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Chapter 8 - chapter

[Raymond's Chamber]

(In a spacious room, Raymond sits on a comfortable sofa, contemplating a rare flower in his hand. Beside him, Hirin carefully pours him a cup of tea.)

(Suddenly, the door opens with a soft, alluring sound. A stunning woman enters—long black hair shimmering under the light, wearing tight clothing that accentuates her curves. Her dark green eyes resemble the depth of night, and her lips are painted a glossy red.)

Arena (approaching with graceful steps, tilting her head slightly, her voice full of charm):

My dear Raymond, I see you're enjoying your time here all alone.

(She gently raises her hand and touches another flower on the table beside him.)

Raymond (looking at her with a faint smile, mischief in his eyes):

Arena, what brings you here today? Did you miss the palace… or did you miss me?

Arena (moving closer and sitting beside him without invitation, lightly leaning on his arm):

Is there a difference? Everything here revolves around you, Raymond.

(She glances at Hirin, who watches her with narrowed eyes.)

Hirin (in a serious, cold tone):

When you enter a room, Your Highness, please knock.

Arena (turning to him with a seductive smile):

Isn't that what makes me special, Hirin—opening doors without permission?

Hirin (calmly, placing the tea cup before Raymond):

Special, certainly. But what brings you here today, Your Highness?

Arena (adjusting her posture, crossing one leg over the other elegantly):

I heard you welcomed Princess Agnes. Simple curiosity brought me here… and also to check on my dear son, Lloyd.

Raymond (smiling slyly):

Lloyd? Or did you come to see who might steal the spotlight from you this time?

(Arena laughs softly, then places her hand on Raymond's shoulder.)

Arena:

No one steals my spotlight, my dear. But Princess Agnes seems interesting, doesn't she?

(Arena looks at Raymond with challenging eyes.)

Arena:

And you, Raymond—what do you think? Is she just a little girl, or do you have other plans?

(Raymond stands and steps closer, gently placing his hand on her cheek.)

Raymond:

Arena, you know me well. Everything I do is about plans.

(Arena smiles, knowing there is something unspoken behind his expression.)

Arena (standing, placing her hand softly on his chest):

Very well. I'll leave you to your plans. Just don't forget—I always have my own way of reaching the truth.

(She leaves the room with graceful steps, leaving behind her distinctive perfume.)

(After she leaves, Raymond sits again, looking slightly lost in thought.)

Hirin (breaking the silence, taking the tea cup):

Do you think she knows more than she should?

Raymond (smiling confidently):

Arena always plays her own game. Don't worry—I always play the better one.

<----------❀---------->

---

[The Corridor]

(In one of the long corridors lit by dim lights, Lloyd walks back to his room after a long day of adventures and training. Fatigue shows on his face, yet he maintains his arrogant expression.)

(Suddenly, he hears soft footsteps approaching. He looks up to find his mother, Arena, walking toward him with a warm smile and joyful features.)

Arena (with affection and delight):

Lloyd, my dear little one! I finally see you. How I've missed you!

(She opens her arms, waiting for him to approach and embrace her. He stops a few steps away, staring at her with a stern look, clearly irritated by her presence.)

Lloyd (coldly):

I didn't ask you to come here, Arena.

(Her smile fades slightly, yet she tries to remain calm, placing a hand on her chest.)

Arena (softly, tinged with sadness):

I am your mother, Lloyd. I only wanted to see you and make sure you're safe.

Lloyd (taking one step closer, his tone sharper):

Don't use the word "mother" with me. We both know what that title means to you.

(Arena freezes for a moment, then gathers her courage.)

Arena (weakly):

Lloyd… I'm sorry if I disappointed you.

Lloyd (restrained anger):

Disappointed me? Hah!

(He turns away and walks to his room without looking back, slamming the door shut. Arena remains alone in the corridor, struggling to hold back her tears.)

