Upon reaching the castle, Nova was ushered into a chamber where Queen sylvie awaited him. The queen, adorned in a resplendent gown that seemed to mirror the richness of Thran's natural beauty, greeted Nova with a gracious smile.
"I trust you had a comfortable night, Mr. Nova," Queen Elara said, gesturing for him to take a seat.
Nova nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your hospitality is truly remarkable."
The queen's eyes, an enchanting shade of azure, held a curious glint as she inquired, "I hope you and your companions find Thran to your liking. Now, let us discuss matters of importance."
Queen Sylvie tone shifted as she brought up the topic of the ElderMyst family. "Mr. Nova, I understand you are associated with the ElderMyst family. How are they faring? I have heard little since I did not attend the coronation due to personal reasons."
Nova conveyed his gratitude for the queen's concern and assured her that the ElderMyst family was well. "Miss Evangeline is indeed a beauty and a great ruler, as you mentioned. The guild plays a vital role in this country, and I will pass on your gratitude to Miss Eve."
The queen's gaze softened, revealing a glimpse of vulnerability. "I regret not attending the coronation, but personal matters required my attention. It warms my heart to hear that Evangeline is thriving in her role. Please convey my regards to her."
Nova nodded respectfully. "Of course, Your Majesty. I will make sure to deliver your message to Miss Eve."
The queen, however, seemed intrigued by Nova's own story. "Mr. Nova, I cannot discern exactly what you are. Can you enlighten me about your origins and purpose?"
Nova, maintaining his composure, responded, "Yes, Your Majesty. I am Nova. The tale of my birth remains a mystery even to me. In pursuit of my identity, I have journeyed here, hoping to uncover the truth."
The queen regarded him with curiosity. "And how do you believe you can find answers to your origin here in Thran?"
Nova explained Alaric's guidance and mentioned the elusive figure named Cynthia. "I've been told that Cynthia might hold the key to unraveling my past. I seek only to understand my origins, and I am not a hostile being."
Queen Sylvie leaned back, thoughtful. "Meeting with Cynthia is a privilege not easily granted. She summons us; we do not summon her."
Undeterred, Nova proposed a favor. "Your Majesty, I plan to stay here for an extended period. If Cynthia summons you, I humbly ask that you consider taking me with you. All I desire is an opportunity to speak with her."
The queen, a shrewd negotiator, inquired, "And what can you offer in return for such a favor?"
Nova didn't hesitate. "I can request Miss Eve to increase the resources allotted to this guild branch and the ruler's fund by twofold. My influence with Miss Eve could be beneficial to Thran."
The queen raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Miss Evangeline would heed your request just like that?"
Nova smiled confidently. "I will convince her, Your Majesty. Additionally, if there is anything you can share about Cynthia, any information that might aid me, I would be grateful."
Queen sylvie, after a moment of contemplation, decided to conclude the conversation. "This will be all for now, Mr. Nova. You may return after tomorrow's celebration. My guard will show you to a place where you and your company can stay."
Dismissed, Nova and Ignis left the chamber and were escorted to the living quarters prepared by the queen.
A shadow guard appeared Infront of the Queen.
the Queen said to the Guard, "keep an Eye on him and report me if anything is suspicious."
the shadow Guard is vanished after the Queen's Order.
That night, as the moon hung high in the Thran sky, Nova and Ignis found themselves in deep discussion about the day's events. Nova, contemplating the queen's revelations, revealed a new objective.
"Ignis, I heard whispers about a powerful soldier under Cynthia who lost his life during the massacre of nobility. I want you to check the guild records and find out where that soldier's remains are buried."
Ignis, ever loyal, expressed his concern. "Master, we've just arrived. If we delve into such matters, it may complicate things and raise suspicions."
Nova reassured him, "Don't worry about that. Tomorrow is the festival celebrating the anniversary of the queen's ascension. Most people will be near the castle. It's the perfect time for us to search for the remains discreetly."
Understanding the importance of the task, Ignis nodded and proceeded to the guild archives, determined to uncover the truth.
In The Morning.
The guild archives revealed little about the mysterious "Red Groove," a place where fallen comrades were laid to rest. Ignis, having diligently scoured through the records, shared the limited information with Nova. The mention of the Red Groove piqued Nova's interest, and a new layer of mystery unfolded.
As the day progressed, Nova and Ignis adorned themselves in ceremonial attire, ready to partake in the festival's festivities.
The Thran mansion, already a breathtaking display of natural beauty, was transformed into a spectacle of grandeur. Exotic crystallized sap adorned the walls, radiating a mesmerizing glow when touched by sunlight. The air carried a soothing aroma, enticing guests from all corners of Thran to attend the celebration.
Nova, now dressed as the Quest Master, and Ignis, as the Vice Quest Master, joined the procession of ministers, generals, and other dignitaries heading towards the festival grounds. The vibrant energy and chatter filled the air as people exchanged pleasantries and reveled in the joyous occasion.
