As Queen Hyrestia’s finger left Karia’s head, she sighed softly. Karia had known the truth of who her future children were; distant relatives. In Karia’s eyes, they were to simply become the future of the Shiarama household. Although, she held such great care and attention in her heart, realizing they were not to be used simply for family matters. Karia had grown to learn that these children who were forced into a brutal environment deserved much more than to carry her own burden. So, she wrote a note that would be for the one she had already expected to carry on the role if they wished. This note was written for Kari, the second to youngest of who she had raised, similar to her own position amongst the siblings who passed on before her.

Dear Kari,

I have had many high hopes for you in this family, I’d seen myself in you all this time. In such a selfish wish, I wanted to pass on this responsibility of the household leader to you. Although, I see now that this wish was for the better of the world. I heed you to keep your siblings safe no matter what may come across them. There will be quite the multitude of trials ahead for you, but keep in mind that you should never give into the darkness that can creep up into our lives. In my private library behind my office, you will find many books and scrolls I have written or been given. These will give you such a different view on how you can perceive the world and your existence, but that is if you chose to follow this path. My life will end soon and the hopes that you may be reading this in time before any other is strong. As I have said to you before, I love you Kari, we may not be related by pure blood, but I truly see you and the others as my children. Within this note I will tell you everything you need to know apart from the books or scrolls. I had given you a personal scroll that I pray you have not opened yet. I had also given you another gift years before you are reading this note, that was the gift of magic. With this gift, you are able to use any book or scroll to cast spells and whatnot. Within this time you learn, you must know why I have you do this. The world’s fate is to be destroyed and you have been chosen to take this opportunity and save it from destruction. You must also use the scroll I had given you to find the glimmering forest, there you will be told the rest. I trust you may use this information in your own time, and only with yourself. This must not be normal to hear, but I do not trust you to show this to anyone else. Unless you see it fit from those your truly deem worth the responsibility as well, it is all in your hands now, Kari. Again, I trust you to keep this information in secret and work toward the goal to save this dying world if and when you have chosen your fate.

From your mother,

Karia Shiarama

Kari had not taken any look to this note after a long month of grieving with her sister. For a moment, there was no sure leader fit for the Shiarama household and so servants from other houses had been lost in what they should do. Few had thought to leave, but many had known there was still one person who was supposed to be the new leader, so they waited. Kari was visited by each servant who was in charge of the other houses and Lillian had shown to bring them, seeing she was also in charge of the main house that which Kari stayed. With this they had told her that if she was to stay in the main house then she would officially become the new leader to the Shiarama household. From that day, Kari had been lost in thought, although she did think very clearly with Jilliace by her side. After the month of grieving and the visit by the servants, Kari had finally come to a decision. She had decided to officially become the leader of the household and read back to the last note Karia had left her. Kari had read through the note for a very long time with days of attempting to understand. She had even looked through the books and scrolls before looking through the scroll Karia had given to her. Although Kari had finally gotten the idea after months of leading the household. Alongside her was Jilliace, helping in any way she could and even learning from Lillian. Jolen had still not come back and even Louis was missing throughout this whole time. With what felt like a rough year, Kari managed and ended up leaving to find the glimmering forest. Just as Karia did, Kari traveled with Rol and Filphen to the glimmering forest. They had known the way and yet Kari still lead through the path as they had found the six stones the same as that day. Queen Hyrestia appeared and introduced herself, yet she did not need to explain too much as Kari had understood the situation from Karia. She had gathered new information that was to save a Prince in the future. Kari was unsure what she meant by “the future” because that would mean she would need to travel through time.

“Kari, I give you this question,” Queen Hyrestia suggested an option to Kari that would change her life. “Would you like to become a goddess?”

Kari was unsure of what to answer as of this meant everything would change. Rol and Filphen watched and listen carefully, knowing that they would accept her answer either way. Though, it was unexpected that they would hear something else. Rather than a simple yes or no, Kari asked a question to Queen Hyrestia instead.

“Is it possible to make not only I,” Kari continue to ponder as she spoke, carefully reading her own words in her mind. “But… could my siblings also become a God or goddess?”

Hyrestia looked at her with an unexpected feeling, knowing she would surprise her just as Karia did in her place. “This can be done, although it can only be done with Jilliace and Jolen brought here. Mizutaka is already of god blood, as you may not have known yet.”

Kari was sure that she’d seen him as a human just like her, but there were always more things she’d known to keep learning over time. This fact alone was simply accepted in her heart, as she already felt a deep connection as family with Mizutaka. Though the question to have Jilliace and Jolen to become a god and goddess as well would mean finding Jolen. Kari always had a caring soul, thinking of others in everything she did, even if those others did not think of her the same. Jolen was an example of this, he did not have much care and attention on anyone else unlike the rest of the family, but Kari accepted him as is. They had grown up together and created a stronger bond than Jilliace had at the time. Kari decided to make a deal with Queen Hyrestia; to find Jolen within a week’s time and then to bring him to the glimmering forest with Jilliace. Then, only after this, Hyrestia would fulfill this gift offering to all three. Kari left the glimmering forest with another quest in mind, to find Jolen.

