Chapter 8: Choosing Souvenirs
Flora was about to politely decline Givia’s offer when Abyss readily accepted.
Givia, delighted by his acceptance, immediately ordered her maids to remove the cold roasted pig, then led them out of her bedchamber. The Ossi Kingdom palace, although smaller than the Western Empire’s, was still a labyrinthine complex. Givia, familiar with its layout, guided them through the maze of corridors and courtyards, then led them through an inconspicuous door and down a flight of stairs.
After descending several levels, they reached a massive metal door, covered in magical runes, pulsing with energy. It was clearly the work of a skilled mage. Abyss estimated that few mages on the continent, even Supreme Mages, could breach it.
“This is our treasury. We store valuable artifacts and antiques here, accumulated over generations,” Givia explained. “I know you’re not lacking in wealth, but these items are unique, priceless treasures. Consider them souvenirs.”
She chanted a spell, placing her hand on the door.
The runes glowed as the magical array activated, a sharp pain pricking her finger, drawing a drop of blood. Her royal blood activated the mechanism, the array deactivating, a wave of magical energy scanning her body, verifying her identity and ensuring she wasn’t being coerced. If Abyss had his memories, he would have recognized this security measure, common in royal treasuries and tombs. If the scan detected any coercion, the treasury would self-destruct.
The massive door, several layers thick, each layer several meters wide, slowly slid open, revealing a room filled with the metallic scent of ancient artifacts.
As they entered, several magically powered lamps illuminated the room, the door closing behind them. The light glinted off the treasures within, momentarily blinding them.
The treasury wasn’t large, but it was filled with valuable items: gilded armor, jeweled swords, ancient relics, and intricate sculptures. Givia had claimed they were mere souvenirs, but they were clearly worth a fortune.
“You’re giving us such valuable gifts?” Leona asked, her eyes wide with surprise. “Isn’t Ossi short on funds right now? Shouldn’t you keep these treasures?”
“These are heirlooms, passed down through generations. We have a strict family tradition: these treasures are never to be sold, only gifted,” Givia explained, smiling. “So, please, take whatever you desire. I can also offer you land, if you wish.”
“We don’t need land. What’s that book?” Abyss asked, his gaze fixed on a large, thick book lying on the floor.
“That book?” Givia glanced at it. “I don’t know what it is. It’s an ancient artifact, over a thousand years old. No one can decipher its language. It doesn’t seem to be cursed, so we kept it in the treasury. Do you want it?”
“Yes, I’m more interested in books than weapons or trinkets,” Abyss said, smiling, using telekinesis to retrieve the book, examining it closely. “It’s made of elven skin, young female elves, no less. How extravagant.”
Givia, already aware of the book’s material, wasn’t surprised. “It’s of no use to us. We don’t know its purpose. If you want it, take it. Perhaps you can decipher its secrets.”
“Givia, I want this,” Leona said, holding up a small, golden badge, her cheeks flushed with excitement. “Nothing else. Just this!”
“What is that? I’ve never seen it before,” Givia said, examining the badge closely.
“It’s an ancient Dragon Scale Warrior Badge! I’ve only read about them in novels! I never thought I would see one! It’s awarded to those who have faced a dragon in single combat and survived! It’s the highest honor for a warrior!” Leona exclaimed, clutching the badge to her chest.
“I’ll take this, as a souvenir,” Rebecca said, picking up an old, worn crucible.
“It’s just an old crucible from a tomb. The ancients used it for their primitive alchemy. It’s useless now, isn’t it? Do you know its purpose, Rebecca?”
“Oh, no, I have everything I need. It’s just a souvenir,” Rebecca said, winking at her.
Flora hadn’t chosen anything. Givia, curious, placed a hand on her shoulder. “What’s wrong, Flora? Is there nothing here that interests you? If you don’t like these items, I can have my servants bring you something else…”
“No, it’s not that,” Flora said, shaking her head. “I don’t need any gifts. I just want a promise from you, Givia.”
“Tell me. I’ll promise you anything,” Givia said, her voice serious.
“You hold the highest power in this kingdom now. I want you to always stand with your people, never forget your ideals,” Flora said, her gaze meeting Givia’s.
“I, Givia Ludiélia Ban Halsati, swear before the Nine Gods that I will dedicate my life to the well-being of the Ossi people. If I break this oath, may I suffer the consequences,” Givia said, without hesitation.
“You swore an oath?” Flora asked, surprised, then smiled. “I should have known. That’s just like you.”
“I’d like to speak with the souls of the elven girls who sacrificed their skin for this book. Do you mind?” Abyss asked suddenly.
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