Who Are You?

"The clan isolates itself," The King read the final lines, "living in hidden settlements deep within lush forests, seldom seen by outsiders."

The room fell into a thoughtful silence as the words hung in the air.

The King closed the tome and looked at Elias, "If the Lysanthal Clan isolates themselves in the lust forests, how did you know about their festival?" 

Elias blinked, caught off guard by the King's question. He had shared information about the mysterious Lysanthal Clan and their secretive festival without fully considering its source. Now, as the King's piercing gaze rested upon him, he felt a bead of sweat forming on his brow.

"Oh, right," Elias began, trying to regain his composure, "Where had I exactly learned that information?" His voice trailed off as he searched his memory.

The silence in the room became palpable, and Elias could feel the weight of the King's curiosity and scrutiny. He couldn't afford to falter now.

"I think," he continued, choosing his words carefully, "it must have been from rumors, Your Majesty. Whispers that there's a hidden Mid-autumn festival held by a clan rarely seen by outsiders. I'm not sure of the details, but it's possible that you, being well-informed about various aspects of the kingdom, might have come across such information."

Elias hoped his response sounded plausible, but deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that the King had seen through his attempt to deflect the question. The enigmatic aura that surrounded the Lysanthal Clan, combined with the fact that Kaiser was well-versed in many matters, made Elias wonder if there was more to this story than met the eye.

Kaiser's expression remained inscrutable, and for a moment, Elias feared that he had overstepped or revealed too much. But then the King leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in thought, "Rumors, you say," Kaiser mused, his gaze still fixed on Elias, "intriguing." He added, "I frankly don't know that this clan exists… and the fact that its clan members have the hints that it resembles my features." 

"If I could recall it correctly, Your Majesty, some people in Handun Broch say that it's connected to you, So I thought or expected we'll have some festival here in Landroich." Elias said.

Then he chimed in, his eyes widening in such thought, "Your Majesty, what if we visit this clan?" 

Kaiser's thoughtful expression remained as he considered Elias's suggestion. The idea of visiting a reclusive and mysterious clan that shared some semblance of his own features piqued his curiosity. It was an opportunity to explore a part of Landroich that was rarely seen and to potentially uncover more about this enigmatic group.

"That is indeed an intriguing thought, Elias," the King replied, a hint of interest in his voice, "Visiting the Lysanthal Clan could provide valuable insights into their culture, traditions, and the rumored festival. However, it's not a decision to be made lightly. The clan is known for its secrecy and isolation." Kaiser leaned forward, his eyes focused on Elias, "If we were to consider such a visit, it would require careful planning and diplomacy. We would need to ensure that it is not seen as an intrusion but as a gesture of goodwill and curiosity."

Elias nodded, understanding the complexities involved in such an endeavor. The prospect of venturing into the unknown alongside the King both excited and intimidated him.

Then, The King poked Elias's nose, "Young one, you're not allowed to come with me, is that clear?"

Elias's expression shattered, and so did his expectations. He actually hoped that he would have an adventure with the King! He would literally go to his room and curl up in a ball then sulk for eternity. He let out a whine, "But!" 

Okay, he's being dramatic.

The King shook his head, his earrings swaying in motion, "No, this 'visit' carries potential dangers, who knows what's inside that isolated forest, and besides, you have school next week, am I correct?"

Elias pouted, clearly disappointed by the King's decision. He knew the King was right, but the prospect of missing out on such an extraordinary adventure was difficult to accept. 

"Yes, Your Majesty," Elias mumbled, his enthusiasm dampened.

Kaiser softened his expression, understanding Elias's disappointment. He hesitantly placed a hand on Elias's hair, then ruffled it, "Now now, stop sulking, you're already fifteen, what're you sulking at?" 

Elias couldn't help but feel like a scolded puppy as the King ruffled his hair. He looked up at Kaiser with big, pleading eyes, much like a golden retriever who had been caught misbehaving, "But Your Majesty, adventures sound so much more exciting than school," he said, his voice a mix of playful protest and genuine longing.

The King chuckled at Elias's puppy-dog eyes and sighed in mock exasperation, "You and your adventures, Elias. One day, I promise, you'll have your chance for excitement and adventure. But for now, focus on your studies. Who knows, maybe one day your education will lead to the greatest adventure of all."

Elias couldn't help but smile at the King's words. He was determined to excel in his studies, not just for himself but also in the hopes of earning more of the King's trust and, hopefully, future adventures by his side. 

Oh right, Elias planned that after he finished his studies, he… he would take the risk of confessing to the King.

"I'll do my best, Your Majesty," he replied with a small smile.

Kaiser patted Elias's head once more. He really thinks Elias resembles as much as a golden retriever can be, his blonde hair, and his demeanor so much alike. Kaiser was not that fond of animals, but when he meets one, he observes it throughout the day— it's a habit of his that he could never get rid of.

