Chapter 11 – Ipraecia
Morning is as bright as it can be as how a night can be in Raftel. The sisters woke up early. As they woke up, they pondered about the happenings in the previous days that they have been in this world.
So many things have changed, so many things can change the longer they stay and they don't know what lies ahead of them. All they can have faith in is the mere thought of their parents being alive.
Today is the day that Robin will take them to see Raftel, to explore it, and learn things they never knew.
"Where's Robin? What's taking her so long?" Luffia grew impatient while waiting for Robin. Among the three, she is the most excited about exploring Raftel. The twins are quite excited as well, but they quell their emotions rather well.
"Luffia, would you mind calming down even for a second? Robin will arrive at any time. You do not need to be impatient." Sab does not know whether to be mad or laugh at Luffia. She has been known for her impatience for almost everything. She will always insist on doing things at her own time and pace.
"But I cannot wait to see Raftel and we will also visit Marco! I hope we can visit the other clans too!" Her eyes shined like a star, proving the excitement that she's been feeling. She has been filled with thoughts about Raftel. For years since she was young, she knew Raftel through the stories of their parents, and right now, she can see if for herself. Who wouldn't be excited?
"Can't you just be patient? Robin will come sooner or later." Ann reasoned. Deep inside her, she felt restless as well, more than Luffia could ever be as Ann's source of restlessness does not reside on the excitement of seeing Raftel, but about certain feelings, she does not fully understand or refuses to understand.
Luffia did not answer Ann but she keeps on checking the window almost every second in hopes that Robin will somehow arrive. The twins just fell silent as they looked at their sister. There is nothing they could do to sate the excitement of their sister.
A knock from the door startled the three of them. Luffia's bright eyes shined even brighter as she dashed towards the front door. As Luffia opened the door, she instantly smiled as she saw Robin standing there, smiling as well.
"Robin!"
"Hello, Luffia! You are as enthusiastic as always." Robin smiled brightly at the human in front of her.
Luffia did not hesitate to grab Robin's hand and haul her inside the manor.
"Are we going to explore Raftel now? Can we go now? I can't wait!"
Robin could only chuckle at Luffia's actions. She never acted like a princess despite her status. She is a human with no hesitation to act the way she wanted to and her straightforwardness made Robin liked her even more.
"We will, of course. Riding a carriage pulled by a Pegasi should be a good choice to explore the Raftel." Robin said.
"Ohh… Pegasi! I want to ride one!" Luffia began to imagine how it would feel to ride a Pegasus. In the human realm, carriages pulled by steed horses are considered to be of high status and luxury. There is no such thing as flying in the human realm. They travel either by land or sea but in this world, they could fly and that itself is something they wanted to experience.
Hearing what Robin uttered, Ann couldn't help but think back towards her conversation with the High Prince of Ipraecia. She openly rejected him, refusing his goodwill. The action itself should be considered offending and by rights and authority the High Prince wields, he has the right to administer punishment towards Ann, but he did not.
Was he the one who provided the ride for the three of them? Ann shook that idea itself. He can't put such efforts for mere human princesses. Why would he do such gestures anyways? The negation of the idea made Ann's mood sour for no clear reason at all.
"Where are you taking us today, Robin?" Sab curiously asked.
"There are many places that I could take you. Central Raftel can be explored at any time given the fact that you live in this manor with Chopper. He could take you to explore Central Raftel. Today, however, I can take you first to Ipraecia since that is relatively close aside from that, I will be delivering the medicines Marco asked."
Robin explained. The structure the Raftel of today is like a cone. The tip of the cone is what they called Central Raftel.
Ipraecia resides East of Central Raftel while Beogia resides in the opposite direction. Vaelon is of the center.
Sab only nodded. She and Ann have to move later to meet with the Peacekeeper to ask a favor. This matter was not opened to Luffia. They have to distract her enough so she and Ann can move about.
"Robin! You have arrived!" Chopper wore a white robe. He looked a little tired. This must have been due to his duties in making medicines.
"Chopper! Have you finished the medicines required?"
"Yes, I have. Wait for a moment, let me get it. I will have to trouble you in delivering it in my stead."
Robin can only laugh a little as she waved her hand in a manner to say that it is no trouble for her.
As soon as Chopper gave the medicine, Luffia began pestering Robin that she wanted all of them to leave right at this moment.
Robin followed Luffia's request. As they walked outside, they saw a carriage which is quite big, two horses with wings are tied to pull the carriage.
Luffia eyes, upon seeing the carriage, grew brighter than the stars. She almost can't believe what she is seeing in front of her. The Brown Pegasi's bodies are sturdier than the mightiest horses the Human Realm had.
