Sai was drawing different shapes with his inkless metal pen in a notebook. The pen was a little expensive and didn’t have convenient functionality like in modern times. As he writes, tiny amounts of this metal are deposited onto the page. The silvery markings may resemble pencil, but they are permanent. He also had to sharpen it with a knife.
Still, it was nice to write down words and make a list using the instrument.
“You only realize what you had until it is gone,” Sai said solemnly. He never grasped the true value of having a plain pen and paper. They were super useful. With them, he could sketch out maps of the dungeons and other parts of the castles.
Mary the Maid opened the guest room that Sai was staying in. The Knight Commander strided into the room.
“Care to explain yourself,” The Knight Commander asked Sai.
Sai closed his notebook and looked over the Knight Commander. “What does the Princess want now?”
“I am not here on the order of the Princess. Did you murder Jonas last night?” The Knight Commander accused.
"Is he really gone?" Sai queried, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Is it a common occurrence for people to just die in this place? How did he die?"
"Did you carry out the act of murdering him or not?" The Knight Commander's voice bore an austere tone. "As one who possesses a conceivable motive to bring about his demise, suspicion naturally falls upon you."
"I didn’t kill him. I was right here the whole night. The maids and guards can testify to my presence. How did he die?”
“If you didn’t kill him then there is nothing else for me to discuss,” Knight Commander said before turning around. “We will find out who is responsible and have them pay,” The Knight Commander said ominously.
“Good luck with that.”
----
The Palace was very maze-like considering its size. Luckily Sai finally found the Mage Tower.
As Sai ventured closer to the abandoned mage tower, a solemn aura enveloped the crumbling structure. Its once majestic spires stood weathered and worn, adorned with ivy that clung desperately to its fading grandeur. Broken windows and crumbling stone makes it look like the tower will crumble any moment.
Slither pokes his head out from the pocket. “This is the place? Does it even have a working time chamber?”
“Yeah, that is what Erisenda told me,” Sai said, adding some notes on where the tower was located in his notebook.
Both Sai and Slither entered the tower. The door was gone and it looked like the walls were blasted by some kind of magic. Plants were growing on the wall and grass was covering the ground.
Slither commented, “This place is a dump.”
“The third floor should have the time chamber.”
A spiral of stone stairs led to the higher floors. Sai started to climb. The Second floor was a mess with furniture and books lying everywhere.
The third floor was in the same poor shape. Sai started to walk around, until he found a door with three fair maidens holding a single large hourglass.
“Don't these women kind of look like the princess?” Sai wondered aloud.
“Are you crazy? They are obviously the Tres Diosas. No. No. They do have uncanny resemblance to the princess...”
“I don’t want to explore the implications. Let's just check out the room. We're gonna have to move a lot of supplies in here before we train.”
Sai opened the door and was greeted by an empty room. It was dark and only dust existed in the room.
“Are you going to plan to start training today?” Slither asked.
“It would be a waste. I would like to have some magic manuals or other reading materials from the royal library. Now that I look at this place, maybe some candles and a game board?” Sai started to recall people that were in solitary confinement and how they would slowly go crazy. “I will start training later.”
“Listen, blacksmiths have a saying on striking when the iron is hot. When Rowana comes back, she is going to take you away from the Palace. Your going to miss out on using this room. If your situation was less hostile. I will stay in the Palace and get like a year of training and not just a month. You already have most of the supplies, get everything you need and let's start training.”
Sai scratched his head. “Is there any reason to rush things?”
“Your a hero,” Slither said, like it was obvious. “Your going to attract trouble even if you like it or not. It would make my life way way more easier if you were strong enough to survive.”
Sai juggled the decisions. “It does seem risky... Alright let's start training into the Time Chamber tonight.”
Slither nodded. “Good, if we're lucky we can use it a few more times before we leave.”
----
Sai learned the sneaking into the Royal Library would be impossible. It was guarded by high level mages and knights.
However, in the other palaces like the Unicorn, Rose and Queen Palaces had private libraries which were less defended and basically abandoned.
As such, Sai was sneaking into the Queen Palace.
