Training and Duties: A Bond of Dedication

"Our training ends today, my lady," Master Diana announced, her voice firm yet encouraging.They had just finished an intense session of running around the falls, hunting magical creatures created solely for training purposes.

"Feel free to call me by my name, Master," Fionella responded, rising and washing herself in the cool, cascading waters of the falls. The water sparkled in the sunlight, the droplets catching the light like tiny diamonds. "I am training as a disciple, after all."

Diana smiled, a hint of pride in her eyes. "Very well, Fion."Their training had begun at the break of dawn, starting at the fourth hour and stretching until the tenth. The falls provided a serene backdrop, with the sound of rushing water blending harmoniously with the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves. After their rigorous session, Fionella returned to the castle, indulging in a refreshing bath scented with lavender and rose petals, allowing the warm water to soothe her tired muscles.

Upon her return to the castle, Fionella was informed of Kairon's arrival. As the temporary head of external affairs, it was her duty to greet him. She donned her official uniform, tailored to reflect her status while allowing for freedom of movement, unlike the restrictive gowns. The uniform was elegant in silver and blue, adorned with her house crest. A short cape added a touch of regality, and with her golden energy concealed, her hair turned a striking black.

"Is that your official uniform?" Thealaine asked, entering the room in her own gold-trimmed attire. The room was bathed in soft, golden light from the afternoon sun filtering through the tall windows. "And when did your hair turn black?"

Fionella, having her hair styled in a bun by a lady-in-waiting, responded, "My golden energy is fully concealed now after a much-needed meditation on Mount Halia, so my hair color changed."

Thea nodded approvingly. "You look good. You should wear that uniform more often."

"I'm only going to wear this for official matters," Fionella replied."But you do look good," Rozel entered, his own uniform matching hers in style but with blue and gold accents. "I heard you're handling external affairs for the time being."

Fionella stood up as her hair accessories were placed. "Yes, at least I can go out more often."

Rozel patted her head affectionately. "I'll duel with you once I get back."

"Are you going somewhere?" Fionella asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

"Yes, I'll be staying in the Capital for a while. His Highness needs me to assist with diplomatic relations with other kingdoms and countries. I'm leaving today, but I'll be back before Thea's coronation."

"Take care, brother," Thea said.

"Take care always, okay?" Fionella added.

Rozel left the fortress that day. Thealaine returned to her tasks, and Fionella made her way to the quarters. The air was crisp and filled with the scent of blooming flowers from the garden she passed through. There, she saw Kairon in the flesh, giving instructions to the workers and engineers amidst the backdrop of the bustling construction site.

Slowly, she approached the young lord. Kairon paused, momentarily mesmerized by Fionella's new appearance—from her dashing uniform to her black hair. The sun cast a golden hue over them, making the moment feel almost surreal.

Kairon excused himself from the workers and approached her. "My lady," he greeted, exchanging pleasantries. "You look dashing today. What happened to your hair?"

Fionella's cheeks flushed slightly as she cleared her throat. "Effects of fully concealing my golden energy," she explained."I see," Kairon smiled. "I have already instructed the workers and engineers on the important details."

"How long will you be staying here?" Fionella inquired.

"Only a week, my lady. I still have ongoing matters to attend to and must return to our fortress soon," Kairon replied. "I heard you'll be handling external affairs for a while?"

"Yes, I need to ease the burden on my sister," Fionella said.

Her ladies-in-waiting prepared a small tea and snack for them. The table was set with delicate porcelain cups and a variety of pastries, the aroma of freshly brewed tea wafting through the air. As they sat and talked, Kairon reported on the progress of the restoration and investigations.

"The House of Lionel will manage," Fionella commented, taking a sip of the fragrant tea. "But will you still be updated?"

"Of course," Kairon nodded. "It's an ongoing investigation and still under our jurisdiction. I'll keep you informed."

"Thank you," Fionella said sincerely."If you don't mind, may I accompany you on your tasks for the rest of the afternoon?" Kairon asked suddenly, catching Fionella off guard.Cassandra appeared, bowing respectfully. "You are scheduled to visit one of the residing villages, my lady."

"Oh, right. I almost forgot," Fionella said, smiling. Cassandra glanced at Kairon, anticipating her lady's response. "If you have time, you are welcome to join."

"Then I'll transport us there," Cassandra said. "Wait, can you cast a change of attire spell first?" Fionella requested, earning a furrowed brow from the young mage.

"But that is your official uniform, my lady," Cassandra pointed out."I wish to change into more casual and comfortable attire. Visiting the villagers in this lavish outfit might make them uncomfortable. After all, I'm going there to observe and understand their needs," Fionella explained.

