Beneath the Luminaflora Canopy

As the morning sun spilled its golden light into his study, Kaiser found himself growing frustrated. Hours of searching had yielded no information about Lord Malachite or the strange dream that had plagued him. The name remained an enigma, and it gnawed at his thoughts like an itch he couldn't scratch.

"Goddamn it," he muttered under his breath, rubbing his temples in frustration. He had important matters to attend to, a kingdom to rule, and yet this inexplicable dream had taken hold of his mind.

With a resigned sigh, Kaiser knew that he couldn't continue his fruitless search any longer. He rose from his desk and paced the room, his thoughts racing. He needed to focus on his duties, at least for the time being.

"I'll depart later," he finally decided, his voice firm with determination. He needed to address the matters at hand, but the mystery of Lord Malachite still lingered in the back of his mind, waiting to be unraveled. Is there any connection between him and this so-called Lord Malachite? 

The dream had been hauntingly vivid, and the whispered name still echoed in his mind. But there were no records, no historical accounts, and no mentions of anyone with such a name in Landroich.

Could it be a forgotten piece of history, buried in the depths of time? Or perhaps it was a figment of his imagination, a result of stress or exhaustion? But the dream had felt too real, too vivid to be dismissed so easily.

Kaiser couldn't help but wonder if there was some hidden connection between him and this Lord Malachite. Could it be a long-lost ancestor, a distant relative, or something even more mysterious? The questions swirled in his mind, creating a web of intrigue and curiosity that he couldn't unravel.

He decided to consult with his most trusted advisors, hoping that someone might shed light on this puzzling mystery. 

Kaiser summoned his trusted advisor, Lady Seraphina, to his study. She was known for her vast knowledge of history and her ability to unravel complex mysteries. As she entered the room with an air of grace and authority, Kaiser wasted no time in explaining the situation.

"Seraphina," he began, his voice laced with a sense of urgency, "I had a most peculiar dream last night, one that has left me with more questions than answers. In this dream, a voice called me 'Lord Malachite,' a name I've never heard before."

Lady Seraphina raised an eyebrow, her expression pensive. She was known for her calm demeanor, and she carefully considered her response before speaking.

"Lord Malachite, you say?" She mused, "It is a name I do not recognize from any historical records or accounts. But dreams can sometimes be enigmatic, Your Majesty, and their meanings are not always straightforward."

Kaiser nodded, acknowledging the complexities of dreams, "I understand that, Seraphina, but this dream felt different, as if it held some hidden significance. I can't help but wonder if there is a connection between me and this Lord Malachite, or if it's merely a product of my imagination."

Seraphina's eyes held a thoughtful gleam, "Your Majesty, I will delve into our historical archives and consult with our scholars. Perhaps there is some forgotten tale or piece of history that might shed light on this matter. In the meantime, I advise you to remain vigilant and observant. Sometimes, the answers to such mysteries reveal themselves when we least expect them."

Kaiser thanked Lady Seraphina for her counsel and watched as she left the room to begin her research. 

Percy immediately set about making the necessary arrangements for the King's journey. He knew that Kaiser's decision to visit the mysterious Lysanthal Clan was not to be taken lightly. The clan's remote location and elusive nature posed potential challenges, and the King's safety was of paramount importance.

First, Percy ordered the stable hands to prepare the royal horses, ensuring that they were well-fed and groomed. The King's steed, Amias, a magnificent black stallion known for its speed and endurance, received special attention. His sleek coat was brushed to a shine, and his saddle and bridle were meticulously inspected to ensure they were in perfect condition.

As Percy oversaw the preparations, he also summoned the Silver Hawks, a highly skilled group of elite guards who were sworn to protect the King at all costs. They were a formidable force, handpicked for their combat prowess and unwavering loyalty.

When the Silver Hawks assembled before the King, he addressed them with a tone of authority, "My loyal protectors, I am embarking on a journey to visit the Lysanthal Clan. While the purpose of this visit is peaceful and exploratory, I want you to remain vigilant and ready for any unforeseen circumstances."

The leader of the Silver Hawks, Captain Reynard, nodded in understanding, "Your Majesty, rest assured, we will accompany you and ensure your safety throughout the journey. We are at your command."

As The King, Percy, and the Silver Hawks ventured deeper into the forest, the atmosphere became increasingly eerie and unsettling. The thick fog shrouded the path ahead, obscuring their vision and giving the surroundings an otherworldly quality. The trees loomed like ancient sentinels, their branches gnarled and reaching out like skeletal fingers.

