Gottfried knelt up, curling into the corner, still refusing to believe that his father was gone. His voice cracked into a whisper."Leave… leave me alone."
The saint, after bowing her head, knelt beside him. Her eyes softened with understanding, recognizing the depth of his grief. She nodded gently."Alright," she murmured.
She rose slowly, giving him one last look before stepping away. The guard closed the door behind her.
At the same time, Marie shot to her feet in shock and disbelief. She dropped to her knees beside Louis, shaking her head violently."Tell me this isn't the truth! Tell me you're lying!" Her voice broke as she covered her mouth, crying uncontrollably.
Louis held her shoulders, pulling her into an embrace."I'm sorry… I don't know what happened out there. will have to find them. Thanks to your husban Gottfried is alive… I'm just hoping he's okay."
Almira watched her mother cry as ashe stood abit away step away slowly further and farther, from the dinner table her tears start flowing to her cheek, She shook her head looking at Louis. Almira shouted "I don't believe it!" and immediatly ran upstairs.
"Almira! Come back!" Louis shouted after her, but she didn't stop.
He sighed and gently patted Marie's shoulder as she buried her face in his chest. His gaze shifted to Arthur, who sat silently, staring down at the table. Arthur's mind drifted back to the days when he was still a boy. back when Elias ruled his own kingdom.
"Are you going to come back? To the castle, sensei?"
Elias had turned, a grin slipping across his face. Kneeling down, he patted Arthur's hair.
"When I have the time… I promise to meet you again."
Young Arthur puffed his cheeks in determination."I promise I'll be stronger! Stronger than you, just like you said!"
Elias giggled softly."That's the spirit."
He stood, waved without looking back, and walked away."Until we meet again… goodbye, young boy…"
The memory faded.
Drops of water splash onto the table. Arthur's tears, falling like a small, quiet rain. His lips trembled, eyes glazed with sorrow."You lied… you lied to me, Sensei…"
The next day, as sunrise warmed the kingdom, Gottfried still lay in the same spot in the guest room. Curled on the floor, he stared blankly at his fingers. He hadn't eaten. He hadn't drink anything. His lips were dry and cracked, his throat burning with thirst. His body plead for food, but his mind is giving up might be easier.
A gentle knock came from the door.
Gottfried didn't move, only stared.
The door opened a little, and the saint peeked inside. She gasped softly, worry flashing across her face when she saw his condition. She closed the door and walked toward him, kneeling in front of him.
"Your name is Gottfried, right?"
Gottfried's eyes widened slightly.
"I talked to my father," she continued, "and he told me that Elias, your father was his partner during the first war." She leaned back against the wall beside him. "They became close… and fought together."
Gottfried didn't respond, but his eyes shifted, showing he was at least listening.
The saint glanced at him. "And… it's nice to meet you. I'm Althea." She breathed softly, her voice gentle. "Althea Saintveil Heavenstide. But just call me Althea."
Gottfried finally spoke, his voice low, cracked, and hoarse. He kept his eyes on the floor."How… do you know my name?"
Althea answered, "My father met your father again fifteen years ago and thats probably how my dad knows about you"
Gottfried muttered, "Yeah… I was a year old."
Althea nodded. "Same."
Silence settled between them, awkward, but peaceful.
Suddenly, Gottfried's stomach growled loudly
Althea flinched in surprise, then burst into a small laugh—"pffftt"—before covering her mouth.
She stood up with a grin."Come on, Gottfried. Stand up. Your body still wants to live. You can hear it, it's still asking for food."
She offered her hand to him."Let's have breakfast together."
Moments passed as they walked through the castle hallway. Gottfried still felt uneasy; he had never been here before. Everything felt foreign, unfamiliar… almost too grand for him to exist in.
As they continued down the corridor, a massive window suddenly opened up along the wall. The moment he saw the view, Gottfried stopped in his tracks. His eyes widened.
It was breathtaking.
The kingdom stretched far below. The castle itself stood atop a vast mountain, overlooking everything like a guardian. At the foot of the mountain, the city spread endlessly rows of homes, towering buildings, and busy businesses forming a vibrant, sprawling world. The architecture followed a distinct theme: bright blue tones, golden outlines, walls decorated with polished stone and shimmering minerals that gave off a sense of luxury.
Multiple enormous walls circled the kingdom, forming layers of defense. A river flowed gracefully through the land, feeding flourishing agriculture fields that surrounded parts of the city. Sunlight washed over everything, turning the view into a warm, golden painting.
Gottfried stood there, almost ethereal in the moment, unable to look away.
Althea's lips curved into a soft smile."Beautiful, isn't it?"
Gottfried stared through the glass, amazement filling his expression."So this is the place… the one Mom kept talking about."
He muttered " The Kingdom of fol"