Chapter Five: The Hidden Kingdom of Obsidian Belsic

Vlood and Elysia traveled far in a black vehicle, heading toward Obsidian Belsic (Death in East), where Vlood ruled. Unlike the dangerous creatures in Obsidian Seth, the beings in Obsidian Belsic were gentle and peaceful.

After a six-hour journey in a car Vlood had bought from Yeni Zone (Modern Country), near Zafirae, they finally arrived. As they entered Obsidian Belsic, Elysia observed her surroundings. She saw an enormous, towering wall made of sturdy cement, enclosing the entire area.

Vlood touched the massive stone gate, which opened instantly. They re-entered the car and drove inside. Inside Obsidian Belsic, Elysia saw the breathtaking scenery—a vast ocean with shades of blue and green. Due to the ocean's color, the beautiful coral reefs beneath remained hidden. Scattered throughout the sea were islands and towering rock formations, with large houses built on top of them. The sky displayed hues of pink, yellow, and blue as the sun began to set.

Ahead of their car lay a long, wide road that seemed to stretch endlessly. This road floated over the sea, appearing as if suspended in the air. On both sides were islands and rock formations.

As they crossed the bridge in their black vehicle, Elysia leaned out of the window to admire the surroundings. To her surprise, she saw mermaids sitting on the shallow rocks—creatures with fishtails that served as their legs in the water. Their bodies were covered in gray scales, and their chests had no nipples. Their fingers had sharp claws, and their long, unkempt gray hair looked as if it hadn't been brushed for years. Despite their eerie features, their faces were beautiful and enchanting.

Shocked, Elysia tapped Vlood's shoulder.

"Vlood, there are mermaids here !!!" she exclaimed.

"Why ??? Is this your first time seeing one ???" Vlood asked.

"Yes !!! My friend told me they were beautiful," she replied.

"But they have no nipples..." Vlood stated coldly.

"Huh ??? What are nipples, Vlood ???" she asked, puzzled.

"You don't know what nipples are ???" Vlood smirked.

"No !!!What do they look like ??? Have you seen one ???" she asked curiously.

"Of course. I've seen thousands. Never mind, stop asking about that," Vlood said dismissively.

"Fine, I'll ask Grandma Morwenna instead," Elysia replied playfully.

"Are you crazy ??? She'll scold you if you ask her !!!" Vlood warned.

"Really ??? Well, I'll ask her anyway," she stubbornly replied.

"You're a strange girl. You'd get along well with my cousin," Vlood said, smiling.

"Is that a real smile, Vlood ??? You rarely smile !!!You look even more handsome when you do," Elysia said, giggling.

"Maybe your cousin and I are alike," she added.

"Yes, both of you are stubborn," Vlood teased.

After a few more hours of driving, Elysia noticed the road gradually rising. From a distance, she could see the vast ocean far below the bridge. The path looked like a floating structure in the sky. She also spotted a massive basin with a fountain that poured water like rainfall.

They finally arrived at a gigantic castle. Unlike any other, it had statues of angels and golden accents on its walls. The tall towers resembled pointed pens. The castle's entrance had a large stone bridge with flowing water beneath it.

Elysia was amazed. She never expected to see such a magnificent and enormous castle. Out of admiration, she held onto Vlood's shoulder like a child and smiled at him.

"Vlood, this castle is stunning !!! Who rules over this place ???" she asked.

"Why do you want to know ???" Vlood smirked.

"The design is incredible! The king must be a great artist to have built such a masterpiece," she said enthusiastically.

"Really ???" Vlood replied, blushing slightly.

"This is Obsidian Belsic (Death in East), the safest place in Drakhenholt (Dark World). Here, even humans and gentle creatures can roam freely," Vlood explained.

"Then I can explore anywhere here? That's amazing! I can even talk to the mermaids!" Elysia said excitedly.

