Ats Kingdom

  I exhaled slowly.

  The room felt vast, too open for my comfort.

  It made me feel small, and I hated that feeling.

  “Aren’t you going to let go?" Alden asked.

  I gnced at him and suddenly realized I was still holding his arm.

  With a quick breath, I released my grip, but as I did, my eyes widened.

  “Woah..." I murmured, my gaze sweeping over the view.

  It was a scene I hadn’t expected, so different from what I had seen in Syvia’s room.

  The room stretched out before me, vast and open, with towering circur columns rising high above, their smooth white marble surfaces gleaming softly in the ambient light.

  As my gaze wandered, I noticed the walls, which were adorned with spiraling vines that curled and twisted in a dance of nature’s triumph.

  The thick greenery clung to the stone, a beautiful contrast against the otherwise pristine surfaces, suggesting that this pce had been overtaken by nature’s untamed beauty.

  At the far end of the room, the space opened up into what could only be described as an exquisite garden, A delicate bance between nature’s raw beauty and Elvin artistry.

  Stepping stones, carefully pced, led me across the grass toward a magnificent bonsai, standing tall in the center of the open room.

  The bonsai was nestled in the soft, lush green grass, its roots firmly embedded in the earth below, creating a sense of grounding amidst the sprawling space.

  Around the bonsai, clusters of delicate pink and vender bushes bloomed in full vibrance, their soft colors contrasting beautifully against the verdant greenery.

  The air was thick with the sweet fragrance of the flowers, which seemed to permeate the entire space, wrapping me in a sense of calm and awe.

  The gentle rustling of leaves was the only sound that broke the stillness, as if nature itself had come to a peaceful agreement with the serene surroundings.

  I stood there, completely mesmerized by the serene beauty of the pce.

  It felt like I had stepped into another world, one where the outside chaos had been left behind, and only harmony remained.

  It felt nauseating.

  “What’s with that look?" he asked, and I gnced at him briefly.

  I forced a nervous chuckle before my gaze dropped to the cold, pin floor beneath me.

  There, I saw the scornful expression on my face.

  It didn't suit me, not for this moment, not for this character.

  “Something I truly detest," I murmured softly.

  “What?" Alden asked, as if he hadn’t quite caught my words.

  I turned to him slowly.

  “Nothing," I replied, before pausing.

  "Anyways, where exactly are we?"

  A long silence stretched between us before he finally spoke.

  "We're in the Ats Kingdom."

  .-.-.-.

  I raised my brow at him, still regarding him with a look of confusion.

  I could never quite figure him out, I thought.

  Yet, the expression in his eyes... It seemed strangely familiar.

  I followed his gaze, and before me unfolded a breathtaking view.

  One that could be admired for days, even for centuries.

  A gentle breeze caressed my face, and the lush greenery of the garden swayed, moving in perfect harmony with the wind, as though they were one.

  He blinked suddenly, then cleared his throat.

  "Like I told you before, I still have no recollection of my memories," he said.

  He began to walk to his left, the soft tap of his footsteps echoing on the polished marble floor, so pristine that his reflection trailed him with every step.

  I exhaled slowly.

  "Lucille, you don’t even know your way here," I said.

  He paused, letting out a sigh, as though frustrated.

  He gnced over his shoulder.

  "Yes, I do, but I'll let you take the lead then," he replied.

  I forced a smile and said,

  "It might’ve been embarrassing to admit that you’re also walking in the wrong direction," I said.

  I could almost feel his expression from here, his face reddening with embarrassment.

  I noticed his hands clenched, as if he were ready to punch me.

  He let out a soft breath before turning back in my direction.

  "Then do what you’re supposed to do," he said, gring at me.

  I scoffed as he walked away again. I turned toward his direction,

  "When did you learn to despise me, Lucille?" I said, my frustration evident.

  He slowly stopped walking, and I could feel his hesitation.

  Instead of answering, he gnced over his shoulder for a moment, his face softening with an expression that seemed ced with guilt.

  Without a word, he continued walking.

  Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

  I turned around, and to my surprise, it was Syvia.

  "Oh, Lady Syvia, do you need something?" I asked.

  "Stop with the formalities, silly," she nudged my shoulder.

  I scratched the back of my neck, feeling the familiar flutter of nervousness.

  "Haha, well, it's been far too long since I’ve seen you," I said with a soft chuckle.

  "Well, it doesn't matter. Let's talk on the way.

  He might get lost from here," she replied with a smile.

  I gnced back at Lucille, who seemed lost in thought. I let out a sigh and shook my head.

  Taking the lead, I walked ahead, with Syvia following closely behind.

  . . .

  As we continued down the path, a seemingly endless stretch of reflections unfolded before us.

  White columns appeared one after another, rising from the silent backdrop.

  The only sound that accompanied us was the soft pitter-patter of our footsteps, breaking the stillness of the air.

  "Why did Lord Reionardeo suddenly look for us?" I asked her.

