Foutaba and Byeol were on their way to the kingdom so that Byeol could see it and escape the arrest that Eva had placed upon her. On the way, Foutaba said...
Foutaba: I can't wait to show you the kingdom! It's always crowded, with shops on every side, especially the pastry shops.
Foutaba spoke with great enthusiasm about the place, and Byeol listened to every word she said.
Byeol: I see... so you really love it that much.
Foutaba: Of course I do!! When you see it, you'll understand what I mean.
Byeol smiled faintly at Foutaba's energy.
Foutaba: Ah... I just remembered. Foutaba looked at her hand. I want to ask you something, Byeol...
Byeol: Hmm?
Foutaba: When we formed our bond, a Dark blue and purple glow appeared on one of my fingers. I didn't pay much attention at first, but it's starting to bother me.
Byeol: Ah, that... it's like a mark of our bond. You know, when you form a link with one of the elemental mages, a mark appears on a random part of your body. It seems yours appeared on your finger,I'm also have one on my wrist. And of course, each element has its own color.
Foutaba: I see... I still don't really understand the point of these bonds... Foutaba tilted her head in confusion, questions swirling around her.
Byeol: Ah, well... how should I put it? It's like borrowing your partner's power, and vice versa.
Foutaba: Oh, that's amazing, Byeol!! I want to know what your power is, Byeol!!
Byeol: Ah, that's...
Her words were cut off by Foutaba's shout.
Foutaba: We're here!!!!
Byeol: Ahh... it's so crowded... Foutaba, is it always like this?
Foutaba, looking around everywhere: Hmm... well, it's crowded, but not usually this much. I wonder if something's going on?
Foutaba went to ask one of the townsfolk.
Foutaba: Excuse me, but why is the place more crowded than usual? Has something happened?
Townsfolk: Ah, there's going to be a festival at the end of the month to welcome the Black Death Knights and celebrate their achievements in protecting the kingdom from the shadows.
Foutaba: I see... After a moment, her expression shifted to shock, and she screamed. WHAAAAAAAAAT?! How?! We're only in the middle of the month! What's going on?! Foutaba's scream startled the man, who stepped back to escape her reaction.
Byeol: Foutaba, calm down. You frightened that man. And also, didn't Eva tell you that you were gone for an entire month because of that cave we were in?
Foutaba: Ah, right... I wasn't listening to her at the time. I was feeling sleepy and hungry...
Byeol: Ah... I see. So, how do these celebrations that man mentioned work? I'm a little curious.
Foutaba: Ah, right. As you heard, it's an event held to honor the brave knights who protect the kingdom from the shadows—a tribute to their courage. The knights are divided into three orders:
Black Death – These are the ones who protect the kingdom from external threats like the shadows. They're considered the strongest knights in the kingdom.
White Pearl – This order guards the kingdom's walls and is currently led by Eva.
Red Dawn – Their leader is Gilbert, the one who tried to attack us when we escaped the cave. Their duty is to protect His Highness from threats, including traitors and spies.
That said, all the knights are strong and not to be underestimated. But what sets the Black Death apart is their leader... she is... Eve.
Byeol: Huh? Isn't she Eva's sister?
Foutaba: Yes. Though she looks ordinary, she's a merciless beast with a heart of stone and bloodthirsty eyes. Every time she looks at me, I get chills. Wait... how did you know she's Eva's sister?
Byeol: Ah?! It was just a guess!! And... is she scary?
Foutaba: Yes. She used to punish me whenever Eva wasn't around by making me train with her until I passed out.
Byeol: I see... well, that's for your own good. They're worried about you because...
Foutaba: How is a hundred push-ups a sign of worry?!
Byeol: ... ... Ah, well... you have a point there.
Foutaba: Ughhh, she's coming, and with her, the torture begins again. Damn it. I'm going to buy some cake!! Come on, Byeol!!
Byeol: Alright.
They went and Foutaba bought the finest cakes. As they were leaving, Foutaba was overjoyed—but her happiness didn't last, because of the person she saw in the kingdom. Her face drained of all color.
Foutaba: E...Eva?! What is she doing here? She's supposed to be at the knights' meeting! What's going on?!
She grabbed Byeol's hand, who was just about to take a bite of his cake.
Byeol: Foutaba, what's wrong? Why are you running?
Foutaba: She must not see us! We have to hide!!!!
Byeol: From who??
Foutaba: Eva!!!!
Eva was speaking with the other knights when she caught a glimpse of something. She looked around in confusion but found nothing.
Eve: (It looked like I saw... no, just my imagination.)
Foutaba, breathing heavily: We barely escaped. Oh my god, what is she doing here? This is strange. I'm sorry, Byeol, for suddenly dragging you into a run like that. But you wouldn't know what would happen if she saw us.
Byeol: It's fine, I understand.
Foutaba: Here, have another cake, since you dropped the first one because of me. What's your favorite kind?
Byeol: Anything is fine.
Foutaba: Alright, I'll give you the strawberry one—it looks delicious!
Byeol and Foutaba ate the sweets she'd bought, smiles on their faces.
Foutaba: I can't wait for the festival at the end of the month! It's going to be the best celebration this year!!
Byeol: Really? Haven't you celebrated before?
Foutaba: I have, but I always celebrated alone. Eva is there, of course, but she's always busy with her knight duties, so I end up by myself.
Byeol: ...I see.
Foutaba: But this month is going to be fun, because I have you, Byeol! She said it with a bright smile, and Byeol was stunned by her words.
Byeol: M...me? You want to celebrate with... me?
Foutaba: Of course I do silly ! You're my only friend! So, what do you think?
Byeol: Hehe, how could I refuse such a request? Of course!
Foutaba: Oh my god, you said yes! You said yes!! Come on, let's go buy some things—the celebration is going to be huge, you know!
Byeol: Alright, let's go.
Foutaba took Byeol's hand and ran to all the shops, overjoyed that she finally had a friend.
Meanwhile outside the kingdom
A woman in black armor was fighting a giant shadow, dodging its blows with fluid ease. She leaped and took it down, slicing it in two.
One of the knights: She took it down in one strike!!!
She removed her armor to reveal her identity and let out a breath. She was the leader of the Black Death Knights, known as the "Black Plague."
Eve: Something's wrong... Hey, healers!
Healers: Yes, ma'am!
Eve: What are you waiting for? The wave is over, and there are injured waiting for treatment. Move!
Healers: R-right!
The healers moved quickly to tend to the wounded knights, but something weighed on the leader's mind.
One of the knights: Great work, Commander! As expected... Commander?
Eve: There's something off about these shadows. They were acting as if... forget it. Never mind. The important thing is to prepare—we're returning to the kingdom to report the latest developments.
Knight: Understood!!
Eve stared into the distance, then went to clean the blood the shadows had left on her.
Eve: Maybe it's just my imagination...
To be continued...