Chapter 6

Chapter 21: The Meeting 3: Methodology about The Link-up Part 1

To others it seems like an illusion which they would think their mind were playing as the silvery-blue sparkle only appeared on a whim which not everyone could see even if they were a vampires, but not to Chervil and Céllistáh. They noticed it immediately especially Chervil who never leave his sight on the young man. It may appears like nothing happened but Chervil could feel it- felt something, like a barrier was being made inside the room around them when the silvery-blue sparkle appeared. He also noticed his second-in-command who glanced at him like giving him a silent message of warning just like when they were children which he didn't react to it as his attention was still on the third elder's proxy.

When Céllistáh looked at the third elder's proxy who introduced himself as brother of the said third elder and a Kyrios of the Paladines of Rose named Leonard... Or just Leo which he preferred, she thought. And an Annus family relatives which she would like to ask Dion when they meet again, she decided. Then her eyes widen as she saw his eyes that become just like the big portrait she saw earlier on the wall outside. She was shocked.

Chervil too was shocked, but he learned a little long time ago how to compose himself and control his emotions, and thus he didn't react to it and just kept silent like the others as it was just a moment.

"This link-up with the Western Land only concern to you Your Highness.", said the young man named Leonard looking at Chervil with his black eyes. "And the other members of the council doesn't have involvement in this... Except of course some elders and the head council which has the high authority, third to yours."

The first authority was from the former ruler which if they want to take part... or something under that... Second was the current ruler, and the third was... which was given to the Q council and the Royal Court, thought Céllistáh mentally trying to remember the authority system of their empire.

"As you already heard some that are part of the methodology that we will be using.... I'll be explaining the behind of this link-up and about the parchments which was founded by the former Arch-King. And his decision of why he wants you Your Highness than your own father the current ruler to handle this stuff.", said Kyrios Leo looking directly at Chervil.

"First. We'll discuss about this...," Thashie unwrapping the bunch of parchments that's wrapped in a lace fabric. "Since this is the reason why the link-up was made again going after this empire rejected the open-land with the west so many times in the past." The parchments looks neat and new as she carefully unwrapping it out. "This is the original parchments which your grandparents found more than a hundred of years ago on their journey to the Kingdom of Grey-Sea, MacQuíd."

As Thashie brought it up for everyone to see, Chervil recall something from his young self about a vivid memory of his father asking his grandmother why he couldn't read the one book that his grandfather lean on his son to learns, asking what the purpose of it when even him cannot make sense of its words, and asking why he himself doesn't learned it; and his grandmother's only replied, you choose your wife, your destiny, your life without knowing where your fate lies, and thus the book also chooses who will and can read it, and what it holds is where the reader's fate lies.

"The parchments which we distributed earlier to the councilors was a summarize copy from this book as a sign of solid evidence, since only few people can actually read this one.", Elder Avis said. He take it from Thashie flipping the pages and brought it to Chervil and Céllistáh to see. "Your grandfather said that he couldn't read this, however it's different when it comes with your grandmother. Because she could read it. Tho, it is a very special thing. And very specifics on whoever has the grace, I believe."

Chervil and the other look at the pages that elder Avis flip over which Chervil silently read:

{Zúlak ĕnďac affrāg tûrnic réďeŕl faľmuťe xayit

Găwřak țuýar nuķcoţyet įn àsteś čúwèr

Țipàh awgâshe vilãrey rűsart kaťsu zàpsaf muoat

Vanitš es lèàt intuĺel kaiģaff balâhùpoh

Xefűver pútsax munui uy sàéğbay te ëñyaí noťell

Näjaffè ut puteľu axeliś mùt ñòi noinpazaŕ

Énuch véyat questêt ghosa qéyauŕ}

"As far as I can recall when I was young it's not about making alliances. Or something about what to be done with Kingdoms and Empires.", he said looking at the elder.

"True. However, this book isn't an ordinary one.", said elder Avis. And further explain, "This is more like a warning, or more likely an instructions, or a letters from someone who knows what's happening and just needs to understand the old stories and stuff."

Chervil looked again at the words that he remember when he was a child and studied, and understand what it means which turns unsettling to his parents as they couldn't make sense of it. The words of what he understood turns out to be like a poem that says:

(Dying is not, gone is not

Death is not, yet similar

Wait, and you shall see

What you lost was not taking away from you

It is for you, yet for it as well to last longer than normal

For love is stronger, yet fragile when early

And solitude was just temporary, and is just for it to matures

Hence love is powerful, which death cannot hold

It is always with both, which is made as one

The moon is good and gracious, and is always there for its adored ones

When you meet the other, the alignment which was broken will align again

Wait and see, the path is clear

The stairs might be long, yet worth a trill

There, a fancy garden of gold and diamond flowers

And yet, chooses an almost dry and less fancy one

For the treasures is not made of gold and diamonds

Face the pain of the past

Live the purpose of the present

For the bright future ahead

And you will learn and see how it all aligned altogether.)

"I remember that I am the only one who can make sense of its words without any help with understanding the words, though its my first time seeing such words and language.", he said in a low voice but everyone can hear his murmurs.

"Well, I also did study that.", said Ulysses casually after taking a sip of his coffee. "My mother sure to gave me some understanding about what's behind the riddle poetry. Every stories has a little bit of truth, that's what my friends always say."

Aaliyah taking the white cat that Eilwe still hanging, and put it to her laps as it curl to a sleeping position. "The same goes with my father. My father couldn't make sense of its words when he tried to read it, but I could. And I did read that before as a test of my versatility which the third elder gaves to me.", she said.

Kyrios Leo was staring at Chervil silently who seem distracted with his thoughts about the parchments. And he sighs inwardly letting them converse. He glance at Eilwe from the corner of his eyes who walked toward the side where the small pantry were.

"Zà-Zàpsaf frģreśa tooț sètió mù-mùt moníť in dal-dalfèŕ-blah blahhblaah blah blahh... I don't understand!", Céllistáh said trying to understand the words. She could read some of the words, but understanding the words of what it says is making her crazy. "I think only those crazy people were the ones who knows what this means. I can't make sense of the words."

Snapping out of his reverie Chervil looked at the head of the table. "Could you read this and understand the words?"

"I could. However, I am different to most...", Leonard answered uncertain. He gesture his hand towards the elder who's at Chervil side. "Like what Neith said, only few can read and understand that. Only those who have the grace, for they are chosen by the book itself. The book would choose what you're allowed to read, and thus thy most understand what it means. But its different to some people. And I already memorized it since I could read all the pages, but I still don't know what some of it means yet. Like what the first few pages says which was:

("Good that remains, yet not so good to hold

Tales as ancient as the tempest

And yet not so primordial like epoch

Bearer of anamnesis, bearer of woes

Forget not, for thine are the fundamental one

Thy living was not so in vain

Curse is not, yet thy thoughts of it as one

Purpose is here, yet not always seen

Forgotten by many, yet not by fews

Uncleared memorial by fews, yet not by one

The one who knows all, yet not everything

Thy purpose is to live

Not in curse, but in doing the wishes

Do the works, for the ones forgotten is with you

What is forgotten, is not forgotten at all

For thine works is to fulfill the whispers of volition

For thine anamnesis is a life treasures of who thou most special one

Protect, not detriment

Guide, not mislead

The descendants, the ancestors, and the kins is in thine hands

Hence afraid not, for thou are not so alone.")

"Seriously!", said Céllistáh more confused. She flipped the parchments repeatingly to the first few pages to have a look, but she doesn't see anything. "Why it isn't appearing?", she asked.

Eilwe chuckled lightly listening to them while pouring some tea in the teacups which was at the troller where the snacks were placed. After then, he distribute it at the table where everyone was and still in session of explaining. And he say, "Well, probably because the book needs imaginations or people who saw something with great emotions, and since it was being written in dreams of someone... which we assumed."

"Then... if only few people can read and understand it more accurately, who translated these book to make a summarize copy from this?", asked Céllistáh.

The five people on the room raised their hands without hesitation in regard to what Céllistáh asked, including Chervil on which Céllistáh looked at him wide eyes and contorted face.

Chervil said glancing at her amused as he lowered his hand. "Not that I am with them. And I don't even know some of them until recently which was a coincidence. However, I did some translated one similar to this when I was ten or...," he explained thrillingly knowing her temperment ones they were back at the mansion. "Perhaps... when I was twelve years old which my grandparents gave and asked of me to do and learn."

August chuckled a little looking at Céllistáh whose face was like a woman being cheated by her lover for a long time and just discovered it now. He could see the betrayal, frustration and puzzlement of the situation on her face which give way even if she's trying to compose herself to hide it.

