…
Decades Before the great war in a region called Disidess,Someone who often does unique, strange, and even unnatural things always goes on very long, even unimaginable, journeys.
Thud...Brakk....Buugg.....
"Arghh...I think I fell again, hmm where am I?"Asking questions in his mind
At that time, everything was still in a very gloomy situation, there were lots of wars, slavery, and even colonization between states and kingdoms by previous kings.
Buk..Bukk..Bukk....
"Okay, it seems like this is the right place, the first kingdom, and the first family to land in the Disidess region.He said in his mind then he started to look at the very, very impressive building.
"Hmm, it seems like I'll go down from this hill first, Hyaaaa....uhh..." Suddenly he was hit by an arrow in the back when he was going down from the cliff, then he looked towards the forest he was passing through There are hunters chasing him!!.
"Oh damn, how could they find this place, rather than make it complicated I'll just jump heheh" Ucapnya dengan tatapan heran dan mengusap wajahnya.
"Hey there he is, the bastard, HEYY FUCKING CHEAT!!!"Said one of the hunters and followed by the others, and started shooting arrows again towards the front.
"Damn, damn, damn, Why are they still after me, what did I do, when I only took some of their property!?" He ran down and then remembered and started laughing.
"Ow whahhahaha I just realized that they want to take their treasure back, hehehe I will take this to this kingdom" while taking out a trap made of wood and iron to trap The hunters are after him!
…
The afternoon wind blew strongly, carrying dust and the scent of dry earth. In the distance, the sky began to turn a reddish-orange, signaling that the sun was about to set. In front of the massive gate, forged from iron and carved with rose patterns, two Knights stood tall, holding long spears firmly.
Suddenly, a heavy rumble was heard. It was not from the sky, but from giant footsteps that shook the very ground. Emerging from the dusty mist was a massive creature, dark as night with scales shining like polished obsidian. It was the Night Dragon, the loyal steed of the ruler.
Upon its back sat a mighty and powerful man. His body was covered in gleaming Silver Armor, reflecting the light of the setting sun. His face was stern, his gaze sharp yet filled with immense authority. He was King Alderic Roses, the first ruler of the Kingdom of Roses.
"Lower the bridge! Open the gates!" shouted one of the guards in a loud voice.
Iron wheels screeched loudly as the main gate slowly swung wide open. The King nodded his head as a sign of respect to his soldiers. The black dragon gracefully flicked its tail, stepping into the palace grounds to rest after a long and exhausting journey.
However, just as peace began to settle in...
CRASH!
A loud impact echoed from the steep cliffside near the gate. A figure came tumbling down from the heights, landing roughly on the dry grass not far from where the guards stood.
Dust scattered everywhere. The figure slowly rose. They wore a long white cloak with a hood that covered most of their face, making their identity difficult to recognize. The fabric was dirty and slightly torn from the fall.
" intruder! Who are you?!" shouted the Captain of the Guard.
In an instant, dozens of swords were drawn and spear points were aimed directly at the neck and chest of the mysterious figure. Time seemed to stop. The knights stood ready to attack, assuming this was an enemy daring to spy on the kingdom just as their King had returned.
"Halt!"
That heavy and authoritative voice echoed, cutting through the deadly tension. All eyes turned. King Alderic slowly dismounted from his dragon, his steps calm yet radiating overwhelming power. He waved his hand, ordering his troops to step back.
The King walked closer, the sound of his silver armor clanking with every step. He positioned himself between his army and the stranger.
"Lower your weapons," Alderic commanded calmly. "He carries no arms, and he is wounded. He is no threat at this moment."
The knights hesitated, but eventually lowered their spears and swords slightly, remaining in a defensive stance.
Alderic stared intently at the figure beneath the white hood.
"You," Alderic's voice sounded low but clear. "You fell from that cliff exactly as I arrived. Your courage, or perhaps your recklessness, is extraordinary to appear before the gates of the Roses Kingdom in such a manner."
The King crossed his arms over his chest.
"Remove your hood. And tell me, what is your name? What brings you to my kingdom? Have you come to seek protection, or do you bring a message of war from the lands beyond?"
Silence fell for a moment. The wind blew again, playing with the edges of the white cloak. The figure slowly raised their right hand, pushing back the hood that covered their face. They bowed their head respectfully before finally speaking.
Before the figure could even answer, they suddenly moved with lightning speed, slipping through the gap between the guards, and ran straight towards King Alderic. They then knelt down and hugged the King's legs tightly.
