Chapter 12: A Room with a View

A grand chamber bathed in golden sunlight stretched before the entrance. A lavish and plush red carpet spread out from the doorway, leading directly to a regal mahogany desk. The edges of the carpet shimmered with gold embroidery, catching the light streaming through the vast window that dominated the back wall. This window, nearly spanning from floor to ceiling, offered a breathtaking view of the sprawling city beyond, from which the rooftops and bustling streets stretched endlessly to the horizon. Beneath the warm glow were stacks of parchment lay meticulously arranged on the desk, awaiting Valen's attention.

Towering bookshelves lined the walls, their spines filled with countless tomes and grimoires. Yet, it was apparent that they were more for adornment than for the pursuit of knowledge. Their presence was a mere display of wealth rather than an arsenal of wisdom. Below the shelves are two velvet couches that sat against either wall, deep red cushions beckoning those in search of rest, and between them, a polished coffee table displayed the neatly stacked documents, ink bottles, and an untouched silver tea set.

At the desk, Valen sat, her quill scratching against parchment with practiced precision. The elegant calligraphy of invitations took form, as each letter was an obligatory gesture to the noble houses. The royal ball. An event she loathed yet had to arrange. It was always her responsibility. A sigh escaped her lips, frustration simmering beneath her composed exterior. If she were ruler, she would delegate such menial tasks elsewhere. If only she were to become the rightful heir.

Across from her, Estrilda reclined slightly on one of the velvet couches. Estrilda worked silently. She was dressed in a black suit and tie, and her white gloves stark against the deep hue of her attire. Her long purple hair was pulled into a sleek ponytail, with the strands smooth and glossy beneath the sunlight. Her black eyes were sharp and calculating, remained fixated on the documents before her, scanning each line with unwavering intensity. Her fair skin contrasted against the dark fabric of her suit which added to her composed and authoritative presence. Her sharp eyes scanning rows of financial reports. The coffee table before her was covered in documents detailing the expenditures and revenues of Valen's adventurer guild. A right granted to every royal as a test of their leadership prowess, and Valen was determined to prove herself superior. Alongside it were records from the merchant guild, with each line scrutinized for potential investments and lucrative opportunities. It was a tedious task, but one that Estrilda took on with unwavering diligence.

Their conversation drifted toward the recent mana disturbances. An increasingly frequent occurrence with dire consequences. The influx of dungeons and the emergence of dangerous creatures were on the rise. While this brought immense economic benefits, like taxes on mana crystals, alchemical reagents from monster blood, and rare materials for armor and weapons, it also presented a significant threat. If left unchecked, these dungeons would overflow, unleashing waves of creatures capable of leveling entire villages and leaving the land barren. Monstrous creatures burning cities and villages to the ground. "The Great Wave," left the wealthiest and most prominent nobles on their knees, ravaging the once mighty kingdom, resulting in its collapse. Regardless, it was a story more than centuries ago, passed down as warnings in fables read to kids. 

Valen tapped her quill against the desk, irritation flickering in her gaze. "This should be an opportunity for me," she muttered. "The glory of subduing these monsters, securing all the dungeon rights in the kingdom... it should be mine."

Estrilda glanced up, her expression unreadable. "The royal army is already being deployed to handle the larger threats. It's difficult to claim these victories when your sister commands the main force."

Valen's jaw tightened. "That sister of mine," she sneered. "She barely lifts a finger herself. Just because she awakened her powers doesn't make her a better fighter. She orders soldiers from behind a desk while I'm out there actually facing some of these creatures."

Estrilda remained silent, simply observing as Valen's frustration simmered. It was a conversation they had before, and it always ended the same way, with Valen determined to prove herself, to surpass her sister not just in title but in undeniable strength.

Then the topic shifted.

"The boy," Valen said, leaning forward. "What do you make of him?"

Estrilda set her papers aside. "He's not an ordinary boy, that much is clear. His clothes, though torn, were too clean for someone lost in the woods. And the mana readings around him were surely not someone would expect from a commoner child."

Valen's fingers drummed against the desk. "A noble's son? A lost magician? Or something else entirely?"

Before Estrilda could respond, a voice rang from the entrance. "Commander Cyrus is here to see you."

Valen's gaze flicked toward the double doors. Estrilda met her eyes, awaiting confirmation. With a slight nod from Valen, Estrilda called out, "Enter."

The doors swung open, revealing a broad-shouldered, burly man in dark armor. His presence commanded attention. Dark brown hair streaked with strands of gray framed a face weathered by experience, and a thick brown beard added to his imposing appearance. He strode forward; his expression unwavering as he inclined his head slightly in respect.

"The prisoner has awoken, Your Highness."

Valen raised an eyebrow.