A day before the attack in the Dolphian Capital…
The Holy Floating Archipelago of Edenis Raphiel floated majestically in the sky, its ethereal beauty captivating all who beheld it. Yet, despite its allure, access to this celestial realm was severely restricted.
For centuries, only the residents who had dwelled within its heavenly confines were granted unfettered entry, while outsiders found their passage tightly regulated. Among the privileged few permitted access were the Royals, High Ranking Nobles, and the esteemed Great Nobles of Sancta Vedelia. Others, too, could gain entry, but only with the endorsement of a royal letter bearing the unmistakable seal of authority, outlining clear and compelling reasons for their visit.
Nestled upon one of the main islands of Edenis Raphiel stood a towering structure that seemed to reach ever closer to the heavens—a spiraling tower of pristine white, the Monarchical Tower. It stood as a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of its creators, casting a resplendent glow that illuminated the surrounding landscape.
On this particular day, the tranquility of the island was interrupted by the rhythmic cadence of hooves striking the ground. A magnificent white carriage, large and opulent, made its way towards the base of the towering tower. The majestic white horses came to a graceful halt before the entrance, where a retinue of knights, clad in gleaming armor as radiant as the sun itself, stood guard with an aura of authority befitting their station.
Each knight bore the unmistakable mark of mastery, their presence exuding an aura above the 7th Ascension. These were the knights of Edenis Raphiel, guardians of its sanctity and defenders of its honor. As the carriage door swung open, one of the knights bowed respectfully, a silent acknowledgment of the arrival of esteemed guests.
The carriage door opened to reveal a woman of striking elegance, her long, snowy hair cascading gracefully down her back, and her amber eyes gleaming with a hint of annoyance as she stepped out onto the pristine ground. "Unbearable was this trip," Lydia Alea Olphean muttered under her breath, her discontent visible in her tone.
The white knights instinctively took a slight step back, sensing the tension emanating from their distinguished guest.
"You should have stayed if it's to be in such an irritable mood, Alea," admonished another woman, descending from the carriage with an air of authority. She was clad in a flowing gown, her crimson eyes betraying a mixture of weariness and exasperation. It was none other than Claudia Tepes, the current Prophetess of the Holy Tree of Eden.
Claudia and Alea shared a strained relationship, one that had only worsened over time, despite the hopes that their impending familial ties might mend old wounds. Claudia harbored resentment towards Alea for the perceived 'abduction' of her beloved granddaughter by Alea's son, an act that had soured their already fragile bond.
In contrast, Alea found only happiness in the union of her son with Claudia's granddaughter, Elizabeth. She admired Elizabeth's strength and character, finding satisfaction in the familial connection even as she remained at odds with Claudia.
"Haven't you enough of fighting, you two?" Another woman spoke, her voice tinged with weariness as she descended from the carriage with a tired sigh. It was Melfina Indi Zestella, the Headmaster of the Trinity Eden Academy.
"Yes, you are both embarrassing us," chimed in a beautiful elven woman, appearing much younger than her true age despite the three children she bore. Tanya Teraquin descended with a cold demeanor. One would note the similarity between her and Alvara's cold expression.
"Speaking of embarrassing us, can someone explain to me why Reiner sent his cousin instead of coming on his own?" This time, a man's voice cut through the tension like a blade. Clad in a sublime white robe adorned with elven ornaments, he bore the marks of age upon his rugged face, his white hair showing his longevity even among his kind. His irritation at the absence of Reiner Dolphis, visible in his demeanor, painted the picture of a grumpy old man.
"My cousin has the weighty responsibility of overseeing the current crucial examination at the Trinity Eden Academy, hosted in his own capital. As the Guardian of the Holy Tree of Eden, I supposed you might have understood but…" Explained the younger man who had just arrived, his reddish-brown hair catching the light as he spoke. Though bearing a resemblance to Reiner, he exuded a youthful energy that contrasted with the elder's solemn demeanor. "... but coming from an old man whose existence is confined to the mundane duties of tending to the Holy Tree of Eden, such responsibilities must seem foreign, I guess in the end," he added, a sardonic smile playing at his lips.
"Hold your tongue, brat," retorted Alector, his patience wearing thin as he exchanged a steely gaze with the younger man.