It became obvious that the Queen Palace was more glamorous and refined than the main Royal Palace. The unrivaled collection of artistic masterpieces. A prestigious art gallery within its walls showcases renowned works from celebrated artists across the world. From classical sculptures to contemporary paintings. Each art piece is worth multi-million dollars.
Sai even found the Royal Portrait. The King takes center stage, his dignified presence commanding attention. Standing beside him is the Queen, radiating grace and regality, her poise accentuated by a regal gown adorned with intricate embroidery and a beautiful crown. Flanking the royal couple are three concubines each beautiful. Among them stands Erisenda, recognized as the head maid of the Tulip palace, her face sad.
Eight children, a testament to the King's lineage, complete the portrait. A young Ophelia, the princess, beams with joy and youthful exuberance, her smile lighting up the canvas with pure delight.
“Wonder what happened to her siblings?” Sai wondered.
Sai quickly found the library and slipped in. Entering the library, Sai is greeted by towering bookshelves that stretch as far as the eye can see, laden with an exquisite collection of leather-bound tomes and meticulously preserved manuscripts. The air carries the faint scent of aged parchment.
“This is bigger than my University library,” Sai said as he looked around.
Sai quickly started to explore the Library taking out books and reading the cover.
He collected some books, mostly the history section that seems interesting to him. ‘Can’t seem to find a map of the Dungeon or Magic Art Manual.’
Sword Manual, Spear Manual, and Unarmed Combat Manual, seems to be very common in the library. Sai collected them and all twenty volumes of Whispered Secrets of the Enchanted Rose. Which Sai saw some of the maid read about.
“Excuse me? Can I help you,” a soft male voice spoke toward Sai.
Sai slowly turned around to see a nobleman standing behind him. His hair starts to stand up when he looks at the level of the person that finds him. A nobleman with the level 30 above his head.
The middle-aged nobleman had silver-streaked chestnut hair and was meticulously combed back. A well-groomed beard frames his strong jawline, adding a touch of ruggedness to his refined appearance. Dressed in a tailored doublet of royal blue velvet, adorned with intricate golden embroidery, he exudes an aura of noble elegance. “Hello Sai Giri, it is good to meet you lad. I am Benjamin Riverberry, a Congressman.”
Sai gave a smile, “Yes nice to meet you Benjamin.”
“I always wanted to meet you as soon as I heard about you,” Benjamin's eyes glowed with joy. “I could never imagine another hero coming to the Sapphire Principality especially with their history,” Benjamin then waved at Sai up and down. “But here you are.”
Sai started to back away, “Yes, it is good to meet you. I will need to go, there are more books that I need to find.”
Benjamin clapped his hand delightly. “Let me help. Is there any book your looking for?”
Sai frowned when he question why Benjamin was so assistant when talking to him. Sai decided there was no harm in asking where the books were located. “Do you know where I could get some Magic Arts book and map of the Dungeon in the palace?”
Benjamin laughs. “Hahaha. The Great Fairy must be weaving a tapestry of my life. Come along I will show you some Magic Art Book sections. As for a Dungeon Map I have in my hand.”
Benjamin gives a leather book to Sai.
“Thankyou?” Sai says confuse and opens the book to see that it was indeed a map of the royal dungeon. Sai smile, “Thankyou! I didn’t even think I would even find this book.”
“Your welcome. Come along lad I will show you where the Magic Art books are located,” Benjamin started to walk beckoning for Sai to follow.
“Sorry to ask this, but what do you know about your predecessor hero Mitton?” Benjamin asked.
Sai recalled what he heard. “I know that he was part of the Rebellion a long time ago and died in the end.”
“Yes people seem to remember him as a revolutionary,” Benjamin chuckled. “However, he was stupidly kind. He would play games with children and help everyone he can. Mitton would often be scammed out of his money and even sometimes walk through the streets without a shirt or pants.”
Sai smiled. “Sounds like he was a nice guy.”
“Mitton was also unnaturally powerful,” Benjamin shook his head. “He would have won in the revolution if it wasn’t for that traitor... Ahh look at that. Here we are,” Benjamin waved at the rows of books, “You can find Magic Art Book in this section.”
