At the heart of the kingdom’s growing unrest, Pope Fillce of the Church of Lumara observed the tension with mounting concern. As the spiritual leader, it was his duty to embody Lumara's teachings and ensure the Church upheld its mission of love, wisdom, and compassion. Yet, whispers of inequality and rebellion had begun to shake the foundations of faith.

  The noble families, deeply intertwined with the Church’s power, had long been the primary beneficiaries of the Goddess's Aetherium. While many of the common folk still revered the Church and Lumara, there were those swayed by the rebel leader's fiery rhetoric. These dissenters spoke of a corrupted system favoring the elite while the rest remained powerless.

  In a rare public address held at the steps of the Grand Cathedral, Pope Fillce sought to reassure the people. Dressed in resplendent white and gold robes that shimmered in the sunlight, he raised his hands to silence the murmuring crowd.

  "My beloved children of Lumara," his voice rang clear and steady, "our faith has endured the test of time because it is rooted in love, compassion, and unity. While some may speak of division and inequality, let us not forget the countless ways the Church has served our people. Have we not healed the sick, sheltered the homeless, and guided the lost? Does the Goddess not shine her light on all, regardless of station?"

  The crowd murmured in agreement, many nodding in affirmation. While skepticism lingered among a few, the majority still trusted the Church’s guidance.

  Pope Fillce continued, his tone solemn. "But I cannot turn a blind eye to the cries of my children. To ensure our path remains true, I shall embark on a pilgrimage to the Temple of Lumara, seeking divine crity. Let us pray together for her guidance, that we may continue to walk in her light as one people, united and strong."

  The decration was met with a mixture of hope and apprehension. For the faithful, it was a moment of reassurance; for others, it was an opportunity to observe whether the Church would truly change its ways.

  In the royal council chamber, King Andrel Pentra sat on his gilded throne, the weight of the kingdom heavy on his shoulders. Before him stood Captain Roderic commander of the royal knight, his expression grim.

  "Your Majesty," Roderic began, "I bring grave news. Over the past two weeks, twenty knights—ten of whom were recently bestowed with Aetherium—have disappeared without a trace. Their patrol routes spanned the outer provinces and critical trade roads."

  Andrel’s brow furrowed. "Twenty knights? That is no mere coincidence. Were there signs of struggle?"

  "Yes, sire. Scattered remnants of battles—blood, broken weaponry, and the remains of armor. But no bodies. Witnesses report sightings of shadowy figures, but they fled before they could be questioned."

  The King’s jaw tightened. "This cannot stand. Increase patrols and tighten security across the capital and its outskirts. And..." he hesitated, his gaze drifting toward the golden ceremonial bde at his side, "ensure Melissa’s inauguration ceremony proceeds without incident. It is only two days away, and I will not have my daughter’s moment overshadowed by this treachery."

  Roderic nodded, bowing low. "As you command, Your Majesty."

  As the council convened to pn increased security, whispers of unusual activity among the four great noble houses reached the King’s ears. Reports of cndestine meetings, increased private guard patrols, and significant purchases of supplies hinted at a brewing storm.

  King Andrel tapped his fingers against the armrest of his throne. "The great houses are restless. I need eyes on their every move. If they think they can disrupt this ceremony or challenge the crown, they will regret it."

  Roderic saluted, determination etched across his face. "It will be done, sire. I will ensure the Royal Knights are ready for any threat."

  As the meeting adjourned, the king remained seated, his mind heavy with worry. The disappearance of knights, the rebellion’s growing influence, and the suspicious behavior of the nobility formed a web of danger that threatened to ensnare the kingdom.

  And at its center stood Melissa, poised to take her pce as the next Holy Priestess—a beacon of hope in an increasingly uncertain world.

  As twilight descended upon the kingdom, King Andrel Pentra penned a series of letters under the watchful gaze of Festus, his most trusted royal knight. The letters, bearing the royal seal, summoned the heads of the Church, the Royal Knights, and the great noble families to an urgent meeting in the Throne Hall the following day.

  "This cannot wait," Andrel said, his voice low but resolute. "With Melissa's inauguration two days away and the unrest brewing, I need crity and unity among our pilrs of power."

  Festus nodded. "Your Majesty, do you expect full cooperation? The noble families have grown restless, and the Church has been walking a fine line with its recent decisions."

