I ran my fingers through my flowing mane of grey hair, relishing the contrast it presented to the wisps that once graced my head as a child. Standing before the mirror, I surveyed the reflection that stared back at me—the embodiment of my teenage self. No longer did chubby cheeks and youthful innocence define me; in their place stood a lean and confident figure, with my eyes retaining their enigmatic shade of green.
Seeking a brief respite from the mounting workload, I found solace within the library's restroom. The summer heat had left me sweating profusely, prompting frequent visits to rinse my hair and wash my face. After drying my hair and gently patting my face dry with a towel, I retrieved the hairband I had placed on the counter. Methodically, I gathered my flowing locks and secured them in a ponytail, ensuring they wouldn't obstruct my view. One last glance in the mirror affirmed my composed appearance before I grasped the door handle, ready to tidy up the study room and call it a day.
As I settled back into the study, my gaze fell upon the stack of reports occupying the left side of my table—a testament to the relentless flow of information that had consumed my recent days.
For years, I had been receiving these reports from the Kingdom's Spymaster, documenting the disappearances of families without a trace. Their vanishing had become the fuel for rampant rumours among the people, who in their fears pointed accusatory fingers at the Witches as the culprits.
The mysterious disappearance of families had been occurring for several years now, with the culprits eluding capture at every turn. Each year witnessed the vanishing of four to five families, seemingly without any discernible patterns connecting them. It would be convenient to attribute this mystery to the Church, considering their enigmatic recruitment drive and the accusations levied against Witches. Yet, we had found no substantial evidence to support such claims. In fact, we had discovered little clues, if any at all. The families had seemingly vanished into thin air, leaving behind a slew of unanswered questions.
It had been twelve years since the assassination attempt on Mother. While we were aware that the Church was the primary perpetrator, the evidence we had painstakingly gathered was insufficient to directly implicate them. Our neighbouring kingdoms, weakened by years of exploitation by both their nobility and the Church, were too feeble to impose meaningful sanctions against the Church. Military action, on the other hand, would likely result in a pyrrhic victory for our Kingdom, and that is if the Church didn't secretly possess their own secret weapons.
The Church had persistently pursued their recruitment programs. However, despite their efforts, there were no visible outcomes. Their military presence had only marginally expanded over the years, and their personnel remained largely unchanged. Their insatiable appetite for manpower didn't make any sense, and this is worrying. Father had diligently exercised his authority to curb the Church's recruitment activities, but despite his efforts, zealous individuals continued to find ways to rally under the Church's banner.
In an attempt to counter the Church's growing influence over the people of our Kingdom, Father decided to announce a Diplomatic Summit. This summit would bring together the sympathetic Nobles of the Kingdom at the Palace to discuss future relations with the Church. Many nobles harboured resentment towards the Church due to their recruitment campaigns, which had caused an exodus of people from their cities, resulting in reduced income and diminished power for the nobility. The diplomatic summit was cleverly disguised as an event to unveil the grand ballroom, diverting the Church's attention from the real purpose of the gathering, with the ballroom event taking place tomorrow evening.
As I carefully organised the reports, placing them neatly into my briefcase, my attention turned to the book resting on the right side of the table. Its worn pages held a treasure trove of plans and ideas, encompassing more than just mundane matters. Among the designs for firearms and various weapons, I had ventured into some magical ideas I had, delving into the creation of enchanted brooms and a few other magical artefacts. I had even gifted functional brooms to the mages residing in the palace.
This book had evolved into my personal repository of knowledge, whatever concepts I knew written down within its pages. In addition to the weapons and magical devices, it also contained blueprints aimed at enhancing agricultural output and policy proposals for fostering prosperity in our Kingdom. Recognising the importance of establishing a solid foundation, I had embraced the notion of building a power base to bring my vision to life—a peaceful coexistence between mages and ordinary people; a place I called Avalon.
However, there were limits to what I could accomplish alone. While my knowledge in weaponry was vast, my knowledge in other fields remained rudimentary at best. Building the place of my dreams required not only knowledges of war and conquest, it also require knowledge for progress and innovation, knowledge in which I hope my friends from both old and new world can assist me with.
