Chapter 5: Leona, Champion of Chivalry
Abyss and his companions walked through the Ossi Kingdom, the guards saluting them with the highest honors, the nobles bowing respectfully, removing their hats. They were revered figures, seen by the commoners as saviors sent by the gods, and by the nobles as powerful allies who had helped restore their kingdom.
As they walked, they discussed their plans.
“So, before helping the Druids with their sacred tree, we need to return to the Eastern Empire, find those Moonlight Knights, resurrect them, and have Leona join their ranks,” Abyss said, using their telepathic link to maintain their privacy. “We also need to help Rebecca build her time machine and solve Star’s riddle, locating his hidden artifact. Flora still hasn’t revealed her wish—Flora, are you sure you don’t want to tell us?”
He used the link because he didn’t want anyone to overhear their conversation. Only Givia knew about his true nature as a necromancer, and she trusted him implicitly, but revealing it to others, like the guards, servants, or nobles, could be troublesome. Even without his memories, he knew that necromancers weren’t well-regarded.
Flora, hearing his question, smiled and shook her head, still unwilling to share her dream.
Abyss wasn’t concerned. He was curious, but he wouldn’t pressure her. Even without his memories, he still respected his followers’ autonomy. It seemed to be an ingrained part of his personality.
“The time machine will have to wait. I’ll keep an eye out for anything related to time magic during our travels. We should retrieve Star’s artifact, but there’s no rush. He hid that crown for centuries, taking precautions to protect it from ordinary mortals. A few more months won’t matter,” he continued, pondering their plans. “We should return to the Eastern Empire and help Leona join the Moonlight Knights. After that, we’ll deal with the Druids’ sacred tree. Let Miss Agnes rest for a while longer.”
“Wait! I have something to say!” Leona suddenly exclaimed.
“Hmm? What is it? Do you have another request?” Abyss asked, looking at her. Her expression was serious.
“I think… we should help the Druids with their sacred tree first,” Leona said through their link.
Flora and Rebecca, also connected to the link, were surprised. They knew how much Leona wanted to join the legendary Moonlight Knights. Why was she postponing her dream? Didn’t she want to earn their prestigious emblem?
“Why?” Abyss asked. “Your wish shouldn’t be difficult to fulfill. You possess all the knightly virtues, don’t you? Are you lacking confidence?”
“What do you mean, ‘difficult’?! I embody those virtues!” Leona protested, raising her fists. “I might tease you sometimes, but you’re not weak! Courage, compassion, integrity, loyalty, chivalry, ambition, sacrifice, and resilience. I haven’t violated any of them!”
“Then why prioritize the Druids?” Abyss asked, intrigued. The order of their tasks wasn’t a concern for him.
“Because if I made them wait while we dealt with the Moonlight Knights, wouldn’t that violate the virtue of chivalry? They came to us seeking help. As a knight, it’s my duty to assist those in need, not to be selfish!” Leona declared. “Don’t you agree?”
“Hmm, that’s a valid point. Since you insist on helping the Druids first, we’ll accompany Miss Maggie back to the Elven Kingdoms. And we can take the opportunity to… acquire Miss Agnes. Another companion is always welcome,” Abyss said, agreeing with her. He instinctively reached out to pat her head, then hesitated, his amnesia making him slightly cautious. He would do it later.
Leona, pleased with her display of chivalry, beamed, her happiness evident. She was easily pleased.
It had been over an hour since they left the banquet hall, after dealing with the Lord of Nightmares. The festivities had ended, and the nobles were now attending balls and parties throughout the capital. The celebrations for Givia’s coronation would continue for three days, but today’s events were over. The nobles they had encountered earlier were on their way to these parties.
They inquired about Givia’s location and found her in her new bedchamber, formerly belonging to the old king, who had moved out after abdicating. Givia had redecorated the room. She was now reviewing reports, having just finished her dinner with the nobles.
The guards at the entrance bowed respectfully. “Heroes, Her Majesty is resting, reviewing reports. Allow me to inform her of your arrival.”
Leona waved him on, and the guard knocked gently on Givia’s door. “Your Majesty, the four heroes request an audience.”
A clatter of noises came from within, followed by Givia’s slightly flustered voice. “Ah? Mr. Abyss and his companions are here? Please, come in!”
The door opened, and before Abyss even entered, he smelled something unusual, something that didn’t belong in a queen’s bedchamber.
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