Seven years have passed since the war on Kanto grounds ended due to the sacrifice made by Sir Aaron and Soul Fraverden. While their legacy has been immortalized by the people of Kanto, not everyone has completely moved on from such a tragic loss. Qu...
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When General Hayes approached Nicholas at Heiwa Town's harbor, it was a sign that the course of the day would change drastically. Today was supposed to be a day he could spend with his son and student. Purchasing a new sword for Hope was the objective, but there were not many opportunities for him to take a break from his duties as the representative and as a mentor. Seeing his old friend today was also a nice touch. Even though it couldn't be like this every day, Nicholas was grateful he could spend it this way for today.
Much to his dismay, the presence of General Hayes pulled Nicholas out of the clouds and back in reality. Since he came bearing a summon from the queen herself, it was his duty as the representative of Sirena's Island to go with him to Cameran Palace. Everyone hopped on the carriage that waited for them and made the involuntary visit to Rota. General Hayes was just fortunate enough to catch Nicholas at Heiwa Town's harbor.
Haku remained calm regarding the sudden turn of events, but the same couldn't be said about Hope. Both times she met General Hayes, once at the Nebesa Town prison and the other when she was relocated to Sirena's Island, he came with life-changing news. After all, had he not gotten involved during her arrest, she would be living a completely different, but dangerous life.
The ride to Rota felt longer than it actually was. Seeing Cameran Palace again brought Hope back to that day four years ago. General Hayes was in front of the group, leading them to the throne room, while the two other knights escorted them as well. Nicholas followed the general while Hope and Haku trailed along from behind the representative. Her eyes glanced around the huge halls of the castle as a way to distract herself. Intricate paintings were displayed among the walls. Eventually, Hope ran out of things to look at and kept her eyes forward. Haku noticed what the woman was doing, but kept his comments to himself.
They finally stopped before a pair of grand double doors. General Hayes motioned at the knights, signaling that they were dismissed until further notice. Once they left, he pushed open the double doors that creaked as they swung inwards. The three guests entered the throne room and stopped halfway as the general shut the doors behind them.
At the end of the room, a mature woman with wavy platinum blonde hair rose from the throne. She gracefully approached her visitors, picking up some of the skirts from her violet dress. Hope couldn't help but stare in awe at how elegant she carried herself. The queen definitely showed her years as the title signified by the priceless crown on her head. It was also no surprise that she looked exactly the same as she did when they first met.
Queen Rin of Rota halted before the visitors, who bowed to show their respect for her. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the very familiar young woman. For a split second, the image of Soul Fraverden flashed before her eyes, but that image vanished in the blink of an eye and Hope's face was left. Hope resemblance to the deceased aura guardian was haunting.
Shaking away the thought, Queen Rin pushed back the grief that she suppressed for years and presented a warm smile to her visitors. Little was she aware that Nicholas saw the way she looked at his apprentice.