"OH MY KING! PLEASE HELP ME!" they screamed in a hoarse, panicked voice. "I AM BEING CHASED! THEY ARE CRUEL HUNTERS! THEY WANT TO STEAL MY TREASURE! PLEASE, YOUR MAJESTY!"
Trembling and sobbing in fear, they opened the cloth pouch they were carrying.
GLEAMING!
A blinding light radiated outward. Piles of sparkling jewels, gold bars, and colorful gemstones spilled out abundantly before them. These were not ordinary items, but treasures so rare and valuable beyond imagination.
King Alderic's eyes widened in shock. His usually calm and stern face changed drastically, stunned half to death by the immense wealth displayed before him. He quickly glanced at the generals and knights surrounding them.
They were all frozen in place. Several knights had their mouths agape, their grips on their swords loosening in sheer shock. No one expected this ragged figure to carry such fortune.
Alderic took a long breath, trying to steady his heartbeat. He stroked his chin, thinking for a moment. His firm principle rang clear: "Those in distress deserve help and protection, no matter who they are or what they carry."
"Very well," Alderic's voice returned to its firm and authoritative tone. "I will protect you. On the soil of Roses, no one dares to act with injustice."
The King turned to his side, looking at a tall, massive man with dark skin and eyes as sharp as a hawk's.
"Commander Jack Utopa!" called the King.
"Ready, Your Majesty!" the figure responded swiftly. He was known as The Black Eye, a warlord whose bravery and strength were feared across the entire continent.
"Block them. Do not let a single person who harms my guest escape. But... take them alive if possible," commanded Alderic.
"Understood!"
Then, King Alderic turned back to the figure bowing before him, and gently patted their shoulder.
"Stand up. Sit there, on the palace steps. Calm yourself and tell me everything. As you speak, watch how my commander handles this matter."
The figure nodded repeatedly, gathering their treasures with shaking hands, then sat on the stairs and began recounting the story of their pursuit.
Not long after, the sound of footsteps and shouting could be heard coming from the direction of the cliff. A group of rough-looking men dressed as hunters appeared, breathing heavily, ready to seize the goods. However, their steps came to a sudden halt the moment they saw who was standing in their way at the gate.
The hunters' faces turned deathly pale. Cold sweat began to drip from their temples. Standing before them was Commander Jack Utopa with his arms crossed, his pitch-black eyes staring as if they could pierce through their very souls.
"I-it's... J-Jack Utopa... The Black Eye..." mumbled one of the hunters with a trembling voice.
"Are we crazy?! We got the wrong target! We thought it was just some ordinary person, but he's being protected by the Roses?!" hissed their leader in panic.
The hunters looked at each other, overwhelmed with fear. They knew that fighting against the Roses army was already difficult enough, let alone facing the Commander himself directly.
"F-Friends... Brothers..." said one hunter, trying to negotiate, raising his hands in surrender but attempting to save the situation. "W-We didn't know this was a guest of the kingdom! M-Must be a misunderstanding, right? We... we just wanted to return some lost items!"
"Yes! That's right! We meant no harm!" added another, equally panicked. "P-Please, Sir Jack! Don't cut us down! We swear we won't do it again! Just let us leave, we beg you!"
They began to slowly back away, hearts pounding wildly, terrified that Commander Jack would swing his sword at any moment.
Commander Jack smirked, a smile that only made the atmosphere even more terrifying.
"Hahaha... You came here to steal, and now you pretend to be good?" Jack's voice was deep and thunderous. "Do you think the gates of the Roses Kingdom are a playground? Step forward, or shall I come to you?"
On the other side of the gate, a chaotic battle was taking place. However, it was far from being an even fight; it looked more like a martial arts training session—one against a hundred.
DUG! BOOM! CRASH!
Commander Jack Utopa moved like lightning. His powerful fist landed squarely on one hunter's face, sending the man flying backward into a pile of logs. Another tried to thrust a spear, but Jack easily blocked it with his armored arm, then with a single twist, he snatched the weapon away and snapped it in half.
"Arghhh!"
"Ouch! My knee! My knee!"
Screams of pain echoed everywhere. The hunters, who had looked fierce moments ago, were now rolling on the ground, clutching their bruised and broken bodies. Jack did not kill them, but he made sure their bones cracked and they would not be able to stand up again for a very long time.
Meanwhile, on the shaded main steps of the palace...
The atmosphere was in complete contrast. King Alderic Roses sat majestically yet relaxed on the highest step, with the figure in the white robe sitting beside him. The evening wind blew gently, caressing their hair as if trying to soothe the mood.
Seeing the King's sincere kindness in helping him without thinking of profit or loss, Rovela felt deeply moved and realized there was no need to hide anything anymore. He looked at Alderic with genuine eyes.
