Chapter 134

The very next morning, Naell and Owly were summoned to the castle of Awdita. With no reason to deny it, they could only both accept and prepare themselves.

As they entered the castle, Naell noticed how comparably small it was to Taglagas yet its beauty didn’t at all pale in comparison.

Whilst the palace of Taglagas boasts its beauty from its motte-and-bailey appearance, Awdita had a towering evergreen castle surrounded by what seemed to be the remaining elven trees of the kingdom.

They heard the collective stomps of several knights before eventually the door of the throne room was opened, and then they heard their name being shouted, neither deep and booming nor soft.

“From the Autumn Kingdom, the young master of Beryldot—Naell, and the free-spirited beast owl, son of Athena— the Guardian of Wisdom..”

Upon their entry, all eyes were on them, some scrutinizing while others smiling. And as they reached the frontmost area before the throne, the knights escorting them all kneeled down.

[ We greet the Queen of Awdita, Queen D’ialim ]

In unison shouted the knights and nobles within the castle. Naell and Owly were mere observers until they bowed their heads to show some form of respect.

Both Naell and Owly couldn’t help but be wary as only a few were meant to know of Owly, yet in the back of their heads, they also knew that there was a high chance Wilfred had told on them.

‘It would have been nice if you gave us a heads up though..’ Naell thought while sighing.

After a while, a gentle yet commanding voice then reached their ears, “At ease.”

Judging from the obedience of everyone around them, that was Queen Selve. Therefore Naell and Owly finally raised their heads copying those who did beforehand.

As he looked at the queen, beauty was the first word he thought could describe her. He knew for a fact that she was hundreds—if not, a thousand years older. Yet her smooth pale skin from afar, golden silky hair, and orange bright eyes all said otherwise.

Still, Naell felt a tinge of intimidation behind her eyes, as if it was not his first time gazing upon them. And as though the queen heard his thoughts, she smiled, returned the gaze, and said, “You must have met my sister.”

The sudden realization was plastered across his face when he connected the dots. While both had pointy ears and likewise orange bright eyes, the other D’ialim had dark hair and skin. She was also truly more powerful than the queen, a thing that Naell could sadly detect in her presence.

From that alone, the atmosphere in the room grew heavy. Yet although rage and sadness were filling the air, Naell could see it was not directed at either of them.

“She tried to murder me.” He replied with the intention of humoring the room, yet it only got tenser.

Only the queen and another who seemed to be of higher nobility—resembling the queen yet with green eyes— were laughing at his words.

Relatives, HOOT? -

Very likely. -

While he and Owly were having the telepathic conversation. The queen spoke again, “Aside, from my cousin and these two young visitors, kindly leave the room. Now.”

The Knights then began to shout, [ May her reign be forever fruitful ]

Followed by the nobles who repeated, [ May her reign be forever fruitful ]

“...”

In a matter of seconds, knights, men, and women alike, dispersed and left the premises. The scene baffled Naell as he thought, ‘What lax security they have here, and truly what a loud exit…’

As he was thinking that, the Queen then spoke, drawing their attention, “Once again, thank you for meeting with us. I am Selve D’ialim.”

They greeted her again before Naell hastily asked, “May I ask for what reason we were called? And..”

When Naell gazed upon the other lady who was beside the queen, he could more or less gauge that she was pretty powerful.

Do you know her? -

I don’t, but I feel she’s pretty tough HOOT. -

Owly's response only made Naell smile wryly. Nevertheless, if they were both sensing the same thing, it might possibly be the case.

“..may I also know how you are aware of Owly?” Added Naell to which the queen replied pointing her clasped hands to her cousin.

The queen then said, “She’s Fle Mistaya, Duchess of Awdita”

Seeing that Naell and Owly's reaction didn’t change, the Queen smiled and added, “And perhaps you might know her as the Green Witch.”

That garnered both of their attention, however, Naell only knew little about the Green Witch, and it was that she had lived hundreds of years ago.

“Greetings to you, Lady Fle.”

Fle smiled and nodded toward Naell. Her voice was not as commanding as the queen’s, yet it was just as euphonious, “Don’t be wary, we heard from Wilfred, the Guardian of speed about both of your pupilship.”

She then [ poof ] out a letter that had a sigil only Wilfred could make. Likewise, since becoming a pupil, both he and Owly could also make emblems that no one could ever replicate.

When Naell once asked the reasoning behind it, Klata explained it was one of the special abilities the celestials bestowed upon the guardians and their pupils, so as to trust each other's letters indefinitely.

And so, as what was revealed were things Naell was hoping to see, he finally was able to breathe a sigh of relief. Owly was also able to talk normally which made both the ladies smile.

Moments later, they decided to change the venue of their discussion to one of the rooms located near the throne room. The first who spoke in those closed quarters was Fle, “Sorry for our late welcoming, the letter he sent was just received this morning.”

“I see. There’s no problem, thank you for your invitation.” Naell said genuinely as he was truly happy to be there.

Yet even if the inn they were staying at wasn’t bad, the elves still did not want to associate with them, hence it was hard to find restaurants and places to further admire.

Thus, at that moment Naell was thinking of asking if they could lend him some people that could act as their guide. Yet as he was occupied with all his thoughts, dreadful words were spoken that made him wake up from his plan,

“I regret to be frank, but we need your help, son of Witner.”