Chapter 35: King..

The next trial wasn't a trial at all—at least not in the traditional sense. As they stepped through the door, Livia and Sylas found themselves in a completely new world. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers, the grass beneath their feet soft and lush, and the sky above a brilliant shade of blue. It felt almost serene, like they had entered a world at peace—too peaceful, perhaps.

Before them stretched a massive kingdom, its towering stone walls and sprawling estates easily visible from where they stood. The city beyond was bustling with activity, merchants hawking their wares, children running through the streets, and noblemen and women walking with the air of untouchable power. It was a sight to behold—a land of wealth and prosperity.

Livia took a moment to absorb it all, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. "This place is… grand," she murmured, the words almost lost in the buzz of activity around them.

Sylas remained silent, his usual stern expression in place, his mind working as he studied the kingdom. His first thought was of the people—the common folk seemed well-fed, their clothing of decent quality, and the nobility above them appeared to live in relative luxury. This kingdom was clearly well-established, and its ruler was undoubtedly powerful.

They made their way through the city, taking in the vastness of the royal district. The streets were wide and lined with impressive buildings, statues of long-forgotten kings towering over the public square. Livia couldn't help but notice the intricacy of the architecture. It wasn't the typical stone-and-brick construction they were used to. This place had been built to last, a symbol of both wealth and legacy.

But even in this city of grandeur, there was an undercurrent of tension. The further they moved into the heart of the kingdom, the more the crowds seemed to quiet. Their footsteps echoed in the almost oppressive silence of the royal palace district. There were guards standing watch at every corner, their stern expressions unwavering, eyes sharp as they watched Sylas and Livia's every move. It wasn't long before they realized they were being followed.

Livia tilted her head to the side. "We're being watched," she murmured to Sylas.

Sylas didn't answer immediately, but his hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword. He knew they couldn't just wander around here without raising suspicion. This place was clearly not meant for outsiders, and their foreign presence wasn't something that went unnoticed.

Finally, after walking for what felt like an eternity, they were met by a group of royal guards, their armor gleaming in the sunlight. The guards were imposing, their spears raised as they surrounded Sylas and Livia with practiced precision. The leader of the guard stepped forward, his voice cold and commanding.

"State your business here," he demanded.

Sylas glanced at Livia, his face a mask of calm. They had to be careful. They couldn't afford to reveal that they weren't from this world. That would only raise more questions, questions they couldn't afford to answer. With a firm, composed tone, Sylas spoke.

"We're travelers," he said simply. "We seek an audience with your king."

The guard studied him for a long moment, his eyes narrowing. "The king does not meet with just anyone. Who are you really?"

Livia didn't flinch, her eyes remaining steady as she addressed the guard. "We're not here to cause trouble. We only seek to understand this land."

The leader of the guards hesitated, then nodded curtly. "Follow me."

They were escorted through the towering gates of the palace, the sprawling gardens stretching out around them. The inside of the castle was even more opulent than the city had suggested—long, lavish halls with tapestries depicting kings of old, intricate frescoes on the walls, and servants bustling about in an organized chaos.

After a short walk, they were brought before the king himself. He sat on a raised throne, a man who appeared in his late thirties, his features sharp but weathered, like someone who had borne the weight of a kingdom on his shoulders for too long. His eyes were piercing, and there was a heavy air about him as if he had seen more than any king should.

The king regarded them silently for a moment before speaking. "Who are you?" His voice was deep, yet not unfriendly—more curious than anything.

Sylas and Livia stood in front of him, both standing tall, but neither offering unnecessary pleasantries. Sylas met his gaze directly, his voice unwavering.

"We're travelers," Sylas repeated. "We've come from afar to learn about your kingdom."

The king studied them for a long time, his eyes narrowing slightly, as if weighing their every word. There was no hint of recognition, no sign that he knew they were not from this world. For all intents and purposes, they were simply strangers to him.

"You are not like the others who have come here," the king said, his gaze flicking briefly to Livia. "But I sense no malice in you. Very well. I will grant you a short audience."

The king motioned to a servant standing nearby, who quickly fetched a scroll and handed it to him. The king unfurled it, glancing over the contents before looking back at Sylas and Livia. "This kingdom has been prosperous for many years, but it is not without its troubles. There are those who would seek to bring it down from within. I ask you—what is it that you truly seek here?"

Sylas didn't hesitate. "Knowledge. Understanding. If your kingdom is as prosperous as it seems, we seek to learn from it."

The king didn't respond immediately. Instead, he looked at them both carefully, as if weighing their words. His eyes seemed to soften for a brief moment—an expression that hinted at something deeper, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared.

