MISSION

Is it possible to restore a memory? I'm not sure what the master said about this. I should have listened to him even if he was tough to understand, I knew it. If it's feasible, I'd like to know what happened before I entered this body. Like how she got lost and ended up in the forest alone, and what happened in that area that caused me to reincarnate into her body and to think that she'd be stuck in the ice crystal. I have so many questions!

Adelle contains a little mana, not enough to make that ice crystal. But I can, is it possible that after I came into her body, I purposely used magic?

For now, how am I going to act in front of Annah? She is intelligent and sharp, what if she notices that there's something wrong with her body?

Oh, I recall. Only Eli and Jack knew how I used to look when we were youngsters. Leo and Annah only saw me at the academy, and my hair and eyes have changed color since then.

I examine myself in the mirror. I have a strong resemblance to my younger self. the form of my face, nose, and eyes, as well as the color of my hair but the only difference is the eye color, Adelle has bright hazel eyes, and I assumed she got it from the Marquess. I felt like I was in the past. Except that I'm now clean and dressed up. Wait, of course, I would look like my younger past self because I recall something Rina said.

*Deep sigh*

I looked at Leo and saw that he was going to use the holo-communication device. it allows both people to see each other using holographs.

Maybe he's contacting Annah. I'm curious what Eli and Jack's expressions will be when they see me; will they be surprised? Will they sob? Wait, since Adelle is Leo's niece, I'm sure he showcases Adelle in front of everyone. Maybe I am thinking too much.

Rina did an excellent job with her curse words, and they came true. I looked out the window and noticed Daniel approaching here. a moment later Kaniz entered the room.

"Milady, Daniel is here to see you," Kaniz said. I nodded at her. I'm about to leave my room when Leo barricades the door. I looked at him confused.

"Who's Daniel?" he asks ferociously. this Idiot. did he think I had a relationship with that kid?

"My friend...he's the one who saved me," I said.

"Oh, I'd want to see him and convey my appreciation," he remarked relievedly.

I go out of my room, and he's right after me, still fussing with the communication item. Perhaps Annah does not want to answer his call.

I go to the living room but he's not there.

"Kaniz, where is he? Did you not allow him to enter?" I ask Kaniz. She shakes her head.

"No, Milady, I asked him to enter but he said he just wanted to say goodbye," Kaniz said.

"Goodbye?" I spoke. ahh right. he's a merchant and maybe they will leave to go to the other towns as well to do business.

"Yes Milady, he's waiting outside," Kaniz said and I immediately came out. and there I see Daniel in front of the gate. I rushed toward him.

"Milady," he said and bowed to me.

"Don't be like-... you don't have to call me that, just call me Adelle." I said to him and he smiled, I smiled back, and "This is my uncle" I introduced Leo. Daniel's eyes widened as he saw him.

"My Lord, it's an honor to meet you! I am Daniel," he said in excitement while bowing down.

Yes, I remember he's a fan of HAK.

"Daniel, you say? I want to express my gratitude to you for saving my wonderful niece. " Leo said. Daniel immediately looks at him and shakes his head.

"No, my Lord. a man must save a woman in need." He spoke.

"I insist, tell me what you want," Leo said.

"It's really nothing sir. I just want to help Adelle. you don't need to compensate me." he said.

"Oh really. if that---" Leo didn't finish what he said because the communication tool vibrated. maybe it's Annah.

"Wait a minute... I'll let you two talk. excuse me." he said and answered the call. before I started to talk to Daniel. I heard the voice who was on the other line.

[Leo...]

I feel like it's a century since I heard his voice.

"Jack...is there something wrong?" I heard Leo say. then he steps away from us.

"You didn't mention that your uncle is Leo, The Marionette Master. I think it's cool!" Daniel said with a cheerful voice.

"I only knew this morning." I calmly said. while watching Leo stepping away.

"Ah, right. you lost your memory," he said and looked down. I shift my gaze on him and I can tell that he really is sad.

"Why are you here?'' I asked him.

"I just want to say goodbye, we'll leave this town later after lunch," he said

"Really? Then have a safe trip." I said.

"If you want, we can exchange letters," he said with enthusiasm tone and I smiled at him

"Yes, of course."

"I'll send you a letter soon. so..." he said and hugged me. " I'll get going then." then he ran off immediately after the hug, looked back, and smiled at me.

"Keep safe!" I shouted and waved at him.

"Oh, he left already?" I was surprised when Leo suddenly asked.

"Yes.." I simply answered. I looked at him, and he smiled with a hint of confusion as to why I was looking, This fool seemed to have a lot of free time. "Don't you have work to do?

