Lord Malachite

After a brief moment, she finally replied, "That's the former leader's book." Then she lifted her gaze up to the King, "Lady Isolde was Lord Malachite's wife."

Kaiser's eyes widened with realization as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. "Lady Isolde," he murmured, his mind connecting the dots, "The woman in my dreams. She mentioned Lord Malachite."

The lady nodded solemnly, "Yes, Your Majesty. Lady Isolde was Lord Malachite's wife and our former leader. She must have left that tome in the palace of Danschen, perhaps as a message for someone like you, who bears the resemblance of Lord Malachite."

"But why would she leave it in Danschen?" Percy interjected, his brow furrowed in confusion.

The lady sighed shakily, "Lady Isolde once told me that Lord Malachite was consumed by an insatiable thirst for power and recognition. He believed that he was destined for greatness and saw himself as the rightful ruler of Landroich, viewing the existing monarchy as an obstacle to his ascent."

"When Lord Malachite was still young." She continued, "Lady Isolde had said to me once that he was a rule breaker, and Lord Malachite got out of here and was often exposed to the outside world. He had witnessed the cruelty of the former King, Lord Leopold's rule. He saw the suffering of the common people, the corruption within the court, and the abuse of power by the nobility. This fueled his desire to overthrow the king and bring about what he believed would be a more just and equitable rule."

"Lord Malachite had finally lost his last strand of patience then he left the clan. This clan possesses the ability in alchemy, and what is considered now the 'dark arts' and he abused this ability of our clan." The lady kneeled and picked up the book as she flipped through the pages, "When Lord Malachite… disappeared, Lady Isolde also disappeared. We thought that she went along with Lord Malachite, because we knew how hopelessly devoted Lady Isolde was to Lord Malachite."

"Did Lord Malachite succeed?" Percy asked.

The lady glanced at the King and replied, "Yes. Lord Malachite succeeded."

Kaiser absorbed this revelation with a heavy heart. The history of Lord Malachite, his ambitions, and his ultimate success in overthrowing the previous king weighed on him. It was a reminder of the complexity of the world he now found himself a part of, a world filled with secrets, power struggles, and the consequences of past actions.

"But at what cost?" Kaiser asked, his voice tinged with sadness, "What happened after Lord Malachite succeeded?"

The lady's expression turned somber, "Lord Malachite's rule brought about significant changes in Landroich. He implemented reforms that curbed the power of the nobility, abolished unjust taxes, and established policies to protect the rights of the common people. His rule was marked by a sense of justice and fairness that had long been absent from the kingdom."

Kaiser could see the dilemma in her eyes, "But?"

"But," she continued, "Lord Malachite's methods were ruthless. He silenced opposition with an iron fist, and his vision for Landroich left no room for dissent. His rule became increasingly authoritarian, and he showed little tolerance for those who challenged his authority."

Percy chimed in, "So, his success came at the cost of freedom and dissent."

The lady nodded, "Exactly. As his policies became more oppressive, a faction within our clan opposed his methods and sought to preserve our traditions of isolation and neutrality. This division led to the great divide and the eventual separation of our clan."

Kaiser sighed, recognizing the complexity of the situation, "It's a tragic story, one of idealism turning into tyranny. And now, it seems the Lysanthal Clan is at a crossroads, torn between two visions of its future."

The lady looked at him with determination, "Your Majesty, we believe that your presence here is not a coincidence. You may hold the key to reunifying our clan and finding a path that honors both our ancient traditions and the need for progress and justice."

"What do you mean?" Kaiser asked.

The lady's gaze remained steady as she explained, "Your Majesty, our clan is at a pivotal moment in its history. The division between those who seek to maintain our isolation and those who yearn for change has grown deep. We have been unable to find common ground and have struggled to determine the path forward."

She continued, "But with your presence here, as someone who knows the outside world and holds a position of power and authority, you could help bridge the gap. Your wisdom, influence, and the respect you command could be the catalyst for a new beginning, a way to bring our clan together again."

Kaiser listened attentively to her words, his mind racing with thoughts. However, as he considered the proposition, he couldn't help but feel conflicted, "I appreciate your faith in me," he began, "But I was born to rule the outside world. My responsibilities lie with the kingdom of Landroich and its people. While I want to help, I cannot abandon my duties to the kingdom."