  "Well, of course, my father misses the both of you. When he heard that Lucille was brought here, colpsed, he was very worried and requested the best physicians to attend to him. Yet, I volunteered," she said, a soft expression crossing her face.

  Syvia Milrd Alfheim. The daughter of Lord Reionardeo Erion Alfheim and Lordess Laey Allen Milrd of the Elvin Ats Kingdom.

  She was the daughter of two powerful houses, her lineage a blend of the noble Alfheim and the esteemed Milrd families of the Elvin Ats Kingdom.

  Though born into such a prestigious heritage, Syvia had a presence that was far from the rigid formality typically expected of someone in her position.

  There was a warmth to her, a kindness that stood in contrast to her noble title.

  It was that very warmth that had always drawn Lucille and me closer to her, creating a bond that felt more like family than mere courtesy.

  That’s why, when we were young, we were able to bond so easily, despite our differing backgrounds.

  "We are here," she said, coming to a stop.

  Before us stood an elegant door, tall and imposing, its frame carved from rich, dark wood adorned with intricate silver filigree.

  The surface of the door gleamed with a polished sheen, reflecting the light that poured in from the surrounding windows.

  At its center was a rge, ornate handle, shaped like a twisted vine, while above it, a stained-gss window cast soft hues of amber and emerald across the floor.

  Two guards, cd in polished armor, stood at attention on either side, their eyes sharp and vigint as they silently observed our approach.

  The guards signaled to each other, their movements synchronized as if rehearsed.

  One of them lifted his weapon, its end striking the floor with a resounding thud that reverberated through the quiet hall.

  With a shared understanding, both guards reached out in unison to grasp the ornate handle.

  As the door creaked open, we were welcomed into a grand room that seemed to embody elegance in every corner.

  The room was vast, with high vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes.

  Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow on the polished marble floors, while rich tapestries in crimson and gold lined the walls.

  In the center stood a long oak table, surrounded by finely crafted chairs with plush velvet cushions.

  The air was filled with the faint scent of vender and rosewood, and a soft fountain’s sound added to the peaceful ambiance.

  At the table, we saw two figures, a male and a female, both strikingly beautiful. Their fair, soft skin and slender builds were unmistakable, with long, pointed ears and piercing green eyes that gleamed with elegance.

  The male had curly, shaggy burgundy hair, while the female's brunette hair cascaded gracefully around her face.

  Her long, curly eyeshes fluttered as she sipped tea, her poise calm and composed.

  "Oh my! Aedeide and Lucille!" the male excimed, his smile wide with excitement at the sight of us.

  He quickly stood up and approached, wrapping both Lucille and me in a sudden embrace.

  While I smiled in return, I couldn't help but notice the look of shock in Lucille's eyes.

  He stiffened, his discomfort evident, and it was clear he didn’t quite welcome the gesture.

  After embracing the both of us, I bowed down to him, and I noticed that Lucille was just staring at him, frozen in pce.

  With a sigh, I grabbed his arm and gently pulled him down into a bow.

  “No need to bow here, young ones. How many times have I told you this? I want you to be comfortable with us!” Lord Reionardeo said warmly as he reached out and pulled both me and Lucille back up to our feet.

  “Even if you don’t want me to, I have to,” I said, standing straight.

  “You are the Lord of this kingdom, and even if we are close, we don’t want to take that as an advantage.”

  Lord Reionardeo simply smiled at us before reaching out to pat my head.

  “Well, what can I say? You are a nice kid, after all,” he said with a soft chuckle.

  I gnced over at the woman sitting beside him.

  Her presence was as elegant as ever, a quiet authority surrounding her.

  “Lordess Laey, it is nice to see you again,” I said as I approached her.

  Without hesitation, I kneeled down and took her hand, pressing a respectful kiss to her palm.

  “Oh dear, you don’t have to do that,” she said, amusement cing her voice.

  “But I would love to,” I replied, looking up at her with a small smile.

  “Now, young Lucille, you don’t have to follow your brother,” she said with a gentle smile as she noticed Lucille preparing to do the same gesture.

  Lucille hesitated for a moment before giving a small nod and straightening back up, staying in his pce.

  "Now come and have lunch with us!" he excimed, still beaming with excitement.

  "Father, calm down," Syvia chuckled, walking to her seat.

  "Yes, dear, I believe your excitement is only troubling them," the woman said softly, her voice calm and soothing.

  She sipped her tea, completely rexed.

  They gestured for us to sit, and we obliged, taking our seats at the table.

  As we sat waiting for the meal, conversation began to flow naturally between us.

  "We haven't seen much of each other in almost a year now, and it's been far too long," he began.

  "It's been hectic, especially with the deathlings becoming more rampant this year. Honestly, it's been exhausting."

  I scrunched my face in confusion.

  Does he mean that deathlings are spreading near this pce?

  "Then why would deathlings be able to sense this presence?" I asked, my voice tinged with concern.

