The Grand Festival: Intense Lunchtime

When lunch was finally ready, the group made their way inside. Cassandra, with a bow of her head, excused herself, choosing to wait outside despite Fionella's invitation. "I'll be fine, my lady," Cassandra assured her with a gentle smile. Fionella, unable to persuade her further, nodded and entered the grand dining hall.

The dining hall of the castle was grand and imposing, with high ceilings adorned with glittering chandeliers casting a warm, golden glow over the elegantly set table. Unlike the long, formal tables used for grand feasts, today's meal was served at a round table, designed to encourage conversation and create a more intimate atmosphere among the distinguished guests.

As Fionella entered, she couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment. She followed her siblings, taking her seat with a measured grace. As she settled, she noticed a figure across from her, watching her intently. It was Kairon, the golden-haired young man she had met three days ago. His eyes, sharp and penetrating, seemed to see right through her, sending a chill down her spine.

The room fell silent as the Empress and Emperor made their entrance, their regal presence commanding respect. Everyone rose to their feet, including Fionella, who couldn't shake her focus on Kairon, whose gaze lingered on her even as he bowed in respect to the royal couple.

Breaking the silence, Lord Gerald addressed the Emperor with a tone of urgency. "I must be direct, Your Majesty. My son has a request and a proposal that requires your immediate attention."

The Emperor, his interest piqued, turned his gaze to Kairon. "What is it you wish to discuss, Kairon?"

With a composed demeanor, Kairon placed his cutlery on the table and met the Emperor's gaze directly. "I seek clearance to interrogate Axel Ranger," he stated, his voice calm yet carrying a weight of determination.

The mention of Axel Ranger sent a ripple of tension through the room. Fionella, though unfamiliar with the name, sensed the gravity of the situation and listened intently.

"Axel Ranger," Head Mage Howell spoke up, his voice filled with caution, "was a leading dark mage involved in the Great Clash thirty years ago. What relevance does he have to your current investigation?"

Kairon explained, "We questioned him yesterday regarding a ring found on the Dark Bear's finger. He identified it as the Dark Ring of the Order."

"And what else did he reveal?" Lord Leon inquired, leaning forward with keen interest.

"He refused to divulge further information unless we agreed to free him from his chains," Kairon replied, his frustration barely contained.

Germaine, the matriarch of the family, set her cup down with a sigh. "Axel Ranger is a highly dangerous individual, skilled in the dark arts. Releasing him, even for a moment, poses an unacceptable risk."

Cardinal Yvren nodded in agreement. "We cannot afford to gamble with such a threat, especially given the potential dangers he represents."

The decision was unanimous; Kairon would not receive the clearance he sought. Though he accepted the decision with a nod, it was clear he was not satisfied. The atmosphere remained tense as the meal continued, each person lost in their thoughts.

After lunch, Fionella, eager to explore the city, changed into more casual attire. Her excitement was palpable as she made her way to meet Cassandra, who waited outside. However, her plans were interrupted when she encountered Kairon in one of the castle's long, echoing corridors."Greetings, my lady," Kairon greeted her, his voice smooth and polite.

Fionella, maintaining her composure, replied, "Greetings, Young Lord Kairon." She moved to pass him, but Kairon stopped her, a serious expression on his face.

"I feel I may have intruded upon you rudely three days ago," Kairon began, his tone sincere. "Is there any way I can make amends?"

Fionella raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback. "There is no need," she responded coolly.Kairon persisted, "I don't like to owe anyone anything. Please, allow me to do something to make it right."

"But you don't owe me anything," Fionella replied, her voice firm, though her curiosity was piqued.

Kairon smiled, his eyes softening. "Your actions during the Dark Bear incident were crucial. Because of your attack, I was able to defeat it."

Fionella's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard. "H-How did you..."

"As a Keeper, I can sense such things," Kairon explained, his voice calm. "Your use of soul energy, especially, is hard to miss."

Fionella regarded him with a newfound intensity. "Alright, what do you propose?"

Kairon's expression brightened. "Allow me to accompany you. I assume you're planning to explore the city?"

Fionella hesitated. "Having you with me would attract unnecessary attention, given your status."

"That's something we can manage," Kairon assured her with a confident smile.

—*—

Disguised with his golden hair dyed white and his golden energy carefully concealed, Kairon joined Fionella and Cassandra as they wandered through the bustling Central Alley. The lively market was filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the calls of vendors, offering everything from exotic foods to handmade crafts.

"Young Lord, try this one!" a vendor called, inviting them to participate in a target-shooting game. Fionella, an accomplished archer, accepted the challenge with a confident smile.

As Fionella prepared to take her shot, Kairon watched her intently, admiration clear in his eyes. Cassandra, noticing his gaze, approached him quietly.

"Does my lady interest you, my lord?" she asked, her tone light yet curious.

Kairon was momentarily taken aback, glancing away before meeting her eyes again. "I was merely admiring her skill," he replied, though his tone held a hint of something deeper.Cassandra smiled knowingly. "Were you one of the mages who protected the civilians during the attack?" Kairon asked, shifting the conversation.

"Yes, I cast a 7th-tier barrier," Cassandra replied, her tone modest.

Kairon nodded, impressed. "And you are?"

"Cassandra Davron, a gold-rank mage," she replied.

"A Davron? You're the daughter of Vice Head Mage Lord Fenran?" Kairon inquired, surprised.

Cassandra nodded. "Indeed, I am."

"But why serve my lady?" She finished his question.

"It is my duty," Cassandra replied simply, leaving Kairon to ponder her words.

Fionella called out to them, eager to explore the next stall. As they moved on, Kairon's thoughts lingered on the day's revelations, both about Fionella and her enigmatic companion. The afternoon was filled with laughter and light-hearted moments, but the undercurrents of deeper connections and unspoken truths ran through their interactions, hinting at more to come.

To be continued