Speaking of friends, although we hadn't met face to face, I had been corresponding with Neville and Daphne, both introduced to me through Luna. Luna's whimsical travels had brought her to City of Evernight, where she met Daphne, daughter of the Northern Duke, Calvin Kant. On the other hand, Neville hailed from Border Town, a settlement to the west of the capital, near the kingdom's wilderness border, where Luna encountered him. Both of them would be attending the ball tomorrow, and I eagerly anticipated reuniting with them after a long time.
Packing up my belongings into the briefcase, I took a final look around the room to ensure nothing was left behind. Satisfied, I nodded to myself and closed the briefcase. With a snap of my fingers, I dispelled the lumos enchantment embedded in the room and exited, making my way towards my Chamber for an early rest. I'm going to sell my dreams to my friends tomorrow, after all. I need all the rest I can get.
As Emily walked beside me, we made our way down the corridor towards Tilly's and Garcia's Chambers. For the evening's ball, I had chosen a simple yet elegant outfit—a tailored black suit fashioned from a fine, lightweight fabric. Its draping contours gracefully enveloped my frame, showcasing the impeccable craftsmanship that went into its creation.
The suit jacket boasted a timeless design with a single-breasted silhouette, accentuated by subtle satin lapels. Forgoing any fancy embellishments, its simplicity allowed the attention to shift towards the refined details and expert tailoring.
Underneath the jacket, a crisp white dress shirt added a pristine touch. Meticulously pressed and flawlessly tucked into the waistband of my trousers, it presented a clean and polished appearance. The shirt's collar discreetly peeked out, lending an air of sophistication to the ensemble.
Completing the ensemble were impeccably tailored black trousers that matched the suit jacket. With a comfortable yet refined fit, they epitomised both confidence and style. For my footwear, I adorned a polished black dress shoes. Their sleek and understated design harmonised effortlessly with the overall aesthetic I aimed to achieve.
"Will the friends you have been corresponding with attend the ball?" Emily asked. She had known of our correspondences, and is well aware of my Avalon plan, the only one besides my family.
"Yes, I will be meeting them at the ball. I'm going to get them on board my Avalon plan." I responded to her question. She hummed, but I saw a small from etched on her face.
"Is that wise? I know you have been exchanging letters with them for a few years, but you shouldn't believe someone you haven't met face to face." Emily said to me, Concern dripping in her tone.
I chuckled. "There's no need to worry about that, Emily. They are both of our kind, after all." At lease I hope they are. We never really talked about magical matters over letter, in fear of the Church getting wind of our correspondence. Luna, when asked, simply responded with an innocent smile before disappearing into her whimsical adventures.
Emily hummed, but she clearly is still not convinced. "I see. I want to join in this meeting then. I'd like to get a measure of these individuals myself." She said bluntly.
I shrugged casually, appreciating her bluntness. "I'd appreciate that. You're more my secretary than you are my maid nowadays, so I'd like you to be in any important discussions I'd have." I said, emphasising the importance of her role in my life. She had proven herself to be my most loyal and trustworthy confidant, someone I relied upon outside of my immediate family.
She chuckled warmly, playfully giving me a side hug. "Well, it's a good thing someone's here to keep your life on track. Otherwise, you'd probably spend all your days lost in the depths of the library," she remarked in a good-natured manner. It always amazed me how effortlessly she could deliver sharp remarks with a light-hearted tone.
As we approached Tilly's and Garcia's Chambers, I realised that Garcia was occupied helping Mother prepare for the ball, which meant I would only be escorting Tilly for the night. When we rounded the final corner, Tilly and her attendants were already waiting outside her chamber.
Tilly has an enchanting presence that captivates him with her adorable and innocent appearance. With her bright green eyes, she possesses a gaze that sparkles with curiosity and intelligence, reflecting the depths of her keen intellect. Her shoulder-length grey flowing hair adds a touch of uniqueness to her overall charm, giving away an aura of sophisticated innocence.
