At her insistence, Taiga told Ruena her story. Given everything that had happened since her arrival, she had expected to hear another story of Velcorna's tyranny. Instead, Taiga's tale was far more concerning, detailing the circumstances of Florfana, Cats, and Protectors. Florfana was the Kingdom of Animals, home to all of the magical races with animal characteristics that couldn't fit in anywhere else. That was the extent of Ruena's knowledge of it.

  "Florfana is not the peaceful place it makes itself out to be. In fact, the kingdom is barely even surviving on its own," Taiga explained, "That is when the proud Cat race discovered something odd. Those Cats born with the golden eyes of Alodan had special powers the others did not. Speed, strength, and a very special connection with crystilium."

  She had barely even started and it was already a lot to take in. The golden eyes really were a trait of Alodan. Not only that, the strength, speed, and crystilium kept reminding Ruena of Storm. Was he a cat? His silver hair was like that of a Valen, and his eyes were blue, not gold.

  "It all started with crystilium production. No one but us could create and mold it, and it has the highest magic compatibility than any other material. For a while, everything was fine like that. Golden eyes were seen as a sign of wealth and prosperity," Taiga continued, and her face darkened as she considered how to say what happened next, "I'm not sure who started it or how they came up with the idea, but the first blessed Cat was named a Protector and sold for life as a glorified bodyguard under a strict magic contract. After that, we were separated from our families as soon as they found us. These eyes made it impossible to hide. I managed to escape to Altea where the meaning of golden eyes isn't known, but I am one of the only ones."

  "You need my help?" Ruena guessed, "I would be glad to, but I am not sure what an heir who has yet to even become duchess can even do about a kingdom of that scale."

  Taiga smiled bitterly. "At least you are willing to try. When I met the duchess, she was furious that I even dared to speak to her. How can someone who hates Cats even marry into Alodan?"

  "By hiding it well," Ruena scoffed, "Even I thought she was a loving mother until that day. Don't worry. I will do whatever I can to restore both Alodan and the Cats. I may not be able to stop the Protectors from being sold, but I will do what I can to get rid of the life binding magic contract."

  "Thank you. I will serve you for as long as it takes to make up for this favor," Taiga promised.

  "Before that, I need you to show me what this speed and strength you boast of entails," Ruena ordered, "If it is as powerful as you claim, getting rid of the magic contract should allow your kind to free themselves without any issues."

  Taiga seemed a little hesitant, but agreed. After a small demonstration she was able to confirm it. She had the very same formidable strength and speed as Storm, even if she did lack the knowledge to use it properly. Not only that, she could grow fur like bristles of crystilium on her skin to guard and attack. According to her, each Protector was able to interact with crystilium in a different way.

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  Due to this impressive display, no one could refute her capabilities and Taiga easily became Ruena's personal guard. It was nice to have a partner who was eager to fulfill her goals, so long as Ruena kept her end of the bargain. Since nothing could be done yet about the situation with Florfana, she changed her focus to Xandus.

  Writing an invitation to a friend was one thing, but this would be going out to a King, passing under the gaze of countless inspectors in its path. Each word needed to be chosen carefully to reflect her current position in the House of Alodan. She could neither appear weak or demanding. Should she really write like greeting an old friend? If only Soral were there to ask. She could only imagine what he might say in this situation.

  There was an all too familiar knock on her study door, and it opened before she could say a word. As if summoned by her thoughts, Soral was standing there in full Warrior uniform. He clearly intended to play it off as a business visit, but Ruena knew Leopold would not have let him come this far alone.

  "Commander, I have come to report," Soral informed her with a stiff bow. He still wasn't very good with formal etiquette.

  "Come in and close the door," Ruena told him, "Since you are here you might as well assist me with my current problem."

  Soral immediately did as she requested, and sat across from her. "I think you are just worrying too much," he advised, "You don't have to try so hard to play by their rules. They don't want you to win."

  "Soral, I don't know what you think I am asking about, but I just want advice for a letter," Ruena corrected.

  "Exactly! It's not a bad plan to let everyone know you're on good terms with the Valen King, but it is too slow. That is why I think you should do two things. I can take you to Valen in an instant. You can hand him the real invitation personally, and you will have fulfilled your promise to visit him," Soral explained, "Then you must send out the more formal invitation in the mail. This will draw attention, but there is a high chance it will get lost or stolen by our enemies."

  His plan made a lot of sense, except for one thing. Ruena had been trying her best not to rely on Soral, and this felt like the easy way out. She couldn't always count on Soral being by her side to help her out when trouble came along.

  "Why not?" Soral demanded, responding directly to her thoughts, "If this is because of what that old man said, ignore that nonsense. We are partners, and we will be forever. If you need me, use me. Don't worry about holding me back based on his words. I have no intention of becoming whatever he wants me to be."

  Despite it being another typical tirade of Densooth hate, Ruena felt as if a weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. If she felt like there was an imbalance in their relationship, all she had to do was help him in return. There was no need to waste time and effort taking the hard way when Soral was ready and waiting.

  "Thank you, I needed to hear that," Ruena said, still feeling the rush of relief.

  "Actually, I fell for his words too," Soral admitted, clearly embarrassed, "He told me I had to become a famous hero in order to marry you, but that got me into a crazy mess. Nothing good ever comes from taking the old man too seriously."

  "Old man?" Taiga asked, reminding them of her presence in the room, "Crazy mess? Lady Alodan, who is this man?"

  "This is Soral Voila, my right hand, closest confidant, and partner," Ruena introduced, "You will see him often from now on."

  "Nice to meet you," Soral greeted, holding out a hand for Taiga to shake, "I heard you will be guarding my precious partner from now on. If you need any treats or snacks to give you energy just let me know."