In the royal residence of Vynarix, silence lingered in every corner. Only the servants moved quietly, arranging the halls with meticulous care. Not a single voice broke the stillness, as if the entire building were holding its breath.
Behind a room near the corridor, two figures were in discussion. The air was thick with tension. A man in his forties, wearing a black hat that covered his dark blue hair, sat with authority. This was Vahara Vynarix, ruler under the shadow of the twin moons.
"So… you are Tu Vat Soire's student?" he asked Azure, his eyes sharp, examining every inch of the young man.
"Yes… I am Tu Vat Soire's student," Azure replied calmly. The small lantern floating by his side flickered slightly, as if sensing the tension in the room.
"Are you certain you can truly protect my daughter?" Vahara interrupted, his gaze piercing.
"Yes… I am certain, and I will prove it, my lord," Azure said calmly, without a hint of fear.
Vahara exhaled softly, leaning against the table. "Other guards are afraid to meet my gaze… but you… remain calm."
Tu Vat, sitting on the sofa, interjected with a smile. "You'll understand soon, Vahara… and there's something I wish to ask."
Vahara looked at him, confused. "Something… what?"
Tu Vat smiled at Azure. "You… may leave now. You should not hear the conversation of the elders."
Vahara sighed again, turning back to Azure. "I will call someone to escort you to the room prepared for you." Slowly, he lifted the phone and dialed a number.
A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door. A servant with round glasses entered, bowing slightly to Vahara.
"Allow me to introduce… Rika Osamiwara, a maid from Haikoten," Vahara said. "She will take you to your room."
Rika nodded and efficiently took Azure's bag. "Please follow me, Master."
Azure, slightly surprised, released his bag so Rika could carry it. They walked down the corridor, the twin moons casting light on the marble floors.
"Don't… call me miss," Rika said, her tone devoid of emotion. "You are a personal guard… no need to be overly polite."
Azure bowed his head slightly. "My apologies." The small lantern floated gently beside him, as if agreeing silently.
"No need to apologize… You are still young," Rika said, her gaze steady. "I want you to protect Velmira, even if your life is at stake."
"I promise," Azure replied with a faint smile.
Suddenly, a flash of light streaked toward them. Rika reacted instantly, catching it—the poisoned knife clutched in her hand.
"Be careful, Master Azure," she warned, voice calm but sharp.
In front of them, a man dressed in black appeared—likely the one who had thrown the knife earlier. Without hesitation, he lunged at Rika, swinging his left hand.
Rika fell, her glasses flying off.
Azure raised his hand, Phoenix shard flames gathering to form a small whirlwind around him. The fire spun slowly, not to strike directly, but as a shield—protection for Rika.
The man's eyes briefly flicked toward Azure, a mixture of irritation and surprise. He charged again, but Rika moved with precision, letting the tiny blades in her outfit spin and hover, forming a defensive layer.
"Master Azure, do not rush!" Rika warned, her voice cold but clear.
Azure nodded slightly, letting the gentle whirlwind of fire close the gap. He did not intend to kill; he merely wished to halt the man temporarily. Each flickering flame cast dancing shadows on the marble walls, contrasting with the cool moonlight streaming through the windows.
The man stumbled as the fire brushed his cloak. Rika took advantage of the moment, leaping forward and delivering a solid punch to his stomach. He fell, coughing, eyes wide with fear and disbelief.
Rika stood tall, reorganizing the tiny blades along her outfit. Her round glasses were back in place. She glanced at Azure briefly before speaking. "See? This is part of the job. You must always be ready."
Azure nodded. The lantern beside him floated and pulsed softly, almost in agreement. "I understand," he said, low and steady.
The corridor fell silent once more. Only their footsteps echoed against the marble. But the night's tension—the flash of flames, the clash of blades—reminded Azure that this was only the beginning. Vynarix was far more dangerous than he had imagined.
Outside the window, the twin moons shone brightly, casting shadows along the corridor. Azure glanced at the light, then at Rika. "You… are remarkable," he said softly.
Rika looked at him for a moment, then turned her gaze away, her voice flat: "This is my duty. Don't admire me too much."
---
After the man had fallen, Rika adjusted her glasses carefully, compensating for her mild nearsightedness. Despite this, her movements remained precise and lethal, a testament to her skill and discipline.
"Let's go. Velmira's room is not far," she said. Azure followed closely.
The corridor stretched long and silent. Every now and then, Rika paused, leaning down to read markings on the floor or wall—a subtle gesture revealing her vision's limitation. Yet, each step was confident, deliberate.
"Why… are you nearsighted?" Azure asked quietly, watching her adjust the glasses.
"A little," Rika replied shortly, not looking at him. "It doesn't interfere with my duties."
Azure smiled faintly but remained silent. He knew Rika was no ordinary person. Nearsighted or not, every movement she made was full of danger and precision.
Eventually, they reached a large door adorned with moon symbols and intricate patterns. Rika turned to Azure, her cool gaze locking onto him.
"This is Velmira's room. Remember, you are fully responsible from here. No room for mistakes."
Azure bowed slightly. "I understand. I will not fail Velmira."
Rika nodded, pushing the door open gently. Light from Velmira's room spilled into the corridor, soft yet bright enough to cast the twin moons' reflection on the glass ceiling.
Inside, Velmira's first shadow awaited—her black-purple gown flowing lightly, the large ribbon behind her swaying as if dancing with the moonlight. Her sharp, curious eyes immediately fixed on Azure.
Rika stepped to the side, letting Azure enter the room. With that single step, the Lantern Keeper met the daughter of the Duke of Eclipse for the first time.
Outside, the corridor was quiet once again. Only the twin moons' shadows lingered, signaling that the night—and everything it heralded—was only just the Beginning.