“Filphen, do you have anything on his last sighting?” Kari walked throughout the office, writing inside a notebook. “The last thing we need is another slip.”

Rol spoke in his place, holding a stack of books and scrolls Kari placed in his arms. “Lady Kari… Filphen has gone out to retrieve your other stack-” He adjusted the grip in his arms, barely holding everything up correctly.

“Oh, of course, I forgot.” Kari sighed and looked worryingly towards Rol. She took a few things from him, relieving the weight.

“Ah-” Rol almost tried to take back the scrolls as respect for her kindness, but there was still too much he held in his arms to reach. “Lady Kari-”

“I would rather take this from you then to see your struggle.” Kari slightly laughed as she held books and scrolls in her hands without trouble. “As much as I am busy, I still care.”

Rol softly smiled as his heart was touched by Kari's words. Filphen rushed inside, panting and gasping for air as he also held books and scrolls in his arms. Rol and Kari slightly stared as he barely walked toward her desk, gently placing down each book and scroll. It took a moment for him to catch his breath until finally speaking. Although just before he opened his mouth, a horn was heard from outside. Kari quickly walked over to her window curtains, pushing them aside to see what looked like a small feat of men riding on white horses. There were about six horses on the side and 2 in the middle that wore gold plating. On top of the horses with gold plating were men with gold armor, showing their high status compared to the rest of the men on the sides. Kari looked closer to notice that one of them had pale skin and dark hair. Recalling back to a few books she had read, even seeing drawings with very detailed descriptions on specific people, he looked very familiar. This individual looked very identical to who was named Osamu, 1st prince of Flarice Kingdom. Of course, these books and scrolls that Karia left behind had every important person in time. Though, Kari did not know why they were there until Lillian calmly walked inside to let her know. She had told them that this was an unplanned visit by the 1st Prince himself. Kari was slightly surprised and quickly asked Rol and Filphen to stop with the books and scrolls. She rushed out of the room with Lillian, meeting Jilliace out in the hallway. The three helped adjust themselves to look presentable as they walked together. From the top to down the stairs, Kari made sure she looked tidy in the mirrors they passed on the way.

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“Apologies for not looking very presentable for you, your highness…” Kari did a proper curtsy and bowed as they slowly walked inside, entering through the large front entrance. Her long dark hair was let down to hang near her waist, showing great length and beauty.

The prince slightly looked around the room but then fully noticed Kari as she lifted her head to him. His heart almost skipped a beat, and his steps became hesitant as the gap between them slowly thinned away. He stopped just far enough to see everyone else at her side, feeling something was a bit odd. Due to the slightly dark atmosphere, the prince realized that something happened while they were away. They had introduced themselves has the prince and explained that there was a long war that went on for years. Kari had never personally met this prince, but she knew many things that were to happen to him throughout his future ruling, at least what would be possible. Kari introduced herself in a formal and respectful way as to say that she was the new household leader.

“New?” The prince's eyes slightly widened, and his voice held a hint of trembling. “Karia has passed on…?”

“… Yes.” Kari responds in a pensive way, almost conflicted at the thought. “There has been many things going on throughout the household these rough years.”

“…” The prince was still in shock of this newfound information. His relationship with Karia Shiarama was as strong as a bond among family. This was heartbreaking to hear let alone see clearly that it may as well be true.

Through the years Karia had let the prince visit on his own accord due to the allied relations with his crowned parents at the time. Karia was seen as a sunflower to all, especially since it was her favorite flower to use in decorating and plating at the family garden. Her impact on others was strong, including the four whom she’d raised as her own children. Kari was a perfect example of this great impact. The fact that she and the others were not blood related to Karia was already known, especially with how their visible genetics are not very common around those parts. The prince continued to stand there, attempting to process this as the time passed. The guards who followed behind felt the sorrow that which he felt in this moment. Kari looked to Lillian and gestured to lead the rest of the explanation behind Karia’s death. With the knowledge that Kari was given the last of her magical ability, that was what lead to her early death. Karia had known she did not have much time left to live in that world and so she had helped unlock the greater ability with magic in Kari’s body, leading to her becoming the rightful stronghold of the house. The prince was still slightly struck by Kari’s beauty as his attention lingered over her. Lillian decided to lead the guards who stood further behind to a guest room. The prince and the other who stood next to him with golden armor were left with Kari in the entry room. Kari guided them to a different room to continue their conversation, leading the head maid to follow along.