The lady nodded understandingly but persisted, "Your Majesty, we do not ask you to abandon your duties. We ask for your guidance and support, as an ally who understands both worlds. You can be a bridge between the clan and the kingdom, ensuring that our traditions are preserved while also contributing to a more just and equitable rule in Landroich."

Kaiser's expression remained resolute as he replied, "I appreciate your offer, and I do wish to see a resolution to the clan's divisions. However, I cannot make a commitment at this moment. My primary duty is to my people, and any involvement with the clan must come second."

The lady bowed her head in acknowledgment, her eyes reflecting a sense of disappointment mixed with understanding, "Your Majesty, we respect your decision. We only hope that in the future, when the time is right, you may reconsider."

Kaiser offered a curt nod, appreciating the lady's understanding, "Thank you for your understanding and patience. I will do what I can to support your efforts in my capacity as the ruler of Landroich."

"Your Majesty," The lady offered a smile, "If… If you plan to going back outside, Could you reconsider staying a bit, and let us celebrate Lysanthal's Twilight Reverie?"

Kaiser considered the lady's request for a moment. The idea of celebrating the Lysanthal's Twilight Reverie with the clan intrigued him, and it could provide an opportunity to strengthen their bonds and understanding.

After a brief pause, he replied, "Very well, I shall stay a while longer and join in the celebration of Lysanthal's Twilight Reverie with your clan. It would be an honor."

The lady's eyes sparkled with gratitude as she nodded in response, "Thank you, Your Majesty. We will make sure it is a memorable occasion."

With that, they began preparations for the celebration, and Kaiser found himself intrigued by the prospect of experiencing a festival so deeply connected to the traditions and culture of the Lysanthal Clan.

The Silver Hawks also helped prepare the celebration for this festival, while Percy stayed by the King's side as they admired the whole underground forest, Percy was the talkative one while the King listened to his wonders and muses.

Percy couldn't contain his excitement as he explored the underground forest alongside the King. His eyes widened with wonder at the luminaflora trees, their soft glow casting a gentle, ethereal light across the surroundings.

"Your Majesty, have you ever seen anything quite like this?" Percy asked, his voice filled with childlike enthusiasm, "It's like a scene from a fairy tale, isn't it? The way the trees illuminate the entire forest—it's magical!"

Kaiser sighed at Percy's excitement, feeling a bit embarrassed, "Indeed, Percy. This place is unlike anything I've ever encountered before. The beauty of this underground forest is truly mesmerizing."

As they continued to explore, Percy pointed to a cluster of unique flowers. "And look at these flowers, Your Majesty! I've never seen such vibrant colors in nature. It's as if they hold the essence of every hue imaginable."

The King nodded, appreciating Percy's genuine fascination, "Nature has a way of surprising us, even in the most unexpected places."

Percy's eyes sparkled with curiosity, "I wonder what other secrets this forest holds. Do you think there are more hidden wonders waiting to be discovered?"

Kaiser smiled, his acquaintance's enthusiasm reminding him of the simple joys of exploration, "Perhaps, Percy. Let's enjoy the festivities tonight, and who knows, we might uncover even more mysteries in this enchanting place."

Whoa what the hell? Percy's expression halted as he thought, Did the king just smile at me? He… he never smiled before?! What am I seeing, is this the blessing from heavens? Why is it terrifying??

The King expression switched to confusion, "Percy, are you alright?"

Percy blinked, his mind trying to process the rare sight of the King smiling. He stuttered, his words stumbling over each other in his astonishment. "Y-Your Majesty, I... I'm fine. Just... surprised. I've never seen you smile before. It's, well, unexpected."

The King's confusion deepened, his brows furrowing slightly, "Is it that unusual, Percy?"

Percy stammered, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment, "N-No, not at all, Your Majesty! It's just... it's a pleasant surprise. Your smile is... um, quite charming."

Oh… Kaiser immediately realized, I was smiling this whole time?

Kaiser's expression softened, amusement twinkling in his eyes, "Charming, you say? I'll have to remember that."

