Chapter 03
430 Years ago
Middle Lands
Several years passed as Lyne dedicated herself to teaching the young girls about the intricate rules and rich history of Elyasia. She shared captivating tales about each of the realms that are interconnected with Elyasia through magical portals, explaining how time flows differently in each of these mystical places. The girls listened with wide eyes, absorbing every detail of the enchanting world around them.
Yue, a whimsical figure in their lives, would appear unexpectedly for a few days at a time. During his visits, he would regale the girls with fascinating stories about dragons and the various races that inhabited Elyasia. His knowledge was vast, and his enthusiasm infectious, making each lesson an adventure in itself. The girls were captivated by his tales, and they eagerly anticipated his next appearance.
Kira and Lira adapted to their new lives remarkably well. Kira found herself enamored with the myriad of different things that Elyasia had to offer, from its vibrant landscapes to its unique cultures. Lira, on the other hand, developed a deep appreciation for the history of the realms, often losing herself in the stories of ancient heroes and legendary battles. It didn't take long for the two girls, who were just twelve years old, to blossom into beautiful young women, each with their own distinct passions and interests.
Unbeknownst to the girls, Lyne had been subtly guiding them to select items for their future castles. One castle was to be located in the southern lands, a place that Kira had chosen for its lush greenery and warm climate. The other castle was to be situated in the northern region, a choice made by Lira, who was drawn to the majestic mountains and the serene beauty of the snowy landscape. The girls were given the creative freedom to design their new homes, all while remaining blissfully unaware of Lyne's intentions, as she offered no hints or guidance.
Then, the day finally arrived when Lyne summoned Rain to take over Lira's education in the northern castle. Shortly after, she called upon June, who was known for her silver hair and hyperactive personality, as well as being Yue's rather unpleasant brother. Although Lyne had her reservations about June, she didn't question the decision and entrusted her with the responsibility of teaching Kira.
With the girls now occupied with their new mentors, Lyne found herself with a rare moment of peace. No longer did she have to field a barrage of questions or deal with the constant energy of the young girls. Yet, despite the tranquility, she felt a twinge of loneliness creeping in, a feeling she chose not to voice.
As she settled into her solitude, Lyne noticed something remarkable: the dragons, who had been embroiled in a fierce war for so long, had finally ceased their hostilities. They either went into hiding or simply calmed down, bringing a sense of relief to the realm. This development brought a smile to Lyne's face as she made her way to her beloved library, eager to immerse herself in the world of books and knowledge, where she could continue to nurture her own understanding of Elyasia and its many wonders.
Southern lands
Kira giggled softly behind the pages of a book, her laughter echoing gently in the semi-filled library. She had been pulled into this quiet sanctuary for a class, a place where she could immerse herself in knowledge and stories. Just as she was getting comfortable, Kue appeared, his expression a mix of annoyance and frustration. He was a young man, tasked with the responsibility of teaching her, but he was far from pleased with the situation. Kira, now a princess and the ruler of the southern lands, was still adjusting to her new life in the castle. The grandeur of her surroundings and the duties that came with her title were still foreign to her, but she approached it all with a light heart and an open mind.
Kue, on the other hand, was not in the mood for laughter. He growled softly as he glared at the young girl, his dark hair falling over his forehead in a way that only added to his brooding demeanor. He couldn't fathom why he had been assigned to teach her anything at all. Wasn't it June's job to handle such matters? The giggling that filled the air was beginning to grate on his nerves. "What is so funny?" he demanded, his voice low and irritated.
Kira peeked over the edge of her book, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I heard that the mean dragon was claimed," she replied, a soft smirk playing on her lips.
Kue's irritation deepened as he growled a bit more, his frustration palpable. "And who in this place is saying that?" he asked, his tone sharp.
"My mage," Kira said, her smirk widening as she watched his reaction.
To Kira's surprise, Kue's cheeks flushed slightly, and without another word, he stomped out of the library, growling in frustration. Kira blinked in disbelief as she watched him leave. "Did he just...?" she started, but then her thoughts were interrupted as she jumped up in excitement. "Yay! No class today!" she yelled, her voice ringing through the library as she dashed out, her laughter trailing behind her.
The staff of the southern lands couldn't help but chuckle at their princess's exuberance. Her joy was infectious, and it lightened the atmosphere in the castle. However, the only two individuals who were not laughing were June and Kue. The dark-haired male had cornered the silver-haired female near the west exit of the castle, their expressions serious as they engaged in a heated discussion, oblivious to the laughter echoing around them.
Rain let out a deep sigh as she stood over the peacefully sleeping princess, Lira. It was a sight that both puzzled and amused her. How could this girl manage to sleep so soundly, especially when the castle was situated so close to the Spirit realm? The ethereal energies that surrounded their home were known to stir even the most tranquil of souls, yet here lay Lira, undisturbed and lost in her dreams. Rain shook her head lightly, a mix of exasperation and affection in her heart, before quietly stepping out of the room and gently closing the door behind her.
"Max, what on earth did you do to her last night?" she inquired, her voice a blend of curiosity and concern.
The tear-colored-haired male scratched his cheek thoughtfully, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Well... we were up late reading almost every book that Lyne had put into the library here..." he admitted, his eyes sparkling with the joy of shared stories.
Rain couldn't help but sigh again, this time with a hint of frustration. "Why did my princess have to be such an avid book reader?" she lamented, shaking her head.
The dragon, Max, chuckled lightly, his laughter echoing in the hallway. "But she's so much fun to read with! You should join us sometime."
Rain raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet skeptical. "Just how many books are left that you two haven't read yet?"
Max paused for a moment, deep in thought. "I think... about 5% of the library's collection," he finally replied.
Rain threw her arms up in exasperation and began to walk away, a playful pout on her lips. "June is so having more fun than we are!" she yelled back, causing Max and a few members of the staff to burst into laughter, their spirits lifted by the lighthearted banter.