Sab felt amazed as well. The majestic aura from these creatures is something that they can't easily get used to.
Ann, on the other hand, forced herself not to react too much but given the sight in front of them, it is hard to do so.
Seeing the expressions from the three princesses, Robin chuckled as she said: "Come, there are a lot of things that can be seen."
The three of them still felt their desire to stare at the Pegasi but they reluctantly went inside the carriage. As soon as they are inside, Robin instructed the Pegasi to bring them to Ipraecia. Even without a coachman, the Pegasi are smart creatures that can understand the language of Raftelians.
The three of them felt the carriage started to run at a decent speed. As they started to look outside the window, they saw how they are starting to leave the ground.
Midair, they saw the majestic view of the Raftel. The scenery beats all the scenery they have witnessed in the Human Realm.
As the carriage sped up, they saw floating islands quite clearly. Amid the clouds, they saw flying creatures. Some of them hover over the shining sun, shading the bright rays. All three of them can't help but smile.
"There are far more things you haven't seen. I am sure, you all will come to love them." Robin said.
"Aside from the three kingdoms, are there any places in Raftel that we could visit?" Sab curiously asked. She hesitated in asking about this but as she thinks about it, she needs more information in case something might befall them.
"There are certainly many places that cannot be explored, forbidden. It would be best to take note of avoiding these places for your safety. Even the natives of Raftel do not dare go to places. It would be best to remember these places."
The twins paid attention to Robin while Luffia only gazed at her for a while before diverting her gaze to the window. She did not show any interest in what Robin wants to say.
"Raftel has been standing for countless years. The structure of government had changed ever since the disappearance of the other three Magical Kingdoms. Valley of Xavaria, that place is like a sacred place for everyone. A memoir of what Raftel used to be. Once a year, everyone will visit the valley itself. Aside from those, we have the Purgatory."
"Purgatory?" Ann asked. The name itself sounds terrifyingly dangerous.
"Yes. It is a prison for all that has been sentenced with banishment from Raftel. You can't go Purgatory as only the High Princes and the Peacekeeper along with a few Commanders have access to it." The twins only nodded in acknowledgment. They are engraved with a few questions but neither of them asked.
Robin continued to give them a general idea about Raftel.
"Aside from the clans and creatures in land and air, we also have underwater creatures." The moment the word 'underwater creatures' graced Luffia's ear, she began to pay attention to Robin's words.
"There is also a small kingdom consists of underwater creatures that live there. Mermaids, Fishmen, underwater beasts, those are just a few creatures that live underwater."
"Will we be able to visit the kingdom underwater?" Luffia suddenly asked.
"Of course. All you have to do is ask one of the High Princes, and that can be arranged immediately." As she said this, Robin's eyes graced in front of Ann, giving her pressure. She also stared towards Sab then to Luffia. The gesture implicates how she is referring to the three of them personally asking the High Princes.
Luffia could only stare with a question to Robin. After a couple of seconds, she nodded, as if understanding what she meant.
"I see. So if we ask Marco or Zoro or that redhaired prince, then we can go?"
Robin felt amused at how Luffia did not know the name of the High Prince of Beogia.
"Yes."
Luffia smiled brightly as she thought of Zoro. She has to ask him the next time she sees him!
After a moment, they saw a huge white and blue palace situated near a mountain. It is a circular palace that has a waterfall in the middle of it. The structure is beautiful.
"Woah! What a huge waterfall! Do you think we could swim in the middle?" Luffia began to think of jumping from the carriage down to the waterfall to see if she can truly swim in the middle of it.
"It must be like a bottomless pit. If you jump in the middle, you might die and there is no guarantee if the bottom is safe at all. There might be beasts that could eat you in a blink of an eye." Sab reasoned to Luffia.
She knew how her sister's mind works. Whatever adventure she can think of, she will do it not unless you will reprimand her which happens every time. Reprimanding her was almost a requirement to them.
"Eh? Really?" Luffia felt disappointed.
"Are we going to the palace?" Ann asked with small worry. She would like to avoid encounters with Marco as much as possible.
"Yes. The first place we have to visit in every kingdom in Raftel has to be the palace grounds of Ipraecia."
"Don't they have restrictions towards who can enter?" Sab asked. This should be logical. Any royalty will have to make sure that there is security towards the Royal Family.
Hearing the inquiries, Robin can't help but chuckle as she thought of the differences between Raftel and the Human Realm.
