First impression in the Kingdom of Serindah

First impression in the Kingdom of Serindah

After helping and staying for several days in the border village, Sir Cedric and Aria resumed their journey. They had to continue on foot as their two horses had escaped and run into the forest when the wolf pack dispersed a few days earlier.

Aria was moved to tears seeing their dire situation. Using her knowledge of medicinal herbs, she aided in treating them with the available plants in the surroundings.

Feeling safe enough to leave behind the remaining survivors in the border village, Sir Cedric and Aria continued their journey. Sir Cedric had urged them to seek refuge in a safer place, but they refused, having grown too attached to the village.

Nevertheless, as a precaution, Sir Cedric, with the help of some other villagers, constructed an underground tunnel leading to several crucial houses in the village, including the bakery and the wine-making house. This was all done in anticipation of a potential return of the wolf pack.

Now, Sir Cedric and Aria are traversing the dark and muddy forest. They've spent days attempting to find answers regarding the warwolves' motive for the attacks. However, up to this point, they haven't discovered any definite clues.

As the sun began to rise, they finally arrived at a grand gate leading to King Edward's kingdom. The gate stood tall and majestic, surrounded by sturdy walls, with the shimmering symbol of the kingdom carved above.

Aria paused for a moment, her eyes fixed anxiously on the gate. "Sir Cedric," she said hesitantly, "I feel reluctant to enter this kingdom. I'm not part of the world of knights and politics."

Sir Cedric nodded understandingly. "I understand your feelings, Aria. But we need to seek help from King Edward. He's the only one with the power and resources to aid us against the Warwolf."

Both of them approached the magnificent gate. Upon reaching it, the royal guard stopped them.

"Halt! Who and what do you want to come here?" asked a guard firmly.

Sir Cedric bowed respectfully. "I am Sir Cedric, from the Asiri kingdom. And this is Aria, a forest guardian with crucial information about the Warwolf."

The royal guard pondered, scrutinizing Sir Cedric from head to toe. He felt like he'd heard of that kingdom before. But then, "Hasn't that kingdom fallen long ago?" the guard inquired. His expression suddenly turned scornful and derisive. He hadn't expected his own standing to be so low in someone else's eyes.

Another guard arrived. "What's going on?" He looked suspicious but then nodded. "Wait a moment. I'll inform King Edward of your arrival."

They waited tensely in front of the gate. A few moments later, the gate opened, and a dignified elderly man stepped out. King Edward, accompanied by some of his long-known troops, beamed widely upon seeing Sir Cedric.

"Sir Cedric! It's been a while since i last saw you," King Edward warmly greeted, embracing the knight.

Sir Cedric smiled. "King Edward, I've come here for a very important purpose. We've witnessed the complete devastation of the border village, facing the threat of the Warwolf, and we need your kingdom's assistance."

King Edward nodded seriously. "Yes. We've met before, precisely when the late King Melvis and Queen Cory were still around." Those are the names of Sir Cedeic's father and mother

King Edward appeared enthusiastic in welcoming Sir Cedric. It was evident that he paid no attention to Aria whatsoever. "The Warwolf is a serious threat. We will provide all we can to help. But first, allow me to introduce you to someone."

He turned towards the palace, and from behind the doors emerged a young lady. Lady Elara, King Edward's daughter, appeared with a keen gaze and graceful presence.

"This is Lady Elara, my daughter," said King Edward. "She has an interest in the magic arts and extensive knowledge of mythical creatures. Perhaps she can offer valuable insights in your efforts against the Warwolf."

Sir Cedric and Aria paid their respects to Lady Elara. Gracefully, Lady Elara acknowledged their greeting. "Very well, let's continue our conversation inside the palace," said King Edward.

For some reason, Aria sensed something amiss. Not due to the situation or the people she was meeting, but something else. She just felt there was something odd. Usually, when she felt this way, there was something wrong in her surroundings. Strangely, despite her attempts to investigate, Aria couldn't read people's thoughts, as she normally could.

They walked in line, with Aria and Sir Cedric trailing behind King Edward and Lady Elara. They discussed a lot about the Warwolf, especially Sir Cedric's accounts about the people living in the border village. "Yes. Now I truly understand what you've been through. But you're remarkable, rising above adversity while outsiders might see you as a failure."

