Mikhail sighed as he trailed behind the guide, his eyes landing on a sight he did not imagine he would miss. The view of the run down inn felt soothing to him as he was reminded of the plush linen and bedding that did little to suit the building's shabby exterior. His body felt heavy like it were embedded with lead as he took each step practically dragging his feet back to the room in a drowsy state. It felt like a miracle that he could spend so many days on foot with little to no rest."The drawback, though..." Mikhail muttered as he headed to the room, following after the guide."... Why don't you use this room today? I'll stay in your friend's room. No need to worry about me touching their stuff. I'm pretty sure they barely carried anything." the guide said as they handed the room key to Mikhail, their words most likely an excuse to keep Mikhail off their back."... Okay..." Mikhail replied in a somewhat dreamlike state as he fumbled around with

"Her Royal Highness is entering!" the general from earlier announces as he stepped aside and bowed to salute the King. Mikhail glanced towards the King who sat atop his royal throne situated at the dais high above countless rows of stairs. "Ah, welcome welcome. The spring of our Lestria has returned!" King Valjean exclaimed with excitement as he leaned over in his seat to inspect the woman beside Mikhail. "Remember to state your name and your rank as a hero when you introduce yourself." the woman whispered as she smiled confidently, acting as if she were not talking. "It is an honour to bask in your sublime presence. I, Lilith, bearing the pride of the Kingdom of Enoch greets Your Royal Highness." Lilith lightly bowed. "I-I Mikhail Orvielle of Tefflander, acting hero of Enoch extend my gratitude for your welcome. I sincerely greet His Royal Highness!" Mikhail stumbled on his word

Somewhere by the coastal line near the cave, a hooded figure leans against a tree. The face beneath the hood was not visible, yet their presence stood out like a sore thumb. The person waited for a long while before a ragged breath could be heard and a hand drenched in an unknown black liquid grasped at the entrance of the cave. "You finally made it out." the hooded figure said as they unfolded their arms and pushed themselves off the tree. "Huh...? Heh, its the guide. Where's Mikhail? He back at the castle?" Susie asked as she wiped the liquid off her hands with a cloth and tossed it aside. "Yes he is." the guide nodded as they handed Susie a bag of water.  "Thanks..." Susie muttered as she gulped down the contents of the wineskin without batting an eye. "So? Why are you back here? Shouldn't you be fetching Mikhail back to the capital? Enoch, I mean." S

"Look, it's that boy! My mom says I shouldn't play with him, so let's go somewhere else instead." A young boy, pointing at another young boy sitting on a tree log whispered to his friend in a volume loud enough for said boy they were talking about to hear."My dad said so too! Let's play by the river! Now is the perfect time for fishing!" another boy agreed as they both ran off whilst laughing in the opposite direction of the young boy they had been talking snide about."..." The young boy stared at his hands and tugged at the ends of his hair before frowning. He didn't understand why he was always avoided by the other children."I also wanted to join them and fish together...." the young boy mumbled to himself, holding back the tears that threatened to fall."Do you think you could spare some time for your mother, then? We can play together today!" a sprightly chirp surprised the boy as he jumped from his seat, tripping over the stump as he

A soft blue glow pulsated as if it were beating to the rhythm of life. It lit up a corner of the dark room as murmuring resounded from around it."You really thought to question my authority in front of others?""... I merely worded out what I believed as a noble and a royalty from an alliance.""You forget your place. Before you are a queen, you were nothing. Who was the one who placed you in your seat? Crane your neck a bit more, and before you know it... the world will be spinning as your head rolls on the floor.""...""Do as told, Lilith. I won't repeat myself.""... I understand." Lilith replied in a subservient manner."Good." the Voice on the other end cut off before the stone dimmed out and turned red, signifying the end of the call.Lilith stared at the stone as it innocently pulsated before turning back to the translucent stone that it originally was. She furrowed her brows before lighting the oil lamp on the desk an