Despite her tender age, Tilly possesses an intuition beyond her years. Her ability to effortlessly perceive the unspoken thoughts and emotions of others based on subtle cues fascinates me, as she often seems to have an uncanny understanding of people's innermost feelings. It's as if she possesses a sixth sense, effortlessly deciphering the unspoken messages conveyed through the emotions others would display.
Underneath her innocent exterior, Tilly harbours a keen intellect and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Her inquisitive mind constantly seeks to unravel the mysteries of the world around her, and she eagerly delves into books and learning with a voracious appetite. Her intelligence shines through in her observations and insightful remarks, often coming up with solutions I would have never thought of.
Tilly dons a delightful gown featuring a high neckline and long sleeves, crafted from a soft, pastel-coloured fabric that drapes elegantly. The bodice is gently fitted, accentuating her youthful figure while maintaining a sense of modesty. The flowing skirt, reaching down to her ankles, is crafted from a lightweight fabric, draping softly and creating a sense of graceful movement. Delicate lace trims and subtle floral embroidery add subtle touches of femininity and whimsy to the overall design.
Noticing my presence, Tilly sighed. "Finally, you're here," she remarked, narrowing her eyes. "Why do you seem tense? Planning a secret rendezvous with your girlfriend?" she teased, causing me to sputter in response.
Emily interjected with a smirk, "Heh, I'd be surprised if he did. His only true love is books, after all." Her sharp comment lightened the moment as we realised we were running late. "Apologies for the delay," I said apologetically.
"Well, at least you're here now." Tilly dismissed my apologies with a wave of her hand. "So, what's been making you nervous?" she pressed, her curiosity evident.
I sighed, knowing she wouldn't let it go. "Well, tonight at the ball, I'll be meeting some friends of our kind that I've been corresponding with through letters. I'm hoping to discuss and invite them to join that initiative of mine," I explained cryptically, trusting that only Tilly and Emily would understand the hidden meaning behind my words.
Tilly's eyes sparkled with comprehension. "I see," she murmured, her expression turning thoughtful. She then narrowed her eyes, a sense of deja vu washing over me. "Are you sure that's wise? I'd say go for it if you have actually met them, but trusting acquaintances that you have only ever contacted through letters seems like a st… unwise decision, one I don't think you'd take," she voiced her concern, which shot straight through my heart. I expected a sharp remark from her, but I didn't expect it to be that sharp.
Emily couldn't contain her laughter at Tilly's remark. "Hahaha! Looks like Tilly agrees with me too!" she chimed in hysterically.
I grumbled in response to their banter. "Why don't you join our meeting then? You're the smartest one among us, your insights would be invaluable," I invited Tilly, which she nodded to, before shooting her a pointed look. "And let's not forget, I'm not the only 'unwise' one here. You've been soaring through the city's skies on your broom almost every day. I'm surprised the Church hasn't come knocking on your door," I retorted. Yes, she is a witch.
Tilly blushed, her confidence momentarily faltering. "W… well, I've been cautious. I always cast a Disillusionment Charm on myself before taking my broom for a spin," she stammered in response. I chuckled and affectionately ruffled her hair. "I've been just as cautious with this meeting. I'm sure everything will go as expected. Now, let's head to the ballroom. You look absolutely stunning in that dress, Emily. It would be a shame not to let others admire your beauty," I complimented, my hand continuing to ruffle her hair.
"Uh… um… Thank you," Tilly murmured, a slight blush tinting her cheeks. I chuckled, feeling victorious in this exchange… or at least I think I was.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to Prince Harold Wimbledon and Princess Tilly Wimbledon of the Kingdom of Graycastle, as they grace us with their presence at this magnificent ball! Let us honor their arrival and join them in celebrating this joyous occasion!"
We heard the master of ceremonies announced our arrival to the grand ballroom as we made our way through the ornate doors. The gazes of the gathered nobles immediately turned towards us. Most greeted us with a respectful bow, while others nodded deeply in acknowledgement. After reciprocating with a gracious bow, we gracefully entered the ballroom, accompanied by our entourages.
