The Awakening of a Ruler

As the morning light filtered through the curtains, I awoke to a bewildering sight—a notification hovering in front of my eyes, glowing with an otherworldly brilliance. 

**NOTICE: You are now the official ruler of the Alzerian Kingdom.**

"Ahh, what? Is this some kind of joke?" I muttered, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. The weight of the words sank in slowly, and disbelief washed over me. "So now I am the official ruler. Wow, who keeps sending these notices?"

Before I could process the implications of my new title, another message appeared.

**NOTICE: The Dragon of Freedom has been summoned. The dragon seals are on the left hand of the ruler.**

"What does it mean that a dragon has been summoned?" I pondered aloud, glancing at my left hand. To my astonishment, I discovered two intricate tattoos etched into my skin, their designs resembling the fierce visage of a dragon's head. I gasped, realization dawning upon me. "Does this mean we have manifested two out of four dragons? But what does the Dragon of Liberty signify?"

As I grappled with these revelations, a familiar voice echoed in my mind, my sage skill coming to life with an air of authority.

"Congratulations, Master. You are now the official ruler of the Alzerian Kingdom."

"Yeah, but what about this seal? And how do I summon the remaining two dragons?" I asked, frustration creeping into my voice.

"Master, dragons embody various qualities of existence—freedom, wisdom, strength, transformation, consciousness, justice. But they also represent darker traits: greed, chaos, evil, and untamed nature," the sage explained, its tone steady and informative.

"These qualities reside within all beings, not just humans," it continued. "Every conscious entity possesses these dualities, and dragons are the ultimate carriers of such traits. According to ancient lore, when the first kingdom was established, its emperor—the first divine being—summoned four dragons: the Dragon of Freedom, the Dragon of Consciousness, the Dragon of Strength, and the Dragon of Wisdom. It is said that for a kingdom to endure, these four dragons must be summoned. They do not exist in a physical form; instead, they manifest as symbols upon the ruler's hand, recognized by the Divine Council. The land itself possesses consciousness, and when its people experience emotions such as freedom or awareness, the dragons are summoned. Your recent victory over the Stone Guardian instilled a sense of freedom in the hearts of the people, thus calling forth the Dragon of Freedom."

"WOAH. This world is more mystic than I ever imagined," I exclaimed, overwhelmed by the torrent of information. "How do you know all this, Sage?"

"Master, I am designed to possess all knowledge that exists," it replied modestly.

"Then why didn't you tell me sooner?" I pressed, my curiosity piqued.

"It was not the right time. I knew you would learn when you were ready," it stated matter-of-factly.

"Huh, and who decides that?" I challenged.

"Simple. I decide when the time is right," the sage replied with a hint of pride.

"Okay, but I have another question—"

"Apologies, Master, but the time for questions has elapsed. I sense Serine is approaching to awaken you. You should prepare for your duties; today marks your first day as king."

"Tsch! What a frustrating skill," I grumbled, annoyance bubbling within me.

Just then, a gentle voice called from outside my chamber door. 

"Master, may I come in?" It was Serine, my loyal attendant.

"You may," I replied, eager to shift my focus from the tumult of my thoughts.

As she entered, Serine held out a neatly folded towel and a set of garments. "Master, this is your towel, and these are your clothes, crafted according to your design. We prepared them overnight. You have the choice of a spring bath or a regular bath, depending on your preference."

"Wow, you all prepared my clothes overnight. Thank you for your service," I said, genuinely touched by their efforts.

"Please, Master, do not embarrass us. It is our duty to serve you to the best of our abilities," Serine replied, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"Thanks, Serine. And where is Queen Charla?"

"Master, the queen is currently taking a bath in the spring. I can convey your message if you wish."

"No, I'll visit her myself. And what about Chloe? How is she faring? Is there anything major happening?"

"Master, Madam Chloe was severely fatigued and had been on the brink of starvation for some time, which caused her illness. However, she has now recovered and is resting peacefully in her chamber."

"Ah, I see. You may go now," I instructed.

"As you command," she replied, bowing before exiting.

Once alone, I prepared for my bath, my mind racing with thoughts of my new responsibilities. 

"Hmm, Charla is taking a spring bath. That means we might share some time together," I mused, a hint of excitement bubbling within me. The prospect of seeing her in such an intimate setting stirred an unexpected thrill in my heart. 

As I approached the ornate wooden gate that led to the sanctuary of the spring bath, the gentle sound of water lapping against the stone echoed in the stillness of the morning. The air was fragrant with the scent of blooming jasmine, mingling with the earthy aroma of the warm steam that wafted through the air. Two maids stood at attention, their expressions a blend of respect and curiosity, as they awaited my arrival.

"Good morning, my lord," one of them greeted with a slight bow, her voice soft yet clear. "The queen is already inside the bath, awaiting you."

I nodded, a small smile playing on my lips. "Hmm, good morning to you both. I am aware of her presence. Please, ensure that no one interrupts our time together. It is essential that we have this moment to ourselves."

"Yes, master," they replied in unison, their heads bowing slightly as they stepped aside, allowing me passage. 

With a gentle push, I opened the door and stepped into the warmth of the bathing chamber. The sight that greeted me was breathtaking. The room was illuminated by the soft glow of candles flickering along the stone walls, their flames dancing like tiny stars against the backdrop of the dimly lit space. The spring bath, a magnificent pool of steaming water, beckoned me closer, its surface shimmering like liquid silver.

As I moved further inside, I caught sight of her—my queen—immersed in the soothing waters. Her hair flowed like a cascade of silk, dark and lustrous, framing her delicate features. She looked up as I entered, her eyes sparkling with mischief and warmth. 

"Ah, my lord," she said, her voice a melodic whisper that seemed to resonate within the chamber. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't come."

I chuckled softly, the tension of the day melting away in her presence. "How could I resist such an invitation? This is the one place where time stands still, where the world outside fades into a distant memory."

With a graceful motion, she gestured for me to join her. The water rippled gently as I stepped closer, the warmth enveloping me like a comforting embrace. I sank into the bath beside her, the steam rising around us, creating a cocoon of intimacy that shielded us from the outside world.

"Tell me, what thoughts occupy your mind this morning?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, her expression inviting yet curious.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, the serene atmosphere allowing me to reflect. "The kingdom is bustling with preparations for the king ceremony. The people are excited, and I feel the weight of their expectations on my shoulders. But in this moment, all of that fades away. Here, it is just you and me."

She smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. "Then let us forget the world beyond these walls, even if just for a little while. Let us indulge in the tranquility that surrounds us."