A servant knocked on the door, and the King quickly retracted his hand and cleared his throat, "Come in." 

Elias's invisible puppy ears seemed to drop as he felt that the King's hand was off his head. the King barely shows any gestures that have affection, why must the servant interrupt them that soon? Elias already gathered, arranged his things, he might as well leave soon and next week, take a visit and use a lame excuse again.

The servant came in with a tray of pastries and sliced bread. She spoke politely, "Your Majesty, it's already mid-afternoon, we thought that you and Master Elias might want some snacks while doing some tasks."

Kaiser glanced at the servant, his irritation at the interruption softened by the tray of pastries, "Thank you, that's thoughtful," he said, his tone gracious.

Elias's ears metaphorically perked up again at the sight of the pastries. The disappointment of their interrupted moment was momentarily forgotten as he looked at the treats, his eyes lighting up with delight, "Oh, these look amazing! Thank you," he said, his usual puppy-like enthusiasm returning.

The servant smiled warmly at Elias, appreciating his genuine gratitude. She set the tray down on the table, making sure it was within easy reach for both the King and Elias.

As the servant left the room, Elias eagerly reached for a pastry, taking a bite with a contented sigh, "Your Majesty, you should try one of these, they're incredible," he said, his eyes widening in delight as he savored the taste.

Kaiser allowed himself a small smile at Elias's enthusiasm, "I'll take your word for it," he replied, reaching for a piece of sliced bread instead. He observed Elias for a moment, admiring the way the young man enjoyed the simple pleasure of a pastry.

They continued their lesson, the King asked Elias to practice his handwriting again, then giving him geometry problems as they finished, the atmosphere lightened by the presence of the snacks. The King's gaze occasionally shifted from Elias's animated expressions to the intricate geometry problems on the table, appreciating not just Elias's dedication to learning but also the genuine joy he found in small moments.

In those moments, Elias felt more than just a the King's friend; he felt like someone important, valued by the King himself. And that feeling, as fleeting as it was, filled him with a warmth that no pastry could match.

————

Percy knelt before the King— who was sitting on the throne with a stoic and cold expression. His sitting position was like the portrait by the ground hall, the portrait that was painted when he was still the Grand Duke, but the difference is that he wears a crown as he sat. Kaiser's expression sends Percy anxiety through his bones, is there something bothering with the King? Better not make him angry if it does… 

"Your Majesty," Percy addressed, "May I inquire the reason why this subordinate was summoned?" 

Before replying, the King sighed lightly, "Percy, have you heard about the clan called 'Lysanthal Clan' ?"

Percy raised an eyebrow at the mention of the Lysanthal Clan. He was well-versed in the matters of the kingdom and its various clans, but this name was unfamiliar to him. He furrowed his brow in thought and then shook his head.

"Your Majesty, I must confess that I haven't come across any information regarding the Lysanthal Clan in my recent reports," Percy replied, his tone respectful.

The King's gaze remained fixed on Percy, his expression unreadable, "I see," he murmured, "It's a reclusive clan that supposedly resides in the remote areas of Landroich. They're known for their unique physical attributes, particularly lavender-colored eyes."

Percy nodded, absorbing the information, "Lavender-colored eyes, Your Majesty? That is indeed rare. Do you require any specific information about this clan?"

The King leaned back in his throne, his eyes distant, "I'm merely gathering information at this point," he said cryptically, "I want to know if there have been any recent mentions or rumors about them."

Percy thought for a moment, "Well, there are some rumors around Landroich that some sort of festival is approaching, I forgot the event's name but it has connection to the Mid-autumn. And, It is also said that it's connected here in Landroich, yet we don't even know what this clan is."

"According to Elias, this festival was held during the waning days of autumn, typically on the night of the crescent moon in the eighth month of the Lysanthal calendar." He tapped his finger to the throne, "What's more puzzling is that, in my study, I have a tome, written in an old tome with worn pages, clearly aged up well and its cover had faded. this tome consists the details of the Clan's member, its culture, features and etcetera."

Percy thought for a moment and then said, "Your Majesty, the brief description you provided of the clan members' physical features does seem to suggest a resemblance to you, particularly in terms of their lavender-colored eyes. It's an uncanny coincidence, to say the least."

The King leaned forward, his fingers steepled beneath his chin, "I find this all rather curious, Percy," he mused, "If there is indeed a festival approaching, and there's a potential connection to this clan, I believe it may be worth investigating further."

Percy's eyes widened slightly in surprise, "Your Majesty, are you considering visiting the clan yourself?"

The King nodded, his gaze steady, "Yes, Percy. I believe a personal visit may shed light on this matter. I want to understand the significance of the festival and whether there's any truth to these rumors of a resemblance."

