The faint shimmer in the air was nearly undetectable, but Sion and Raphael could sense it—an invisible veil, stretched thin across a great force of destruction. Hidden within the barrier lay a monstrous entity, sealed away beneath the surface of the Leaf Dukedom. Its power was so immense that if unleashed, it could bring ruin to an entire kingdom.
Raphael walked the perimeter calmly but spoke with urgency. "The barrier is still holding, but not forever. You're too distracted lately, Sion. Politics may keep the kingdom stable, but this... this is the kind of threat that needs you focused."
"I know," Sion admitted, his eyes fixed on the swirling magical symbols etched faintly in the air. "Once I return from Sidom and finish initiating the reforms back at the Dukedom, I'll begin training again. We need to prepare... not just to fight it, but to understand it."
From behind, a familiar voice rang out like a fresh breeze, "Are you ready for our journey, Duke Sion?"
Turning around, Sion found Princess Rebecca of the Sidom Kingdom standing at the path's edge, graceful and radiant. "Yes, I'm ready," he replied with a faint smile.
They boarded the enchanted royal carriage together. The journey began in silence, the sound of enchanted wheels humming across the roads. Sion, exhausted, leaned back and drifted into a peaceful sleep.
Rebecca sat beside him, stealing occasional glances. His face, calm and unguarded, made her heart race.
"How can someone be so terrifying... and yet sleep like this?" she thought. "You don't even realize how special you are. I envy those girls, but I swear I won't back down. You will see me too, someday…"
Raphael, watching from the side, smirked. "He really does sleep like a baby… and look at you, Princess, blushing like it's your wedding day."
Rebecca snapped her gaze forward, her face burning. "I-I'm not blushing!"
He chuckled quietly to himself. "Can't wait to see his reaction when I tell him what you really think."
Hours passed before the grand gate of Sidom's elven palace appeared on the horizon. Ornate trees lined the entrance, blooming with ethereal light. A welcoming party of elven nobles, soldiers, and citizens waited in orderly rows, cheering as the carriage came to a halt.
As the door opened, Sion stepped down, greeted by cheers and reverent bows. In the center stood the King of Sidom, tall and regal, with a look of genuine warmth.
"Welcome, Duke Sion," he said, taking Sion's hand in his. "You've honored us with your presence."
"The honor is mine," Sion replied respectfully.
As they walked into the palace side by side, Rebecca followed behind, her gaze fixed on Sion's back.
"Soon," she thought. "You'll see me not just as a princess or an ally... but as someone who truly stands by your side."