Leonard cleared his throat. He looked at Céllistáh and then at Chervil to get their attention. "The book called "Malachi To Guide The Will Graces One.", he said. "Thus, as its title stands, it is a guide that only those who have the grace are compatible to read and understand what was being written in full savvy. But still, you must grasp what you understand to know what it truly means, because it's hard to understand when you don't know the old folklore stories."

"If not being tampered.", Thashie added in a serious voice. "The stories of an elder ones were sometimes all based in reality.", she said looking at those who were at the table.

"Your grandmother was one of those who had the will of grace.", August said softly. He looked at Chervil with tenderness in his eyes that made Chervil wondered if they knew each other. "We deciphered it, and when we do have some sally of what your grandmother's will, your grandfather acted on it fasted which was a result of this link-up now. Your grandmother's will that the Malachi shows was about the empire's down falls, raise of the infernals, and allies making with one land to another and sharing a life to one another." He added in the end, "That includes being open minded with every possibilities and opinions of others."

"The book which was in the table was authentic, and it has one copy which was already deciphered by my family...,", he trilled, "And was now different from that,", said Leonard leaning at the elder's table looking at Chervil who was at the other end. "It was now kept at your mansion's library, which by the way was being put on there by your grandfather years after your official ceremony of being a crown prince."

Chervil stared at the book expressionless as everyone stared at him waiting to hear his reaction, but none. Céllistáh too was waiting for him to say something while sipping her tea, because as many questions as Chervil had then so does she, but hers could wait. After awhile Chervil looked up from the book to meet everyone's gazed, and to his surprised an encouraging look at their faces except for Thashie, Leonard, Eilwe and Avis who was expressionless staring at him.

He wants to ask so many questions but Chervil knows he won't be able to get it now, and he must wait until he reads the letter from his grandfather and ask his grandmother; at least that was his hunched before he could, maybe talk with the others especially the third elder.

A knock was then heard suddenly coming from the double door which interrupt Chervil's thoughts. Eilwe quickly went and opened the door, then came a young man wearing fine clothes and followed behind him was a young girl wearing something similar to a man who went in first excitedly as she bow.

"Looks like we're late,", said the young man scratching his head after he bowed. "Apologies everyone."

"Oh, no.", said August dismissing the young man's words by waving his hand. "Not at all, Zamier."

"We aren't late, their just early.", protested the young girl. She then pointed out her hand at the head table where Leonard and Thashie were currently standing. "Besides, his responsible for us being late. He purposely did it knowing we're just arrived here in Q Court! He made us walked through stairs! You know I would come that's why."

Thashie sighs and whispered to herself, "Fired up as always."

"I remembered you in her.", Kyrios Leo whispered covering his mouth to suppress a chuckles. "Glad to see that you're energetic as ever, Bellatrixe.", he said amused by the girl's complaints.

Zamier bowed again while holding the young lady's hand to restrain her from doing anything. "I'm very sorry about this little thing's rudeness.", he said and stood up. Then he gave a small smile as he said, "My sister just needs more comeuppance at home."

"Hey! That wasn't discourteous, big brother.", Bellatrixe said struggling to unhand herself, and when her big brother let go of her she went to the other side where the others were previously playing chess. She sat down facing the windows and crossing her arms under her chest, "I am being at my best attitude and being polite at that. Thank you. "

"Indeed. Considering the bloodline...", August commented playfully. Chuckling he added, "Yeah, Accusing seems to be like a small greetings, I assume."

As the door was already opened, a man wearing a gray suit and a white gloves entered the room. He went and stood beside Thashie who bowed at him, then a few seconds later following the man in gray suit was six people entering the second elder's quarter.

A young man who has a deep scars on his arms and neck visible since he only wore a clean commoners shirt and a green trouser, next to him was a vampire woman in her classic purple-black elegant dress who smiled upon seeing everyone; behind them were two man wearing a council robs in their late twenties and forties, then a young blonde-hair vampire girl and behind her was a man wearing an eye patch on his right eye who whispered something to the girl that made her flustered which made the man chuckled lightly.

They went into the chamber and found their spot inside where they sat or just stood waiting for their meeting to commence.

Chervil recognised the woman immediately as one of his acquaintance many long years ago, and also was the vampire girl whom he had met at one of the regale eight months off the time, which makes him confused and curious. What does Vella doing here? I thought she's busy with her theater acting career. And that young girl was Miss Élburgh, the heiress of her family's inheritance who vanished fifty-five years ago and just appeared eight months on that celebration. What was they doing here?, he asked himself. Is this worth their time? Is it really this one hell of importance to discuss?

He was surprised because they would discuss about the link-up with another land even though he doesn't make any decisions yet, like they've knew what his decision making. He still needs to read the letter and talk with his grandmother before he could make a clear decision; But perhaps they were just advance of their planning, and perhaps they were including him now to have a clear view of the matters. But why include a young girl at this meeting?

"Lady Marvella, Miss Faljha and Mister Armzile?", Céllistáh said in question looking at the lady then at the young girl before her eyes landed at the man behind the girl. "You were here too?"

"It seems we meet again my one that got away.", the man with an eye patch said realizing who she was who knows him. He bowed eyeing the Prince and walked to Céllistáh, "Hello, dear Céllis. And it seems we're fated to meet again, and always at times of meeting such as this too."

Ignoring him Céllistáh's eyes went on everyone in the room and realize something, these people were the highest rank of this empire's powerful family she noticed.

"Of course, dear.", Lady Marvella said bowing at them. She went over to Leonard, Thashie and the gray suit man then bowed as she said, "Greetings. On behalf of us my highest gratitude for letting us participate in this discussions regarding the procedure of the council tests and also the link-up of two empires."

"Same as we, Lady Marvella.", replied Thashie politely while the two man only nod their head.

Lady Marvella then went to where Bellatrixe was sitting and sat down beside her followed by the one eyed patch man who just stood leaning the window frame.

"Mmmm, I don't think we have met,", the girl said to Céllistáh as she walked to the tea table near the terrace door and window. And joining her was the scars man and the two human councilmans. "Well, besides His Highness who I acquainted eight months on Sir Tahpilul regale."

"Don't be so indifference now,", said the man who sat on the other side of her. He took one rose from the vase on the table and gave it to the girl, "Or do you want your crush to will be disappointed of you, Faljha."

"Shut up, you scars man!", Faljha snap out at the man who just grin at her amused. She ignored him giving her the rose.

The young man just smiled and shrugged. "Are we late,", said the young man who has scars on his arms and neck. He looked at the others, "Or were you all still in the middle of explaining to his Highness about things and stuff?"

"Not that late though." Leonard smiled, then glancing the grey suit man he said, "On the time, Karlt." He looked at Chervil after who seems wants to speak but decided not to by his face and his jaw as he observed him. "We're done.", he said, "The rest can be explain in the future, and also, his grandparents can explain things regarding some details once he read the letter and ask his grandmother, Docellia about it."

"Is that okay with you Your Highness if we cut the explaining about the parchments or the book that we were discussing at the time being?", questioned August staring at the parchment on his hand.

"Yes,", Chervil replied after some thought, "Well, since you all won't tell me anything aside the link-up and its methods. And I still needs to read the letter which my grandfather wrote... that I hope would give me some enlightenment of this matters, hence, also about the third elder, about you all who just surface now, and so does about the Malachi book."

"Very well,", Eilwe said going to stand next to Leonard after closing the door, "Let's be-"

"Only those who wait can understand more clearly,", said Bellatrixe suddenly interrupting Eilwe. She turned her head to Chervil who also turned to her and said calmly, "The enlightenment is worth of the wait, and of the future when you will be the one discovering it."

"Trixxy!", said Zamier asking his sister to stay quiet.

"Of course, Bellatrixe you're right about that.", said Leonard tenderly. He then addressed everyone in the room, "Lets now begin the real reason of this gathering. Everyone, the final decision can only be done by His Highness, and thus we decided to let him be part of this link-up discussion with his friend and trusted subordinates. Sir Owen given him a month to decide, and whatever his decision will be we'll need to understand and respect it. The outcome of it isn't his alone to hold. But let's hope that His Highness will be guided by the former teaching."

After Leonard finished addressing everyone he gestured the grey suit man to step forward. And as Karlt did so he said introducing himself, "Your Highness, I am Karlt... your grandfather's old acquaintance, and the one tasked to your Highness's sister learning about some things." Karlt could see Chervil's astonishment as he revealed it. "I will tell the locations of each test which will be proceeding if this is being approved by you. The others were just here as a representative of the underling Kingdoms of this empire. You can have their opinions on assessing you in your decision making."

