"Are all the items accounted for?" Diego questioned, as he glanced at the man who emerged from the tent. Theodore exhaled lightly, before standing erect. He lightly dusted his clothes, before raising his head to gaze at his cousin. "All well put In place. You need not bother yourself about the supplies." Theodore explained, before giving a low sigh. "Goodness, it is was so exhausting to arrange the items; say, was it really a necessity to bring so much supplies with us?" Theodore asked, whilst using his hand to wipe his forehead. "What sort of a question Is that? If our stock runs out prematurely, will you delegate upon yourself, the task of attaining more?" Diego asked, with an upraised eyebrow. There were basically In the middle of nowhere, with nothing but the tents of various families, which had encompassed them about. In order to distinguish a particular tent from the other, the emblems of such families were embodied unto the flaps of such tents, through the use of ink. There was really no specific location In which the necessities of life could be purchased, and it was beyond clear that the crown had hosted such an activity with the intentions of catering for their basic needs. 'Fortunately, I brought enough to suffice for both man and beast.' Diego thought, as he glanced around him. Besides Theodore, Douen, and Himself, there was only both five men, who had willingly agreed to accompany him to a special occasion such as this. Luckily for them, adequate provisions were made for the carraiges and horses such by the imperial crown. "I am aware of the fact that nearly every aristocracy would be indulged to participate in this exercise, but goodness- I has not expected it to be this crowded." Theodore could not Help but declare, squinting further into the distance. The expanse of land, which was bare prior to the arrival of the families, had long transformed into a parade of colors. There were some families which was present, which Theodore would have never known about, had he not agreed on partaking in such a ceremony. Afterall, it was only those that either became renowned or notorious, that would eventually become imbedded In history. But Amidst all of the tents, one was certain to hold attention In one look- it was the largest of all the innumerable tents, clothed in the most brilliant shade of white, with the crimson design of a Phoenix, which had its wings spread out. Only beholding the sight alone, one was bound to feel a slight sense of intimidation, and perharps oppression, despite it being a mere aesthetic. "This Land would be one of the largest estate in the empire, If not the largest." Theodore quipped, as he continued to familiarize himself with his new surroundings. "Diego?" He turned around after a certain interval, feeling something amiss. Alas, only after performing such an action, did he come to the realisation, that he stood alone. "Beyond wonders." He could not Help but mutter to himself, feeling similar to a fool after the situation unraveled itself to him.
"It is hard to believe that he could be so competent." Diego soliloquised, unsure if he should be pleased with his cousin's handiwork, or not. Each item was set according to its place- giving one the impression that it was a task performed by a competent person. "Could this perhaps be some hidden gift? To think that none was aware." Diego mused, a slight smile on his face as he laid on his sleeping bag. As though on impulse, he reached out for the bag which laid in close proximity with him- He had not the time to sort out his articles, and he currently felt himself to be bothered by it, at the moment. Only when his hands felt the sensation of something cold, did he bother himself to withdraw the item from the bag. He fiddled with the item for a while, as a smile he had no control over came to his face. 