"There are restricted areas, but those areas are in the innermost parts of the Palace. Most of the place, Commanders, and some residence can enter as they like. No one will dare to cause such troubles because they will regret it for sure. Despite having a free entrance to the Raftelians, not one would be willing to go inside and explore. They have that discipline and they know of such actions."
"So, anyone can go but they chose not to do so casually." Sab can now realize the difference between the culture and manners of Humans in contrast to the Raftelians.
They all fell silent as they are now approaching the grounds. As the nearby residents saw the approaching carriage, they all felt curious about it. As soon as the carriage hits the grounds, Robin immediately stepped out of the carriage followed by the three princesses.
The whispers and curious stares grew intense as they recognized the visitors. Everyone nearby looked towards the Commanders standing near the gate, waiting for the visitors.
As soon as Robin's eyes spotted Thatch and Izou, she instantly smiled. She has a good relationship with the Commanders of Ipraecia and Vaelon while she maintained a civil relationship with the authorities of Beogia.
"Robin! It is good you have brought the princesses!" Thatch exclaimed happily, greeting the newcomers.
The sisters looked towards the Commanders. They are familiar with the two of them, after all, they were the ones who gave them accommodation when they were first brought to the Central Palace.
"We would like to trouble the two of you to accompany us in exploring the Palace." Robin said.
"There is no such thing as trouble for us especially in letting the Princesses explore the palace! After all, they are more than welcome here." Izou uttered while directly looking at Ann. Ann shivered as Izou's eyes landed on hers. The way Izou uttered those words, it is as if it was meant for Ann herself.
She looked away, afraid of interpreting the words itself. Sab sensed the distress in Ann. Sab has been further observing Ann and she knew how her twin sister is trying to distance herself from the people of Ipraecia, especially Marco while Luffia has never been bothered and keeps being friendly regardless of where the person came from.
"Are you going to prepare a banquet for us? What foods will you prepare?" Luffia never bothered herself for formalities and pleasantries before asking.
Thatch looked towards Luffia and a smile appeared in his lips.
"Of course! I will personally prepare food for the three of you!" Thatch might be a Commander in Ipraecia but he is the Head of Kitchen and personally manages the food in the Palace.
His answer brought satisfaction to Luffia. "Great! When do we start the banquet?" She cannot wait to taste the foods available in Raftel.
"Luffia, we are here to see the palace, not to ask for a banquet." Sab needed to remind her younger sister of good manners and right conduct which Luffia clearly lacks.
"Oh, it is quite alright, Princess Sab. We will all let you see the Palace and afterward, we will arrange the banquet for all of us to share." Thatch said and starts leading them inside the Palace grounds. The residents can only stare at them with curiosity. Why would the known Commanders such as Thatch and Izou go to such troubles just to welcome these guests?
"First, we will show you the training grounds. You might not be too interested in such a rowdy place, but that is the nearest place we can go before we explore the other areas." Thatch said as they led them towards the training grounds.
"You train soldiers? Is that necessary? They all have superpowers, aren't they?" Sab can't stop herself from asking. It is a known fact that Raftelians have a natural capability to fight most especially the beasts. They have innate fighting capability and powers.
"That is true, they have fighting capabilities based on their instincts but we all strive to improve ourselves. You'll see once we get there." Thatch said as he walked in front.
"Hey Thatch, where's Marco?" Luffia curiously asked. She likes Marco for he welcomes them with no qualms.
Ann lightly sent a glare towards her sister for mentioning the man she does not want to encounter.
"He will join us later. He is just attending some matters, but you do not have to worry, he will definitely join us. How could he ever miss such an event?" Ann shivered once more. Although Izou answered Luffia's question, the words were said as if it was meant for Ann to hear. It is as if Izou is trying to tell Ann something and she is not comfortable with it. She is curious, but she is also in doubt to ask about the meaning behind her smiles and words.
As soon as they arrived on the training grounds, they saw a huge field, even larger than their training grounds in Cresta. It contains different areas where different creatures train. Swordsmanship, Spear handling, different marksmanship.
"Almost all of the residents in Raftel uses different weapons even though they can use their innate abilities. Usage of weapon can help their attacks increase in power."
"Oh, just like Zoro!" Luffia exclaimed. She remembered how Zoro wields three swords despite being a Dragon Prince himself.
Thatch and Izou looked at Luffia with curiosity. She spoke as if she knew Zoro well.
"Yes, Zoro – the High Prince of Vaelon is famous for his swords. He is the only one in Raftel, or even in the Human Realm that can wield three swords at once." Thatch said with a tone of admiration. He, too, uses a sword as a weapon, but he knew that his sword handling techniques are not enough to be compared to Zoro's.