Chervil listened to Karlt attentively while staring at him. He indeed remembered the man infront of him teaching his sister way back sixteen years of the past about plants, and teaching his sister about self defense by his grandmother's request, but after seven years of continuously teaching his sister he just then left without informing them, like he just vanished without any trace.

His grandmother then said after two weeks on one of his visits: "Don't bother finding him as he was done teaching your sister what she needed to survive now. You'll see him again in times to come."

But he wasn't expecting that time would be this one. Is Karlt also one of the Rose Paladines or not? One of the councilman might be? But his attire was like one of those formal attendant of the royal nobles, unlike before which his just like a normal noble professor.

"There will be three stages: the writing, the solving, and the survival skills which will be proceeding in this Southern Empire territory,", explained Karlt to the ones in the room gesturing his hand of what he said. "Plus the additional two bonus tests that only the elder and the elders of the Western Council only knows. This two tests bonuses is only to assist the main tests of what or where the participants knowledges limits. And only the elders knows when they would place the bonus tests."

August then gestured Karlt to look at the parchment he was holding after the grey suit man was done speaking.

"The first test that the elders and the head council agreed to was the solving that would be held on MacQuíd Kingdom three days after the western participants arrive.", said Leonard as he rubbed both his hands and down on the table for weight support of his body.

"Why not the writing first? Then, the solving, the last one was the survival,", asked Lady Marvella. "Isn't that the right coordinates?"

"Indeed. That's the right arrangements... But only in this empire.", answered Thashie.

"As you can see, the Southern and Western Council decided to conduct the tests not only in one place alone. Just like how its done on the Western Land, we'll be adopting theirs to ours. But only if this first trial succeeded here."

After he was done looking the parchment that August asked of him to take a look, Karlt once again said, "The main two tests can be exchanged with each other except for the survival skills which whatsoever happen must remain last. With this, the first test will be done on MacQuíd, which is the solving. The second test would be writing, and it shall be held on Dylarianion Kingdom. The homeland of the former Arch-Queen. And the survival skills will be held here in Questillia. We still haven't know where the exact place of the survival test would take place here."

August stood up from his chair and gestured Eilwe to clear the table which Eilwe obliged. After the table was cleared August then stood infront facing the others and Chervil.

"Mrs. Annus, please.", he said passing the parchment to Thashie who glared at him as she took the parchment to which he chuckled, "Stop with your glaring now. Sometimes I just forgotten how to address you, that's all."

Others could see how unplease Thashie was calling her that way while glaring at August like she would want to skin him alive.

Still glaring, Thashie walked beside him. "Stop being mischievous.", she said annoyed. She then raised her left hand over the table. "Are you done with this?", she asked August still annoyed while waving the parchment on her other hand who nodded at her before passing it on Leonard who then tore it to pieces.

"Virlàc Cizac Dailac Saiviclus.", said Thashie calmly closing her eyes. She then opened her eyes and slam her raised hand at the table, "Arcade conjurer: Land replication activate."

Red light appeared instantly then red line that form like a sketches of land.

Some of them looked at the table wide eyes and shocked, while other looked at it amazed.

Chervil couldn't compose himself looking at the table. He looked at it a little shock. First, he just saw a vast sketch of lines then the red line continue to stretch and change forms turning into different sizes and shapes, then after sometimes the formations stopped, and another formations starting to form again, and then after sometimes it form like a landscape and continue forming until Chervil realized as he saw what the final outline, which was a mapping sketch. Not just any map, it was a complete details sketch map of the whole Southern Empire.

"Wha-What kind of magic is this?", Céllistáh asked shocked looking at the table that's still proceeding. And when its done, "Ho-How, how could this be?"

Before Céllistáh or the other could add another questions, a soft gentle wind was what they feel even though the windows were shut closed soothing them in the process.

Chervil looked up from the table ignoring his second-in-command's questions and saw infront next to Thashie who moved to the side a little was the young man named August whose eyes were closed as the wind surrounding him. He saw August raised both his hands hovering the table as the wind continuously breezing around them, then after sometimes he noticed how the wind was strong around the man.

August slowly opened his eyes looking down at the table which has the full sketch map of the Southern Empire glowing in red, he then smirked.

'Arcade endowments is indeed one of a kind.', he thought while the wind spread above the sketching map obeying the gesture of his hands, and it was like being coon only within the table as it never went pass the edge.

He then said in a melodiotic like voice, "Song of Mirage: Nature Wind Hologram..."

Then, a soft voices of many that was like being carried by the wind was heard, but no one could ever tell if the voices belongs to a woman or to a man. They could not distinguish of which the voices belongs to. They could only hear a song like it was being carried by the wind, however, they couldn't seem to understand the meaning.

🎶"Hashla Lashhu elgaz faerta,

Verdi biirdela Ile Zelludea,

Ette etfa everr eve halsamaese,

Atzer berkall ilze masfa ette...

Zelladulla zamra elfa Ile kaeat,

Biirdela verdi elgaz faerta tallue,

Lazwe everr balzer ilte opaenae,

Zàpsaf verdi Ile verallwe etfa..."🎶

As they heard the song they could also see that something was happening on the table.

The red sketching lines of the map slowly dissipates and changed into one of those animated books that whenever you flip the pages it looks like it comes to life.

They then saw the lands becoming just like in reality: the busy people of harbor, shores, ships and boats, the sounds of waving ocean, the crushing of the seas water on the shores and cliffs in the western part of the empire, MacQuíd.

The vast sceneries of green grass lands, the people working lively, children's laughter while playing around, others were helping out their friends and family, the trees were swaying like dancing, the forest animals could also be seen running, hopping and playing around as they could also heard the sounds of it on the eastern part of the empire, Dylarianion.

And then on Questillia, as the most populated in the whole empire where most of the elites resides were the most audible as the streets, alleys and sidewalks were full of people, carriages and horses; Chervil and the others could also see the castles and palaces, the three council buildings of the three lands in the empire, the twin mountains, the vastly forest in the center the whole empire, the triplets river and water falls that's adjoining each other of the three lands. Moving.

And as the song ended and the wind subsided, the revealing views were like the whole table were the entire empire itself, like they were merely a watchers of everything as they looked the unfold events.

Chapter 22: The Meeting 3:Methodology about The Link-up Part 2

"WOWWW!" "HOW?!" "NICE HOLOGRAM SIMULATION!", exclaimed Bellatrixe, Céllistáh and Faljha at the same time when the whole process was done.

They all startled when the three ladies exclaimed at the same time. One was pure amazement, one was pure confusion while the other was cause by recognition and excitement.

Bellatrixe jump out of her seat and went closer the table beside Thashie. She then tried to touch it but to her disappointment her hand just went through. "Eh?", she frowned. "Why it slip through?"

Upon seeing Bellatrixe whose hand just went pass the moving images on the table Céllistáh couldn't help but did the same copying the young girl. She wave her hand on the images bewildered looking at it and her hand. "But how?", she asked.

"It's just a holographic.", explained Faljha while walking towards the table. "It's a dimensional graphic illusions that makes you believe its real." She also did the same as Céllistáh and Bellatrixe has done and just like what they saw happened on Trixxy and Céllistáh's hand, hers too went passed the images. "Its a realistic illusions. A three-dimensional projector of images from interference patterns which produced by a slit coherent beams of radiations."

Aaliyah chuckled hearing Faljha explaining the empire's holographic map infront of them. "Though you're much younger than me you have the knowledge of which even I couldn't grasp.", she said looking down at the busy land of MacQuíd harbours, shores and towns. "I just knew that its a miniture fabricated landscape of this empire... How come you know, even the definitions?"

Faljha gave a smile and said, "Well, being gone and missing for half a century in society's eyes brought knowledge, I guess... You should try it too."

"If I did that my father would be more distress than he already was. Worst, crying like a child without any shame.", said Aaliyah shaking her head remembering the past. "It would be a good riots at the mansion, much more than when I leave for eight years of compromise journey."

"Oh. Uh, I think you're right...", Faljha nodded. "But this...", she said gesturing at the alive holographic map astonished, "I just knew about the holographic images, but this...this were moving and alive."

"Its a "Fabrication Holographic Map Animated Simulation" or the "FHMAS" which simulated in real live.", said Karlt explaining to them. "Thus, as the word imply "Live simulation", and what we are seeing right now here was what's been also going on in each lands of this time."

"The third elder, my dear one doesn't really that good about direct action and rather put some important thing into consideration. And with that in mind, we came up to as much thoughts of how we would be explaining it the easiest way which comes to these now.", said Kyrios Leo to them. "It is to and for preparation of explaining the methodology process to his Highness. And not just him but to some others as well whom we need to explain this stuffs further for its deeper understanding, and consideration of the past King's well."