As they entered the castle, the servants immediately bowed in respect. From a distance, a young woman approached them. She had shoulder-length pink hair, deep forest-green eyes, a sharp nose, and soft, rosy lips. Her face was well-shaped, matching her beauty. She wore an off-shoulder black dress with long, ribboned sleeves extending past her elbows. The dress reached her lap, and she wore tall black boots that went above her knees. Her expression remained serious as she gazed at Vlood.

Once she stood before him, she greeted him formally.

"Welcome back, Your Majesty," she said coldly.

Elysia's eyes widened in shock.

"H-His Majesty ??? You're a king, Vlood ?!" she exclaimed.

Vlood turned to her and simply smiled. Amused by her surprised reaction, he chuckled.

"I never would've guessed you were a king," Elysia laughed.

"How dare you !!!" the woman snapped at Elysia.

"Lama, do not yell at my guest," Vlood said sternly.

"Guest? Then she must be a—" Before Lama could finish her sentence, she called out loudly, "Servants!"

Fifty female servants ran quickly toward the woman who had just shouted. They lined up in front of her, bowing their heads as she observed them, as if choosing someone.

"Hmm... You are not fit to serve the guest. Get out of my sight!" the young lady said.

"You are also not suitable," she added, dismissing several more servants.

She continued eliminating those who didn't meet her standards. When she reached the twenty-fifth servant, she stopped and stared at her, as if reading her mind. Lama noticed the servant trembling in fear, which made her eyes narrow in displeasure.

"You're new here, aren't you?" she said, sounding annoyed.

"Y-yes...," the frightened servant stammered.

"Speak properly!" the young lady snapped.

Without warning, she lifted the servant into the air with just one hand.

Elysia, who had been watching, quickly intervened, stopping Lama. Lama turned to her and tried to read her mind—but to her surprise, she couldn't. Stunned, she released the servant.

"Impressive, right, Lama ???" Vlood said with a chuckle.

"I can't read her thoughts. Who is she???" Lama asked.

"She is Elysia. Grandma told me about her," Vlood replied.

"So that means… she is—" Lama began but was cut off.

"My dear sister, don't be upset now that you know the truth," Vlood said gently.

"I don't care! Lord Draegon is still the only one I love !!!" Lama declared stubbornly.

"Whatever. You should just find someone else," Vlood sighed.

"I'm leaving !!! You pick a servant for the guest yourself !!!" Lama said angrily before storming off.

Her face showed no happiness after learning the truth. Instead, she felt anger toward Elysia for appearing on a day she never expected.

"That woman… she will always be my enemy," Lama muttered under her breath.

Meanwhile, Elysia spoke to Vlood about choosing a servant. Vlood agreed and let her decide.

"Vlood, I want the new servant," Elysia said.

"Why would you choose her ??? There are better servants available," Vlood asked, confused.

"Because even the greatest people start as beginners," Elysia replied with a smile.

"You really are different," Vlood said, shaking his head in amusement.

- - -

After everything that happened, a servant immediately carried Elysia's belongings. They walked along a wide corridor leading to a grand door.

The corridor was lined with towering columns, covered in a soft pink design over a white base. Large windows were attached to the columns, allowing a view of the palace exterior. The floor was draped with a long pink carpet featuring intricate patterns. At the end of the carpet stood a massive arched door adorned with unique line designs.

They entered through the large door. Inside, Elysia saw arched columns extending from the walls to the ceiling, surrounding the entire hallway. She also noticed numerous doors and small statues of Vlood standing beside each entrance.

As the servant carried her bags, she looked at Elysia and asked where she wanted to rest.

"Ah... Miss, where would you like to stay ??? Just pick a door, and I will bring your things inside," the servant said.

"I don't know which one to choose since there are so many doors. Ah! I know! Can you choose one for me ??? Uhmm..." Elysia hesitated, trying to ask for the servant's name.

"Ah... My name is Betül," the servant replied.

"Betül ??? That's a unique name. I'm Elysia. Can you call me by my name, like a friend would ???" Elysia asked with a smile.

"Of course !!! I'm happy you chose me," Betül answered cheerfully.

"I'll show you a door with a special statue," she added.