'What could she possibly be doing now?' Even his thoughts appeared to have gone temporarily haywire. He shut his eyes gently, permitting the image of someone that had become close to him to surface in his mind. There she stood, walking up to him slowly, her countenance obviously one of dissatisfaction. "Since you do not wish for me to come along with you." She stated, In an infuriated tone. "Then, ensure to take this with you, at least." The woman said, as she unclasped his hand, placing the heavy item into it. "If you Deem it possible, then do find some time to send me a bit of your essence- it is not as though you would be that pre- occupied, anyways." She stated, as she quickly shifted her gaze from him to the ground. "How will you be certain of how I fare? It is not as though I can use this to communicate, anyway." He simply stated, ignoring the eyes which glared at him. "Then, give it over then!" She said, striding towards him, seeking to retake the item she gifted out. The man, upon noticing her intentions, immediately clamped his fist shut, raising the hand high above his head. "Diego." She said, giving him a nasty glare, standing on the tip of her toes, but despite her efforts, she could not still reach the man. Diego smiled- he knew that she was her genes did not bless her in height, but he did not expect her to appear so Short in statue. "Now, you delight to see me desperate." Her voice drifted into his ears- she had obviously noticed the grin on his face. "You ought to strain harder, Diane- perhaps by some miracle,.you would actually spring a few inches." He said, raising the item to an even greater degree, beyond her reach. The damsel, who had placed her hand on his shoulder, her calf muscles being strained, suddenly clicked her tongue In dissatisfaction. "I am the one who tries so hard." She stated, walking away from him. Be it an instinctual habit of his, he Could not tell- he had already grabbed on to her hand, and the damsel had already turned her head to look at him, acknowledging her companion with angry eyes. "What do you want now?" She asked, attempting to wring her hand out of his grasp. "We ought not to part on such terms, Diane- I would have no peace of mind if we do." The man said, releasing her hand for some time. The damsel folded her hands, all the way refusing to make eye contact with him. "My blood pressure will surely increase at this rate because of you." She muttered quietly to herself, but for some reason, the man overheard what was said. "Then." He stated, warmly grasping her hand in his. "Will this render a solution to the perpetual problem?" He felt some resistance against his lips- she obviously was not comfortable with such an action. 'How cute.' Diego thought, when he noticed that particular crimson slowly creep against her cheeks. But he had not expected her next course of actions- she had flung herself against him, the instant her hand had been released from its grasp. "Just ensure to be mindful of your health, while you are there." She muttered, her head almost entirely buried into his chest. "Of course, you need not bother yourself over that." He stated, unable to resist the urge to fondle with her hair.
Diego opened his eyes slowly, the cold sensation of the medallion Nearly causing his fingers to become numb. "She is indeed a cute creature." Diego mused to himself, as he brought the medallion to his Lips. "I wonder- Is it alright to relay a signal as of now?" He pondered to himself. If it so happened that the item will not be within her possession at that very moment, the signal would most certainly be for naught. But In the consideration of a more contrary view;
The medallion gave a low hum, as its owner poured in some of his essence To It. "Diego." A voice called out suddenly, making the man to flinch. The sound of clattering, was the first thing that grabbed Theodore's attention. He glanced towards the direction of the man, who held his hand with one wrist, glancing in his direction. "Did I.. perhaps unintentionally disrupt something important?" Theodore asked, as his eyes drifted towards the medallion laid on the floor. "You did not. My essence only resurged in a backward direction, due to your sudden interference." The man stated, rising to His feet, shaking his Wrist lightly as he did. "It does not wax sore, does it?" Theodore asked, as the man appear him. "If your blood were to suddenly flow in the wrong direction, would you not be in inexplicable pain?" Diego replied, giving the latter something that was similar to a glare. Theodore sighed. "How was I to know the activity you indulged in behind closed Covers? You simply disapperd without a trace." Theodore stated, in a humble tone. "Do not blame me, because I simply refused to go sightseeing with you." Diego stated. "I did not go... forget it." Theodore muttered, with much vexation in his voice. "I had almost forgotten the actual reason as to why I barged In." Thedore stated, as he ran his fingers through his Hair. "The king prepares to deliver his speech. And he requests for every noble to make themselves available, in order to be in attendance."