Sai smiled, “Thankyou for showing me the way.”
“Not a problem lad. There's something that the Boss would want me to give you,” Benjamin took out a golden ring. It glowed a golden light that Sai felt looked familiar. “The Soul Armament is an item that you infuse a part of your soul into. It grows stronger as the user becomes stronger. For example a sword will get sharper or gain other new abilities. Mitton Soul Armament was the Seeker Ring. Maybe if you're lucky enough you can even speak with your predecessor.”
Benjamin slowly handed the ring to Sai. Benjamin looked conflicted handing it over. “Please take care of the ring. The Boss... Mitton was a dear friend to me.”
Benjamin patted Sai's shoulder before giving him a squeeze. He started to walk away.
Sai watched as the old nobleman left, his back had a sense of loneliness.
Sai looked over the bookshelf, filled with many Magic Arts. One book glowed a golden hue that he was familiar with, like the Seeker Ring and the Slow Orb. “Let's get started.”
----
Sai took a deep breath as he stood in the doorway of the Time Chamber. His gaze swept over the assortment of food, enchanted equipment, and miscellaneous items that had been stored in the room.
He had made sure to talk briefly to Erisenda, the Head Maid, to come up with an excuse for his absence.
Meanwhile, Slither lay comfortably on a pillow, lazily observing Sai's preparations. As Sai entered the chamber, he carefully double-checked everything, satisfied that he had packed all the necessary items.
"Took you long enough," Slither remarked, lifting his head. "You must have scoured the entire mansion. I wouldn't be surprised if you tried to take the bathtub with you, assuming it wasn't nailed down."
"Being prepared is essential," Sai replied, moving to close the door.
As Sai shut the door of the Time Chamber, he noticed a brief glow emanating from the Tres Diosas portrait adorning it.
"I'm starting to regret not bringing a bed," Sai mused aloud.
"You moron, it wouldn't fit in the room!" Slither retorted.
Undeterred, Sai and Slither commenced their training within the Time Chamber.
Sai was drawing different shapes with his inkless metal pen in a notebook. The pen was a little expensive and didn’t have convenient functionality like in modern times. As he writes, tiny amounts of this metal are deposited onto the page. The silvery markings may resemble pencil, but they are permanent. He also had to sharpen it with a knife.
Still, it was nice to write down words and make a list using the instrument.
“You only realize what you had until it is gone,” Sai said solemnly. He never grasped the true value of having a plain pen and paper. They were super useful. With them, he could sketch out maps of the dungeons and other parts of the castles.
Mary the Maid opened the guest room that Sai was staying in. The Knight Commander strided into the room.
“Care to explain yourself,” The Knight Commander asked Sai.
Sai closed his notebook and looked over the Knight Commander. “What does the Princess want now?”
“I am not here on the order of the Princess. Did you murder Jonas last night?” The Knight Commander accused.
"Is he really gone?" Sai queried, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Is it a common occurrence for people to just die in this place? How did he die?"
"Did you carry out the act of murdering him or not?" The Knight Commander's voice bore an austere tone. "As one who possesses a conceivable motive to bring about his demise, suspicion naturally falls upon you."
"I didn’t kill him. I was right here the whole night. The maids and guards can testify to my presence. How did he die?”
“If you didn’t kill him then there is nothing else for me to discuss,” Knight Commander said before turning around. “We will find out who is responsible and have them pay,” The Knight Commander said ominously.
“Good luck with that.”
----
The Palace was very maze-like considering its size. Luckily Sai finally found the Mage Tower.
As Sai ventured closer to the abandoned mage tower, a solemn aura enveloped the crumbling structure. Its once majestic spires stood weathered and worn, adorned with ivy that clung desperately to its fading grandeur. Broken windows and crumbling stone makes it look like the tower will crumble any moment.
Slither pokes his head out from the pocket. “This is the place? Does it even have a working time chamber?”
“Yeah, that is what Erisenda told me,” Sai said, adding some notes on where the tower was located in his notebook.
