Melodies of your Heart

Chapter 31: |Intrigue and Adversity|

Saintess Maelis of the Ember Empire. Strong enough to rival the two great nations. If Elysium held power over their cultural heritage and economic prowess, and Limerence held their high stand in military power and arcane magic than the Ember Nation had their own.

Ember Nation - renowned for its mastery of elemental forces, particularly fire and earth. Nestled among volcanic landscapes, their capital city, Solaria, thrives on advanced engineering fueled by geothermal energy.

Unlike the enmity between Limerence and Elysium, the Ember Empire maintains strict neutrality, refusing alliances with either side.
This independence allowed them to focus on internal development and technological innovation.

Saintess Maelis of the Ember Empire was known to be a striking figure, with an outwardly cheerful and bubbly demeanor that belies her cunning and deceitful nature. Her demeanor is carefully crafted to disarm those around her.

Anyone who fell for her sweet nature was bound to get manipulated.

I glanced back at the portraits.

"Indeed it is." I agreed.

"I guess it's the first time we are seeing each other Saintess Alora." She smiled happily.

"I've heard intriguing rumors about you," Maelis continued, her gaze steady on Alora. "They say the Crown Prince of the Limerence Empire is vying to woo you into marriage."

Alora's eyebrows raised slightly in surprise,"Rumors do tend to be exaggerated sometimes." She replied, her tone still polite but edged with coolness.

Maelis smiled warmly, seemingly unfazed, "They also say your village possesses mystical powers, controlling the weather and even life and death through your melodies." She added, her tone now tinged with genuine interest.

I paused a bit, a smile unfurled on my face.
"I've also heard things about you, Saintess Maelis," I said, my voice elegant and firm.

"What is it that you want from me?"Maelis's smile didn't falter, but a glint of curiosity sparkled in her eyes. "Merely to understand the remarkable Saintess Alora," she said smoothly.
"Is it so wrong to be curious about someone so renowned?"I held her gaze steady. "Curiosity is one thing, but intentions are another. I prefer to know which one I'm dealing with."

Maelis nodded, acknowledging the challenge. "Fair enough," she said, her tone still warm. "Perhaps we can learn from each other, then."

Before I could proceed further, she entered the dining hall, signaling our arrival.

Navigating through the long table, I opted for a quiet corner, though it seemed peace was not to be granted.

"Well, well, if it isn't Saintess Alora. I hope you don't mind us joining you," Saintess Elina sneered, a hint of condescension in her voice, clearly to mock her of her status as a Saintess which she had not officially received yet.

Seraphina promptly took a seat beside her, joining in Elina's subtle mockery, while the other Saintesses snickered in amusement.

"Of course not," I replied with a serene smile, unfazed by their thinly veiled jabs.

A row of servants placed appetizing dishes in front of everyone.

Unnoticed by Alora, a glint passed through the servant who served her dish.

Seraphina smirked.

Maelis was laughing merrily with the others. Suddenly, her maid servant whispered something in her ear. Maelis glanced over at Alora with a mischievous look.

-----

Silas

"Hey! You!" Standing in line with our plates, I glanced at the man beside me.