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Diego reluctantly stepped out of the tent, only to behold several figures moving in one Accord like a swarm, as though all the nobles had suddenly decided to embark on a pilgrimage. "Ah, now this is one thing that his majesty may have implemented without due consideration." Theodore complained, as he felt the hot heat of the sun against his neck. "Why would his majesty summon us to a location so distant?" He exclaimed, with a furrow on his brows. Diego glanced into the distance, happening to make eye contact with a certain someone. The man however, glanced away the instant he realized that he had been discovered. "Theodore." Diego called out to the man who walked next to him, of whom absent-mindedly turned his head to him. "I would be more careful with your tongue, if I were you?" Diego muttered to the latter in a quiet tone. Diego glanced at the direction of which the individual was previously sighted, but as he expected, the person was in the location no longer. "I don't underst..." "Just keep those lids of yours Sealed, for the time being." Diego interrupted, not wanting to delve further into the issue. As he looked ahead, he discovered that majority of the nobles already stood converged, At a particular construction, which took upon itself, the resemblance if a small stage. Standing domatically upon the elevated platform, with his hands beneath his back, was none other than the monarch of Agerintia- Wenesk Aerinth. There was even a small mount, of which he utilized the medium to speak to his people. On his right, stood the crown prince, Regaris, and his neice, Lucille. On his Left stood the general of the imperial army, Lamien. After a brief interval of observing the crowd, he raised his hand, causing the entities before him to immediately fall into a dreadful silence. "It is quite a pleasure to be graced with your presence once more, on this special occasion." The king began, after clearing his throat. "Now, I am aware that the majority of you, who come from beyond the boarders of the South, would have depleted quite some essential assets on your journey towards this place." He added, his eyes scanning through the crowd for some time. His eyes Locked into Diego, who steadily returned the gaze, without flinching or bowing his head. A small smile formed on the mouth of the king, him being the first to break eye contact with the latter. Diego however, gave a low exhale, as soon as he realized that he was freed from the king's surveillance. 'Does he think me to be a child, that he uses his Essence To intimidate me?' Diego questioned within his being, while giving a low exhale. 'I understand quite clearly, the reason for his presence.' Diego thought, as he glanced as a certain man. 'But..' His silver irises darted in the direction of which a certain maiden stood. 'What business is she to perform here?'
"So in order to commensurate for the losses, as well as the potential losses that you may have incurred.." He stated. A proud smile coming to his face. "We have decided to cater for your basic needs, down to the terms of food, and clothing." He declared. No sooner than had he said that, than a loud voice proclaimed, crying out. "Glory to the empire! May the eternal flame of Agerintia never die out!" Which was eventually, accompanied, by several more declarations of that order. Diego simply folded his hands; He did not feel obliged for whatever reason, to strain his vocals. 'The imperial crown has begun to devise new strategies, I see.' He thought, as he glanced toward the direction of where the monarch loftily stood. "But why do I have the impression that all of this, was staged up?" Diego could not Help but mutter to himself, a frown on his face, taking a moment to glance at the man who had initiated the uproar. But, to his disappointment, he could obeserve no familiar features on him. At some point, he felt like wringing his ears- All the exclamations and declarations was nothing more akin, to the chant of soldiers preparing for battle. Of course, this was probably one of those heinous strategies, to make the nobility even more loyal to him- so in the case of an unpredictable disaster- such as war, most of the individual may not feel Tempted to integrate themselves In the enemy's territory, once they have Been bridled over by incentives. "Well, Diego, your endless list of supplied turned out to be quite useless, did it not?" Theodore, who had shamelessly vociferated with the rest of the nobles, had the audacity to ask. Diego only gazed at him. "Provisional arrangements it not; it was not wrong for Me prepare myself, was it?" He asked, looking at the man. Theodore, who felt awkward at thre statement, could not Help but place down his upraised hands. "What you spoke is certainly the truth." Theodore nodded, in agreement. Those of royal blood could be quite unpredictable- they could suddenly enact upon a decision when you would least expect it.