Percy bowed respectfully, "Of course, Your Majesty. I will make the necessary arrangements for your visit and ensure that everything is prepared."

The King gave a curt nod of approval, "Very well, Percy. Dismissed."

Percy rose from his kneeling position, gave a final respectful bow, and then left the throne room to carry out the King's orders. As he exited, he couldn't help but wonder about the significance of the Lysanthal Clan and why the King had taken an interest in them.

The night embraced Landroich as everyone else settled into their chambers and had a peaceful rest. Well, the King didn't. Kaiser found himself in a foggy forest, it's the forest that he never saw unlike Feigan. His breathing relaxed as he moved around the forest.

The gloomy weather filtered through the dense canopy, casting eerie shadows on the forest floor. As Kaiser navigated through the ancient trees, his lavender eyes gleamed in the dim light, giving him an otherworldly aura.

He had never seen this forest before, and yet, it felt strangely familiar. The sound of rustling leaves and the distant hoot of an owl filled the air, creating a hauntingly beautiful symphony of nature.

Kaiser's steps were almost silent as he moved through the forest, his senses heightened by the mysterious surroundings. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was being drawn deeper into the woods, as if some unseen force was guiding him.

As he ventured further, the trees seemed to close in around him, their branches twisting and forming intricate patterns overhead. It was as if the forest itself was alive, watching, and waiting.

Then, he heard a soft voice, like a whisper in the wind. It was a name, his name, calling to him from deeper within the forest. Kaiser's heart quickened as he followed the sound, moving deeper into the heart of the mysterious woods.

What awaited him there, he did not know, but he couldn't deny the strange sense of destiny that had brought him to this place. 

Then suddenly, someone called loudly, "Lord Malachite!" 

Unexpectedly, Kaiser's own body responded to that name. Who is that anyway? That wasn't his name. He's not 'Lord Malachite'. As his footsteps halted, rushed footsteps were getting closer and closer, as if this person was acting in haste.

As the footsteps approached him, what welcomed him was a figure of a maiden with snow, white hair. the maiden held his hand and said, "My Lord, where are you going? Are you really.. going to Landroich?"

What does this woman mean? I'm already in Landroich…

Confusion and a sense of unreality washed over him. He couldn't comprehend how his own body had reacted to that name, a name that was foreign to him.

The woman's touch on his hand felt oddly familiar, as if he had known her for a long time. But her words made no sense, "I am in Landroich," Kaiser managed to say, his voice tinged with uncertainty, "I am the King of this land. Who are you, and why do you address me as 'Lord Malachite'?"

The woman's gaze remained unwavering, her eyes seeming to hold secrets untold, "My Lord," she implored, her voice soft yet urgent, "You must remember. Landroich is not your true destiny. There is a path you must follow, a purpose you must fulfill. Do not let the illusions of this world deceive you."

Kaiser's mind raced with questions, but before he could ask another, the woman began to fade, her form becoming translucent like mist. He reached out to grasp her, but his hand passed through her ethereal figure.

As she disappeared into thin air, she whispered for the last time, she sounded like crying, pleading, "Lord Malachite…"

Kaiser's heart pounded in his chest as the woman's voice echoed in his mind, "Lord Malachite." The name was like a haunting refrain, and he couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity that it carried.

Suddenly, the same voice, filled with urgency and fear, screamed, "Lord Malachite!"

Kaiser jolted awake, his body covered in a cold sweat. He found himself back in his own bedchamber, the room bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight. It took him a moment to regain his bearings and realize that he had been dreaming.

The dream felt so vivid, so real, that it left him shaken. He couldn't ignore the unsettling feeling that there was more to it than just a simple dream. Who was Lord Malachite, and why did that name seem to hold such significance?

With a heavy sigh, Kaiser pushed the covers aside and got out of bed. It was clear that he wouldn't be getting any more sleep tonight. Instead, he decided to spend the rest of the night in his study, pouring over old tomes and documents in search of any clues that might shed light on the mysterious name that had haunted his dreams.

But the sun had already risen and the old tomes never said anything about Lord Malachite. 

—

NAPPEN'S EXTRA:

May imply spoiler.

Nappen: Percy, let's play a game!

Percy: ...uh yeah, sure, I guess?

Nappen: [Enthusiastically pulled down the curtain] Let's play the game called 'Guess Who' !

Percy: Okay, who am I guessing?

Nappen: So, these gentlemen who had their back faced in front of us- one of them is Kaiser! Guess who is Kaiser among them!

Percy: [Sweating] May I know who are them.. all?

Nappen: [Nodding] His Highness Kaiser, King Karl, King Alaric II and Lord Malachite!

Percy: [Pressured] Are you kidding me? They all look the same!

In the end, Percy lost the game, when he guessed who Kaiser was, it was Lord Malachite.