(At the end of the corridor, Diana stands hidden behind a glass pillar, having witnessed everything.)

Diana (whispering to herself):

Lloyd… why does he treat his mother like that?

---

[Farewell at the Palace of Plants]

(In the grand courtyard of Raymond's plant-filled palace, everyone gathers to bid farewell to Agnes, Diana, and Tarkan. The atmosphere is filled with mixed emotions—sadness and anticipation. Servants line up on both sides, while Lloyd and Sylvie stand at the front.)

Sylvie (smiling gently, holding Agnes's hand):

Agnes, you were a remarkable guest. You learned quickly and proved you're stronger than you appear. I hope to see you again.

Agnes (smiling shyly):

Thank you, Sylvie. I learned so much here, and I'll always be grateful.

Lloyd (joking, yet serious underneath):

Just don't let the power of light tempt you. No one surpasses the power of plants.

Diana (laughing mockingly):

Of course, great Prince of Plants. We'll try to stay loyal to our roots.

(Light laughter spreads, but the mood shifts slightly when Undertaker and Hirin appear, standing apart with unreadable expressions.)

Undertaker (smirking):

Farewells are always full of emotions, aren't they? Don't worry—we'll stay here to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Hirin (adding coldly):

Yes. And the plants here never forget.

(Tarkan watches them with suspicion.)

Tarkan (quietly to Diana and Agnes):

I feel like those two know more than they should.

Diana (studying them):

And they seem to enjoy playing in the shadows.

(Sylvie notices and gently breaks the tension.)

Sylvie:

Good luck on your journey. And remember, Agnes—true power comes from understanding yourself.

(She hugs Agnes softly.)

Lloyd (half-smiling):

And you, Diana—don't make the Princess of Light angry. We don't need another story about "the invincible girl."

Diana (smirking):

Relax. I'll make her learn who I am before she gets angry.

(The royal carriage departs slowly. From the palace balcony, Raymond watches silently, curiosity and schemes in his eyes. Arena stands beside him in an elegant black dress, looking indifferent.)

Raymond (whispering):

Let's see what happens next…

---

[On the Road to the Empire of Light]

(The royal convoy moves slowly through dense forests separating the Plant Empire from the Light Empire. Sunlight filters through the tall trees, and the atmosphere feels strangely quiet.)

Diana:

Two months in the Plant Empire, and now we start again. Agnes, do you think the Princess of Light will be arrogant too?

Agnes:

I don't know, but every empire has its own way.

Tarkan:

Don't worry, Diana. If they're arrogant, you know how to deal with them.

Diana (smirking):

Of course. No one surpasses the Princess of Earth.

(Suddenly, a guard approaches the carriage.)

Guard:

Your Highness, there's something strange ahead.

Tarkan:

What is it?

Guard:

The road is blocked by rocks… but they're unnatural.

(They stop. Three demons appear.)

First Demon:

Welcome, travelers. Ready to pay the price to pass?

Second Demon:

Or maybe we'll take something more valuable… like your lives.

Third Demon:

Humans are always entertaining.

(The battle begins.)

(Just as the demons press forward, a powerful beam of light descends, destroying them.)

(A man appears—Luminus, Emperor of Light.)

Luminus:

It seems I arrived just in time.

Welcome to the Empire of Light.

---

[Balcony at Night – Empire of Light]

(Later that night, Agnes, Diana, and Tarkan sit together under the stars.)

Diana:

It's beautiful… but boring.

Agnes:

I think this calm hides secrets.

Tarkan:

Responsibility always feels heavy at first.

Diana:

I prefer clear challenges—like fighting demons.

(They laugh softly.)

Tarkan:

Agnes, do you feel stronger?

Agnes:

Yes… but not fully in control yet.

Diana (encouraging):

You'll get there. We believe in you.

Tarkan:

And remember—you're not alone.

(The three fall silent, gazing at the stars, their bond growing stronger.)

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