Volume 2 Chapter 12 - Summoned by the King
The sun had barely risen above the capital when a royal messenger, cloaked in deep blue and gold, arrived at the Adventurer's Guild. His presence alone was enough to still the morning chatter. Every step echoed authority.
Inside the guild hall, Cindy and Puff were sharing a light breakfast when the guildmaster approached with the messenger at his side.
"Cindy, Puff," Reynard said gravely. "His Majesty has issued a royal summons. You are to appear at the palace immediately."
Puff froze mid-bite. "Wait, the King? Like—crown, throne, scary eyes—King?"
Reynard gave a small nod. "Yes. And I'd suggest not keeping him waiting."
Cindy exchanged a quiet glance with Puff. Her heart thudded once, heavy and uncertain. "Understood. We'll prepare right away."
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The Royal Palace
The capital's royal palace was a marvel of white marble and gold inlay, its towering spires reaching like fingers toward the sky. As Cindy and Puff entered the great hall, the polished floor reflected their figures—hers calm and steady, his fidgeting with nervous energy.
Rows of armored knights lined the hall. At its far end sat the throne, upon which rested King Arcturus Vanelle, a man whose silver hair and sharp eyes carried the weight of both wisdom and vigilance.
Beside him stood a woman with flowing auburn hair and a quiet, commanding aura — Queen Lirianne, a famed mage of the court.
The King's voice echoed across the hall.
"Cindy of the Wind, and your companion Puff. Step forward."
Cindy bowed deeply, wings hidden under her cloak, her posture measured. "Your Majesty."
Puff followed, awkwardly attempting a bow that almost made him trip.
The King's lips twitched faintly in amusement before his tone turned serious.
"I've been informed by Guildmaster Reynard of your recent exploits — your aid in the capital's defense, your role in awakening the Earth Spirit Terranox, and your remarkable control over wind-based magic."
His eyes narrowed slightly. "There are few in this world who can claim kinship with the Spirits. Fewer still who earn their trust."
Cindy met his gaze quietly. "I never sought power, Your Majesty. I only wished to help those in need."
The Queen smiled gently. "A humble answer. But the Spirits do not appear by chance. They seek those who can bear their burden."
The King nodded. "Indeed. And now that the Earth has awakened, the balance may soon shift. The court mages have detected elemental turbulence in the southern regions — faint, but growing."
Cindy's breath caught. "Another Spirit?"
The Queen inclined her head. "Perhaps. We do not know which. But we must prepare. That is why we called you here."
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A Royal Request
The King rose from his throne, his cloak billowing like storm clouds.
"We ask this of you, Cindy of the Wind, and of your companion Puff: remain in the capital for the time being.
Should the elemental disturbance grow, we may need your strength once more.
The court shall provide resources, and you will be granted the title of Spirit Envoy under the crown. "
Gasps rippled through the chamber. Even the guards exchanged glances.
A Spirit Envoy — a title reserved only for those who served directly as intermediaries between the mortal realm and the spirits.
Cindy hesitated, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. "Your Majesty... I am honored, but I am not sure I deserve such a title."
The Queen smiled knowingly. "Deserving or not, you have already taken the first step. The Spirits themselves have chosen you."
Puff stepped forward, his small form straightening proudly. "Then we'll do our best! Right, Cindy?"
Cindy looked down at him, then back up at the King. A small, resolute smile curved her lips.
"Yes. We accept."
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After the Audience
When they left the throne room, the palace corridor felt strangely lighter.
Puff exhaled a long breath. "Whew! I thought he was gonna turn me into a pancake for talking too much."
Cindy chuckled softly. "You did fine. You even bowed this time."
"Barely," he muttered, grinning.
They walked toward the palace garden — a vast space filled with blooming spirit-infused flowers, glowing softly under the sunlight. A gentle breeze swirled around them, carrying the faint laughter of unseen fae.
Cindy's expression grew thoughtful.
"Spirit Envoy... I wonder what that truly means for us."
Puff hopped onto the garden railing, his tail flicking. "It means more work, that's what." Then his grin softened. "But maybe it also means more answers."
Cindy looked up at the sky — clear, blue, and endless.
"The balance of the Spirits... If Earth has awakened, then others may follow."
A faint shimmer of red light flickered briefly at the horizon before vanishing.
Neither noticed it.
But the wind whispered faintly:
"The flame stirs..."