“I know we were never able to formerly meet throughout the years behind.” The prince lightly lowered his head and bowed to Kari. “Though, I must admit you caught me by complete surprise.”

Kari watched his head lift up to her, seeing the prince have a slightly unexpected look across his face. In the silence of the room, only the clanging of his armor was heard and the sound of the elder clock in the background. “Your highness-”

“Please, Miss Kari.” The prince quickly interrupted her, eager to suggest something else. “I would rather you call me by my name; Osamu.”

“… Osamu, I do not understand what you mean by surprise.” Kari quietly sighed in this little change of atmosphere, feeling something odd with the prince’s presence. “Is it due to the fact that I have now been presented to you as the new leader of the household?”

“Well, now, that is surely one reason. Although, you surprised me by your beauty, Miss Kari.” The prince gave off a subtle smile that showed no mal intent behind it. “How would you like to become a lady-in-waiting?”

Kari almost blankly stared at the prince and thought to herself that the prince was cleverly intuitive. Any lady would dream of having the chance to become the queen if it meant lounging around, married to an attentive husband. Kari was not the same, she was taught by the best that not all things in life may lead to your truest needs. “I am honored you think that way, but I must regretfully decline this offer.”

The prince sighed and accepted this with another smile. “You do exceed my expectations, Lady Kari. I do understand you would not think much of this today because the proposal was so sudden, but I assure you that this offer stands for many years from now. This may even come from another prince or even one who has been already crowned by then, your mere presence is unmatched by the highest of highs.”

“What exactly are you implying, pri- Osamu…?” Kari thought of this for a moment, trying to figure out what the prince could be talking about. She had been fully aware that this would be a one in a lifetime opportunity, but she is then hearing that this would come far more often than expected. She did not have any interest in developing such relationships with royalty, only those that which keep a common allied interest.

“What I am implying is...” The Prince took two steps towards Kari and slowly stopped to look into her eyes. “You have stolen my heart, lady Kari. I am simply giving you this proposal as a way of saying ‘I was the first to recognize such beauty’.”

Kari slightly leaned her head toward him as she noticed his humble but proud expression as he spoke. “Osamu, I take it this would mean I am a sort of prize in a game, is it not?” She gestured to the head maid, waving her hand to bring refreshments for them.

The other who was in gold armor simply spectated on this conversation just until Kari had last spoken. They stared at her with a hinted glance for a moment just before looking toward the paintings as the prince noticed their stare. The prince turned to them and decided to finally introduce this mystery person to Kari as they stood. This was Osamu’s dearest friend, in safety of their identity he referred to him as his nickname, “Blondie.” Kari recognized why the nickname matched due to the barely visible blonde strands of hair peeking out the back of his helmet.

“Welcome, you may sit as the refreshments are brought by the maids.” Kari went and sat in a couch.

The head maid came back with another, holding a tray full of tea and sugar. Then Kari gestured them to take the tea cups after they were placed down onto the coffee table in front of the three. They sat and watched as the maids helped pour the tea, giving them their cups. Blondie refused to drink this tea, seeing how they’d rather kept their helmet on than to reveal their face. Kari held this as a mystery but accepted it even if it was as it had been. Osamu sipped on his tea and proceeded to continue the conversation. Later on Kari had finally become more familiar with the prince, having happily said goodbye as they left the household grounds. Jilliace followed Kari around as she was looking through files that Rol brought from Filphen. He was resting from the continuous searching for Kari, as Rol followed alongside Jilliace, the searching had finally come to an end. Kari looked at the files and immediately stopped walking, making the other two bump into each other.

“Kari…?” Jilliace picked her own papers up from the floor that were dropped in the process. “Is everything alright…?”

Kari stared deep into the paper and looked as if she were darting her eyes into it. Rol noticed as he helped Jilliace with her papers. “Finally….” Kari turned to them both, looking down. “He finally found Jolen.”

“Filphen found him?” Rol quickly stood, rising with Jilliace. “Where is he now???”

Kari grinned, looking straight towards him, “Hiding out near the glimmering forest.” She’d almost immediately shown a full smile, looking proud at this new information.

As the day went forward, Filphen and Rol guided the way once more towards the glimmering forest. It had already been about more than half a week’s time to fulfil this offer, but it was perfect, nonetheless. Kari had Jilliace follow along to complete this offer in full. The search continued as they were guided towards the grounds around the glimmering forest. Rol separated with Jilliace, and Filphen was with Kari. The four wandered in this stretched search for Jolen. The day felt longer than most but Kari and Filphen had finally found a small, structured hut in the distance. This was about a long 300 steps into the side of the forest grounds. Jolen was also seen in the distance, standing as he placed laundry out on a large branch.