Chapter 10 : Choose Alburg

Priscilla faced a difficult choice. Léo’s latest revelation had come as a shock. If the artifact fragments' locations could be pinpointed, did Théo know there was one in Elbra ? It was possible he didn't... yes.

But... it was still odd. He wouldn't have come here without instructions. So, there was reason to doubt. Her head ached. Her hand instinctively grasped her necklace, her mother’s magic key.

" Guide me... . "

Even without actively using it, simply stirring its magic felt like a long-lost embrace.

CRACK !

Suddenly, the magic radiating from the key seemed to shatter. Priscilla, previously plagued by a headache, felt a sense of relief.

" What just happened ? "

It was as if a weight had been lifted. Hard to explain, but she felt better. Her mind was clear. Between Alburg and Dila... .

" Alburg ! "

Her choice was made with absolute clarity. There were too many uncertainties now regarding how much she could trust Dila and Théo. It was sad, given the promise between them... .

But a magical nation knowing nothing about us while holding one of the artifact fragments ? I don't buy it ! He’s keeping things from me.

Faced with a choice between a kind man who wasn't entirely open and another who might be less gentle but was easy to read, she didn't hesitate !

She turned right, heading toward Léo’s room. It wasn't an easy decision. She knew full well that this would make her the prospective bride of the Prince of Alburg. As for Elbra’s protection, there was no cause for concern.

The Empire had the resources !

It took only a few short minutes to reach the room.

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK !

" Come in ! "

That strong, gravelly voice. The fact that the young man was older than her wasn't an issue, either. For Elbra’s sake, she had to be strong !

---

And so, Alburg was chosen. Priscilla made her choice, and her father respected it. His daughter had always had good instincts. Léo, despite his cold, warrior-like nature, quickly ensured Elbra’s safety. He might have been odd, even a bit of a pervert, but he kept his promises.

The princess would have liked to say goodbye to Théo, but he hadn't stayed even a day longer, leaving immediately. She felt a twinge of sadness, but the choice was made. Now, she had to move forward. So much had changed in just a few days.

First, she shared the information she’d gathered about the artifact with him.

" At the heart of the nation ? Léo asked. "

He scratched his head, unsure of what to make of it. He seemed to have incredible instincts when it came to combat, but he was slower on the uptake regarding other matters. His gaze often lingered on her figure, too.

Does he imagine I’m already his wife ?

Understandable, perhaps, but not exactly pleasant. In that regard, Théo would have been a hundred times better. Her dress, simple as it was, didn't seem to make her look any more beautiful.

Was he just a pervert ? Maybe so. She would have to get used to that look, habits that wouldn't be easy to form. But at least, even though she was sharing information about the fragment, Alburg didn't have it directly.

Then came the announcement of the marriage. You didn't need to be a soothsayer to know it was coming. It was the ultimate form of protection. Léo seemed very excited, though he expressed it in a strange way.

Excitement mixed with a cold demeanor... the combination made him seem almost creepy. Priscilla brushed it aside. Men will be men.

" We’ll reach Alburg in a week. "

Because, indeed. After all that, it was time to leave this place and join the great Empire !