"The only ones who do not wield weapons are Kidd and Marco. They mostly use bare hands." Izou added. They all nodded.
After visiting the training grounds, they went straight to the Main Hall of the Palace. It is spacious as they initially thought. It can fit thousands of humans if they may so themselves but with different sizes of the creatures living in Raftel, who knows how many can fit in the hall itself.
"We will go to the library and afterward, we will stay in the garden while helping ourselves with snacks as we wait for the banquet." Izou said.
"I will ensure to prepare the best food you can have." Thatch smiled towards the three of them.
"Their library is quite large, full of books that contain most of the history of Raftel. Of course, it is not quite large as the library in the Central Palace." Robin muttered. She would add information whenever necessary. The three of them would just nod at her, grateful for providing information.
The interior design of the palace is quite magnificent. It is quite different than the design of the Central Palace. This palace is full of light colors, mostly cyan, blues with touches of yellow and white. It is quite relaxing and pleasing to the eyes. There are paintings in the wall that looks familiar to Ann.
The painting is quite large. The scenery is familiar to Ann. There is a mystique falls that looks as bewitching as it was when she saw it in her dreams – registered in her mind over and over again. Her heart started to raise as that particular dream once again invaded her mind.
She tried to shake it – for how many times as she could count but to no success. She might have shaken it for a moment but she knew it will keep coming back over and over again without her permission. Her, staying in this place only brings those dreams back. The more she denies it, the more it will insist on coming back.
"Quite beautiful, isn't it?" Ann looked at the person beside her. It was Izou. Ann felt even more uncomfortable as this creature's gaze seems to be telling her something.
Izou looked at Ann with a hint of a smile.
"Marco painted it himself." Ann fought the will to gasp at the mention of his name. Ann denies whatever is starting in her heart. Whatever it is, she does not want to find out. She is in no position to do so and she does not have the pleasure in finding out about whatever is starting in her mind nor her heart. Their situation does not provide her the luxury to think of trivial things and above all, they have to keep their guards up in case these creatures will betray them. It is better to be prepared at all times.
"Is that so? I don't care." Ann said as she stepped away from Izou and joined her sisters who were busy talking with Robin and Thatch.
Izou followed Ann with her gaze. A smile graced her lips as she studies Ann. "Does not care, huh?" she murmured.
The tour went on for about half an hour before they were brought to the gardens. As soon as they are in the gardens, Ann sensed familiarity in the place itself, as if she is home. She slightly gasped as she sensed another thing – a gaze that most likely belongs to the person she wants to avoid.
"Marco!" Luffia called out. Instantly, Ann looked towards the direction Luffia is looking, and there, she saw a handsome man.
His blue eyes, as blue as the sky shines brightly as he saw the woman he has been looking for. Shame, she looked at him as if he is the most irritating man she has ever seen in her life.
"It is good to have you here in the Palace, yoi." Marco smiled towards Robin, then to the three princesses. Luffia smiled widely towards Marco. Sab greeted him with a polite smile.
The younger twin knew that Marco is not against them and for whatever reason, she sensed that there is something – a sort of connection towards Marco. She can't point it specifically but whenever Marco looks towards Ann, there is something amidst those half-lidded eyes.
Ann refuses to smile at him. She could never bring herself to do so. Instead, she looked away, refusing to acknowledge his presence. She cannot bear to look at him directly in the eyes. Those beautiful eyes are drowning her with feelings that she is afraid she cannot control. Ann hated things she could do nothing about.
"Marco, are we having a banquet now?" Luffia never knew the meaning of proper curtsy despite being a Royalty herself. It is a good thing for them that Marco does not mind lest they might find themselves thrown away for being improper and impolite.
"We will once it is ready. We can relax in the meantime." Marco answered Luffia's question and smiled at her. He then led all of them towards the small round table that can accommodate all of them.
Thatch and Izou sat next to each other. Sab sat on Izou's right while right next to Sab is Luffia. After Luffia is Ann then Marco. And next to Marco is Robin.
Being near her, Marco felt his feelings intensified. Her smell is as fragrant as the first time he ever met her.
"How was your stay in Central Raftel so far, yoi?" Marco asked.
"It's been good. Chopper is keeping us well fed." Sab said making a little humor out of her words. But she knew too well that it might be as peaceful as it is now, but who knows how long it will last.
"That's good to hear. You are more than welcome to visit the Palace at your leisure. Our doors will always be open for the three of you."
Ann did not say a word - keeping her silence while staring at the tea being served. It is in her nature to be suspicious of the things being provided to her, especially coming from strangers.