"It's been years since I've had such visitors," the king muttered, almost to himself. "Most come for power, for riches. But you seem different."

Livia took a step forward, but her voice remained respectful. "We mean no harm, Your Majesty. We only wish to understand your ways."

There was a long silence as the king seemed lost in thought. Finally, he nodded, though his expression remained unreadable.

"Very well," he said slowly. "You are free to explore my kingdom. But be warned, not all is as it seems. This land, though rich, is fraught with challenges. And I cannot guarantee your safety if you choose to delve too deep into matters that do not concern you."

Sylas inclined his head slightly. "We understand, Your Majesty."

With that, the king dismissed them. They were escorted out of his presence, but not without one last look from him—a fleeting glance that seemed to carry more weight than it should have.

As they left the royal chambers, Livia and Sylas exchanged no words at first. The king's behavior, his reluctance to speak of his queen or his kingdom's internal strife, was something neither of them could ignore. There was more to this place than met the eye, and it wasn't the sort of world they could easily understand.

They were not here for power or riches, but the deeper they went into this kingdom, the more they could sense that something was amiss—something hidden beneath the surface of all the wealth and grandeur.

Livia finally spoke. "This place feels… off. Don't you think?"

Sylas nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yes. But we have to keep moving. We can't stay here forever. Whatever the king is hiding, it won't stay hidden for long."

And so, they ventured deeper into the kingdom, exploring its riches, its mysteries, and the shadows that lingered just out of reach. They didn't know it yet, but they were about to uncover something far darker than they could have ever anticipated.

As Sylas and Livia stepped deeper into the heart of the kingdom, they couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur around them. The kingdom, known as Valdenor, was a place of unparalleled beauty. Its streets were lined with towering marble columns and impressive statues of past kings, their regal faces carved into stone, staring down at the people with a silent, almost watchful air. The architecture was a mix of ancient stone and delicate gold filigree, giving the entire city an air of opulence.

The royal district was expansive—sprawling gardens full of vibrant, exotic flowers spread out beneath the towers of the castle, their fragrance hanging heavy in the air. Around every corner, merchants were selling their wares in brightly colored stalls. The scent of fresh-baked bread mixed with the faint tang of herbs and spices, and the sound of haggling filled the air as townsfolk bargained for goods. It was a bustling, yet serene, atmosphere, like the calm before a storm that never came. The citizens appeared happy, content, their lives simple but fulfilling, and there was a sense of stability here that spoke volumes about the king's rule.

The castle itself stood like a sentinel in the heart of the kingdom. It was a massive structure, its towers rising high into the sky, their stone walls adorned with tapestries of grand battles and victories from times long past. The walls shimmered in the light, as if imbued with an ethereal glow. The royal family resided in the Silverstone Castle, an awe-inspiring structure perched on a hill that overlooked the entire kingdom. From its high balconies, one could see the entirety of Valdenor's lands—the vast farmlands, the endless forests, and the shimmering waters that hugged the kingdom's edges.

As Sylas and Livia walked through the streets, they encountered all manner of people. Children ran freely through the gardens, laughing as they chased each other. Farmers were busy in the marketplace, selling their crops and goods to well-dressed nobles who leisurely perused the stalls. The nobility didn't seem to take themselves too seriously—there was an air of casualness to their interactions, as though they had lived in a world of comfort for so long that their power had become almost… effortless.

At one point, they stopped in a grand square where a fountain stood at its center. The water shimmered in the sunlight, the stonework around it intricately carved with images of lions and horses. Livia leaned over the edge of the fountain, dipping her fingers into the cool water, her expression softening for a brief moment.

"This place is beautiful," she murmured, looking around. "But there's something strange about it. It feels like a kingdom frozen in time."

Sylas didn't respond immediately, but his sharp eyes were scanning their surroundings. He could sense the same thing Livia did—the kingdom was serene, yes, but there was an almost too perfect quality to it. As if it had been set in place, not by the natural ebb and flow of life, but by some unseen hand, carefully maintained.

They continued their exploration, wandering through the royal gardens and even taking a moment to pause by the lake that stretched along the eastern side of the castle. The lake sparkled under the afternoon sun, a vast, placid expanse of water that stretched as far as the eye could see, its shores lined with weeping willows and ancient trees whose branches reached out like skeletal hands.

As they walked, they encountered a few more people—nobles, commoners, soldiers—all of whom acknowledged their presence with polite nods and curious glances. But none of them seemed to have any extraordinary connection to the travelers. This kingdom was, for all intents and purposes, a well-oiled machine, and the people here were simply living their lives.