Both Sai and Slither entered the tower. The door was gone and it looked like the walls were blasted by some kind of magic. Plants were growing on the wall and grass was covering the ground.
Slither commented, “This place is a dump.”
“The third floor should have the time chamber.”
A spiral of stone stairs led to the higher floors. Sai started to climb. The Second floor was a mess with furniture and books lying everywhere.
The third floor was in the same poor shape. Sai started to walk around, until he found a door with three fair maidens holding a single large hourglass.
“Don't these women kind of look like the princess?” Sai wondered aloud.
“Are you crazy? They are obviously the Tres Diosas. No. No. They do have uncanny resemblance to the princess...”
“I don’t want to explore the implications. Let's just check out the room. We're gonna have to move a lot of supplies in here before we train.”
Sai opened the door and was greeted by an empty room. It was dark and only dust existed in the room.
“Are you going to plan to start training today?” Slither asked.
“It would be a waste. I would like to have some magic manuals or other reading materials from the royal library. Now that I look at this place, maybe some candles and a game board?” Sai started to recall people that were in solitary confinement and how they would slowly go crazy. “I will start training later.”
“Listen, blacksmiths have a saying on striking when the iron is hot. When Rowana comes back, she is going to take you away from the Palace. Your going to miss out on using this room. If your situation was less hostile. I will stay in the Palace and get like a year of training and not just a month. You already have most of the supplies, get everything you need and let's start training.”
Sai scratched his head. “Is there any reason to rush things?”
“Your a hero,” Slither said, like it was obvious. “Your going to attract trouble even if you like it or not. It would make my life way way more easier if you were strong enough to survive.”
Sai juggled the decisions. “It does seem risky... Alright let's start training into the Time Chamber tonight.”
Slither nodded. “Good, if we're lucky we can use it a few more times before we leave.”
----
Sai learned the sneaking into the Royal Library would be impossible. It was guarded by high level mages and knights.
However, in the other palaces like the Unicorn, Rose and Queen Palaces had private libraries which were less defended and basically abandoned.
As such, Sai was sneaking into the Queen Palace.
It became obvious that the Queen Palace was more glamorous and refined than the main Royal Palace. The unrivaled collection of artistic masterpieces. A prestigious art gallery within its walls showcases renowned works from celebrated artists across the world. From classical sculptures to contemporary paintings. Each art piece is worth multi-million dollars.
Sai even found the Royal Portrait. The King takes center stage, his dignified presence commanding attention. Standing beside him is the Queen, radiating grace and regality, her poise accentuated by a regal gown adorned with intricate embroidery and a beautiful crown. Flanking the royal couple are three concubines each beautiful. Among them stands Erisenda, recognized as the head maid of the Tulip palace, her face sad.
Eight children, a testament to the King's lineage, complete the portrait. A young Ophelia, the princess, beams with joy and youthful exuberance, her smile lighting up the canvas with pure delight.
“Wonder what happened to her siblings?” Sai wondered.
Sai quickly found the library and slipped in. Entering the library, Sai is greeted by towering bookshelves that stretch as far as the eye can see, laden with an exquisite collection of leather-bound tomes and meticulously preserved manuscripts. The air carries the faint scent of aged parchment.
“This is bigger than my University library,” Sai said as he looked around.
Sai quickly started to explore the Library taking out books and reading the cover.
He collected some books, mostly the history section that seems interesting to him. ‘Can’t seem to find a map of the Dungeon or Magic Art Manual.’
Sword Manual, Spear Manual, and Unarmed Combat Manual, seems to be very common in the library. Sai collected them and all twenty volumes of Whispered Secrets of the Enchanted Rose. Which Sai saw some of the maid read about.
“Excuse me? Can I help you,” a soft male voice spoke toward Sai.
Sai slowly turned around to see a nobleman standing behind him. His hair starts to stand up when he looks at the level of the person that finds him. A nobleman with the level 30 above his head.
The middle-aged nobleman had silver-streaked chestnut hair and was meticulously combed back. A well-groomed beard frames his strong jawline, adding a touch of ruggedness to his refined appearance. Dressed in a tailored doublet of royal blue velvet, adorned with intricate golden embroidery, he exudes an aura of noble elegance. “Hello Sai Giri, it is good to meet you lad. I am Benjamin Riverberry, a Congressman.”
