This was bad.

Lazarus' past was a foggy labyrinth, with memories hazy and elusive. He knew he was exiled under the pretense of harboring a 'disease'. This, despite his father Rex's thorough viral scans, which returned negative. The idea of his former family realizing that the child they exiled that had a potential to cause a pandemic that would rob everyone of their magic was chilling. Who knows what they were willing to do.

In the best-case scenario, they'd simply banish him again, back into the solitude of the forest. Worst case, they might decide to extinguish his life. That begged the question, why didn't they just eliminate him initially?

Upon reflection, a chilling conclusion emerged. Perhaps they'd hoped the wilderness would do the dirty work, a death sentence without the guilt. No young boy could be expected to survive alone against nature's brutal trials. If not for Rex's intervention, he would surely have died. He had a fragmented recollection of wolves, the details frustratingly blurry.

Shaking his head, Lazarus pushed away the troubling thoughts. That was a mystery for another day. Present matters demanded his attention.

Reaching a nearby water hole, Lazarus' sword was engulfed in crackling light before disappearing. Not long after, Sylphi's voice echoed through the silence, and Leo followed her, a mischievous grin adorning his face.

"Lazarus, are you not glad about our rescue? Is something amiss?" Sylphi, seeing the troubled expression on Lazarus's face, approached him, her brows knitted in worry.

"I..." Lazarus started, his eyebrows knitted together in hesitation. How could he explain his predicament to these two? While he had already begun to trust the elf and the captain, he hadn't reached the point of full confidence yet. The intensity of Sylphi's sapphire-blue gaze made him uncomfortable. He averted his eyes from her concern-filled expression and muttered, "I need to stay on the island. You two should carry on without me."

This statement drew a shared glance of confusion between Sylphi and Leo. "If you've lost something, we can assist in searching before the rescue party arrives," Leo offered.

Sylphi nodded in agreement. "Indeed, we can."

Lazarus dismissed their concerns, "No, it's not about losing something. What I meant was you two should board the rescue ship, head to Kratos. I’m staying for personal reasons."

This confused Sylphi further. She frowned, her eyes trained on Lazarus. "But how will you escape this island then? The next ship won't arrive until a week. Even then, it won't approach this island unless its crew knows you're here."

"I have my ways, Sylphi. For now, you and Leo need to leave. The rescue boat will be here soon," Lazarus responded.

Leo, although uneasy with the idea of leaving Lazarus behind, didn't press the matter further. Instead, he turned towards Sylphi. "What about you, Sylphi?"

"Can you seriously accept his reasoning?" Sylphi asked Leo, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Leo mulled over the question before responding, "Well, he's the one who got us out of that Leviathan mess. Plus, his mana barrier expansion? Not many mages can pull that off. And he managed to summon water with that odd device. I know he can escape the island even by himself."

Despite knowing Lazarus for only a brief time, Sylphi felt a bond with him that she’d never felt for any other human. It was hard for her to cast aside her concern. Frustration bubbled up when she realized Leo wouldn't support her. She defiantly crossed her arms over her chest.

"I'm staying," she declared, planting herself firmly in front of Lazarus. "Unless you decide to join us or share your exit strategy, I'm not budging."

Lazarus found himself speechless. The sincerity of Sylphi's concern stirred something warm within him, and he valued her tenacity. Yet, this was not the time for her to dig her heels in.

He exhaled deeply, fully aware of the challenge he faced in persuading Sylphi to abandon her stance. After all, he new better than anyone how tenacious she could be. He needed to reassure her without betraying his secrets. "Sylphi, please..."

At the sound of Lazarus's imploring tone, Sylphi faltered, visibly affected. However, her conviction remained, "No," she asserted stubbornly.

Just then, Leo pointed towards the sea. "They're here," he announced, indicating the small rowboat just a few meters away from the shore. Lazarus realized he was running out of time to persuade Sylphi.

“Then how about this, I’ll meet you at Kratos when you arrive there. But you need to board the ship now!” Lazarus said with an urgent tone.

Sylphi was taken aback by Lazarus's urgent tone, her eyes darting anxiously between him and the rowboat carrying two large men and a maid. Maybe he had landed in hot water with some human noble, which could explain his behavior. If that was the case then…

Not wanting to aggravate his situation, Sylphi set her gaze firmly on Lazarus.

"Is this a promise? That you'll definitely meet us on Kratos?" she asked.

