บท 15: The kingdom of magic

In another kingdom, where magic was everywhere, far north from Aderlan, the Kingdom of Feylantis prospers.

Feylantis was a kingdom mixed with antiquity and magic. The structures were made in wood and stone like in the medieval age but instead of torches, they had exquisite magic crystals that were in several colors and exuded light.

There were people who could control the elements and there were magical devices being used and sold on a daily basis. Magic was a common thing in Feylantis, it was the opposite of Aderlan where magic seemed to have ran dry.

The Royal Palace was a magnificent sight to see. It had water flowing out of it like waterfalls. The water was connected to the kingdom's water system. The walls had enormous crystals which would be activated if there would be an attack and a magical barrier will be formed. The walls were also decorated with exquisite magical flowers which would glow in the darkness.

Inside the palace, the third princess and the seventh prince were having a heated discussion.

"I know that the abductions have been increasing but it's too dangerous, Azmir!" The third princess, Kiera, said.

She was dark skinned and had long curly black hair. Her dress exposed more skin than the usual dresses in Aderlan. Her bare shoulders were exposed and there was a long slit at her skirt which showed off her thigh down to her leg. The dress was decorated with gold and crystals which made her skin seem to shimmer.

"They're stealing our people, Kiera! Making them do Fey knows what! It is our duty to our people to protect them no matter the danger," Azmir, the seventh prince said.

He was also dark skinned but instead of black hair like his sister, his hair was a dark shade of blue and indigo. It was something that usually manifested for people who could control water. His prince outfit was stylishly decorated with gold embroideries.

"What if they find out what you're doing?! Our kingdom might come into war with them! That kingdom has never lost to wars! It has conquered so many lands already and I have heard that the Saintess has arrived in their kingdom. Their fighting capability might be even stronger now!" Kiera said.

Azmir sighed. Kiera was the sibling he was closest to but she was prone to worry too much sometimes.

"I will be careful, dear sister. I will not make a move unless I am certain. At the moment, I am still unable to go to that kingdom. Their forces are too tight. When I find a way, I will be able to look for evidence and hopefully bring back our people," Azmir said, trying to reassure his sister.

Kiera nodded. "We only have suspicions and rumors right now. Continue with your investigation but be careful. They must not know, Azmir."

"I will be careful," Azmir said and they parted ways.

Azmir went to a underground tunnel which he always used when going in and out of the Royal Palace. The tunnel was cold and made up of stones. There were only a handful of small crystals which lighted his way.

Azmir traced the wall with his hand, feeling for the door. A few moments of walking, he finally found the door. He pushed it open.

Inside the door was a small chamber where he had some clothes stored.

He changed his elegant clothes to simpler ones. He tied his long hair into a bun. For the final touch, he wore his belt pouch. The belt pouch was enchanted with magic which allowed him to put any number of items in it. The magical belt pouch was an essential item for all merchants in Feylantis.

The chamber had another door which led outside. Azmir went out through that door. He was no longer Azmir, the seventh prince. He was now Mir, the merchant.

Being Mir, the merchant, was his way of going out of the palace without any restrictions to his behavior. Initially, he had only done it for fun but then he learned of the disappearances. The people of Feylantis were being abducted. Being a merchant in disguise, he was able to get information from all kinds of people.

Aderlan. A kingdom that liked to conquer. A kingdom that had no magic except for the Saintess that they summon every century. If the culprits were indeed from Aderlan, why would they need people from Feylantis? What were they using them for?

While walking, Azmir noticed that the Cathedral was glowing with a golden light. Someone had arrived again from another world.

It was a usual thing in Feylantis. There were people being reincarnated from another world in Feylantis. They were great help in making the kingdom prosperous and in making advancements in their everyday lives. Several of their magical devices were inspired by the devices talked about by them. They were called "adventurers."

Azmir went inside the Cathedral out of curiosity. As a merchant, he liked hearing the ideas of adventurers. They were usually eager to help and improve the lives of the people. Adventurers usually were physically or magically strong too.

Azmir could not see the adventurer at first. There were a lot of curious people like him who came to see the new adventurer. Azmir squeezed himself against the crowd to be at the front.

The golden light vanished. The adventurer had arrived. He had skin like winter's fresh snow. His hair was black as a raven's feather. He opened his eyes. His eyes were brown like autumn's fallen leaves.

"Welcome, adventurer! You have arrived in the Kingdom of Feylantis!" The High Priest said happily.

The crowd cheered. Azmir observed the adventurer. The adventurer was busy looking around. He did not looked excited or happy like most adventurers. This adventurer seemed to be . . . looking for something.

"What are you looking for?" Azmir said in a loud voice to get his attention.

The adventurer fixed his gaze on Azmir. "I'm looking for my sister. She might be here too."

"What's her name?" Azmir asked curiously.

"Mia. Her name is Mia. Is she here too?"