Percy felt his face grow hotter, realizing the implications of his words, "I-I mean, um, Your Majesty, I didn't mean to—"

The King raised a hand, "It's alright, Percy. Your honesty is refreshing. It seems that Elias had infected me with his puppy-like enthusiasm, I never smiled before ever since I met him."

Percy nodded, his embarrassment slowly fading as he chuckled, "It's Elias's influence, then. He has a way of bringing out the lighter side of you, Your Majesty. It's a good thing."

Kaiser couldn't help but smile again, this time with a touch of fondness, "Yes, it seems that way. Elias has a unique talent for brightening even the darkest of days."

As they continued their exploration of the underground forest, Percy couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected turn of events. Seeing the King smile not once, but twice in one night, was something he never thought he'd witness. Though it was odd, and he admits it terrifies him with mixed feelings of being grateful that the King has a brighter side except for his stoic and cold nature.

To be honest, Percy thought that death itself was smiling before him.

Yet, he wouldn't say that to the King, or else, he'll never see the King smile again. Might as well as make him insecure. 

As Percy followed the King through the luminaflora-lit underground forest, he couldn't help but chuckle to himself. The thought of making the King feel insecure about his rare smiles was both tempting and utterly terrifying. After all, there were lines one simply didn't cross when dealing with a ruler like Kaiser.

But as they ventured deeper into the enchanted forest, Percy's musings turned to the wonders of this hidden world. He marveled at the glowing trees and the peaceful huts scattered around, each one adorned with intricate designs that told stories of the clan's rich history. It was a far cry from the bustling cities and grand palaces of the outside world, and Percy couldn't help but appreciate the serenity of this place.

"Your Majesty," Percy finally spoke up, his voice filled with genuine curiosity, "I can't help but wonder how the Lysanthal Clan managed to keep this place hidden for so long. It's like a world of its own."

The King nodded, his eyes scanning the surroundings, "Indeed, Percy. It's a testament to their commitment to preserving their traditions and way of life. But I can't help but wonder how they've managed to remain isolated for so many generations."

The preparations started to take shape, there were already lanterns at every huts, poles all the way to the center of the forest, which looked like a shrine. The soft glow of lanterns illuminating the pathways represented the guiding light of the ancestors. Each lantern released into the night carried whispered hopes and heartfelt wishes, believed to be spirited away to the afterlife on the wings of twilight. These messages, written on delicate parchment, were offerings of love and gratitude to those who had come before.

The King was asked to change an attire, he was Lord Malachite's descendant, so it was required for him to dress up formally. 

In the heart of the Lysanthal forest, beneath the dappled light of twilight, Kaiser stood in front of an ornate mirror, a sense of anticipation thrumming through him. Before him lay the traditional garments of the Lysanthal Clan, garments that would soon adorn his form as he prepared to attend Lysanthal's Twilight Reverie.

The garments, a masterpiece of artistry and craftsmanship, awaited their wearer's embrace. A delicate silk robe in deep lavender, embroidered with leaves and raven feathers, lay across the bed. Nearby, a sash woven with intricate patterns of vines and flowers promised to cinch the ensemble gracefully at his waist. Beneath, he found supple leather sandals adorned with amethyst gemstones, ready to carry him along the lantern-lit pathways.

Kaiser's fingers traced the rich embroidery, feeling the stories woven into the fabric, stories of nature's beauty and ancestral reverence. As he dressed, each piece seemed to settle upon him as if by its own volition, as if the garments themselves recognized his presence as a noble of Dämonisch lineage.

The final touch came in the form of a mask, an exquisite creation of feathers and vines, and a headdress adorned with dark amethysts. It concealed his identity and yet revealed his connection to the forest. He gazed at his reflection in the mirror, and there, amidst the enchanting attire, a transformation took place.

The deep lavender robes flowed like a river of twilight around his form, accentuating his regal bearing. The embroidered motifs whispered secrets of nature and ancient tales, while the sash cinched at his waist with a grace that hinted at strength and authority. His sandals, though adorned with gems, were crafted for both comfort and agility, allowing him to navigate the forest with ease.

But it was the mask and headdress that completed the transformation. They concealed his face, creating an air of mystery, yet the delicate feathers and gemstones seemed to acknowledge his heritage, blending seamlessly with the forest's beauty.

