At the same moment, Noriala was stunned by her father's condition. For since childhood, she had never had a close friend. Beside her, her mother merely lowered her gaze and remained silent. Once again, the surroundings fell into deep silence. Noriala, her mother, and Rihisna appeared lost in thought, each wondering in their own way.
In Noriala's mind arose a troubling question: where was she to find a true companion? She rarely encountered outsiders, for she was of royal blood. Since long ago, she had been raised and educated within the palace walls. She could only gaze beyond the palace from within, never stepping outside freely. In her heart, a sharp ache formed, and at times she regretted being born as the King's daughter. There were moments when she wished she were merely an ordinary person free, unbound by rules and rigid order. Noriala could only lower her head, unable to act or speak.
"Hmmm… very well. Allow me to accompany the Princess, Your Majesty. After all, I too have no companion for my journey," Rihisna suddenly spoke, bowing respectfully before the King.
"Oh? If that is so, I grant you permission to accompany my daughter but on one condition," the King replied.
"You must first duel with me," he declared, his voice firm yet calm.
Rihisna's face briefly showed surprise, before a faint, cynical smile appeared.
"Very well. I shall duel with Your Majesty," he answered in a steady, cool tone.
"In that case, only my daughter's consent remains," the King said.
"Do you agree to be accompanied by this wanderer?" he asked Noriala gently, awaiting her answer.
Noriala froze for a moment, hearing her father and the male traveler discuss such conditions. She had not expected Rihisna to accept her father's challenge so readily. She glanced toward her mother, who had been silent since the beginning. Her mother responded with a slight nod, lowering her head in agreement. Noriala then looked back at Rihisna, her expression filled with admiration and countless unanswered questions.
Should she agree or refuse? If she refused, she would never taste freedom. If she agreed, she would have to follow this wandering man and embrace a life beyond the palace.
What should I do? Noriala whispered in her heart, her pulse racing.
"Haaah… fuhhh…" She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly.
"Father, I agree to the condition," she said softly, lowering her head.
"I will follow Rihisna as my traveling companion," she continued in a gentle voice.
"Good," the King exhaled in relief, clearly pleased.
"Then it is decided. I, the King of the Ipa Kingdom, hereby declare the release of my daughter, Princess Noriala Irmina, to journey alongside a wanderer named" His words paused.
"Rihisna Irsina," Rihisna said clearly.
"Oh! Rihisna, a fine name indeed," the King remarked approvingly.
The sound of swift motion echoed as the King used flight iktas before settling back upon his throne.
"The agreement has been made. You may both rest for now. Tomorrow, we shall hold the oath ceremony," the King announced, his voice moderately loud, his face alight with excitement.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Rihisna said briefly, kneeling before the King.
"Thank you, Father," Noriala said softly, bowing her head.
Suddenly, her mother pulled Noriala out of the palace in haste. Upon reaching the outer gates, her mother spoke with a calm, relieved expression.
"Praise be, the punishment has been lightened," she said, exhaling deeply.
"Yes, Mother, but I must be accompanied," Noriala replied weakly.
"That is fine, my child. This is enough for me, for you may now live freely," Noria said gently, stroking her daughter's weary shoulder.
"Rest now. Tomorrow will be a busy day for you," she added with a warm smile. Noriala returned the smile, sweet and sincere.
That night was serene, carrying both warmth and coolness, as if summer and winter had intertwined. Such a pleasant climate could only be found in the Kingdom of Ipa, a blessing bestowed since ancient times. The kingdom lay near cold regions yet was infused with fire-aspected energy, creating a unique balance cool and warm at once known as Senas by merchants and travelers who settled there.
Night in Ipa differed greatly from day. Under the night sky, stars shone with remarkable clarity, for no clouds existed above the kingdom. Indeed, clouds were said not to exist at all in Ipa, and thus rain was rare. Yet despite this, the land never grew unbearably hot, thanks to the harmonious blend of cold and heat produced by the iktas energies mastered by Ipa's experts.
Within a private chamber, a young maiden lay resting, staring into the distance as she pondered her fate and the future that awaited her.