"Uh, I've heard about such term from my mother before,", said Ulysses tapping his chin with his finger, "But I never knew that it was something like this. Amazing, indeed!"

August then said while holding at the table edge, "Indeed amazing.... But it is so tasking to make, and yet we only achieve the ninety percent of its fruition which not that bad at first try."

"But how?", Céllistáh asked again. She's been racking her brain for something she might find out, but none could come out other than, which she believes when she was young. Magic! "What kind of trick or thing did the both of you used? How can you make this holographic live simulation map, and I think its only possible if I get the answer through the impossible which is magic?"

Lady Marvella and the other who came in with her were amaze by how she, Céllistáh concludes the possibility of it being magic, that some of them also thought of. Though, they might be friends and acquaintances but only that, no direct or deeper connections of the third elder except for maybe one or two of them, so they also doesn't know about some thing because there were limits closeness with the third and second elders, and their underling is as well. Lady Marvella and the others are merely like an acquaintances unlike those who were around the table. She and the others too were amazed and couldn't believe what they saw. And yes, they couldn't seem to thought of others other than "magic" that the second-in-command of the Prince also said.

"This is not a simple thing as magic, Lady Céllistáh.", said Miss Faljha indifferently. "Though I haven't know what categories of-"

"Arcane Magic."

They looked up hearing their Prince suddenly said interrupting Miss Faljha while staring down at the living holographic simulation map.

He then looked up too looking straight at his front where Karlt and the other stood looking also at him. His eyes first went to Thashie and August who preform the insoluble mértier, and to Eilwe and Karlt who just stood there, then his eyes narrowed at the last person who's lips twitching while staring at the live holographic simulation.

"Oh, have you heard such thing, Your Highness?", questioned Kyrios Leo while looking his eyes up at him. "The arcane thing, I mean?"

"A friend of mine from my distant past...", answered Chervil still staring at Leonard. "My friend told me about a strong and strange like unusual fields... that my friend said has a deep arcane enchantments of which shouldn't exist. My friend also said about the mysterious barrier surrounding the specific places in the empire, and there were those six magnitudes' stars living with us but we don't even know or notice. Well, I don't really believe at such, however, my friend does. And that friend of mine was a sensitive one of almost everything."

"Your friend must be one of a kind.", Leonard nodded acknowledging what Chervil has said, he then said, "Arcane Magic? Though almost the same but no. This is not what you understand and thought it was, Your Highness. However, I could not say the specific understanding of what it is that they used. The words I can say of it is "Endowment" or "Inborn Gifts " just like some of your kind, Your Highness."

"Some human also has the gift you remember, right?", said Ulysses referring to his aunt Chervil's grandmother. "Though not the same as your kind, Your Highness."

At that, he remembered when he was young his grandmother could call the untamed animals of the forest with just the sound of her flute which made him and his siblings amazed.

"That aside-", said Karlt and stopped. "Whoopsy... That was close.", he said while catching and supporting August from falling on the ground. "Are you alright, August?"

"I could just ask someone to send you on the mansion so that you can have a rest.", said the second elder walking towards them.

Trying to steady his stance, August just waved his hand while shaking his head, "No. This was just the after effect of what I've done. And its only because I used something I wasn't that acquainted yet. Combining both and all without synchronization properly with the four forces was tiring."

Karlt and elder Avis then helped him to sit on the couch with Lady Marvella as he asked them.

"Hey, everyone,", said Thashie gaining everyone's attention and she turned to Leonard who nod at her and stepped forward, "Let's continue with the matters at hand. Sir August will be just fine."

Leonard then said, "Let's now start with the solving methods for the first exams. Thashie."

Thashie who moved back and sat on top of the elder's table sipping tea which she asked Eilwe to hand her one. "Yeesss...", she sang answering. She then raised her left hand infront, and the whole landscape at the table changed suddenly to the west side of the empire.

They could see the sceneries of the holographic map changed from a whole land of the Southern Empire to a specific area of landscape. The busy harbor, the merchant's ships from the west, the sailoring people's boats, the people at the bays, towns and villages could also be seen: And yet, it changed again into more specific and remote place where they saw a vast area and a stone mansion on the hill, and behind it was a high cliff overlooking the vast horizon of the ocean; At that, it changed again, however, the place was the same but they were like looking at the mansion and the cliff from the ocean as they could see under the high cliff there's a huge hole-like-cave, and inside were boats and a two big ships full of cobwebs and dust.

The scene on the holographic map was actually divided into two separate places, one was the high cliff hill, while the other one was on the not so remote area of the harbor where only few were permitted to be there: And on the secluded place of the harbor were a big ship just like the two ships on a cliff cave, but this one was of aristocratic design and with almost on the same conditions, full of dust but no cobwebs unlike the two ships at the cliff cave.

"That whole vast area along the hillcliff was and is owned by the Élburgh family, so does the two big ships under the cliff's cave,", said Leo pointing at the cliff holographic simulation and then at the one on the harbor holographic simulation, "And these one ship over there was owned by Arch-Grand Duke Alphonse Viéche."

"Everyone, those three were the ships we shows here are the ones we'll be using for the first test,", Karlt said walking from the couch and stood beside Kyrios Leo, "The first test which is solving will be done on a ships in the middle of the sea, and three council personnel encluding the elder shall be accompanying the participants on each ships for the test scoring."

"The exam scoring shall depends on the elder who accompanied them on the ship, whether the elder decides it to be an individual scoring, be it a groups' scoring, or even as a whole group scoring,", Leonard said, "Either of the three which was mentioned or even all of the above as long as it does carry out and have the solving category, then it's fine."

"Are the other personnel and the elders left in waiting at land would be doing something like this holographic simulation thing to monitor the going on test?", Chervil asked Leonard and Karlt but they don't seem to answer to his question as the two man only kept silent. Not all bothered.

"It shall depend, Your Highness.", Thashie replied instead sipping her tea. "As what you observed, Sir August became weak after using what he did as he was not that acquainted with what he does.", she said.

"But not you." Chervil narrowed his eyes at the girl on the table.

'His sharp!', thought some of them in the room.

At that, Thashie grinned after sipping from her cup. She then jumped down from the table and put her cup down on its saucer, then she lift her long skirt after up to her knees. "I may appears to be alright, but as you can see Your Highness I couldn't barely stand properly. Mine might be different but it still takes a tool on my energy and physical state. Consequences is a must for the thing I used, Your Highness."

They saw how her right leg never stops from shaking ferociously after she lifted her skirt to show them what she meant. And they looked shocked looking at her. How could she stand like normal without a struggling look shown on her face? How can a girl on her age didn't even say about her condition? She even acted normally and just carry out her tasks? Even make a smile, and she was like playing around?

"If it weren't for the preparation and the hard training that we need to acquired, then I would likely probably have collapsed after using the "land replication" which an energy consuming thing.", she added leaning on the table after she lowered her skirt.

Leo turned and walked toward her, sans words he lifted her up and made her sit again on top of the table. He then pull something from his trouser pocket and put it on the tea cup that was hers to which Eilwe poured more tea into it sans any instruction. And in a voice so calmed and yet a little stern, Leonard said after, "Sit. Thy task has finished, thus thou art now is to sit and rest while drinking tea. Thy shall just change the holographic views if we say so. Sit and don't stand."

He handed her the cup of tea which she took without words or even argue that she always does. Then he walked back standing beside where Karlt was who just stood there looking at them expressionless and just made a short nod at Leonard when their eyes met.

"Does what Miss Priselz showed answered your question now, Your Highness?", asked Karlt.

Chervil calmly nodded. "It did."

Thashie sipped her tea in silence while looking down averting everyone's gaze in the process. And on her side, Eilwe who's holding back his chuckles knowing they were in a meeting coughed lightly and then smirked glancing at Thashie.

"Then, let us continue explaining,", Karlt said proceeding on where they left, "In addition to what Kyrios Leo had said, the solving too would be expected to have different characteristics but within the same solving category. For example: the first ship would to identify the riddle given to them which we'll be able to assist their knowledge in books, the second ship would have to solve some mystery that shall be happening within the ship which we'll be able to assist their sharp minds, and the same thing would be on the third ship as I explain with the first and second ships. Or it shall be the same in every ships, it depends."

"How many days will the whole test be proceeding?", asked the scarred man tapping his lips with his four-finger. "The estimations of it to end?"

"One thirty-two hours...", said Leonard unsure, "Or maybe less than that, Snithy."

