Reaching the door, Isleen met Suna, who had just left. Suna realized who it was and bowed.
– Suna – The sorceress's attitude varied greatly depending on how she felt about the person before her. With Suna, her expression was much softer than it had been with the teacher. Isleen had personally chosen her to care for Celine, trusting her deeply.
– How is Celine? – she asked.
Suna replied – The princess is taking notes for her trip.
Isleen smiled and gently helped Suna to her feet so she could look her in the eyes.
– Suna, I want you to accompany Celine on this journey. Do not let any suspicious people near her. I trust you to keep her safe and deliver her to Fenymia's care.
Suna's expression became firm – You need not worry, my Lady. I will protect and care for the princess.
Isleen looked more at ease upon hearing Suna's words. Smiling, she asked – What were you about to do? I apologize if I interrupted you.
Suna quickly shook her head – The Lady has not disturbed me in the slightest. I was actually heading to the kitchen to review the dishes for Miss's lunch. Since we are traveling this afternoon, I wanted to prepare something nutritious.
Receiving an approving nod from the sorceress, Suna bid farewell and headed to the kitchen, leaving Isleen standing before Celine's bedroom door.
She hesitated. Just as she was about to knock, a guard approached and spoke softly beside her:
– My Lady, there were complications in the Lord's journey to the city of Nosea. He also requests your presence at his meeting with the King of Waterfall.
Isleen furrowed her brows, an expression of doubt crossing her face.
– Organize everything for the princess's trip. I will leave the palace immediately.
The guard left swiftly. Isleen stared at the door for a moment longer before turning away with a neutral expression. Unfortunately, she would not be able to advise Celine before her departure. This unexpected issue required her to travel quickly to Nosea to meet her husband, Lord Aillard.
As soon as her figure disappeared, the door creaked open slightly, revealing only a small gap through which Celine peered in the direction where the sorceress had vanished. Lowering her gaze, she closed the door.
'I couldn't say goodbye to either of them… What could be happening in Nosea that requires both the Great Lord of Celestia and the most powerful Sorceress of the Nine Kingdoms?'
Celine was confused, but she would be leaving soon. Pushing aside her worries about her parents, she turned her attention to her bags, focusing on her preparations.
In the carriage, Celine gazed at the stark white landscape. Fortunately, they would not face a blizzard. Those who lived in the North were accustomed to the extreme cold, which made adapting to the South challenging.
Where they were headed would certainly have less snow than their homeland.
Fenymia was a realm inhabited by many races, but its true natives lived even farther south—the fairies. Most of Fenymia belonged to them, and what separated them from the other residents was the Feny River.
There were three major fairy cities, and the only one that still welcomed other races was Somin, which also sent its children to study in Kesla.
Celine turned her gaze toward Suna and, after a moment of hesitation, asked in a softer tone:
– Suna, have you ever seen a fairy?
The maid, caught slightly off guard, smiled lightly – I don't, my lady, they have been isolated for many years – She glanced at Celine – Why do you ask?
Celine took a moment before responding – I was just wondering. I've never seen other races before, only wizards and sorcerers.
Suna nodded – Now that you're going to Fenymia, you'll have the opportunity. Kesla is diverse; you'll meet all kinds of people there.
Celine gave a small nod but did not reply immediately. She was curious, but she was not one to speak unnecessarily. Instead, she turned her attention back to the window for a moment before finally sighing and picking up a book, losing herself in its pages.
The journey would be long. They had left Celestia, the capital of the Northern Kingdom, and were heading to Meres, the capital of the small kingdom of Tiszod.
Although the world was known as "The Nine Kingdoms," those were merely the most powerful and influential ones. In reality, there were nineteen kingdoms. The nine dominant ones were recognized for their economic, agricultural, and military influence, as well as their vast lands and powerful monarchs.
The most powerful realms were, in order: the Argon Empire, the Northern Silver Kingdom, Waterfall, Nairot, Yuugen, Kelet, Zhenan, Wu Wang, and Friegenia. The remaining kingdoms—Almalorantia, Mishan Guo, Fenymia, Tsimian, Tegia, Tiszod, Baria, Letagia, Yu Kuan, and Li Tui—were smaller but still held their own strengths and importance, particularly in magic.
Each realm had its advantages and weaknesses. To Celine, the only real difference lay in how quickly or slowly they advanced.
They would pass through three kingdoms on this journey. Their first and only stop would be Tiszod. After that, they would travel through Waterfall and Nairot before finally reaching the border of Fenymia.
She turned another page of her book, letting out a quiet sigh. 'A long journey without rest…'