Kaiser couldn't shake the feeling of déjà vu. The dream he had experienced just days ago felt as if it were manifesting before his eyes. He whispered to Percy in a hushed tone, "This is... This is in my dream."

Percy, who was leading the way with a map in hand, glanced back at the King, his brow furrowed in concern, "Your Majesty, are you certain? It's natural for the forest to be foggy at this time of year."

Kaiser nodded, his unease growing, "I know it sounds strange, but I had a dream about this place, Percy. I heard someone calling me 'Lord Malachite.'"

Percy's expression turned serious as he absorbed the King's words, "Lord Malachite? Your Majesty, this is indeed peculiar. We should proceed with caution and be prepared for anything."

The Silver Hawks, ever vigilant, had their weapons at the ready, scanning the misty surroundings for any signs of danger. The forest seemed to close in around them, and every rustle of leaves or distant sound sent shivers down their spines.

As the group continued their journey through the fog-shrouded forest, they eventually reached what appeared to be a dead end. The dense trees and underbrush seemed impenetrable, and Percy consulted his map, searching for an alternative route. It was a perplexing situation, and the Silver Hawks exchanged uncertain glances.

Kaiser, however, had a strange sense of familiarity with this spot. He dismounted Amias, his faithful steed, and took a few steps forward, as if trying to remember something from his dream. As he did, he suddenly felt the ground give way beneath him, and he tumbled into a hidden passage.

"Gaaah!" The King's surprised cry echoed through the forest, followed by a thud as he landed below. Percy and the Silver Hawks rushed to the edge of the hole, concern etched on their faces.

"Your Majesty! Are you alright?" Percy called down.

Kaiser's voice floated back up to them, filled with wonder and amazement, "I'm fine, Percy! But you won't believe what I've found down here."

Ah… My ass hurts. The King said inwardly as he massaged his buttocks.

Curiosity piqued, Percy directed the Silver Hawks to help their King as they carefully descended into the hidden passage. What they discovered was nothing short of extraordinary.

The passage led them to an underground forest illuminated by countless luminaflora trees. These bioluminescent plants cast an ethereal glow over the entire area, turning it into a serene and otherworldly landscape. The underground forest was unlike anything they had ever seen, with towering trees, vibrant foliage, and a sense of tranquility that enveloped them.

But what truly caught their attention were the huts scattered throughout the forest. Countless small dwellings, each made from materials found in the forest, stood amid the luminaflora trees. It was as if they had stumbled upon an underground village, hidden from the world above.

Kaiser couldn't help but be captivated by the beauty and mystery of the place. His dream had led them here, to a hidden world beneath the forest, and he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to discover in this underground realm.

As the group marveled at the breathtaking underground forest and the enigmatic huts, one of the Silver Hawks couldn't help but whisper, "Good heavens, this place is incredible."

Before anyone could respond, another Silver Hawk interrupted, his voice tense and hushed, "Shh, did you hear that?"

The underground forest fell into an eerie silence. The luminescent trees continued to cast their gentle light, but the atmosphere grew heavy with tension. Then, from somewhere deeper within the forest, a long, eerie whistle erupted into the air.

The sound sent shivers down their spines, and they exchanged anxious glances. It was unlike anything they had ever heard, and it seemed to echo through the underground realm, coming from all directions at once. Before they could react, an arrow struck the ground just inches away from them, embedding itself into the soft soil.

Percy immediately drew his sword, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of the unseen archer. The Silver Hawks followed suit, forming a protective barrier around their King.

Kaiser, though surprised by the sudden attack, remained composed. He couldn't help but feel that this was a reaction to their unexpected presence in this hidden realm. But who were these mysterious inhabitants of the underground forest, and why were they so wary of intruders?

As the arrows continued to strike the ground around them, the Silver Hawks formed a protective circle around Kaiser, their swords drawn and shields raised. The tension in the underground forest was palpable, and Percy's voice quivered as he asked, "Your Majesty, what should we do? We can't stay here forever."

Kaiser remained observant, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of movement, "They're wary of intruders," he replied calmly, "which means they must think of us as intruders. We won't make any sudden moves. Just stay close and let them run out of arrows. They'll approach us soon."

The minutes dragged on, with arrows continuing to rain down on them sporadically. The Silver Hawks held their ground, their shields providing protection as they waited for a sign from their hidden attackers. The underground forest remained eerily silent, the luminaflora trees casting an otherworldly glow on their tense faces.