*****************************************

~~~~~~~AT THE ROYAL PALACE~~~~~~

A new King has been crowned in the neighboring Kingdom. A tragic event unfolded as the King was assassinated. The atmosphere was filled with shock and sorrow as the news spread throughout the land. The usurper, Theodoric, seized the opportunity to claim the throne for himself. Chaos ensued as the kingdom was plunged into uncertainty and unrest. The people were left wondering what the future held under the rule of the new king. It was a dark and uncertain time for the kingdom, as they mourned the loss of their beloved ruler and feared what was to come under Theodoric's reign.

King Nicolas was devastated by the tragic assassination of his sworn brother, King Gustavo. Upon hearing the news, a profound sense of grief and anger washed over him. He couldn't believe that such a heinous act had taken place, robbing the kingdom of a wise and beloved ruler. King Nicolas immediately declared a period of mourning, ordering flags to be flown at half-mast throughout the kingdom.

Except for King Nicolas, every bordering country has congratulated the new Ruler of Equinox.

"I give my greetings to the blazing sun of Solstice. His majesty, The King." Eli said and bowed his head to show respect to King Nicolas.

"I've summoned you because I got your report about the unexpected appearance of the hordes at the southern border, and I assume that someone has a mind on it, and I suspect the people from the neighbor Kingdom," the king remarked as he rose to his throne.

"Indeed, Your Majesty. my soldiers have also observed the unending appearance of hordes at the eastern border. for the time being, it is nice to have zero casualties." Eli said.

"The new King Theodoric of Equinox is full of greed. He must not be trusted. He killed the former King and declared himself on the throne. He may attack our kingdom at any time. If he's using the hordes as an excuse to declare war, we must fight back," said the king as he walked back and forth.

"I'm proud to say that our soldiers and Knights have the same talents and powers as the other magicians in this kingdom," Eli stated. "However, if the neighboring Kingdom declares war and they have a demon on their side, I'm afraid to say that we will be at a disadvantage, Your Majesty." The king nods and comes up to Eli. The king pats his shoulder

"That's why I'm sending you to the Kingdom of Equinox as an envoy..." he declared, his words carrying a weight of authority, that widened the eyes of Eli. "...I feel you are the only one who can accomplish it. Since Yule's death, you've been the only one I've fully trusted, and you've taken on all of the Kingdom's obligations. I'm proud of you, Elijah, and I know Yule feels the same way." 

"Deliver my compliments to the new King, and find out what they're actually up to. If they're truly someone managing the hordes, find out anything that you regard as a threat to our Kingdom," he added before returning to the throne.

"...And see whether Gustavo is indeed dead," the King said. Eli knelt.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I'm going to show you that I'm deserving of your praise," Eli said and stood up. the king nodded while caressing his beard.

*********************************************

~~~~HEADQUARTER'S TOWER~~~~~~~~~~

In the headquarters office, Eli, Jack, and Annah sat across from each other and discussed the upcoming mission. Eli had been chosen as the envoy to the neighboring kingdom, tasked with an important diplomatic mission. 

Jack leaned forward, his eyes shining with anticipation. "Elijah, let me come with you."

"No, stay here. you must defend the southern border. I entrusted it to you." Eli declined. he knew that the mission would involve delicate negotiations and potential dangers that could put both of their lives at risk.

"No! Elijah, you must let me go with you. I'd be a great help." He still insisted.

Eli let a deep sigh. "I'm not going to fight there; I'll lay low. I'm not insane to attack there. "He said and looked around he noticed that Leo was missing. "Where's Leo?" 

"He's on the way here from Eudaimonia city with his niece---" Annah didn't finish what he was saying because of Jack.

"Elijah, don't you trust me?" Jack's disappointment turned into a stubborn determination, his voice tinged with defiance

"I trust you, that's why you need to remain here to watch the border. we may not know if they're going to attack. so if something happens, you're going to rule the knights." he explained. " 8 days, before my departure---" he didn't finish what he was saying.

"If Jack will remain here, I guess I'll have to come with you," Annah said.

"No, you're also staying here. I just want you to lend me your best apprentice," he said.

"We're not going to fight, so the two of you will stop complaining about coming with me," he stated genuinely. "Jack give me your 10 strong knights to aid me, and you'll guard the southern boundary, Leo will watch the eastern border, and Annah lend me your 3 apprentices. That's enough for us to travel to the adjacent Kingdom," he stated.

"But Elijah, you shouldn't push yourself too hard. Learn to have some rest." Annah's concern advice to Eli.

"You know I can't, I need to keep myself occupied..." he added as he patted their shoulders.

"Jack, Annah...I trust both of you. so, please...put your trust in me. " Eli said and left the meeting room. the two were left speechless. Jack stood up.

"Inform Leo about this meeting..." Jack said and also left the room. leaving Annah in the room alone in silence.

'Yule, I was wrong. I can't control their stubbornness. ' Annah said in her mind.

Jack stormed out of the tower, his footsteps heavy with anger and frustration. he called out. "Elijah!"

Eli continued walking, his back straight and his gaze fixed on the path ahead. He maintained a cold and distant stance, refusing to acknowledge Jack's presence.

Jack quickened his pace, growing increasingly infuriated. and call out again, "Eli!"

Elijah finally came to a halt, his posture rigid and his expression devoid of emotion. He turned to face Jack, his eyes cold and distant. "I have nothing to say to you, Jack. If you insist on coming, my answer is NO..." he said coldly. "...and don't call me Eli," he added as he resumed his walk. Jack grabs Eli's shoulder tightly,

"Don't even think of dying there, I won't let you see Yule in heaven first," he warned solemnly.

"I'm not a fool like her," he said, removing Jack's hand and walking away.

'A fool?' Jack asks in his mind.