One week later. One day before going to the Enoy Empire.
The air outside is cold, like always. Cloudy. But today feels different... more like a sleeping tornado. It's too quiet. Even today, Shiraz is too quiet. Just a few people are walking around the streets. It's like the world itself is preparing for something far bigger than anyone can imagine.
Inside Dariush's mansion, it's quiet like always. But today feels different... more like everyone knows what is going to happen.
Dariush and the others are in Dariush's office. (Except for Shira.)
Inside the office, there is a heavy atmosphere, and yet it's cozy in such a strange way. Dariush is sitting at his desk, his fingers threaded together on it, while light and shadows from the fireplace in the office dance on the right side of his form. From the window behind him, low light casts into the room, but it isn't enough to make the room brighter.
In front of him are the others. Kian is sitting on the couch next to Eira on the right side, and Cobra is sitting on another couch on the left side, across from them.
Light and shadows also dance on their forms.
The office is quiet. The sound of the fireplace occasionally crackling is the only thing filling the silence.
Kian was the first to break the silence. He cleared his throat and said: "So... Dariush. What is it that you brought us here for? We already know that tomorrow we are going to the Enoy empire."
Dariush took a deep yet soft breath and said: "There is something. So I will get to the point fast. First, I want to talk about the productivity of Shiraz. It's significantly improved since I told Shira to spread the rumors."
Eira looked impressed. Kian looked slightly skeptical yet impressed. Cobra only said: "Damn... I didn't know that only a rumor could do such a thing."
Dariush nodded and smirked slightly. Then he continued: "Now, second. Kian, did you find anything else about Arvin Emerald Wood, or his empire, or the people around him?"
Kian shook his head and said: "Unfortunately, not much. I can only say it's a big empire that neighbors the Nari empire. And there is a rumor that his family treats him badly, which is why he didn't resist marrying you."
Eira looked sad. Cobra facepalmed and groaned.
Dariush kept his mouth shut. He didn't say anything, but it was visible that he was angry.
Dariush sighed deeply and rubbed between his eyebrows. Then, with mild annoyance in his voice, he said: "I see... Then I will move to the next topic." (He cleared his throat.) "Very well, Cobra. The armor you ordered is ready, and it's already in your room."
Everyone's mood visibly lifted, especially Cobra's. Cobra smiled and blushed slightly. Then she shyly said: "T-thanks, milord. I will use it with purpose."
Dariush smiled warmly and said: "I know you will. Now, I have a question about that fire incident." (His expression turned slightly serious.) "Did you find anything specific?"
Cobra shook her head firmly but with disappointment: "Nothing. Sorry for that, but I promise to find anything I can as fast as I can."
Dariush nodded in acknowledgment and said firmly: "We have all the time we need, so take your time. Don't rush, but don't hesitate either."
Cobra nodded with a determined expression.
Dariush turned his face to Eira and said: "So... my dear. I have a request, and my request is this: don't hesitate if anything happens. Run away with Kian and Cobra... even if I die." (His expression was completely serious.)
Cobra's expression was unreadable, but she asked firmly: "Why do you say that?"
Cobra and Kian looked confused and slightly sad.
Dariush firmly yet lovingly answered her: "I still have a lot of enemies. I know that they don't even think about killing me. But even if they do, I ask you—all of you—to stay alive. No matter what happens to me. Understood?"
Everyone looked complicated. They exchanged complicated glances, but they nodded anyway.
Dariush smiled warmly and sighed in relief: "Good. Very good."
.
.
.
In another side of World 99, right in the heart of the Enoy empire.
In a bedroom—a very luxurious bedroom—a person sat at the edge of the bed, their hands on their lap. This person's face or body wasn't visible because of the low light in the room from outside and from candles. It was only visible that the person had a lean body—not quite feminine or manly, but more like a boyish body. Also... his ears were visible... He was an elf. But his ears weren't that long; they were slightly shorter than normal elf ears.
The only thing that was visible was his long robe. His robe was white with black-colored roses on it. His robe looked beautiful, but you couldn't tell if the person wearing it was beautiful too or not.
Finally, the boy spoke. His voice was sad—vulnerable, the voice of a boy: "What have I done... to... deserve such a fate? God... what have I done wrong?"
Author: ...
The boy sighed, and then a single tear escaped his eyes. His tear caught the light. Then he begged: "Please, God... if you are there... help me. I only want a life that I deserve."
Author: .....
After a little moment, another person came from the shadows. That person wore a white military attire. His face wasn't visible because of the shadows, but his long white hair, falling on his shoulders, was slightly visible. The person's voice was firm yet gentle: "Prince Arvin... Please don't worry... As your loyal knight, I will be with you... no matter where you go."
The boy who was sitting at the edge of the bed was Arvin Emerald Wood. His face wasn't visible, but you could tell his mood had slightly lifted. He said with gratitude in his tone: "Thanks... Griffith. I will never forget your support."
Author's note: You heard it right... He is Griffith. Not the normal Griffith, but Griffith from Berserk. And as the author of this novel, I am gambling on my own novel's progress... So before you judge... just watch.