"If you don't mind me asking, you humans also call this gathering as tea ceremony, am I correct?" Izou has been curious about the traditions of Humans. Books might have been provided to them to educate the Raftelians about the humans yet she knew too well that the books might not have spoken the whole truth and it will be better to ask humans themselves.
"Tea ceremonies are so boring. It has so many nobilities and all people talk about are nonsense things." Luffia answered as she reminisces those moments she was forced to sit with different princesses and nobilities only to listen to them gossip about prospects in men that she could never understand.
"Human races can be vile and very traditional. We are no exemptions to that culture, as much as we hate it, we are forced to gauge in engagements that we hated." Sab answered. She remembered how many men tried to catch her attention in order to build a good relationship with their family.
"Correct me if I am wrong, shouldn't you three be married already? As I know, humans, especially the royalties are married off at the age of 18. You are royalties and are way past your coming of age." The three humans fell silent before looking at each other, then towards Izou.
There was a relatively awkward silence that was broken by the chuckle from Robin's lips.
"It seems that the Cresta Royal Family does not abide by traditions of Human Realm." She said. She might have guessed the reason why the three of them are still not married despite being old enough to be married off towards princes and royalties.
"Why would we follow some customs only to suffer from it?" Ann grumbled. She hated the traditions that some Royal Families do. Arranged marriages were a hateful custom that she never wanted to abide by. She never thought of marrying someone just to follow the customs. She cannot stand men's ego either.
"It seems to be a good choice, yoi." Marco can't help but utter. He could not imagine how he would react if he were to find that Ann is set to marry someone else. The thought itself is unthinkable and be as it may, his calm demeanor might never last at all.
Ann looked towards Marco – yet again, she was almost caught in the deepness of that blue eyes of his. She frowned at him and looked away.
Sab noticed this. She noticed how Marco provides attention towards Ann, however subtle he is. Sab did not utter any questions nor words about the things she noticed. She could be wrong for all she knows.
"Regardless of how Cresta is not following the customs, I am sure that there are families who would desire the hands of the Princesses." Robin uttered while smiling towards the Princesses. She amused herself by looking at the expressions of people around her. She has a high perception of people's expressions and Marco might not openly admit it, but his eyes say otherwise.
"Numerous men are trying to woo Ann since she is the eldest. They even sent her lots of gifts just to get her hand for marriage." Luffia said. She is reminiscing about the times when those gifts were used to buy a lot of meat for them which makes her incredibly grateful for Ann's suitors.
As soon as he heard her words, Marco's face became stern. Creatures like them are territorial. What was identified as theirs will always be theirs and only death will sever that connection. Regardless of who dares to challenge them, they will ensure that they have the power to protect it.
Marco is no different; he is even more territorial, especially now that he finally found what he had been looking for all these years.
"That's quite expected. Ann's beauty is out of this world, almost like an angel descended from the heavens." Thatch noted. He spoke of the truth. The sisters' beauties are famous all over the Human Realm and they have lost count of how many men tried to capture their hearts.
A snort was heard from Sab and she spoke: "Don't let the looks speak for itself. She might have an Angelic face, but her attitude is more of a devil itself."
Luffia laughed as they saw how Ann's facial expression turned sour the moment Luffia laughed at what Sab mentioned.
"Can you please not talk about me like I am not present?" She spat towards the group but none of them took her words seriously.
After they spent time in the gardens, the banquet has been prepared and they moved into the hall for the banquet itself. Sab and Ann reminded Luffia not to eat too much to avoid scaring the people. In normal dinners in the Cresta Palace, they eat almost like a Viking and Gluttons. In attending banquets and parties, they would restrict themselves as to not offend the host.
"Your delicacies are delicious, I love them. Not like Sanji's but still, I love them." At the mention of that name, the sisters fell silent. They were reminded of the people left in the palace. That includes Sanji – one of the Royal chefs and friends. He is also one of the kingdom's best fighters. During the invasion, they have not heard anything from him nor from their friends since the King and Queen ordered them to flee.
What could have become of their friends now? Their people?
They all sensed the heavy atmosphere from the sisters. They sympathize with their situation but there is nothing they could do for now.
The banquet ended a little early as the sisters will have to attend to some matters.
"Robin? Would you mind if we leave Luffia to you for a moment? There are some things we still need to discuss with Chopper." Sab asked. They trusted Robin and they knew she will take care of Luffia for the meantime as they take care of some matters they can't show to Luffia.
She is aware of what the twins are planning to do.
"Of course. I will be taking care of her. You do not have to worry, but allow me to ask you two this: Do you think it is necessary to hide things from Luffia?"