Sai gave a smile, “Yes nice to meet you Benjamin.”
“I always wanted to meet you as soon as I heard about you,” Benjamin's eyes glowed with joy. “I could never imagine another hero coming to the Sapphire Principality especially with their history,” Benjamin then waved at Sai up and down. “But here you are.”
Sai started to back away, “Yes, it is good to meet you. I will need to go, there are more books that I need to find.”
Benjamin clapped his hand delightly. “Let me help. Is there any book your looking for?”
Sai frowned when he question why Benjamin was so assistant when talking to him. Sai decided there was no harm in asking where the books were located. “Do you know where I could get some Magic Arts book and map of the Dungeon in the palace?”
Benjamin laughs. “Hahaha. The Great Fairy must be weaving a tapestry of my life. Come along I will show you some Magic Art Book sections. As for a Dungeon Map I have in my hand.”
Benjamin gives a leather book to Sai.
“Thankyou?” Sai says confuse and opens the book to see that it was indeed a map of the royal dungeon. Sai smile, “Thankyou! I didn’t even think I would even find this book.”
“Your welcome. Come along lad I will show you where the Magic Art books are located,” Benjamin started to walk beckoning for Sai to follow.
“Sorry to ask this, but what do you know about your predecessor hero Mitton?” Benjamin asked.
Sai recalled what he heard. “I know that he was part of the Rebellion a long time ago and died in the end.”
“Yes people seem to remember him as a revolutionary,” Benjamin chuckled. “However, he was stupidly kind. He would play games with children and help everyone he can. Mitton would often be scammed out of his money and even sometimes walk through the streets without a shirt or pants.”
Sai smiled. “Sounds like he was a nice guy.”
“Mitton was also unnaturally powerful,” Benjamin shook his head. “He would have won in the revolution if it wasn’t for that traitor... Ahh look at that. Here we are,” Benjamin waved at the rows of books, “You can find Magic Art Book in this section.”
Sai smiled, “Thankyou for showing me the way.”
“Not a problem lad. There's something that the Boss would want me to give you,” Benjamin took out a golden ring. It glowed a golden light that Sai felt looked familiar. “The Soul Armament is an item that you infuse a part of your soul into. It grows stronger as the user becomes stronger. For example a sword will get sharper or gain other new abilities. Mitton Soul Armament was the Seeker Ring. Maybe if you're lucky enough you can even speak with your predecessor.”
Benjamin slowly handed the ring to Sai. Benjamin looked conflicted handing it over. “Please take care of the ring. The Boss... Mitton was a dear friend to me.”
Benjamin patted Sai's shoulder before giving him a squeeze. He started to walk away.
Sai watched as the old nobleman left, his back had a sense of loneliness.
Sai looked over the bookshelf, filled with many Magic Arts. One book glowed a golden hue that he was familiar with, like the Seeker Ring and the Slow Orb. “Let's get started.”
----
Sai took a deep breath as he stood in the doorway of the Time Chamber. His gaze swept over the assortment of food, enchanted equipment, and miscellaneous items that had been stored in the room.
He had made sure to talk briefly to Erisenda, the Head Maid, to come up with an excuse for his absence.
Meanwhile, Slither lay comfortably on a pillow, lazily observing Sai's preparations. As Sai entered the chamber, he carefully double-checked everything, satisfied that he had packed all the necessary items.
"Took you long enough," Slither remarked, lifting his head. "You must have scoured the entire mansion. I wouldn't be surprised if you tried to take the bathtub with you, assuming it wasn't nailed down."
"Being prepared is essential," Sai replied, moving to close the door.
As Sai shut the door of the Time Chamber, he noticed a brief glow emanating from the Tres Diosas portrait adorning it.
"I'm starting to regret not bringing a bed," Sai mused aloud.
"You moron, it wouldn't fit in the room!" Slither retorted.
Undeterred, Sai and Slither commenced their training within the Time Chamber.