"I promise," Lazarus assured her, his gaze steady. "And when you get there, please, don't mention me to anyone."

Raising an eyebrow at his peculiar request, Sylphi nonetheless nodded, agreeing, "Alright." As she walked past Lazarus towards the shore, she murmured just loud enough for him to hear, "You better keep your promise."

Leo nodded sagely, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. From his expression, Lazarus surmised he'd already drawn some conclusions from his earlier statement.

"I will," Lazarus promised, watching their retreating figures. As soon as they were out of sight, a crackling surge of electricity enveloped him. His form blurred, flickered, then vanished entirely from sight.

-=Cloak engaged =-

—----------------------------------

Sylphi POV:

As Leo and Sylphi made their way towards the shore, a young maid greeted them. She had a simple bob of black hair that barely brushed her shoulders and warm brown eyes that gave her an air of innocence. She looked to be around 18 or 19 years old. After giving the two of them a quick once-over, her eyes widened slightly at the sight of Sylphi.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Rei." The maid greeted them politely, dipping her head in a slight bow while bringing her hands together in front of her. She then turned her attention to Sylphi, a look of curiosity in her eyes. "Forgive me for asking, but are you perhaps an Elisteyone?"

Sylphi raised a curious brow. She hasn’t met a lot of humans before, so she was wondering how this maid may have known.

“Yes, indeed I am. I’m Sylphianna Krivstine Elisteyone.” She replied.

“And I’m Leo, captain of the Damaskus”

"Then let us depart," Rei announced, gesturing towards the two burly men standing by. In response, one of them pushed the rowboat back into the sea with a practiced ease. Sylphi and Leo jumped back in, quickly followed by Rei.

Under Rei's guidance, they embarked on a grand ship anchored offshore. As they drifted further away from the island, Sylphi frequently cast troubled glances back towards the land they had just left. Her brows knitted together in silent contemplation, a clear sign of her apprehension. Observing her distress, Leo attempted to alleviate her concerns.

"Are you worried?" He asked quietly, his gaze tracking hers back to the island. His voice was threaded with a comforting undertone, echoing his faith in their enigmatic companion.

Sylphi clutched at her shoulder, her gaze lowered and her head nodding in a subtle admission of her concern.

'He's resourceful. Don’t worry.’ Leo's silent nod communicated his trust in Lazarus. He had long since acknowledged the man's mysterious skills and vast knowledge. It seemed reasonable to believe Lazarus had his own ways of dealing with this situation, and they had to place their trust in that.

Putting on a brave face, Sylphi managed to squeeze out a smile. She directed her gaze towards the sea, determined not to add to the captain's worries.

As their vessel glided smoothly past vibrant corals and darting fish, she noticed an oddity beneath the water's surface. The sunlight seemed to twist and warp in a specific spot, unlike anything she'd seen before. She squinted, blinking a few times to dispel the illusion. But when she looked again, the anomaly remained, only it seemed to be moving at a remarkable speed.

Once more, she blinked, hoping to clear her vision. But by then, they were further out at sea, the deeper waters obscuring any visibility beneath the surface.

What was that? Sylphi pondered, but soon shrugged off the mystery, her gaze returning to the distant island. Despite her efforts, she couldn't quite quell the worry nagging at the edges of her mind.

—------------------------------------------------------------

The noble's ship was a spectacular floating fortress, its hull shimmering with a deep mahogany hue, carved from ancient, enchanted oaks. A rising sun cresting over a mountain – the symbol of one of the most powerful military Kingdom’s of the humans, the Twilight Kingdom.

The main deck, elegantly lined with gold and silver-accented railings, hosted a grand ship's wheel, while enormous sails of fine elven silk billowed above, displaying the noble's coat of arms. Below deck, luxurious cabins and the noble's opulent quarters exuded grandeur, filled with plush velvet drapes, gem-inlaid mahogany furniture, and a study laden with ancient scrolls. More than transport, this ship was a symbol of the noble's status and a formidable fortress, complete with enchanted cannons and a crew of maids.

That was peculiar.

Sylphi's gaze swept over the bustling ship's crew, her eyes landing on a myriad of faces. Maids of both human and beastkin origins, they filled the ship's deck with a lively energy. What struck her, though, was their uniform beauty. From cute, endearing features to breathtakingly beautiful countenances, each one was aesthetically pleasing. Not a single face fell into the realm of the average or ordinary. It was as if they were handpicked not just for their efficiency but for their looks as well.

