CHRONICLES OF AEONIA 1: THE DEVIL'S WHITE ROSE

The war

It was peaceful for some years after the First Great War between the 8 empires. It was started by the Empire of Glacia also known as the land of ice. After the continuous war for more than 30 years without any development, they signed a treaty of peace to end this war. But for the 120 years after the war, there was still a spark of conflict leading to small-scale battles.

The large group of adventurers gathered in front of the adventure guild and 3 of the top 12 S-rankers were also present. Because S-rankers are busy taking care of higher quests they are absent most of the time. Elsha was surprised by S-rankers. She asked Iris.

"Iris, what happening here?"

"You said, you were from a faraway village, right? So, I guess you are not aware of it. About 5 years ago, the Empire of Ventus and Glacia went into conflict. The cause is still unknown and what is even more surprising is these two empires were in a friendly relationship. Even they arranged a political marriage between the princess of Glacia and the prince of Ventus. There were rumors that the conflict was due to the cancellation of the marriage from the Glacia and even there are rumors that the princess ran away from marriage. *sigh* this happened 18 years ago, but the people still suffer" Iris explained.

"So, the people gathered because of the war"

"More specifically, the guild gathered them to protect this City and its people because this city is between the two empires and also neutral. This city was built by the merchants as an independent city without affiliation with any empires. So, they will try to make this a part of their empire midst of war. There are a small number of soldiers. So, under the agreement of the merchant city and Adventurer Guild, the guild will provide support in protecting the city. There was a news that some soldiers of Ventus were marching towards the city when we arrived at the city"

"So, that's why they gathered. But sister this war was caused by the princess, right? According to the rumors"

"Haha. You will be surprised if you hear about others' opinions"

"?"

"They all said it was a relief that the princess escaped. All the people called her a saint, not a princess. Even in the tyrant empire of Glacia, she was the only one who cared about the citizens. When the emperor agreed to the marriage of the princess, there was a riot in Glacia. If my memory is right, there were about 247 deaths in the riot when the royal guards attempted to calm riot. After the princess's request, the people withdrew and the riot ended"

"But why did the people protest against the marriage?"

"Oh, the reason. It was because the emperor used the princess as a political object and tried to form a better relationship with the Ventus empire by marrying the scum prince. He rumors to have relationships with so many women and sees them only as an object. If he marries the princess, she will be most likely a slave"

As their conversation continued, the gathered adventures formed a team and slowly marched toward the Guard stations to meet up with the city soldiers.

After the gathered adventurers are gone, Elsha and Iris enter the adventure guild. There was tension inside the building. Clara was not present but instead, a newcomer was standing at the desk.

"Hello, welcome to Adventure Guild. I'm Tessa, are you here to accept quests" she asked.

"No, we completed the quest and are here to submit the confirmation to accept the reward," Iris said.

"Okay, please wait a moment" Tessa was checking the paper.

"Okay. Here is your reward"

Elsha took the pouch and there were about 30 copper coins.

"Not bad for your first quest," Iris said with a smile.

"By the way. Why is Clara not present here? What happened?" Elsha asked.

"She went to submit the problem that happened with the measuring gauge. Due to the busy schedule of the guild master, she is in wait"

"Oh, is that so? Then Elsha why not we accept another quest?" Iris asked.

"No sis, I'm tired of today's chicken catching. Let's rest for today" Elsha said in a tired and lazy voice.

"Hahaha. How can you act like a weakling Elsha?" Iris laughs.

"OK then. I will bring you to the inn where I'm staying and book a room for you"

Elsha nods and two of them walk towards the north direction. While walking through the market, they purchased some portion, Elsha bought a book about beginner magic and a magic staff which was about 5 silvers. So, Iris bought it for Elsha and both of them slowly reached the Inn.

"This is the Luna Inn, where I'm staying come, quick"

They both enter the Inn. A young woman was standing near the desk and a man sweeping and cleaning the dust in the Inn.

"Welcome to the Luna Inn. Oh my, Iris. Are you back from the mission?"

"Yes, boss. And today I have a new customer with me. This is Elsha"

"Oh my, nice to meet you, Elsha. I am Ruby and the one sweeping there is my husband Clain"

"Hai" Elsha responded with a smile.

"Okay, so boss she is newly appointed D-rank adventure. Can you prepare a good room for her"

"Yes. So, it is a one-person room and you will be provided with both breakfast and dinner. It's a total of 20 copper coins a month"

"Okay, now let's go to our room Elsha. Bye boss"

Elsha follows the stairs with Iris and reaches their room.

"Elsha, the fourth room from here is mine. So, if you need any help just ask me. Also, our other team members are staying in this Inn."

"Okay Elsha, rest some time, and let's meet at dinner time"

"Ok, see ya"

They both enter their respective room. Elsha entered her room and noticed it was so much bigger than her room in her house. She slowly placed her bag and staff on the table and jumped to the bed. Suddenly Skye flew from the bag and sat near Elsha.

"Oh, Skye. So, you are fully recovered now" Elsha's eyes twinkle with excitement.

Skye answers with a chirp. Elsha began to share stories and adventures she went through when Skye was resting.

At this time Clara entered the Guild master's room to submit the case about the gauge. He checks the report and goes into deep thought.

"So, explain in detail what happened when this person measured her mana rate and attribute," he asked.

Clara explains every detail without missing a thing.

"Hmm. I will not blame you for not knowing what happened. There was the same case 4 years ago before you joined. And that person is now one of the S-rankers"

"What you mean, sir?"

"It shows this error because this gauge cannot read her mana"

"Eh?"

"It means, she has mana that can be near to an S-rank adventurer"