Finally, as the last arrow struck the ground, the attackers seemed to relent. The forest remained still, and Kaiser sensed that their presence was no longer seen as a threat. Slowly, cautiously, figures began to emerge from the shadows, their faces hidden by hoods and cloaks.

Kaiser, with his usual air of authority, stepped forward slightly, a signal for the Silver Hawks to lower their weapons. It was time to communicate with these mysterious inhabitants and find out why they had been met with such hostility in this hidden realm.

The Silver Hawks and Percy himself disclosed the protective circle around the King, yet they remained close to the King's side. 

The King whispered, "They speak the same language but they have their own dialect," he explained, "I'll try to speak to them"

The King cleared his throat, "I'm Kaiser Dämonisch" his tone is melodic and cryptic with a hint of intonation, "I'm the King of Landroich."

Percy and the Silver Hawks were amused and dumbfounded, how could the King learn the Clan's dialect so easily in a short amount of time? It was expected for the King himself but still, this is very new to them. They seemed to understand what their King had said, but at the same time, they didn't.

The lady, dressed in white and wearing a unique bracelet encircling her forehead, stepped forward. Her resemblance to the woman from Kaiser's dream was uncanny, and it sent shivers down his spine. She approached him with a hint of caution in her eyes.

"Who are you, and why do you know our dialect?" she inquired, her voice calm but firm.

Before Kaiser could respond, the lady's personal servant rushed to her side, whispering urgently into her ear. Her eyes widened in response to whatever news the servant had delivered, and she immediately kneeled before Kaiser, addressing him with a tone of reverence, "Lord Malachite."

The Silver Hawks and Percy exchanged puzzled glances, uncertain of what was transpiring. Kaiser's mind was racing with questions, and he could hardly believe what he was hearing. The name 'Lord Malachite' had appeared in his dreams, and now, it was being spoken to him by a stranger who seemed to hold him in high regard.

The lady, still kneeling, looked up at him with a mix of curiosity and awe. "Your Majesty, we have long awaited your arrival," she said, her voice trembling with emotion, "Please, allow me to explain."

"I am not 'Lord Malachite'." the King interrupted her, his brows furrowing, his dialect remained the same but now it was covered by a commanding tone, "I want to know, who is this man and why do I feel so connected to him."

The lady's eyes widened in surprise as Kaiser clarified his identity. She quickly rose to her feet, her gaze fixed on him with a newfound intensity. 

"I beg your pardon, Your Majesty," she said, her voice now steady and respectful, "I see you are not Lord Malachite, but the resemblance is uncanny. It is said that our Lord Malachite vanished long ago, and we believed him to be lost forever."

Kaiser's interest was piqued, "Vanished? Tell me more about this Lord Malachite and the connection you mentioned."

The lady nodded and began to explain, "Lord Malachite was a revered figure in our clan's history. He possessed unique abilities and knowledge that guided us for generations. His sudden disappearance left our clan in a state of uncertainty and confusion. We have awaited the return of Lord Malachite for centuries, as our prophecies foretold his eventual return to guide us once more."

Kaiser exchanged glances with Percy and the Silver Hawks, all of them intrigued by the story unfolding before them. It seemed that there was a long-standing connection between the Lysanthal Clan and someone who bore a striking resemblance to Kaiser.

"Your Majesty," the lady continued, "if you are not Lord Malachite, then how is it that you know our dialect and find yourself here?"

"I learned it." The King replied.

"Learned it? From where?" the lady asked.

"There is an old tome that I found in my study, it has the whole description of the characteristics of your clan, and I wonder, why's there an old tome that says about the Lysanthal Clan in the palace of Danschen?" As he explained, Percy handed him over the old tome. "This tome had miraculously found its way in my shelves, I wonder who the owner is." 

the King gave it to the lady, she inspected it thoroughly by flipping its pages and observing the cover. Then, she stopped at one page and seemed to read it. After a few moments, she abruptly dropped the tome. Her servants and comrades quickly got close to her, whispering what happened or what she had seen. 

After a brief moment, she finally replied, "That's the former leader's book." Then she lifted her gaze up to the King, "Lady Isolde was Lord Malachite's wife."

Kaiser's eyes widened with realization as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. "Lady Isolde," he murmured, his mind connecting the dots, "The woman in my dreams. She mentioned Lord Malachite."

The lady nodded solemnly, "Yes, Your Majesty. Lady Isolde was Lord Malachite's wife and our former leader. She must have left that tome in the palace of Danschen, perhaps as a message for someone like you, who bears the resemblance of Lord Malachite."

"But why would she leave it in Danschen?" Percy interjected, his brow furrowed in confusion.