"Thank you so much, Your Majesty... If it weren't for You, my treasure and my life would have been lost long ago," Rovela spoke softly. He then bowed his head slightly. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rovela Silvio. People often call me... The First Adventurer."
King Alderic nodded, his eyes sparkling with interest.
"Rovela Silvio... The First Adventurer. A name that sounds strong and full of adventure. So, you are an explorer who has traveled to almost every corner of this world?" asked Alderic.
"Exactly, Your Majesty," Rovela replied with a faint smile. "The treasures you saw earlier are not stolen goods, but ancient relics I found inside the ruins of an old temple across the ocean. Unfortunately, the information leaked, and those bandits have been chasing me relentlessly for three days and three nights."
Rovela took a long breath, recalling his journey.
"I ran as far as I could, until I was finally exhausted and slipped, falling from the cliff earlier. I was truly desperate... until I saw the gates of this kingdom and your mighty figure clad in silver armor. At that moment, I knew I was safe."
Alderic chuckled, his laughter warm and genuine.
"Hahaha, so luck was indeed on your side, Rovela. Falling off a cliff actually brought you to the safest place on the entire continent."
The two of them began chatting casually like old friends. There was no longer any distance between the King and a commoner.
"So, what is the strangest thing you have ever encountered in your adventures?" Alderic asked curiously.
"Oh, so many things, Your Majesty! I once encountered a river whose water changes color every hour, or a cave whose walls sparkle like stars in the sky!" Rovela shared enthusiastically. "But the most amazing thing was when I had to climb an ice mountain that pierced through the clouds, just to retrieve a single frost flower."
"Wow, extraordinary..." Alderic listened in awe. "You know, I envy your freedom. As a King, my duties bind me here, guarding the borders and upholding the laws. But listening to you speak, it feels as though I can feel that free wind myself."
"And Your Majesty..." Rovela replied. "I also admire Your resolve. Many rulers see only gold and treasures, but You see lives and honor. That principle of 'helping those in need'... that is exactly what will make the Kingdom of Roses grow into the greatest kingdom of all time."
Hearing that, Alderic smiled broadly. He patted Rovela's shoulder gently.
"Thank you for your kind words, my friend. From now on, consider this kingdom your own home. Rest well, for tomorrow we shall hear many more tales from your world."
The two laughed together, enjoying the sunset, while in the distance, Commander Jack had just finished tying up the last of the hunters neatly, ready to face the kingdom's justice.
...
The sun had completely set, replaced by a bright and shining moon. Its silvery light bathed every corner of the Kingdom of Roses, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
In a wing of the palace not far from the training grounds stood a comfortable guest house. This was where King Alderic had ordered Rovela to be lodged. The room was spacious, clean, and equipped with everything one could need. A place where he could finally find the tranquility and rest he had longed for amidst his adventures.
Rovela stepped inside and let out a long breath. He began organizing his dust-covered backpack, arranging his adventuring gear, and safely storing his treasures inside the wooden chest provided.
His eyes then fell upon an old leather-bound journal he always carried. He took a pen, and with skilled hands, he wrote on the front page in black ink:
"Rovela Silvio - Travelogue"
He had just written a few lines, recounting the fall from the cliff and his encounter with the King, when a knock sounded on the door.
Knock.. Knock..
"Sir Rovela? Sorry to disturb you," a voice, belonging to a servant or knight, came from behind the door. "His Majesty the King and Queen invite you to join them for dinner in the Main Hall. Please get ready."
Rovela stopped writing. He let out a heavy sigh, then rubbed his face with both hands, looking utterly exhausted. His body and mind were practically begging him to just lie down on that soft bed and sleep until morning.
'Ah, if only I could just sleep...' he complained inwardly.
However, he knew his place. This was an invitation from the King who had just saved his life. Refusing would be ungrateful, or worse, could be seen as an insult.
"Alright... I'll be there," Rovela shouted as he stood up and straightened his robe. "Wait a moment, let me get ready first!"
The atmosphere in the dining hall was majestic yet serene. Only the soft clinking of cutlery could be heard. There was no noise at all, reflecting the high etiquette and grace of the palace inhabitants.
At the long table adorned with aromatic candles, three people sat:
King Alderic Roses at the head of the table, dressed in comfortable attire yet still looking regal. Beside him sat Queen Blossom Roses I, a woman of breathtaking beauty. Her face was as gentle as a blooming rose, and a sweet smile was always present on her lips. Opposite them sat Rovela Silvio, now looking much neater and refreshed.
They dined with utmost elegance, their movements graceful and composed.