The ball was already in full swing, with nobles gathered around the banquet table, engaged in lively conversations and enjoying the delicacies on offer. The dance floor was a whirl of couples gracefully moving to the enchanting melody of a minuet. Eager to partake in the festivities, I wasted no time and headed straight for the dance floor, prompting the young ladies to start moving towards the dance floor as well. I felt a small grin tugging on my lips.
Upon reaching the dance floor, I extended my left hand to Tilly, inviting her for the first dance of the night. A radiant smile graced her face as she placed her right hand in mine, and we glided across the floor, seamlessly synchronising our movements to the soothing music.
After our dance, Tilly was invited by another young nobleman, while I sought the company of a captivating young lady who had caught my attention. Extending my left hand towards her, she responded with a soft giggle and a blush before placing her right hand in mine. Together, we embarked on a waltz, swaying to a tune reminiscent of Tchaikovsky's Waltz from Swan Lake. Our dance exuded a romantic and dreamy ambiance, leaving the other ladies watching with sighs of admiration.
As the night progressed, I had the pleasure of dancing with several other ladies, each conversation and movement creating memories that would last a lifetime. Eventually, I concluded my dancing spree with a graceful bow, acknowledging the growing crowd. The hall erupted in a resounding applause, yet amidst the ovation, I could sense the hint of disappointment from those who had yearned for their chance for a dance with me.
With a bounce in my step, I headed towards the banquet table. This is bound to be a night to remember, I'm sure. As I surveyed the room, my gaze met Garcia's, and she responded with a wry grin, shaking her head and chuckling softly.
I heard Emily's teasing remark, "Seems someone can't keep it in his pants," prompting me to turn and find both Emily and Tilly making their way towards me.
Chuckling, I ran my fingers through my hair, exuding a hint of self-assuredness. "What can I say? I'm simply irresistible," I replied, my tone laced with playful arrogance.
Tilly shook her head, a look of mild exasperation on her face. "Please spare the ladies any false hopes; we're not interested in witnessing your lovers' quarrels."
"Ah, but my devotion knows no bounds. It is my responsibility as a prince to attend to my subject's desires," I sighed dramatically.
Before Tilly could retort, a distinct feminine voice interjected, dripping with disdain. "Ugh, Puh-Lease. No woman would come within ten meters of you if they ever engaged in a proper conversation."
Intrigued, I turned my head, searching for the lady with the scathing remark. And there they stood, two familiar faces: Neville and Daphne. A genuine smile spread across my face as I greeted them. "It's been too long, Daphne, Neville." Neville approached me for a warm embrace, while Daphne offered a polite bow and an unexpected smile, defying my previous expectations.
Neville chuckled as he hugged me, patting my back. "Glad to see you doing well, Harry," he said with genuine warmth.
Returning his chuckle, I couldn't help but let my smile widen. "Neville, my friend, I am living the dream. And meeting you two just adds to the magic of this night."
Stepping out of the embrace, I noticed Neville giving me a wry smile. "Ah, you sure you meant that, Harry? I saw how many ladies wanting a dance with you. I was starting to fear you'd forget about us and dance the night away," he teased, his eyes glancing towards the bustling dance floor.
I chuckled playfully, pretending to consider Neville's concern. "Oh, Neville, you caught me red-handed. The ladies of the Kingdom just can't resist me." I winked at him, teasingly.
Daphne joined in, rolling her eyes dramatically. "It's good we made our way towards you, then. We wouldn't want you disappearing into the arms of every lady in the kingdom, now would we?"
Feigning a look of innocence, I placed a hand over my heart. "Oh, but fear not, Daphne. I'd be a happy man if you'd allow me the honour of a dance, My lady," I proposed, extending my left hand towards her while executing an exaggerated bow.
Daphne couldn't help but smack me over the head, though a small blush adorned her cheeks. That's a big win for me. "You're insufferable, Potter," she muttered with a begrudging grin.
Neville smirked and interjected, "Seems like you never outgrew your mischievous ways, Harry."