  "Isn't this pce protected by the Milrd's grace? The magic here is ancient and powerful, and it’s impossible for deathlings to sense it. This sanctuary requires an immense amount of mana to maintain, and the only mana they possess is dark mana, which wouldn't allow them to reach the kingdom."

  He sighed, his expression darkening.

  "That is indeed the strange part," he said, his tone heavy.

  "We don’t even know why the deathlings are becoming more rampant. It’s growing more dangerous for this pce, and we’re struggling to understand the cause."

  A heavy silence hung in the air, the mood growing somber as the weight of his words settled around us.

  I pondered on it deeply.

  This year, the deathlings had become more aggressive, their presence growing stronger and more unsettling with each passing day.

  That’s why so many rifts are being torn apart, allowing the deathlings to escape from their dead worlds and spill into ours.

  I flinched when he suddenly cpped, the loud sound echoing through the room.

  "Well, let's not talk about something so worrying," he said, trying to lift the mood.

  "Right now, we need to celebrate that Lucille has recovered!"

  I looked at Lucille. He appeared lost in thought, as if he were grappling with something difficult in his mind.

  I leaned closer to him.

  "Hey, you good?" I asked, my voice ced with concern.

  He flinched, then stared at me with a scornful look, his expression guarded.

  He looked at me, his gaze saying it was none of my business, his expression cold and dismissive.

  I chuckled at his reaction. He really reminded me of someone.

  Someone I couldn’t quite pce, but the familiarity was unmistakable.

  My gaze shifted to the door as it opened. A man in a crisp white suit wheeled in a silver serving cart.

  On it were trays filled with exquisite, mouthwatering desserts and ptters that seemed to hold a feast, their vibrant colors and elegant presentation promising a delightful spread.

  He carefully pced the silver trays and ptters on the table. Then, with a practiced hand, he lifted the handle of the cover cloche.

  As he opened it, a rich aroma filled the air, revealing an array of fish fillets, seared to perfection and surrounded by vibrant, perfectly roasted vegetables.

  The colors were striking, and the delicate arrangement made it look like a work of art.

  "Thank you, Rovsche," he said, smiling at what seemed to be the butler.

  Rovsche bowed gracefully in response before quietly leaving the room.

  "Since the meal is here, let us feast!" he excimed, his excitement evident as he gestured toward the spread before us.

  We all eagerly gathered around the table, the delicious aroma filling the room. Syvia smiled warmly, her eyes glimmering as she reached for a pte.

  Lucille, though still distant, seemed to rex a little as the food was served.

  The conversation shifted to lighter topics as we dug into the meal, the tension easing in the presence of good food and familiar faces.

  Laughter soon repced the silence, and for a moment, it almost felt as though things were normal again, untouched by the looming threats outside.

  . . .

  "I feel full after that meal," I said, caressing my belly.

  Syvia chuckled softly.

  "Sorry for my father, he's quite... active, isn't he?" she said with a smile.

  "Well, they're the same as usual," I replied, giving her a knowing look.

  "Yeah..." she replied softly.

  A quiet silence settled between us, the only sound the soft rustle of the wind.

  The beautiful view outside was breathtaking, the ndscape bathed in the warm glow of the fading light.

  It felt peaceful, almost surreal, as if the world outside had no worries, no threats, just a perfect, tranquil moment.

  "You know," she said, pausing for a moment.

  "I haven't told you this, but... haven't you noticed that Lucille has been acting quite strange tely?" Her voice was ced with concern.

  I looked down, trying to mask the worry that lingered in my chest.

  He wasn't acting like my big brother anymore, instead, he felt like someone familiar.

  Someone from a past I should never search for, because it was impossible to reach.

  The thought lingered in my mind.

  He used to be someone rexed and cheerful, always full of life.

  But now, it feels like he's become distant, too quiet like a shadow of the person he once was.

  The change was unsettling, and I couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to make him this way.

  I let out a deep sigh and stood up from my seat.

  "Well, I'll be on my way—"

  The once peaceful, tranquil moment shattered instantly as a sudden rumbling and shaking rocked the ground.

  The calm atmosphere vanished, repced by a sense of urgency and tension.

  "What's happening?" Syvia asked, her voice filled with worry.

  Suddenly, a purple rift tore open in the sky, swirling with dark energy.

  It pulsed with an eerie light, the edges crackling like lightning. My eyes widened in shock, the sight unsettling and impossible to ignore.

  "What's a rift doing here?!" Syvia excimed, her voice a mix of worry and shock.

  "Syvia..." I asked slowly, turning to face her.

  "Where’s Lucille?"

  "I think he was walking around the veranda—"

  Before she could finish, I ran off.

  Before coming here, we had been in Syvia’s room.

  Just in front of it was the veranda, the pce we had been before.

  A breathtaking garden filled with vibrant flowers and lush greenery.

  Without thinking, I turned on my heel and sprinted toward it.

  I followed the direction where the scent of the veranda guided me, the fresh aroma of flowers and greenery growing stronger with each step.

  Please don’t get hurt, I thought desperately, my heart racing as I pushed myself faster.