Arra Noir Henriette de Corronoet

「 Princess Connie (fret) 」

"My friend is still inside."

"Please... please tell me he's alright."

"Is there any way we can help him?"

The guards exchanged solemn glances, their expressions revealing the weight of the situation.

「 Shadow Guard Reza 」

"I'm sorry, Princess Connie."

"The tunnel collapsed."

"It's unlikely that your friend survived."

「 Princess Connie 」

"Oh, God."

"Please..."

"Look after my friend."

Zanno was buried under the crumbling mines after saving Princess Connie from a lurking zak'nagi inside the old elevator shaft of his hideout. His heroism and selflessness saved the five-year-old princess from certain tragedy, at a grave cost.

「 Shadow Guard Reza 」

"We have to go, Princess."

"Your father has been looking for you all day."

"Let's not extend his worries."

The Royal Shadow Guards escorted the Princess to the peer, where the royal ship of the Tremaux Dynasty docked. Her father, Emperor Alardus Noir Gaudreau de Lionnette, was relieved after seeing his beloved daughter's cute face, safe under her guards' protection.

「 Emperor Alardus (anxious) 」

"Where have you been?"

"I have been worried sick."

Emperor Alardus hugged his daughter tightly, relief was evident in his voice and the tears that welled in his eyes.

「 Princess Connie (teary-eyed) 」

"I'm sorry, Father."

"I..."

"I was playing with a friend inside the mines."

"But then, the walls started to crumble."

"My friend..."

"My friend saved me."

Emperor Alardus's expression turned grave as he listened to his daughter's words.

「 Emperor Alardus 」

"Oh, God. Are you hurt?"

"What were you doing inside the mines?..."

"And why weren't the Shadow Guards with you?"

「 Princess Connie (sniffles) 」

"I'm not hurt, Father."

"I wanted to catch butterflies at the cemetery."

"That is where I found him."

"My new friend."

"He wanted to show me his secret hideout inside the mines..."

"It was fantastic!"

"He had lots of treasures!"

"Shiny crystal..."

"At least 10 different colors of shiny metals..."

"Old artifacts and relics..."

"He..."

"He said it was safe..."

"I didn't mean to cause any trouble, Father."

Emperor Alardus sighed deeply, his worry mixed with a hint of frustration.

「 Emperor Alardus 」

"Connie, you must understand the importance of your safety."

"The mines are a dangerous place to be in..."

"And you should never venture into such places without your guards."

「 Princess Connie 」

"I have guards?"

"You never told me I have guards following me around, Father."

「 Emperor Alardus (firm) 」

"Don't interrupt me when I am talking, young lady."

Princess Connie nodded, her tears subsiding as she absorbed her father's scolding. She understood the gravity of the situation and the need for caution.

「 Princess Connie 」

"I'm sorry, Father."

"I promise I won't do something like this again."

While the two royals were having a father-and-daughter talk, a loud explosion was heard from the Gear Arena near the cemetery. The aftershock sent the ships docked at the peer rocking gently.

" KABOOOOOOOM!!! "

「 Emperor Alardus (concerned) 」

"What was that?!"

The Shadow Guards exchanged worried glances, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons, ready to quell any threat.

「 Shadow Guard Reza 」

"Emperor Alardus, retreat to your cabin immediately."

"We can't risk you and your daughter's safety."

Emperor Alardus nodded, his face filled with obfuscation.

「 Emperor Alardus 」

"Connie, come with me."

「 Nathkin Cole 」

"I am sorry, Emperor Alardus..."

"But we have to finish our drinks some other time."

"Looks like I am needed at the arena."

「 Emperor Alardus 」

"I understand, General Cole."

"But you have to promise me to find the time and finish our chat."

「 Nathkin Cole 」

"Of course, Emperor."

"You have my word."

"I will take my leave now..."

With those final words, Nathkin leaped out of the docked R.T.S. Grandeur, the magnificent royal ship of the Tremaux Dynasty. He was heading toward the Gear Arena with haste, at a speed incomprehensible.

Moments after Nathkin left the ship, a representative of the Town Council arrived and told the royal entourage what was happening. There was an attack by an unknown demon at the Gear Arena, amidst the Summer Tide Festival celebration.

「 Councillor Farra 」

"We are sorry that your visit here is being disrupted by this situation, Your Excellency." "However, your safety is our top priority, and we regret any inconvenience caused by this predicament."

"The Council apologizes for any discomfort or inconvenience you may have experienced."

「 Emperor Alardus 」

"It's alright, Councillor Farra."

"I understand."

"It seems that I will have to return in seven years..."

"I will take the Council's advice and depart."

「 Councillor Farra 」

"Thank you, Your Excellency."

"We appreciate your understanding."

Emperor Alardus nodded, his expression grave but resolute.

「 Emperor Alardus 」

"Prepare the royal ship for departure immediately."

"I will ensure the safety of my daughter and the royal entourage."

"May Aena watch over us."

The entourage swiftly made their way back to the royal ship, where preparations for departure were already underway. The crew worked diligently to ensure a swift departure, understanding the urgency of the situation. Princess Connie held tightly onto her father's hand, her eyes filled with fear and anxiety.

「 Princess Connie 」

"Father, what about the people of Cardinal Peaks?"

"We can't just leave them there."

Emperor Alardus paused, contemplating his daughter's words. As the ruler of a kingdom, his sense of duty to protect the weak and innocent is profound. Even though the town of Cardinal Peaks was not under his rule, leaving them to face the unknown threat was not an option.

「 Emperor Alardus 」

"You are right, Connie."

"Reza!"

「 Shadow Guard Reza 」

"Your Excellency..."

「 Emperor Alardus 」

"Gather your finest men."

「 Shadow Guard Reza 」

"Understood."

"The Shadow Guards and I will stay behind and lend a hand."

Emperor Alardus smiled at his loyal shadow guard, appreciating his dedication and readiness to help those in need.

「 Emperor Alardus 」

"Thank you, Reza."

"Take care of Cardinal Peaks and ensure their safety."

"I trust in your abilities."

The Shadow Guard Reza bowed respectfully before gathering his team and prepared themselves for the task at hand. Meanwhile, the royal ship set sail, carrying Emperor Alardus, Princess Connie, and the remaining members of the entourage back to the capital city of the Tremaux Dynasty, Acrania.

As they sailed away, Princess Connie looked back at the town, her heart heavy with worry for the people she had come to care about during their short visit.

「 Princess Connie 」

"I hope they will be alright, Father."

"I wish we could have done more."

Emperor Alardus placed a comforting hand on his daughter's shoulder.

「 Emperor Alardus 」

"We have done what we can for now, Connie."

"The Shadow Guard will protect them, and we will return when it is safe."

"But remember, our responsibility is to our people first."

Princess Connie nodded, understanding her father's words. She knew that being a ruler meant making difficult decisions and prioritizing the welfare of the kingdom. As the royal ship sailed further away, both father and daughter held onto hope, praying for the safety and well-being of Cardinal Peaks and its people.