After enjoying the meal for a while, Queen Blossom finally broke the silence with her soothing, soft voice.
"So... Mr. Rovela," the Queen said as she gently placed her spoon down. She looked at Rovela with full attention. "What happened this afternoon was truly extraordinary. You fell from such a high cliff and still managed to stand? Is that a miracle, or simply the ability of an adventurer?"
Rovela swallowed his food and smiled faintly.
"Ah, that... it was more like a stroke of terrible luck turned good, Your Majesty," Rovela answered honestly. "My body is indeed trained to survive in any condition, but when I fell earlier, to be honest... I thought my life was over. If I hadn't landed on a thick patch of grass at the bottom, I probably wouldn't be sitting here today."
King Alderic nodded in agreement, taking a sip of his drink.
"Rovela speaks the truth. I had just arrived when I saw a white figure tumbling down. At first, I thought it was a large boulder, but it turned out to be a person," Alderic shared with a slight chuckle. "And what surprised me even more was when he opened his pouch... the light from the treasure almost blinded me, Blossom. There was so much of it that even my guards stood there with their mouths wide open in disbelief."
Queen Blossom giggled softly, her laughter sounding like silver bells.
"Hahaha, no wonder those hunters were desperate enough to chase you right to the palace gates. That amount of wealth is the greatest temptation for those with dark hearts."
Rovela sighed, his expression turning slightly serious but remaining calm.
"They chased me for three days, Your Majesty. I never stopped running. But the moment I saw the Gates of the Roses Kingdom and the figure of the King atop that black dragon... somehow, my fear vanished instantly. I knew, that was where I could finally stop running."
Hearing this, King Alderic smiled proudly. He raised his glass slightly towards Rovela.
"And you made the right decision, my friend. Here, you are no longer a fugitive. You are an honored guest. Eat well and regain your strength. Tomorrow, this entire palace is yours to explore."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. For everything," Rovela said sincerely, and they continued their dinner, their conversation growing warmer and warmer beneath the beautiful moonlight.
The calm and elegant atmosphere in the dining hall was suddenly shattered.
SCREEECH...
The large carved wooden doors were flung open roughly. Two small figures ran inside at full speed, their hair flying wildly from the momentum of their run.
"WAAAAA!!" shouted a loud, childish voice.
It was Theodor Roses II, a boy just five years old. His face bore a striking resemblance to King Alderic, but his eyes sparkled with mischief and overflowing energy. Chasing close behind him with tiny, adorable steps was Erica Roses I, the beautiful four-year-old princess, laughing joyfully.
They ran circles around the dining table, as if the magnificent hall were their personal playground. Walking calmly and elegantly behind them was a handsome man with bright hair and eyes. He wore attire that reflected the luxury of another noble house. He was Azaleo Hall, Queen Blossom's younger brother, and also a high-ranking noble from the Kingdom of Hall, also known as the Kingdom of Kenlard.
King Alderic, who was just about to bring a spoon to his mouth, froze. He let out a long sigh, a mixture of slight annoyance and deep affection. He placed his spoon down gently.
"Haaah... These kids..." Alderic muttered softly, then looked towards his brother-in-law. "Azaleo, let them play for a while, but please make sure they don't knock over the silver plates or those crystal glasses, okay? The kingdom's treasures took ages to collect, not to be destroyed in one night by these two siblings."
Azaleo Hall smiled faintly, his expression polite and sweet.
"Of course, Brother-in-law. They are indeed full of energy. They've been making me play tag with them all day until even I got exhausted," Azaleo replied jokingly, his hands folded politely in front of him.
Meanwhile, Queen Blossom simply covered her mouth and giggled softly at the sight of her husband and children. She stood up from her seat and walked over to the running kids.
"Oh, my babies... Don't run too fast or you might fall," Queen Blossom said gently as she patted Erica's head, who was panting, then pinched the cheek of Theodor, who was pouting after being caught. "Now now... come greet Uncle Azaleo first, then say hello to Papa and Papa's guest."
On the other side of the table, Rovela Silvio remained silent. He tried to focus on cutting the meat on his plate, but he felt slightly awkward. He was not used to such a warm and noisy family atmosphere. Usually, his meals consisted only of dry bread and cold water in the middle of a forest or inside a cave.
However, that feeling of awkwardness slowly shifted into something else.
Accidentally, Rovela's eyes glanced towards the man standing next to the King—Azaleo Hall.
In an instant...
THUMP!
