexion was quiet oddly different because he does have much colour than any vampire, and more like he was a human if it weren't for his eyes. He wore not an elder clothes but just a simple white suit with gold lining and a brown leather shoes. An eight pointed star was on his right arm with a rose on the center.
Aaliyah move her Queen to the left side vertically which counter Eilwe's formation, and beam happily. "Checkmate!"
Elder Avis pointing at the chessboard exclaimed, "I knew it! I knew it! I knew you got something, but how?"
"She got some pointers from her I believe.", said Eilwe starting to get up. "But how come? When we were to ask her she would tell us, taught us, show us how, but we still don't get it. And couldn't even win against her."
"Well, lack of concentration I conclude.", said the young blonde hair men who stood.
"Shut up, August.", Eilwe said and stood up as well while he added, "Flocci non faccio."
Chervil heard all the conversations between them as they get inside. Céllistáh turn to him with a rise brow when they heard Eilwe saying the last part to the blonde hair men before facing them with the others, which Céllistáh and himself wasn't familiar with the words but they were familiar with its tone.
"Greatings and good afternoon Your Highness and Lady Céllistáh, Lord Ulysses. Please have a seat and make yourself comfortable.", said the elder and bow like the other, and he gestured them to have a seat on the table that has six chairs. "We'll be starting this explanations soon enough. In the mean time, let me just introduce some of them who are in here now. "
After they all settled down and properly introduced to Chervil and Céllistáh by the second elder.
Chervil now know that Eilwe was part of the secret knight of the empire which organized by the elders and the head council called "The Paladines of Rose" which also approved by his grandparents fifty more years of the past.
Elder Avis explain why an order of knights called "The Paladines of Rose" or it's called by some other "The Rose Spartans" was kept hidden because they were like a guardian who shall act on their own if needed even without one of the elders or the head council's command. But most of them were taking order from the elder if it weren't necessary for them to act on their own as they were trained in different ways than a normal knights does.
Eilwe also added to what elder Avis said that he and Dion weren't really that close and just acquaintance because of Thashie and Navetha, and the Annus family connection thus also because of Dion's father who's a council member.
And Chervil was just listening as Eilwe further explain to his question about the time they had met: saying, it was because they were asked to stay there for the children to have company by the third elder for a whole month because of Dion's sister who was worried about the children, and his father was away to MacQuíd. And that the third elder was with Dion's sister that time.
Céllistáh in the meantime was having a great conversation with Princess Aaliyah who introduced her to August- the blonde hair young men who's very polite and smooth talker. She was amazes by how he, August knows alot of things in which intrigued her. And Aaliyah said to her that August's family was a great friend of her father, and that he wasn't living on Questillia and just accompanying Ulysses who would most likely went missing when he decided to make a fool and run off the land.
A door then open, and miss Priselz or Thashie went in along with a young man who's holding a white fluffy cat on one hand by its back while he spoke as the cat cries and straggling trying to scratch him.
"Ohh. Palma non sine pulvene."
"Meowww... Meow, neow. Meowww!"
"Noli me tangere?" (Put me down?), said the young man to the cat that he carried by its back amusingly. "Cur me prius oppugnas? Certe, iam scis neminem posse technice aliquod detrimentum facere in me praeter paucos homines."
"Deposuit eam nunc.", said Thashie who walked at the head of the table. "We'll be starting now."
The young man throw the cat infront of them- to Eilwe's direction who was standing near the table as he catch it up quickly, and Eilwe too hang the cat like the young man did without any words.
Then the young man walked toward Thashie's side at the table's head where the second elder's place was.
"Dear M'lady,", said council elder Avis gently while he brought some papers to the large table from his working table where they will be proceeding the meeting. "I think you should introduce yourself semi-formally to the Arch-Crown Prince and Lady Céllistáh. You as well Kyrios Leo."
Thashie nodded. "My real name's Thashie. But the council gave me another one as Lord Lexviéth Zalq requested it after I became a member of the council two years ago for safety reasons.", she said like a professional. "I was part of the trial who went to the Western Empire after I passed the council survival test for thirteen to seventeen years participants three years ago..."