"It doesn't bother me, sir. I don't pay much attention to people's negative opinions of me. What's most important now is to restore things to how they were. I just want to help others."

King Edward halted, then turned around. It seemed Sir Cedric's words had deeply moved him. "You're truly noble. It feels very fitting for you to lead a kingdom again someday."

Neither Aria nor Sir Cedric understood the implications of King Edward's words, but they both felt something significant was about to happen.

Aria, in particular, felt extremely uneasy.

Several high-ranking officials in the main chamber of the palace exchanged glances, bowing their heads in respect.

Subtly, Aria observed Lady Elara walking ahead. She couldn't shake the feeling that she somehow felt familiar with the princess.

Unintentionally, she noticed a bloodstain on the edge of Lady Elara's brown lace robe. 'That robe!' Aria recalled encountering a figure in the forest last night while gathering medicinal herbs for the border village people.

Aria glanced at Lady Elara's profile from behind. Though the figure in the forest had worn a mask, the girl was certain that the mysterious person she'd seen had a birthmark near the left corner of their jawline. 'Yes. No mistake. That's definitely her!' Aria murmured enthusiastically, albeit within herself.

Aria's body suddenly trembled, noticed by Sir Cedric. "Are you alright?" Sir Cedric asked, gripping Aria's hand. She'd been visibly unfocused for a while. It wasn't meant to be intrusive, but Sir Cedric had called Aria's name repeatedly to discuss the Warwolf, yet she seemed lost in thought.

When Aria snapped back, she noticed everyone's eyes on her. As her gaze met Lady Elara's, Aria quickly averted her eyes. This time, she was utterly convinced, "Those eyes are like a pair of Warwolf's eyes," Aria unconsciously murmured. Luckily, her words were hushed. Nevertheless, in the quiet room, some might have clearly heard what she just said.

"Apologies, whose eyes do you refer to as those of a fierce creature?" asked Lady Elara suddenly. Her face had now transformed into a serene and gentle expression. Her gaze became calm and friendly. She walked slowly, approaching Aria who was now looking down.

"Apologies, Your Highness, she might have been recalling the creature that attacked the border village. She and I were directly involved with that creature," Sir Cedric explained to Lady Elara.

Lady Elara paused right in front of Aria as Sir Cedric spoke to her. For a moment, she gazed deeply at Aria. The gaze was truly peculiar, reinforcing Aria's suspicions about Lady Elara. However, she did her best to conceal her feelings.

Smiling and bowing respectfully, Aria said, "Forgive me, Your Highness. That incident always remains in my mind. I cannot forget the detailed form of that creature, as I faced it right before my own eyes." Aria somehow felt the urge to reveal what she had seen, but deep down, a part of her whispered, 'It might be better to keep that secret a bit longer.'

Lady Elara smiled faintly. She took a deep breath, causing Aria to feel a warm gust brushing against her face. "It seems we are quite suited to be friends," said Lady Elara, placing her hand on Aria's right shoulder.

Though her touch wasn't as powerful as the Warwolf's grip, Aria sensed a vibration and a veiled threat in the Princess's words.

At the far end of the line, a man had been observing Aria and Sir Cedric with a scornful look since their arrival.

"Elara, come here. It's best if we take our esteemed guests to the meeting room," King Edward said, draping his arm around Lady Elara's shoulder.

In the room that is usually used as a place to discuss problems in the Serindah kingdom,

As they discussed the Warwolf, Lady Elara revealed her knowledge about the creature, which turned out to be deeper than they had expected.

As night fell, they gathered in the palace chamber, discussing plans to confront the Warwolf. With the assistance of King Edward and Lady Elara, Sir Cedric and Aria found new hope in facing the Warwolf and saving the kingdom from the impending destruction.

In the quiet night, the dark sky illuminated only by the reddish glow of the moon.

Aria appeared restless. She couldn't close her eyes at all, not just because of the impending battle they would face the next day, but due to the threat that lingered in her mind since meeting Lady Elara.

She'd been pacing back and forth on the guest room balcony.

Suddenly, someone knocked on her room door. Aria felt uneasy. As the door opened, her apprehension grew even more.