❝ King... ❞ 

What does it mean to be king? Is it merely a symbolic pawn of crown and throne which is passed down from generation to generation? Or is it something which bares the weight of one's entire nation on the shoulders of that which is given the title? For many, it was no more than a superfluous moniker to an outdated political agenda that most could do without. But for Erenn, who lived and breathed the daily life of the noble family which had ruled over Baria for quite possibly the longest out of any other state in Agrovia – It was far too ambiguous to put into words. It was both superfluous and imperative, pointless yet peerless in importance. Erenn perhaps knew better than anyone what it means to be a king, having watched his adoptive father, Phinnease firsthand. Yet he still felt as if he knew nothing of the weight that pristine crown bore, he was still young, after all. He was naive, and despite being almost ignorant to the outside world, knew it well.  

Of course, Phinnease made it a point for Erenn to not be coddled by the ways of the nobles and trained as a knight from a young age. That, and the freedom to choose his own path, freedom to find his own purpose in life, despite being rather cautious. Erenn knew that kingship required unparalleled kindness, yet also a form of greed that none other shall truly understand. A greed for his people's prosperity, a greed for only the finest of things. One who must embody all extremes, one who commands the admiration and adoration of his followers, and one who sacrifices the most.  

It was overwhelming to think about, not to mention the weight of expectations which followed behind, most of which Erenn had inherited from his father. Expectations and scrutiny, of course. It was one thing that Phinnease was an adoptive son of the Great Knight King, Xerxes and the brother of the most recent Knight King, Rome. Though after the two passed, Phinnease had stepped up to the throne and took on the duties, however the Xerxes bloodline ended with Rome’s untimely death. Well, save for his twin brother Romeo, who had his hands full as the Captain Commander of Archadia, and wanted nothing to do with the crown. Yet for Erenn, another outsider to step up as the next king? It doubtlessly caused much contention both within and outside the ranks of the Knighthood. Most were supportive of the decision, though felt it too early for Erenn.  

As for Erenn himself? Did he want to be king? Honestly, he doesn’t even know himself. He had been training to become a Paladin and studying to become a king since he was little, whether he wanted to take the crown or not – it was ultimately his choice to use those skills he was taught how he saw fit. Yet, he wasn’t taught how to deal with the overwhelming anxiety which pitted itself in his stomach, or the lack of confidence that he wouldn’t live up to their expectations. Such things, as Phinnease said – One must learn on their own.  

Erenn had frankly been so busy lately he hadn't the time to think about his true goals in life. Which, he was still unsure of, other than an old photograph of a supposed sister he had, which he kept tucked away in a safe place. That and her name, Elizabeth. Not much to go on, but it was something that grounded him when nothing else would, knowing that he had a possible blood relative out there. Of course, he had no clue where to start with finding her. The world was vast, and he wasn’t even sure if he was in the same world as she was to begin with. Perhaps this Lestar Earth which waited beyond Agrovia’s borders held some answers? He was unsure yet felt as if he had to get out there and find out for himself.  

A drawn sigh parts the boys' lips as he sat at a large oak table, strewn over a large open book before him, and surrounded by many more. Off to his side was a large, old map sitting on an easel. It depicted Lestar Earth, and a rather detailed one at that albeit it being before the apocalypse. There were also several smaller maps scattered on the ground and pinned around it, most of which were more recent and depicted both Luxia, Zhou and Khumeia. Coloured threads connected pins together as a means of cataloguing his process, clearly having spent a long time studying the new world. Shidare had been more than helpful with providing any information about it she could through her ever-expanding network.  

It was silent, silent enough that not even the trailing monologue of his own thoughts would dampen it, and enough so for him to solemnly drift in and out of sleep, only to be pulled back to reality by the gentle creaking of the old wooden edifice of the room which was only dimly lit by nearby candles and a few Torah Crystals on the walls, and the large fireplace on the left of the table. It had been some time since the missing Saint Elly had been located, though the chaos which followed still lingered and cause much unrest all around. At least, Agrovia had finally begun to open its borders now. It was a chance to face a brave new world and limitless possibilities...Whilst he is here, stuck with his own perturbation and unease. He was strictly told that it was still too early for him to leave Baria, let alone Agrovia as a whole. So, he had to stay patient, but eventually patience spirals into stress, and even depression.  

