Emperor's Reckoning



Yala crossed her arms too, her demeanor defensive. "Talk? About what exactly?"

"Dear Princess," said the old man with his head lowered in respect, "I see that you picked up not a single tome or book, but rest assured, you will have plenty of time later, just hear this young man out... with an open heart."

Yala was shocked at how the esteemed figure showed some respect to a human that she hardly could detect the cultivation level of. She frowned looking at Lyon, the identity of the young man seemed to elude her imagination. 

"I need, no, we need your cooperation, princess," said Lyon. 

"Cooperation?" Yala was taken aback before she revealed a smirk. "In case you have forgotten already, you stole my owl tome and used it. Luckily, the librarian saw reason and compensated me properly. Tell me, you— I don't even know your name— would you be cooperating with a thief that just stole from you, in less than a day may I add?"

"That's fair," Karina murmured before covering her lips.

"Because I was hoping it to get me closer to my goal," said Lyon. "Turns out, I'm still stuck, but after a brief discussion, we think that you can help."

"I'm not fond of helping thieves," said Yala before her eyes caught the old librarian's. She returned her glance back to Lyon, "But I'm willing to hear your goal first for seems like whatever you seek is not inside The Compendium."

"I want to find my wife," answered Lyon immediately.

Yala was taken aback, the gravity of Lyon's words sinking in. She noticed a genuine intensity in his eyes, a raw emotion she hadn't expected. It was clear that his desire to find Maria was more than just a casual goal.

Her pupils seemed to shrink in response to the sincerity she saw in Lyon's eyes. The burning yearning in them was palpable, and she could almost feel the depth of his longing. It was a side of him she hadn't anticipated, a vulnerability that spoke volumes.

For a moment, Yala felt a pang of empathy. It was undeniable that Lyon's love for Maria was a powerful force, propelling him forward with a determination she couldn't deny. She realized that underneath the bravado and the cunning thief exterior, there was a man deeply in love, desperate to reunite with his wife.

She took a step back, the defensive posture easing a bit, and her face softened just slightly. "You love her that much?"

As Yala looked at Lyon, she noticed a distant look in his eyes, as if he was lost in the fragments of memories. There was a flicker of emotions, a dance of expressions that revealed a deep connection he had with Maria. It was evident that the mere mention of her brought forth a whirlwind of emotions within him.

In that moment, it was almost as if Lyon was transported to a different realm, a place where memories and emotions intertwined. He could almost hear Maria's laughter, see her smile, and feel the warmth of her presence. The fragments of their time together, jumbled and incomplete, painted a vivid picture of the love they shared.

He snapped back to the present, his eyes refocusing on Yala. The intensity of his gaze remained, and he reiterated, "You have no idea."

In those words, there was a profound truth that echoed through the fragments of his memories. Maria was more than just a person to him; she was a beacon, a reason to keep pushing forward despite the odds. The love they shared was a guiding light that cut through the darkness of their challenges, reminding him of what truly mattered.

Yala realizing how matter his wife was, asked, "How am I fit in this... search?"

Lyon took a moment to collect his thoughts, realizing how his eagerness might have taken precedence over explaining the situation to Yala. He glanced at her, his eyes softening with sincerity.

"You fit into this because you possess knowledge and resources that can help us navigate through the intricacies of Hell," Lyon began, choosing his words carefully. "Maria and I share a bond that surpasses the ordinary. We were separated, and finding her was my utmost priority. But to do that, I need to understand the complexities of Hell, the places she might be, the challenges she might face."

"So that is her name," Yala murmured.

Yala, accustomed to transactions and negotiations, didn't want to enter this alliance without considering the gains on her end. She tilted her head slightly, her curiosity apparent.

"And what is it that you can offer me in return for this assistance?" she inquired, her tone indicating her expectations.

Cecile, stepping forward, was ready to negotiate on behalf of their group. Her posture was confident and her eyes were focused on Yala, waiting for her response.

"What is it that you desire?" Cecile asked, opening the floor for Yala to state her terms.

Yala contemplated before she turned her gaze toward the librarian, "I need answers, who is he to you, revered librarian?"

The old man sighed, "He is... my son-in-law."

Yala never thought that she would still get another unexpected information. This time, her lips gaped. "Son-in-law?" she stammered, trying to process the new piece of the puzzle. This complicated things further. "And what's your stake in finding his wife? What's the story behind this?"

"She is my daughter," said the librarian. "She is known as the Lady of The Wood once."

"The Lady of The Wood... you mean the one who would later become the Benevole—" a snap of realization brought a jolt to her entire body. Her gaze slowly but surely shifted back toward the young man. Her mind rushed to a conclusion, the identity of Maria who shared the same name as the Benevolent Empress could only make the young man one thing.

Cecile with her auburn hair, Selena with her dark hair and sharp eyes. Yala gulped. "Impossible... are you..."

Lyon answered, "The Zodia—"

"Uncle Lyon?!" Yala exclaimed in disbelief.

"Whuaat?!" Kesya exclaimed.

"Huh?" Lyon raised both brows and blinked so ever foolishly.

Yala slowly reached up to undo her mask. As the mask slipped off, it revealed her delicate and pointed ears, characteristic of the elves. A gasp rippled through the group, and even the old man couldn't help but widen his eyes in astonishment.

Cecile, who had been the most shocked of them all, stammered, "Yala, are you... Are you Iris's daughter?"

Meanwhile inside Lyon's sea memories, in this dreamy realm, a smile was formed behind the closed door. "She really looked like her."