Weeks had passed since the last notable events in the Balmount Kingdom. Under the dim, flickering lantern light of a familiar inn, the night bustled with the clamor of adventurers. Their hearty laughter and animated voices filled the air as they celebrated triumphs, boasted of their conquests, and exchanged tales of perilous quests. A mix of rugged individuals, they ranged from armored warriors clad in dented steel to nimble rogues garbed in dark leathers, their weapons resting within easy reach. Swords, axes, and bows bore scratches and bloodstains, evidence of hard-fought battles.
Behind the counter stood Charlie, the innkeeper—a burly man with graying hair and deep-set brown eyes. He wore his usual coarse shirt rolled up at the sleeves, revealing arms marked by a lifetime of labor. He polished a mug absently while nodding to a sober adventurer seated nearby—a tall figure with sharp, hawk-like eyes, dressed in a dark green cloak over light chainmail, a longsword sheathed at his hip. The adventurer's expression was grim, his voice low as he recounted a story, the innkeeper listening intently.
In the shadowed corner of the room, a lone man sat at a small table. A mug of untouched beer rested before him as he leaned back, his green eyes thoughtful. His features, though sharp and commanding, were cloaked in weariness. Thoughts churned in his mind. King Thorn... He doesn't trust easily. He's watching my every move. This endless dance of caution is exhausting.
The rattle of a tankard slamming onto his table snapped him from his reverie. A familiar voice broke through his thoughts.
"What's got you so deep in thought, prince?"
He glanced up to see Sara, her face alight with joy as she pulled him into a tight embrace. "I've missed you so much, Lemillion!" she declared, her voice filled with warmth.
Lemillion chuckled, his expression softening as he looked at her. His gaze then shifted beyond her to Angelo and the rest of his crew.
Ardin, with his silver-gray eyes and ash-blonde hair tied back in a loose ponytail, stood poised in a tailored dark-blue coat adorned with silver embroidery. His high-collared white undershirt and knee-high leather boots gave him an air of refined practicality. Medium in height with a lean build, he exuded quiet competence.
Beside him, Elira's deep green eyes sparkled under the inn's warm light. Her jet-black hair, styled in short, messy layers, framed her face. She wore a sleek black leather bodysuit paired with a short purple hooded cloak, reinforced with armor at key points. Her outfit hugged her slightly short, agile frame, marking her as a shadowy and stealthy force.
Drennar, with his fiery red hair braided and adorned with small metal rings, radiated rugged strength. His deep amber eyes burned with a spark of mischief. Clad in a heavy leather tunic reinforced with iron plates, a fur-lined red cloak, and steel-toed boots, his muscular frame commanded attention.
Their smiles mirrored Sara's excitement as they closed in around Lemillion. Angelo was the first to speak, his tone teasing yet affectionate.
"Why the long face, Prince Lemillion?"
Only they could hear his voice amidst the tavern's noise as Sara clung to Lemillion and perched herself on his lap. Lemillion replied with a wry grin, "Good to see you too, Angelo. You've been well, I hope." He patted Sara's head fondly. "And you, Sara, as radiant as ever."
Sara giggled. "I had to look my best for you, my prince."
Elira, settling into a chair, smirked. "She wouldn't stop talking about seeing you again, my prince."
Lemillion chuckled. "It's good to see you haven't changed, Elira." Her cheeks flushed faintly at his words, but her smile remained unwavering.
Ardin and Drennar joined them at the table. Lemillion addressed them, "Ardin, Drennar—good to see you both."
Ardin bowed slightly. "No, my prince, the honor is ours. We are ready to carry out your will."
Drennar laughed heartily. "Yes, my prince! The Imperial Kingdom has been dull without you."
Lemillion smiled faintly. "I take it things have been that bad?"
Angelo chimed in, "Not to worry, my prince. It's manageable."
Lemillion nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm."
Elira leaned forward, her voice tinged with curiosity. "What exciting mission do you have for us this time?"
Drennar grinned. "I hope it's something worth the fun!"
With a small smile, Lemillion reassured them. "You won't be disappointed. But for now, order what you need while we talk."
Drennar wasted no time, bellowing at a passing barmaid. "Yo, mi'lady! Six beers over here!"
Ardin sighed in exasperation. "And are you the only one drinking?"
"Of course!" Drennar declared. "Let me enjoy myself while I can!"
As the barmaid brought the drinks, Angelo turned to Lemillion. "So, my prince, what's the task?"
Lemillion's tone shifted, becoming serious. "I need you to locate the Princess of Balmount."
Angelo's expression fell. "Just... find the princess?"
"Yes," Lemillion replied evenly. "It's a more difficult task than you might think."
Ardin interjected, "Difficult? How hard can finding a princess be?"
Lemillion gave him a knowing look. "Harder than you'd imagine."
Sara leaned closer, her eyes searching his. "Is that all you want us to do?"
Lemillion sighed, patting her head. "No, Sara. There's more." He paused, seeing her disappointment. "I also need you to stop some meddling Paladin Knights."
Angelo raised an eyebrow. "The Paladin Knights?"
"Yes," Lemillion confirmed. "The council has requested it. Their interference could cause trouble."
Drennar grunted, slamming his empty mug on the table. "Paladin Knights? Messy lot, aren't they?"
Elira smirked. "He means they're a pain."
Drennar laughed. "Exactly!"
Lemillion's face grew somber. "This will benefit us. The council has something I want, and helping them will ensure their cooperation."
Ardin remarked, "Killing two birds with one stone—smart. Finding the princess while helping the council."
Elira leaned back, her arms crossed. "But doesn't that mean the king is unaware of what the council's up to?"
Lemillion shook his head. "Oh, the king knows exactly what they're doing. But knowing him, he won't concern himself unless it becomes a direct threat."
Angelo nodded. "That's good to hear."
Meanwhile, Drennar finished the last of his beers with a triumphant slam of the mug onto the table. "More beer!" he bellowed, drawing a few curious stares.
Ardin sighed in exasperation. "You really need to learn how not to cause a scene."
Drennar grinned, unbothered. "Such a weak man, Ardin. I'm simply embracing the joy of beer!"
The table erupted into laughter—everyone except Sara, who remained happily perched on Lemillion's lap, her smile as radiant as ever. Ardin, now visibly more embarrassed, could only shake his head.