Character Introduction
Insiren Eraria Alcareccia
Current Age: 63 years old (appearance resembles that of a 28–32-year-old)
Date of Birth: 28th day of the 4th month, Spring, Year 3242 of the Zhervennia Era
Gender: Male
Race: Human
Appearance: Dark gray hair, pine-green eyes with a slight bluish tint
Height: 182 cm
Weight: 80 kg
Magical Expertise: Elemental Magic Highly proficient in wind magic and capable of using other elemental magics at a standard level.
A master of wind magic and the Supreme Commander of the Kingdom of Zhervennia's military forces, he is one of the most powerful mages in the nation. He holds authority over all armed forces, tasked with countering external threats and serving as a strategic spearhead in times of war.
Episode 2
The eighty-fifth floor of the Zhervennia Royal Palace is the smallest level, perched 980 meters above the ground. It was constructed as the king's private office, accessible unconditionally only by the king himself. Others require his explicit permission to enter.
As the elevator doors slid open, we stepped into a modestly sized reception room, used for those awaiting an audience with the king.
The room was painted white, with a cream-colored carpet stretching across the floor. Light brown sofas were arranged neatly in various corners, complemented by dark brown oak furniture—small tables and bookshelves. A wooden-patterned chandelier hung overhead, and four large paintings adorned the walls.
The rich wooden tones contrasted beautifully with the green of potted ferns. The scent of oak filled the air, lending a warm and cozy atmosphere despite the room's significance within one of the nation's most important buildings.
To the left, a large window offered a near-panoramic view of the city. But this morning's bright sunlight was eclipsed by the storm clouds gathering for an imminent downpour.
The wind out there is fierce, isn't it?
A single, unremarkable door stood nearby.
I pressed the buzzer, and moments later, the door swung open.
Inside, a king with golden blonde hair and oak-brown eyes sat at his desk, clad in a long-sleeved white shirt. He was buried in work, surrounded by hundreds of documents scattered across the table.
Grandthaleous looked up at the two of us as we entered, offering a warm smile before speaking.
"It's been a while, hasn't it, Lady Eirlys?"
I approached him, returning his warm smile.
"It's been a whole season, right? How have you been, Grandthaleous-kun?"
He let out a dry chuckle.
"Well, aside from the workload, I'm doing fine."
"My apologies. You've come all this way to see me, and here I am, stuck dealing with this mess first."
Grandthaleous glanced at the stacks of papers and the files displayed on his computer screen.
"It'll probably take until the afternoon to finish."
"Please, make yourselves at home in the meantime. Insiren mentioned you two haven't had breakfast yet, so I've prepared some food for you."
He gestured toward a medium-sized round oak dining table in one corner of the room, surrounded by cushioned cream-colored chairs arranged perfectly.
The table was adorned with an array of meticulously arranged breakfast dishes. Freshly baked bread filled the air with its warm aroma, accompanied by small, charming bowls of fresh butter and fruit jam. Large croissants, crispy on the outside and soft within, rested on white ceramic plates.
A plate of eggs benedict featured two perfectly poached eggs atop crisp English muffins, layered with thick slices of ham and drizzled with a pale yellow hollandaise sauce.
A tray of fresh fruit—strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and bite-sized watermelon pieces—was artfully arranged alongside a bowl of natural yogurt with tiny serving cups. Freshly squeezed orange juice, vibrant and bright, shimmered in clear crystal glasses.
"Wow, that's quite a spread!"
"There's enough for me too," Grandthaleous added. "I haven't eaten yet either."
Insiren, who had somehow slipped behind Grandthaleous unnoticed, pulled up one of the files as a hologram and began reading its contents.
"This project was submitted just last evening, huh?"
"Yes, it's the plan to deal with the incoming storm," Grandthaleous replied. "This one formed unusually close to the coast, so it caught us off guard. The weather sensors indicate it's still growing. It might just be the worst storm of my life."
I stepped closer to examine the hologram displaying the storm's details—its shape, wind direction and speed, wave height, and more.
A diameter of 840 kilometers!?
And it's still expanding. At this rate, it could reach a thousand kilometers.
"Let alone in your lifetime, Grandthaleous-kun—I've never seen a storm this massive before either," I said.
Insiren gazed out the large window. The morning sunlight was now completely smothered by thick, dark clouds, making it feel like night. The room's soundproofing blocked out the howling wind, but the scene outside spoke volumes about its intensity. To the west, wild yellow streaks of lightning drew closer with every flash.
Seeing this, I turned to Grandthaleous with a hint of concern.
"Are you sure everything will be alright?"
"Yes," he replied confidently.
"This city was built to perfection. A storm like this can't touch it. I've ordered all departments to prepare, and the public has been instructed to stay indoors. Reports from other major cities confirm everything is under control."
His smile radiated assurance, as if everything was firmly in his grasp.
But why do I feel so uneasy? I know the systems and structures here inside and out.
Is it because I'm pregnant that I'm feeling this way?
"What about the villages and smaller towns? Are they fully prepared too?"
"Of course," he said. "The residents have been safely moved to shelters with no one left behind. Their belongings have been relocated and secured as well.
"Thanks to Insiren, we've deployed soldiers, mages, and medical personnel to every area, ready to handle any unexpected situations. I guarantee no one will come to harm."
I turned to my husband with a swell of pride.
"Well, no wonder you've seemed so at ease today. You've already taken care of everything. That's why you came home late last night, isn't it?"
Insiren leaned against the table, bending closer to Grandthaleous to study the same screen.
"So, what's left to do if everything's already sorted?"
Grandthaleous slumped back in his chair with a sigh.
"True, but the real challenge comes afterward.
"As Lady Eirlys pointed out, the smaller towns and rural villages won't withstand this. They'll be devastated. I'll need to review budgets for rebuilding and compensation for those affected. A ton of proposals for these projects have already come in."
After finishing, Grandthaleous let out a long sigh before straightening up, ready to work again. He picked up his pen and resumed reading.
"Seventy-two more documents to go. So, please, enjoy your meal in the meantime."
I walked to the dining table, glancing at Grandthaleous as he worked with Insiren standing beside him, offering advice. It was a scene that tugged at memories of the past.
Grandthaleous and Insiren had been close since childhood—a frail little prince and a rural boy dreaming of becoming a great mage. Those boys had grown into the nation's mightiest leaders.
I picked up a spoon and murmured softly,
"You've both come so far."
Rain began pelting the window, a torrent cascading from the sky onto the city below.
I sipped warm soup while listening to the rain strike the glass—a sound that blended calm with unease. Insiren and Grandthaleous continued their quiet, serious discussion amid the tense atmosphere of the approaching storm. Yet, within the safety of this palace, I felt secure.
My thoughts drifted to the people in the cities and villages facing the storm. They might not have the comforts we did. I hoped our preparations would keep everyone safe. Insiren and Grandthaleous had poured their all into ensuring no one would suffer too greatly.