Rovela's heart began to race unnaturally fast. There was a strange, piercing aura surrounding him. It wasn't the aura of physical strength like the knights, but something cold, dark, and... unpleasant. It felt like looking at a wolf disguised as a sheep. Azaleo's eyes seemed friendly, yet for some reason, they felt piercing and calculating to Rovela.
'What is this...? What is this feeling?' Rovela wondered inwardly, his grip on the dining knife tightening slightly. 'It feels so strange... there is something off about this man. But... ah, never mind.'
Rovela shook his head slowly, trying to dismiss his prejudice.
'Maybe I'm just too tired and have met too many bad people on the road, so I'm becoming suspicious. He is family, after all—the Queen's brother. Nothing bad could possibly be about him. Don't overthink it, Rovela. Just focus on eating.'
He lowered his head again, continuing his meal calmly, though a faint sense of unease still lingered in the back of his mind.
"Now, Theodor, Erica," King Alderic's voice rang out again, this time softer. "Come here, let me introduce you. This is Mr. Rovela Silvio. He is a great adventurer who just survived great dangers. Tomorrow, you can ask him to tell you stories about monsters and dragons, you know?"
Hearing the words "monsters" and "Anchient Creature ," the children's eyes instantly lit up brightly, forgetting their game for a moment.
Hearing their names called and feeling the gaze of the two children fixed upon him, Rovela's hands holding the knife and fork paused momentarily. His face looked slightly flushed and stiff. He was indeed brave enough to face wild monsters or natural dangers, but dealing with noble children who looked at him with such innocence and curiosity? That was something new and made him nervous.
Rovela slowly put down his cutlery and wiped his mouth with a napkin, his movements slightly rigid but still trying to appear polite and composed. He bowed his head slightly towards the children.
"Hello... children," he greeted, his voice trying to sound gentle, though it came out a bit deep and heavy. "My name is Rovela Silvio. It is a pleasure to meet Prince Theodor and Princess Erica."
Theodor, known for being mischievous, was not afraid at all. He tilted his head, looking Rovela up and down from head to toe.
"Is this white-haired man really fought monsters before? Does he really have lots of gold?" Theodor asked innocently yet bluntly, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Erica, being shyer, simply hid behind her mother's back, peeking out timidly with a small smile.
"Of course he is, Papa said so," Queen Blossom answered with a laugh, trying to ease the atmosphere so Rovela wouldn't feel so awkward.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the table, King Alderic and Azaleo Hall were speaking in a lower, more serious tone.
"So, have the reports from the borders of the Hall Kingdom arrived?" asked Alderic softly as he took a sip of his wine.
"They have, Brother-in-law. The situation is quite stable, but there are several technical matters that we must discuss first thing tomorrow morning with the advisors," Azaleo replied in a polite and formal manner. His smile remained perfectly placed, yet his eyes remained sharp to anyone who paid attention. "However, those important documents are still stored in my guest quarters. It would be best for me to attend to them tonight so they are ready for discussion tomorrow."
Alderic nodded in understanding.
"Very well, then. Thank you for watching over them for a while, Azaleo. You truly are the most reliable brother-in-law I could ask for."
"You are welcome, it is my duty," Azaleo responded.
Then, Azaleo stepped forward slightly and bowed respectfully to the King and Queen.
"Please excuse me, Your Majesty the King, Your Majesty the Queen, and also Mr. Rovela. I will take my leave and step out for a moment. There is an urgent matter that must be resolved before I rest tonight."
King Alderic also stood up slightly as a sign of respect.
"Go ahead, Azaleo. Let us continue our conversation outside."
Azaleo nodded once more. Before turning to leave, he spared a quick glance towards Rovela with an unreadable smile, then turned around and walked out of the room with graceful and calm steps, accompanied by King Alderic.
The large door closed again, leaving Queen Blossom, her children, and Rovela, who let out a long breath, feeling slightly relieved as the earlier tension slowly faded away.
...
In the Palace Corridor...
The doors to the dining hall had just closed firmly. The calm atmosphere inside stood in stark contrast to the mood outside.
Right in the grand corridor illuminated by wall lamps, Azaleo Hall could no longer contain his emotions. His face, which had looked sweet and polite just moments ago, was now flushed bright red with suppressed anger. He turned sharply towards King Alderic.
"Brother-in-law! What were you thinking?!" Azaleo exclaimed, his voice rising loud enough to echo down the empty hallway. "Accepting a complete stranger so carelessly into the palace? Giving him shelter, food, and even letting him dine at the same table as the royal family! What if his identity is fake? What if he is an enemy spy hiding behind treasure to cover his evil intentions?!"
