I was sitting in the courtyard of Regalia Castle, enjoying a brief moment of respite.
To my right, Kaylen wore a long white tunic, his expression unreadable.
Sienna, dressed in her scientist's outfit, clung to his left arm with a proud and joyful air.
I looked at him and asked curiously,— "Did something happen?"
Kaylen let out a faint sigh, averting his gaze.— "Don't pay too much attention to this fool of mine… She begged me earlier to say those words."
I raised an eyebrow.— "What words?"
He hesitated for a moment, then after a short pause, calmly stated:— "I love you."
A small chuckle escaped me, which immediately made Kaylen frown.— "What's so funny, Your Majesty?"
I shook my head slightly.— "Nothing, nothing… Even the 'White Tiger' has his weaknesses."
Kaylen opened his mouth to reply, but both our attentions were drawn to the scene unfolding before us.
Sylena stood proudly as she watched Nilyna ride a majestic Eikthyrnir—a legendary stag with antlers glowing like crystal.
— "Perfect, big sister Nilyna! You can ride Nildim!"
Nilyna jumped down gracefully and shrugged with a confident smile.— "Hmph, I expected it to be harder."
Sylena laughed softly before replying:— "Eikthyrnirs are naturally gentle. They sense the intentions of those who seek to ride them. In Iselhein, we're taught that to tame one, you must first build trust—lure them with gentle caresses or treats."
She affectionately stroked Nildim.— "To me, he's much more than a mount. Isn't that right, Nildim?"
The creature let out a soft, powerful cry:— "BIIID!"
Intrigued, Raelia stepped forward.— "May I try?"
Sylena nodded enthusiastically.— "Of course!"
Meanwhile, Kaylen crossed his arms, deep in thought.— "Now that I think about it… During the Three-Day Conflict, the beasts of Nymenor Forest proved to be excellent war mounts. I fought the prince of Katakiel on a Cù Sith, and Pryzor rode a Nandi Bear."
I nodded, recalling those fearsome creatures.— "They were powerful… If only we could—"
Suddenly, an idea struck me.
I stood up abruptly, which immediately drew Kaylen's attention.— "What is it?" he asked, alert.
Raelia, Nilyna, and Sylena also gathered around, curious about my sudden agitation.
— "Jonady, what's going on?" Raelia asked.
I turned to Kaylen, a knowing smile on my face.— "You just gave me an idea."
Kaylen furrowed his brow slightly.— "What idea?"
I crossed my arms and took a deep breath before declaring:— "During our battles in Azulferia, our enemies had powerful mounts that moved with lightning speed. It's clear that in the future, we won't be spared from such threats…"
My gaze grew more resolute.— "So we're going to head to Mount Lustfor and attempt to tame a Highbeast and make it rideable."
Everyone around me lit up with excitement.