As Kaiser stepped out from the dimly lit chamber and into the lantern-lit forest, he knew that he had become a part of the tapestry of Lysanthal's Twilight Reverie. The garments, a fusion of nature and ancestral reverence, draped him in elegance and allure, drawing the eyes of all who beheld him. 

Percy, who was leaning against a pole, almost tripped on his toes when he saw the King in the attire. He was strikingly attractive, no doubt. He coughed dryly as he regained his composure. 

Kaiser noticed Percy's reaction and couldn't help but chuckle beneath his mask, "I see you're impressed, Percy," he remarked, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

Percy cleared his throat, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush, "Y-Your Majesty, you look... quite regal, if I may say so."

The King gave a nod of acknowledgment, "Thank you, Percy. I must admit, these garments hold a certain charm."

As they made their way through the forest towards the heart of the celebration, Kaiser couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and wonder. The attire he wore seemed to have transformed him, not just in appearance, but in spirit as well. It was as if he had stepped into a different world, one filled with ancient traditions and mysteries waiting to be unraveled.

The lantern-lit pathways guided them deeper into the forest, where the sounds of laughter and music grew louder. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the gentle rustling of leaves. The Lysanthal Clan members, dressed in their own ornate attire, greeted them warmly as they passed by.

He saw his Silver Hawks through his masks, greeted him as he started to take attention. There are unfamiliar foods laid on the wooden table. Kaiser was offered to eat but he refused. The King is a picky eater in foods, and will only eat the foods that were served in the palace, so whatever he was offered by the Clan's members always ended up on Percy's hands… which he also pass to the Silver Hawks if he can't eat this or that anymore.

Then, the leader came on the scene with the tome on her hand. She was wearing the identical garment that the King wears, the difference is that Kaiser's garments are for the men and hers were for the women. As she stood to the circle of the crowd, the music hushed as she cleared her throat, "Lysanthal's Twilight Reverie became a tapestry woven from memories and respect, binding the clan together through generations. It stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Lysanthal Clan, a celebration of life, love, and the eternal thread that connected the past, present, and future. Through this sacred festival, the Lysanthal Clan found solace in their roots and strength in their unity, ensuring that their history was not just a tale of the past, but a living, breathing force that guided their steps into the future." 

Then, she looked at the King, "I, Eboni, the current leader of Lysanthal Clan, was thanking the King of Landroich for his humble presence in our festival, may His Majesty have a pleasing moment in our presence."

"But," She continued, "I must share what's in Lady Isolde's book. I found some clearings when I went to flip through its pages." 

Percy, and the King fixated their attention on Lady Eboni.

Lady Eboni cleared her throat once again as she flipped to a certain page of the book, "A century before the present, the kingdom was gripped by an era of turmoil and suffering. King Leopold, a monarch remembered for his brutality, held the throne with an iron grip. The kingdom had become a place of despair, where the nobility reveled in opulence while the commoners languished in misery.

It was during this dark period that a figure known as Lord Malachite emerged, hailing from the secretive Lysanthal Clan, bearers of lavender eyes and raven hair. Lord Malachite possessed an intellect as sharp as his ambition was boundless. Behind his courteous facade lay a heart blackened by the pursuit of power.

My husband, Malachite, using his dark arts and knowledge from the Lysanthal Clan, infiltrated the royal court, feigning loyalty to King Leopold. Beneath the veneer of servitude, he whispered venomous words into the king's ear, stoking the flames of the monarch's paranoia and cruelty.

As King Leopold's tyranny grew, so did the discontent among the nobles and the suffering of the commoners. Malachite meticulously played both sides, secretly fomenting dissent among the nobility while fostering resentment among the oppressed.

The turning point came when Malachite orchestrated a cunning conspiracy, framing a rival noble faction for a fictitious assassination attempt on the king. Panic and chaos erupted in the court, as the nobility turned on each other in a frenzy of accusations and reprisals.

Amidst the chaos, Malachite seized his opportunity, unleashing his shadowy allies to sweep through the palace. In a climactic and ruthless coup, King Leopold was deposed, and Lord Malachite declared himself ruler—a name synonymous with malevolence to the common folk.

