Chapter Eight: Little Helix Bird

As they left the throne room, Rain couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. "Liam, what's going on? What decision did your father make? And what war are they talking about?"

Liam's expression remained calm, but his eyes hinted at a deeper concern. "Let's get out of the palace first, Rain. I'll explain everything later."

They made their way through the labyrinthine corridors, dodging nobles and servants.

Outside, Liam said, "Its classified, so I can't tell you. But I will tell you this," Looking straight at Rain, Liam continued, "Until the war is over don't stay in the Aethoria Empire or in the Mumford Empire,"

***Throne room***

"You called Emperor Raoul lll?" Duke Martin bowed.

Now before you all get confused, Raoul is a title used by the subjects of the Aethoria Empire to address the Emperor, while Argent is used by the people of equal status to the Emperor.

The title Raoul is chosen after the sword the Emperor picks from a dark room. The lll just means he is the third to pick the said sword. Now let's continue.

"Send a message to my younger brother, Duke Argent." Emperor Argent commanded as he held his head in contemplation.

Duke Martin bowed, "As you wish, Your Majesty. And what message shall I convey to Duke Argent?"

Emperor Argent's eyes narrowed, his voice laced with a hint of urgency. "Tell him... the war has been set in motion. He must prepare the Aethorian forces for battle. The Aethoria Empire will not be easily defeated."

Duke Martin's expression turned grave, his eyes flicking to the sword at the Emperor's side. "The sword of Raoul has spoken, then?"

The Emperor's gaze drifted, his thoughts seemingly elsewhere. "We'll find out soon enough,"

Meanwhile, outside the palace, Liam's words still lingered in Rain's mind. 'Until the war is over, don't stay in the Aethoria Empire or in the Mumford Empire...'

As Rain kept thinking about those words, he bumped into a man.

"I'm so sorry," Rain hurriedly apologised as he bowed.

A good natured choice rang out, "No worries,"

The voice caught his attention due to its mellowness. Looking up, he saw a man with long midnight hair and silver eyes.

Widening his eyes he surprise he blurted, "Lord Night?"

With an eyebrow raised, Ragnelle asked, "You know me?"

Rain's eyes widened in surprise, his mind racing with questions. "Y-yes, Lord Night! I've heard so much about you!"

Ragnelle's silver eyes sparkled with amusement, his midnight hair falling across his forehead like a dark waterfall. "Looks like I am popular outside the Empire as well,"

Rain's face flushed, his thoughts still reeling from the sudden encounter.

Ragnelle's chuckle was like a gentle breeze on a summer day. "No worries. Did you come here with Prince Zenith?"

Rain's eyes darted around, ensuring they weren't being overheard. "Y-yes, I was just with him! He told me to leave the empire until the war is over-" Rain quickly covered his mouth as he excused himself.

Ragnelle's expression turned serious, his eyes glinting with a hint of realization. "Ah, the letter was right. I would find something valuable today,"

With a smile, Ragnelle vanished into a shadow by a tree.

***

After Zephyr and Kiaus left, Sage started writing down everything she had gathered from her talk with Kiaus.

Sage's quill scratched across the parchment, recording every detail, every nuance, and every hint that Kiaus had revealed.

She poured all her focus into capturing the essence of their conversation, her mind racing with connections and possibilities.

As she wrote, her thoughts began to organize themselves, forming a web.

Taking a break, she read over what she wrote.

'From what I can remember from 29 years ago, we have a lot of enemies. And the time difference between Earth and Lajumania is large.'

Leaning her chin on her palm she doolded as she thought, 'So far, I am sure the Somerset family is an enemy. But that is all I can remember, "

Sighing as she reached this conclusion, she walked towards the large window.

'I need more information. But I can't do that stuck here!" Sage pulled her hair back with frustration.

Suddenly, a chirp was heard. Blinking her eyes rapidly, she looked directly at the window and saw a sliver bird looking beast.

Opening the window, the bird like beast dropped a letter from its beak. Through sceptical, Sage took the letter.

It read: Dear Remi, do not worry you pretty little head. If you have any questions, use this little Helix bird. It will send and receive information for you.

Your best friend,

Ragnelle

"Thank you Ragnelle, I shall use it well," Sage said with a

large smile filling her face.

The Helix bird chirped in response, as if acknowledging her gratitude. With a flick of its tail, it took flight, vanishing into the sky as suddenly as it appeared.

Sage watched it go, her heart felt more at peace.

With the letter still clutched in her hand, Sage turned back to her room, her mind racing with possibilities. She felt a sense of determination rising within her.

As she stepped back into her room, Sage's eyes fell upon the parchment on her desk, the one with her notes and research. She smiled to herself, knowing that she now had a powerful tool at her disposal.