I laughed, extending my arm towards them. "Never, my friends. Now, how about we make our way up to the Terrace? It's quieter there, and we can continue our delightful conversation without any interruptions."
Daphne and Neville exchanged glances before nodding in agreement, and we began making our way towards the Terrace.
We gathered at a table on the terrace, settling ourselves into the plush is still at the ballroom, conversing with a few girls her age, while Emily is getting us some foods and drinks. I decided to use this opportunity to ask some… sensitive questions.
"So, Neville," I began, my gaze turning towards him. He arched an eyebrow, allowing me to continue. "How has life been? After I left, I mean." I had always been curious about what transpired after I passed through the Veil. I knew Neville had survived since he hadn't participated in the raid, having previously survived a Diffindo to his chest.
He gave me a wry smile as he leaned back in his chair, his eyes drifting into the distance. "Well, the Ministry Raid went smoothly. Lucy was taken down, Flitwick blasted him in the face with a Bombarda. Flitwick received the Order of Merlin First Class for his actions, while McGonagall and Teddy were awarded Second Classes for their contributions. You were posthumously awarded a Second Class for your courageous sacrifice," he chuckled.
A wave of relief washed over me. It seemed that the three of them had made it through. "I see," I replied, my voice filled with relief. "How are they doing?" I inquired, but before Neville could respond, Daphne interjected, her confusion evident. "Wait, you mean the Battle for Hogwarts didn't bring an end to the fighting?" She asked, her brows furrowing. Oh yes, she died alongside her sister after the battle. They were discovered dead in their home, along with their family, the following day, presumably victims of a Death Eater raid.
"Yeah, Lucy seized control of the government and turned everything to shit. Even the Muggles got involved," I spoke, bitterness lacing my words. Understanding flickered in Daphne's eyes as she nodded. "I understand. My condolences to both of you," she said, bowing her head in apology.
Neville and I waved off her gesture. "It's all in the past now," Neville stated. "As for McGonagall and Flitwick, they didn't have much time left after the raid. They passed away about six or seven years later. Teddy, on the other hand, had a wonderful life. She married a Muggle-born witch and had three children: two boys and a girl. His eldest is named after you; Harry James Lupin" He chuckled before continuing, a tinge of melancholy colouring his voice. "My son even married her daughter. Sadly, I never got the chance to meet my grandchild. I was killed during a pure-blood supremacist's terror attack on St. Mungo's." His tone grew heavy with sorrow.
I raised an eyebrow, leaning closer in curiosity. "You got married?" I asked, a grin stretching across my face. "Is it Hannah?"
He chuckled. "Yeah. She walked up to me one day, planted a kiss on my lips, and asked me out on a date. We got married a few months later."
Daphne chortled. "Well, the two of you have been dancing around each other since third year, so it's no surprise."
Neville laughed. "Yeah," he said, his chuckles subsiding. Then he sighed. "I hope she's somewhere here."
I smiled, knowing Neville found his own happiness after those harrowing decades. Deciding to lighten the mood, I cleared my throat and-
"Hi guys!"
We all jumped in our seats, turning our heads towards the source of the greeting. There, standing by the table, was Luna, wearing her signature dreamy smile. Crumpy, her juvenile Crumple-horned Snorkack, was nestled in her arms. Her timing was as impeccable as ever. How did she manage to get here? I though she's busy with something?
"Bloody hell, Luna! I swear you're going to be the death of me!" Neville exclaimed, his hand instinctively rubbing his chest.
Luna giggled as she brought out a stick and conjured a chair for herself before sitting down, joining us. Waaait a minute. "Oh, don't be so dramatic, Neville. That's not enough to kill you~" she chirped, playfully dismissing his reaction.
Daphne sighed, her nerves quickly settling. "How about we talk about what you did just now? Can you not conjure a chair in public? We don't want the Church coming after us," she said with a note of caution.
"No need to worry! I cast a muggle-repelling charm before conjuring the chair, so we should be safe!" Luna reassured us, her eyes sparkling.