Azaleo poured out all his frustration. His eyes burned with fury, and his breathing was heavy with emotion. He felt the King's actions were reckless and dangerous for the security of the Kingdom of Roses.
However, King Alderic Roses simply walked calmly. His face was expressionless—neither angry nor offended. He listened patiently to all the complaints, insults, and worries, as if he were merely listening to the passing wind.
Only after Azaleo finished speaking and was left panting did Alderic stop walking. He looked deep into his brother-in-law's eyes.
"Calm yourself, Azaleo. Control your temper," Alderic spoke softly yet with absolute authority. "I know exactly what I am doing. I am not blind to the situation."
"But Brother—"
"I accepted him not because of his treasure," Alderic cut in firmly. "But because of the aura he emits. That man possesses a pure adventurer's spirit. The way he speaks, the way he thinks... it is incredibly sharp and intelligent. His knowledge of geography, culture, and world history is far broader than all my advisors combined, perhaps even better than the entire library in your own Kingdom of Hall."
Alderic stepped closer, patting the shoulder of the still-tense Azaleo.
"People like him are precious, Azaleo. We can utilize his knowledge for the advancement of Roses. Besides... he is an interesting man. I feel comfortable talking to him. I want to be his friend, not treat him like a prisoner. So, let him stay. Do not disturb him."
Hearing this explanation, Azaleo's mouth snapped shut. He bowed his head deeply, though deep in his eyes still lurked a profound sense of dislike and suspicion.
"Very well... if that is already your decision, Brother-in-law," he replied coldly. "But please remember my words today."
Back Inside the Dining Hall...
The atmosphere here was warm and friendly.
Theodor and Erica were now sitting neatly in their chairs, right on either side of Rovela Silvio. Their eyes sparkled like stars, drinking in every word that came out of the adventurer's mouth.
Rovela, who had been nervous earlier, was now telling his stories skillfully. His voice was low yet captivating.
"...And so, Prince, Princess," Rovela explained as he cut a piece of bread. "I carried that treasure traveling far through wild jungles, crossing rushing rivers, until I finally slipped and fell from the cliff, landing right here."
Theodor's eyes widened in awe.
"Woww... fell off a cliff but didn't die? So cool!"
"Then why did Uncle Rovela come here? Were there no other kingdoms that wanted to accept you?" asked Erica innocently in her tiny voice.
The question made Rovela smile wryly, then he let out a sigh.
"Actually... I have visited several great kingdoms before coming here. But unfortunately, they closed their gates. They saw me merely as a beggar or someone looking for profit. They even forbade me from giving advice or suggestions on how to improve their countries, even though I saw so many things that could be fixed."
Rovela looked at the two children sincerely.
"That is exactly why I want to build a good relationship with the Kingdom of Roses. Because your father is the first person who was willing to listen and help me without judging who I am."
At the end of the table, Queen Blossom, who was sipping her warm tea, smiled broadly watching the interaction. She felt relieved and happy. She spoke softly to herself or the servants nearby.
"Look at them... So stiff at first, but now they are getting along so well," she murmured gently. "It turns out Mr. Rovela is such a wonderful storyteller. The children absolutely love him. Good... at least Theodor isn't running around breaking furniture tonight. Finally, I can eat in peace."
Queen Blossom nodded in satisfaction, enjoying the warm family atmosphere in the quiet night, completely unaware of the small storm that had just subsided in the corridor outside.
In the Palace Corridor...
The calm footsteps of King Alderic and Azaleo Hall came to an abrupt halt. From the opposite end of the hallway, the sound of footsteps could be heard running frantically and in panic.
THUD! THUD! THUD!
A personal servant, dressed in a neat uniform now messy from running, dashed so fast that he accidentally bumped roughly into Azaleo Hall's shoulder.
BAM!
"Ah! Forgive me, Lord Azaleo! Please forgive me!" the servant exclaimed, panting heavily. He bowed quickly without daring to look up, intending to rush past them towards the dining hall.
However, Azaleo's hand quickly and firmly grabbed the servant's arm, stopping him in his tracks. Azaleo's expression, previously filled with anger, now turned sharp and serious.
"Heh! Stop! Are you blind? Running recklessly inside the palace?!" Azaleo snapped. "What is going on? Why are you running like a madman?!"
King Alderic, seeing the servant's extreme panic, stepped closer, his brow raised as he waited for an answer.
"Answer me! What has happened?" Alderic demanded firmly.
The servant trembled violently, his face pale as death.
"Forgive us, Your Majesty! My Lord! A terrible tragedy occurred moments ago!" the servant stammered. "In the Middless Region! The residence of the Queen's close friend, the Hazfel Family! The estate was suddenly attacked by strangers from the 'West of the Continent'!"
