Veil of Destiny

Chapter 26 Situation

"Your Majesty!" Russell's voice snapped Louis IX out of his reverie. 

"Your Majesty, Duke Asteria understands more than anyone else your deep affection for Princess Fleuria! If you send another princess, he might doubt your sincerity... that's one reason; secondly, Princess Fleuria is exceptionally talented and has the support of Grand Mage Yero. She should manage well against Duke Asteria and his son. Thirdly, if Duke Asteria remains loyal, Bedivere would make a splendid match for Princess Fleuria. But if he does rebel and we are defeated, at least the Bourbon bloodline will survive, possibly allowing a resurgence in the future," Duke Russell urged passionately. 

Louis IX was silent for a long while before he sighed deeply. "It depends on whether she agrees... Fleuria... I'm exhausted today. Everyone, you may go and rest." 

In Lille, Duke Reinhardt von Wilhelm of Asteria Duchy and his son, Bedivere, sat in silence through the night. 

As dawn approached, Reinhardt finally rose. "For thirty years, I have been loyal. I cannot let this loyalty be destroyed by divine wonders. Regardless, even if the Emperor is unjust, I cannot be disloyal! From now on, never speak of rebellion again! I hope His Majesty will remember my lifetime of loyalty and will not harm us." 

Bedivere stood silently, his once radiant face now dimmed. 

Father and son stood together by the tall windows, watching the city slowly awaken. The quiet, serene city was in its deepest slumber after a night of revelry. The early morning chill was the perfect companion for deep sleep. For those who couldn't sleep, the sight of frost-covered leaves fluttering in the wind was a reminder of the cold that penetrated the heart.The dark red sun slowly emerged from the clouds, its crimson light staining the sky and the city of Lille. According to Etherea customs, a sunny New Year's Day meant a year of good weather. Yet, all across the land, those gazing at the same morning sun sensed an undercurrent of bloodshed.

Before dawn, Dorian quietly crawled out of the luxurious and almost exaggerated bed in the "Elf in the Night." As he quickly dressed, he couldn't resist groping the plump body of the still-sleeping woman. She murmured and rolled over, sinking back into sleep.

Dorian carefully closed the door, checked on his brothers, heard their snores and mutterings, and with a wry smile, slipped out alone. 

He muttered a few words, casting an acceleration spell, and walked lightly out. 

A guard at the door was barely awake. Dorian sneaked up behind him and blew on his neck. The guard turned but saw nothing and muttered in annoyance, pulling his collar up as he resumed his watch. By then, Dorian had already slipped out the main gate. 

Moving like a phantom through the streets and alleys, scenes flashed past Dorian like flat paintings drifting by, only to be replaced by new images. He had seen this flat world before, but once, he had peeked behind the curtain and glimpsed the hidden scenery. 

When the curtain lifted, Dorian was like a newborn, seeing flowers without knowing their name, touching water without understanding it. His eyes and heart were dazzled by the kaleidoscope of colors. 

But once a door opens, it can never be completely shut again. 

Dorian, neither happy nor sad, extended his mental powers, probing the surrounding world. It was like a retreating tide revealing hidden creatures. 

A few small thieves scurried through the streets, their bulging bags evidence of their early morning plunder. 

Groups of people conspired in hidden chambers, but Dorian had no interest in their plots. As he walked, his plump figure vanished, reappearing elsewhere as he continued his stroll.He lifted his foot to avoid a rushing rat and set it down on a pursuing cat. The cat had no time to protest before Dorian disappeared. The confused cat resumed its chase.