Upon arriving at the Kingdom of Gaelvorn, the King hastens out of the carriage and proceeds into the palace without escort, unlike his usual custom.
His steps grow swifter. He ascends the long staircase leading to the upper floor until he stands before his private chamber. The grand and majestic doors are about to be opened.
The doors part slowly, and light gradually enters the room.
The curtains inside are fully drawn. The King moves quickly, opening them one by one. As the light pours in halfway, the interior of the chamber is revealed—utterly different from the last time he remembers it.
"What is this?!" he mutters.
He stands in the center of the room, staring at surroundings that feel unfamiliar each time he sets foot there. Drawers lie open, documents are scattered, and the desk is cluttered with objects that are usually arranged with precision. Upon the desk, a magic sphere glows softly, its blue light seeming to pierce through his thoughts.
He can only remain silent and motionless, realizing that the world he once controlled now reflects every ruin that exists within himself.
---
"That is the whole story, Doctor," Nero says to his physician, Charlotte.
Charlotte looks at me, then back at Nero.
"Are you certain, child?" He asks.
Nero nods, offering a faint smile.
Charlotte turns her gaze to me once more.
"Very well, then," He says, rising halfway before stepping out to attend to other patients.
I lie back upon the bed. Nero approaches me, the faint smile still upon his face.
"Thank you, sir," he says.
He then turns to leave the room, intending to assist Charlotte with the patients.
I exhale slowly. I do not know the full story behind them, yet I begin to wonder why I must train him.
The more I think about it, the heavier my head feels. A gentle breeze drifts through the air; leaves sway softly, birds sing upon the treetops and across the open sky, and thin rays of sunlight warm my body. Comfort settles over me, and I fall into deep sleep.
Afternoon turns into evening, and evening approaches night. After half a day of proper rest, I slowly open my eyes.
Without noticing, the sky has grown dark. I intend to rise and return inside the veil, yet my gaze is captured first by the view spread below. Villages are scattered among plantations and lakes; a river stretches wide toward the horizon. Across the vast expanse, mountains rise tall and proud, with the sea lying beyond them.
I smile. Whenever I witness such beauty, my heart finds peace.
---
The following day, messenger birds fly across the lands in diminishing numbers.
The veil opens at dawn to receive patients seasick from long voyages and others from surrounding villages.
As is his habit, Nero rises before sunrise to purchase supplies and secure one of the increasingly limited newspapers. Later that morning, he returns, newspapers tucked between his hands, vegetables and fruits hanging at his right side.
Doctor Charlotte sits beneath a shady tree, waiting for him, calling his name so she may hand him the newspaper to read.
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE SIX LANDS
SPECIAL EDITION – Issued by Authority of the Central Government
KING OF GAELVORN COMMITS SUICIDE IN HIS RESIDENCE
REASON STILL UNKNOWN, WHISPERS SPREAD AMONG THE PEOPLE
Gaelvorn — Shocking news emerges from the capital of Gaelvorn. The King of the realm is reported to have died by suicide within his residence. Until this moment, the government has provided no official explanation regarding motive or circumstances.
Although official information remains limited, rumors begin to circulate among the populace. Some citizens link the tragic event to the recent assemblies held in Nimurelle, particularly those concerning fugitives and the absolute magic crystals.
The atmosphere within the city appears tense. Several communities report rising confusion and fear, signaling uncertainty spreading throughout the nation. Meanwhile, authorities promise to maintain order and to act firmly against speculation that may disturb the stability of the lands.
Political observers predict that the King's death will trigger internal upheaval within Gaelvorn, possibly leading to fractured authority or new conflicts among nobles and citizens alike. At the time of publication, no formal statement has been issued by the royal family or the governing council regarding succession or the next course of action.
---
"Damn it!" Johan shouts within his chamber. "How could this happen?" he mutters.
Before him lies the newspaper reporting the King of Gaelvorn's suicide.
Johan ascends to the highest level of the palace, where the Queen of Nimurelle resides. The great doors open.
"Is there something, child?" the Queen asks.
"With heavy heart, Your Majesty. There will be no thousands of soldiers from Gaelvorn. They are divided at present."
"Not even a single soldier will come?" the Queen asks.
"It appears so, Your Majesty," Johan replies.
"Oh, my. Why such concern? We have already secured thousands from the other four nations. Everything will be resolved," the Queen answers calmly.
Johan nods slowly, then turns and leaves the chamber.
---
Olivia enters one of the rooms and opens the door. Inside, high-ranking military officials are present, preparing to disperse after discussing the execution plan for Oliver.
The man who convenes the meeting—the same speaker from the previous assembly—is there as well. Another figure from the two-member Covenant stands nearby: Zeco.
"I wish to speak with you," Olivia says near the entrance.
Zeco does not turn. He remains seated by the table.
"Then come here," he replies.
Olivia steps closer, pulls a chair, and sits beside him.
Beside the map marking the field where Oliver is to be executed stands a cup of coffee. Zeco lifts it, intending to take a sip.
Olivia's face burns with fury.
"I intend to betray."
Zeco suddenly chokes and turns toward her.
"What nonsense—" he hisses, coughing.
"Do you know that Oliver is my father?" Olivia states clearly.
Zeco freezes.
"Your father?" he repeats.
"I have heard that Gaelvorn is not sending its thousands of troops. It greatly affects the plan arranged by that man named Johan," Olivia says.
"And?" Zeco replies flatly. "What is your plan?"
"To strike from within," she answers, fixing her gaze upon him. "Is this not the perfect moment? Do you not also wish to betray?" she asks.
Zeco lowers his head, rubbing his forehead with one hand.
"True. But the timing you speak of carries great risk," he replies.
"Is there any path without risk? I will free the captives tonight," Olivia says.
"And your father? He is confined in a prison where even a Vanguard is forbidden to speak to him during the execution countdown," Zeco says.
"I will save him," Olivia answers firmly.
"Hmm?" Zeco murmurs.
"On the day of execution, chaos will erupt. A great war will unfold. I will save him," she declares with confidence.
Zeco studies her for a moment, a faint smile forming. He rises and looks upward.
"Very well, then. Free them. Arrange your plan. But we cannot communicate until execution day arrives, so as not to arouse his suspicion," Zeco says, taking his sword before leaving the room.