"..." Another figure emerged, dark-haired and impeccably dressed in a stylish suit. It was Jefer Moonfang, the youthful head of the Moonfang House, his silence speaking volumes as he surveyed his surroundings. Rarely did he venture to Edenis Raphiel after all.
"When will men cease their bickering?" Sighed a weary voice, belonging to a woman with striking silver hair and green eyes. Namys Elaryon, the Head and Queen of the Elaryon House, exuded a youthful vitality despite her position, her exasperation visible as she observed the squabbling between Alector and Karl Dolphis.
"If you are here, Alector..." began another voice, causing a palpable tension to settle over the gathering as the knights instinctively took a step back, their apprehension tangible in the air.
The final guest from Sancta Vedelia descended from the carriage—a man with long blond hair cascading down his back, his piercing crimson eyes betraying a sense of danger that hung heavy in the air. Though bearing a resemblance to his grandson, Cyril Raven, his presence exuded an even more ominous aura, sending shivers down the spines of those present.
"It seems the danger is imminent, doesn't it?" He muttered, his lips curling into a twisted smile as he surveyed the scene before him. Despite his grandfatherly status, Lazarus Raven appeared far younger than his years, his decision to attend the gathering in Edenis Raphiel signaling the gravity of the situation.
There stood a young man adorned in armor akin to the other knights, yet his seemed to gleam with an otherworldly radiance, and his stature exuded a strength that set him apart from the rest. With short auburn hair and a gaze brimming with confidence, he addressed the Great Nobles of the Sacred Island with a respectful nod.
The reactions from the assembled heads varied—contemptuous looks from Alea, Alector, and Claudia; unreadable expressions from Jefer and Melfina; serious gazes from Namys and Karl; and pointedly ignoring him from Tanya Teraquin. "Yes, it is," came a new voice, drawing the attention of all the gathered heads as they turned towards the entrance of the towering structure.
There stood a young man adorned in armor akin to the other knights, yet his seemed to gleam with an otherworldly radiance, and his stature exuded a strength that set him apart from the rest. With short auburn hair and a gaze brimming with confidence, he addressed the Great Nobles of the Sacred Island with a respectful nod.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Great Nobles of the Sacred Island. I am Kornel," he announced, his smile warm and welcoming. "Lord Aslan awaits with the other Monarchs. Please, follow me."
But before Kornel could lead them onward, he was halted by Alector's commanding voice. "Wait, boy."
"Yes?" Kornel turned back, meeting Alector's gaze head-on.
Alector's eyes narrowed as they fell upon the emblem adorning Kornel's armor—a pair of twin green wings. "You are a worshipper of Gabriel, huh?" he remarked, his tone tinged with curiosity.
Kornel nodded, a sense of pride evident as he touched the emblem. "Indeed. I serve under Milord Aslan Edenis Gabriel's orders."
"I feel like I've seen you somewhere before, though," Alea mused, her brow furrowing with contemplation.
"Yes, in Celesta. During Olivia Edenis Gabriel's burial," Kornel recalled, his tone somber as memories resurfaced.
"Olivia..." Alea's expression darkened slightly, a shadow passing over her features as she remembered her dear friend, whose life had been cut short by the Iris Project.
"Olivia?" Jefer asked, his curiosity piqued by the mention of the name.
"Yes, you were young at that time, Jefer. Olivia Edenis Raphiel was sent to Sancta Vedelia to study, but she met Draven Stormdila and went with him to Celesta," Claudia explained, her voice tinged with sorrow. She still remembered that lively girl who was jumping around.
"Serves her right. I warned her not to consort with that Human in that forsaken country. Had she remained in Sancta Vedelia, she might still be alive," Tanya muttered, her arms crossed in disdain.
"Tanya..." Namys muttered softly, her gaze filled with sadness.
Everyone knew how Tanya had been close to Olivia back in young times. They were practically best friends and Olivia had been the main reason why back then Tanya had treated all races equally including Halves and Humans.
"..." Alea remained silent, her thoughts drifting to the past, wondering if Olivia's presence might have prevented Tanya's descent into bitterness and resentment towards Halves and Humans alike.
"This is an unfortunate event but we have more urgent matters to attend to. Please follow me." Kornel said, a flicker of emotion flashing in his tangerine eyes as he turned around.