The atmosphere in the corridor instantly froze.
"The place is completely destroyed! Many are severely wounded! Lady Hazfel herself is lying unconscious! And... and the surrounding area is currently being burned and demolished by them!"
Before the servant could even finish speaking, Alderic and Azaleo locked eyes. Their eyes widened in equal parts shock and fury.
"WHAT?!" they both screamed inwardly in unison.
"Go!" Azaleo commanded, releasing his grip.
The servant ran with all his might towards the dining hall, while King Alderic and Azaleo immediately turned around and sprinted after him.
"Quickly! We must stop Blossom! Do not let her hear this and act recklessly!" shouted Alderic as he ran at full speed.
Inside the Dining Hall...
The warm atmosphere and laughter that had just filled the room came to a total standstill.
"YOUR MAJESTY THE QUEEN!! THE HAZFEL HOUSE IS UNDER ATTACK! THE HAZFEL HOUSE IS UNDER ATTACK!!" the servant screamed with a hoarse and desperate voice the moment he reached the doorway. "YOUR FRIEND IS CURRENTLY UNCONSCIOUS!!"
GULP!
The entire room fell dead silent.
The clinking of spoons and forks ceased instantly. The air felt heavy and cold, so tense it sent chills down everyone's spine. No one dared to make a sound.
Queen Blossom, who had been smiling sweetly listening to Rovela's stories, saw that smile vanish instantly. Her face turned as pale as a corpse. Her pupils narrowed sharply, and her body trembled violently, holding back immense shock and horror.
Her best friend... her childhood home... attacked?
"Y-You said... w-what...?" Queen Blossom's voice shook, her hands gripping the edge of the table so hard her knuckles turned white.
Without wasting another second, Queen Blossom stood up with a swift motion.
"Knights!" she called out, her voice trying to remain firm but cracking with emotion. "Escort Prince Theodor and Princess Erica back to their chambers immediately! Lock the doors and guard them with your lives! Do not let them leave until I give the order!"
Two standing guards immediately moved into action.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The young children, Theodor and Erica, looked confused and scared seeing their mother's terrifying expression. They were quickly ushered out of the room.
Amidst the chaos and tension, Rovela Silvio sat frozen in his chair. His heart was pounding wildly.
'Crazy... The Middless Region... The Hazfel Estate...' Rovela screamed inside his mind in shock. 'That's the place I passed just this morning! I even rested not far from there! So they have been on the move since then?!'
Rovela swallowed hard. He had barely escaped with his life, and now the danger was proven to be terrifyingly real and close by.
At that exact moment, the doors swung wide open again, and King Alderic and Azaleo rushed back in, breathing heavily, their faces filled with exploding rage and deep worry.
The atmosphere in the room was tense. Even the fire in the hearth seemed to dim under the weight of the heavy pressure filling the air.
King Alderic and Azaleo Hall stood on either side of Queen Blossom, trying to calm their Queen, whose body still trembled with exploding anger and grief.
"Blossom, calm yourself... take a deep breath," Alderic spoke softly yet firmly, holding his wife's shoulders. "We must not panic. Your friend is still alive, that is good news. We need to think clearly to formulate a rescue plan."
"That is right, Brother-in-law is correct," Azaleo added with a serious tone, his face also etched with worry. "The chaos has already happened; getting angry won't fix anything. We need cool heads right now, Sister."
Slowly but surely, Queen Blossom took a long breath. Her pale face began to regain some color. Her emotions started to settle, replaced by a strong determination.
Her teary eyes then shifted and stared sharply towards the dining table, right at the figure sitting there.
Rovela Silvio.
"You!" Queen Blossom called out, drawing everyone's attention. "Lord Rovela... You are an adventurer who has just traveled far. Did you happen to pass through the Middless Region? Or... did you see or notice anything strange there?!"
King Alderic and Azaleo Hall simultaneously turned towards Rovela. Their gazes were filled with questions and hope.
Rovela was silent for a moment, realizing it was time to speak the truth. He stood up slowly and bowed respectfully.
"That is correct, Your Majesty," Rovela answered in a heavy voice. "Several days ago, just before arriving here, I was indeed in the Middless Region."
Everyone listened intently.
"At first... the situation there seemed peaceful and normal. There were no signs of a major war. However, the more I traveled around, the more I began to feel something was off," Rovela recounted.
"Off in what way? Speak!" the Queen urged.