"A special statue ???" Elysia asked curiously.

"Yes, a unique statue," Betül confirmed.

She led Elysia toward the statue, which depicted a standing man with wings attached to his arms, resembling an angel. Unlike the statues of Vlood, this one had a distinct and captivating appearance. It was made of sturdy, soft pink wood.

They stopped near the statue beside a door. Elysia examined it closely, wondering why it was different from the others. Noticing her curiosity, Betül explained.

"This is the statue of a Salimbarut—a bird-man who vanished from the world of Drakhenholt (Dark World) long ago," the servant said.

"A bird-man lived before, Betül ???" Elysia asked.

"Oh yes, Elysia. They were called Salimbarut in Drakhenholt. He was King Vlood's first friend, and the king had this statue made to honor him. But over time, he and his kind disappeared," Betül explained.

"Why did they vanish ???" Elysia asked.

"They disappeared because the king fell in love with the princess of the Salimbarut. Their king and queen opposed the relationship, so the Salimbarut chose to leave," Betül said.

"I didn't know Vlood loved someone. He never told me about this," Elysia responded.

"It's been a well-known story for hundreds of thousands of years, but he has never spoken about what truly happened. No one knows why they vanished when they were only supposed to leave," Betül added.

"Please don't tell King Vlood I mentioned this. He might punish me since he has never shared this with anyone, even though it's now just history," she warned.

"You can trust me, Betül. I won't tell anyone," Elysia promised with a smile.

After their conversation, they entered the room. It had an ocean-like theme. The curtains were blue and gold, hanging from large white windows. In the distance, Elysia saw a long table covered with a white cloth decorated with floral designs. The table was surrounded by cushioned blue chairs. Beneath the table and chairs lay a blue and gold carpet with intricate line patterns. A silver chandelier hung from the ceiling, and a large mirror stood near the table.

Betül placed Elysia's belongings down and led her to a white door. Inside, Elysia saw a sea-themed bed. The white bed had soft white pillows and a fluffy blanket. Next to the pillows, a blue canopy hung from the ceiling as part of the bed's design. The walls were covered in an oceanic hue with painted flowers. At the foot of the bed stood a white table decorated with blue lines, accompanied by a matching blue chair. A mirror was attached to the wall above the table. The ceiling had a blue circular design facing the white bed, resembling a bright sky.

Elysia looked around in awe. She never expected such a beautiful room, especially with a Salimbarut statue outside its door.

"This place is special. I'm sure this room is important to Vlood," Elysia said.

"Maybe it is, but I've never seen King Vlood come here," Betül replied.

Elysia noticed Betül looking around nervously while speaking. Then, Betül grabbed her arm and whispered.

"Elysia... I have something to tell you," Betül said in a low voice.

"What is it, Betül ???" Elysia asked.

"I discovered a hidden passage in this room. I found it yesterday while cleaning," Betül whispered.

"Really ??? Wow !!! Please show me !!!" Elysia said excitedly.

"Okay, but we have to be quiet, or the other vampire servants might hear us," Betül cautioned.

"Alright," Elysia whispered back.

Betül led her to the bathroom, where they found a blue bathtub next to a small blue cabinet. Above the cabinet were three tall house-shaped mirrors with candle holders on the sides. Various items were neatly arranged on the sink. The walls were half-painted white and half-blue.

Betül pointed at the small cabinet. Carefully, they approached it and opened the doors. Inside, Elysia saw a staircase leading downward. She turned to Betül, who smiled at her.

"Elysia, do you want to go inside the passage ??? Wait, let me grab this towel first," Betül said.

"Can you come with me ???" Elysia asked.

"Of course !!! I've been inside before. You'll love it—I'm sure of it," Betül assured her.

" I can't wait! Let's go inside !!!" Elysia said eagerly.

Elysia and Betül stepped into the wardrobe and cautiously made their way down a stone staircase. Elysia couldn't help but wonder why there was a hidden passage inside the bathroom, so she asked Betül.

