Crisis of the Kingdom

The interior of the royal council chamber was bathed in the morning sunlight streaming through the sapphire pillars, creating a solemn atmosphere. This chamber was one of the most cherished spaces, where countless important decisions had been made and the fate of the kingdom had been discussed.

However, the news brought by the baron today was starkly different from the peaceful ambiance of the chamber.

“I understand that the captain of the Second Knight Order, Rowen, and nobles like Count Walter and Count Birdan were followers of the Evil God. And that three years ago, Sir Edgar pursued Duke Crosby and the others, resulting in the duke’s death.”

Chancellor Valerius spoke slowly, his gray beard trembling with each word. His eyes were filled with suspicion, and he was known as the most trustworthy advisor, never swayed by frivolous tales.

“But the one who eliminated them was the flower, the target of the Shia Kalt expedition? A flower that can transform into a human and even slay demons as Michel’s Apostle?”

Valerius asked incredulously, his voice laced with mockery. I empathized with his reaction; the story sounded more absurd than any folktale.

“Your Majesty, it is true,” Count Hind replied with a serious expression, his eyes filled with earnestness.

“I swear on my honor, not a single word is false. I witnessed it with my own eyes.”

Edgar nodded in agreement, his face unwavering, resembling a devout priest. Glancing at both men, I knew Count Hind had always been loyal, and his son Edgar was a brave knight. Yet, the story was preposterous.

How could a flower transform into a human? And be Michel’s Apostle? If such a thing were possible, this world would be far stranger than I imagined. It would make more sense if they were under a mind control spell. But the House of Hind had always been loyal, with no reason to deceive.

“Count, you are known for your bravery and loyalty, but even you must admit this tale is hard to believe. I have summoned all individuals related to this incident. Why did that flower… or person not accompany you? Words alone are not enough to be believed.”

The count hesitated, his eyes filled with distress.

“Your Majesty, Lady Lycoris is resting…”

Before he could finish, Valerius interrupted, his face red with rage.

“What! How dare you disregard the king’s orders so lightly, Count! You seem to have forgotten your duty to the royal family! And referring to her as ‘Lycoris’ with such reverence!”

“Enough, Valerius,” I said, raising my hand to calm him. “Count Hind must have had his reasons. Don’t you think so, Count?”

The count bowed.

“Your Majesty, I was disrespectful. But Lady Lycoris is no ordinary being. Her power is beyond imagination. And…”

“And?”

“Her personality is… unpredictable. If she were here, something terrible might…”

Before the count could finish, a sudden commotion erupted. The sound of clattering armor filled the room as several knights rushed in.

“What is the meaning of this uproar?” Valerius demanded, standing immediately.

“Your Majesty! An intruder has been spotted! A small girl and insect monsters are overpowering the knights and destroying the castle!”

The guard captain reported, his forehead dripping with sweat.

“A girl? Insect monsters?”

Eyes turned to Count Hind and Edgar, whose faces had suddenly paled, as if they knew what was happening.

“It seems to be her…” Edgar muttered, his voice tinged with anxiety.

“What is the meaning of this? Is that absurd story about the flower actually true? Your Majesty, this must be some trick!”

Valerius exclaimed, his face a mix of horror and disbelief.

“It is no trick!” Count Hind declared firmly.

“We do not know why she has come! I swear on my honor…”

“If you do not know, it is even more alarming,” Valerius interrupted.

“An uncontrollable entity in the castle is a threat to the entire kingdom!”

“Enough!” I commanded, raising my hand to stop their argument. “This is no time for debate.”

“Count Hind, is the girl the captain spoke of truly the ‘flower’ you mentioned?”

The count nodded.

“Yes, Your Majesty. It must be Lady Lycoris.”

Quickly assessing the situation, what had seemed like an unbelievable tale just moments ago had become reality. As the king, I had to remain calm.

“Subdue her and bring her here at once.”

The knights exchanged glances, and the guard captain finally shook his head.

“It’s… Your Majesty, she is too strong. Dozens of knights have already fallen. She is no ordinary mage. She summons roots from the ground, collapses the walls, and scatters paralyzing pollen.”

“The castle has nearly a hundred knights. Are you saying she is unstoppable?”

My voice rose, filled with anger and fear.

“What of the First Knight Order? The guards?”

“All have been neutralized, Your Majesty. She is like a calamity.”

The guard captain bowed, sweat dripping from his brow.

“We will go,” Count Hind and Edgar said in unison, rising.

Their faces showed fear but also determination.

“Count, can you and your son stop her?”

The count hesitated.

“We cannot stop her, Your Majesty. But we might be able to calm her down. She will recognize us.”

Valerius grabbed my arm quickly.

“Your Majesty, it would be wise to retreat. This is clearly a rebellion or an invasion. Your safety is paramount!”

I pondered for a moment. Running away wounded my pride, but as the king, I had to oversee and control the situation. However, I also knew not to act rashly.

Curiosity and responsibility overcame fear.

“No, I must see this for myself.”

I said firmly.

“If this ‘flower’ is as powerful as the count claims, hiding will do no good. It might be better to meet her and talk.”

Valerius wanted to object but saw my resolve and remained silent. I called for additional guards and, accompanied by Count Hind, Edgar, and Valerius, headed toward the commotion.

Passing through the palace corridor and descending the marble stairs, signs of destruction became more apparent. Cracks appeared on the walls, and fragments of the ceiling fell. Several chandeliers lay shattered on the floor.

This castle, built during the kingdom’s heyday two centuries ago, was a symbol of royal authority and the glory of our dynasty, a testament to the nation’s prosperity. Yet, all that history and tradition were crumbling under the hands of a single girl.

Upon arriving at the grand hall, the sight was shocking. The castle was entwined and shattered by massive black roots, and dozens of knights lay paralyzed like statues. The grand chandeliers, once the pride of the castle, were shattered on the floor. The pillars of the grand hall were half-destroyed, and black roots sprouted through the cracks in the floor.

And in the center of this chaos stood a girl. With crimson eyes, she appeared youthful but radiated immense presence. Dressed in a black dress, her red eyes resembled blood. Around her were giant ice wasps, red and blue butterflies, and strange metallic orbs. A large wasp leaned against the wall, while a butterfly gazed at me curiously. Behind her stood a young man who seemed to be a mage and another girl, both in awkward stances.

The girl’s gaze met mine, filled with curiosity and arrogance. Was this truly the flower they spoke of?

“Hm? You must be the ruler of this land. The presence of the count and Edgar is most welcome.”

The girl spoke in an elegant yet arrogant tone, her mannerisms like those of a high noble. Yet, her words were laced with disdain.

I blinked. No one had ever addressed me so casually.

“Lady Lycoris! What are you doing?”

Count Hind shouted, his voice filled with dismay.

“Naturally. I am meting out punishment. The Goddess of Revenge shall bring her blade down through blood and slaughter.”

Her calm, elegant voice echoed through the hall. In that moment, everything seemed to freeze. The knights’ breathing was inaudible, and no one dared move.

Before the crimson-eyed girl’s judgment, the kingdom, proud of its century-long history, trembled like a falling leaf. The fate of the kingdom now rested in the hands of a single flower.