Cassandra understood and cast the spell, changing Fionella's attire to something more casual yet still regal. The new outfit was simpler, with earth tones that blended well with the rustic environment of the villages.

Afterward, Fionella turned to Kairon, who had been staring at her intently. Feeling awkward, she asked, "W-What?"

Kairon smiled warmly. "I learned a lot from what you just did, my lady. I should do the same when I visit our villages back home."

"That's good to know," Fionella replied. "Our people feel closer to us when they are comfortable. Although we are of noble blood, we must embrace that privilege and still care for them."

Kairon nodded, appreciating her wisdom. "Indeed, we must never forget our responsibilities to our people."

With that, they set off to Milano Village, a small settlement situated a bit farther from the capital of the fortress. Cassandra explained that she had already visited the nearby villages over the past week, making it easier for them to use the portal—after all, the portal could only be opened to locations the mage had previously visited.

Milano Village was notably smaller than Guren Village in the Capital. At the entrance, they were greeted by two guards, their faces etched with weariness. As they ventured further, the atmosphere turned noticeably gloomy. The recent incidents involving Specters and dark mages had forced leaders to focus on defending their territories, often at the expense of the well-being of their people. Seeing this, Fionella felt a pang of guilt.

"What happened here?" Fionella asked Cassandra, her voice tinged with concern.

Cassandra sighed. "With the tight budget of the Fortress, the Council for Finance was forced to cut some relief funds to the people. This village wasn't always this desolate. However, the recent death of the village chief, who was a good leader, has left a significant void."

"Who is the new head now?" Fionella inquired.

"The village chief's greedy son," Cassandra replied, her tone laced with disdain. "We've received numerous complaints from the villagers about his corruption, which is why we were tasked to observe the situation here."

Kairon surveyed the area, his brows furrowing in concern. "It seems the taxes paid by the people are being misappropriated by the new chief instead of being invested in trade and economic growth. This mismanagement is evident in the village's condition."

As they walked through the village, they saw signs of neglect everywhere. The once-thriving marketplace was now sparse, with only a few vendors selling meager goods. Houses were in disrepair, and the villagers wore expressions of despondency. Children, who should have been playing joyfully, sat quietly in corners, their faces marked by hunger and uncertainty.

Fionella's heart ached at the sight. She approached a group of women who were gathered by a well, their conversation halting as they noticed her. "Good day, if you don't mind, may I ask what happened here?"

One of the women, an elder with kind eyes but a worried expression, stepped forward. "Good day, my lady. We are trying our best, but it's been tough since the new chief took over. The little we have is often taken away as taxes, and we see nothing in return."

Fionella nodded, "We are here to help and ensure that your concerns are heard. Please, tell us more about the issues you're facing."

The women exchanged glances before another spoke up. "The new chief only cares about his own wealth. Our crops are failing, and there's no support. The children are getting sick, and we don't have enough medicines."

Kairon listened intently, his expression grim. "What a spawn of a devil,"

As they continued their visit, Fionella and Kairon gathered more testimonies from the villagers, each story painting a grim picture of mismanagement and neglect. They visited the local school, where the children were huddled in a dimly lit room, their faces lighting up only slightly at the sight of new visitors.

--*--

In the village chief's residence of Milano Village, the dimly lit room was filled with an eerie silence, broken only by the crackling of a small fire in the hearth. The air was thick with the scent of decay and fear. The current village chief, Preston, bowed his head submissively to an unknown dark mage standing before him. Shadows danced menacingly across the walls, amplifying the sinister atmosphere.

"You can take anything you want," Preston whispered, his voice trembling. "Just give me fortune and wealth."

The dark mage, cloaked in a robe as black as midnight, smiled a cold, predatory smile. His eyes glowed with an unnatural light, reflecting the depths of his malevolent intentions. "Everything?" he asked, his voice smooth and chilling. "Even your people?"

Preston hesitated for a moment, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. But greed quickly overpowered any semblance of conscience. "Y-Yes! They are just weak people and nothing of importance!" he stammered. "The head fortress is busy dealing with the Specters now; they won't be bothered by a small village being annihilated."

The dark mage chuckled softly, the sound sending shivers down Preston's spine. "Very well," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "Your wish shall be granted and cannot be reversed"

Preston gulped, but the lure of riches blinded him to the impending doom. He nodded eagerly, desperate for the promise of fortune. "I understand. Just make it happen."

The dark mage raised his hands, and an ominous energy began to swirl around him, dark tendrils of magic creeping through the room like sinister vines. "It will be done," he intoned, his voice echoing with dark power.

Preston's mind already filled with visions of opulence and power. As the dark mage's spell took hold, the room grew colder, the fire sputtering and nearly extinguishing. The malevolent energy spread throughout the village, unnoticed by its unsuspecting inhabitants.

To be continued