"Um... Betül, why is there a passage here ???" Elysia asked, curiosity in her voice.

"I'm certain it was built by an old friend of King Vlood. But I don't think the king even knows about it," Betül explained.

"But why would his first friend create this secret path ???" Elysia wondered aloud.

"That's the mystery," Betül replied. "But I do know one thing—this passage leads to the place where I grew up."

"The place where you grew up ???" Elysia repeated in surprise.

"Yes. Come with me, I want to show you something," Betül said with a smile.

As they walked further, Elysia saw a dark cave glowing with blue and green lights, like tiny stars shining in the night sky. Water flowed gently on the cave floor, leading deeper inside.

She stepped cautiously into the cave, holding onto Betül.

"This is a hidden cave, Elysia. If we follow the glowing lights, we'll reach a breathtaking place," Betül explained.

"This is incredible " Elysia said, amazed.

They followed the sparkling lights, stepping carefully through the shallow water. After a few minutes, they reached the end of the passage and saw a mesmerizing sight.

Outside the cave entrance, the water shimmered in shades of blue and green. Though they were still inside the cave, the area was brighter, as if sunlight was seeping through. Elysia looked up and saw unusual stones, their colors blending with the cave's water—hints of brown, gray, and blue. The stones arched above them, reminding her of the doorway to her own room.

Betül turned to Elysia and smiled. "Would you like to swim ???" she asked.

Just as Elysia was about to respond, she noticed something strange—Betül's legs were changing. Her skin shimmered like fish scales, glowing with white and crystal-like light. Elysia's eyes widened in shock.

"Be... Betül... your legs !!!" Elysia gasped.

"They glow whenever I touch water. Let me show you," Betül said with a playful grin.

She took off her outer garment and slipped into the cave's water. The moment she submerged, her legs transformed into a beautiful fishtail. Elysia stood frozen, astonished to realize that her new friend was actually a mermaid!

Betül gracefully flicked her tail, sending ripples of rainbow-colored light through the water. Her long, golden hair glistened as she swam, and her ocean-like eyes sparkled under the water's reflection.

Elysia was mesmerized. She had never seen such a stunning mermaid before. Overcome with excitement, she quickly removed her own dress and jumped into the water.

"Betül, you're a mermaid! But... you look different from the mermaids I saw near the palace gates," Elysia said, still in awe.

"Ah, the ones you saw were the Taw-na-ig (gray mermaids). They serve as warriors and protectors of the palace. They also have enchanting voices that can lure enemies to their doom in the ocean," Betül explained.

"And what about you ??? What kind of mermaid are you ???" Elysia asked.

"I am a Taw-na-ug (white mermaid). My kind are healers, much like witches, but our knowledge surpasses theirs. We also guide lost souls back to the ocean," Betül revealed.

"I never knew mermaids had different types," Elysia said in amazement.

"Yes, Elysia. And just like me, I feel that you have something special about you. But be careful, for great power can also bring great danger," Betül warned.

"I understand " Elysia said sincerely.

Suddenly, they noticed something moving in the water. Before they could react, a small mermaid emerged, splashing water in front of them.

It was a young mermaid with a mischievous grin stretching from ear to ear. Betül's expression changed as she recognized her.

"Luna !!! What are you doing here ?!" Betül scolded.

"I sensed your presence, so I came right away !!!" Luna said with a giggle.

"Who is she, Betül ???" Elysia asked curiously.

"She's Luna, my youngest sister. We live on an island near this cave," Betül explained.

"Alright, alright! I'll go back now. Just promise me you'll return home after your palace duties," Luna pouted.

"Yes, I will. Now go home before you get in trouble for stepping on land," Betül said, shaking her head.

"Fine, I'm going !!!" Luna sighed dramatically.

Elysia smiled at the little mermaid, waving as a goodbye. Luna grinned and swam away, disappearing into the depths. After she left, Elysia and Betül returned to the hidden passage. They stepped back through the wardrobe, closing its blue doors behind them, as if sealing the magic away once more.