We let out collective sighs of relief, trusting Luna's magical precautions. Neville couldn't help but ask the burning question, "How and why are you here, anyway? Didn't you say you were busy with something?"
Luna nodded, a wide grin forming on her face. "Yes, I was busy until just now! I've been performing the Apparation rituals all year, and today's the day for the last one. It worked! I apparated here just now!" she chirped happily. Her answer left us stunned.
"Did you just do the rituals by yourself?" Daphne asked, disbelief evident in her voice. We all shared her incredulity, knowing that the rituals required a comprehensive mapping of the stars during the Solstices and the Equinoxes. It was a challenging task for a single person.
"Yep!" Luna replied, popping the 'p.' "It's not that hard. I traded the star charts with the Astrologer's Association and made a few modifications for the rituals!" she revealed, casually explaining her unconventional approach. Oh yeah, there are Astrologers in the city.
"Really?!" Neville exclaimed, his face brightening considerably. He closed his eyes briefly, then vanished into a swirl with a pop. A few seconds later, he reappeared, holding a sword in his hand and wearing a wide grin. "Wicked," he said, clearly impressed.
Interrupting the conversation's flow, I couldn't help but ask, "Wait, wait, I think I saw something just now. Is that a bloody wand you just used, Luna?"
Luna chuckled and pulled out her wand. "Thirteen inches and a half, made of Beechwood with a core of Unicorn hair laced with the tear of a Fey. I made this wand during my adventure!" she said, describing her unique wand. I couldn't help but wonder where she had encountered the creatures needed for its core. I had never seen any magical creatures since I was born here.
"That's amazing. What haven't you done yet, Luna?" Daphne said, wonder in her voice. "And why did you make a wand anyway? We can still use our magic just fine without one," she asked, genuinely curious.
"Using a wand, or any other magical focus, vastly improves your magical efficiency, especially for spells that are not your innate abilities. Casting Expelliarmus, for example, would take a noticeable amount of magic to cast without a wand, whereas with a wand, you can cast dozens of them before experiencing a similar drain," Luna explained, shedding light on the benefits of wand usage.
I nodded in understanding. Chain-casting spells didn't make sense before, as the magical drain meant you'd be out of magic after casting only a few spells. Wands would make that style of battle viable.
"Can you make one for us as well, Luna?" I asked eagerly, excited about the prospect of enhancing my magical prowess.
"Sure! I was going to make wands for you guys anyway!" she chirped happily, her enthusiasm infectious.
Luna interjected before we could continue our conversation. "Seems like Emily and Tilly are almost here," she said, pointing towards the Terrace door. Sure enough, a few seconds later, they opened the door.
Luna quickly jumped from her seat and embraced Tilly, her energy contagious. "Hi Tilly!" she chirped, ruffling Tilly's hair playfully.
Tilly chuckled and returned the hug. "Hey, Luna. It's good to see you here. How did you manage to come? I thought you were staying back at Clearwater Port," she asked, clearly curious about Luna's unexpected presence.
Luna giggled mischievously. "Magic, of course! I'll teach you how later," she offered, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Tilly simply nodded, not fully comprehending what Luna meant but willing to learn.
"Well, now that everyone's here," I said, capturing their attention. "I'd like to share the reason why I invited you all." I paused momentarily, making sure I had their undivided attention. "What are your thoughts on witches and magic in general?" I asked, leaving the question open-ended.
Neville was the first to respond, his voice tinged with restraint. "I've always felt a sense of constraint when it comes to using magic. It's as if someone is constantly watching, waiting to catch me in the act."
Daphne nodded in agreement. "I feel the same way. My sister and I have never truly felt safe. We've even witnessed the execution of a few witches. It's a somber reality." Tilly nodded to her statement, having witnessed a few of the executions herself.
"We maids of the palace all had experiences of being detained by the Church. That was the most horrifying moments of our lives." Emily shuddered.
Luna hummed in agreement, her eyes reflecting understanding.
I nodded, acknowledging their responses. "Exactly. That's why I've been contemplating to change that. However, rather than isolating ourselves from the muggle world, I propose creating a place where both magical and non-magical beings can coexist. I call it Project Avalon," I explained, sharing my vision.
