"So, you're saying that they are hiding something in the Westerm Dukedom?" Brother Heli asked. Asher did not react and only clipped his chin as he think of something.
"We can't be sure about that, since our only basis is the Princess' dream. But, it could be a reason as to why the Western Dukedom cut ties with the Central Empire, using his old connection with Her Majesty to cover it up," I stayed quiet.
What could they be hiding? It's true that we can't rely on my dream about it, but I feel like Asher believes it. However, he needs to be more certain about these things. We need to make sure that my dream has something to do with what's happening jn the Western Dukedom right now.
"Also, it seems like the presence of that creature was too great for Ali that she coughed out blood even in her sleep," Exactly...if my dream is true, what creature could it be?
"The Third Prince is right, I felt its presence...but I am not certain if what I sensed was that thing, it's something ancient..." Huh? No way...
Something ancient? Don't tell me, another dark magician? The demon king perhaps? No, but why would he ask for my help if that's the case? Wait--it said it is imprisoned. Could it be the black magician that is sealed by my Godmother? But, was she sealed in the Western Dukedom?
"Asher, where did my Godmother sealed the black magician?" I asked.
"It's beneath the graveyard behind the Ciera Cathedral, Princess," Okay, then that wasn't the black magician. The demon king?
"Why, Ali?" Dad asked, and I shook my head.
"It's nothing, Dad...please proceed with your conversation. What do you mean by something ancient, Asher?" I hope it's not some dark magician who wants to sacrifice me.
"A dragon..." What?
"The Evil Dragon from Zariah, Dearil," My eyes widened when I suddenly felt my chest tightening again right after hearing Asher's words. It felt like the name echoed in my ears a few more times before I cough again.
"Ali!" Brother Dae and Brother Aeli called, Asher quickly went to my side and placed his hand in front of my forehead, and I can see gold glows.
"Blood...again?" Asher confusedly asked. That Evil Dragon...was it the one calling me in my dream? But, how come? It's still alive? I thought the divine light struck everyone back then?
"Now that I remember...this is not the first time that this happened. Back when Felicia was still the Crown Princess, married to the Crown Prince, this same thing happened. Ashley mentioned about the presence of an ancient dragon...and then a day later, she was called to cure the Crown Princess, Felicia," Felicia...the 104th Duchess of Odilia. This happened to her as well? Could it be a reaction of when an ancient being interact with someone who is cursed?
"And Fel mentioned that someone was calling her, asking for help," What? Could it really be the dragon? But why?
"The Dragon, it was once a divine beast, right?" Dad asked, Asher nod his head to agree as he finished healing me. What the heck is this feeling...I feel like my chest is tightening, though I can tolarate the pain now.
"But, why would that evil dragon approach Ali?" Brother Aeli asked. Wait a minute...
"I think I heard him apologizing for hurting me. I guess that it's because its aura is too strong for me..." I said. All of them are staring at me right now, as if they were surprised about what I just said.
"It apologized to you?" Brother Dae asked, and I nod my head. Because I really heard it apologizing to me for hurting me...
"Hmm, still. We can't use this as evidence that they are hiding something. I trust the Astra's senses, but we can't enter the barrier..." Dad spoke. He's right. We have no way of confirming whether they are hiding something within their territory or not.
"Ah, Dad. Does the barrier covers the Hecate Kingdom as well?" Dad looked at Brother Heli, and the latter shook his head. That means they are not aware if it does or not, huh?
"Asher, is it possible for us to go there with your power? In Hecate Kingdom, I mean," Asher creased his forehead while my family--
"What? Why are you even asking that question, Ali?" - Brother Dae.
"Even if it is possible, we won't agree to that, sweetie," - Brother Aeli.
"You are not planning to go there, are you, Ali?" - Brother Heli.
"Chill, my brothers...I am only asking," I said, smiling at them. I heard them sighing in unison. Pretty sure that was a sigh of relief. Even Dad did.
"Well, it is possible, Princess," I smirked.