Amidst the festivities, Nova found himself in the company of influential figures. Elena Mayford, the Chancellor of Thran, greeted him warmly, discussing matters of governance and expressing gratitude for the guild's contributions. Valorian the Wise, the head of the Magic Tower from the planet 'the Prime,' attended as a representative of Cynthia. Nova keenly observed Valorian, his conviction growing that Cynthia might be connected to the Prime planet.
Ragner, the saint from the COC Alliance and Vice Grandmaster, graced the occasion with his presence. Nova engaged in polite conversation, exchanging pleasantries and learning more about the intricate web of alliances that Thran was a part of.
-The festivals-
Ignis moved stealthily, navigating the festival grounds with a purpose. The festival provided a perfect distraction, with the attention of most attendees focused on the grandeur unfolding around them. As Ignis delved into the search for Red Groove, Nova observed the interactions with a watchful eye.
Ignis discreetly questioned various individuals, but the information about Red Groove seemed elusive. Determined, he approached a merchant from previous dynasties who was rumored to sell information for a price.
The merchant, a shrewd figure with a weathered face, eyed Ignis as he approached. Ignis offered a valuable trade – the essence of the hynthica – in exchange for information about Red Groove. The merchant, enticed by the rare offering, agreed to share what he knew.
"The Red Groove, huh? Nobody remembers it anymore," the merchant began. "After Sylvie's ascension, she sealed the place to not disturb the war heroes buried there. It holds the remains of previous royalty, and entry has been forbidden, sealed by many powerful enchantments."
Ignis pressed further, inquiring about the method to open the seals. The merchant explained the intricate process, requiring the alignment of three energies with precise frequencies. He mentioned that in centuries, nobody had succeeded in opening the seals.
Ignis asked why Red Groove was sealed in the first place, the merchant revealed, "Lady Cynthia's personal guard perished during the purge. To commemorate the loss, she ordered the remains to be buried there, along with all the previous royalty. The sealing was a solemn act of remembrance."
Ignis, satisfied with the information, inquired about Miss Cynthia. The merchant, however, drew a line. "That's all I can say for the price. Information about Miss Cynthia comes at a much higher cost."
Ignis, persistent, asked about the price. The merchant cryptically replied, "You cannot meet my price, sir. To acquire that information, you must provide something equally valued."
Acknowledging the challenge, Ignis assured the merchant, "That's it for now. I will find you when I can afford that information."
The merchant cautioned Ignis, "Do not ask about Lady Cynthia in the COC. If she hears someone is snooping about her, it will be disastrous. If you want to deal with any more information, meet me at the Lore seeker Syndicate branch and ask for the branch elder."
With the acquired information in hand, Ignis returned to Nova, ready to share the revelations about Red Groove and the intriguing connection to Lady Cynthia.
The queen, adorned in regal attire, welcomed them with a warm smile.
"Mr. Nova, Vice Quest Master Ignis, I trust the festivities have been to your liking?" Queen Sylvie inquired, her eyes reflecting the grace of a ruler.
Nova bowed respectfully. "Indeed, Your Majesty. Thran's celebration is truly a spectacle."
The queen's attention then turned to Ignis. "Vice Quest Master Ignis, your presence is equally valued. The festival is a time for unity and joy, and I hope you find solace in the celebration."
Ignis, ever respectful, replied, "Your Majesty, your kind words are greatly appreciated. Thran's hospitality is unmatched."
"Valorian the Wise," Nova greeted with a nod. "Your presence here brings honor to the festival."
Valorian, acknowledging Nova's approach, replied with a gentle smile. "Mr. Nova, the honor is mine. Thran's beauty is truly enchanting."
Nova, steering the conversation toward the topic of the Prime planet, inquired, "Valorian, I have heard of the Prime planet, a place of great magical prowess. Could you share more about it?"
Valorian, his eyes glinting with arcane knowledge, began to unravel the mysteries of the Prime. "The Prime is a world where magic flows like a river. It is a realm where the arcane arts are revered, and practitioners hone their skills at the Magic Tower. I come as a representative of Cynthia, seeking alliances and fostering bonds."
Nova, absorbing the information, continued the discourse. "Valorian, do you know of Lady Cynthia's whereabouts? My journey is entwined with the pursuit of my own origin, and I believe she holds the key."
Valorian, cautious yet forthcoming, replied, "Cynthia is an enigmatic figure, her movements known only to those closest to her. She is elusive, and her presence can be felt in the subtle currents of magic that weave through the realms."
As Nova and Valorian conversed, Queen Sylvie continued to mingle with other dignitaries. Elena Mayford, the Chancellor, engaged her in discussions about Thran's future, while Ragner, the saint from the COC Alliance, shared his insights on the challenges faced by the alliance.