"Almost six whole days!", exclaiming he slammed to his chair like losing his strength. "Less a week but almost a week... Haaahh."

"Its still shall depends on the elders and council's personnels of both empires.", added Karlt. "It was just an estimation for now."

While Chervil and the others were continuesly grasping what they heard and understand the system of the council examination that was part of the link-up methods with the Western Empire;

Céllistáh, however, was having a strange feeling that there was something happening somewhere like her instinct is telling her to go home which she doesn't understand.

She couldn't understand the unsettling feeling as she tried her best not to be notice. She pulled out a chain from her pocket that has a half of the four pointed star pendant and just touching it to calm herself. It's her way of calming her nerve by touching her half four pointed star broken pendant since the accident happened fifty more long years ago which gave her a sence of comfort at certain times. She tried her best to calmed her uneasiness as she listened not too attentively at what was it which they discussed.

"A week is fine tho,", said the eye patch man. His helping August by massaging the hands whose lying at the couch, "than it is waiting for a months, a years or even a centuries without certainties."

August hearing his friend couldn't help but chuckled, "Stop reminiscing the years ago, will you? Your lady was just journeying herself to find her way back to us. You'll see her again someday, Herdille... Perhaps?"

"Why perhaps turn a question?"

"Because it is a question. Remember when she said you need to take care of everything while she's not around, and you also shall taking care of her younger brother until she comes back-"

Herdille raised his brow. "Is that also why you're still waiting and even watching over the young master?", he asked interrupting what August has to say, "You know my lady would gladly accept your offer of going along with her if you just say so before she vamoose unto the unknown-"

"Ahemm-Ahemm!", clearing his throat Leonard then narrowing his gaze while looking at them, "If I may, this is not the right time for story telling, gentlemen."

Herdille grinned and said, "Apologi-AWW! HEY!"

"What's WITH YOU GORMLESS SON OF-WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH MY SHIRT, YOU DARN IT!!!", said Elder Avis angrily looking at August who only grinned at them espiègle.

Looking up Herdille grinned scratching his head and appeared to apologize, but when August who immediately sit upright causing him to hit Herdille with his leather shoes by the chest, and elder Avis's coffee that he asked Eilwe to gave him while sitting on an armrest at the head side of August was also hit by his hand causing it to spilt on his white long sleeve shirt and Herdille shirt and trouser which caused a little commotion that also caused Lady Marvella and some others to gave a light laugh.

"I wonder if he does that on purpose,", wondered Eilwe looking at the scene with raised brow, "Or he just acted because of how mischievous he is."

"Yap! Mischievousness, no doubt about that.", amused Thashie said at his side, "I wonder if his one of us... Or we are like him."

"Ain't they embarrassed?", whispered Miss Brooklyn.

"I don't think embarrassment is what they should be concerned about.", said Zamier in a low voice glancing at the head of the table. "That, if they have some mindset which I doubt now."

Faljha, Ulysses, Trixxy, Aaliyah, Snithy, Céllistáh and the two human councilmans were all having the same thought as Zamier when they saw Leonard's smiling expression which told them that those three were in huge trouble because it never reached his eyes or his genuine one.

Karlt then said after ignoring the little commotion, "The time we said now were just an estimation since it was also the time spent on the Western Land, and base on the examination characteristics the solving and the survival test were the longest time spent than the writing skill which can be done within just a few hours or day. But, ladies and gentlemen, please do keep in mind that the writing and the solving can be exchange with one another. And the explanation, the methodologies will remain still, about the use of the ships will remain be, whether its a solving or a writing test which would be done on MacQuíd Kingdom."

"Then, how about at Dylarianion? What kind of methodology does the tests of the council be there?", Chervil asked instead. He watched what was unfold infront of him which he found them unpredictable, like their all are the highest and most respectful people in the empire and yet they're all acting like a fools now. Their like ordinary people in his empire who without position or having any ranks in society. "Where would the examination be proceeding there?"

"The place of the exam consist of three lands at Dylarianion Kingdom. And the participants on the exam would be the ones to make a choice by voting individually with a majority rules.", Karlt who seems not bothered with his side and everyone answered the Prince's questions.

Kyrios Leo added ignoring the little commotion like they never exist, "Thus, all of them must choose where they would like to be taking the exam within the three selection places, and the highest voting of the three places will be the selected place of their examination."

"Where's the three places?", asked Bellatrixe curiously looking at the holographic map waiting for it to change again.

"Okeey-dokeey.", Thashie said suddenly. She was just talking to Eilwe about the experiment that she and the others were conducting, and possibly be done within a few years to come. She then raised her hand again and flick her fingers this time three times which made a clicking sound as she said, "Change..."

The holographic simulation views changed obeying her commands, which shown three separate locations that the participants must select by voting individually, the people in the room were having a strange expression like they were trying to figure out why its the preferred locations which the council wants the participants to chose from.

As the location changed in to its next phase, and when the third location was seen Chervil recognize that the third location was an old mansion background of his uncle's family portrait who's one of an earl and living in Dylarianion has on one of his painting collections, hence, he remembered that the painting family portrait

was a special gift from someone important his uncle's wife said to him before.

First shown location was a graveyard, but this graveyard was not for the royalties, nobilities or aristocratic families, nor it is even a graveyard for commoners the lower class people in the empire, as the shown graveyard was of slaves. Slaves who was killed, abducted, abandoned; slaves who were tortured and ended up dead by their masters, mistresses, and those from slaves house were being buried in this graveyard.

The slaves graveyard was located at Dylarianion near the border of the Eastern Empire. An Arch-Grand Duke of Dylarianion Kingdom took the initiative and made a request to the council to provide and approve a graveyard only for slaves since the higher society doesn't want to take slaves into burial and just dumped them in the forest or some other places to be rotten and be eaten by the forest animals; thus, the council implemented a new laws, however, the grave of a slaves must only have a cross and not even a coffin is allowed, and mustn't have any gravestone or any names on it.

Through the holographic map they were able to see what's happening at the graveyard location: Nine man slaves were digging holes after holes as the personnel assigned to overlook them were hitting them hard when they are to rest or stopped digging, and two of the slaves couldn't take it anymore collapsed to the ground with no sign of breathing. And when the personnel finished checking conforming the two collapsed slaves man are dead, the personnel then kicked them off in one hole they were making and he angrily ordered the other slaves there to cover the hole, which the slaves obliged immediately but with hesitation by the way they're looking at each other.

"Bella...", Zamier said realizing that his younger sister was with them. However, when he look for his sister to remind her not to tell about what she saw here when they go back on the mansion as one of their companion would probably don't like it; but she was already has her eyes blocked by Faljha.

His youngest sister was like a sheltered child who doesn't know about the shadiness of the society they lived in with, unlike his other younger siblings who's already on their age to fulfilled their respective duties: Bellatrixe, however, was always accompanying their friends and acquaintances, and thus she wasn't aware and allowed to explore the ugliness of their empire yet, because of such person whom they couldn't afford to let know of.

"It's better not to see this, and you know why, right Trixxy? Just wait until they finish explaining that certain area." Faljha whispered.

Chervil could hear what Faljha was whispering on the girl's ear while covering Bellatrixe with her hands whist pulling the girl with her to where elder Avis and the others were sitting, and blocked the girl from seeing the unfold event of the graveyard.

The second view was like a forest with a huge and the most longest living tree ever of their empire. A huge ancient tree inside the forest of the palace ground at Dylarianion is believed to be both sacred and notorious place there is, and only a handful of people could enter and ever a few was able to be where the ancient tree. The place is like a living dream as many wild animals, wild mushrooms, wild plants and wildflowers blooming around there with different colours illuminating lights; that even under the falling leaves of autumn, and the innocent slumbering white covered skeleton trees of winter, the heart of the forest where the ancient tree was standing tall would not be swayed by the cycle of season.

"That was the place where we welcome the opening ceremony of the festival...", murmured Céllistáh to herself and when realisation hit her she looked up meeting Chervil's gaze.

"It's a forbidden place for some reason.", confirmed Chervil. "And the only person who knows the right pathway towards the center where we'll be able to find that sacred place was the former Arch-Queen, my grandmother."

The third one was an estate. A beautiful and yet small white old mansion stood inside the place adorned with the most poisonous flowers there is in the land of Dylarianion and empire. The estate has many unique postures of trees and so many treasures scattered around the place like gold bars, gold, silver and bronze coins, precious gemstones, pearls, trees with gold as its leafs, blooming flowers with diamonds inside, and many others which is very tempting to have.

"Isn't that a place we visited years ago along with your sisters, and the third elder right?" Lady Marvella asked Zamier.

