Elder Lou's skeptical gaze studied her carefully, though something in his expression suggested a grudging consideration rather than an outright dismissal of her decision.
"Princess. Hearing your own thoughts makes me want to agree with your idea, If it could really help you stabilize your charm then i guess we, the elders, should gladly support it. Though I suggest that you should still make a throughout preparation, because Havenmyst Forest isn't something a charmer could just go into." Elder Lou said, he agreed easily because he was persuaded by Zaiveil firm conviction.
"We will surely ensure each of everyone safety, Elder Lou." Zaiveil said, whike slightly nodding her head
"Well i would also like to suggest that a healing charmer should accompany your group since the forest's have to many dangers. As a healing charmer myself, I'd be willing to volunteer my own self to accompany Princess Zai and the Princes." Elder Nixie said gently.
"Thank you Elder Nixie, that would ease my concerns a lot," Empress Hernia said sincerely, some of her tension finally leaving her shoulders.
Elder Cryzton, who had remained quiet throughout most of the discussion, finally spoke, his voice carrying a quiet authority despite his physical frailty from the still unrecovered energy when he uses Cosmic Soul Connection to Zaiveil.
"I believe that Princess Zai's request is the best solution. We are all aware that her situation remains different from anything Creignmeia has encountered in so many generations. Probably conventional training methods are simply insufficient for the power she holds inside her." Elder Cryzton said
His words seemed to carry a particular weight given his history and what was known with Zaiveil's case, and the room's earlier tension eased visibly following his words.
"Very well, Elder Nixie will accompany my daughter and sons in this journey, I'll now grant approval for this training expedition." Emperor Zyron said finally, though there's reluctance still lingering in his tone.
"Thank you, Father," Zaiveil said, relief and gratitude mingling within her chest.
"Zai, I agree with what you want to do but you all need to make proper preparation before entering that forest. This isn't some kind of thing that you guys can approach carelessly." Emperor Zyron said, although there's a faint and proud smile that was tugging at his composed expression.
"Don't worry father, I will handle the preparations personally, I will also make sure that everything is properly arranged before we depart." Herox said seriously but there's an anticipation for the upcoming expedition deep within him.
As the meeting ended, the elders filed out one by one but Elder Cryzton lingered behind, his gaze settling thoughtfully on Zaiveil.
"Elder Cryzton. Is there anything you would like to say?" she asked, noticing his contemplative expression.
Elder Cryzton looks at Zaiveil then sighs. Then once the room had emptied enough to afford them a bit of privacy, he said,
"Remember that there's a rumor about an ancient spirit beast residing within the depths of Havenmyst Forest, I'm not totally sure whether it was true or not. However there's a high chance of such rumors, so be sure to be safe, My Princess."
Zaiveil considered his words carefully, and there was a quiet anticipation settled over her earlier uncertainty.
"Then I suppose, I have to find out what exactly awaits me for the future." She said, responding to Elder Cryzton words.
The days inside the Celestia Kingdom palace passed by as the siblings' departure was nearing.
The siblings gathered together to discuss some things, related to their journey.
"Alright, let's begin this little discussion." Herox said, spreading a detailed map across the council table, various markings and notations scrawled across its surface in his precise handwriting.
"Havenmyst Forest divides roughly into three sections. The outer edge, which is relatively safe, the inner forest, where the most dangerous beast resides, and the forest's heart, where the ancient spirit beast is believed dwelling."
"We're sticking to the outer edge firstly, and once Zai's demonstrated sufficient control and adaptation over her charms, we can discuss venturing deeper through the forest." he continued while tapping the map.
"I will follow whatever you think is the safest, Big Brother." Zaiveil agreed.
She's studying the map with careful attention, memorizing every terrain markings the same way she once memorized building layouts before for a mission, during her assassin time.
"I've prepared different emergency tonics, including antidotes for common forest toxins and venoms, some healing potions and, of course, a stabilized version of my Vitality Bloom Pill. This time it was properly tested, I swear." Zyver added, gesturing toward a neat row of labeled vials arranged across a nearby table,
"Define properly tested?" Heriot said suspiciously, eyeing the vials with visible suspicion.
"Tested on multiple beasts and some servants who willingly tested for it, and all of them survived" Zyver said, showing an exaggerated sad expression, acting like he was offended by his brother's words.
"That's oddly reassuring and a little bit concerning Second Brother." Zaiveil observed, earning a startled little laugh from Zyrcus beside her.
The siblings talks a lot about their a
upcoming expedition.
Then Elder Nixie arrived shortly, carrying a small satchel of healing supplies, her gentle expression carrying a quiet determination despite her usual soft-spoken demeanor.
"I've prepared everything necessary for a treatment, and I hope we won't need to use it in any severe injuries."
"Let's all hope so." Herox agreed.
Everyone turned their heads towards the door after seeing Empress Hernia entering the room.
She's carrying a carefully folded set of practical training attire, far removed from the elegant robes that Zaiveil had grown accustomed to wearing around the palace.
"My daughter, I had these specially made for you. It's urable, flexible, and enchanted with protective runes. I insisted that they prioritize its function over its appearance, so I could be a little relieved because there's an added protection for you." she said, laying the garments out carefully
Zaiveil examined the clothing with genuine appreciation, the practical design reminding her faintly of her old assassin gear, though considerably more comfortable and clearly crafted with more care rather than a mere necessity.
"Thank you so much, Mother, This means a lot to me." she said sincerely.
Hernia's eyes softened, with worry and happiness. Worry for what will happen on her children's journey and happiness because Zaiveil appreciated her care.
"Just promise me that you'll be careful, Zai. All of you," she added, glancing pointedly toward her sons as well.
"We promise, Mother." Zyrcus said gently, offering their mother a reassuring smile.
"Mother, I'll make sure they're safe." Herox said with a firm tone in his voice.
Zaiveil's other brothers nodded in agreement to their Big Brother's words.