"Then, shall we go there?"
"Huh!?"
***
After a few minutes of convincing my family to calm down, I am finally able to speak properly. I can't believe these people, they were speaking simultaneously a while ago that I can't tell who is speaking. Good thing Asher interfered and said that they should hear me. And finally, they have calmed down.
"It's true that the Hecate Kingdom have stopped contacting us after the Western Dukedom cut ties with us. Also, Brother Aeli mentioned that the letters from the Hecate Kingdom needs to go through the Western Dukedom before it can reach us, right? Don't you think it's possible that the Hecate Kingdom has been sending message to us long ago, but the Western Dukedom refused to send it to us?" I'm not sure if this could be the real reason, but it's not entirely impossible either. We should find out every likelihood of Hecate Kingdom not betraying our country.
"But, Ali. I also mentioned that we tried contacting them one time but we received rudeness, didn't I?" Brother Aeli spoke.
"It could be that the Western Dukedom forged it. It's also possible that our letter didn't reached the Kingdom of Hecate either. So, it's much better to investigate them first before the Western Dukedom. It is already confirmed that the Dukedom betrayed us, but we are not yet certain if the Kingdom did," I explained. Right, there are no enough evidences that the Kingdom betrayed us. It's all about the Western Dukedom here and there. If we can investigate that place and found out that they have fallen victim to the Acacius, we can convince them to be our allies.
"Hmm, you make a fair point, sweetie. However, it won't be easy for us to investigate them. Even if the Astra tries to bring us there, it'll take a long time for us to actually get information. I already planted a spy within, but he never came back," Dad already tried investigating them before but he failed? Also, Dad was right, if we try to investigate them it will take a long time to get information...
Wait...
"Information...Asher, aren't you a pro when it comes to altering someone else's memories? Then, you can most probably peek on their memories, too, yes?" I turned to Asher, and his face is indescribable right now. He thought I'm using him as a pawn.
"That's right, Your Highness...however, if I stay there and leave you alone here, it will be risky for you," Ohh, he's right. Then, how are we going to make it out of this situation?
Wait a minute--
"Ahh!" It feels like a light bulb suddenly appeared on top of my head when I remembered something.
"Didn't you say you're giving me a mana guardian?" I asked. Asher blinked for a few times and was about to sigh, but he prevented himself from doing so.
"Yes, Princess...that holy flower. Once it bloomed, the mana guardian will be born," Wait, it's actually the holy flower!? That's why he gave me that flower? But, that means he had other plans to do, and it's the main reason why he gave me that flower.
'But I planned to go look for the Essence Tree once it bloomed, not investigate a kingdom,', I knew it. He's planning something else.
'Come on, I still have decades ahead of me. I know you already want to have a peaceful and quiet life without babysitting me, but please do me a favor just this once! It's for the country and its people!' I replied. I really need his help right now. Unlike my curse who's still far from activating, the situation between the Dukedom, Kingdom, and our Empire is much more important than me!
It's the lives of many over one!
Utilitarianism!
"I see that you two are telepathically talking. Inform us once you're done," Dad said, smiling at me.
"It's done. Your Highness wants me to leave and investigate once the guardian is born. I will do my best when that time comes,"
"Thanks, Asher!"
"I'm only doing what is right, Princess,"
Even though he's sometimes arrogant, he can be polite and bearable sometimes.
"So, the Astra alone will go to the Hecate Kingdom?" Brother Dae asked.
I was about to nod my head, but Asher spoke.
"I'd like to bring Kafziel Laverde with me," Huh?
"Wait, what? Why?" What is this guy thinking? Why would he bring Ziel with him!? What's your problem!? It's hasn't been two months since he came back and now you want him away again!?
I want to be closer with the kid, you know!?
"He'll be safe with me, Your Highness. Don't worry," But--but...
I can't deny that he'll be able to protect Ziel, it's just---they're not even on good terms!? What is he thinking suggesting Ziel to come with him for investigation?!
Seriously, this guy...
"But, Ziel..."