  "Cooperation or not, they will hear me," Andrel replied firmly. "The throne stands above all. Let them plot if they wish, but I will not allow their scheming to disrupt the kingdom's stability or my daughter's rise as Holy Priestess."

  Messengers departed swiftly, bearing the King’s summons to all corners of the capital and beyond. By dawn, the heads of the Church, the Royal Knights, and the noble families would converge under one roof—a rare gathering that signaled the gravity of the situation.

  Meanwhile, the capital of Pentra bustled with activity as preparations for Princess Melissa’s inauguration reached fever pitch. Streets were lined with golden banners bearing the sigil of Lumara—a radiant sunburst enveloping a blooming flower. Artisans crafted intricate decorations, and merchants hawked goods adorned with symbols of the Church and the royal family.

  "Make way! Clear the road!" shouted a foreman as a massive statue of Lumara, carved from pure white marble, was wheeled toward the Grand Cathedral. Choirs rehearsed hymns, their melodic voices floating through the air, while priests and priestesses practiced the sacred rites for the ceremony.

  The capital’s inns and taverns overflowed with visitors who had travelled from across the kingdom to witness the event. Farmers from Sunvale, merchants from the southern coasts, and even travelers from neighboring nds filled the city streets. Many saw this as more than a religious occasion—it was a celebration of hope, unity, and the kingdom’s divine favor.

  However, not all who arrived in the capital came with noble intentions. Among the throngs of pilgrims and revelers were shadowy figures—spies from the great houses, mercenaries seeking opportunities, and agents of the rebellion blending into the crowd. Whispers of the missing knights and rumors of hidden conspiracies buzzed in the darker corners of the city.

  The Royal Guard, aware of the growing unease, worked tirelessly to maintain order. Patrols were doubled, checkpoints established, and curfews enforced in the less savory districts. Captain Roderic oversaw these efforts, ensuring that every measure was taken to protect the princess and the sanctity of her ceremony.

  As night fell, King Andrel stood on the balcony of his chambers, gazing at the bustling city below. The glow of nterns illuminated the streets, a testament to the life and vibrancy of the kingdom he had sworn to protect.

  "Two days," he murmured. "Two days until Melissa takes her pce as Holy Priestess. May Lumara guide us through these troubled times."

  Festus approached, his expression as steely as ever. "The city is secure for now, Your Majesty. But with so many strangers in the capital, we must remain vigint."

  Andrel nodded. "We will not falter, Festus. Not now. Tomorrow’s meeting will set the course for what is to come. Let them bring their schemes and ambitions—I will remind them who holds the crown."

  As the bells of the Grand Cathedral tolled in the distance, the King turned back to his chambers, preparing for the pivotal day ahead.

  NOTE

  The Royal Knights of PentraLoyal to the King Alone

  The Royal Knights of Pentra, often referred to simply as the "Royal Knights," are the elite protectors of the royal family and the capital. They are known for their unwavering loyalty to the monarch, answering solely to the king. Selected from the most skilled warriors and tacticians in the kingdom, each Royal Knight undergoes rigorous training in both martial and magical arts. Their armor is adorned with the royal crest, and their presence commands respect and fear in equal measure.

  Responsibilities:

  Safeguarding the royal family at all times.

  Defending the capital, ensuring peace and stability within its borders.

  Leading military campaigns in the King’s name when necessary.

  Key Traits:

  Utterly loyal to the monarch; no other authority can command them.

  Equipped with the finest weapons and armor, often infused with Aetherium.

  Trained to excel in both single combat and rge-scale warfare.

  2. The Padins of LumaraDefenders of the Church and Divine Will

  The Padins of Lumara are sworn to protect the Church of Lumara Pentra, the Pope, and the High Priestess. Their allegiance lies with the divine, and they answer only to the Pope or the Priestess. Padins are not only warriors but also devout followers of the Goddess of Light. They believe their purpose is to uphold Lumara’s will, spreading her wisdom and love while vanquishing darkness wherever it appears.

  Responsibilities:

  Guarding the holy sites, the Pope and the High Priestess.

  Leading crusades and purges against heretics and abominations.

  Protecting the relics and artefacts of the church, including the Core Stones.

  Key Traits:

  Divine warriors are often gifted with blessings that enhance their abilities.

  Known for their shining armor, a symbol of purity and Lumara’s light.

  Willing to y down their lives in service of the Goddess’s will.