His reign was marked by an iron-fisted regime, bearing the Dämonisch name. The secrets of the Lysanthal Clan were used to consolidate his control, and his rule was characterized by manipulation, cruelty, and the relentless pursuit of power.

Over the years, the Dämonisch Kingship would cast a long shadow over Landroich, a symbol of the depths to which one could sink in the quest for dominion. The kingdom had been conquered not by armies on the battlefield but by a web of treachery spun by Lord Malachite and the enigmatic Lysanthal Clan.

And so, the Dämonisch Kingship etched itself into history, a haunting reminder of the darkness that can emerge from the pursuit of power and the twisted path to the throne of Landroich." She concluded and closed the book. 

The King's eyes widened, he had never once heard the full story of their lineage, and with the help of Lady Eboni, he wouldn't be able to discover this. And it was also clear that he was from the Lysanthal Clan.

As Lady Eboni's voice faded into the evening air, an electrifying silence descended upon the gathered crowd. All eyes, from the humblest members of the clan to the Silver Hawks of Landroich, were fixed upon her, the current leader of the Lysanthal Clan.

Lady Eboni, having shared the secret history hidden within Lady Isolde's book, looked towards the King, her lavender eyes meeting him with a sense of understanding and resolution.

As the gravity of her words settled in, Lady Eboni continued, her voice carrying a sense of purpose, "This revelation is not meant to cast a shadow over our gathering. Instead, it is an opportunity for understanding and reconciliation. Our clans share a profound history, intertwined by secrets and destinies that reach beyond the pages of this tome."

She extended her hand towards the King, a gesture of unity, and her voice carried a note of reconciliation, "In the spirit of Lysanthal's Twilight Reverie, let us reflect on the lessons of the past, not as a burden, but as a shared responsibility. May this knowledge guide us toward a future where the darkness of Lord Malachite's reign is but a distant memory, and where the bonds between our clans are strengthened."

Kaiser, still absorbing the revelations, took Lady Eboni's hand with a solemn nod, a gesture of acceptance and commitment to understanding. The crowd, too, reacted with a mixture of astonishment and hope, recognizing the significance of this moment.

As the festival continued, the lantern-lit pathways seemed to shine a little brighter, and the ancestral spirits whispered their blessings upon the gathering. 

The celebration carried on, and as the morning waned, Kaiser couldn't help but be captivated by the deep-rooted traditions and the sense of unity that permeated the Lysanthal Clan. It was an early morning filled with enchantment, one that would be etched into his memory.

As the first light of the afternoon began to break through the canopy of leaves, Lady Eboni approached Kaiser with a warm smile, "Your Majesty, it has been an honor to have you as our guest," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Kaiser returned her smile, genuinely touched by the hospitality and warmth of the Lysanthal Clan, "The honor is mine," he replied. "I have learned much during my time here, and I hope to continue fostering a connection between our worlds."

With those words, Kaiser and Percy prepared to depart from the underground forest, leaving behind the luminous flora and the enchanting festivities.

The lush green canopy above was bathed in warm afternoon sunlight, and the sounds of birdsong filled the air. It was as if time had stood still within the forest, while outside, a new day had dawned in Landroich.

Percy marveled at the transformation of the forest, "Your Majesty," he remarked, "it's as if we've stepped out of a different era."

The King sighed with indifference, "What're you talking about Percy? it's necessarily afternoon because we entered early in the morning, did your mind still remain inside the forest?" Then he mounted Amias.

Percy chuckled at the King's response, realizing his own lapse in judgment, "My apologies, Your Majesty," he said, mounting his own horse, "I got a bit lost in the magic of the moment. Let's head back to the palace."

With a final glance at the now sunlit forest, they began their journey back to Landroich, leaving behind the hidden world of the Lysanthal Clan and returning to the bustling reality of the kingdom.

—

Right after the King dismounted Amias from a long journey and gave some instructions to his Silver Hawks, there's a figure caught in the corner of his sight, it looks like a dandelion— no, it's a blonde figure of something!

—

NAPPEN'S EXTRA:

Percy: Did Malachite succeeded?

[Incorrect] Lady Eboni: I'm looking at His Majesty right now, what do you think?