The others nodded, showing their support. However, Daphne raised her hand, her brow furrowed in curiosity. "Why would you want to pursue coexistence? Is it even possible?" she questioned.
I pondered her question for a moment before responding. "While isolating ourselves may seem like a viable short-term solution, it would only create a host of problems in the long run. As muggles continue to advance technologically, they will inevitably discover our existence. By then, it may be too late for us to defend ourselves effectively. Coexistence, though challenging, is the most prudent path forward."
They all nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer. "I have been following you for decades. I'm not going to stop now." Neville said. I can't stop my grimace when I saw Tilly raised her eyebrows at the remark. She's going to figure everything out, probably soon. Neville, unable to resist injecting some humor, threw me a mischievous grin. "Though if you make me your Prime Minister, that would certainly ensure my loyalty, Your Highness," he teased.
I chuckled, appreciating Neville's agreement while concealing any previous concern. "I appreciate that, Neville. We'll see about the Prime Minister position. What about you, Luna and Daphne?"
Daphne responded first, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. "I agree with your plan, and I'd love to discuss it in more detail later. I might even have a few additional ideas to contribute," she said, her eyes shining with anticipation. Neville and Luna nodded in agreement.
Relieved, I slouched back in my seat. "Sure, we can arrange another meeting in the near future. However, to ensure the success of our plan, we need a base of operations. Any suggestions on where we can establish it?" I asked, seeking their input.
We fell into a contemplative silence, each deep in thought about a suitable location. After a few minutes, Neville broke the silence with a suggestion. "Well... there's the Border Town that comes to mind. Although it's more of a shanty town than a proper settlement, it could be transformed into a thriving community. The town is currently only inhabited during certain seasons, as the residents migrate to Longsong Stronghold to escape the cold and attacks from demonic beasts," he proposed.
"However, these people still consider it their home. By building a wall to protect against the beasts and establishing a permanent presence, we can create a safe haven. The best part is, the Church has no influence there, making it easier to garner support for our cause," he explained, finishing his speech.
I carefully considered Neville's idea. It would undoubtedly require significant effort, but the absence of Church influence made the town highly appealing.
"When are you heading back, Neville?" I inquired.
"I'll be staying for another week, so next week I'll be leaving," he replied.
"In that case, I'll join you," I stated confidently.
Neville raised an eyebrow, his expression questioning. "Are you sure you can simply leave without informing the King? You're the prince, after all," he remarked. Emily nodded vigorously, agreeing with Neville.
I smiled. "I'll discuss it with him first, but I'm positive he'll agree," I assured them.
"Alright then," Neville agreed with a nod.
"And don't worry, Emily. You'll be coming along with me," I added, noticing her fidgeting in her seat.
Emily, seemingly content with my decision, continued sipping the juice she had brought from the ballroom.
Just as we were about to continue our conversation, a sudden silence enveloped the ballroom, capturing our attention. The once-lively atmosphere had transformed into an eerie stillness, broken only by the sound of approaching footsteps.
Exchanging glances, we felt the need to investigate the cause of this disturbance. We made our way to the balcony inside the hall, overlooking the gathering below, where we witnessed a group of people converging on the stage. The nobles engaged in hushed conversations, their whispers barely audible. Standing at the center of the gathering was the Cardinal of the Grand Church of King's City, clutching something tightly in his hand.
Stepping forward, the Cardinal addressed the crowd, his voice resonating through the hall.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, may I have your attention, please?"
The crowd fell into a profound silence, their anticipation growing as the Cardinal unrolled a parchment scroll and began to read aloud.
"Tonight, amidst our joyous celebration, it is with a heavy heart and solemn duty that I stand before you as a representative of the Church, bearing an important announcement. This day marks a significant moment in our nation's history and the relationship between the church and the state."
"With great regret and profound sorrow, I must inform you that His Majesty, our beloved King Ayling Wimbledon, has been officially excommunicated from the Church. This decision was not made lightly but after meticulous deliberation and unwavering adherence to our sacred principles."