"The number of merchants and shops open was far fewer than usual. Many closed their stalls early or even permanently. And what was most suspicious... in the narrow alleys and back streets, I saw countless traces of small-scale fights. Sword scratches on the walls, dried bloodstains, and..." Rovela paused briefly. "...I also smelled smoke and saw plumes of fire rising suddenly from the distance, as if someone was intentionally setting things ablaze here and there."
Rovela lifted his face.
"That is all I know, Your Majesty. I do not know who is responsible, but I am certain... the unrest has been going on for quite some time, it was just hidden very well."
Hearing this explanation, Queen Blossom let out a long sigh, feeling slightly relieved to finally have a picture of the situation.
"So... they have been preparing for a long time..." she murmured.
King Alderic smiled faintly, feeling proud that his guest was so sharp and observant.
"Well done, Rovela. This information is invaluable. You truly have sharp eyes."
However, that warm moment was instantly cut off by a sound of annoyance.
"Hah! Nonsense!"
Azaleo Hall stepped forward, his face flushed with suppressed emotion and suspicion. He looked at Rovela with a sharp gaze filled with hatred.
"One moment you said it was peaceful, then suddenly you claim to see signs of war and fire? What a convenient story to tell us!" Azaleo snapped.
He pointed his finger directly at Rovela's face.
"You are truly cunning! You came bringing treasure, earning our trust, and now you are fabricating stories as if you are a prophet who knows everything! Do not think we will believe you so easily! You are a fraud! Everything you say is just a trick to gain our deeper trust!"
The atmosphere heated up once again. The fire within Azaleo burned fiercely, while Rovela simply sat there, staring back at the accusations with a completely blank expression.
Hearing the accusation of "fraud" thrown so harshly, Rovela Silvio froze. His mouth opened slightly, intending to reply or defend himself, but the words got stuck in his throat.
In his life, he had often been insulted, driven away, or suspected, but for some reason, this time it felt different. His heart felt heavy. He was used to staying silent and accepting it, so when the time came to defend himself, his tongue felt tied. His hands clenched tightly at his sides helplessly. He simply stared at Azaleo with a blank yet deeply hurt expression.
"You think by telling lies like that you can—" Azaleo continued to spit out sharp words, his voice rising and becoming increasingly judgmental.
However, before he could finish his sentence, a strong, warm hand gripped Azaleo's arm firmly yet gently. It was the hand of King Alderic Roses.
"Enough, Azaleo," Alderic spoke softly, but his tone was absolute and commanding. His eyes looked deep into his brother-in-law's eyes, as if saying 'Stop right now.' "You are too emotional. Your voice is far too loud for a discussion. Calm yourself."
That touch and voice held back Azaleo's anger slightly, but the fire in his chest was far from extinguished. He yanked his arm roughly out of the King's grasp.
"Hmph!" he snorted loudly. He shot one last sharp glare at Rovela, then delivered a piercing sarcastic remark.
"Fine then... if this Mr. Adventurer is truly that great and Brother-in-law trusts him so blindly. Go ahead and enjoy that trust. But remember, Mr. Rovela, in this palace, lies usually have a very distinct and pungent smell. And I... am very good at detecting it."
After throwing those harsh words, Azaleo spun around roughly, crossed his arms over his chest, and walked out of the room with heavy, angry steps, leaving behind an awkward atmosphere.
King Alderic and Queen Blossom looked at each other, both frowning.
"His attitude... it gets stranger and more excessive every day," Queen Blossom murmured softly, her voice filled with confusion and slight disappointment. "He is usually never this harsh."
"Let him cool down for a while," Alderic answered with a sigh, then he turned towards Rovela with an apologetic look. "Forgive my brother-in-law's behavior, Rovela. He is simply overly protective of this family and the kingdom."
Rovela just nodded slowly, still slightly stunned but trying to act normal. "It is alright, Your Majesty. I am used to it."
"Since dinner is over, maybe that's all for now so we'll go back to our respective rooms , then tomorrow we will discuss this, OK, Queen Blossom? And Rovela?" Say the King.
"Okay, if that's what you say, dear," said the Queen, then left with a slightly cold aura.
"Alright King Alderic Roses, I will return to the residence and rest for tomorrow. Please excuse me," said Rovela then bowed and left with a slight feeling of guilt.
"Yes, please, and SERVANT! Please clear the dining table and send a letter to the commanders to gather tomorrow morning when the sun rises from the eastern horizon."The king ordered the servants.
""Yes, Your Majesty," said the servants who had just arrived there.
The servants, who had been standing frozen like statues, moved swiftly into action. They began clearing the plates still filled with leftovers, the wine glasses, and the messy napkins quickly and silently, as if trying to erase every trace of the tension that had just occurred.