(Part 4)

Knight's Training Base

During the practice for her duel, Deion conversed with Enya, "Your ability seems to be progressing quite well. Just a bit more focus is required." he commented.

Enya held onto her pendant, which radiated with a bright glow, and inquired, "Are you certain it's progressing as it should?" Deion nodded in affirmation, "General Void is currently at the Imperial Palace, overseeing the departure of guests. However, let me share something with you. He mentioned that your elemental ability is exceptionally unique. Do you know why?" he asked. 

Enya gazed at him curious as he continued, "It's because you possess control over all four elements. This range of ability is a rare, and that's precisely why the Emperor instructed General Void to recruit you as a knightess at any cost." 

Enya blinked in suprise, scratching her head, "But...I don't really know where it came from," she spoke with question marks. Deion offered a reassuring smile, "It is not something you could have possibly known. It develops on its own. In your case, it likely stems from a family heritage, possibly passed down from your father. That's all I know." 

Frowning in confusion, Enya probed further, "Father...?" Her grip on her sword tightened. Deion nodded, "You are quite lucky, you see. With dedication and the mastery of all four elements, ascending to the rank of commander would likely be within your reach. I believe so." he expressed. 

Enya grinned in delight, "Really?" she confirmed. Deion nodded again, emphasizing, "Indeed. But it requires hard work and unwavering focus. General Void will provide guidance on these aspects, and remember, the Emperor has a keen interest in your progress. It's possible that you could even become an Imperial Knight, serving the Imperial family. However, this is just a possibility, as per General Void's insights. For now, make sure to seize every opportunity that comes your way."

Enya's eyes widened with determination, "An Imperial Knight? Wasn't my father one...before becoming a commander? Wow...It's great. It opens up so many possibilities..." she gasped, her resolve solidifying, "This way, I can even provide a better living and treatment to Noah." 

Deion observed her, blinking, "Hm...?" he asked. Enya clenched her fist, facing him with gratitude, "Thank you, Leader Deion. You just reminded me of my original purpose. I appreciate it. Just be sure to trust me; I'll grasp every opportunity that leads me closer to the truth." She nodded firmly.

Deion encouraged, "Sure, it is my honour."

The Imperial Palace

Raven descended the staircase, grappling with her thoughts. "What should I do? How should I face him? No way...What can I do?" Her thoughts were a whirlwind as she took a deep breath.

"Ah, Little Raven. Goodbye~" Draven's chant was to be heard. Raven, halted in her tracks and turned to face him, a smile lighting up her features.

Draven approached her, bowing in a princely manner amid the corridor.

Raven grinning, twirled a strand of her hair. "Mm. I wish you a safe journey." she replied.

Moved by the moment, Draven stepper nearer, chuckling, "Haha, it's been years since we've been like this. Really takes me back." 

Raven nodded with a sweet smile, "Mm. It has indeed been some time,"

"Ah, I recall something. Let me show you some magic," Draven offered, conjuring a burst of silver energy from his hands. Before Raven's eyes, a gorgeous shimmering pink Camellia flower materialized. 

Raven gazed at it in awe, "Wow! It's just how you used to do it before. That's great! Thank you, brother Draven," she expressed her delight.

Draven with a nod, smiled heartwarmingly, "Listen. No need to feel sad, okay? I'll come back for you." he assured.

Raven's heart fluttered with hope as she looked down, her cheeks tinted with a blush. "Promise?" she asked, her voice soft and earnest.

Draven cracked a teasing smile, "Haha. If you don't want me to leave, how about I take you with me?" he mischieviously asked. 

Raven blushed covering her face, abruptly, "No way! I- I won't go." she stammered.

Draven laughed heartily, "Pfft. Just kidding. I swear I'll return." he vowed with sincerity, gently placing the flower by her hairs. 

Raven's lips curved into an earnest smile, "Okay. I will wait for you until then,"

Draven nodded in response, turning around, "Thank you."

As Draven walked past a dimly lit room at the edge of the corridor, his steps came to an abrupt halt, "It isn't locked?" he thought upon noticing a slightly ajar door to a spacious dark, room adorned with towering bookshelves that seemed to encircle the space. Inside, Arawn was seated at a desk, working on a stack of parchments. He glanced up as Draven entered.

Stepping inside, Draven couldn't help but yawn, his shoulders slumping, "~Always the busy beaver..." 

Arawn, placing a glass of drink to the side, continued his work.

Draven shifted his gaze upward, contemplating for a moment. "Hey, Arawn, may I ask you something?" he questioned, serious.

Arawn halted writing for a moment upon hearing him.

"...If I am leaving now, and there's a possibility that I might not return for a while, would you feel sad?" 

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Reflecting on the past, the most recent encounters between Arawn and Draven occurred when, without Arawn's awareness, Draven had quietly approached him, tailing him closely. Arawn had been wandering alone, as silent as a shadow, and Draven had slipped in beside him, almost as if Arawn was a part of his world. It was, simply, a display of innocence, persistence, and affection.

Strangely though, there was just something about Draven that made all of those actions acceptable.

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"What's wrong?" Draven noticed the paper thin smile upon Arawn's lips amidst his drink, and asked. 

"No, it's nothing." Arawn replied, standing up,

"I value your concern, Brother Draven, and your absence would be noticed. While 'sadness' ...might not be the precise word, I'm convinced it won't deminish our shared sentiments. We may be apart for some while but, even so, if you must go, it's for a reason, so I hope your glory remains to reign." he continued.

Draven's eyes widened, staring at Arawn for a while before bursting into laughter, "Hahaha, you never abandon your princely formalities, do you? That's so like you."

Closing his eyes, he continued, "I feel the same. But...Can you not be so dour? While I revel in my glory, you remain concealed with shadows...Don't get buried under your burdens, you see."

Arawn glanced to the side, responding, "My burdens aren't worth mentioning..." Closing his eyes, a wry smile formed on his lips, "Although, perhaps being crushed under the weight could finally lead to eternal peace..."

Draven with his mouth agape for a while, blinked with a shudder, "You give me the chills!" he retorted, disturbed.

"Farewell." Arawn spoke, lowering himself in a bow.

"..."

Draven stared at him wordless before breaking into an affectionate smile, "Very well, then. We'll stay in contact." he concluded, heading back.

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As preparations were made for their departure by the attendants, King Edgar and Draven exchanged final farewells and headed for their awaiting carriages, leaving behind cherished memories of their visit.