"As usual, this shall be a friendly competition. It is indeed, a rare chance for you to showcase your strength as well as battle prowess. And as usual, to any household that does succeed, they shall obtain the title of the mightiest name of the decade. But before we proceed; there is but one activity which we are yet to perform." The king stated, before beckoning to the lady on his right. Lucille seemed to have understood the assignment, and slowly proceeded to make her descent from the podium while signaling for a maid to trail behind her. "To whom is she headed?" One of the nobles could not Help but ask, bringing forth another round of disruption. "Many a time, I actually begin to have the impression that Lady Lucille is indeed the king's daughter." Theodore inched closer to his cousin, in order to whisper those words into his hearing. "She has almost the exact image as the prince!" He added, but Diego payed his cousin no heed. He could see everything clearly, as he was amongst those who stood at the forefront; the closest possible region to the stage. 'Do not tell me...' Diego thought, while tightened his jaw. But, just as he expected, Lucille slowly walked up towards him. The damsel had the brightest smile on her face- she did not at all, conceal her elation upon seeing him. "Diego Raymond." Those words softly escaped her lips, causing Diego to even have more wrinkles on his forehead. She lightly clicked her fingers; causing the maid to present the item she held cautiously in her hands. It was a long an elegant black box, unfortunately, it was not translucent, so none were unable to view its contents. "Diego, you ought to probably prostrate, to show obligiance or something." Theodore could not Help but whisper to the man, who just stood there with his arms folded. "Why should I?" Diego stated, nearly loud enough for all to hear. "Diego!" The man exclaimed, wanting to give him a hard pinch, or inflict at least a mild pain, but he feared to do so. "Who is that, to think he can speak to a one of royal blood in such a manner?" One of the spectators could not Help but Say. "Prove to me, how It so turns out to be a concern of yours." Lucille asked, turning towards the man, her green eyes flashing. "Ah, forgive me, your highness." The man stated, his head Nearly coming into contact with the earth. Lucille exhaled, muttering in a low tone. "If I bother myself unnecessarily over your affair, then the pale goddess shall see us through the night." She exhaled, before opening the case up. All who stood in close proximity, could only narrowly prevent themselves from releasing a gasp. "That.. is.." The man stuttered, At a loss for words. The feather of a peacock was already an indication of great honor, let alone a white one. "This is, the royal family's token to you, I sincerely hope that you would treat it right." Lucille explained, a light smile on her face. "Ought I to.." Lucille began in confusion,.as she picked up the feather, but Diego's Hands clasped the two of hers before she could even make am attempt to do so. "It is alright, princess. This formality is quite unnecessary." Diego said, as he calmly took the soft, but exquisite item in her hands. Lucille glanced at the man for a moment, before involuntarily clenching her fists. 'Princess?' She could not help, but Ponder upon the mode of address. "You there." He said, turning towards the maid, who was nearly gawking at the scenario with eyes as huge as a saucer. "Bring that over here." He added. "Yes, of course." The maid replied in haste- there was something about those silver eyes that did made her feel reluctant to offend the persona that stood before her. Diego slowly places the feather in the fragile case, before taking it away from her hands. "Kindly do convey to his majesty, my sincerest gratitude." He stated, before passing the case with the item to his cousin. He gave a low bow to the direction of the king, beforehand walking away without the slightest hesitation. Theodore strides beside the man, his lips muttering something in quick sucession. "He is probably trying to notify him about his irrationality." Lucille muttered yo herself, a slight smile forming on her face. "You really have not changed at all, have you?" She asked, before turning away from the crowd. "Just who is he, to treat the royal family with such disdain." The man who spoke earlier on, could not withhold the inclination to ask. "Are you not aware?" His closest comrade asked. "That, Is the famous fang of the empire." "Him?" The man asked, turning towards the path which Diego previously treaded. "That child?" He asked again, with a tone of surprise on his face. Everyone present at the podium immediately gave room for Diego to pass through; as though the mere act of associating with him would be regarded as insubordination to the throne. Regaris could not Help but give a warm smile, while his cousin ascended the podium. "Your majesty, do you not believe that this Raymond pup Is becoming a little reckless in his doings?" Regaris asked, with a twitching brow. He had expected the Raymond family to be there; but he was unsure as to which one, exactly. But what was even more strange to him was the fact that he had actually anticipated her presence to be In the midst. "There would be no need for that." Wenesk stated, while giving his son a light pat on his shoulder. "I actually prefer for people to challenge my authority, not the other way round." He emphasized further. Regaris could only shake his head at his father's strange process of thought.