While the girl was introducing herself Chervil was barely listening as his attention were on the young man who stood beside the elder and whisper something, in which Elder Avis nodded. He look at the young man with suspicious eyes. He sence something dangerous and sinister about the young man, and yet not threatening. But how could someone has such presence?
"However, mine was delayed due to my broken bones which needs healing, Ohh- the council honored ceremony for new members is what I meant by delayed. And which they decided to give me two years ago, then elder Avis took me in to be one of his people."
Chervil would listen to Thashie's explanations, and keep staring on the young man who now face them in attention like a straight stick on the ground standing strong, which never sways nor lay.
"Thus there, I was sent with nine others to participates on the Western Land for the council's requests of trial. Some of us were just there for six or nine months, but me and my four companions stayed back by the council's order to observed and learned. We've just arrived five months back from Western Land- I mean me and my four companions." Thashie paused for a moment while looking at Céllistáh and Chervil who listened and only shows little of their emotions as she explains. She then added, "I am also one of the empire's secret knight. And I am one of Lord Zalq's relatives from his father's side."
At that Chervil avert his gaze to Thashie and stared. No wonder she has some similarities. Céllistáh too did the same and stared without uttering a words.
Both of them knows that Lord Zalq's father was not a citizen of the empire and was a traveller before settling down here; And finally met Lord Zalq's mother who died one day after giving birth of her son, and after five years and a half Lord Zalq father died because of poison leaving his son with a huge profits of wealth, lands and a mansion to their butler who by that time raised Lord Zalq who never mentioned any relatives of his parents as Lord Lexviéth Zalq told them about his life many years.
The door open again disturbing the thoughts of Chervil and Céllistáh who turned at the opened door as the woman enter who's holding a parchments, who walked directly at the head of the table without any greetings nor looking who were inside.
She went to where Thashie and the young man and bowed, then she hand over the parchments to the young man who took it. She then said in a low voice, "Sir, these are the methodology you asked of me to get from the third elder's chamber, and your older sister said that your younger sister had some fun while looking through. My father couldn't be here, for he accompanied Elder Hibiscus on her trip two days ago."
"Hand shall this then one parchment to August, Lady Brooklyn.", said the young man after he looked over the papers. His voice was like a tone of early morning wind- so cold and soft and like a whisper of a gentle young child. "O'lady, shall ye goest not from here, and ye shall part take this and thou will talk to thine father about what hast we shall sayst here then."
Lady Brooklyn hesitates for a moment and just nod after she took the parchment and walked to where the blonde-hair men who was sitting beside Princess Aaliyah who gestured her to take a seat, which she did. And she hand over the parchment to August who took it and frown after looking, who sighs.
"He hates repeating himself to everyone, that's why. Well... Except for one though.", said Eilwe who just stood behind Lady Brooklyn and Princess Aaliyah while still carrying the white cat. "So stay. Just listen to the plan."
Lady Brooklyn smile and bow her head when she noticed Chervil and Céllistáh who's just sitting inside the room silently, who also nod their head as acknowledgement.
"I didn't know you were acquainted with them, Lady Lyn.", commented Céllistáh. "It caught me a moment."
Lady Brooklyn just said with a smile, "Surprise, surprised, indeed.", as she sat down.
"Let me proceed by introducing myself as His Highness didn't know me firsthand."
Chervil was about to say something when he heard the young man spoke. He look at the man as it speaks in a loud and yet soothing voice. None like any other he had known.
"I am Leonard Xaz V. Wayne del Annus, Leo for short. I'm the young brother of the third elder, Lady Lathirus V. Wayne. The Wayne kinsfolk were my second father's family name, and my mother has a kindred with one of the Annus kinsfolk of the past, thus I could used both last names."
Céllistáh stared at the young man who spoke to them normally now as he introduced himself, and not the broken language which he used earlier. And she also noticed his feature that has very kin to one of the man on the portrait outside. Except for one thing...
"I am the Kyrios of the Paladines of Rose which was founded more than half a century ago. And I am, will be the third elder's proxy as my older sister couldn't be here...,", the young man said clapping his hand that brought a silvery-blue sparkle in the air. "Thus, we will begin the explanations for the purpose of the link-up shortly, and the methodology that we'll be doing."