After a few hours of walking, they found themselves in the lower districts of the castle, where the kitchens, barracks, and various royal service buildings were located. Here, the mood was less formal, and the atmosphere more relaxed, with workers going about their business, chatting as they carried out their tasks. They even came across a group of children who were playing with a wooden ball, laughing as they chased it down the dirt roads.

Sylas found himself momentarily distracted by the simple joy in their laughter. Despite the polished, perfect image the kingdom presented, there was something undeniably real about the way the people lived here. It was a reminder that even in the grandest of kingdoms, the hearts of the people could still be simple.

As they continued their walk, they passed by a large courtyard where a few royal guards were training. The clang of swords striking against shields echoed through the air as knights sparred with one another in full armor. Their movements were precise, disciplined—clearly the kingdom had a strong military presence. Sylas couldn't help but notice the efficiency in their technique, the way they worked together almost instinctively. It was the mark of a kingdom that was not just wealthy, but ready for any threat.

Livia glanced at Sylas, her voice quieter now. "These people… they don't seem like they're hiding anything. Do you think the king is? You don't think there's a plot going on here, do you?"

Sylas paused, his sharp gaze scanning the guards and the soldiers' training. "No," he said, his voice low but firm. "It's not a matter of plots. Not here. But something about this place… it doesn't feel natural. It's too perfect."

"Perfect?" Livia raised an eyebrow. "How can something be too perfect?"

Sylas didn't answer right away. He wasn't entirely sure how to explain it himself. It wasn't a sense of impending doom or something overtly sinister—it was more like a subtle distortion of the natural flow of things. Everything felt too… ordered. Too controlled. Almost as if the kingdom had been frozen in an ideal moment, kept in a stasis that didn't allow for any organic change or evolution. The citizens were content, yes, but what about the king? What about the forces at work behind the scenes?

They had wandered far enough to realize that no one in the kingdom spoke of the king's queen. No one had mentioned her name, and no one seemed to talk about her absence. The royal court was never mentioned in any conversations, even though the king had no queen by his side.

It was a curiosity they couldn't ignore, and as the day waned, Sylas and Livia agreed to return to the royal palace to seek more answers. The guards who had first confronted them were still in their positions, keeping a watchful eye on the visitors, but they made no move to stop them this time.

The day had been long, filled with discoveries and quiet musings. The kingdom of Valdenor was, in many ways, the model of prosperity. It was a place of wealth, peace, and order. But somewhere beneath the surface, something was missing. Something about the king's reign, his relationship with the people, and the mysterious absence of his queen gnawed at Sylas and Livia.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of gold and purple, Sylas and Livia entered the royal chambers once more. They weren't sure what they would uncover, but one thing was clear—they hadn't yet seen everything this kingdom had to offer.

And they weren't going to stop until they had the answers they sought.

The morning light crept through the windows of the small, rustic tavern where Sylas and Livia had spent the night. The town square was already bustling with activity as the early risers prepared for the day. The tavern itself was a simple building, wooden beams supporting a thatched roof, with an inviting warmth emanating from the hearth in the corner. They had taken a quiet, unassuming room on the second floor, just far enough from the main thoroughfare to sleep soundly without disturbances. The quiet hum of the town outside was peaceful, and the atmosphere within the tavern was calm.

After a night of rest, they gathered their things and made their way back to the royal palace. The air was fresh and crisp in the morning, and the kingdom seemed even more vibrant in the early light, with golden rays spilling over the castle walls. They had decided that today would be the day they would seek a brief audience with King Eyndor.

The king's name had already been mentioned in passing by several of the townsfolk, though they spoke of him with reverence and quiet admiration. His rule was known for its stability, prosperity, and fairness. The people spoke of him with a quiet respect, mentioning his wisdom and his ability to make difficult decisions with a level-headed approach. However, it was clear that Eyndor was not someone to be trifled with, for his decisions were often final and absolute.

Livia and Sylas arrived at the palace's grand gates, their entrance met by the familiar guards who had kept their watchful eyes on them since their arrival. The soldiers allowed them entry without a word, having been informed of their purpose. They were led through the halls of the Silverstone Castle once again, past towering marble columns and through lush corridors lined with colorful tapestries, depicting heroic battles and the lineage of the royal family.

At last, they were brought before the royal throne room, an immense chamber with polished stone floors and high vaulted ceilings. The air was filled with the faint scent of incense, and the room seemed to hum with quiet reverence. King Eyndor sat on a large, ornate throne, carved from dark wood and adorned with gold. His gaze was steady, and his posture regal, yet there was something approachable about him. He was a man of few words, but his eyes betrayed a quiet intelligence that made his presence all the more commanding.

