I held Eris in my arms. She was very quiet.
She must have realized what was happening. The moment we stepped out of the palace gates, a tremendous bell tolled overhead, forcing me to descend from the air to the ground and cover my ears.
It was the Galdios Bell. Located atop the Silver Palace, it was forged 400 years ago by a legendary craftsman named Galdios. In reality, it was a magic tool, requiring several magic crystals to power each toll. Its sound could reach every corner of the Asura Kingdom.
One toll signified: Border Conflict.
Two tolls signified: Royal Crisis.
Three tolls signified: National Crisis.
Eris looked at me with fearful eyes and stammered, 'C-c-cousin, that was three tolls just now, right? What major event has happened? Could it be the demons have attacked again?'
'Impossible. Even if the demons attacked, there would be some news. I suspect it's related to the light we saw earlier. Let's go to your house and wait. Lord Sauros should already be in the palace discussing countermeasures. We'll wait for him at home.'
And so, five anxious hours passed in waiting.
A little past 8 p.m., Sauros returned home. He didn't question why I was with Eris. He simply sat on the sofa and told us about the court meeting held today.
'Fittoa is gone.'
'Grandfather, what do you mean? What do you mean Fittoa is gone? I don't understand.'
'This afternoon, a courier reported. The Fittoa Territory disappeared this afternoon. That is, everything within the Fittoa Territory—all the people, houses, trees, animals, plants—has vanished. Only desolate land remains.'
'Grandfather, what do you mean vanished? I don't understand. What about Mom and Dad? They should be in Roa, right? Have they vanished too?'
'It seems so. The fastest courier feedback around 7 p.m. reported they had surveyed 100 kilometers of land within the Fittoa Territory. There was nothing. However, Roa's location hasn't been confirmed yet.'
'No! I don't want to lose Mom and Dad! I'm going to find them!'
'Eris, don't be unreasonable. The entire kingdom is in chaos right now. Every local lord fears their territory might suffer the same fate as Fittoa. All main roads are under strict martial law. No one is allowed to leave.'
'Grandfather, then what about Mom and Dad? What about our home? What about the maids, the butler? Are we just going to ignore them if they've vanished?'
'Eris, calm down. Have you forgotten? Those people who suddenly appeared on the road today. Many were teleported directly onto the ground. If they are the people from the Fittoa Territory, then there is hope for survivors.'
'Yes, Dorin is right. Eris, you stay with Dorin these next few days! After all, it's my own territory that has this problem. I will be very busy these days and won't have time to accompany you.
'Dorin, please take care of Eris.'
'Don't worry, I will.'
I took Eris back to my house and arranged a room for her next to mine. Seeing her distracted and lost, I quietly leaned close to her ear and said.
'Have you forgotten the surprise from my birthday banquet? Ghislaine has already gone to fetch your parents. According to the schedule, even if they hadn't reached Yars, Ghislaine should have met them by now.
'With Ghislaine by their side, your parents will be much safer.'
'Really? Cousin, are my parents really safe?'
'Yes, I promise you. I suspect they were teleported to an unknown location and are rushing back here with Ghislaine! I have some matters to attend to these next few days. Once I've handled them, I'll accompany you to Roa to find your parents, okay?'
'Mmm, I believe they are safe too. I'll wait for you to take me to find them.'
Plop, plop. Tears welled up in the eyes of the strong-willed Eris. She cried like a fountain, yet still tried to appear strong, not weak, and looked at me with determined eyes.
Just then, my maid Annie found me.
'Young Master, the Master asks you to see him in the study.'
'Alright, I understand.'
I wiped the tears from Eris's eyes with my hand and gently stroked her head.
'Go to sleep. Get into bed. Sleep, and in your dreams, see if your parents have safely returned home.'
I had Annie stay with Eris, then went to Darius's study.
After I knocked, the door was pushed open. The one who opened it was not Darius nor his maid.
James pushed open the door, emerging from Grandfather's study with a deeply troubled expression. After greeting me, he left Grandfather's villa.
'Is that you, Dorin? Come in.'
'Yes, Grandfather.' I entered the room and obediently sat on the stool as instructed.
'Do you know about the Fittoa Territory incident?'
'Yes, I know. The entire Fittoa Territory has vanished.'
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