"Indeed... That's the place.", answered Zamier looking at the mansion which he smiled remembering the time they visited the estate, and almost like they wouldn't be able to get out of there. "The blissful curse estate...", he said.

Elder Avis snort, "It's not a curse estate for the love of the moon and stars, Zamier; It's because you're a vigilant visitor who wants to touch everything you ever laid eyes on."

Others who have heard about the place looked up at Zamier and elder Avis, and at Kyrios Leo who smile mysteriously hearing it, thus he said to them explaining further about the method that they are using for the council examination link-up with the Western Empire.

"Why of all many places you higher-ups could've chose you choose the most dangerous, and even the most shadious parts of this empire." Faljha then asked returning to the table after the explanation was done.

"Its because hiding the ugliness with false beauty isn't going to solve things." Chervil said to her whisperedly.

"And thus, that shall conclude with this matter about the link-up and its methods,", Karlt said to everyone but his eyes were on Chervil, "For any of you who wants to ask anything about something regarding what we've discussed here, please just go to the head council or elder Avis for some informations."

Leonard suddenly clap his hands again for the second time upon arriving as he said, "With that, this meeting is now done.", as he is about to make an exit.

He and some others was about to leave as they stood up and walked behind him toward the door, but he stopped and turn his gaze back at Chervil whose staring at them and most pecifically at him.

"Ye must be not trusted us, my Prince... But fear not for we not here to harm this land, and nor we thine foes... Ye shall see me again as me now in near tomorrow when everything fall into chaos. We, the Rose Paladines ain't under this empire's commands, however, we're here to improve and to fulfill the promises we made to thine ancestors.", he then said to him before leaving the room along with Eilwe who's helping August, Faljha, Aaliyah with the cat in her arms, Herdille, Zamier and his sister who only greets their Prince and Céllistáh then excuses themselves.

* * * * * * * * *

"You're old enough to have that pouting face, Céllis."

"I am eight years younger than you, Your Majesty!", said Céllistáh trying to calm herself.

They were on their way back to the room where they would and shall be staying for the night as Chervil prefer to leave the Q Court tomorrow before dawn. Céllistáh, however, wanting them both to leave the Q Court immediately after the meeting about the methodology of the link up with Elder Avis and the representatives of the third elder ended as she feels something unsettling in the mansion which she doesn't understand which she forgotten a while back.

"I don't like your tone of speech.", Chervil told her in a hard tone.

Céllistáh knows him well that he doesn't like the title "Your Highness" and "My Prince" especially the "Your Majesty" thing being addressed to him by his closest friends and relatives; In which she would use to annoyed him everytime she wants to get the point out.

"Céllis... Tomorrow we shall be, but we'll rest here tonight."

"I told you...", Céllistáh said to him pouting. "We have to leave now! I'm having a bad feeling."

They are about to turn left where their room were when a man, a human councillor ran towards them, asking them to wait while waving his hand that's holding something.

"What is it?", asked Chervil as the man heave for breathe.

The man hand over the letter as he catched his breath while speaking. "The letter... It arrived a couple of minutes ago... From... From the man named Gelax. He said... His your... Butler."

Chervil read the handed letter and after doing so, he told the councilman to prepared their horses at the back exit of the council. His aura and expression is some what dangerous after reading the content of the letter, Céllistáh observed. He went to their room and gather the paper which is important along with the other documents there.

Céllistáh too did the same, but she doesn't know why Chervil change his mind after reading the letter that cause to change his decision suddenly.

And his demeanor turn sharper which she only seen twice. Before.

"What was the letter is all about?", she asked wondering.

But Chervil doesn't answer her and just walk out of the room went to the back exit where their horses are waiting, thus before he start the horse to run he pass the letter to Céllistáh who is already done claiming her horse and was about to start.

She took it and watch just as Chervil's horse started galloping away leaving her there. She sigh. Chervil only done this kind of stuff if something dreadful happens at the palace or at his own mansion. She read the letter and saw why Chervil was so haste a moment ago. Céllistáh then ride her horse after reading the letter to catch up with Chervil.

{Your Highness, Prince Chervil

My Prince, your young head maid miss Daisy are in critical condition right now. She has wounds allover her body and her body back has more because she was whipped more than a hundred times by your guests as she was trying to protect the little girl Ellvinah. She warned me not to go near while your guests were there. She also said not to write anything and not report to you as she thought it'll be just a disturbance to you and your meeting, but her conditions are worsening every second.

Therefore, I write to you Your Highness to make sure you know what happened to her, and for you to come back immediately after your meeting on Q Court.

Another thing, the little girl Ellvinah was taken by your guests somewhere to Isle Valley.

Hence, I'll be waiting and will accept your punishment the way you see it fit for this situation.

Gelax.}

Chap 23: Lizarbecue.

After exiting from the second elder's chamber Leonard walked through the long hallway to go to the third elder's chamber. Turning to his left he walked pass the chamber for the second and third elder's assistant, and straight up to the end wall where a human size portrait was there occupying the wall.

The portrait was of a huge tree in the middle of an island like with a bridge, which the island was in the middle of a lake. The huge tree bears so many flowers with different colours and its petals were transparent like glass. The portrait shows a tea table set up with six chairs underneath the huge tree, and there were nine people in total smiling including a small boy on the other side leaning the huge white beast like winter cat, bigger than of human size napping. And there were one bed covered in petals and some plants crawled its way on the bed foot beside the napping beast. On the bed lays a lady with her eyes closed. Her skin was as pale as white as the snow in northern land. Her hair was long and shiny like silk, and gold in colour. She was like sleeping there peacefully like- without any care of her surroundings.

It was a detailed painting of a place which no one would believe it to be a real place, but he, Leonard knows that the place on the portrait was a real place as he went and been there quite often in the past.

Leonard's mouth twitched upward facing the painting infront of him. He had told his sister before to take it off as its huge and not suited in the council wall, but as stubbornness runs in the family; the portrait was still on the wall. Not took out or even changed.

He then heard noises and foot step behind him walking nearer, and he turned, hence, he already knew who it was.

"What were you doing standing at the door front?" He heard Aaliyah asked walking towards him with the others. "Enjoying the painting?"

"It seems she didn't take it off after all.", commented Miss Laùreth Élburgh upon seeing the painting. "Fascinated by Lifpà's gift as always. Its truly beautiful."

"Indeed, and yet disturbing at the same time." he said turning back his gaze at the portrait.

Aaliyah was walking infront beside Thashie and Karlt, and behind them were the others: Miss Laùreth Élburgh, Faljha, Mister Armzile- the man with an eyepatch, and Zamier with his sister Bellatrixe, Ulysses and Eilwe who's helping August, and Herdille- the scars man on his neck and arms.

"It seems all is here." He observed.

"Their're here to see the mark on your eyes.", said Thashie nonchalantly making the others confused and intrigued. "It is worth to see."

Walking towards her, Leonard lift her chin up with his slender fingers and their eyes met, leaning forward to her, "They're not worthy to even have a glimpse of it- of what you saw.", he said, and he could see Thashie's lips twitched as she just stood there doing eye to eye with him. "You cannot embarrassed me, darling."

"Oh. That so..." Without warning Thashie stumped on his foot hard and shoved him into the painting and vanished. "Get inside already! Stop looking the past, you gormless one."

"Really, Thashie! Tu melius gratias ago quod te amo, non obstante importunus me!"

They then heard the voice complaining on the other side which made those who understood to giggled, and they all went following Karlt, Aaliyah who just smiled, Bellatrixe who laughed, Thashie whose face seems annoyed but turn into light pink, and Miss Laùreth who teased the girl as they went inside the third elder's chamber.

* * * * * * * * * *

As the others left the room Elder Avis then sank down in his chair behind his desk unbuttoning two of his stained white long sleeves shirt. He took a files in the drawer under his desk and passed it on the two man who still in his chamber along with Prince Chervil, Céllistáh, and Lady Marvella who still didn't left and have some conversations with themselves.

"Give this files to Lady Velsa and ask her to check it and send it back to me." He said glancing at the prince and the others as he notes the prince was stealing glances at their direction- like his observing them. Elder Avis twitched his lips at that, 'No wonder that man wants this guy.', he thought. "She knows what she needs to do with it."

After taking the files from the second elder one of the man said, "Sir, Lady Aria asked me to pass a message for you,", Elder Avis nod and asked the man to continue, and the man says, "She said, the preparation was done for the Hollow Banquet and the invitations will be sent out in four days, while the invitations to the nobles and aristocrats of our two lands will be sent overmorrow by Miss Clairry and Miss Brooklyn."

