A Walk with Eternity-Chapter 42: A letter
Three days later, Syvestian had things prepared for their leave. All his things were about five luggages, all including a few of his very needed equipment. The estimation of their time staying in Amadeus Oceana might take a whole month. All of them are making sure that they have everything they need.
Syvestian arrived by Lysander’s room, which was the closest to the staircase leading to the palace exit. As he opened the door, he said, "Are you all ready to go—"
He was then cut off when he saw all of them all dressed in traveling clothes, prim and proper, all ready for their leave. Syvestian was somewhat bewildered at their choice of clothes. Knowing the weather and temperature at this time of the year, they made sure to wear what most people would wear during the summer in Amadeus Oceana.
Some light and thin clothing, great to keep them cool and comfortable. They were all dressed for the occasion.
"It seems you are..." Syvestian trailed off and sighed.
"Why the long sigh?" Milera asks, raising a brow. She was wearing a white dress with a pink bow on its back and some beige sandals. To some it would look like a short chemise, but it’s been a trending fashion statement for the past few years now. Although she wasn’t used to this kind of clothing, it certainly was comfortable and airy.
"Is there something off about how I’m dressing?" Dolunay asks too, suddenly feeling conscious. She was wearing a white dress with a purple bow on its back. She was matching with Milera. She has not worn a dress in forever, and this new trending fashion statement was something she felt unfamiliar with.
"Oh, nothing. It’s just that I find this sight rather... new. It feels completely unfamiliar to me," Syvestian answers and smiles. "You ladies look lovely."
The girls giggled, feeling giddy that Syvestian gave them a compliment regarding their appearance.
"We aren’t leaving for another hour, are we? What’s the rush?" Kian interrupted, feeling a little jealous for an obvious reason. Along with the other men, they were wearing light clothing to avoid sweating. Not that it matters anyway, as they were all going to wear the cloaks that Syvestian invented, which has cooling magic. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞
"Well, I wanted to have a little meeting regarding our plans. After all, we’re not just going there to relax," Syvestian says as he sighs, feeling regretful. "I apologize now for giving you all additional things to deal with..."
The six of them glanced at each other, confused and thinking about what they should tell the rare depressed side of Syvestian.
"If you mean by the fact that we’re going there as delegates, rather than simple visitors, I think that itself is a great help, rather than a restriction," Kian says. "No one would suspect that we’re going there for an undercover investigation, but rather, to celebrate the empire’s rebirth."
Every summer of the year is a one-month celebration for the Empire of Amadeus Oceana. It’s called the Solstice Festival, an annual event for the sirens to celebrate the rise of the empire. It’s been celebrated for the past three years now, and Slora usually sends only Tadeas with a few noble representatives as its delegates. They celebrate it a whole month, and oftentimes, it’s also a chance for them to negotiate and talk for future trade and partnerships across borders.
"The knights have been strict with security, we won’t be able to hide our identities," Cimmerian added. "I think it would be best for us to be acknowledged outright, rather than hide."
The other nodded in agreement. Nothing comes out from moving in silence in a very unwelcoming city.
"And on the bright side, we’ll be meeting her as soon as we get there," Ezio brought up.
Rue Amadeus. Just as her name suggests, she is the siren empress of Amadeus Oceana. She was also their friend...
Syvestian observed their faces as they all seem somewhat bittersweet about the fact that they are meeting a friend.
Well... it has been a mess since she cut them off unexpectedly, not that it’s her fault to begin with, Syvestian thought to himself. Up until now, he’s in denial of the fact that the siren he once took care off was someone capable of leaving her own friends for no reason.
Or... is there a reason...?
Syvestian sighs again, refusing to think about it any further.
We’ll find out sooner or later.
Meanwhile, inside the palace walls of the Empire of Amadeus Oceana...
"A letter? From who now?"
Rue could not hide her confusion as her aide arrived with a sealed letter. From the looks of the seal, it was from the Slora Empire. She takes the letter to her hand. What could they possibly need to be sending me a letter for? All while I am already expecting them to come next month during the Solstice? She thought to herself.
Her aide gave her an opener, and she immediately opened the letter to read the contents.
Greetings to the High Moon of the Oceans,
I am writing you this letter to inform you that the delegates from the Slora Empire will be a different batch from those who I usually assign. This new batch of delegates will be arriving within the week for sightseeing reasons. I apologize for such a late notice, but they are quite lively and enthusiastic to be able to learn about your empire. If it’s not too much, please welcome them warmly.
Respectfully, Kyro Slora.
A new delegation? Lively? Rue raised a brow at the message. A second later, her face relaxed, understanding the meaning. Oh... is it Kian?
Kian’s face flashed in Rue’s mind. She then immediately folded the letter and placed it back on the envelope. Her mind recalls her last conversation with Nilsine, especially the one line that struck her completely.
"When time gives you a chance, please... tell them."
The misunderstanding has been cleared between the two of them, but with all the others? Rue knows that they hold a bit of resentment for her in their hearts after what happened. Although she does believe that none of what happened to them should be blamed solely on her, she couldn’t help but regret.
It truly could have been avoided if she reached out first.
Rue lets out a sigh.
I hope Vian won’t get in my way this time.
