Daybreak? Isadella repeated the unfamiliar term in her mind.
A muffled voice drifted from behind the whirlpool mask. Through its openings, a pair of pitch-black eyes could be seen.
The masked man, calling himself Cain and clad in a long black robe adorned with red clouds, gazed profoundly, his eyes flickering as he surveyed the distant, damaged city walls. He also observed the refugees. Startled by the fierce explosions, they watched the fleeing Abyss Demons in confusion, unsure of what had happened or if they should continue to flee for their lives.
"This world is filled with war, tragedy, and suffering..." Cain's voice was drawn out. "And to become the dawn that changes this world... that is the very essence of the Daybreak Organization. It is also the original purpose for which I created the Daybreak Organization—to bring forth a world of peace, like the newly risen sun."
His gaze fixed on Isadella.
"Of course, I know that with my power alone... I might save a village, perhaps a town. But it's impossible to save an entire vast empire. That is why I founded Daybreak. And I am also searching for like-minded comrades."
"He who pulls out the Sword in the Stone shall be the new King of Escarnia."
"Your ability to become a prophetess is indeed commendable, but what surprised me more were the words you spoke. Whether or not you pull out the Sword in the Stone, you are determined to walk the path to kingship. More important than royal status or bloodline is possessing the heart of a king."
Cain's gaze seemed to pierce through the ages, reaching directly into the distant future.
"Though still inexperienced, I see the future in you. A bright future, entirely different from that of Vortigern, and from all the Great Knights and noble lords currently renowned in this land. Perhaps you truly can be the light that illuminates the troubled times of Escarnia."
The dawn that changes this world...? Gazing at Cain of Daybreak before her, Isadella's gaze flickered.
If an ordinary person had made such a statement, she would likely have listened and then dismissed it, not taking it seriously. After all, anyone can voice grand principles and lofty ideals without proof, but very few can truly achieve them. As the future ruler of the Fresta Empire, if she were so easily swayed by the grand promises of any orator, the Empire would have long ago been ravaged beyond recognition. Follow current novels on novel(ꜰ)ire.net
However, the masked man before her, who claimed to be from Daybreak, was different. Although his rank did not seem particularly high, when the demonic tide surged, he had unequivocally used himself as bait to halt the Abyss Demons, thereby protecting the lives of thousands of refugees in this town. Though Isadella did not know how Cain had managed to survive the aftermath of the massive explosion, such an act undoubtedly carried immense risk. He was not merely an idealist spouting empty words; he was someone who genuinely risked his life to act on his conviction of becoming "the dawn that changes this world."
At this thought, Isadella's eyes softened slightly.
"Then it would be impolite of me to decline."
She smiled faintly, sheathing the Sword in the Stone she had drawn into the scabbard of her former practice sword. Then, she extended her hand towards Cain.
His praise might have seemed excessive to others. But in her heart, Isadella had long possessed a conviction that resonated with his praise. As a King destined to stand above all, she would inevitably endure the scrutiny and talk of countless people. Be it praise and applause, or rumors and gossip, Isadella was already accustomed to it all.
"Speaking of which, I haven't introduced myself yet."
"My name—" Isadella thought for a moment, then stated the alias she used in this world: "Artorigus."
"If you, and the Daybreak Organization behind you, truly wish to become the dawn that illuminates this world, then from now on, we may well have considerable interaction."
Daybreak... As Isadella silently mulled over the name, a sliver of doubt surfaced in her mind. In the Empire of later ages, there are the Eight Great Oath-Sworn Families and the Knights of the Round Table. But I've never heard of Daybreak, or the name Cain. Such a principled organization, with a leader I admire... if we met this early, surely they would have left some trace in history. Or could it be... that my arrival has caused a butterfly effect, a divergence from the historical record?
Shiayar extended his hand and shook the silver-haired knight's. The hand was not particularly robust, yet it contained a strength that put Shiayar on alert.
[Important Character 'Knight King's' favorability towards you has increased by 10 points, current favorability: 20 (Acquainted)]
To think that the future founder of the Fresta Empire, the one who will ascend the Throne, is such a powerhouse. Gaining her favorability won't be easy, Shiayar mused.
Just as Isadella was sizing up this 'First Cain of the Daybreak Organization,' Shiayar, from behind his whirlpool mask, was likewise scrutinizing the young knight before him—the future Knight King.
Silver hair, red eyes. Her build was not as burly as a traditional knight's; rather, it was slender, even somewhat delicate. Her refined facial features involuntarily reminded Shiayar of the Second Princess Isadella.
This was hardly surprising. After all, the founding emperor of the Fresta Empire standing before him was an ancestor of Isadella. Given their blood connection, such a resemblance in appearance was only natural.