Part 1
The group arrived at the Luminis estate after a long carriage ride to one of the most important areas of Astralith.
The entrance leading to the mansion seemed endless. Perfectly aligned trees, white stones along the path, and flower arrangements divided the walkways. Sentinels walked all around the place as if it were an impenetrable fortress.
To Haruto, it looked like one of those English castles you only see in brochures or historical movies.
The carriages stopped in the main plaza, right in front of the great stairway. The plaza had an unnecessarily flashy fountain, with what looked like a statue of a light elf pouring water.
"What exaggerated people…" Haruto murmured.
Yuna looked out the window.
"I'll get down first and, whatever you do, follow the plan. We're not looking for a fight, just to take Melodia with us. Understood?" she said firmly.
"Arrive, greet them, and when we see Melodia, show her the scroll Cherri gave us. I have it," he replied with confidence.
Both nodded and the door opened wide.
A light elf in a white suit extended his hand to Yuna.
"Please, madam, this way," he said politely, and she took his hand.
Yuna stepped down gently onto a red carpet, like she was a famous star.
But Haruto got down by himself. The elf didn't even look at him while closing the door.
From the second carriage, the rest got down. They didn't receive help either.
From the top of the staircase, a blond elf, wearing an elegant white suit and holding a cane, turned to greet them.
"Welcome, Yuna Kazeharu, daughter of the Aeris tribe." he made a formal greeting, bowing slightly.
Yuna walked toward the elf and he kissed the glove on her hand.
"Thank you, Uncle Aurelius. We made a long journey to attend this very important day."
"I see you've become a great and radiant woman, just like your mother. How is old Zephyrus?"
Yuna smiled.
"My father is in good health. He says you still owe him a chess match."
"I probably shouldn't say this, but he's still upset because he couldn't defeat me last time," he commented with a laugh.
Then Yuna turned toward her companions, who had clearly been ignored by Aurelius.
"They are my group companions."
"Thalindra Terrafist, the most renowned artisan of Molgaroth," she said while bowing toward the dwarf.
"A pleasure, Thalindra. Do you have any relation to Borin Terrafist?" the elf asked with curiosity.
"Yes, he's my father."
"So you're the daughter of the personal blacksmith of the king of Estelaris. What a surprise. He's quite a legend, especially for his frequent bar fights."
"Well, someone has to put loudmouths in their place, right?" the dwarf replied, shrugging.
"They are the sisters Simmone and Eliza Amoretta. They are two humans who come from very far away."
"I see... A pleasure."
Simmone showed no emotion, but Eliza was pleased, though no one would guess that her real last name is Tepes. That would cause an uproar across the whole nation.
Then Yuna turned toward Rina.
"She is Rina, a lost child of the forest."
Aurelius's gaze began to rise as Rina climbed the steps, since she was several steps lower to stay at the same height as the others.
"So tall… Welcome."
"Thank you, Mr. blond elf," she replied innocently.
Finally, she pointed at Haruto, with his two fairies at his side.
"He is Haruto Kibou, the Envoy of the Moon, and they are his companion spirits, Kizuna and Olivia."
Mr. Luminis looked him up and down with a cold expression.
"So you're the problem Solis had in Stonehollow, and the one responsible for making my daughter go astray…"
"Yes, I had a kind welcome from the light elves at the borders. I appreciate your hospitality," Haruto replied, extending his hand.
But Aurelius did not return the greeting.
"I hope you don't cause trouble in the city. You should know that I'm not as easy to convince as Solis."
Haruto lowered his hand, but his smile remained firm, and his eyes never left the elf.
"Don't worry. I'm very respectful of the rules."
"And as for your daughter, I only want her to be free, not an object," he added, challenging him.
Yuna stepped between the two.
"Well, if you'll excuse us, uncle, we'll go inside. There are many people to greet."
Mr. Luminis pulled his gaze away from Haruto and his expression changed instantly.
"Of course, niece, go ahead, Melodia will come in shortly."
"Boy!" he said, pointing to a young elf who came over at once. "Take my niece and her friends to their table."
"Yes, sir."
Yuna gave a bow and said goodbye to her uncle while the rest followed her in silence.
Aurelius stayed watching the group enter the party, but his eyes never left Haruto.
Someone capable of making his daughter change her mind was a threat worth considering.
"Envoy of the Moon… pure nonsense. Mizuki abandoned us years ago."
"Nothing will change."
"The era of the light elves is coming, and no one will be able to stop it."
He thought all that while offering a wide smile to the new guests climbing the staircase.