"We can't be certain of things that we will find out. We are afraid that if we find something that will hurt her, we might not be able to calm her down." Ann answered. She knew the extent of their situation and the results of what they are about to do might not be pleasant, regardless; they still have to try and persevere.
"I understand. I will be taking care of her for now. You can take the carriage back. I will be asking Marco for a ride as we go back to Chopper's manor."
Sab and Ann nodded, both are grateful towards the concern Robin shows.
"Can you make that meal again? The one that you put a fish on?" Luffia is currently conversing with Thatch. They seem to have found a good topic that interests both of them.
"Definitely. If I were to try new delicacies, I will let you taste them and let you be the judge of it." Thatch became excited to find someone willing to taste his experiments.
"Luffia!" Sab called Luffia out. She looked towards Thatch and excused herself to see her sisters.
"What is it? Are we going to another Palace for another banquet?" Her bright smile seems to be making the mood lighter.
"No. Uhm, we have to see Chopper for some matters. You and Robin can continue seeing different places here." Sab answered.
"Oh." That word escaped from Luffia's lips. She did not utter any more words but just nodded. Ann and Sab are not sure what exactly is going on through her head right now as her expression speaks nothing but blankness, almost profoundly deep.
"We will see you at the manor." Ann said. "Just enjoy more delicacies that they can offer."
Luffia nodded.
A moment later, they all bid their appreciation towards Marco and the other Commanders.
"We thank you for the hospitality that you provided to us." Ann bowed a little towards them.
"No need to be so formal. You are always welcome here, yoi." Ann did not answer Marco's words but she strongly felt his sincerity and there is this unexplainable feeling inside her telling her to believe it. But she will not.
As soon as they were done bidding their goodbyes, Sab and Ann took the carriage back to the Manor.
The moment the carriage is far away, Luffia uttered these words: "They are hiding something from me."
Robin looked at her with a small smile. It seems Luffia is not as innocent and naïve as she looks.
"Regardless of whatever it is, I am sure they will tell me when the time comes."
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
Soon, the twins found themselves in front of the Central Palace along with Chopper. They revealed very troubled expressions as they started to walk towards the huge gates.
"He will grant you this request, that I am certain of." Chopper assured them. Little did he know that the troubled expressions have nothing to do with the granted request but rather the results they might get.
Are their parents still alive? What happened to them? They are both afraid to find out but at the same time, they have to be strong enough to know. Their plans to get their Kingdom back depends on what they will find out.
They were granted an audience with the Peacekeeper and immediately took the route to his chamber. The doors were enormous, as they expected.
"Come in." The loud and firm voice resonated, signaling them to go inside. Chopper did not show any hint of nervousness at all. He is quite used to the Peacekeeper but the same could not be said to the twins. They hardly knew this giant and what they are about to ask is not as simple as asking for food.
They exhaled and tried to keep themselves calm – as much as they can. As they entered the chamber, they saw the Peacekeeper comfortably lying on his enormous bed while drinking a cup of Sake. A hint of a smile appeared in his eyes as he looked at the twins.
"Have you finished your sightseeing?" He asked.
Sab and Ann shook their heads.
"We visited Ipreacian Palace." Ann answered. Unlike before, her tone seems to be a little civilized, not overbearing and rude.
"Oh? You did not stay for too long then? Have you visited the other places? Beogia, perhaps?" Whitebeard looked at Sab as he spoke of the Beogia – kingdom of Berserkers.
"No, it should be fine." She said. They did not have any plans on going to that place as they knew the hostility of Beogian creatures towards humans – towards them.
"I see. I do not see the youngest one."
"She stayed in Ipraecia with Robin to explore the place." Sab answered.
"We came here to ask a request, sire."
"I told them that there is a way for them to know about the situation of their parents through you." Chopper added. Whitebeard fell silent for a moment. The silence made the twins felt more nervous as Whitebeard might reject their request. The twins are prepared for a bargain if that may come to that point.
"I can help you with your request, but are you prepared for whatever results you might get?" Whitebeard knew too well the ways of war. It might have been centuries since he has experienced it himself, but he knew too well how humans work their ways through hostages most especially the leaders of the opposing party.
Tortures beyond belief can happen and in this case, the possibility of them being tortured is high and the worst case, they might be dead.
"We will bear it." Ann looked straight towards Whitebeard, baring her firm resolution. Whitebeard can only nod. They really are Roger's daughters, no doubt.
"Alright. Come with me." Whitebeard stood and started walking towards a door to the left side of the chamber. The room looked like a war room. The map is right on the table, with books everywhere.