Guiding them through the ship's grand interior, Rei led them to their assigned quarters. The idea was to give them time to freshen up before they were presented to the princess of the Twilight Kingdom.

After indulging in a relaxing bath, Sylphi slipped into the outfit that had been laid out for her - a simple, yet elegant, yellow dress. It was a stark contrast to her blue hair and eyes, but it made them pop, highlighting their vibrancy.

Sylphi made her way to the balcony, feeling the breeze play with her hair. The intricacies of human engineering were fascinating, to say the least. Elven vessels were designed with practicality and harmony with nature in mind, often forsaking such luxuries. The sheer opulence of the human ship was unlike anything she had seen before.

"Are you ready?" A familiar voice echoed from the other side of the door. Recognizing it as Rei's, Sylphi responded, "Yes," and moved to exit her room.

Upon stepping out, she found Rei who promptly bowed to her. She couldn't help but notice Leo as well, now dressed in a simple long-sleeved shirt that strained slightly against his muscular build, paired with long black pants. The two exchanged a nod of acknowledgment before Rei turned on her heel, starting to lead them towards the Princess's quarters.

Sylphi couldn’t help but think back to Lazarus on the island as they passed by a couple of corridors.

As they neared the princess's quarters, Sylphi shot a sidelong glance at Leo, curious to gauge his feelings. But instead of the shared concern she anticipated, she saw a flicker of nervousness. It dawned on her that for a man of his station, a mere ship captain, the prospect of meeting royalty could be daunting.

Still, it was a foreign concept for her. In her world, among the Elves, there was no such hierarchy. All were considered equals, with perhaps the exception of their Sage and Priestess. The contrast was certainly intriguing to her.

Rei paused before the grand entrance to the princess's quarters, her knuckles rapping gently against the polished wood. "Princess," she called out, her voice respectful yet clear. "I have brought the guests with me."

The door swung open, and Sylphi's gaze quickly surveyed the room. A jolt of shock ran through her as her eyes landed on a particular figure, and her body went numb, frozen by the sight before her.

There she saw a figure that was strikingly similar to her own. The woman had long elven ears, long wavy blue hair like hers, only it was pulled back into a neat ponytail. She stood a bit taller than Sylphi, but her deep blue eyes mirrored her own – eyes that seemed to hold an ocean's depth of emotions.

Her appearance was breathtaking, radiating an allure that seemed to fill the room. She was clad in a black skirt that was part of her maid uniform, a simple yet fitting attire that managed to enhance her natural beauty further. For a moment, Sylphi stood there, frozen.

Sylphi felt a shiver run down her spine, her entire body going numb. She had seen this face before, a face that should have been lost to the ravages of war. But there she was, standing before her with a practiced smile and a posture that was undeniably noble in its rigidity.

“H-how..?” Sylphi stammered.

"Sylphi, is something the matter?" Leo's concerned voice broke through her daze, but she barely registered it.

Tears welled up in Sylphi's eyes as realization hit her. The woman standing before her wasn't just a doppelganger or a hauntingly familiar face. She was someone much more than that. Swallowing hard, Sylphi's voice came out as a shaky whisper, "M-mom?"

"Sylphianna?" The woman's eyes widened in recognition. After studying Sylphi's face, her gaze subtly shifted to her ears. Her eyes dulled for a moment as she faced them, her hands drifting apart as if to reach out. But before she could react any further--

"Sophirea, isn't it perhaps impolite not to show proper courtesy to our guests?" A voice interjected, pulling her out of her reverie.

Sylplhi glanced where the voice came from and an exquisite beauty stood before them, boasting long, lustrous golden hair that cascaded down to her waist. Two small ringlets were carefully arranged on either side of her cheeks, framing her face perfectly. Her emerald green eyes shone brilliantly, resembling precious gemstones that only further accentuated her stunning visage. She was dressed in a white gown, sparkling diamonds intricately adorned the fabric, amplifying the elegance of her appearance. Atop her head sat a delicate silver tiara, a symbol of her high standing and the cherry on top of her regal presence.

Sophirea blinked, a faint twitch betraying her surprise as the light returned to her eyes. She gave her head a little shake, as though dispelling the ghost of a memory that seemed to have momentarily possessed her.

