EVEN THE most insensitive could hear the fury laced in Aricson's tone when he spoke. The Rei of Flamion was known to be aloof but all were aware of the sleeping beast inside.

"We don't mind your incapacity to read the situation by showering insults as you please in a formal meeting, Rei Taryn. However..." Crimson eyes became a shade darker as they focused on the black-haired elderly. "Our family never tolerates anyone who smears our parent's name."

It was considered a great scandal when it was revealed that their mother was a banished fairy, who was treated similarly to a slave, but that was not the only truth. Rainha Ivory was one of the noblest fairies before she abandoned the Continent of Faerilyn and hid her identity. She was far from the low pedigree she was painted by the masses.

"Let it be, Aricson. For all we know, a dog can only bark. Much more a dog that acts like a wolf behind a stray puppy," Brennan seconded with a sharp glint on his stare.

His brother said to let it be but no doubt he meant otherwise. Several minions of the Glacier would surely end up with a broken arm in courtesy of both of them.

'No one shall dare to sully our family's reputation.' That had been his silent pledge the moment he became the head of his clan.

"There are no truer words—"

"Dryann, return to your seat," Aricson ordered before she got riled up once again. 

No one seemed to notice the lowered temperature around them as they were all caught up in watching the charade. In this room full of pompous pride, it was a common scene. The only difference today was the Rei of Flamion had gotten involved.

"Ah, I just love how everyone acts like a commoner," Asher commented amidst the closing chaos. "Norman, what are you even doing as a mediator? I'm sure you're not a director here who is in charge of entertaining us with such a play, am I correct?"

As the only one with inferior status, the man dropped down to his knees.

"I apologize, your highnesses and sires, my lords and ladies."

"Why don't we continue, Rei Aricson?" the soft voice of Merlin Morgian resolved everything down.

Aricson was attuned to the raging mood that was not even visible on his stoned face before clearing his throat.

"As I've said, intruders were able to trespass to the isle. It was not our barrier that was at fault but it was due to their peculiar ability. Have any of you heard about a Mundrane using the elements?"

"That is impossible, Rei. Mundranes don't have any elemental flow. They can never use an element even if they have a Kismet Pledge," Sergio, the Arc Master of the Royal Knights, said.

He nodded. His first conclusion was also a Kismet Pledge but even the greatest form of pact could not grant such impossibility. It could extend a Mundran's life but he had never heard of a case where a Mundran contractor could wield the spirits. 

"I, too, would not believe this outrageousness if I and my people had not personally encountered one," he paused and pulled out a crystallized marble from his pocket. "Ferios."

Above the platform, a large rectangular light formed. It projected what happened during the incident on the island and everyone's attention was caught.

When Rei Taryn said that the Flamion prided itself on its barriers, that was a fact. The Fort which pertains to the barrier surrounding Humana was made by the members of the clan who even sacrificed themselves.

But the Ember Isle's barrier was their very own masterpiece. It was the only barrier that could record what happened within. It would disappear after a day but as long as it was copied to an orb that was crystallized, they will have visual evidence anytime.

That was why Elise's case was very odd for him. The barrier was not even able to see her until she came across Erkhan.

"We are all aware that the bodies of those with elemental flow glow when they die and only Mundrans and shifters don't have that but the latter returns to their animal form upon their death yet he remained human," he explained after it ended. "But as you have seen he has the gift of teleportation and can use shadowhaze. A mere Mundran was able to have empyrean blessings from all the races when even a Half-breed cannot have such abilities."

Eyes became dazed after watching the display. This was a matter no one even thought of and murmurs filled his ears.

"We had inspected and there were also attacks at the mainland of Fliamma at the towns near the shore," he informed.

"That is strange. There were no reported incidents in the palace of Fliamma this past month," Juno Valies said.

"I already sent numerous reports at the palace but received no response, King Juno."

Stillness ruled for a while.

"It seemed like there was a mole somewhere in between," Dew, the Judge of Verity, concluded.

"I suspected as much," he agreed, remembering his conversation earlier with Hernan, someone was trying to interfere with his missives. 

"Can it be the Abyss Faction? They are the only ones who could achieve this impossibility." 

Aricson froze the moment those words which suddenly came out of the Guildmaster of Grail's mouth. 'How can I forget that?'

"But they were usurped centuries ago," Hernan contradicted.

"True. However, we cannot cross out that possibility. They were infamous for their experiments and a single one of their creation can disrupt the peace of any race," Pravus Aerlock said as his silvery hair flickered when he leaned on the amplifier.

"I agree. They've been laying low for a while but they were the only people who have the ability to cause this," Ivannov Aertian concurred. "We need to be vigilant as much as we can."

All three men were the most influential in their various fields. With their participation, it was guaranteed that everyone would cooperate.

"In that case, I would request the assistance of all the kingdoms to gather more relevant information," Aricson said. 

Several nodded their heads and declared their agreement.

"Now that we settle the topic on Ember Isle. I was just notified that the Oracle could not come and Her Holiness sent an orb instead," the mediator announced and a golden orb appeared.

The Oracle's melodious voice resonated around the hall.