Elder Avis nodded. "Hitpose, when you go down to the seventh floor ask Mister Wiley about the investigation occurring in Dylarianion and McQuaid about the thirty-eight missing young ladies in total now, aged fifteen to twenty-one to keep investigating until further notice along with the two special elites that the third elder will be assigning to them.", he said. His gaze then turned to the other man, and he said, "Henryson, please ask Mytilus to inform everyone in the crews except those who were here awhile ago."

"Yes, Sir elder.", said the man named Henryson, while the other one named Hitpose just nodded and the two bowed then left closing the double door of the room as Elder Avis dismissed them.

"Lady Marvella,", called the second elder that made the lady to turn at his direction, "Why you didn't go with them?"

"Come now my love,", said Lady Marvella smiling and wave her hand in the air, "Ought I always stay with them? Nay! I am planning of venturing the town with Lady Brooklyn."

"Tonight?"

She nodded. "Indeed. Tonight at Tempest Zik Street.", she said and winked.

A knock came and the door opened slightly then Miss Brooklyn's head popped inside who smile at them. "Apologies for the disturbance. Lady Marvella I'm done with my tasks here. I shall accompany you now."

"Oh, Okay!" Marvella then stood up immediately and said her goodbye to Elder Avis, Céllistáh and Prince Chervil who just nodded, and she's gone.

"I'll just go and change my shirt." After the lady's gone Elder Avis stood up and went at the side where there's a divider used for changing clothes. While changing he said, "Too much question in mind right now. Am I right, Your Highness? Lady Céllistáh? Unfortunately, though there are questions that I can not answer myself for I don't really know. So, at that I apologize in advance. And my advice for your curious mind is that you open and read the letter from your grandfather and make your decision clearly, and the rest will come to you."

Chervil and Céllistáh knew it by now that it would be the same as with Ulysses. Céllistáh sigh as it never happened before. Its some kind of puzzle which her friend's grandfather wants him to continue, thus, by then, solve it... with the guarantee of unknown..?

"Second elder, what is your involvement with these all?" Céllistáh asked as Elder Avis walk out of the changing divider unto the long table where she and Chervil sat. "I don't believe you don't have any involvement in this matter, Sir."

Avis then sat down looking at Céllistáh before he open his mouth, "That I have, Lady Céllistáh. Though my only involvement was to agree on what they discussed, and with what I know was right of that time that also would benefit the future which is this now. And safekeep things that I should be going to deliver, so does the letter from His Highness grandfather... Thus to some others too."

Chervil was on his own reverie about Leonard which he somehow saw those eyes before from someone whom he'd acquainted long ago on his youth as just like the man on the portrait outside the second elder's chamber. And thus, he remain silent.

"How about his grandmother then?", asked Céllistáh again. "Was the former Queen knew of this?"

She doesn't understand things quite well regarding the agreements of the past. She's trying to weight off something in her head which her elder sister said to her before which involves the former Arch-Queen, and thus, she keeps asking about the former Queen involvement with the matters.

Elder Avis thought for sometimes and proceed on saying looking directly at them, "I am might be older than you, and yet I am much younger than your grandparents. The affirmation that you're seeking from me shall be answers by the former Queen. Your grandmother, the former Arch-Queen was and is the foundation of the former Arch-King's decision making that lead to this current one."

"Why it have to be with his grandmother? Why couldn't you just tell him?", asked Céllistáh again almost becoming agitated. "And those thing they did. How could they do it? What kind of abilities were those? I knew you-"

"Enough, Céllist."

Chervil who had enough of Céllistáh questioning the second elder who as he observed was being patient with such so many questions thrown at him which he knew that wasn't like the second elder. He just cut off his reverie and focus on the one infront of him. Looking at the second elder he reminded himself of Dion's lazy and yet powerful demeanor, or it was Dion whom he remembered of the second elder.

"I have a question. I also asked Ulysses about it awhile back, but he didn't gave me satisfaction replied." He proceeded on saying and saw the second elder nodded at him. "Can you tell me about the third elder? Anything, as to why my grandparents put their trust on this myth of an elder?"

At that elder Avis sip the coffee-blood on the table that was prepared earlier which is cold by now.

"The third elder was not a myth.", he said after sipping his cold coffee. "The third elder's family or those few connected to their families whom they trusted who were the only ones that can tell which person is of the title. The third elder's families are living just like the citizens of this empire. Watching all and helping people their own way. They're living as normal people with wealth and power in their hands but instead of boosting it to everyone, they hide it from everyone and just let few known. Whom they trusts. They weren't that greedy people. Thus, that's why they were intrusted by the former ruler, your grandparents."

"And those they did?", questioned Chervil. "Were those magic?"

"Yes. And no." Elder Avis supporting his chin with both his hands while explaining to them. "Yes. August used some sort of illusion spell which made it alive in some way. He used water and wind. Water for live reflection images and wind to carry the actual sound. However, the very foundation of the water mirror spell was what Thashie did. And no. Thashie didn't used spell, but her own gift as what we call it. But they call it endowment or inborn gifts. Though unlike us who only has one gift, the endowments person can have two or more abilities—unique ones. The thing Thashie used was part of her endowment. The art of arcade; Landscape replication."

He took out his pocket watch and look at the time then sigh inwardly. He wasn't used being questions and his tolerance was so low when it comes to it, but here he was answering questions. It feels like an interrogation from the prince to him. He sigh again inwardly. "What they did earlier was just an example to your Highness, and Lady Céllistáh not to be oblivious in the future... if they are to do it again."

He couldn't help but think about a few weeks ago when he loses the bet of chess against the third elder's youngest siblings; And thus, the punishment was whoever loses the game should obey whatever the winner would to ask. He was so confident that he could win but it only took three steps and he loses, therefore, this is they asked of him as a punishment. They knew that he is not fond of this punishment if it weren't for the elder's youngest sibling he wouldn't agreed with this arrangements. He could only sigh thinking about it.

"Were they like us? Vampires?", asked Céllistáh looking at the elder in front of them speaking like it was just an old story to him. "Or humans perhaps."

"Yes, perhaps... They are. And they are not."

Chervil frown leaning forward the table, "What do you mean by perhaps they are, and they are not?"

"The third elder and their direct family weren't really Vampires, hence, some.. no. They are the oldest of old souls thing. A human, they are. I cannot tell you what's their specific line, because I'm sworned to secrecy along with the others. However, almost those under the third elder's command were vampires. There's also what they called Normal, Halfling, Highbreed, Changeling, Pureblood. It categorizes like that by the third elder." The second elder said in not so clear statement, "And asides from that I could not say more about the categorising thing as only the third elder can answers all about those subjects."

"How about Princess Aaliyah, Zamier and the others?", Céllistáh couldn't help but asked while pointing at the door. "The painting on the wall outside? My father was there too."

"Ah, I see.. You mean the portrait outside. I think you already have the answers to that. Didn't you Lady Céllistáh? Your Highness?", answered elder Avis. "Your father along with the others were acquainted with the third elder. Leonard, and those who went out following him earlier were the ones who had close connections with his family, along side with your grandparents and few of your friends. They knows the third elder as I did."

"Then, why not us?", questioned the Prince.

"That's because of the chaos happened fifty more years ago. In order for them to live and have just a little peace they withdraw from public, tho not completely since they have an obligation in the society. And thus, they locked in the memoir of some of their acquaintances to safekeep what they needs to keep and protect. Since our priorities is to protect what the third elder is protecting. And no more questioning since I can not answer what you're about to ask.", said the second elder annoyed of his situation now.

"So you have knowledge about the third elder.", said Lady Céllistáh astonished.

"That I have..." Elder Avis sip his coffee nonchalantly and look at them seriously. "Because I am relatively related to them. I have ties with them thru my father's blood line."

After talking to them for another hour answering their questions while also explaining what has to be explained; Elder Avis stood up immediately and walked out of his chamber as his done what he has to say, and thus left Chervil and Céllistáh there as the two were pondering over the informations they learned.

Chervil could only thought, 'My grandparents arranged everything with very little information...' Taking out the envelope from his suit pocket he looked at it for a while, turning it before he open it carefully to read whist glancing at Céllistáh who

nodded at him.

{Chervil, my most precious grandson... This might be confusing to you since I will let you decide on your own with the future of this empire, but I think and I know that you can do it. You can change this empire to a most better one- better than what I, or your grandmother has achieved. You can do it! I believe in you, and your grandmother too.