"Right, my apologies, princess." Sophirea quickly composed herself, clasping the hem of her skirt and executing a neat curtsy. "I am Sophirea Krivstine Elisteyone. It's a pleasure to meet you both."

"So, it's really you...? Mother?" Sylphi's voice was a mere whisper, choked with emotion. The feeling was overwhelming, a tsunami of relief and joy, disbelief and a poignant sadness that ached to her very core. It was like she was trapped in an impossible dream, a mirage she had yearned for in countless nights of mourning. Her heart swelled with a love she thought was lost, and it throbbed painfully, the wound of her mother's supposed death still fresh even after all this time. It was a maelstrom of emotions that threatened to shatter her, yet also held the potential to rebuild her in a way she hadn't dared to imagine.

"Yes, it is," Sophirea affirmed with a tender smile.

That simple acknowledgment acted as the breaking of a dam within Sylphi. The joy, the relief, the rekindled love - they all surged forth like a torrential river, bursting from her heart. Without thinking, Sylphi leapt forward, propelled by her overwhelming emotions.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lazarus POV:

Invisible to the naked eye, Lazarus was leaning against the wooden wall of the ship, watching as Sylphi and Leo entered the room together with the maid. Upon sight of the golden-haired princess, his brows furrowed in suspicion – for some reason, she seemed familiar. Maybe–

A sharp pain stabbed at his head. Images began to flicker rapidly before his eyes like a film reel gone wild. An intense feeling of rage consumed him as a scene unfolded in his mind - a young girl with ringlets assaulting him, hitting him repeatedly. Bizarrely, Lazarus could feel the exact emotions he'd experienced in that moment.

-'Could this be a memory from my past?'-

As the memory continued to play out, he saw himself retaliate, raising a book and striking the girl on her head, causing her to bleed. He snickered, watching the young girl getting her just desserts. His past, it seemed, was a lot more complex than he'd initially realized.

More images pertaining to this blond princess played in his mind and after replaying it, he felt a pure white hot hatred for the woman. The emotions he felt as a child conflicted with the indifference he felt now like a swirl of vortex. And then slowly, it died down until only but few embers of hatred lingered.

Taken aback, Lazarus found himself sweating, a heavy fog of shock enshrouding him. The barrage of memories hadn't revealed everything, but they had painted a vivid picture of the woman – she was a bitch in every sense of the word.

His thoughts, however, were abruptly interrupted as his gaze landed on the blue-haired elven woman standing beside the golden-haired princess. His eyes widened in disbelief. She was the spitting image of Sylphi. The recognition was immediate and unquestionable - this was not a mere resemblance, but an uncanny mirror image. The realization was overwhelming, leaving Lazarus struggling to process it all.

As Sylphi and her mother finished their brief exchange, the young elf suddenly propelled herself towards her long-lost parent. Rei, in an instinctive response, reached out to restrain her, but Sylphi was too swift.

The princess, too, quickly tried to extend a hand. Her voice filled with urgency, she exclaimed, "Wait!" But her cautionary call echoed in the room a moment too late.

Sylphi wrapped her arms tightly around her mother, her body shaking with sobs that erupted from the very depths of her being. The moment was steeped in a century's worth of longing and despair; her mother's absence had been a haunting specter since the end of the war, her silence equated to an irrevocable loss. But now, against all odds, she was here, solid and real in Sylphi's arms. The torrent of relief and joy was overwhelming, a dam of repressed emotions bursting forth without restraint.

Lazarus's shock at the sudden display of affection was quickly replaced by a deep frown. The look of sheer disgust that contorted Sophirea's face, as if she was being wrapped by something repulsive, struck a chord of unease in him. The blatant contradiction between the reunion of a mother and daughter and Sophirea's revulsion was jarring, to say the least.

“Sophirea.” Upon hearing Rei's reprimanding tone, quickly readjusted her features. With a swift, almost unconscious glance at Rei, her visage transformed, shifting from surprise to a perfected, warm smile. Holding Sylphi closer, she began to console her like a loving mother, her voice as soothing as a soft lullaby.

"There, there," she cooed, gently patting the distressed elf. Despite the affectionate facade, her eyes couldn't quite conceal the detached indifference lurking beneath.

Lazarus shifted his attention to Leo, checking to see if the captain had picked up on the same strange behavior. However, Leo appeared completely oblivious, his attention fixated on the golden-haired princess. He kept glancing between her and the floor, his forehead beaded with nervous sweat, his cheeks subtly flushing.

