Chapter 5
Inside the castle walls, all was in disarray. Due to the king's lack of ability to make important and lifesaving decisions, many concerned citizens and other forms of royalty waited with hardening impatience to speak with the leader. However, as they took notice of the log of Holy lumber being transported by these six, leeway was given for them. Up two, seemingly steeper, staircases the wood was carried by this small female; the group lagging behind her displaying utter astonishment at her incredible tenacity.
As they approached the king's resting chamber, the knight guards standing watch tensed, but became relieved as they saw Presea in the group. They noiselessly nudged the double-doors open and allowed entry. The Princess Hilda, at the king's sickly side, quickly flung her head up and glared menacing at the intruders.
"Wh-who are you people," she stammered, her face red with tears. "And why are you here?"
Lloyd stepped forward and presented the billet to the Princess, then said disrespectfully, "This letter's for the king, Your Highness. It's from Sheena, of Mizuho."
Hilda inhaled sharply, taken aback. She snatched the note from the swordsman's hand and furious ripped it open. After scanning it for a moment, she held it to the king at eye level. He opened his eyes to read, as instructed, and then fell back into his pillow with a loud heave and a tap on his daughter's hand. He then motioned her closer and relayed an inaudible message to her. She stood, bowed deeply, and then requested that the group be taken to a guest bedroom to await an answer. They complied, and waited therein for a time before the Pope entered the room with an answer.
"His Highness has accepted your request to travel the entirety of Tethe'alla," he said, flustered. "He also requests that that young girl with you be relieved of her duties, for he has accepted her fifteen years of service and now wishes to reward her loyalty and obedience."
Every individual in the chamber became wide-eyed and glanced back at the short, pink-haired girl standing in the corner. Lloyd's jaw hung open for a few moments, while Raine and Colette simply stared.
"Fi... fifteen years!?" cried a voice from the far end of the resting chamber.
Presea recognized the cry as coming from Zelos Wilder. He was the foremost foolhardy womanizer in the land of Tethe'alla. Moreover, he was the Chosen of Mana. This individual was taught to be the most respected person in the land and was treated as such, lavished with gifts and riches. Furthermore, he was blessed with an uncanny allurement that seemed to entrap every female except her. He is overdressed in an immodest veneer that conceals his true nature; however much it complements his long burgundy locks.
Zelos spoke again, still in astonishment. "That's incredible! I can't believe it; she's no taller than a ten-year-old!"
Presea bore no reaction to this statement, simply saying, "I am the height of an underdeveloped child of a dozen years."
"Be silent!" commanded the Pope. "His Highness also wishes that The Chosen accompany you on your journey to validate the authenticity of your quest."
Zelos brushed a strand of hair from his view, then stated, rather reluctantly, "I'll be in the Chapel preparing. Meet me there when you guys are ready to go." The Chosen then made a hasty exit, bursting out the door and down the grand hallway.
The Pope took his leave, and then exited as well.