ELEMENTALS: The Tales Of Water

Kingdom Of Rein

After completing their journey ,Princess Aisheya and Count Vikram finally arrived at the Palace of Rein. Upon their entry, they were greeted by the Viscount, one of the Marquess's Aesir most trusted courtiers, and a regional leader under Sir Aesir's command. The Viscount offered them the hospitality reserved for royalty, bowing with respect as they were led inside.

Behind him stood the formidable commander-in-chief, second only to the Marquess in power within the palace, dressed in a crisp white uniform bearing the symbol of the Marquess of Rein. After the formalities, the White Count and commander exchanged glances before addressing the visitors.

Viscount (curious, but respectful): "We received notice of your arrival, Princess, but... we are not entirely sure why you've come. "

Princess Aisheya (smirking playfully): "Oh, didn't Duke Wilhelm tell you?"

The mention of Duke Wilhelm's name caused visible tension. The Viscount and the commander stiffened, momentarily stunned.

Commander (regaining composure): "The Duke? Sir Wilhelm? Why, no... what brings you here, Princess?"

Princess Aisheya (leaning in, still joking): "We're here to collect a gift from the Duke."

The Viscount and the commander exchanged puzzled looks before asking cautiously.

Viscount(nervously): "And what might that gift be?"

Princess Aisheya (with a mischievous grin): "Of course, Aquis Laprez."

At this, the blood drained from both their faces. The once-calm atmosphere was now thick with tension, and a heavy silence fell over the room.

Commander (stammering, startled): "Y-you want... Aquis Laprez? Our worst criminal? You would need permission for that, Princess."

Princess Aisheya (arching an eyebrow): "Do I need permission for everything now?"

Viscount (hastily): "N-no not at all , Princess, but... it is protocol. You would need the Duke's written approval."

For a brief moment, Princess Aisheya was taken aback. She hadn't expected a formal slip to be required. A flash of doubt crossed her mind. Had the Duke betrayed her?

But before she could respond, Count Vikram stepped forward, pulling a folded letter from his coat. He handed it to the White Count, his hands trembling slightly.

Count Vikram (inwardly sighing with relief): "Here. This is the Duke's approval."

When the Visount accepted the letter, Count Vikram couldn't help but remember the moment the Duke handed him that slip. He had been convinced at the time that Duke Wilhelm was about to end his life. Yet, somehow, he had survived. He never mentioned the incident to the Princess, hoping to bury the memory, but here it was, catching up to him.

Princess Aisheya (playfully, nudging Vikram): "You didn't tell me you had the slip this whole time, Vikram. Were you planning to leave me hanging?"

Vikram chuckled nervously as the Viscount and commander inspected the slip.

Commander (after seeing the stamp of the duke's approval on letter): "It seems you do have the Duke's approval... I will guide you to the Marquess. He will handle the rest."

Princess Aiesheya: "Are you not going to read the letter?What if someone make a fake stamp of the duke. Don't you won't to check the handwriting?"

Viscount: "No one is crazy enough to caste the stamp of the Duke of Wilhelm! I am afraid m'lady."

Commander (mumbled to himself): 'The only person crazy enough to do that is rotting in jail! I guess not anymore,alas!!!'

*The commander handed the letter back, and with formal bows, he and the Viscount led them deeper into the palace, towards the Marquess's