"How about you bring Sir Bleu with you instead, Astra? You can trust him as well," Brother Heli suggest. Thank goodness, Brother Heli is on my side.
"But, I prefer the young knight," tsk, what is he planning, really?
"Also, if we're both kids...adults will let their guard down," so that's his plan! Wait, that's actually really clever.
"I see. It looks like you already have a plan. Very well, we must let Kafziel know right away. However, I believe that this plan won't be executed right away due to a reason of the mana guardian, yes?" Dad asked, Asher nod his head.
"That's right, Your Majesty," he replied.
"We must strategize carefully. Also, I will send a few knights with you and Kafziel," Asher stayed quiet. It seems like he didn't like the idea of that.
"Don't worry, I will make sure that they don't interfere with your plan," Dad added after he noticed Asher's silence.
There's also a matter of that voice. Could it really be the evil dragon? But, why would it ask me for help? Is it being used for evil deeds? Does it want to break free?
Its voice sounded as if its really struggling. It can't even speak a straight sentence.
What is this feeling within me. I have no idea who that divine beast it, but it hurts my chest.
I wonder why?
***
"Asher, how did the divine beast became an evil beast?" As of now, the meeting between the six of us has been adjourned. Dad said we'll be called back after a few days.
"Fed with too much dark magic," I see. But---why did Raini stayed quiet when his divine beast is being feed with dark magic?
"What was Raini doing during that time...?"
"Raini is an entity above all the Gods. He is the one who created everything, including the Essence Tree, even the five Gods haven't met him or seen him face to face. The only time he descended here using an incarnation, was when he planted the Essence Tree. It's like the creator in your previous world. Thus, he created five Gods to take care of this realm. However, the five Gods also lost trust in humanity, but they can't let this world be destroyed, thus the Astras and Selene were made," Wow...
How complicated. Everything about them is so complex. I'm so glad I didn't read anything regarding the history of Lumia. I might become insane. Why are they passing their duties to someone else? Goodness gracious. And what exactly happened that the Gods lost trust in humanity?
"Still...two of the Astras betrayed them as well, and they were cursed," Two of the Astras?
Wait...who are the people he's talking about? Could it be Sir Abel and my Godmother? Come to think of it, my Godmother is not here in this world. Wait--then the one who betrayed the Gods are my Godmother and the other unnamed Astra?
Geuughh, I am so confused!
Wait, he didn't even answered my question!
"That didn't answered my question at all,"
"Therefore, Raini can't descend here for a trivial matter like saving the divine beast. Or else, the world will be destroyed. This world won't be able to contain all his power and might self-destruct," So, that's the reason...
And that's also why Raini used an incarnation in order to descend here andplant the Essence Tree, huh?
But, saving someone...is it a trivial matter? I can't even imagine how sad that dragon must've been when it was fighting the demon king and is being feed with dark magic.
"Does that mean that the dragon won't be redeemed? I thought it was struck down with the divine light along with the people of Zariah," I spoke. Somehow, I feel sad for the dragon...
The dragon definitely fought with its life in order to guard the Essence Tree, but its creator didn't even saved it. Was it expecting its creator to come and save it? Could it be that the demon king deceived it using its hatred for its creator? That's so possible.
"The dragon is different from the humans that was struck by the light. Unlike them who have vassals for their spirit and soul, the dragon is a divine element that is tainted with dark magic, it has no spirit nor soul anymore. So when the divine light destroyed the civilization, it was left behind," Hah...the story of the dragon seems miserable. The divine light sucked out the spirit and soul of the humans, bringing them back to the next realm. But since the dragon don't have spirit, he was left behind.
"Is it because it became the demon king's ally? Did the demon king stole its spirit?" I asked.
"That's the one he's using to have the dragon under control. So, if it really is the dragon that the Western Dukedom is hiding, we won't be able to save it unless we get its spirit from the demon king," What...
Ehhh!? That's a difficult task to do! How are we suppose to save it then?
This world is so problematic!
***