Meanwhile.

Armand Nation.

Francesca stood on top of the hill behind the Armand estate, her silhouette illuminated by the moonlight.The night sky was clear, scattered with countless stars that shimmered like scattered diamonds. A gentle breeze rustled her hair and dress, carried the scent of flowers. Around her, a soft, radiant glow shimmered like dancing light particles, surrounding her in a gentle, ethereal aura.

She giggled softly, smiling as she gazed upward toward the sky.

I still remember back then...

I was supposed to chase after those three spirits and finish them.. But my brother came down from the higher realm and stopped me.

He told me that the punishment and execution had been put on hold. That fate had already woven a different path. He said there was someone special who would come, someone who would bring balance and change to this world. And that I should follow the fate that had already been written.

She closed her eyes, a gentle smile lingering on her lips. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

He told me to trust the plan. To marry Garius, to build a family, and to let the threads of destiny unfold as they were meant to. And I married Garius, bore him three sons, and watched as fate slowly revealed its design. The seven wives destined for him, the children we would raise, and the future that would come to pass.

She opened her eyes, her gaze soft and knowing.

And now, that special someone is already walking his path. My youngest son. The one who will face the storm we have been preparing for all along.

"Uuu~ Radiant One!"

Francesca turned and smiled at the voice. Eridith stood behind her, shivering from the cold night, hugging her own body tightly while biting her lower lip.

"Ara? You dare to raise your voice against me?"

Eridith swallowed hard, glancing away nervously. "No... but it’s cold out here. Why did we come to this place?"

"Arara~ A dragon girl, the one who holds the White Flame title, shivering under this cold?"

"Mou!" Eridith pouted, her lips puckered. "That was before. After marrying Garius, I can also feel cold, you know."

Francesca giggled softly and glanced up at the sky again.

"Eridith?"

"Yes, Radiant One?"

"Do you believe in fate?"

Eridith rolled her eyes. "This question again? You already know the answer, Radiant One. You’ve told me a thousand times that fate has already woven its threads. I have no reason to doubt it, especially after everything that’s happened."

Francesca smiled and gave Eridith a teasing side glance. "How is Garius? Is he good?"

Eridith glanced away, her cheeks flushing red as she hugged herself tighter, mumbling something softly under her breath.

"Soon..." Francesca’s voice softened as she turned her gaze back to the stars. "The winds of change will blow across this world. A storm is brewing, and our continent will face a great test. The Human Nation will crumble under greed and civil war. Armand will be busy defending its allies. And those three false goddesses will lead their armies and heroes toward us, seeking to crush everything we have built."

Eridith smiled faintly and glanced at Francesca before giving a graceful curtsy, her voice carrying a tone of deep respect.

"I will do my utmost, Radiant One. As your protector, as your friend, and as one of Garius’s wives, I will stand by your side and defend this family with everything I have. No matter what comes, I will not falter."

Francesca smiled warmly, her eyes soft with affection.

"I know, Eridith. And I have faith in you. But more than that..." She paused, her gaze drifting toward the distant lights of the Armand estate below. "I also trust in someone else. My youngest son. He carries a light that even I cannot fully foresee. He will face the coming storm, and he will not falter."

Her gaze drifted toward the distant horizon, a knowing glint in her eyes.

"And when the time comes... I believe he will be ready."

Meanwhile.

Elven Northern Border.

Long bench near the fountain.

"Achooooom!"

Javier sat up abruptly, rubbing his nose with a confused expression. The sudden sneeze had jolted him from his half-asleep state.

Buddy opened one eye, lazily glancing at Javier.

"Cuquawked?"

Javier, still rubbing his nose, glanced around the dimly lit town square. "I don’t know why I sneezed, but every time I do, trouble follows. Just like before. Ugh, so annoying. I wonder what kind of trouble is heading my way this time."

"Cuquawked!!" Buddy squawked, a smug, beaky smirk spreading across his face.

"Yeah, yeah. I know. Trouble is my middle name, blah blah blah..." Javier waved a hand dismissively, lying back down on the bench with a sigh.

"You know, Buddy?"

"Cuquawked?"

Javier turned his head and glanced at Buddy. "Do you think we can have some action during this mission?"

"Cuquawked~"

"I doubt the party Vane sent to infiltrate Armand and gather intel will be peaceful travelers. They’re going to cause trouble. I can feel it."

"Cuquawked?"

"I don’t know, Buddy. But something tells me those bastards and their party are going to cause trouble soon. Maybe even before they reach Armand."

"Cuquawked~" Buddy puffed his chest out confidently.

"Yeah, I know. If they cause trouble, I’m sure you’ll crush them. But hey... at least don’t kill all of them. Leave one alive so Father can use his Eyes of Truth to extract their memories, their intel, everything inside their brains. We need that information more than we need their blood."

Javier chuckled, glancing up at the starry sky.

"But if they really cause trouble... well, let’s just say it won’t end well for them. I’m not in the mood to play nice."

He sighed, his expression turning thoughtful.

"I was hoping Vane would come personally. Father said he looked like a strategist, someone with a sharp mind, and he’s stronger than the other two, Jaigar and Gorak. But looking at how careful Vane is, I doubt he’ll leave his base. He’s the type to stay in the shadows and let others take the risks. A guy like that probably holds all the valuable information about the outsiders."

Javier smirked, a glint of anticipation in his eyes.

"So for now, we have a bunch of reckless, arrogant pawns to deal with. And I’m more than ready to teach them a lesson."

He yawned, stretching his arms above his head before settling back down on the bench.

"Well... for now, let’s get some rest. Our bellies are full, the night is calm, and tomorrow will bring its own chaos."

"Cuquawked!" Buddy let out a soft, agreeing squawk, settling down beside the bench.

"Goodnight, Buddy."

"Cuquawked~" Buddy closed his eyes, his breathing slowing as he drifted off to sleep.

( End Of Chapter )