After finalizing their alliance Jonady, dressed in his military uniform stood at the port of Azulferia, ready to return to the Kingdom of Ednia.
Around him, men bustled about, unloading equipment as preparations for departure neared completion.
Not far away, Sylena and Thaloria embraced tenderly, bidding each other farewell.
Sylena's eyes welled with tears, and unable to contain her emotions, she quickly buried her face against her sister's chest to hide her crying.
Sylena had always been the spoiled child of the family.
She was deeply attached to her siblings, and this separation would be her first—a true challenge.
For the first time in her life, she would live far from them for an indefinite period.
It was a difficult moment.
Kodort, observing the scene turned to Jonady and said in a serious tone:
I'm glad you and i are not enemy. Can I entrust my little sister to you?
Jonady nodded and replied with confidence:
Yes, you can trust me i will take care of her.
Nothing will ever happen to her i promised.
Kodort then stepped forward, gave Jonady a pat on the back, and chuckled:
Hahaha! Very well brother-in-law, I'm counting on you!
Thaloria meanwhile, gently stroked Sylena's head with a teasing smile on her lips.
Why are you crying? We'll still be able to talk using the magic mirror! Or… is little Syl too scared to leave her family?
Then, in a mischievous tone, she added:
We can still cancel your engagement to Jonady if you want. You could stay in Azulferia!
At once Sylena startled, broke free from the embrace, and ran to Jonady grabbing his arm tightly.
No! I'm going! she declared with determination.
At that moment Sienna, Kaylen, and a dwarf approached the group.
Sylena caught the dwarf's eye and exclaimed in surprise:
Grandpa Thornor? What are you doing at the port?
The dwarf, an old man with a grizzled beard and mischievous eyes, pointed at Sienna and replied with a smile:
This young lady impressed me greatly in my workshop.
She asked me to come work with her in her kingdom.
Delighted, Sylena rushed to him and hugged him tightly.
That's awesome! So cool, Grandpa Thornor!
Grumbling, the dwarf tried to push her off.
You brat… that's enough, let go of me!
Everyone burst into laughter at the heartwarming scene.
Thornor then turned to Thaloria and said firmly:
Lady Thaloria, fear not.
I'll always be by the princess's side.
Beside him, Nilyna added softly:
I'll watch over Sylena as if she were my own sister.
It was time to leave. Jonady Sylena, and the others boarded the ship.
Shortly after, the vessel raised anchor and slowly pulled away from the port.
On the pier, Thaloria watched the ship disappear into the horizon.
At her side, Lanny placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and murmured:
Our little sister is growing up… she's leaving the nest to live her own adventure.
Thaloria nodded silently, her gaze fixed on the ship sailing into the distance.
Aboard the ship
Sylena stood at the bow, her eyes wide with wonder at the violet-tinted ocean—a unique hue characteristic of the waters surrounding Azulferia.
So… this is the ocean, she murmured, fascinated.
Jonady approached and stood beside her.
How do you like the view? he asked.
She turned to him, a bright smile lighting up her face.
It's incredible! It's the first time I've left Azulferia.
Seeing her like this—awestruck and carefree—Jonady couldn't help but think of a child going on vacation for the first time in their life.
He gently placed a hand on her head and said warmly:
In a few hours, you'll discover the island of Ednia.
I'm sure you'll love it.
Sylena nodded eagerly, a radiant smile on her lips.
Yes! she replied before throwing her arms around Jonady in a spontaneous hug.