"Fuhhh…" she sighed softly.
"I will have a close companion, who will always be by my side?" she murmured to herself.
"Unbelievable… I can live freely, and"
"Ri… his… na… who are you?" she whispered, her words trailing off as her eyes slowly closed.
Thus drifted to sleep Princess Noriala Irmina of the Kingdom of Ipa exhausted in body, resigned yet hopeful in her heart. She was a young woman with a gentle beauty, her smile sweet to behold. Of slender build and moderate height, with fair skin, pale blue eyes, and long, thick hair of vivid orange hue.
Morning dawned bright and gentle beneath the warmth of the rising sun the day the Kingdom of Ipa would hold the covenant ceremony. Palace servants bustled about, preparing for the event. The Princess was being attended to by her mother, while the King directed workers in arranging the grand hall. Meanwhile, Rihisna prepared himself in the palace guest chamber.
The ceremony would not be held on a grand scale, for the King intended to keep it hidden from the outside world.
Tuk! Tuk! Tuk!
A knock sounded at Noriala's chamber door.
"May I enter, my daughter?" her father asked from outside.
"Yes, Father, you may enter," Noriala replied softly.
The King entered and beheld his daughter, radiant and beautiful beyond words.
"Ah! You look stunning, my dear," he exclaimed in amazement.
"Thank you, Father," Noriala replied gently, smiling shyly.
"Of course! Look who prepared her," her mother interjected proudly.
"Hahaha! Indeed," the King laughed softly.
"Is everything ready? If so, we shall begin the ceremony," he asked.
"Yes, all is prepared," her mother replied as she tidied the table.
"Good. I will wait outside and fetch Rihisna," the King said, then departed.
In the guest chamber, Rihisna examined the attire provided by the King.
"Hm… not bad. It fits just right," he muttered, facing the mirror.
"You look quite dashing, Rihisna," a voice suddenly spoke behind him.
Rihisna turned to see the King, smiling proudly.
"Your Majesty," Rihisna said, bowing his head.
"I look ordinary this attire does the work," he added humbly.
"Hahaha," the King chuckled.
"Are you ready? If so, we shall begin."
"Yes, Your Majesty. I am ready," Rihisna replied respectfully.
The King proceeded to the main hall, where palace members lined the sides, awaiting the ceremony. The King stood at the center, holding a large scroll.
A gentle gust swept through the hall entrance.
All eyes turned toward the doorway including the King's. As expected, Rihisna entered, using wind aspected iktas beneath his feet.
"Woah…" murmurs echoed among the onlookers.
He wore royal attire once donned by the first King of Ipa white with subtle blue accents, long-collared, and tailored to perfection.
"Fuhhh…" Rihisna exhaled quietly.
"I can do this," he whispered, stepping forward to the King's side, awaiting Noriala's arrival.
Footsteps echoed at the entrance.
Two figures appeared Noriala and her mother. The Princess wore matching royal attire, white with soft blue accents. She looked breathtaking.
"So many guests…" Noriala thought nervously, then glanced at Rihisna, startled.
"Is that him? He looks… handsome so different from before"
She blushed and lowered her gaze.
Rihisna met her eyes and smiled. She returned the smile.
"Rihisna Irsina!" the King proclaimed.
"Do you swear to protect my daughter as we have, until the end of her life?"
"I, Rihisna Irsina, swear to protect Noriala Irmina until my final breath, even at the cost of my life," Rihisna declared, kneeling.
Silence filled the hall.
"Any objections?" the King asked.
None were raised.
"Then the oath is complete," the King declared.
"Now, both shall sign the covenant with their blood."
With a spark of fire iktas, the King drew blood from their thumbs. Though startled, Rihisna complied. Both pressed their thumbs onto the parchment.
"It is done," the King announced.
"Please enjoy the feast prepared."
After the guests departed, the King turned to Rihisna.
"Rihisna, as promised!"
"Oh! I nearly forgot," Rihisna replied.
He leapt back swiftly.
"Haha! Don't be so serious," the King laughed.
"Just being cautious," Rihisna replied, assuming a battle stance.