Chapter 347 Great Nobles Meeting In Edenis Raphiel [1]

Chapter 347 Great Nobles Meeting In Edenis Raphiel [1]

[EDENIS RAPHIEL]

A day before the attack in the Dolphian Capital...

The Holy Floating Archipelago of Edenis Raphiel floated majestically in the sky, its ethereal beauty captivating all who beheld it. Yet, despite its allure, access to this celestial realm was severely restricted.

For centuries, only the residents who had dwelled within its heavenly confines were granted unfettered entry, while outsiders found their passage tightly regulated. Among the privileged few permitted access were the Royals, High Ranking Nobles, and the esteemed Great Nobles of Sancta Vedelia. Others, too, could gain entry, but only with the endorsement of a royal letter bearing the unmistakable seal of authority, outlining clear and compelling reasons for their visit.

Nestled upon one of the main islands of Edenis Raphiel stood a towering structure that seemed to reach ever closer to the heavens—a spiraling tower of pristine white, the Monarchical Tower. It stood as a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of its creators, casting a resplendent glow that illuminated the surrounding landscape.

On this particular day, the tranquility of the island was interrupted by the rhythmic cadence of hooves striking the ground. A magnificent white carriage, large and opulent, made its way towards the base of the towering tower. The majestic white horses came to a graceful halt before the entrance, where a retinue of knights, clad in gleaming armor as radiant as the sun itself, stood guard with an aura of authority befitting their station.

Each knight bore the unmistakable mark of mastery, their presence exuding an aura above the 7th Ascension. These were the knights of Edenis Raphiel, guardians of its sanctity and defenders of its honor. As the carriage door swung open, one of the knights bowed respectfully, a silent acknowledgment of the arrival of esteemed guests.

The carriage door opened to reveal a woman of striking elegance, her long, snowy hair cascading gracefully down her back, and her amber eyes gleaming with a hint of annoyance as she stepped out onto the pristine ground. "Unbearable was this trip," Lydia Alea Olphean muttered under her breath, her discontent visible in her tone.

The white knights instinctively took a slight step back, sensing the tension emanating from their distinguished guest.

"You should have stayed if it's to be in such an irritable mood, Alea," admonished another woman, descending from the carriage with an air of authority. She was clad in a flowing gown, her crimson eyes betraying a mixture of weariness and exasperation. It was none other than Claudia Tepes, the current Prophetess of the Holy Tree of Eden.

Claudia and Alea shared a strained relationship, one that had only worsened over time, despite the hopes that their impending familial ties might mend old wounds. Claudia harbored resentment towards Alea for the perceived 'abduction' of her beloved granddaughter by Alea's son, an act that had soured their already fragile bond.

In contrast, Alea found only happiness in the union of her son with Claudia's granddaughter, Elizabeth. She admired Elizabeth's strength and character, finding satisfaction in the familial connection even as she remained at odds with Claudia.

But before Kornel could lead them onward, he was halted by Alector's commanding voice. "Wait, boy."

"Yes?" Kornel turned back, meeting Alector's gaze head-on.

Alector's eyes narrowed as they fell upon the emblem adorning Kornel's armor—a pair of twin green wings. "You are a worshipper of Gabriel, huh?" he remarked, his tone tinged with curiosity.

Kornel nodded, a sense of pride evident as he touched the emblem. "Indeed. I serve under Milord Aslan Edenis Gabriel's orders."

"I feel like I've seen you somewhere before, though," Alea mused, her brow furrowing with contemplation.

"Yes, in Celesta. During Olivia Edenis Gabriel's burial," Kornel recalled, his tone somber as memories resurfaced.

"Olivia..." Alea's expression darkened slightly, a shadow passing over her features as she remembered her dear friend, whose life had been cut short by the Iris Project.

"Olivia?" Jefer asked, his curiosity piqued by the mention of the name.

"Yes, you were young at that time, Jefer. Olivia Edenis Raphiel was sent to Sancta Vedelia to study, but she met Draven Stormdila and went with him to Celesta," Claudia explained, her voice tinged with sorrow. She still remembered that lively girl who was jumping around.

"Serves her right. I warned her not to consort with that Human in that forsaken country. Had she remained in Sancta Vedelia, she might still be alive," Tanya muttered, her arms crossed in disdain.

"Tanya..." Namys muttered softly, her gaze filled with sadness.

Everyone knew how Tanya had been close to Olivia back in young times. They were practically best friends and Olivia had been the main reason why back then Tanya had treated all races equally including Halves and Humans.

"..." Alea remained silent, her thoughts drifting to the past, wondering if Olivia's presence might have prevented Tanya's descent into bitterness and resentment towards Halves and Humans alike.

"This is an unfortunate event but we have more urgent matters to attend to. Please follow me." Kornel said, a flicker of emotion flashing in his tangerine eyes as he turned around.