"Please, take your seat." They all followed what Whitebeard said. They all seated and he began to concentrate. White light appeared in his hands. The light glows as it reflected in the wall.
The twins grew nervous as images started to form in the walls. They gasped as they saw the enemies occupying the Royal Capital. They saw how they are trying to suppress their people and hurt those who dared to fight back.
Ann clenched her fists. They are unforgivable. She vowed that she will make them pay for whatever crimes they committed against their people and their Kingdom. They will not go unpunished.
The images started to tremble a little as it brought them to the place that the twins are familiar with – the Dungeon. They held their breaths for a long time. For years that they had been in the Palace, they have visited the dungeon for countless times. They would talk to the prisoners themselves and explored its parts.
They are often scolded for playing in the dungeon but they still go regardless of whatever the elders said. The image started to darken.
"The princesses are gone. The hostages are dead. We all need to wait for our leader's next move." A man's hoarse voice was heard. The Princesses tried to control their emotions. The word dead resonated in their heads. Tears started to fall as they continue to listen to the conversation in the dungeon.
"The Cresta Royal Family will have no heirs from here on out. Such a pity to lose such beautiful princesses. Their parents must be grieving in hell!"
They all laughed at the predicament of what Cresta has become.
"W-Where are our parents?" Sab asked. Tears have already fallen. She can't control it any longer.
A sigh escaped from Whitebeard. This is the hardest part of all.
"I am sorry, child. I cannot sense them any longer. I cannot trace Roger's presence at all."
As Ann heard those words, she violently shook her head as if refusing to believe what was mentioned. This is not right. It shouldn't happen this way. They are not supposed to be… dead.
"C-Can you show us our enemies?" Ann bravely asked. She at least wanted to see who killed their parents. She wanted to memorize and ingrain in her mind the face of the person they must kill to avenge their parents.
"I cannot exactly point it out as I do not know this person, but let me try."
The scene changed once more and it brought them to a familiar place, the Throne room. It drastically changed over the days that they are gone. The usual bright colors were changed with blood-red color as if some demon is residing in the palace itself.
"This cannot be good." Whitebeard said. His facial expression revealed a slight frown as he tried to ponder on the Throne room of the palace. A man was sitting behind the glim-lit throne room that used to be glowing. A tall and muscular man sat on the throne as if he made himself king. They all expected to see the man's face, but instead, the image just stayed as it is.
"A powerful Dark Magician is working behind this. I cannot probe any further."
Ann and Sab did not say anything. The purple markings that seem to be a tattoo are far more than enough for them to remember the man. That tattoo in the man's shoulder blades was engraved in the twins' minds.
'You will pay for this, a hundred times over if need be.'
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
Night came along, the moods of the twins did not turn for the better. Their minds are full of grief upon the discovery of their parents' death. Luffia stayed silent and further observed their behavior. They smiled but their smiles did not reach their eyes at all. Luffia is no fool. She can sense that something is bothering her sisters but despite that, she did not dare to ask.
Maybe because she is also afraid to know… Maybe because she can also feel that whatever is bothering them might also bother her more than they ever felt it.
"Would you like to visit Vaelon tomorrow? I am sure Zoro will accommodate our visit." Chopper said. They are currently dining. Normally, their dinner will be lively as the sisters will try to steal food from one another, and sometimes, steal from Chopper but right now, the atmosphere is so heavy that it is almost unbreakable.
Chopper's suggestion took Luffia's attention.
"Aren't we supposed to visit Beogia first?" Her question broke the twins out of their stupor as they looked towards Luffia. She asked innocently as if the question does not bring any huge demise at them.
"Luffia, Beogia is dangerous. They are hostile towards us. We can't risk it." Ann scolded her. Even if they were invited personally by the High Prince, they might not be willing to go as that might meant demise for the three of them. They can't risk their lives, not when they still have to take revenge for their Kingdom.
"What? How disappointing. I would love to see the Palace. Maybe they will give us banquet as well just like Marco."
The twins looked at one another, then towards Chopper. They communicated in their eyes. They can't explain openly to Luffia of the dangers that might come in visiting the den of Berserkers.
For Sab, she does not find Beogia dangerous at all. As her thought runs through that line, the image of the tall red-haired High Prince invaded her mind. She remembered those reddish-brown eyes staring deep in her soul, almost making her quiver.
The scene in the forest played in her mind countless times. She could not forget it. It is as if she was bewitched by his appearance, his wildness, and his fearsome impact.
She shook her head and tried to erase those thoughts again. There is no point in further thinking of unnecessary thoughts. More things needed her attention.