The herald paused, allowing the weight of the proclamation to settle upon the gathered crowd, whose murmurs and exchanged glances reflected their astonishment. The Cardinal's voice grew somber as he continued.
"Excommunication, as you may be aware, is an extreme measure taken by the Church in response to grave violations against our faith and its teachings. It represents the severance of an individual's ties to the Church, stripping them of their rights and privileges within our spiritual community."
"The Church, as the moral compass of our nation, upholds the values and teachings that have guided us for centuries. It is our sacred duty to safeguard the purity of our beliefs and ensure the integrity of our spiritual foundation. Unfortunately, the actions of our once-revered King have led us down a path that leaves us with no choice but to take this drastic step."
The crowd remained in a state of stunned silence, absorbing the gravity of the announcement. The herald's voice carried a touch of solemnity as he concluded his address.
"Let it be known that this decision is not one of condemnation or judgment but rather a recognition of the spiritual consequences that arise from actions contrary to our faith. We implore each and every one of you to approach this matter with respect and understanding, upholding the sacred principles that underpin our religious convictions."
"In these trying times, let us not forget our collective strength and resilience as a community. As we forge ahead, guided by our unwavering faith, let us continue to pray for the King's well-being and the enlightenment of his soul."
"May this announcement serve as a reminder of the fundamental principles upon which our church and nation were founded. Let us stand united, bound by our shared commitment to our faith, and strive to nurture a society that upholds the virtues of compassion, justice, and love."
The herald rolled up the scroll and stepped back, leaving the weight of his words to hang in the air as the crowd absorbed the shocking announcement.
As I stood on the balcony, a heavy sigh escaped my lips, carrying a mixture of disappointment and concern. The realisation of what had just occurred settled upon us, etching worry onto our faces. It is clear now that our strategy needed to be elevated; it seemed that The Church aren't willing to wait for us.
? POV
Hiding within the confines of my fog, I observed the unfolding events within the magnificent ballroom of the palace. My undivided attention was given to the Prince and his friends, a group of witches. It was an astonishing discovery, for it was rare to see witches leading ordinary lives once their powers awakened. Even more intriguing was the fact that these noble witches seemed to be aware of each others' powers.
As my companion and I traversed through the bustling streets of King's City, en route to the supposed location of the Witch Cooperation Association, my senses detected a peculiar gathering of magical energy from the palace. Piqued by curiosity, I alerted my companion to this phenomenon, and I embarked on an investigation to unravel its secrets while she waits for me in the nearby inn.
To say I was stunned would be an understatement. The sight of witches in such prominent noble circles is unexpected. A while ago, I too had been a part of the nobility, as the daughter of a Silver City Viscount. Although my mother was a commoner, our lives were peaceful within the city.
However, when I reached the age of fourteen, my parent vanished without a trace while en route to deliver food to the starving populace. From that moment onward, my life spiraled into a chasm of despair and hardship.
Now, in the present, my quest is to find an opportunity to approach the Prince. Perhaps I could invite them to join our quest to reach the Witch Cooperation Association, or if they were already members, seek their assistance in guiding us towards our destination.
Hi all, Pong here! Hope you enjoy this chapter! I've read a comment suggesting a different HQ for Harry, but I've decided to stick with Border Town in this story. Since magic will play a more important role here, Choosing a place with no Church influence is the way to go, not to mention Border Town located far away from other centre of powers and borders the forest and the plains, allowing Harry to set up forward bases and potentially colonise the region early. Anyway, here's the first POV of the story, and you readers of RTW should know whose POV this is!
Do let me know your opinion on this chapter! I'd appreciate your comments and ideas!
Tamalito: Enjoy your reread! I do reread RTW occasionally as well.
That's it for now, and until next chapter! Cheers!
P/S: do re-read Chapter 5! I have made a change towards the latter end of the chapter, since I felt that without this edit, I'm setting up this story to be an OP story. This won't be an OP story.
Published 27th May 2023
Edited 28th May 2023