Clearly, the captain was too enthralled by the royalty to notice the subtle undercurrent of tension in the room. Lazarus sighed inwardly, once again left alone with his worries and suspicions.

The heartfelt reunion unfolded before Lazarus's eyes. Sylphi hugged Sophirea even tighter, her choked sobs echoing through the room. Her usually composed demeanor was replaced by raw vulnerability, and even her stoic eyes, usually the color of a clear blue sky, were clouded with tears of joy.

Despite the strange and oddly cold reaction from Sophirea, the emotion in the room was palpable. The elven woman patted Sylphi's back gently, maintaining her smiling facade. The sight, however, caused Lazarus's gut to churn. He knew there was more to this than what met the eye, but for now, he could only silently observe.

The princess and Rei both breathe a sigh of relief. And eventually, Sylphi calmed down enough not to be a sobbing mess.

As he watched the mother-daughter reunion, his thoughts unexpectedly strayed towards his own upbringing. Unlike Sylphi, he had only known one parent—Rex. He never had a mother. He wondered why Rex hadn't created an AI companion, a 'mother' to share in raising him. Still he was grateful to the old man nonetheless.

-=”You did have a mother”=- A deep robotic voice reminded him

-’I did?’- Lazarus wondered.

-=”The parent you had before meeting Doctor Rex Hargreave”=-

Lazarus internally scoffed. Yet, his brow furrowed in contemplation. His reaction was swift and surprisingly intense, considering his hazy memories of his birth mother. Deep within him, an unfamiliar feeling surfaced – a potent mixture of resentment and repulsion that churned his stomach. He didn't understand why, but these emotions were real, visceral, and utterly confusing.

"Please excuse my intrusion on your wonderful reunion, but it would be more pleasant if we sat down for a cup of tea while the both of you catch up, wouldn't it?" a soft elegant voice echoed from behind Sylphi's mother.

Sylphi half-released her mother and turned to look, only to be met with a pair of emerald eyes sparkling with delight. A golden-haired beauty stood behind her mother, her poise regal and her demeanor enchanting. The princess of the Twilight Kingdom.

"Ah, it appears I may have neglected to provide proper introductions. I am Anastasia Valheart, the first princess of the Twilight Kingdom. It is indeed a pleasure to meet you both," she declared, her voice laced with refined etiquette and royal cordiality.

-'So, her name's Anastasia,'- Lazarus Noted. He had simply dubbed her 'Ana' in his recollections, assuming that was her full name. Turns out it was just an abbreviation. If he were to have retained his previous surname, he'd be known as Lazarus Valheart. But somehow, that didn't sit quite right with him. The moniker Lazarus Hargreave, however, had a more genuine feel, like it fitted him better.

"Er... I'm Leo, Captain of the Wave Surfer," he managed to stammer out, lowering his head in an awkward blend of nervousness and deference.

"I'm Sylphiana Krivstene Elisteyone," Sylphi introduced herself, delicately wiping away lingering tears from the corners of her eyes.

"Now then, Rei, are the preparations complete?" Anastasia inquired, her gaze shifting to her attendant.

"Yes, Your Highness," Rei responded with a swift nod.

"Excellent!" Anastasia exclaimed, a touch of satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. She then redirected her attention to Leo and Sylphi. "Let's move to the hall then, where we can discuss matters in more detail."

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Within the spacious confines of a grand ship, a diverse trio had gathered around a polished green marble table. A princess, a muscular man in white shirt, and an elf, each seated in silent contemplation. A gaggle of maids encircled the table, their hands clasped neatly in front of them, backs straightened in a display of formal discipline. Among them, immediately next to Princess Anastasia, stood Sophirea and Rei, their attentive gazes never straying far from their royal charge.

There was another presence too, unnoticed, its invisibility rendering it a mere spectator to the unfolding conversation.

Princess Anastasia, the royal figure in this ensemble, was adorned in a pristine white dress speckled with various decorative gems. A petite silver tiara rested upon her head, accentuating her regal charm. She was undeniably beautiful, as any princess ought to be, her radiance only enhanced by her dignified demeanor.

The table was resplendent with an assortment of confections - a myriad of cakes, pastries, and sweets of all shapes and sizes. Their tempting aromas filled the room, adding to the welcoming ambiance.

