The Head Priest Of Elysium Tower

Sol Palace. Late Morning.

The Emperor and Empress were waiting at the palace hall for the arrival of the Head Priest Drystan Elizalde from the Elysium Tower. Aside from being the head priest at a young age, he was also the friend of the emperor and stood by his side until his coronation. He was entitled as the Light of the Empire because of his healing ability gifted by the Goddess and loyalty to the Imperial Family.

"Head Priest Drystan Elizalde is entering," announced the knight as Drystan entered.

Step, Step, Step.

Long soft blonde hair similar to the honey bees flying over the flowers and his eyes burning with fire; it was breathtaking.

"It was nice seeing you, Drystan. You never visited me even once for eight years," said Ian.

"Greetings to the Sun and Moon of the Empire!"

"You didn't change. Still so formal," Helena pointed out. "Let's have some tea. We haven't had one in a long time."

***

The sweet aroma of the chamomile tea bloomed as the maid poured it on the teacups. The three most important and high-ranking individuals were sitting together having a peaceful tea time. It was a rare sight to see the Emperor, Empress, and the Head Priest together since their last gathering was eight years ago.

"How are things going in the tower?" asked Ian, drinking the tea.

" Same as usual. We are busy providing healing potions and services to the citizens. And the applicants for the priestess position are increasing; the Goddess is gracious in bestowing her power on us."

" It's good news. We will have many priestesses in the Empire. Right, Ian?"

" Yeah. When you were a priestess of the tower, there were only three priestesses that assisted Drystan." Ian reminisced when Elena was still not the Empress. "It would be great if there were plenty, and perhaps Drystan could find his partner," he teasingly said.

"I'm not rushing to get married, Your Majesty. The Goddess will give —"

"What my heart desires on a righteous day," Ian and Helena continued, which made Drystan smile.

"I'm flattered that you're familiar with my philosophy."

"How could we forget? That's the answer you always give," Ian replied. "Let us end the reminiscence. I know you want to know about the unexpected summon."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I'm surprised that you sent a letter as the emperor, not as your friend."

"It's about the Slave Auction of Viscount Hoffman," stated Ian. The atmosphere turned serious as he brought up the topic. "During that time, I encountered two light magic users that were a little bit experienced in battling. I would like to know if the Elysium Tower knows about these little pests?"

"I can assure you that I was keeping an eye on the tower's light magic users. It would be ideal if I could see the faces of those two light attributes so I could confirm if they were affiliated with the tower."

"Helden will deliver the bodies tomorrow. I trust you to bring me any information you come across."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Drystan replied. "During the Slave Auction, it appeared that something piqued your interest."

"Heh, it also appeared to me that you are interested in that something."

"I'm your friend after all. Right? I'm just concerned with what you are doing."

"You hear that, Helena? He called me his friend?" chuckled Ian.

"The Goddess granted what your heart desires." They all laughed and carried on drinking and chatting.

***

Late Afternoon

It had been hours since the meeting between the Empress, Emperor, and the Head Priest. They head out of the room, and as they were walking to the palace garden, they saw the two princes, Fenrir, and Brielle drop off the carriage.

"Father, Mother,"greeted Kye.

"Greetings to the First and Second Prince of the Ronian Empire." Drystan lowered his head as he paid respect to both princes.

"Pleasure to meet you, Head Priest Elizalde," said Ethan.

Drystan's attention was all on Brielle whose tail was wrapped in a blanket. It was new to him to see a child, other than the princes, inside the palace. After he realized he was staring at the child too much, he apologized, "Pardon my rudeness, I was just surprised to see new people inside the palace."

"She is Brielle and he is her father, Atlas. They are staying here in the palace," Ian introduced.

"I see," answered Drystan, looking at Atlas. "Then, I would like to excuse myself. Thank you for the tea, Emperor Ian and Empress Helena. Glory to the Empire!" He then left the palace.

"His eyes were like fire, Papa," Brielle said out of her amazement.

"That's the Head Priest. My former leader when I was still a priestess and the emperor's friend," said Helena.

"You might see him more often, Brielle. But before I forgot, where did you all go without informing me?" Ian asked, glaring at his sons.

"It's a secret."

"That's right. Secret."

"You brats!" shouted Ian.

"Hey, stop being noisy! Let's go inside. The sun is already set," Helena scolded. She turned her gaze to the two and invited them, "Could you join us for dinner, Atlas and Brielle?"

For the past month that they were living in the Sol Palace, there was never a chance that they shared a meal with the Royal Family. Atlas remained distant to them so they only ate in their room. But tonight would be different.

"Papa let's eat with them," whispered Brielle though everyone could hear it they pretended to not be.

" Alright," Atlas agreed as he couldn't say no to his daughter's request.

"Yes!" chorus the princes who were eaves dropping their conversation.

"Tonight's dinner will be special," said Ian, smiling.