"The being has descended, bringing the moon and the sun,
Welcomed by everyone but disdained by spirits,
Its fate lies in you and fate of the world lies on them."

Worried and excited whispers mixed as soon as the orb disappeared.

"First, the suspicions of Abyss Faction, and now this prophecy. It can only pertain to the Harbinger," Luxious pondered beside him.

"The ancient prophecy has begun once again." He heard another say.

"Then again, if they are gone, the prophecy will not come true like before. Three Harbingers had already descended in the past and not one of them survived. It is best to stop them as early as we can."

"If we think about it, the first one appeared in Nerov, the second is in Desmidonia and the third is in Faerilyn. Should we assume that the new Harbinger will be on Humana?"

Many inclined their heads in approval of Gustavious theory.

"The only problem was no one knew who they were. There were no records on history telling their appearances or races but only their deaths."

"Indeed. It will be similar to finding a needle in a haystack."

"Excuse me."

"Please speak as you wish, Judge Sybil."

"I found something strange. The Harbinger has always been mentioned to be together with the sun, the spirits, and fate. Among the recent prophecies recorded in books, this is the first time the moon is mentioned."

The discussion delved deeper but Aricson's whole attention gradually drifted back to the Abyss Faction.

It was an organization that was said to be formed under the orders of the God of Destruction. They vanished after breaking Humana's barrier which led to a Continental War and the near extinction of the Flamion Clan.

No one identified their ring leader and only the people who had ever been to this room knew their existence. Most importantly, they were the prime suspects in his parents and sister's death.

He had been investigating them the whole time but it all had been futile. Even if wanted to move, he could not. He didn't know what their real strength was and he had no idea where to find them. For now, his only clue was Elise whom they seemed to pursue.

"How about you, Rei Aricson?"

He straightened his back as he turned to the bronze-skinned man on his side. "Pardon, Rei Luxious?"

"They are asking our votes if the Harbinger shall be killed on the spot or kept alive."

"It shall be better off dead," came his immediate reply.

Aricson didn't care if the Harbinger died or not as long as it didn't bring harm to his family.

THE SUMMIT had officially ended and Arcison searched the crowd to find Ivannov. It didn't take long to see a pair of bright golden hair that always stood out among the people.

"Pardon my interruption, King Merlin, Lord Ivannov, and Lady Isabella," he addressed each of them and gave a small bow.

"Greetings." Isabella curtsied while her father just inclined his head.

"Rei Aricson, it's been a long time," Merlin Morgian said. Evident wrinkles marked his face which proved that he was the oldest member of the House of Monarchs.

"Yes, Your Highness, I am glad to meet you today. Good thing your health has improved."

"So what brought you here, boy?" Ivannov inserted.

"I have something urgent to speak with you, Lord Ivannov."

Dull silver irises stared at him for a while before assenting. "Let's find a conference chamber."

They bid their goodbyes to the other two and departed the Grand Circle.

"LITHINE." A spell had been cast once they stepped inside. It was an incantation that allowed the room to be soundproofed.

"So what is it, boy?" Among his uncle's comrades, only Ivannov would dare to call him that. Even Hernan and Pravus Aertian, who was the king of Aerith, referred to him by his title.

"I need a favor, Godfather. You were the champion of the Mage Tournament and I need the chance to meet the Oracle," he said directly to the point.

Every four years, a Mage Tournament was held all over the continent. Aside from the prestige, one of the prizes was the right to meet the Oracle of Humana. They were willing to answer anything the winner wanted to know but there was only one chance in every person's lifetime. Nevertheless, a person who had won several times had a trick to it. They could send other people to ask the question instead.

"Upfront as always. What if I already used it?"

"I have looked into it, Godfather."

Ivannov crossed his arms. "Fine. In exchange, marry Isabella."

"I have someone I like."

"Alrig—What?" The other man's mouth hung open with disbelief plastered on his face.

"I have someone I like, Godfather. That is why I have to refuse your proposal," he enlightened.

A long pause filled between the two of them who didn't even bother sitting on the countless chairs scattered in the room.

"That's quite a blow. I never heard you have a woman all this time..." His words dragged as thick brows scrunched together. "You're the type who never asks for help. Don't tell me this favor is for her?"

"...Yes."

Laughter burst in a second. Aricson grimaced at how his godfather's dignified posture a while ago disappeared as he clutched his belly and even wiped imaginary tears.

"Damn. I wish Master Aciel was here to see how his straight-laced son became whipped for someone," he spoke, wholly amused. "Anyway, I'm not some evil man who will force someone so you will owe me another favor instead."

"Of course, Godfather. As long as it is not marriage."

"Why? My daughters are all hailed for their beauty. Countless men line up for them!"

"I'm aware but I want to have a love like my parents."

Unconsciously, Aricson's lips tilted to one side resulting in his godfather's slackened jaw and widened eyes. He staggered to his feet with a face of incredulity.

"Are you really my godson?"

༻❁༺

U n S c e n e s

Q: Are you a Daddy's boy or a Mama's boy?

Aricson: Pardon?

Elise: She's asking who are you attached to.

Aricson: Both.

Elise: Such a boring answer as expected from you! *pinches Aricson's cheek*