After dinner, they all retired in their rooms. Despite having a big manor, the three sisters chose to stay in one room for tonight. The huge bed can fit 4 people at most.
There is a silence engulfing the room until Luffia broke it.
"Ann, Sab… Would you be telling me if something important happens?"
The questions jolted the twins. How could they tell her? Could she even take it? The twins knew that Luffia has been the center of the family. She keeps everything lively and joyous. She was the closest to their Dad and hearing that they are dead might break her apart.
"Whatever we do, it is for the best." Sab said as she looked at their youngest sister.
"We have to be stronger. We will take back what is ours and get revenge for all of this." Ann swore. Right now, there is no definite way of how they could do it, but soon they will. They need to get stronger and gather all of their allies to fight alongside them.
"We will." Luffia agreed. They soon drifted to sleep with vows of getting stronger.
As the morning came, Luffia bombarded them with questions of when they will visit Vaelon.
"I want to see the den of dragons!" She exclaimed. Her voice is as loud as it could get, irritating Ann and Sab.
"You will see it when we get there." Sab muttered. Luffia is as energetic as always, asking to do things. She cannot sit still for more than 5 minutes. The next thing you will notice, she is out doing anything she wanted to do. Such a free-willed girl.
"When? Chopper! Is the den of dragons amazing? What does it look like? Do they look savage? Monstrous?" Luffia started to bother Chopper.
"They are huge beasts! Zoro in his full transformation is the largest of them all. A green dragon."
"Really? But he can transform some of his body parts into a dragon. His dragon wings in his human form are amazing and wicked!"
As they ponder on her words all of them frowned.
"How do you know about his dragon wings in human form?" Chopper curiously asked.
"Oh, I asked him to show it to me." The twins and Chopper looked towards Luffia in absolute wonderment.
Chopper wonders how she managed to have Zoro agreed as it is very known how rarely he transforms himself in front of anybody.
"You asked him? Where did you see him? Luffia, what have you been doing?" Ann asked indignantly. Luffia does not know the danger that this might provide her.
"Oh, I saw him sleeping in the forest at Chopper's other house, then I asked him." Luffia said as if it the most natural thing to do. They all stared at her with shocked expressions. The saying 'Don't wake the sleeping dragon' is quite true. Zoro being bothered by a human should not have happened. At worse, he might have snapped at her.
But Luffia is not harmed.
"He had this huge dragon ink at his back. It is beautiful."
Chopper is even more amazed. Zoro never let others see that mark. The marking of someone who has a mate, yet he has none. It is a sensitive topic for him and no one dared to point it out as they might risk the wrath of the High Prince.
They were about to ask more questions when all of a sudden, a blur white fog appeared in front of them and the image of Robin was seen.
"Whoah!" Luffia reacted, her eyes shine brightly upon seeing this image.
"Good morning everyone. I can see that you are in good spirits."
"Robin, are you going to come today? Are you going to show us around Vaelon?" Luffia could not wait to see the place itself. She is even more excited about seeing Vaelon. There is just something in that place that attracts her and she cannot wait but to see how it looks.
"Unfortunately not today. I have important matters to attend to. 3 Days from now, there will be a Feast of Fortune. The Peacekeeper is cordially inviting the three of you to attend as Honorary Guests of Raftel."
"Feast of Fortune? What is that?" Sab asked. This is the first time she has heard of such things. It was not mentioned in their parents' stories. Perhaps it was a new tradition?
"Chopper will explain everything to you. I apologize as I have somewhere I need to be. See you at the feast."
The image disappeared and they were left staring at Chopper, expecting a good explanation.
"The Feast of Fortune happens every three months. It is where we all celebrate good hunting. We feast for the good Fortune of Raftel has experienced. It is a lively event in Raftel."
"Oh, like a banquet? That will be amazing! There will be tons of food to eat!"
"Of course. As honorary guests, you can sit with the Peacekeeper on his table."
Ann fell silent as she processed the information. After a few moments of silence, she spoke.
"We will not be attending the Feast of Fortune."
Luffia looked at her in shock.
"Why?" the youngest asked.
"We are humans. Although we are treated as Honorary Guests by the Peacekeeper, the rest of the creatures think otherwise. It will be best not to go. We can't ask for trouble."
Luffia frowned a little but she nodded. She understood what Ann is speaking of. They are strangers to this place, outsiders as what they were called by the others. They cannot openly show themselves and cause unnecessary trouble.
"We will just apologize to the Peacekeeper. I think he might understand our sentiments." Sab added. Chopper did not pursue any longer as he knew too well the consequences of their presence.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