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"What is the matter with you?" Theodore could not Help but ask, addressing the man who sat down before him. "Don't you realise how much worth this may potentially be?" Thedore asked, but the man only stared at the object In his hand with a bored expression. "Does it appear to you as though I care for such luxury?" Diego asked, as he gripped the medallion which was in his arms. "It appears not, I am afraid." The low glow of the medallion faded away almost instantaneously as soon as that voice was heard. "Lady Lucille." Theodore gave a low bow the instant he saw her. Diego, on the other hand, stared plainly at this woman who approached him, not even deeming it worthy to stand, even for a second. 'There has been so many distractions lately, but perhaps.." He thought, as he slipped the medallion back into his pocket. "I hope you are were not too upset by his inelegant demenour." Thedore asked, as he walked close to her. "Ah, I believe I would ask him that, If I were you." Lucille replied, as she gazed at the man who apparently folded with am item in his pockets. "Diego." The man glanced upwards, only to behold Lucille standing there, with a smile on her face. "I do not understand the reason for you to be here, Lucille." Diego said, a he stood up from where he was seated. "Well, no one could possibly prevent me from observing the hunt, If I so desired." Lucille explained, as she strode over to where he stood. "I wanted you two to be aware that the hunt had officially begun, since the both of you departed from the gathering prematurely." Lucille explained to both men. Theodore gazed at Diego. "Now I feel as though I merely came to spectate, not participate." Theodore told the man, who stood near, who did not even appear the slightest bit bothered concerning the whole affair. Diego once again brought the medallion put from his pocket. "Do the laws which govern this land state that we have to participate in the event from its advent?" Diego asked, turning towards Lucille. "By the ways, even if a noble suddenly arrives at this current moment, he is still eligible toparticipate, will they not?" Diego asked. Lucille nodded her head. "There is no issue in what you have said." Lucille simply stated, before staring at the object in his hands. "By the way, I meant to ask; are you trying to contact someone from your household?" She paused once more. "That is your family medallion, is it not?" The damsel decided to persist in her questions. Diego glanced at the woman for some time; simultaneously placing the still glowing medallion in his pocket. "Something similar along those lines." Diego simply replied. Lucille gazed at him with a smirk. "A guardian, using an artifact In the public?" Lucille asked, as she lightly Flicked Diego's chest with her finger. "Do you not fear to bring the wrath of the council upon yourself?" Diego brought an end to her actions. "We are not in an open space at the moment, and besides.." His eyes once again drifted off into the distance. "The only ones who are present at the moment, are already aware of its existence." Both Thedore and Lucille glanced into the same direction as soon as Diego was done with his speech. Just as the man has said, there was indeed a man who stood, not exceeding ten miles from them. The man most have noticed that he was discovered; for he suddenly turned away from their direction. "Has his majesty become so paranoid, that he begins to suspect his own subjects?" Diego asked. "I saw another one of them earlier on this morning." He explained. Lucille frowned lightly, before turning towards Diego. "I am sure my uncle just sent them to scout and co-ordinate the activities, you know the nobles love to fabricate results." Lucille explained. "You are not even sure of what you say." Theodore mumbled in between his lips, but he immediately glanced away when he noticed the latter's glare. "Um, And by the way.." Lucille fiddled with her hair as she spoke. "Do you mind, if, I join your team for the hunt?" Diego let out an involuntary scoff. "What an amazing proposition to offer." He simply stated, causing Lucille to feel somewhat strange on the inside. "Anyways, it is best for me to let you be. I sincerely hope that you come out on top." She said, as she walked away, with a superficial smile on her face. "You know that I do not have interest for such insidious glory." The voice simply came into her hearing, as she left the scene.
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Diane walked through the empty hallways. Although, after a specific interval, she would occasionally turn her head. "That is rather strange.. I had the sensation that I am being watched." She muttered to herself, before proceeding down her usual route with even more caution. She has had such an ominous feeling since the moment Diego had departed, and she deemed it rather unfortunate that there was none whom she could relate the sensation to. She sighed for a brief moment, before pushing the door open.
The once glamorous bedroom seemed bare without the presence of its master. Even the entire manor took on itself, a melancholic hue. "This is depressing." She muttered to herself. After a brief training with Natasha, she proceeded to bid herself in the company of Dorothy, of whom deemed it a pleasant privilege to lecture her, on how she ought to behave as the proper lady of the Household. As though in a reply to her monotonous and melancholic sighs, she caught a glow from a specific item on her dresser. She bolted upright, staring at the medallion in awe. To be sincere, it had actually been pulsating for a good while now- she was simply too preoccupied in her thoughts to notice. She picked held it carefully, enjoying the warm sensation which radiated from it. "Ensure to keep yourself safe, Diego."