It wasn’t a lie. In fact, Erenn hadn’t been himself for some time now, for a while he did nothing but train and study, train and study. Not even making time for the friends he had, who were even now most likely worried about him. But lately? Erenn hadn’t even picked up a sword, though he did spend almost all his time tucked away in the library beneath the palace. It wasn’t that Phinnease had pretty much been living in Candria due to work for the past few months, but the sudden albeit expected request for him to take up the crown. Expected...but a little too soon. He wasn’t ready, and he wasn’t the only one who thought that. That and the strange conversation he had with Sir Faust, which left more questions than answers, which fuelled his desire to stay within the packed walls of this old athenaeum. 

Erenn almost didn’t notice the door creaking open to be held slightly ajar, with a pair of amber eyes peering through from the other side. It was Mei, one of his Aides and best friends, as well as the “big sister” of their friend group, which they had been a part of since they both were children, and still were albeit the others being caught up with their own lives, despite all being young themselves, with Erenn as their youngest. Most of which had taken roles as aides and servants to the royal family to stay close to Erenn, like Mei who had become one of the Scholars of Baria’s Library under AFK. The female brushed her long, brown hair back and tucked it behind her ear as she spoke in a gentle tone and entered the room, seeming to be holding a cup of hot chocolate and a folded blanket tucked under her arm. She wore a simple attire, which was mostly covered by a white overcoat.  

❝ Blueberry?... ❞ 

She whispered as she made her way over to the table, setting the mug down beside Erenn as she leaned over, noticing the boy was fast asleep as she brushed his hair to the side. Her features softened, before she unfolded the blanket and placed it over his shoulders. Her eyes then moved to scan the litter of books and papers before him, then found themselves on the display of maps. Despite being a Scholar herself, Mei had taken the role of the head Archivist for her organisational skills, though her actual scholarly knowledge was broad, she felt there was still much for her to learn.  

Of course, she was aware of Erenn and his ambitions and had given him full permission to use the archives at his leisure, even outside of its operating hours. At least she knew where he was, and that he wasn’t running himself ragged – As she would force him to rest if she knew he was overexerting himself, making sure to visit him hourly to bring refreshments or help him in his endeavours. She would be lying if she said she wasn’t worried about him, though her soft spoken demeanour made it difficult for her to ask him about it, preferring for him to go to her should he need to. 

One thing that did catch her eye and had been a recent interest of Erenn’s was a rather famous name “Elias Rosenrot”. A name known by any magician who hasn’t been living under a rock for the past five thousand years, as the man had literally founded ERA and the Prestigeous ASMA. But a little-known fact, was that he had been attributed to the invention of the Grimoire. Mei wasn’t sure why Erenn was suddenly interested in his works, though most of his works in the fields of Black Magick had been long since outlawed, and most had said to been destroyed. Perhaps to cover up a dark past, she didn’t know. But all she knew was that it spelt trouble.   

Mei sighed, deciding to leave him be as she turned to leave the room, though not before checking over the candles to see if they needed to be replaced, and to put some logs on the fireplace nearby. She left, closing the door behind her before she leaned against the hard oak frame, resting her head against it as she glanced upwards to the exposed wooden beams that trailed along the roof of the large empty hallway. She closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath before speaking in a soft, yet calm voice. 

❝ I know you’re there, Aeta... If you need to use the Archive, please come back tomorrow. Erenn is asleep and I don’t want to disturb him. ❞ 

❝ Aw. I was going to ask him how his studies were going~ ❞ 

A voice responded, almost echoing through the large hallway which followed with a somewhat unnerving cackle. From the darkness, a form shifted to show hints of gold and black hair, a wide cynical smile and a set of eerie empty black dots for eyes. Madame Aeta was an enigma even to her peers, being one of the least seen members of ARK – And a former Paladin herself. Aeta is among the “Old Generation”, which is a group of individuals who have been part of ARK for hundreds of years – as they are mostly demi humans. But for the one in question, nobody actually knew what she was, which only added to her mystery. Though everyone agreed on one thing: The woman is creepy. 

❝ You’re not a very good liar. ❞ Mei responded bluntly, though it was clear that she was nervous given the slightly shaken tone of hers. 

❝ Well, aren't you cold. And here I thought I could enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate with my favourite pupil. <3 ❞ 

Mei felt her legs become weak as she drew another sigh, almost collapsing onto the floor beneath her when she finally felt that womans presence fade away. Though she did plan on heading back to the barracks to get some rest, she felt uneasy so decided to make her way back to the front office and finish off filing the paperwork she was tending to earlier. At least, to try keep an eye on Eren. The female froze, gulping and almost turning back to where the other female once stood upon hearing her call out once more. Mei wanted to respond, though bit her lip and shook her head before making her way to her study.  

❝ Only the thing that awaits curious rabbits is the jaws of the wolf. ❞