And if you received this letter it means that the things we did in our times had become fruitful at your time. Our friends and family will help you with everything they can do; Hence, only when you decide to continue what we started... However, if you don't continue where we left... this very empire won't be ruled by you or any descendants of our family bloodlines. This isn't a condition that I made with them- my friends, but I knew how capable they were and they will act for what's best for the people of this very land. Therefore, act accordingly with what your instinct tells you and the rest will follow.

Chervil, I'll give you my full trust with everything because I see it in you since you were young, and I am proud of what decision you will make. Take care of yourself and your siblings.

P.S. Son, I'll tell you the truth about things you should know, however, this letter was not it. I safe-keept it on the library of your mansion, the book of your grandmother's favourite. I knew you know what book it is, thus, look for it and inside it was my true letter about the reason of this matter now that you face.}

* * * * * * * * * *

When all of them got inside they all settled where they want to.

Laùreth sat and settled herself by the window where there's a table with one chair, and on the table was a four layer of books, parchments with some written notes on it, a bottle full of ink, and a feather used for writing. And there's also a large rectangular transparent glass filled with water; and inside the glass full of water were sea sand and plant- plants that could only grow under water, and ten different kinds and sizes of underwater animals such as seahorses, starfish, tabios fish, jellyfish, and an angelfish which she remembered. It was called "Terrarium" by the third elder which she recalled, and she guessed that only them in the entire land has it.

She's been here often in the past along with Aaliyah. She looked around the room and noticed nothing much has changed except for the wallpaper which they regularly change every ten to fifteen years. And this time, Laùreth observed, the wallpaper were white and gold with magnolia flower designs.

The table where the third elder would have works were on a pavement side where Karlt, Leonard and Faljha were. There's four big bookshelves on one side of the entrance while on other side were like a small pantry table that has foods and drinks, and a long table with twelve chairs on the other side of the room. And at the center were a two sets of furniture where August was being laid down on one of it, while the other one there's a set of cards and a set of chess for playing; and there's big and small sizes of pots and vases with flowers too.

Laùreth looked where they entered. The entranceway inside the chamber were noticeable and visible to see: the gold arch like roots were there, and in the center of the two adjoining archs were empty black with blue like dust glimmering the black surface. She could only smile to herself remembering the past; when she was being shoved to the wall by Lady Brooklyn to get inside when all she saw was only the huge painting of such place on the wall. And she wasn't aware of the wall way the first time because they would used the teleportation system always, and not by coming through the Q Court entrance.

The portrait really was an entrance to the third elder's chamber, and it was just there as a sign where the correct door were as it is a way without an actual door that you can open and close. Without the huge painting on the wall as a sign no one could tell which side of the wall where there's a wall entrance. The third elder's doorway was an invisible one, and thus, only those who knew where and knows how to activate the entrance into the chamber could get in, even without the third elder's permission or the assistant as a guide. Thus, the chamber was always open and yet close; always close and yet open.

Bellatrixe then went to the pantry area where there're different kind of fruits, cakes, cupcakes, breads, candies and chocolates. And different kind of drinks were there too.

Laùreth who observed the girl as she stuffed some sweets in her dress pockets couldn't help but smile. "Slowly with those sweets, honey.", she whispered which only Bellatrixe could heard. "Its not good if your brother finds out. And certainly not good for your health."

Bellatrixe froze turning to Laùreth who smiled at her amused. She turn to look at her big brother who's busy helping Leonard and the others arrange those documents. She then saw Leonard look at her with a smile and just winked before talking to Karlt and Zamier.

Thashie also went to the pantry area to get some drinks when she saw what's going on and just ignored it. She then walk to Bellatrixe and hand her a pouch in secret as she whisper, "Bring more and share it with others." She winked at her before going back to where Eilwe, Mister Armzile and August who's still weak and laying on the long couch.

Taking the drinks from Thashie, Eilwe handed one to August who smell it first before sitting up and drinking it.

"You really exerted your force this time.", said Eilwe after sipping his glass of bloodwine.

"Yeah.", said August weakly. "Water mirror reflection spell wasn't my forte. It just that I'm the only one who can manipulate nature without much restriction."

Eilwe and August then smile teasingly looking at Thashie who already know what the two fools were thinking. They were communicating with their eyes.

"Seems like the medicine were effective wasn't it, Thashie.", August said smiling after sipping his drink. "Or... Was it the one who gave you the medicine were the only real medicine whom you really need."

Ignoring them Thashie just rolled her eyes thinking, 'These two wants to become barbecue.'

"I didn't know that it would affect your physical state in anyway.", said Eilwe while smiling. "Well, since it was your endowment."

Walking to them from the book shelf Herdille eying Eilwe and August, telling them not to make fun of the girl, however, they just ignore him and continue teasing the girl. Herdille sat down at Mister Armzile single couch holding a book. They're just looking the scene hoping it won't escalate to chaotic one.

"Must I say your acting was good.", winked August at Thashie. "Seems Marvella have to pursue you on acting career."

"Oh August," Eilwe second him while smiling. "She's so good at it, tho, she only perform in private."

"Oh my.. Oh my.", said August still teasing the girl. "Looks like not only your special endowments that shouldn't look over with, hence, also the still on other areas too. Hoh ho..! I should have known! Hahah!

The atmosphere surrounding them becoming hotter and hotter which Eilwe could feel, but some how he was shivering. He then elbowed August to make him stop, however, doesn't understand him and keep teasing Thashie.

"Oh la lah!", exclaimed August in a teased way and wiggling his brows like having another meaning, "Unfortunately I can not make request. You're an exclusive one after all."

"Umm, Sir Leo... Is it okay that we left everything on Elder Neithan?", ignoring the three Mister Armzile questioned while sitting down on a single couch eyeing Leonard at the pavement side where the third elder's table who was with Faljha, Zamier and Karlt as they're going thru some documents ignoring their companions. "Thou art knoweth for sure that those two children would ask questions regarding thou and thine family."

"Well, It's time for Neith to practice answering questions rather than he always asking ever since he became an elder of interrogation." said Leonard while stamping some documents which Karlt and Faljha handed over to Zamier to read and sort before passing it to Leonard as some of it needs the actual signature of the third elder. "And besides, he's one closer to us other than August, Docellia, Ulysses and some of those royal family of Dylarianion Kingdom. Neithan is much more relatively know of us aside from August. And August isn't that known unlike Neithan who's an elder and part of the council, hence, much his more acquainted with the current royal family. He, so knoweth what to say and what not to say to them."

"I know but-HEY! DON'T-Lady THASHIE!"

"I ALREADY KNOW THIS COULD HAPPEN! DAMN!"

"Thashie! THASHIE! WAIT!" Eilwe pleaded the girl. "FOR-FORGIVE ME PLEASE! WAIT!!!"

Leonard look up immediately when they scream and saw the scene which he couldn't help but chuckled looking at them trying to stop one girl from tossing two lizard into the blue flame there on the fireplace which she created earlier when they entered.

"AUGUST! THIS IS YOUR FAULT! DARN IT!"

"Lady Thashie!!! PLEASE!" Herdille said trying his might to block the way. "DON'T!"

"No! IT'S YOUR DAMN FAULT!" August then scream a prayer, "OH, MY DEAR FATHER WHO'S ART IN THE REALM OF THE DEEPEST FIELD OF GRASSY GREEN PLACE, HELP AND SAVE YOUR PRECIOUS GORGEOUS SON! PLEASE!"

"Oh gorgeous SON OF A Bitsh, AUGUST! WHAT KIND OF PRAYER WAS THAT!"

"Sir! SIR LEONARD! A LITTLE HELP HERE PLEASE!", cried out Mister Armzile while hugging Thashie to stop her but all he got was a chuckles. And the girl hit him with the two lizard who's screaming like maniacs in her hand as she was tossing them left and right while holding them on their tail. "Ouch! Ouch! Sir! PLEASE! Ouch!"

"Ouch! Ouch! THATS HURTS! HEY HELP, RAI!" Eilwe complained. "Its HURT, THASHIE! Ouch!"

Zamier, Laùreth and Ulysses went to help along with Herdille and Mister Armzile who's struggling to stop the girl, but even five of them they are still struggling to stop Thashie there who's skills and strength were beyond humans of her age.

"Ouch! That's the BEST PRAYER TAUGHT TO ME! PLEASE HELP, RAI!! LEONARD!"

"Ouch! Ouch! DARN IT! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT, AUGUST!"

The hilarious thing was that the two lizard were screaming and crying in human language while putting the blame on each other.

"They never learned." Faljha sigh and shrugged, while Karlt sigh looking at the chaotic scene infront of them.

On the side Aaliyah and Bellatrixe was laughing hard watching them along with Leonard. While the white cat was unbothered by the chaotic noise there as she continue to nap beside the Terrarium glass.