"Princess, we're really grateful that you saved us. I had resigned myself to the thought of staying on that island for a long while," Leo confessed, scratching the back of his head in a bashful gesture.

"Please, think nothing of it," Anastasia responded, her features softening into a gentle smile. "Most of what I know about your predicament comes from Sophirea, and the message your avian companion delivered. It's truly regrettable that you were cast adrift due to those violent storms."

"Even so, I could never have imagined that it was my mother onboard that ship," Sylphi mused, her gaze shifting to Sophirea. Upon catching her daughter's look, Sophirea responded with a gentle, reassuring smile.

"However, I must confess to being rather intrigued by your adventures. Although I have been briefed about your ordeal at sea, the finer details remain a mystery to me," Anastasia admitted, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Leo, seizing the opportunity to impress the princess, chuckled. “Well, your highness. Believe it or not, we were consumed by none other than the legendary 'Leviathan.’”

Anastasia's mouth fell open slightly, while Rei and Sophirea turned to look at Leo. The gasps of the surrounding maids were audible.

“That-.." Anastasia seemed taken aback, clearly skeptical. Leo immediately glanced at Sylphi for confirmation, and recognizing Leo's desire to brag, she nodded.

“It's true. We were swallowed by a colossal creature and were plunged into the depths of the sea."

Again, the maids gasped. While humans were known for their tall tales, elves were renowned for their honesty, which lent Sylphi's words greater credibility.

“Then what happened?” Anastasia pressed, her interest clearly piqued.

“Well, there was a–” Leo began, but his words were cut off as he winced, a pained expression crossing his face.

“Is something amiss?” Anastasia inquired, her eyebrows knitting together in concern.

Leo quickly recovered, gritting his teeth as he endured the discomfort of Sylphi's heel digging into his foot. “W-well, we used our magic. Since the beast decided to swallow us whole, we found ourselves unharmed inside its belly.”

“And then?” Anastasia prompted, leaning in closer.

The story continued as Leo tried to recount his stories as best as he could while leaving Lazarus out of the details. Lazarus silently thanke Sylphi, glad that she had managed to rein in the muscle head from even talking about him.

The conversation drifted on, marked by easy exchanges and the casual intimacy of shared refreshments. Leo indulged his sweet tooth, reaching frequently for the confections, while Sylphi displayed a preference for the more wholesome offerings, sticking primarily to salads.

Lazarus' thoughts wandered, his interest waning as the conversation remained on mundane topics such as the weather and the ship's architecture. A glance at his HUD revealed his cloak energy was down to a measly 63% - a level it had never dipped to before, given his usual short-term usage.

The tale spun on, with Anastasia querying minute details like how they sourced water. Leo covered his tracks by claiming that the island had fresh water due to a recent storm.

Anastasia flashed a warm smile at the conclusion of the story. “I'm truly glad it was I who chanced upon you. If not, I would have been denied this riveting account of your adventure. In exchange for such a captivating story, I'd like to offer some form of recompense, should you desire it.”

Leo, taken aback, looked away bashfully. “Well, uh... You've already saved us, your Highness. There's really no need. If anything, we are the ones who should be seeking ways to repay your kindness.”

"Certainly, there's no obligation. As royalty, it's our duty to assist those in need," Anastasia replied, flashing a radiant smile. Leo found himself spellbound by the close-up smile of such a stunning princess.

"But your highness, I insist!" Leo interjected quickly. "Please, tell us how we can be of service..." His voice trailed off, waiting for her to fill the void with a request.

“It is customary for Elves to pay for a favor. So I insist as well.” Sylphi added.

A knowing smile graced Anastasia's lips at his words, as though she had been expecting this very declaration. Lazarus didn't miss the subtle shift in her expression, his brow furrowing in response.

"Then, I accept," Anastasia responded, a soft smile gracing her lips as she placed a hand on her chest. "It would indeed be unbecoming of me to reject such earnest goodwill." Her words were met with nods of approval from around the room, yet Lazarus continued to observe her with a skeptical gaze.

“Then, please tell us what you have in mind, your highness?” Leo asked.

"Are you familiar with the exiled Prince of the Twilight Kingdom?" Anastasia posed her question into the quiet space.

Lazarus' eyes instantly narrowed at the mention of the prince, a subtle change in his otherwise composed demeanor.