"Welcome, travelers," King Eyndor's deep voice broke the silence. His tone was calm, but there was an edge to it, a sense of authority that demanded attention. "I trust your journey has been a pleasant one?"

Livia and Sylas exchanged a glance, then bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty," Sylas said, his voice steady and calm. "We have been fortunate to be welcomed into your kingdom."

Eyndor nodded, motioning for them to rise. "It is my kingdom's privilege to host you. But I must ask—what is it that brings you to the heart of Valdenor?"

Sylas was quick to speak, careful not to reveal too much. "We are travelers from another world, seeking to understand the workings of kingdoms such as yours. We have heard of your wisdom, Your Majesty, and we seek a small audience with you to gain insight into your rule."

The king's eyes narrowed slightly, as if considering their words carefully. "Another world, you say?" He leaned forward slightly, his hands resting on the armrests of his throne. "An interesting claim. But I believe it is not the world you come from that matters, but rather the purpose for your visit. What knowledge is it that you seek?"

Sylas paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "We seek to understand how you govern, Your Majesty. How you make the difficult decisions that shape this kingdom. We are… philosophers, of sorts, studying the principles that drive a kingdom like yours to thrive."

King Eyndor's expression remained neutral, but his eyes flickered with a glimmer of interest. "Philosophers," he murmured. "You wish to understand the philosophy of rulership." He leaned back in his chair, pondering for a moment. "Very well, I shall indulge you. But understand this: a kingdom is not a mere collection of rules and laws. It is a living, breathing entity. It must adapt, evolve, and sometimes, it must make choices that seem… harsh. I have always believed that the ends justify the means."

Sylas and Livia exchanged a brief glance, each of them recognizing the weight of what the king had just said. Consequentialism, the belief that the morality of an action is determined solely by its outcome—this was the core of King Eyndor's philosophy. He governed not by rigid codes or ideals, but by the consequences of his decisions, weighing the benefits and costs in a way that few others could.

Eyndor continued, "As king, it is my duty to protect the kingdom, to ensure its future, even if that means making difficult choices—choices that some might not understand. Sometimes, sacrifices must be made for the greater good. This is the burden of leadership." He turned his gaze briefly to the large painting hanging behind him, where the likeness of a woman—presumably his late queen—was depicted, elegant and regal. A soft sigh escaped his lips before he continued, "But every decision I make is done with the welfare of my people in mind."

Livia spoke then, her voice quiet but insistent. "And what of those sacrifices, Your Majesty? How do you determine what is worth sacrificing? Is there ever a point where the costs outweigh the benefits?"

King Eyndor's eyes flickered to the young woman, and a hint of something like amusement crossed his face. "Ah, the idealism of youth," he said softly. "It is a fair question. But you will come to learn that in leadership, the cost of doing nothing is often greater than the cost of action. Inaction leads to stagnation, decay. A kingdom that does not grow or evolve is a kingdom that dies."

He turned his gaze back to Sylas. "You asked about the philosophy of rulership. The answer is simple: It is not enough to simply rule—one must be willing to act, even when the cost is high. Consequences, both good and bad, are part of the equation. A ruler must accept that, and make the best choice, even when it is not the most popular."

Sylas absorbed the king's words, the weight of his philosophy settling in his mind. He couldn't help but think that King Eyndor's rule was a reflection of the kingdom itself—perfectly balanced, with an unwavering focus on the results of every action, regardless of the methods used.

Finally, after a long moment of silence, King Eyndor leaned forward again, his tone shifting slightly. "I must ask—what is it that you hope to gain from this conversation? You are not the first to seek knowledge of my kingdom, and I assume you will not be the last. But what will you do with what you learn?"

Sylas paused for a moment, considering the question. "We seek to learn, Your Majesty. Not for power or personal gain, but to better understand how we might grow as individuals and leaders in our own right. We hope to learn from the wisdom of those who have come before us."

Eyndor regarded him quietly, his expression unreadable. Then, after a long pause, he nodded. "Very well. If you are sincere in your desire to learn, I shall allow you to stay and observe. Perhaps there is something here that will be of use to you." He turned to the guards who stood at attention in the room. "See that they are provided for."

With that, Sylas and Livia were dismissed, the doors of the throne room opening once again to allow them to leave. As they stepped back into the corridors of the palace, the weight of the conversation lingered in the air.

The king's philosophy was clear: leadership was about the consequences of actions, and sometimes, the harshest decisions were the most necessary. It was a philosophy that made sense in its own way, but it left a lingering question for Sylas and Livia. What would they do with the lessons they had learned here?